MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES & DEFINITIONS Flashcards
(287 cards)
1
Q
Irritability
A
Annoyed, easily provoked, impatient.
2
Q
Rage
A
Furious, loss of control.
3
Q
Ambivalence
A
The existence of opposing emotions toward an idea, object, person. A person feels love and hate toward another at the same time.
4
Q
Lability
A
Rapid shift of emotions. Patient expresses euphoric, tearful, angry feelings in rapid succession.
5
Q
Inappropriate affect
A
Affect clearly incongruent with the content of the patient’s speech. Patient laughs while discussing admission for liver biopsy.
6
Q
Phobia
A
Strong, persistent, irrational fear of an object or situation; feels driven to avoid it. Examples: cats, dogs, heights, enclosed spaces.
7
Q
Hypochondriasis
A
Morbid worrying about his or her own health, feels sick with no actual basis for that assumption. Example: preoccupied with fear of having cancer; any symptom or physical sign means cancer.
8
Q
Delusions
A
Firm, fixed, false beliefs; irrational; person clings to the belief despite objective evidence to contrary. Example: delusion of grandiosity: person believes he or she is God; famous, historical, or sports figure; or other well-known person.
9
Q
Hallucination
A
Sensory perceptions for which there are no external stimuli; may strike any sense; visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory. Example: seeing an image which is not there; hearing voices or music.
10
Q
Illusion
A
Misinterpretation of an actual existing stimulus by any sense. Example: folds of bedsheets appear to be animated.
11
Q
Cephalgia
A
Is headache.
12
Q
Hemianopia
A
Loss of half of the visual field.
13
Q
Hemiplegia
A
Paralysis of one side of the body (left side or right side).
14
Q
Quadriplegia
A
Paralysis of the four extremities.
15
Q
Paraplegia
A
Paralysis of the lower half of the body.
16
Q
Monoplegia
A
Paralysis of one extremity.
17
Q
Otorrhea
A
Cerebrospinal leak from the ear.
18
Q
Rhinorrhea
A
Discharge from the nose, e.g., cerebrospinal leak from the nose.
19
Q
Shuffling gait
A
Tiptoe walking. It is experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease.
20
Q
Ptosis
A
Drooping of an organ, e.g., ptosis of the eyelid, ptosis of the kidney.
21
Q
Scoliosis
A
Exaggerated lateral curvature of the spine.
22
Q
Gigantism
A
Exaggerated growth in height and weight due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in children.
23
Q
Dwarfism
A
Failure to grow in height due to hyposecretion of growth hormone.
24
Q
Galactorrhea
A
Excessive milk production due to hypersecretion of prolactin.
25
Dyspareunia
Painful sexual intercourse.
26
Diaphoresis
Excessive sweating.
27
Exophthalmos
Protrusion of the eyeballs.
28
Hemorrhage
Is bleeding.
29
Hyperthyroidism
Is hypersecretion of thyroid hormones.
30
Hypothyroidism
Is hyposecretion of thyroid hormones.
31
Goiter
Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
32
Dysrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythm. Also, arrhythmias.
33
Hyperglycemia
Elevated blood glucose levels.
34
Hypoglycemia
Decreased blood glucose levels.
35
Stridor
Noisy breathing due to laryngospasm.
36
Polyuria
Excessive urination. Also, diuresis.
37
Polydipsia
Excessive thirst.
38
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger.
39
Pyorrhea
Infection of the gums.
40
Furuncles
Boils that grow singly.
41
Carbuncles
Boils that grow in groups.
42
Cellulitis
Diffuse inflammation of tissues. There is swelling, redness, and pain. It is due to bacterial infection.
43
Alexia
Inability to read.
44
Dysphonia
Difficulty or discomfort in talking, with abnormal pitch or volume due to laryngeal disease. Voice sounds hoarse, whispered, but articulation and language are intact.
45
Dysarthria
Distorted speech sounds; speech may sound unintelligible; basic language (word choice, grammar, comprehension) intact.
46
Aphasia
Defect in word choice and grammar or in comprehension.
47
Expressive Aphasia
A type of aphasia where a person has difficulty in expressing thoughts verbally.
48
Expressive Aphasia
Inability to speak clearly.
49
Receptive Aphasia
Inability to understand or interpret sounds and language.
50
Agraphia
Inability to write.
51
Apraxia
Inability to do activities performed by fingers.
52
Ataxia
Uncoordinated movements.
53
Ageusia
Absence of sense of taste.
54
Anosmia
Absence of sense of smell.
55
Mastication
Is chewing.
56
Emesis
Is vomiting.
57
Deglutition
Is swallowing.
58
Encopresis
Is bowel incontinence.
59
Satiety
Is feeling of having had eaten enough.
60
Carcinoma
Is cancer; malignant tumor.
