Vocabulary 29-37 Flashcards
1
Q
Acceleration
A
The rate of change in velocity; speeding up
2
Q
Angle of impact
A
The angle at which an object hits another; this characterizes the force vectors involved and has a bearing on patterns of energy dissipation
3
Q
Arterial air embolism
A
Air bubbles in the arterial blood vessels
4
Q
Avulsing
A
A tearing away or forcible separation
5
Q
Ballistics
A
The study of non-powered objects in flight; most often associated with rifle or handgun bullet travel
6
Q
Barometric energy
A
The energy that results from sudden changes in pressure as may occur in a diving accident or sudden decompression in an airplane
7
Q
Biomechanics
A
The study of the physiology and mechanics of a living organism using the tools of mechanical engineering
8
Q
Blast front
A
The leading edge of the shock wave
9
Q
Blunt trauma
A
An impact on the body by objects that cause injury without penetrating soft tissues or internal organs and cavities
10
Q
Brisance
A
The shattering effect of a shock wave and its ability to cause disruption of tissues and structures
11
Q
Cavitation
A
Cavity formation; shock waves that push tissues in front of and lateral to the projectile and may not necessarily increase the wound size or cause permanent injury but can result in cavitation
12
Q
Chemical energy
A
The energy released as a result of a chemical reaction
13
Q
Deceleration
A
A negative acceleration; slowing down
14
Q
Electrical energy
A
The energy delivered in the form of high voltage
15
Q
Entrance wound
A
The point at which a penetrating object enters the body
16
Q
Exit wound
A
The point at which a penetrating object leaves the body, which may or may not be in a straight line from the entry wound
17
Q
Gravity
A
The acceleration of a body by the attraction of the earth’s gravitational force, normally 32.2 ft/sec2 (or 9.8 m/sec2)
18
Q
Implosion
A
A bursting inward
19
Q
Index of suspicion
A
Anticipating the possibility of specific types of injuries
20
Q
Kinetic energy (KE)
A
The energy associated with bodies in motion, expressed mathematically as half the mass times the square of the velocity
21
Q
Kinetics
A
The study of the relationship among speed, mass, vector direction, and physical injury
22
Q
Law of conservation of energy
A
The law of physics that states energy can be neither created nor destroyed; it can only change form
23
Q
Mechanical energy
A
The energy that results from motion (kinetic energy) or that is stored in an object (potential energy)
24
Q
MOI
A
Mechanism of Injury
The way in which traumatic injuries occur; the forces that act on the body to cause damage
25
Missile fragmentation
A primary mechanism of tissue disruption from certain rifles in which pieces of the projectile break apart, allowing the pieces to create their own separate paths through tissues
26
Multisystem trauma
Trauma caused by generalized mechanisms which affect numerous body systems
27
Negative wave pulse
The phase of an explosion in which pressure from the blast is less than atmospheric pressure
28
Newton’s first law of motion
The law of motion that states a body at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an outside force
29
Newton’s second law of motion
The law of motion that states the force that an object can exert is the product of its mass times its acceleration
30
Pathway expansion
The tissue displacement that occurs as a result of low-displacement shock waves that travel at the speed of sound in tissue
31
Penetrating trauma
Injury caused by objects that pierce the surface of the body, such as knives and bullets, and damage internal tissues and organs
32
Permanent cavity
The path of crushed tissue produced by a missile traversing part of the body
33
Positive wave pulse
The phase of the explosion in which there is a pressure front with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure
34
Potential energy
The amount of energy stored in an object, the product of mass, gravity, and height, that is converted into kinetic energy and results in injury, such as from a fall
35
Pulmonary blast injuries
Pulmonary trauma resulting from short-range exposure to the detonation of high explosives
36
RTS
Revised Trauma Score
A scoring system used for patients with head trauma
37
Shearing
An applied force or pressure exerted against the surface and layers of the skin as tissues slide in opposite but parallel planes
38
Thermal energy
Energy transferred from sources that are hotter than the body, such as a flame, hot water, and steam
39
Trauma
Acute physiologic and structural change (injury) that occurs in a person’s body as a result of the rapid dissipation of energy delivered by an external source
40
Trauma lethal triad
A combination of hypothermia, coagulopathy (poor blood clotting), and acidosis that is a major contributor to death in patients with severe traumatic bleeding
41
Trauma score
A score that relates to the likelihood of patient survival with the exception of a severe head injury; it is calculated on a scale of 1 to 16, with 16 being the best possible score; it takes into account the GCS score, respiratory rate, respiratory expansion, systolic blood pressure, and capillary refill
42
Tympanic membrane
The eardrum; a thin, semitransparent membrane in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations to the internal ear by means of the auditory ossicles
43
Velocity
The speed at which an object travels per unit of time, in a specific direction
44
Waddell triad
A pattern of vehicle versus pedestrian injuries in children and people of short stature in which 1) the bumper hits the pelvis and femur, 2) the chest and abdomen hit the grille or low hood, and 3) the head strikes the ground
45
Whiplash
An injury to the cervical vertebrae or its supporting ligaments and muscles, usually resulting from sudden acceleration or deceleration
46
Afterload
The pressure in the aorta against which the left ventricle must pump blood; increasing this pressure can decrease cardiac output
47
Blood
The fluid tissue that is pumped by the heart through the arteries, veins, and capillaries; it consists of plasma and formed elements or cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
