Vocabulary Flashcards
Addiction
Habitual, psychological and physiological dependence on a substance beyond one’s voluntary control.
Additive Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction. For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an additive effect if they both affect the indicator in the same way. For example, cocaine elevates pulse rate and PCP also elevates pulse rate. The combination of cocaine and PCP produces an additive effect on pulse rate.
Accommodation Reflex
The adjustment of the eyes for viewing at various distances. Meaning the pupils will automatically constrict as objects move closer and dilate as objects move further away.
Alkaloid
A chemical that is found in, and can be physically extracted from, some substance. For example, morphine is a natural alkaloid of opium. It does not require a chemical reaction to produce morphine from opium.
Analgesic
A drug that relieves or allays pain.
Analog of a Drug
An analog of a drug is a chemical that is very similar to the drug, both in terms of molecular structure and in terms of psychoactive effects. For example, the drug Ketamine is an analog of PCP.
Anesthetic
A drug that produces a general or local insensibility to pain and other sensation.
Insufflation
Snorting (nasal ingestion)
Bruxism
Grinding Teeth
Mydriasis
Abnormally large pupils (dilated)
Miosis
Abnormally small pupil (constricted)
Necrosis
Dead/Decaying body tissue
Rebound Dilation
A period of pupillary construction, followed by a period of pupillary dilation, where the pupil steadily increases in size and does not return to it’s original constricted size.
Drug
Any substance that, when taken into the human body, can impair the ability of a person to operate a vehicle safely.
Antagonistic Effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction. For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an antagonistic effect if they affect the indicator in opposite ways. For example, heroin constricts pupils while cocaine dilates pupils. The combination of heroin and cocaine produces an antagonistic effect on pupil size. Depending on how much of each drug was taken, and on when they were taken, the suspect’s pupil could be constricted, or dilated, or within the DRE average range of pupil size.
Arrhythmia
An abnormal heart rhythm.
Artery
The strong, elastic blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Ataxia
A blocked ability to coordinate movements. A staggering walk and poor balance may be caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord. This can be the result of trauma, birth defect, infection, tumor or drug use.
Autonomic Nerve
A motor nerve that carries messages to the muscles and organs that we do not consciously control.
Axon
The part of a neuron (nerve cell) that sends out a transmitter
Blood Pressure
The force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries.
Bradycardia
Abnormally slow heart rate.
Bradypnea
Abnormally slow rate of breathing.
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration
Abnormal pattern of breathing. Marked by breathlessness and deep, fast breathing.
Curriculum Vitae
A written summary of a person’s education, training, experience, noteworthy achievements and other relevant information about a particular topic.
Cyclic Behavior
A manifestation of impairment due to certain drugs, in which the suspect alternates between periods (or cycles) of intense agitation and relative calm. Cyclic behavior, for example, sometimes will be observed in persons under the influence of PCP.
Delirium
A brief state characterized by incoherent excitement, confused speech, restlessness and possible hallucinations.
Dendrite
The part of a neuron (nerve cell) that receives a neurotransmitter.
Diastolic
The lowest value of blood pressure.
Diplopia
Double Vision
Downside Effect
An effect that may occur when the body reacts to the presence of a drug by producing hormones or neurotransmitters to counteract the effects of the drug consumed.
Dysarthia
Slurred speech. Difficult, poorly articulated speech.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath.
Dysmetria
An abnormal condition that prevents the affected person from properly estimating distances linked to muscular movements.
Dysphoria
A disorder of mood. Feelings of depression and anguish.
Endocrine System
The network of glands that do not have ducts and other structures. They secrete hormones into the blood stream to affect a number of functions in the body.
Expert Witness
A person skilled in some art, trade, science or profession, having knowledge of matters not within knowledge of persons of average education, learning and experience, may assist a jury in arriving at a verdict by expressing an opinion on a state of facts shown by the evidence and based upon his or her special knowledge. (Note: Only the court can determine whether a witness is qualifies to testify as an expert.)
Flashback
A vivid recollection of a hallucinogenic experience. Essentially, it is a very intense daydream.
Garrulity
Chatter, rambling or pointless speech. Talkative.
Hippus
A rhythmic change in the pupil size of the eyes, as they dilate and constrict when observed in darkness independent of changes in light intensity, accommodation (focusing), or other forms of sensory stimulation. Normally only observed with specialized equipment.
Homeostasis
The dynamic balance, or steady state, involving levels of salts, water, sugars and other materials in the body’s fluids.
HGN
Involuntary jerking of the eyes occurring as the eyes gaze to the side.
Hormones
Chemicals produced by the body’s endocrine system that are carried through the blood stream to the target organ. They exert great influence on the growth and development of the individual, and that aid in the regulation of numerous body processes.
Hydroxy THC
A metabolite of THC.
Hyperflexia
Exaggerated or over extended motions.
Hyperglycemia
Excess sugar in the blood.
