Medical Terminology Terms Flashcards
(214 cards)
1
Q
Anemia
A
Deficient number of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
2
Q
Androgen + example
A
Male sex hormones (Ex: Testosterone)
3
Q
Anticholinergic Drugs
A
Drugs that inhibit the release of acetylcholine.
4
Q
Autocrine
A
A chemical that elicits a response in the same cell that secreted it.
5
Q
Chemotherapy
A
Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
6
Q
Contraception
A
The use of drugs, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy.
7
Q
Cytokine
A
A signaling molecule that allows cells to communicate with each other over short distances.
8
Q
Dyspnea
A
Difficulty breathing.
9
Q
Eupnea (aka ??)
A
Breathing that occurs at rest, which does not require an individual’s cognitive thought. Also known as quiet breathing.
10
Q
Fibrosis
A
A process in which muscle fibers are replaced by scar tissue.
11
Q
Glycogen
A
A polysaccharide that is converted to glucose.
12
Q
Hydrocephalus
A
Abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.
13
Q
Idiopathic
A
Something that is unknown.
14
Q
Lysosome
A
An organelle that contains enzymes that break down and digest unneeded cellular components.
15
Q
Malignant
A
Cancerous
16
Q
Mycetoma
A
A chronic subcutaneous infection.
17
Q
Necrosis
A
Accidental cell death.
18
Q
Oxytocin
A
Hypothalamic hormone stored in the posterior pituitary gland and important in stimulating uterine contractions in labor, milk ejection during breastfeeding, and feelings of attachment.
19
Q
Is Oxytocin produced in both genders?
A
Yes, while we primarily discuss the functions in females, Oxytocin is also produced in males.
20
Q
Pancytopenia
A
Lower-than-normal number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood.
21
Q
Rejuvenation
A
The phenomenon of youthfulness, vitality, and freshness being restored.
22
Q
Somatic Cell
A
General term for a body cell.
23
Q
Acoustic Meatus
A
The opening that provides for passage of the nerve from the hearing and equilibrium organs of the inner ear.
24
Q
Adenoid
A
Pharyngeal tonsil.
25
Adrenal Cortex
The outer region of the adrenal gland, which secretes steroid hormones.
26
Angioplasty
A procedure in which an occlusion is mechanically widened with a balloon.
27
Arteriole
A very small artery that leads to a capillary.
28
Arthroplasty
Joint replacement surgery.
29
Buccal Cavity
The cheeks, tongue, and palate.
30
Bronchioles
Branches of the bronchi.
31
Bursa
A thin connective tissue sac filled with lubricating liquid.
32
Basal Cell Carcinoma
A form of cancer that affects the stratum basale of the epidermis.
33
Cephalic Flexure
The curve between the brain stem and forebrain.
34
Cholesterol
An important component of bile acids and a building block of many hormones.
35
Chondrosarcoma
A type of cancer that forms in bone cartilage.
36
Coronary Arteries
Supply blood to the myocardium and other components of the heart.
37
Costal Cartilage
Made of hyaline cartilage and located at the end of each rib.
38
Cranium
Completely surrounds and protects the brain from non-traumatic injury.
39
Cytoscopy
Examination of the bladder and urethra using a cytoscope, which is inserted into the urethra.
40
Duodenitis
Inflammation of the duodenum.
41
Gastrectomy
Removal of the stomach.
42
Glossectomy
Surgical removal of all or part of the tongue.
43
Hematopoiesis
The production of blood cells.
44
Hepatic Portal System
Carries blood to the liver for processing before it enters circulation.
45
Histology
The study of tissues.
46
Hysterectomy
Surgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the cervix.
47
Ileostomy
A procedure in which the ileum is brought through the abdominal wall.
48
Ischial Tuberosity
Larger, roughened area of the inferior ischium.
49
Keratin
An intracellular fibrous protein that gives hair, nails, and skin their hardness and water-resistant properties.
50
Lingual Tonsil
Lymphoid tissue located at the base of the tongue.
51
Lipolysis
Breakdown of adipose tissue.
52
Lymphocyte
Second most common type of leukocyte, which are essential for the immune response.
53
Mammary Glands
Modified sweat glands that produce breast milk.
54
Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges, which are the tough membranes that surround the central nervous system.