48
Cardiac Output (CO)
The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute; calculated by multiplying the stroke volume by the pulse rate per minute
49
Compensated shock
The early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss; the systolic blood pressure and brain perfusion are maintained
50
Decompensated (hypotensive) shock
The late stage of shock, when blood pressure is falling
51
Ejection fraction (EF)
The percentage of blood that leaves the heart each time it contracts
52
Exsanguination
The loss of the total blood volume, resulting in death
53
Hematemesis
Vomited blood
54
Hematochezia
Passage of stools containing bright red blood
55
Hematocrit
The proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume
56
Hematoma
A mass of blood in the soft tissues beneath the skin; it indicates bleeding into soft tissues and may be the result of a minor or severe injury
57
Hematuria
Blood in the urine
58
Hemophilia
A bleeding disorder that is primarily hereditary, in which clotting does not occur or occurs insufficiently
59
Hemoptysis
Coughed-up blood
60
Hemorrhage
Bleeding
61
Hemorrhagic shock
A condition in which volume is lost in the form of blood
62
Hemostasis
The body’s natural blood-clotting mechanism
63
Hypoperfusion
A condition that occurs when the level of tissue perfusion decreases below that needed to maintain normal cellular functions
64
Hypovolemic shock
A condition that occurs when the circulating blood volume is inadequate to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body
65
Irreversible shock
The final stage of shock, prior to death
66
Melena
Passage of dark, tarry stools
67
Perfusion
The delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, organs, and tissues of the body
68
Plasma
A component of blood, made of 92% water, 6% to 7% proteins, and electrolytes, clotting factors, and glucose
69
Platelets
Small cells in the blood that are essential for clot formation
70
Preload
The precontraction pressure in the heart, which increases as the volume of blood builds up
71
Shock
An abnormal state associated with inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the metabolic apparatus of the cell
72
Stroke volume (SV)
The amount of blood that the left ventricle ejects into the aorta per contraction
73
Abrasion
An injury in which a portion of the body is denuded of the epidermis by scraping or rubbing
74
Amputation
An injury in which part of the body is completely or partially severed
75
Avulsion
An injury that leaves a piece of skin or other tissue partially or completely torn away from the body
76
Bandage
Material used to secure a dressing in place
77
Chemotactic factors
The factors that cause cells to migrate into an area
78
Closed wound
An injury in which damage occurs beneath the skin or mucous membrane but the surface remains intact
79
Collagen
Protein that gives tensile strength to the connective tissues of the body
80
Contusion
A bruise; an injury that causes bleeding beneath the skin but does not break the skin
81
Degloving
A traumatic injury that results in the soft tissue of a part of the body being drawn downward like a glove being removed
82
Dermis
The inner layer of skin, containing hair follicle roots, sweat glands, blood vessels, nerve endings, and sebaceous glands
83
Desquamation
The continual shedding of the dead cells on the surface of the skin
84
Dressing
Material used to directly cover a wound
85
Ecchymosis
Extravasation of blood under the skin to produce a “black-and-blue” mark
86
Epidermis
The outermost layer of the skin
87
Epithelialization
The formation of fresh epithelial tissue to heal a wound
88
Erythema
Reddening of the skin
89
Fasciitis
Inflammation of the fascia
90
Flexor tenosynovitis of the hand
A closed-space infection of the hand
91
Gangrene
An infection commonly caused by Clostridium perfringens; the result is tissue destruction and gas production that may lead to death
92
Granulocytes
Cells that contain granules
93
High-pressure injection injuries
Types of injuries that occur when a foreign material is forcefully injected into soft tissue
94
Homeostasis
The tendency to constancy or stability in the body’s internal environment
95
Hypertrophic scar
An abnormal scar with excess collagen that does not extend over the wound margins
96
Incision
A wound usually made deliberately, as in surgery; a clean cut, as opposed to a laceration
97
Integument
The skin
98
Keloid scar
An abnormal scar commonly found in people with darkly pigmented skin; it extends over the wound margins
99
Laceration
A wound made by tearing or cutting tissues
100
Lymphangitis
Inflammation of a lymph channel
101
Myositis
Inflammation of the muscle, usually caused by infection
102
Necrotizing fasciitis
Death of tissue from bacterial infection, caused by more than one infecting organism- most commonly, Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococci; this condition has a high mortality rate
103
Neovascularization
Development of new blood vessels to aid in healing injured soft tissue
104
Open wound
An injury in which there is a break in the surface of the skin or the mucous membrane, exposing deeper tissue to potential contamination
105
Paronychia
Infection of the area around the fingernail bed
106
Pedicle
A narrow strip of tissue by which an avulsed piece of tissue remains connected to the body
107
Phagocytosis
The process in which one cell “eats” or engulfs a foreign substance to destroy it
108
Puncture wound
An injury resulting from a piercing object, such as a nail or a knife; also referred to as a penetrating wound
109
Rabid
Describes an animal that is infected with rabies
110
Scar revision
A surgical procedure to improve the appearance of a scar, reestablish function, or correct disfigurement from soft-tissue damage, surgical incision, or lesion
111
Tension lines
The pattern of tautness of the skin, which is arranged over body structures and affects how well wounds heal
112
Tetanus
A disease caused by spores that enter the body through a puncture wound contaminated with animal feces, street dust, or soil or that can enter through contaminated street drugs