61
Glycogenesis
Is conversion of glucose to glycogen.
62
Benign Tumor
A harmless, non-cancerous tumor.
63
Glycogenolysis
Is breakdown of glycogen to glucose.
64
Gluconeogenesis
Is breakdown of fats and proteins into glucose.
65
Lipolysis
Is breakdown of fats.
66
Suffix 'oscopy'
Means direct visualization of an organ or body cavity with lighted instrument.
67
Esophagoscopy
Is direct visualization of the esophagus.
68
Gastroscopy
Is direct visualization of the stomach.
69
Duodenoscopy
Is direct visualization of the duodenum.
70
Proctosigmoidoscopy
Is direct visualization of the rectum and sigmoid.
71
Colonoscopy
Is direct visualization of the colon.
72
Cystoscopy
Is direct visualization of the urinary bladder.
73
Laparoscopy
Is direct visualization of the abdominal cavity.
74
Arthroscopy
Is direct visualization of the joint.
75
Bronchoscopy
Is direct visualization of the bronchi.
76
Suffix 'centesis'
Means aspiration of fluid from a body organ or body cavity.
77
Thoracentesis
Is aspiration of fluid from the pleural space.
78
Paracentesis
Is aspiration of fluid from the abdominal cavity.
79
Arthrocentesis
Is aspiration of fluid from the joint.
80
Suffix 'algia'
Means pain.
81
Arthralgia
Joint pain.
82
Myalgia
Muscle pain.
83
Otalgia
Pain in the ear; ear ache.
84
Suffix 'ostomy'
Means opening to the outside of the body.
85
Colostomy
Opening of the colon to the outside of the body.
86
Tracheostomy
Opening of the trachea to the outside of the body.
87
Ileostomy
Opening of the ileum to the outside of the body.
88
Nystagmus
Rolling of the eyeballs.
89
Diplopia
Double vision.
90
Strabismus
Deviation of eyeballs; also, squinting, cross-eyedness.
91
Alert
Awake, easily aroused, oriented, responds appropriately.
92
Lethargic
Not fully alert, drifts off to sleep when not stimulated, can be aroused to name when called in normal voice, but looks drowsy.
93
Obtunded
Sleeps most of the time, difficult to arouse, acts confused when aroused.
94
Stupor or Semi Coma
Spontaneously unconscious, responds only to noxious, strong, or intense stimuli.
95
Coma
Completely unconscious, no response to pain or to any external or internal stimuli.
96
Delirium
Clouding of consciousness; inattentive; incoherent conversation.
97
Flat affect
Lack of emotional response; no expression of feelings.
98
Flat affect
Lack of emotional response; no expression of feelings; voice monotonous and face immobile.
99
Depression
Sad, gloomy, dejected. Symptoms may occur with rainy weather, after a holiday, or with an illness.
100
Anxiety
Worried, uneasy, apprehensive from the anticipation of a danger whose source is unknown.
101
Fear
Worried, uneasy, apprehensive; external danger is known and identified.
102
Syncope
Faintness due to cerebral hypoxia; sudden temporary loss of consciousness.
103
Paresthesia
Tingling and numbness, usually in the arms and legs.
104
Vertigo
Dizziness.
105
Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears.
106
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing.
107
Odynophagia
Painful swallowing.
108
Cheilosis
Cracks at the lateral angle of lips.
109
Koilonychia
Spoon-shaped fingernails.
110
Pica
Uncontrollable craving for non-edible substances like clay, crayons, laundry starch, uncooked rice; this is due to anemia.
111
Hemosiderosis
Iron overload; increased levels of iron in the blood.
112
Leukemia
Malignant disorder of the blood and bone marrow.
113
Teratogenic
A substance or drug that causes congenital defects.
114
Leukopenia
Low white blood cells count.
115
Leukocytosis
Elevated white blood cells count.
116
Erythrocytosis
Elevated red blood cells count.
117
Thrombocytopenia
Low platelets count.
118
Thrombocytosis
Elevated platelets count.
119
Hernia
Protrusion of an organ through weakened muscle wall.
120
Jaundice
Yellowish discoloration of the skin due to elevated bilirubin levels.
121
Pruritus
Itchiness.
122
Immunecompromised
Having low resistance to infection.
123
Hepatomegaly
Enlargement of the liver.
124
Splenomegaly
Enlargement of the spleen.
125
Gynecomastia
Enlargement of the breast.
126
Atrophy
Reduction in size of cells in an organ.
127
Pustule
Pus-filled lesion, less than 1cm.
128
Papule
Elevated solid lesion, less than 1 cm.
129
Nodule
Elevated solid lesion, extending deeper into the dermis, larger than papule.
130
Asterixis
Flapping tremors, liver flap; characterized by rapid, nonrhythmic extension and flexion on the wrist and fingers.
131
Cholelithiasis
Presence of gallstones.