55
Myocardium
The middle and thickest muscle layer of the heart.
56
Myelin
Lipid-rich layer of insulation that surrounds an axon and facilitates the transmission of electrical signals.
57
What is myelin formed by?
Oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS.
58
Nephron
A highly specialized tubular structure responsible for creating the final urine composition.
59
Neuron
Cells that propagate information via electrochemical impulses.
60
Oculomotor Nerve
Responsible for eye movements.
61
Oncogene
A gene that is a mutated form of a gene involved in normal cell growth and may cause the growth of cancer cells.
62
Onychodystrophy
Abnormal changes in the shape, color, texture, and growth of the fingernails or toenails.
63
Oocyte
Immature egg cells.
64
Oophorectomy
Surgery to remove one or both ovaries.
65
Optic Nerve
Carries signals from the retina to the brain.
66
Ophthalmic Artery
Provides blood to the eyes.
67
Orchidectomy, also called ??
Surgery to remove one or both testicles. Also called orchiectomy.
68
Orthostatic
Standing up
69
Osseous Tissue
Bone tissue.
70
Ossicles
Three small bones located in the middle ear.
71
Osteoporosis
A disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass that occurs when the rate of bone resorption exceeds the rate of bone formation.
72
Otolaryngologist
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating disease of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT doctor).
73
Ovarian Follicle
The oocyte and its supporting cells.
74
Phalanges
Finger and toe bones.
75
Pharyngeal Tonsil, also known as ??
The tonsil located at the back of the throat. Also known as the adenoid when swollen.
76
Phrenic Nerve
The nerve connected to the spinal cord at cervical levels 3 to 5, which is responsible for muscle contractions that drive ventilation.
77
Pleural Cavity
The space between the lung's visceral and parietal layers.
78
Pneumonia
A severe inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli are filled with fluid.
79
Proctoscopy
A procedure that uses a proctoscope to look inside the anus and rectum.
80
Prostatectomy
Surgery to remove part or all of the prostate and some of the tissue around it.
81
Pseudostratified
Tissue with a single layer of irregularly shaped cells that give the appearance of more than one layer.
82
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who specializes in neuroscience and diagnoses and treats mental disorders.
83
Radioisotopes
Radioactive isotopes.
84
Renal Cortex
The outer region of the kidney, between the renal capsule and the renal medulla.
85
Retinitis Pigmentosa
A disease that causes deterioration of the retinas of the eyes.
86
Rhinoscope
A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the nose.
87
Salpingo-oophorectomy
Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
88
Sarcomere
The functional unit of a skeletal muscle fiber.
89
Schizophrenia
A group of severe mental disorders in which a person has trouble telling the difference between real and unreal experiences, thinking logically, having normal emotional responses to others, and behaving normally in social situations.
90
Sclerosis
Hardening of tissue.
91
Sigmoidoscopy
Examination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum.
92
Spermatocyte
A male gametocyte from which a spermatozoon develops.
93
Splenomegaly
Enlarged spleen.
94
Stenosis
A condition in which the heart valves become rigid and may calcify over time.
95
Sternoclavicular Joint
The only bony articulation between the pectoral girdle of the upper limb and the axial skeleton.
96
Stomatitis
Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.
97
Thoracic Cavity
A chamber located within the upper human torso which contains the heart and lungs.
98
Thrombolytic Drugs
A class of drugs that can help speed up the degradation of an abnormal clot.
99
Thyroiditis
Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
100
Trachealis
A smooth muscle that bridges the gap between the free ends of C-shaped cartilages at the posterior border of the trachea.
101
Tympanic Membrane
The ear drum.
102
Urologist
A doctor who has a special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and reproductive organs in males.
103
Vaginal
Pertaining to the vagina.
104
Varicose Veins
Distended, twisted veins.
105
Vasculitis
Inflammation of blood vessels.
106
Venae Cavae
The two major systemic veins.
107
Vertebral Column
The spine.
108
Chlorophyll
A green pigment that captures the energy of sunlight for photosynthesis.
109
Chromosome
Composed of DNA and proteins and is the condensed form of chromatin.
110
Cyanosis
A condition in which the oxygen supply is restricted, causing the skin to look blue.
111
Erythrocyte
A red blood cell.