113
Thermoregulation
The process by which the body maintains temperature through a combination of heat gain by metabolic processes and muscular movement and heat loss through breathing, evaporation, conduction, convection, and perspiration
114
Acute radiation syndrome
The clinical course that usually begins within hours of exposure to a radiation source; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and headache; the long-term symptoms are dose related and are hematopoietic and gastrointestinal in nature
115
Circumferential burn
A burn on the neck or chest, which may compress the airway, or on an extremity, which may act like a tourniquet
116
Coagulation necrosis
Cell death typically caused by ischemia or infarction
117
Consensus formula
A formula that recommends giving 2-4 mL of lactated Ringer solution for each kilogram of body weight, multiplied by the percentage of total body surface area burned; sometimes used to calculate fluid needs during lengthy transport times; formerly called the Parkland formula
118
Contact burn
A burn produced by touching a hot object
119
Elastin
A protein that gives the skin its elasticity
120
Escharotomy
A surgical cut through the eschar or leathery covering of a burn injury to allow for swelling and minimize the potential for development of compartment syndrome in a circumferentially burned limb or the thorax
121
Flame burn
A thermal burn caused by flames touching the skin
122
Flash burn
An electrothermal injury caused by arcing of electric current
123
Full-thickness burn
A burn that extends through the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous tissues beneath; previously called a third-degree burn
124
Burn shock
Also called hypovolemic shock, the shock or hypoperfusion caused by a burn injury and the tremendous loss of fluids; capillaries leak, resulting in intravascular fluid volume oozing out of the circulation and into the interstitial spaces, and cells take in increased amounts of salt and water
125
Joule’s law
A description of the relationship between heat production, current, and resistance
126
Liquefaction necrosis
A form of necrosis that results from the transformation of tissue into a liquid viscous mass (pus)
127
Lund-Browder chart
A detailed version of the rule of nines chart that takes into consideration the changes in total body surface area that occur with growth
128
Mucopolysaccharide gel
One of the complex materials found, along with collagen fibers and elastin fibers, in the dermis of the skin
129
Ohm’s law
The formula that describes the relationship between voltage and resistance:
current (I) = voltage (V) divided by resistance (R)
130
Partial-thickness burn
A burn that involves the epidermis and part of the dermis, characterized by pain and blistering; previously called a second-degree burn
131
Rule of nines
A system that assigns percentages to sections of the body, allowing for calculation of the amount of total body surface area burned
132
Rule of palms
A system that estimates the total body surface area burned by comparing the affected area with the size of the patient’s palm, which is roughly equal to 1% of the patient’s total body surface area; also called rule of ones
133
Scald burn
A burn produced by hot liquids
134
Steam burn
A burn that has been caused by direct exposure to hot steam exhaust, as from a broken pipe
135
Subglottic
Located below the glottic opening, as in the lower airway structures
136
Superficial burn
A burn involving only the epidermis, which produces very red, painful skin; previously called a first-degree burn
137
Supraglottic
Located above the glottic opening, as in the upper airway structures
138
Thermal burn
An injury caused by radiation or direct contact with a heat source on the skin
139
Zone of coagulation
The reddened area surrounding the leathery and sometimes charred tissue that has sustained a full-thickness burn
140
Zone of hyperemia
In a thermal burn, the area that is least affected by the burn injury; an area of increased blood flow where the body is attempting to repair injured but otherwise viable tissue
141
Zone of stasis
The peripheral area surrounding the zone of coagulation that has decreased blood flow and inflammation; it can undergo necrosis within 24 to 48 hours after the injury, particularly if perfusion is compromised due to burn shock
142
Adnexa
The surrounding structures and accessories of an organ; for the eye, these parts include the eyelids, lashes, and lacrimal structures
143
Alveoli
Small pits or cavities, such as the sockets for the teeth
144
Anterior chamber
The anterior area of the globe between the lens and the cornea, which is filled with aqueous humor
145
Blowout fracture
A fracture to the floor of the orbit, usually caused by a blow to the eye
146
Conjunctiva
A thin, transparent membrane that covers the sclera and internal surfaces of the eyelids
147
Conjunctivitis
An inflammation of the conjunctivae that usually is caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or foreign bodies; should be considered highly contagious if infectious in origin; also called pinkeye
148
Cornea
The transparent anterior portion of the eye that overlies the iris and pupil
149
Craniofacial disjunction
A Le Fort III fracture that involves a fracture of all of the midfacial bones, which separates the entire midface from the cranium
150
Crown
The part of the tooth that is external to the gum
151
Cusps
Points at the top of a tooth
152
Dentin
The principal mass of the tooth, which is made up of a material that is much denser and stronger than bone
153
Diplopia
Double vision
154
Dysconjugate gaze
Paralysis of gaze or lack of coordination between the movements of the two eyes
155
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
156
Epistaxis
Nosebleed
157
External ear
One of the three anatomic parts of the ear; it contains the pinna, the ear canal, and the external portion of the tympanic membrane
158
Globe
The eyeball
159
Hard palate
The bony anterior part of the palate that forms the roof of the mouth
160
Hyoid bone
A bone at the base of the tongue that supports the tongue and its muscles
