Definitions A Flashcards
1
Q
abdominal computed tomography (CT)
A
A radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue within the abdomen showing, for example, the presence of a tumor or obstruction.
2
Q
abdominal ultrasound
A
A noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high frequency sound waves.
3
Q
abdominocentesis
A
The surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid.
4
Q
ablation
A
Used to describe some types of treatment of prostate cancer. This treatment involves the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function through the use of surgery, hormones, drugs, heat, chemicals, electrocautery, or other methods.
5
Q
abortion (AB, Ab, ab)
A
The interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A spontaneous abortion, also known as a miscarriage, usually occurs early in the pregnancy and is due to an abnormality or genetic disorder.
6
Q
abrasion
A
An injury in which superficial layers of skin or scraped or rubbed away.
7
Q
abruptio placentae
A
A disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus. Also known as placental abruption.
8
Q
abscess
A
A closed pocket containing pus caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess can appear on the skin or within other structures of the body.
9
Q
absence seizure
A
A brief disturbance in brain disturbance in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a staring episode. Also called a petit mall seizure.
10
Q
ACE inhibitors
A
Medications administered to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure.
11
Q
acetaminophen
A
Analgesic that reduces pain and fever, but does not relieve inflammation; however, it does not have the negative side effects of NSAIDs. This substance is a basic ingredient found in Tylenol and its generic equivalents.
12
Q
Achilles tendonitis
A
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon caused by excessive stress being placed on that tendon.
13
Q
acne vulgaris
A
A chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft. Although often triggered by hormones in puberty and adolescence, it also occurs in adults. Also known as acne.
14
Q
acoustic neuroma
A
A brain tumor that develops adjacent to the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner. This is one of the most common types of brain tumors and can cause hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.
15
Q
acquired immunity
A
Immunity obtained by having had a contagious disease.
16
Q
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A
The advanced stage of an HIV infection.
17
Q
acromegaly
A
A rare chronic disease characteristic by abnormal enlargement of the extremities (hands and feet) caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty.
18
Q
acrophobia
A
An excessive fear of heights.
19
Q
actinic keratosis
A
A precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin. It often looks like a red, tan, or pink scaly patch and feels like sandpaper.
20
Q
activities of daily living (ADL)
A
Includes bathing, grooming, brushing teeth, eating and dressing.
21
Q
acupressure
A
A traditional Chinese touch therapy involving finger pressure applied to specific areas of the body to restore the flow of qi.
22
Q
acupuncture
A
A traditional Chinese medical practice using very thin acupuncture needles inserted into specific points of the body to restore the flow of qi.
23
Q
acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)
A
An abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth. As this condition progresses, the inflammation, bleeding deep ulceration, and the death of gum tissue become more severe. Also known as trench mouth.
24
Q
acute renal failure (ARF)
A
Sudden onset and is characterized by uremia. It can be fatal if not reversed promptly. This condition can be caused by the kidneys no receiving enough blood to filter due to dehydration or a sudden drop in blood volume or blood pressure because of injury, burns, or a severe infection.
25
acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
A life-threatening condition in which inflammation in the lungs and fluid in the alveoli lead to low levels of oxygen in the blood.
26
addiction
Compulsive uncontrollable dependence on a substance, habit, or practice.
27
Addison?s disease
A condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone This condition is characterized by chronic worsening fatigue and muscle weakness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, and weight loss.
28
adenectomy
Surgical removal of a gland.
29
adenitis
Inflammation of a gland.
30
adenocarcinoma
A malignant tumor that originates in glandular tissue.
31
adenoma
Benign tumor that arises from, or resembles, glandular tissues.
32
adenomalacia
Abnormal softening of a gland.
33
adenosclerosis
Abnormal hardening of a gland.
34
adenosis
Any disease or condition of a gland.
35
adhesion
A band of fibrous tissue that holds structures together abnormally. Adhesions can form in muscles or in internal organs, as a result of an injury or surgery. The term frozen shoulder refers to adhesions forming in the capsule of connective tissue in the shoulder, tightening around the shoulder joint.
36
adjuvant therapy
Cancer treatment used after the primary treatments have been completed to decrease the chance that a cancer will recur.
37
adrenalitis
Inflammation of the adrenal glands.