132
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gall bladder.
133
Oncology
The medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer.
134
Hyperplasia
Increase in cell number.
135
Hypertrophy
Increase in the size of cell.
136
Cachexia
Severe weight loss and tissue wasting due to cancer.
137
Epistaxis
Nose bleeding.
138
Suffix 'itis'
Refers to inflammation.
139
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva.
140
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix.
141
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joint.
142
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses.
143
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils.
144
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx.
145
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx.
146
Stomatitis
Dry, sore, inflamed mucous membrane of the mouth.
147
Reverse Trendelenburg Position
Supine position with the foot part lower than the head part.
148
Supination
Moving the forearm with the palms facing upward.
149
Pronation
Moving the forearm with the palms facing downward.
150
Dorsiflexion
Moving the feet upward at the ankle.
151
Eversion
Moving the foot outward at the ankle.
152
Inversion
Moving the foot inward.
153
Abduction
Moving an arm or leg away from the body.
154
Adduction
Moving an arm or leg toward the body.
155
Flexion
Bending a limb at a joint.
156
Extension
Straightening a limb at a joint.
157
Rotation
Moving the head around a central axis.
158
Protraction
Moving a body part forward and parallel to the ground.
159
Retraction
Moving a body part backward and parallel to the ground.
160
Elevation
Raising a body part.
161
Depression
Lowering a body part.
162
Insomnia
Difficulty in falling asleep.
163
Hypersomnia
Excessive daytime or nighttime sleep.
164
Narcolepsy
Uncontrollable falling into sleep; also called 'sleep attack.'
165
Sleep apnea
Periodic cessation of breathing during sleep, characterized by snoring.
166
Somnambulism
Sleep walking.
167
Soliloquy
Sleep talking.
168
Bruxism
Clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep.
169
Libel
Defamation by means of print, writing or pictures.
170
Slander
Defamation by spoken words, stating unprivileged or false words by which a reputation is damaged.
171
Assault
An attempt or threat to touch another person unjustifiably.
172
Battery
The willful touching of a person, including person's clothes or something the person is carrying that may or may not cause harm.
173
False imprisonment
The unlawful restraint or detention of another person against his or her will.
174
Malpractice
The negligent act of a person engaged in professions or occupations in which highly technical or professional skills are employed.
175
Senescence
The normal aging process.
176
Senility
Aging process characterized by severe mental deterioration.
177
Hyperpyrexia
Very high fever; temperature is 41°C (105.8°F) and above.
178
Pyrexia
Elevated body temperature; fever; hyperthermia.
179
Hypothermia
Subnormal or low body temperature (e.g. 35.5°C).
180
Tachycardia
Rapid pulse rate, above 100 beats per minute (in adults).
181
Bradycardia
Slow pulse rate; below 60 beats per minute (in adults).
182
Eupnea
Normal breathing; it is quiet or noiseless, effortless and rhythmic breathing.
183
Tachypnea
Rapid breathing; above 20 breaths per minute (in adults).
184
Bradypnea
Slow breathing; less than 12 breaths per minute (in adults).
185
Hyperventilation
Deep, rapid respiration; also called Kussmaul's.
186
Hypoventilation
Slow, shallow respiration.
187
Polypnea
Deep respiration; rate is not affected.
188
Oligopnea
Shallow respiration; rate is not affected.
189
Dyspnea
Difficult and labored respiration.
190
Orthopnea
Difficulty breathing when lying flat.
191
Apnea
Absence or cessation of breathing.
192
Systolic Pressure
Pressure of blood during ventricular contraction.
193
Diastolic Pressure
Pressure of blood during ventricular relaxation.
194
Pulse Pressure
Is the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure (Systolic Pressure - Diastolic Pressure; e.g. 120mmHg-80mmHg = 40 mmHg). Normal is 30 to 40 mmHg.
195
Hypertension
High blood pressure; over 140 mmHg systolic pressure and/or above 90 mmHg diastolic pressure for at least 2 readings, 30 days apart.
196
Hypotension
Low blood pressure; systolic pressure below 100 mmHg or diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg.
197
Urinary retention
Is the accommodation of urine in the bladder, 500 mls. or more, associated with inability of the bladder to empty itself.
198
Crede's maneuver
Is application of manual pressure to induce voiding.
199
Acne
Is an inflammatory condition of the skin which occurs around sebaceous glands.
200
Erythema
Is redness of the skin which may be associated with rashes, exposure to sun, elevated body temperature.
201
Hyperhidrosis
Is excessive perspiration especially in the palms of the hands and soles of feet.
202
Hirsutism
Is excessive growth of hair especially among women.
203
Bromhidrosis
Is foul-smelling perspiration.
204
Vitiligo
Are patches of hypopigmented skin caused by destruction of melanocytes in the area.