161
Hyphema
Bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye; results from direct ocular trauma
162
Inner ear
One of the three anatomic parts of the ear; it consists of the cochlea and semicircular canals
163
Iris
The colored portion of the eye
164
Le Fort fractures
Maxillary fractures that are classified into three categories based on their anatomic location
165
Malocclusion
Misalignment of the teeth
166
Mandible
The movable lower jaw bone
167
Mediastinitis
Inflammation of the mediastinum, often a result of the gastric contents leaking into the thoracic cavity after esophageal perforation
168
Middle ear
One of the three anatomic parts of the ear; it consists of the inner portion of the tympanic membrane and the ossicles
169
Oculomotor nerve
The third cranial nerve; it innervates the muscles that cause motion of the eyeballs and upper eyelid
170
Optic nerve
Either of the second cranial nerves that enter the eyeball posteriorly, through the optic foramen
171
Orbits
Bony cavities in the frontal part of the skull that enclose and protect the eyes
172
Pinna
The large outside portion of the ear through which sound waves enter the ear; also called the auricle
173
Pulp
Specialized connective tissue within the cavity of a tooth
174
Pupil
The circular opening in the center of the eye through which light passes to the lens
175
Retina
A delicate 10-layered structure of nervous tissue located in the rear of the interior of the globe; it receives light and generates nerve signals that are transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve
176
Retinal detachment
Separation of the inner layers of the retina from the underlying choroid, the vascular membrane that nourishes the retina
177
Sclera
The white part of the eye
178
Spinal clearance
The act of declaring that a spinal injury is not present
179
Sprain
Stretching or tearing of ligaments
180
Strain
Stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon
181
Sympathetic eye movement
The movement of both eyes in unison
182
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint
The joint between the temporal bone and the posterior condyle that allows for movements of the mandible
183
Tracheal transection
Traumatic separation of the trachea from the larynx
184
Tympanic membrane
A thin membrane that separates the middle ear from the outer ear and sets up vibrations in the ossicles; also called the eardrum
185
Vitreous humor
A jellylike substance found in the posterior compartment of the eye between the lens and the retina
186
Anterior cord syndrome
A condition that occurs with flexion injuries or fractures, resulting in the displacement of bony fragments into the anterior portion of the spinal cord; findings include paralysis below the level of the insult and loss of pain, temperature, and touch perception
187
Anterograde (posttraumatic) amnesia
Loss of memory of events that occurred after the injury
188
Arachnoid
The middle membrane of the three meninges that enclose the brain and spinal cord
189
Autonomic dysreflexia
A late, life-threatening complication of spinal cord injury in which stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system below the level of injury generates a massive, uninhibited, uncompensated cardiovascular response; also known as autonomic hyperreflexia
190
Autoregulation
An increase in mean arterial pressure to compensate for decreased cerebral perfusion pressure; compensatory physiologic response that occurs in an effort to shunt blood to the brain; manifests clinically as hypertension
191
Axon
A long, slender extension of a neuron (nerve cell) that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuronal soma
192
Babinski reflex
Upward movement of the toes in response to stimulation to the sole of the foot; under normal circumstances, the toes move downward
193
Basilar skull fracture
Fracture generally resulting from the extension of a linear fracture into the base of the skull; usually occurs after a diffuse impact to the head (as in a fall or motor vehicle crash) and can be difficult to diagnose, even with radiography
194
Battle sign
Bruising over the mastoid bone behind the ear often seen after a basilar skull fracture; also called retroauricular ecchymosis
195
Biot (ataxic) respirations
Irregular pattern, rate, and depth of respirations with intermittent periods of apnea; result from increased intracranial pressure
196
Brainstem
The midbrain, pons, and medulla
197
Brown-Séquard syndrome
A condition associated with penetrating trauma and characterized by hemisection of the spinal cord and complete damage to all spinal tracts on the involved side
198
Cauda equina
The location where the spinal cord separates; composed of nerve roots
199
Cauda equina syndrome
A neurologic condition caused by compression of the bundle of nerve roots located at the end of the spinal cord
200
Central cord syndrome
A condition resulting from hyperextension injuries to the cervical area that damage the dorsal column of the spinal cord; characterized by hemorrhage or edema; findings include greater loss of function in the upper extremities, with variable sensory loss of pain and temperature
201
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
Deep, rapid respirations; similar to Kussmaul, but without an acetone breath odor; commonly seen after brainstem injury
202
Cerebellum
The brain region essential in coordinating muscle movements in the body; also called the athlete’s brain
203
Cerebral concussion
Injury that occurs when the brain is jarred around in the skull; a mild diffuse brain injury that does not result in structural damage or permanent neurologic impairment
204
Cerebral contusion
A focal brain injury in which brain tissue is bruised and damaged in a defined area
205
Cerebral cortex
The largest portion of the cerebrum; regulates voluntary skeletal movement and a person’s level of awareness- a part of consciousness
206
Cerebral edema
Excessive fluid in the brain; swelling of the brain
207
CPP
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure
The pressure of blood flow through the brain; the difference between the mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure
208
CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges
209
Cerebrum
The largest portion of the brain; responsible for higher functions, such as reasoning; divided into right and left hemispheres, or halves
210
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
A gradually increasing rate and depth of respirations followed by a gradual decrease with intermittent periods of apnea; associated with brainstem insult
211
Complete spinal cord injury
Total disruption of all spinal cord tracts, with permanent loss of all cord-mediated functions below the level of injury
212
Coup-contrecoup injury
Dual impacting of the brain into the skull; coup injury occurs at the point of impact; contrecoup injury occurs on the opposite side of impact, as the brain rebounds
213
Cranial vault
The bones that encase and protect the brain: the parietal, temporal, frontal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones; also called the cranium or skull
214
Critical minimum threshold
Minimum cerebral perfusion pressure required to adequately perfuse the brain; 60 mm Hg in the adult
215
Cushing triad
Hypertension (with a widening pulse pressure), bradycardia, and irregular respirations; classic trio of findings associated with increased intracranial pressure
216
Decerebrate posturing
aka Extensor posturing
Abnormal posture characterized by extension of the arms and legs; indicates pressure on the brainstem
217
Decorticate posturing
aka Flexor posturing
Abnormal posture characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs; indicates pressure on the brainstem
218
Depressed skull fracture
Fracture caused by high-energy direct trauma applied to a small surface area of the skull with a blunt object (such as a baseball bat striking the head); commonly accompanied by bony fragments driven into the brain, causing further injury
219
Dermatome
An area of the body innervated by sensor components of spinal nerves
220
Diffuse axonal injury
Diffuse brain injury that is caused by stretching, shearing, or tearing of nerve fibers with consequent axonal damage
221
Diffuse brain injury
Any injury that affects the entire brain
222
Dura mater
The outermost layer of the three meninges that enclose the brain and spinal cord; the toughest meningeal layer
223
Epidural hematoma
An accumulation of blood between the skull and dura
224
Facet joint
The joint on which each vertebra articulates with adjacent vertebrae
225
Flexion injury
A type of injury that results from forward movement of the head, typically as the result of rapid deceleration, such as in a vehicle crash, or with a direct blow to the occiput
226
Focal brain injury
A specific, grossly observable brain injury
227
Frontal lobe
The portion of the brain that is important in voluntary motor actions and personality traits
228
Hangman’s fracture
The most classic distraction injury, which occurs when a person is hanged by the neck; bending and fractures occur at the C1 to C2 region, which quickly tear the spinal cord
229
Head injury
A traumatic insult to the head that may result in injury to the soft tissue of the scalp and bony structures of the head and skull, not including the face
230
Head trauma
A general term that includes both head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
231
Herniation
A process in which tissue is forced out of its normal position, such as when the brain is forced from the cranial vault, either through the foramen magnum or over the tentorium
232
Hyperesthesia
Hyperacute pain to touch
233
Hyperextension
Extension of a limb or other body part beyond its usual range of motion
234
Hyperpyrexia
A high body temperature
235
Incomplete spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injury in which there is some degree of cord-mediated function; initial dysfunction may be temporary and there may be potential for recovery
236
Intracerebral hematoma
Bleeding within the brain tissue (parenchyma) itself; also called an intraparenchymal hematoma
237
ICP
Intracranial pressure
The pressure within the cranial vault; normally 0 to 15 mm Hg in adults
238
Lamina
Posterior arch of the vertebral bone; arises from the posterior pedicles and fuses to form the posterior spinous processes
239
Limbic system
Structures within the cerebrum and diencephalon that influence emotions, motivation, mood, and sensations of pain and pleasure
240
Linear skull fracture
A fracture that usually occurs in the temporal-parietal region of the skull; not associated with skull deformity; accounts for 80% of skull fractures; also called nondisplaced skull fracture
241
MAP
Mean Arterial Pressure
The average (or mean) pressure against the arterial wall during a cardiac cycle
242
Meninges
A set of three tough membranes- the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater- that encloses the entire brain and spinal cord
243
Myotome
A region of the body innervated by the motor components of spinal nerves
244
Nerve root injury
Injury to a nerve at the level of the spinal cord
245
Neurogenic shock
Shock caused by massive blood vessel dilation and pooling of blood in the peripheral vessels, so that adequate perfusion cannot be maintained
246
Neuronal soma
The body of a neuron (nerve cell)
247
Occipital lobe
The portion of the brain responsible for processing visual information
248
Parasympathetic nervous system
Subdivision of the autonomic nervous system; involved in control of involuntary, vegetative functions; mediated largely by the vagus nerve through the chemical acetylcholine
249
Parietal lobe
The portion of the brain that receives and evaluates most sensory information, except smell, hearing, and vision
250
Pedicles
Thick lateral bony struts that connect the vertebral body with the spinous and transverse processes and make up the lateral and posterior portions of the spinal foramen
251
Periorbital ecchymosis
Bruising under or around the orbits that is commonly seen after a basilar skull fracture; also called raccoon eyes
252
Peripheral nerve injury
Injury to a nerve anywhere in the body outside the spinal cord
253
Petechial hemorrhage