38
adverse drug reaction
An undesirable reaction that accompanies the principal response for which the drug was taken. Also known as a side effect.
39
aerophagia
Excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach.
40
age spots
Discolorations caused by sun exposure. Although harmless, these spots sometimes resemble skin cancer growths. Also known as solar lentigines or liver spots.
41
agoraphobia
An excessive fear of environments where the person fears a panic attack might occur. In order to avoid these situations, someone suffering from agoraphobia might not even be able to leave home.
42
airborne transmission
Occurs through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets spread by a cough or sneeze. Examples include tuberculosis, flu, colds, and measles.
43
airway inflammation
The swelling and clogging of the bronchial tubes with mucus. This usually occurs after the airway has been exposed to inhaled allergens.
44
airway obstruction
Occurs when food or a foreign object partially or completely blocks the airway and prevents air from entering or leaving the lungs. This can be a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate action through the performance of the abdominal thrust maneuver. This performance is also known as the Heimlich maneuver. Airway obstruction is also known as choking.
45
albinism
A genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises.
46
albuminuria
The presence of the protein albumin in the urine. High test levels are a sign of impaired kidney function.
47
alcoholism
Chronic alcohol dependence with specific signs and symptoms upon withdrawal.
48
aldosteronism
An abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone.
49
allergen
A substance that produces an allergic response in an individual.
50
allergic reaction
Occurs when the body?s immune system reacts to a harmless allergen as if it were a dangerous invader.
51
allergic rhinitis
An allergic reaction to airborne allergens that cause an increased flow of mucus. Also known as an allergy.
52
allergy
An overproduction by the body to a particular antigen. Also known as hypersensitivity.
53
allogenic bone marrow transplant
A transplant in which the recipient receives bone marrow from a compatible donor.
54
allopathic medicine
Conventional medical practices and systems of healthcare.
55
alopecia
The partial or incomplete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp. Also known as baldness.
56
alopecia areata
An autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles, causing well-defined bald areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. This condition often begins in childhood.
57
alopecia totalis
An uncommon condition characterized by the loss of the hair on the scalp. Also known as alopecia capitis totalis.
58
alopecia universalis
The total loss of hair on all parts of the body.
59
alternative medicine
A general term for practices and systems of healthcare used in place of allopathic medicine.
60
Alzheimer?s disease
A group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It is the leading cause of dementia and is marked by progressive deterioration that affects both memory and reasoning capabilities of an individual.
61
amblyopia
Dimness of vision or the partial loss of sight, especially in one eye, without detectable disease of the eye.
62
amenorrhea
The abnormal absence of menstrual periods for the three months or more. This condition which is normal only before puberty, during pregnancy, while breast feeding, and after menopause, can be caused by stress, hormonal problems, poor nutrition, or excessive exercise.
63
ametropia
Any error of refraction, in which do not focus properly on the retina. Astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia, are all forms of ametropia.
64
amnesia
A memory disturbance marked by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences. This condition can be caused by a brain injury, illness, or a psychological disturbance.
65
amniocentesis
A surgical puncture to remove amniotic fluid to evaluate fluid health and to diagnose certain congenital disorders. This specimen, which is usually obtained after the 14th week of pregnancy, is used to evaluate fetal health and to diagnose certain congenital disorders.
66
amyotropic lateral sclerosis
A rapidly progressive neurological disease that attaches the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Patients affected with this condition become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed and die. Also known as Lou Gehrig?s disease.
67
anal pressure
A small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus that can cause severe pain during a bowel movement.
68
analgesic
A medication that relieves pain without affecting consciousness. These include such drugs as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
69
anaphylaxis
A severe, systemic response to an allergen. The symptoms of this response develop quickly. Without prompt medical aid, the patient can die within a few minutes. Also known as a systemic reaction or anaphylactic shock.
70
anaplasia
A change in the structure of cells and in their orientation to each other. This abnormal cell development is characterized of tumor formation in cancers.
71
anastomosis
A surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures. (plural, anastomoses)
72
andropause
Marked by the decrease of the male hormone testosterone, gradually beginning in the late 40s and progressing very gradually over several decades. Referred to as ADAM (Androgen Decline in the Aging Male)
73
anemia
A disorder characterized by lower than normal levels of red blood cells in the blood. The severity of this condition is usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. When inadequate hemoglobin is present, all parts of the body receive less oxygen and have less energy than is needed to function properly.
