glossary of terms

Question 1

absenses (petitmal)

Answer 1

epilepsy in which there is a sudden minor loss of consciousness with only minor myclonic jerks.

Question 2

akathisia

Answer 2

an urge to move about constantly; and an inability to sit still

Question 3

alimentary canal

Answer 3

the passage between the mouth and anus through which food passes, is digested and absorbed - gastrointestinal tract.

Question 4

alkaliser

Answer 4

an agent that neutralises acids

Question 5

anaesthetic

Answer 5

a drug which causes a local or general insensitivity to touch or pain.

Question 6

analgesic

Answer 6

an agent which relieves pain

Question 7

anaphylaxis

Answer 7

hypersensitivity/reaction caused by exposure to a toxin, i.e some food, poison, venom, bee stings, drugs.

Question 8

anorexia

Answer 8

loss of appetite for food

Question 9

antacid

Answer 9

antacid substances possess some gastric acid neutralising properties and have been useful for a wide variety of digestive disorders

Question 10

anti-anxiety

Answer 10

drugs which reduce anxiety, i.e diazepam

Question 11

antibacterial

Answer 11

a substance which destroys/suppresses bacteria growth

Question 12

antibiotic

Answer 12

an agent which prevents the growth of or destroys bacteria

Question 13

antichihlingeric

Answer 13

an agent that blocks the passage of impulses through the parasympathetic nerves

Question 14

anti-emetic

Answer 14

a drug that stops vomiting

Question 15

antihistamines

Answer 15

a class of drugs which counteract the actions of a substance called ‘histamine’ which generally, when released in the body can be responsible for various problems, eg. allergic reactions

Question 16

anti-inflammatory

Answer 16

an agent which counteracts/suppresses the inflammatory process

Question 17

antinausent

Answer 17

prevents or relieves nausea

Question 18

antipsychotic

Answer 18

effective in the use of psychosis ie. major tranquilisers

Question 19

antipyretic

Answer 19

a drug used to lower the body temperature in fever

Question 20

antispasmotic

Answer 20

a drug used to relieve spasm

Question 21

antitussive

Answer 21

a substance for the relief or prevention of coughing

Question 22

antiulcerant

Answer 22

an agent that prevents or promotes the healing of ulcers

Question 23

aperients

Answer 23

a mild and gentle laxative

Question 24

ataxia

Answer 24

incoordination of voluntary muscle actions resulting in an inability or difficulty in performing certain actions or movements

Question 25

atrophy

Answer 25

a decrease in the amount of tissue in a localised area

Question 26

blood level

Answer 26

the range of blood concentrations of medication (therapeutic range), within which the majority of people with epilepsy have good seizure control with minimal side effects

Question 27

bradycardia

Answer 27

a slow rate of heartbeat

Question 28

broad spectrum

Answer 28

prefers to an antibiotic which will kill several different types of organism

Question 29

bronchi

Answer 29

the large aid conducting tubes of the lungs - the trachea divides them into two bronchi

Question 30

bronchioles

Answer 30

the smaller air conducting tubes of the lungs - the bronchi divide into bronchioles within the lungs

Question 31

bronchodilator

Answer 31

a drug which acts upon the bronchi and bronchioles to increase their diameter

Question 32

C.N.S.

Answer 32

central nervous system - the brain and the spinal cord

Question 33

cognitive functions

Answer 33

pertains to operation of the mind by which we become aware of objects of thought or perception. it includes all aspects of perceiving, thinking and remembering

Question 34

dermatitis

Answer 34

inflammation of the skin

Question 35

duodenal

Answer 35

pertaining to the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine

Question 36

dysphagia

Answer 36

difficulty in or painful swallowing

Question 37

dystonia

Answer 37

impairment of muscle tone

Question 38

eczema

Answer 38

a non-contagious itchy inflammatory disease of the skin

Question 39

enteric-coated tablets

Answer 39

special tablets/capsules whose coating is designed to prevent release and absorption of their contents until they reach the intestine

Question 40

extrapyramidal

Answer 40

outside the pyramidal tracts; usually any group of clinical disorders marked by abnormal involuntary movement, alterations of muscle tone, or postural disturbances. the group includes parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and athetosis

Question 41

febrile

Answer 41

elevated temperature

Question 42

flora

Answer 42

collective plant organisms of a given locality/the bacteria normally residing within the lumen of the intestine

Question 43

gingival hyperplasia

Answer 43

overgrowth of gum tissue