A pinpoint red dot in the sclera of the eye
254
Pia mater
The innermost and thinnest of the three meninges that enclose the brain and spinal cord; rests directly on the brain and spinal cord
255
Plexus
A cluster of nerve roots that permits peripheral nerve roots to rejoin and function as a group
256
Posterior cord syndrome
A condition associated with extension injuries in which there is isolated injury to the dorsal portion of the spinal cord; the condition is characterized by decreased sensation to light touch, proprioception, and vibration; most other motor and sensory functions are unaffected
257
Primary brain injury
Injury to the brain and its associated structures that is a direct result of impact to the head
258
Primary spinal cord injury
Injury to the spinal cord that is a direct result of trauma (eg, spinal cord transection from penetrating trauma or displacement of ligaments and bone fragments, resulting in cord compression)
259
Proprioception
The ability to perceive the position and movement of one’s body or limbs
260
Raccoon eyes
Bruising under or around the orbits that is commonly seen after a basilar skull fracture; also called periorbital ecchymosis
261
RAS
Reticular activating system
Located in the upper brainstem; responsible for maintenance of consciousness, specifically one’s level of arousal
262
Retrograde amnesia
Loss of memory of events that occurred before the injury
263
Rotation-flexion injury
A type of injury typically resulting from high acceleration forces; can result in a stable unilateral facet dislocation in the cervical spine
264
Secondary brain injury
The aftereffects of the primary injury; includes abnormal processes such as cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and infection; onset is often delayed after the primary brain injury
265
Secondary spinal cord injury
Injury to the spinal cord, thought to be the result of multiple factors that result in a progression of inflammatory responses from primary spinal cord injury
266
Spinal shock
The temporary local neurologic condition that occurs immediately after spinal trauma; spinal cord swelling and edema begin immediately after injury, causing severe pain and possible paralysis
267
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, causing compression of exiting nerve roots and pain radiating into the legs or arms
268
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space, where the cerebrospinal fluid circulates
269
Subdural hematoma
An accumulation of blood beneath the dura but outside the brain
270
Subgaleal hemorrhage
Bleeding between the periosteum of the skull and the galea aponeurosis
271
Subluxation
A partial dislocation
272
Supragaleal hematoma
Bleeding between the subgaleal area of the skull and the galea aponeurosis
273
Sympathetic nervous system
Subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that governs the body’s fight-or-flight reactions by inducing smooth muscle contraction or relaxation of the blood vessels and bronchioles
274
Temporal lobe
The portion of the brain that has an important role in hearing and memory
275
Tentorium
A structure that separates the cerebral hemispheres from the cerebellum and brainstem
276
TBI
Traumatic brain injury
An impairment of brain function caused by an external force that may involve physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and vocational changes
277
Trismus
Clenched teeth as a result of spasm of the jaw muscles
278
Vertebral body
Anterior weight-bearing structure in the spine made of cancellous bone and surrounded by a layer of hard, compact bone that provides support and stability
279
Vertical compression
A type of injury typically resulting from a direct blow to the crown of the head or rapid deceleration from a fall, with the force moving through the feet, legs, and pelvis, possibly causing a burst fracture or disk herniation
280
Atelectasis
Alveolar collapse that prevents use of that portion of the lungs for ventilation and oxygenation
281
Cardiac tamponade
A condition in which the atria and right ventricle are collapsed by a collection of blood or other fluid within the pericardial sac, resulting in a diminished cardiac output
282
Clavicle
An S-shaped bone, also called the collarbone, that articulates medially with the sternum and laterally with the shoulder
283
Commotio cordis
An event in which an often-fatal cardiac dysrhythmia is produced by a sudden blow to the thoracic cavity
284
Crepitus
A grating sensation made when two pieces of broken bone rub together or subcutaneous emphysema is palpated
285
Exophthalmos
Protrusion of the eyes from the normal position within the socket
286
Flail chest
An injury that involves two or more adjacent ribs fractured in two or more places, allowing the segment between the fractures to move independently of the rest of the thoracic cage
287
Hemopneumothorax
A collection of blood and air in the pleural cavity
288
Hemothorax
The collection of blood within the normally closed pleural space
289
JVD
Jugular venous distention
A prominence of the jugular veins due to increased volume or increased pressure within the central venous system or the thoracic cavity
290
Myocardial contusion
Blunt force injury to the heart that results in capillary damage, interstitial bleeding, and cellular damage in the area
291
Myocardial rupture
An acute traumatic perforation of the ventricles, atria, intraventricular septum, intra-atrial septum, chordae, papillary muscles, or valves
292
Needle decompression
Also referred to as a needle thoracentesis, this procedure introduces a needle or angiocath into the pleural space in an attempt to relieve a tension pneumothorax
293
Open pneumothorax
The result of a defect in the chest wall that allows air to enter the thoracic space
294
Pericardial sac
The potential space between the layers of the pericardium
295
Pericardiocentesis
A procedure in which a needle or angiocath is introduced into the pericardial sac to relieve cardiac tamponade
296
Pneumothorax
The collection of air within the normally closed pleural space
297
Pulmonary contusion
Injury to the lung parenchyma that results in capillary hemorrhage into the tissue