74
anesthesia
The absence of normal sensation, especially sensitivity to pain, that is induced by the administration of an anesthetic agent.
75
anesthetic
Medication used to induce anesthesia. The anesthetic may be topical, local, regional, or general.
76
aneurysm
A localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement of the wall of an artery. The rupture of an aneurysm can be fatal because of the rapid loss of blood. Aneurysms are named for the artery involved such as aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and popliteal aneurysm.
77
aneurysmectomy
The surgical removal of an aneurysm.
78
aneurysmorrhaphy
Surgical suturing of an aneurysm. Also known as aneurysmoplasty.
79
angina
Episodes of severe chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium. These episodes are due to ischemia of the heart muscle and often progressively worsen as the blood flow continues to be compromised, until a myocardial infarction.
80
angiogenesis
The process through which the tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply.
81
angiogram
The film produced by angiography.
82
angiography
A radiographic study of the blood vessels after the injection of a contrast medium to make these blood vessels visible.
83
angioplasty
Mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel. The narrowing is typically caused by atherosclerosis.
84
angiostenosis
Abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel.
85
anhidrosis
The abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat.
86
anisocoria
A condition which the pupils are unequal in size. This condition can be congenital or caused by a head injury, aneurysm, or pathology of the central nervous system.
87
ankylosing spondylitis
A form of rheumatoid arthritis that primarily causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae. Ankylosing means the progressive stiffening of a joint or joints, and spondylitis means inflammation of the vertebrae.
88
ankylosis
The loss or absence of mobility in a joint due to disease, injury, or a surgical procedure.
89
anomaly
A deviation from what is regarded as normal.
90
anorexia
The loss of appetite for food, especially when caused by disease.
91
anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder characterized by a false perception of body appearance that leads to a refusal to maintain a normal body weight. Voluntary starvation and excessive exercising often can cause the patient to become emaciated.
92
anoscopy
The visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum.
93
anovulation
The absence of ovulation when it would normally be expected. This condition can be caused by stress, inadequate nutrition, or hormonal imbalances. Menstruation can continue, although ovulation does not occur.
94
anoxia
The absence of oxygen from the body?s tissue?s despite adequate flow of blood. If anoxia continues for more than 4 to 6 minutes, irreversible brain damage can occur.
95
antacids
Medications to relieve indigestion or help peptic ulcers heal by neutralizing stomach acids.
96
anthracosis
The form of pneumoconiosis caused by coal dust in the lungs. Also known as coal miner?s pneumoconiosis or black lung disease.
97
anthrax
A contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock infected with bacillus anthracis. Spores grown in laboratories have been used in biological ware fare.
98
antiangiogenesis
Cancer treatment that disrupts the blood supply to the tumor.
99
antiarrhythmic
Medication administered to control irregularities of the heartbeat.
100
antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Develops when an antibiotic fails to kill all of the bacteria it targets. When this occurs, the surviving bacteria become resistant to that particular drug.
101
antibiotics
Medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms. Antibiotics are effective against most bacterial infections; however, they are not effective against viral infections.
102
antibody
A disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen.
103
anticoagulant
Medication that slows coagulation and prevents new clots from forming.
104
anticonvulsant
Medication that prevents seizures such as those associated with epilepsy.
105
antidepressant
Medications administered to prevent or relieve depression. Some of these medications are also used to treat obsessive-compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders and to help relieve chronic pain.
106
antiemetic
Medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
107
antifungal
An agent destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi. Lotrimin is an example of a topical antifungal that is applied to treat or prevent athletics foot. This type of medication is also known as an antimycotic.
108
antigen
Any substance that the body regards as being foreign.
109
antihistamines
Medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, which is a common allergy to wind-borne pollens, and other types of allergies. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects the histamine which is a substance produced by the body that causes the itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes of an allergic reaction.
110
antihypertensive
Medication administered to lower blood pressure. Some of these drugs are also used to treat other heart conditions.
111
anti-inflammatory
Medication administered to relieve inflammation and pain without affecting consciousness.
112
antineoplastic
Medication that blocks the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant cells.