Hyperpnea
A deep, rapid or labored breathing.
Hyperpyrexia
Extremely high body temperature.
Hypertension
Abnormally high blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypotension.
Hypoglycemia
An abnormal decrease in blood sugar levels.
Hypopnea
Shallow or slow breathing.
Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypertension.
Integumentary system
The skin and accessory structures, hair and nails. Functions include protection, maintenance of body temperature, excretion of waste, and sensory perceptions.
Intraocular
Within the eyeball.
Korotkoff sounds
A series of distinct sounds produced by blood passing through an artery, as the external pressure on the artery drops from the systolic value to the diastolic value.
Medical ruleout
A determination made b a DRE that the condition of a suspected impaired driver is more likely related to a medical issue that effected the person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical processes that take place in the body as they relate to the movements of nutrients in the blood after digestion, resulting in growth, energy, release of wastes and other body functions. The process by which the body, using oxygen, enzymes and other internal chemicals, breaks down ingested substances such as food and drugs so they may be consumed and eliminated. Metabolism takes place in 2 phases. The first step is constructive phase (anabolism) where smaller molecules are converted to larger molecules. The second steps is the destructive phase (catabolism) where large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules.
Metabolite
A chemical product, formed by the reaction of a drug with oxygen and/or other substances in the body.
Mitosis
Abnormally small (constricted) pupils.
Motor nerves
Nerves that Carey messages away from the brain, to be body’s muscles, tissues, and organs. Motor nerves are also known as efferent nerves.
Muscular hypertonicity
Rigid muscle tone
Mydriasis
Abnormally large (dilated) pupils
Neuron
A nerve cell. The basic functional unit of a nerve. It contains a nucleus within a cell body with one or more axons and dendrites.
Neurotransmitter
Chemicals that pass from the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of the next cell, and that carry messages across the gap between the two nerve cells.
Null effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction. For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce a null effect if neither of them affects that indicator. For example, PCP does not affect pupil size, and alcohol does not affect pupil size. The combination of PCP and alcohol produces a null effect on pupil size.
Overlapping effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction. For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an overlapping effect if one of them affects the indicator but the other doesn’t. For example, cocaine dilates pupils while alcohol does not affect pupil size. The combination of codeine and alcohol produces an overlapping effect on pupil size: the combination will cause the pupils to dilate.
Pallor
An abnormal paleness or lack of color in the skin.
Garrulity
Chatter, rambling or pointless speech. Talkative.
Hippus
A rhythmic change in the pupil size of the eyes, as they dilate and constrict when observed in darkness independent of changes in light intensity, accommodation (focusing), or other forms of sensory stimulation. Normally only observed with specialized equipment.
Homeostasis
The dynamic balance, or steady state, involving levels of salts, water, sugars and other materials in the body’s fluids.
HGN
Involuntary jerking of the eyes occurring as the eyes gaze to the side.
Hormones
Chemicals produced by the body’s endocrine system that are carried through the blood stream to the target organ. They exert great influence on the growth and development of the individual, and that aid in the regulation of numerous body processes.
Hydroxy THC
A metabolite of THC.
Hyperflexia
Exaggerated or over extended motions.
Hyperglycemia
Excess sugar in the blood.
Hyperpnea
A deep, rapid or labored breathing.
Hyperpyrexia
Extremely high body temperature.
Hypertension
Abnormally high blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypotension.
Hypoglycemia
An abnormal decrease in blood sugar levels.
Hypopnea
Shallow or slow breathing.
Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure. Do not confuse this with hypertension.
Integumentary system
The skin and accessory structures, hair and nails. Functions include protection, maintenance of body temperature, excretion of waste, and sensory perceptions.
Intraocular
Within the eyeball.
Korotkoff sounds
A series of distinct sounds produced by blood passing through an artery, as the external pressure on the artery drops from the systolic value to the diastolic value.
Medical ruleout
A determination made b a DRE that the condition of a suspected impaired driver is more likely related to a medical issue that effected the person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical processes that take place in the body as they relate to the movements of nutrients in the blood after digestion, resulting in growth, energy, release of wastes and other body functions. The process by which the body, using oxygen, enzymes and other internal chemicals, breaks down ingested substances such as food and drugs so they may be consumed and eliminated. Metabolism takes place in 2 phases. The first step is constructive phase (anabolism) where smaller molecules are converted to larger molecules. The second steps is the destructive phase (catabolism) where large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules.
Metabolite
A chemical product, formed by the reaction of a drug with oxygen and/or other substances in the body.
Mitosis
Abnormally small (constricted) pupils.
Motor nerves
Nerves that Carey messages away from the brain, to be body’s muscles, tissues, and organs. Motor nerves are also known as efferent nerves.