298
Pulsus paradoxus
A drop in the systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more during inspiration; commonly seen in patients with cardiac tamponade or severe asthma
299
Subconjunctival hematoma
The collection of blood within the sclera of the eye, presenting as a bright red patch of blood over the sclera but not involving the cornea
300
Subcutaneous emphysema
A physical finding of air within the subcutaneous tissue
301
Tension pneumothorax
A life-threatening collection of air within the pleural space; the volume and pressure have both collapsed the involved lung and caused a shift of the mediastinal structures to the opposite side
302
Thoracic inlet
The superior aspect of the thoracic cavity, this ring-like opening is created by the first thoracic vertebra, the first ribs, the clavicles, and the manubrium
303
Traumatic aortic disruption
Dissection or rupture of the aorta
304
Traumatic asphyxia
A pattern of injuries seen after a severe force is applied to the thorax, forcing blood from the great vessels and back into the head and neck
305
Evisceration
Displacement of an organ outside the body
306
Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine
307
Hemoperitoneum
The presence of extravasated blood in the peritoneal cavity
308
Kehr sign
Left shoulder pain that may indicated a ruptured spleen
309
Mesentery
A membranous double fold of tissue in the abdomen that attaches various organs to the body wall
310
Peritoneal cavity
The area in the abdomen encased in the peritoneum; it consists of an upper and a lower part; the upper portion contains the diaphragm, liver, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, and transverse colon; the lower portion contains the small bowel, sigmoid colon, parts of the descending and ascending colon, and the internal reproductive organs (in women)
311
Peritoneum
A membrane in the abdomen encasing the liver, spleen, diaphragm, stomach, and transverse colon
312
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, the protective membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities
313
Periumbilical
Pertaining to the area around the umbilicus
314
Retroperitoneal space
The area in the abdomen containing the aorta, vena cava, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and portions of the duodenum and large intestine
315
Somatic pain
Localized pain, usually felt deeply, that represents irritation or injury to tissue, causing activation of peripheral nerve tracts
316
Visceral pain
Crampy, aching pain deep within the body, the source of which is usually difficult to pinpoint; common with genitourinary problems
317
6 P’s of musculoskeletal assessment
Pain, paralysis, paresthesias, pulselessness, pallor, and pressure
318
Anatomic snuffbox
The region at the base of the thumb where the scaphoid may be palpated
319
Angulation
The presence of an abnormal angle or bend in an extremity
320
Appendicular skeleton
The part of the skeleton comprising the upper and lower extremities, and the pelvis and shoulders
321
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints
322
Associated fractures
Musculoskeletal injuries that commonly occur together
323
Avascular necrosis
Tissue death resulting from the loss of blood supply
324
Avulsion fracture
A fracture that occurs when a piece of bone is torn free at the site of attachment of a tendon or ligament
325
Axial skeleton
The part of the skeleton comprising the skull, spinal column, and rib cage
326
Boxer’s fracture
A fracture of the head of the fifth metacarpal that usually results from striking an object with a clenched fist
327
Buckle fracture
A common incomplete fracture in children in which the cortex of the bone fractures from an excessive compression force; also called a torus fracture
328
Buddy splinting
Securing an injured digit to an adjacent uninjured one to allow the intact digit to act as a splint
329
Bursitis
Inflammation of a bursa
330
Cancellous bone
Trabecular or spongy bone
331
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist where it passes through the carpal canal, causing numbness and tingling in the hand, and possibly pain
332
Closed fracture
A fracture in which the skin is not broken
333
Comminuted fracture
A fracture in which the bone is broken into three or more pieces
334
Compartment syndrome
An increase in tissue pressure in a closed fascial space or compartment that compromises the circulation to the nerves and muscles within the involved compartment
335
Complete fracture
A fracture in which the bone is broken into two or more completely separate pieces
336
Crepitus
A grating sensation felt when moving the ends of a broken bone
337
Crush syndrome
A condition that arises after a body part that has been compressed for a significant period is released, leading to the entry of potassium and other metabolic toxins into the systemic circulation
338
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Compression of the ulnar nerve at the tunnel along the outer edge of the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and possible partial loss of function of the little finger and medial aspect of the ring finger
339
DVT
Deep vein thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot within the larger veins of an extremity, typically following a period of prolonged stabilization
340
Depression fracture
A fracture in which the broken region of the bone is pushed deeper into the body than the remaining intact bone
341
Devascularization
The loss of blood to a part of the body
342
Diastasis
An increase in the distance between the two sides of a joint
343
Dislocation
The displacement of a bone from its normal position within a joint
344
Displaced fracture
A break in which the ends of the fractured bone move out of their normal positions
345
Distraction injury
An injury that results from a force that tries to increase the length of a body part or separate one body part from another
346
Dorsiflex
To bend the foot or hand backward
347
Fascia
A strong, fibrous membrane that covers, supports, and separates muscles
348
Fatigue fracture