113
antipsychotic drug
Administered to treat symptoms of severe disorders of thinking and mood that are associated with neurological and psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, mania, and delusional disorders.
114
antipyretic
Medication administered to prevent or reduce fever. These medications, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, act by lowering a raised body temperature, however, they do not affect a normal body temperature when a fever is not present.
115
antispasmodic
Medications administered to suppress smooth muscle contractions of the stomach, intestine, or bladder. For example, atropine is an antispasmodic that can be administered preoperatively to relax smooth muscles during surgery.
116
antithyroid drug
A medication administered to slow the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
117
antitussive
Medication administered to prevent or relieve cough. Commonly known as cough medicine.
118
antiviral drug
Medication administered to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity.
119
anuria
The absence of urine formation by the kidneys. This condition is often caused by a failure in kidney function, or a urinary tract obstruction.
120
anxiety disorders
Mental conditions characterized by excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, or fear that is out of proportion to the real danger in a situation. Without treatment, an anxiety disorder can become chronic.
121
anxiolytic drug
Medication administered to temporarily relieve anxiety and reduce tension. Also known as an antianxiety drug or tranquilizer.
122
Apgar score
An evaluation of a newborn infant?s physical status.
123
aphasia
The loss of the ability to speak, write, and/or comprehend the written or spoken word.
124
aphonia
The loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds.
125
aphthous ulcers
Gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth. Although the exact cause is unknown, the appearance of these very common sores is associated with stress, certain foods, or fever.
126
aplasia
The defective development or congenital absence of an organ or tissue.
127
aplastic enema
A condition marked by the absence of all formed blood elements causes by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow. Anemia, a low red blood cell count, leads to fatigue and weakness. Leukopenia, a low white blood cell count, causes an increased risk of infection. Thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count, results in bleeding especially from mucous membranes and skin.
128
apnea
The absence of spontaneous respiration. It is a common respiratory problem in premature infants.
129
appendectomy
Surgical removal of the appendix.
130
appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix.
131
arrhythmia
The loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. This can be a minor, temporary episode, or it can be a fatal event. The severity of this episode depends on how much the heart?s ability to pump blood is compromised. Rather than being an abnormality in the heart muscle, arrhythmias are usually caused by an abnormality in the electrical conduction system of the heart.
132
arterial blood gas analysis
A test to measure the pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels of carbon dioxide levels of arterial blood. This test is used to evaluate lung and kidney function and overall metabolism.
133
arterial stick
The puncture of an artery to obtain arterial blood. Arterial blood differs from venous blood mostly in the concentration of dissolved gases it contains.
134
arteriectomy
Surgical removal of part of an artery.
135
arteriomalacia
Abnormal softening of the walls of an artery or arteries.
136
arterionecrosis
Tissue death of an artery or arteries.
137
arteriosclerosis
Abnormal hardening of the walls of an artery or arteries.
138
arteriostenosis
Abnormal narrowing of an artery or arteries.
139
arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
An abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brains; may cause hemorrhage stroke.
140
arthralgia
Pain in one or more joints.
141
arthritis
An inflammation condition of one or more joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis with many different causes.
142
arthrocentesis
Surgical puncture of the joint space to remove synovial fluid for analysis to determine the cause of pain or swelling in a joint.
143
arthrodesis
The surgical fusion (joining together) of two bones to stiffen a joint, such as an ankle, elbow, or shoulder. The procedure is performed to treat severe arthritis or damaged joint. Also known as surgical ankylosis.
144
arthrolysis
Surgical loosening of an ankylosed joint.
145
arthroplasty
Surgical repair of a damaged joint; also the surgical replacement of a joint with an artificial joint. These procedures are named for the involved joint and the amount of the joint that is replaced.
146
arthrosclerosis
Stiffness of the joints, especially in the elderly.
147
arthroscopic surgery
A minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of the interior of a joint. For example, torn cartilage can be removed with the use of an arthroscope and instruments inserted through the small incisions.
148
arthroscopy
Visual examination of the internal structure of a joint using an arthroscope.
149
artificial insemination (AI)
A technique in which sperm from a woman?s partner or donor are introduced into the vagina or uterus during the ovulatory phase of her menstrual cycle. Also called intrauterine insemination (IUI).