Muscular hypertonicity
Rigid muscle tone
Mydriasis
Abnormally large (dilated) pupils
Neuron
A nerve cell. The basic functional unit of a nerve. It contains a nucleus within a cell body with one or more axons and dendrites.
Neurotransmitter
Chemicals that pass from the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of the next cell, and that carry messages across the gap between the two nerve cells.
Null effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction. For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce a null effect if neither of them affects that indicator. For example, PCP does not affect pupil size, and alcohol does not affect pupil size. The combination of PCP and alcohol produces a null effect on pupil size.
Overlapping effect
One mechanism of polydrug interaction. For a particular indicator of impairment, two drugs produce an overlapping effect if one of them affects the indicator but the other doesn’t. For example, cocaine dilates pupils while alcohol does not affect pupil size. The combination of codeine and alcohol produces an overlapping effect on pupil size: the combination will cause the pupils to dilate.
Pallor
An abnormal paleness or lack of color in the skin.
Parasympathetic Nerve
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to relax and to carry out tranquil activities. The brain uses parasympathetic nerves to send “at ease” commands to the muscles, tissues and organs.
Parasympathomimetic Drugs
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters associates with the parasympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce lower blood pressure, drowsiness, etc.
Physiology
The branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of life or loving matter and the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
Psychotogenic
Literally “creating psychosis” or “giving birth to insanity”. A drug is considered to be psychotimetic if persons who are under the influence of the drug look and act insane while they are under the influence.
Pulse
The expansion and contraction of the walls of an artery, generates by the pumping action of blood.
Pulse Rate
The number of expansions of an artery per minute.
Pupillary Light Reflex
The pulls of the eyes will constrict and dilate depending on changes in lighting.
Pupillary Unrest
The continuous, irregular change in the size of the pupils that may observed under room or steady light conditions.
Rebound Dilation
A period of pupillary constriction followed by a period of pupillary dilation where the pupil steadily increases in size and does not return to it’s original constricted size.
Sclera
A dense white fibrous membrane that, with the cornea, forms the external covering of the eyeball (i.e., the white part of the eye).
Sensory Nerves
Nerves that carry messages to the brain, from the various parts of the body, including notably the sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.). Sensory nerves are also known as Afferent Nerves.
Sinsemilla
The unpollenated female cannabis plant, having a relatively high concentration of THC. Means without seeds.
Sympathetic Nerve
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to react in response to excitement, stress, fear, etc. The brain uses sympathetic nerves to send messages to the muscles, tissues and organs.
Sympathomimetic Drugs
Drugs that mimic the neurotransmitters associates with the sympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce elevates blood pressure, dilated pupils, etc.
Synapse
The gap or space between two neurons (nerve cells).
Tachycardia
Abnormally rapid heart rate.
Tachypnea
Abnormally rapid rate of breathing.
Voluntary Nerve
A motor nerve that carries messages to a muscle that we consciously control.
Parasympathetic Nerve
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to relax and to carry out tranquil activities. The brain uses parasympathetic nerves to send “at ease” commands to the muscles, tissues and organs.
Parasympathomimetic Drugs
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters associates with the parasympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce lower blood pressure, drowsiness, etc.
Physiology
The branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of life or loving matter and the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
Psychotogenic
Literally “creating psychosis” or “giving birth to insanity”. A drug is considered to be psychotimetic if persons who are under the influence of the drug look and act insane while they are under the influence.
Pulse
The expansion and contraction of the walls of an artery, generates by the pumping action of blood.
Pulse Rate
The number of expansions of an artery per minute.
Pupillary Light Reflex
The pulls of the eyes will constrict and dilate depending on changes in lighting.
Pupillary Unrest
The continuous, irregular change in the size of the pupils that may observed under room or steady light conditions.
Rebound Dilation
A period of pupillary constriction followed by a period of pupillary dilation where the pupil steadily increases in size and does not return to it’s original constricted size.
Sclera
A dense white fibrous membrane that, with the cornea, forms the external covering of the eyeball (i.e., the white part of the eye).
Sensory Nerves
Nerves that carry messages to the brain, from the various parts of the body, including notably the sense organs (eyes, ears, etc.). Sensory nerves are also known as Afferent Nerves.
Sinsemilla
The unpollenated female cannabis plant, having a relatively high concentration of THC. Means without seeds.
Sympathetic Nerve
An autonomic nerve that commands the body to react in response to excitement, stress, fear, etc. The brain uses sympathetic nerves to send messages to the muscles, tissues and organs.
Sympathomimetic Drugs
Drugs that mimic the neurotransmitters associates with the sympathetic nerves. These drugs artificially cause the transmission of messages that produce elevates blood pressure, dilated pupils, etc.
Synapse
The gap or space between two neurons (nerve cells).
Tachycardia
Abnormally rapid heart rate.
Tachypnea
Abnormally rapid rate of breathing.
Voluntary Nerve
A motor nerve that carries messages to a muscle that we consciously control.