A fracture that results from multiple compressive loads
349
Femoral shaft fracture
A break in the diaphysis of the femur
350
Fracture
A break or rupture in the bone
351
Glenoid fossa
The socket in the scapula in which the head of the humerus rotates
352
Glomerular filtration
The process by which the kidneys filter the blood, removing excess wastes and fluids
353
Gout
A painful disorder characterized by the crystallization of uric acid within a joint
354
Greenstick fracture
A type of fracture occurring most frequently in children in which there is incomplete breakage of the bone
355
Hyperkalemia
An abnormally elevated level of potassium in the blood
356
Hyperphosphatemia
An abnormally elevated serum phosphate; often associated with decreased calcium; normal phosphate levels are between 0.81 and 1.45 mmol/L
357
Hyperuricemia
High levels of uric acid in the blood
358
Impacted fracture
A broken bone in which the cortices of one bone become wedged into another bone, as could be the case in a fall from a significant height
359
Incomplete fracture
A fracture in which the bone does not fully break
360
Indirect injury
An injury that results from a force that is applied to one region of the body but leads to an injury in another area
361
Intertrochanteric fracture
A fracture that occurs in the region between the lesser and greater trochanters
362
Lateral compression
A force that is directed from the side toward the midline of the body
363
Linear fracture
A fracture that runs parallel to the long axis of a bone
364
Luxation
A compete dislocation
365
Mallet finger
An avulsion fracture of the extensor tendon of the distal phalanx caused by jamming a finger into an object
366
Myalgia
Muscle pain
367
Neurovascular compromise
The loss of the nerve supply, blood supply, or both to a region of the body, typically distal to a site of injury; characterized by alterations in sensation
368
Nondisplaced fracture
A break in which the bone remains aligned in its normal position
369
Nursemaid’s elbow
The subluxation of the radial head that often results from pulling on an outstretched arm
370
Oblique fracture
A fracture that travels diagonally from one side of the bone to the other
371
Olecranon
The proximal bony projection of the ulna at the elbow; the part of the ulna that constitutes the “funny bone”
372
Open-book pelvic fracture
A life-threatening fracture of the pelvis caused by a force that displaces one or both sides of the pelvis laterally and posteriorly
373
Open fracture
Any break in a bone in which the overlying skin has been damaged
374
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The degeneration of a joint surface caused by wear and tear that leads to pain and stiffness
375
Osteoporosis
A condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures
376
Overriding
The overlap of a bone that occurs from the muscle spasm that follows a fracture, leading to a decrease in the length of the bone
377
Paresthesia
An abnormal sensation such as burning, numbness, or tingling
378
Pathologic fracture
A fracture that occurs in an area of abnormally weakened bone
379
Pectoral girdle
The shoulder girdle
380
Pelvic girdle
The large bone that arises in the area of the last nine vertebrae and sweeps around to from a complete ring
381
Plantarflex
To bend the foot toward the ground
382
Point tenderness
The tenderness that is sharply localized at the site of the injury, found by gently palpating along the bone with the tip of one finger
383
Polyneuropathy
A type of disorder in which multiple nerves become dysfunctional
384
Pulmonary embolism
Obstruction of a pulmonary artery or arteries by solid, liquid, or gaseous material swept through the right side of the heart into the lungs
385
Range of motion (ROM)
The arc of movement of an extremity at a joint in a particular direction
386
Rhabdomyolysis
The destruction of muscle tissue leading to a release of potassium and myoglobin
387
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
An inflammatory disorder that affects the entire body and leads to degeneration and deformation of joints
388
Scaphoid
The wrist bone that is found just beyond the most distal portion of the radius
389
Segmental fracture
A bone that is broken in more than one place
390
Septic arthritis
Inflammation of a joint based on a bacterial or fungal infection
391
Silver fork deformity
The dorsal deformity of the forearm that results from a Colles fracture
392
Spiral fracture
A break in a bone that appears like a spring on a radiograph
393
Straddle fracture
A fracture of the pelvis that results from landing on the perineal region
394
Stress fracture
A fracture that results from exaggerated stress on the bone caused by unusually rapid muscle development
395
Supracondylar fracture
A fracture of the distal humerus that occurs just proximal to the elbow
396
Talus
The bone of the foot that articulates with the tibia
397
Tendinitis
Inflammation of a tendon that most commonly results from overuse
398
Thompson test
Squeezing of the calf muscle to evaluate for plantar flexion of the foot to determine whether the Achilles tendon is intact
399
Thromboembolic disease
The condition in which a patient has a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
400
Torus fracture
A common incomplete fracture in children in which the cortex of the bone fractures from an excessive compression force; also called a buckle fracture
401
Transverse fracture
A fracture that runs in a straight line from one edge of the bone to the other and that is perpendicular to each edge
402
Twisting injury
An injury that commonly occurs during athletic activities in which an extremity rotates around a planted foot or hand
403
Vertical shear
The type of pelvic fracture that occurs when a massive force displaces the pelvis superiorly
404
Volar
Pertaining to the palm or sole; referring to the flexor surfaces of the forearm, wrist, or hand
405
Volkmann ischemic contracture
Contraction of the fingers and sometimes the wrist following severe injury around the elbow joint; characterized by loss of muscular power and rapid onset of death and resultant contracture of the forearm musculature