205
Alopecia
Hair loss or baldness.
206
Pediculosis
Infestation with lice.
207
Body Mechanics
Is the efficient, coordinated and safe use of the body to produce motion and maintain balance during the activity.
208
Muscle atrophy
Decrease in size of muscles.
209
Osteoporosis
Weak and brittle bones.
210
Ankylosis
Is stiffness and rigidity of joints.
211
Contracture
Is inability of muscles to shorten or lengthen, limiting joint mobility.
212
Thrombophlebitis
Is inflammation of the vein due to the presence of blood clot.
213
Atelectasis
Is collapse of the lungs.
214
Anorexia
Loss of appetite to eat.
215
Pressure sores
Reddened area, sores or ulcers of the skin occurring over body prominences due to interruption of the blood circulation to the tissue, resulting in localized ischemia and necrosis.
216
Ischemia
Is decreased blood flow or perfusion of tissues.
217
Hypoxia
Is decreased oxygenation of tissues.
218
Necrosis
Is death of tissues due to impaired circulation and oxygenation. Also called infarction.
219
Dorsal Recumbent Position
Supine position with knees flexed.
220
Trendelenburg Position
Supine position with head of bed lower than the foot part.
221
Modified Trendelenburg Position
Supine position, with the lower extremities elevated at 20 to 30 degree angle, up to 45 degree angle.
222
-centesis
Surgical puncture to remove fluid.
223
-ectomy
Removal, resection, excision.
224
Colectomy
Removal of the colon.
225
Mammogram
Record of the breast.
226
Electroencephalography
Process of recording the electrical activities of the brain.
227
Lipolysis
Breakdown of fats.
228
Hemolysis
Destruction of the blood cells.
229
Rhinoplasty
Surgical repair of the nose.
230
Cheiloplasty
Surgical repair of cleft lip.
231
Laryngoscopy
Visual examination of the larynx.
232
Laparoscopy
Visual examination of the abdominal cavity.
233
Colostomy
Creation of opening [stoma] from the colon to the outside of the body.
234
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi.
235
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges of the brain.
236
Cardiomegaly
Enlargement of the heart.
237
Adenoma
Benign tumor of glandular cells.
238
Myoma
Tumor of the uterine muscle.
239
Nephrosis
Abnormal condition of the kidney.
240
Menorrhea
Normal menstrual flow.
241
Hemorrhage
Bursting forth of blood or bleedings.
242
Menorrhagia
Excessive bleeding during menstruation.
243
Arteriosclerosis
Hardening of arteries.
244
Hematuria
Blood in the urine.
245
Renal
Pertaining to the kidney.
246
Esophageal
Pertaining to the esophagus.
247
Vascular
Pertaining to blood vessels.
248
Axillary
Pertaining to the armpit.
249
Tachycardia
Rapid heart rate.
250
Tachypnea
Fast breathing.
251
Transurethral
Across or through the urethra.
252
Ultrasonography
Recording of internal body structures using sound waves.
253
Tricuspid valve
Heart valve with three cusps.
254
Neuralgia
Nerve pain.
255
Otalgia
Ear pain.
256
Kyphosis
Exaggerated antero-posterior curvature of the spine.
257
Lordosis
Exaggerated lumbar curvature of the spine.
258
Mydriasis
Dilatation of pupils.
259
Miosis
Constriction of pupils.
260
Cataract
Opacity of the lens.
261
Glaucoma
Eye disorder characterized by increased intraocular pressure.
262
Enucleation
Surgical removal of the eyeball.
263
Hyperopia
Farsightedness.
264
Myopia
Nearsightedness.
265
Presbyopia
Eye disorder that causes farsightedness due to hardening of the lens.
266
Presbycussis
Hearing loss of the elderly due to degeneration of nervous tissues in the ears.
267
Edema
Accumulation of fluids in spaces.
268
Hyponatremia
Low serum sodium level.
269
Hypernatremia
High serum sodium level.
270
Hypokalemia
Low serum potassium level.
271
Hyperkalemia
High serum potassium level.
272
Hypocalcemia
Low serum calcium level.
273
Hypercalcemia
High serum calcium level.
274
Hypomagnesemia
Low serum magnesium level.
275
Hypermagnesemia
High serum magnesium level.
276
Hypovolemia
Decreased blood volume.
277
Hypervolemia
Increased blood volume.
278
Anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reaction.
279
Hemoptysis
Coughing up with blood.
280
Sepsis
Presence of infection.
281
Septicemia
Presence of severe infection in the blood.
282
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstruation.
283
Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation.
284
Metrorrhagia
Bleeding in between menstrual periods.
285
Menopause
The physiologic cessation of menses/menstruation.
286
Vesicles
Fluid-filled lesions, less than 1cm.
287
Bullae
Fluid-filled lesions, greater than 1 cm.