150
artificial pacemaker
Electrical device used primarily as treatment for bradycardia or atrial fibrillation. This electronic device can be attached externally or implanted under the skin with connections leading into the heart to regulate the heartbeat.
151
asbestosis
The form of pneumoconiosis caused by asbestos particles in the lungs. Also known as coal miner?s pneumoconiosis or black lung disease.
152
ascites
An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition is usually the result of severe liver disease. As used here, the term serous means a substance having a watery consistency.
153
asphyxia
The loss of consciousness that occurs when the body cannot get the oxygen it needs to function. Asphyxia can be caused by choking, suffocation, drowning, or inhaling gases such as carbon monoxide.
154
aspiration pneumonia
Pneumonia caused by a foreign substance such as vomit, being inhaled into the lungs.
155
aspirin
Medication that may be recommended in a very small daily dose to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by slightly reducing the ability of the blood to clot. Commonly known as baby aspirin.
156
assisted reproductive technology
Techniques used to aid an infertile couple in achieving a viable pregnancy.
157
assistive listening advice (ALD)
A device that transmits, processes, or amplifies sound, and can be used with or without a hearing aid. An ALD can be helpful in eliminating distracting background noise. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that many public places provide assisted listening devices.
158
asthma
A chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes, often triggered by an allergic reaction. Asthma is characterized by episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing.
159
astigmatism
A condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea.
160
asystole
Complete lack of electrical activity of the heart. The resulting lack of heart contractions, with no blood pumping from the heart and no blood flow through the body, is one of the conditions required for a medical practitioner to certify death. Also known as a flat line.
161
ataxia
The lack of muscle condition during voluntary movement. These movements, which are often shaky and unsteady, are most frequency caused by abnormal activity in the cerebellum.
162
atelectasis
Incomplete expansion of part or all of the lung due to a blockage of the air passages or pneumothorax.
163
atherectomy
Surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior lining of an artery. A stent may be put in place after the atherectomy to prevent the artery from becoming blocked.
164
atheroma
A deposit of fatty plaque on or within the arterial wall.
165
atherosclerosis
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a buildup of cholesterol plaque.
166
atonic
Lacking normal muscle tone or strength.
167
atresia
Describes the congenital absence of a normal opening or the failure of a structure to be tubular. For example, anal atresia is the congenital absence of the opening at the bottom end of the anus; pulmonary atresia is the absence of a pulmonary valve.
168
atrial fibrillation
Occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid, irregular twitching of the muscular heart wall. This causes an irregular and quivering action of the atria. Also known as A-Fib.
169
atrophy
Weakness or wearing away of body tissues caused by pathology or by disuse over a long period of time.
170
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
A condition characterized by a short attention span and impulsive behavior inappropriate for the child?s development age.
171
audiological evaluation
The measurement of the ability to hear and understand speech sounds based on their pitch and loudness. This testing is best achieved in a sound-treated room with earphones. Also known as speech audiometry.
172
audiometry
The use of an audiometer to measure hearing acuity.
173
auscultation
Listening for sounds within the body, usually done with a stethoscope.
174
autism
A subgroup of autistic spectrum disorders. Children with autism have significant developmental delays, including speech, and language. Most children with autism have very minimal verbal skills and lack normal social relationships.
175
autistic spectrum disorders
A group of conditions in which a young child has difficulty developing normal social relationships and communication skills, may compulsively follow repetitive routines, and has narrowly focused intense interests that are sometimes unusual.
176
autoimmune disorder
A condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against the body?s own tissues.
177
autologous bone marrow transplant
A transplant utilizing the patient?s own bone marrow that was harvested before treatment began.
178
automated external defibrillator (AED)
Designed for use by non-professionals in emergency situations when defibrillation is required. This piece of equipment automatically samples the electrical rhythms of the heart and if necessary, externally shocks the heart to restore a normal cardiac rhythm.
179
automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD)
A double-action pacemaker. (1) It constantly regulates the heartbeat to ensure that the heart does not beat to slowly. (2) If a dangerous disruption of the heart?s rhythm occurs, it acts as an automatic defibrillator.
180
autopsy
Postmortem (after death) examination.
181
Ajurvedic medicine
Traditional Hindu system of medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to preventive treatment through hygiene, exercise, herbal medicines, physiotherapy, and diet.
182
azoospermia
The absence of sperm in the semen.
