Vocabulary - Glossary Flashcards
Asepsis
the complete absence of living pathogenic microbes
Sterile
the condition of any item that has undergone a cleansing procedure that results in the complete absence of microbes
Sterilization
the use of a process proven to rid an object of all living microbes
Contaminated
any item that has not been sterilized
Iatrogenic
caused by treatment
Microbe/microorganism
tiny, usually microscopic, entity capable of carrying disease
Normal Flora
microbes that are normally found in healthy animals
Surgical Conscience
putting the patient’s well-being above anyone or anything
Antiseptic
a substance that can be used on skin to destroy microbes
Abscess
an cavity containing pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue, formed as a result of suppuration in a localized infection
Adhesions
a band of scar tissue that binds together two anatomic surfaces that are normally separate from each other
Anastomosis
a surgical joining of two duct or blood vessels to allow flow from one to the other
Arthrodesis
surgically induced fixation of a joint to relieve paint or support
Arthroscopy
the examination of the interior of a joint performed by inserting a specially designed endoscope through a small incision
Biopsy
the removal of a small piece of living tissue from an organ or other part of the body for microscopic examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis, estimate prognosis, or follow the course of disease
-cidal
suffix meaning “to kill”
Cryosurgery
use of subfreezing temperature to destroy tissue
Debride
to remove dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound or a burn to prevent infection and to promote healing
Dehiscence
separation of a surgical incision or rupture of a closed wound
Disinfectant
a chemical that can be applied to objects to destroy microbes
Edema
abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues
Enterotomy
surgical incision into the lumen of the bowel and subsequent closure of the wound
Endoscopy
the visualization of the interior of organs and cavities of the body
Enucleation
removal of the eyeball
Evisceration
the protrusion of an internal organ through a wound or surgical incision
Excise
to remove completely
Exudate
fluids, cells, or other substances that have been slowly exuded, or discharged, from cells or blood vessels through small pores or breaks in cell wall
Fascia
a sheet or band of fibrous tissue investing and connecting muscles
Fistula
an abnormal passage or communication
Granulation Tissue
any soft, pink, fleshy projections that form during the healing process in a wound not healing by first intention
Hernia
protrusion of an organ through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall of the cavity it surrounds
Incision
a cut produced surgically by a sharp instruments
Inflammation
the protective response of the tissues of the body due to trauma
Laparotomy
any surgical incision into the peritoneal cavity
Ligation
tying off a blood vessel or duct with a suture or wire ligature
Linea Alba
the mid-abdominal, fibrous white connective tissue structure joining two halves of the abdominal musculature ventrally
Paracentesis
the manual evacuation of fluid from the body cavities such as the abdomen or thorax
Proud Flesh
excessive granulation tissue growth in areas previously traumatized and subsequently undergoing spontaneous second intention
Recumbency
the state of laying down
Resection
surgical removal of all or part of diseased organ or tissue
-static
suffix meaning “inhibits growth or replication”
Suture
to stitch together cuts or torn edges of tissue with suture material
Tourniquet
a device used in controlling hemorrhage
Autoclave tape
tape used in steam sterilization as an indicator of heat exposure
Back-up Table
table or counter (sterile) which holds DVM gloves, gown, pt drape, quarter drape, etc
Box Lock
lock/screw in center of instrument
Cautery
instrument that seals the vessel with a controlled electrical current that burns or cauterizes the bleeding end of that vessel
Circulator
the mediator between sterile and non-sterile personnel and sterile and non-sterile material
Don
to put clothing or other items on
Draping
application of sheets of various materials to tissue areas surrounding a proposed surgical site in an effort to minimize the transfer of contaminants
Fenestration
an object that has holes or openings
Mayo Stand
stand (when covered is considered sterile) that holds the sterile instruments and suture
Patient Drape
material that is sterilized that covers the patient. a fenestration is cut to allow for a sterile field during surgery
Quarter Drapes
drapes (usually 4) that protect the patient and the sterile field between the patient and patient drapes
Ratchet
the mechanism that can hold an instrument at a desired tension
Scrub Nurse
assistant to surgeon; wears the same attire as the surgeon
Suction
the act or process of sucking; the act of drawing out fluids and such
Wicking
the act of transporting liquid via capillary action