112
Leukocyte
White blood cell(s).
113
Melanin
Pigment that gives the hair and skin its color.
114
Cryotherapy
A procedure in which an extremely cold liquid or an instrument called a cryoprobe is used to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue.
115
Electrocardiogram
The record of the heart's function produced by the electrocardiograph.
116
Kinetic Energy
The energy matter possesses because of its motion.
117
Kyphosis
An excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic region.
118
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Cancer that forms in the soft tissues in a type of muscle called striated muscle.
119
Photoreceptor
A specialized receptor in the eye that responds to a light stimuli.
120
Reticulocytes
Immature erythrocytes.
121
Scoliosis
Lateral curvature of the spine.
122
Thermotherapy
Treatment of disease using heat.
123
Abductor
Moves the bone away from the midline.
124
Adductor
Moves the bone toward the midline.
125
Antenatal, also called??
Having to do with the time a female is pregnant, before birth occurs. Also called prenatal.
126
Circumcision
The surgical removal of the prepuce.
127
Cyclic Neutropenia
A condition in which the number of neutrophils in the blood goes in cycles from normal to low and back to normal again.
128
Dehydration
A net loss of water that results in insufficient water in blood and other tissues.
129
Diagnosis
The process of identifying a disease, condition, or injury from its signs and symptoms.
130
Exocrine Gland
A gland whose secretions leave through a duct that opens directly, or indirectly, to the external environment.
131
Endocrine Gland
A ductless gland that releases secretions directly into surrounding tissues and fluids.
132
Epidermis
The outer, protective layer of the skin.
133
Expiration
Exhalation, or the process of causing air to leave the lungs.
134
Infratemporal Fossa
Located below the zygomatic arch and deep to the ramus of the mandible.
135
Interstitial Fluid
Extracellular fluid not contained within blood vessels.
136
Intracellular Fluid
The fluid interior of the cell.
137
Mesoderm
The middle germ layer in the embryo.
138
Metabolism
The sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place in the body.
139
Parathyroid Glands
Small structures located on the posterior thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH).
140
Pathologist
A doctor who has special training in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
141
Pericardium
Membrane that separates the heart from other mediastinal structures.
142
What does the pericardium consist of?
Consists of two distinct, fused sublayers: the fibrous pericardium and the parietal pericardium.
143
Postpartum
The period of approximately 6 weeks immediately following childbirth.
144
Precancerous
A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer.
145
Where is the Retroperitoneum located?
Behind the peritonuem.
146
Subcutaneous Layer
The layer of skin directly below the dermis.
147
Superior
A position above or higher than another part of the body proper.
148
Supraglottis
The upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis.
149
Syndrome
A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease.
150
Transdermal
Absorbed through the unbroken skin.
151
Biceps
Muscles with two origins.
152
Bradycardia
A condition in which the heart beats slower than 50 beats per minute.
153
Diploid
A cell containing two matched sets of chromosomes.
154
Hemihypertrophy
A condition in which one side of the body or a part of one side is larger than the other.
155
Heterogenous
Made up of elements or ingredients that are not alike.
156
Homozygous Genotype
A term that describes having two identical versions of the same gene.
157
Isotense
Having the same intensity as another object.
158
Macrophage
A large cell derived from a monocyte, which participates in the innate immune responses.
159
Microglia
Smaller than most of the other glial cells. They ingest and digest cells or pathogens that cause disease.
160
Monocyte
A type of immune cell that is made in the bone marrow.
161
Oliguria
Below-average production of the urine.
162
Polyuria
Excessive urine production.
163
Quadriceps
A group of four muscles located on the anterior thigh.
164
Semilunar Valves
The generic name for the openings that lead to the pulmonary trunk and aorta.
165
Tachycardia
A condition in which the resting rate is above 100 bpm.
166
Tetralogy of Fallot
A congenital heart condition comprised of four defects.
167
Unicellular
Single-celled.
168
Myeloblast
A type of immature white blood cell that forms in the bone marrow.
169
Thrombocyte
Platelets.
170
Thoracodynia
Chest pain.
171
Esophageal
Of or pertaining to the esophagus.
172
Atelectasis
Failure of the lung to expand (inflate) completely.
173
Hemophilia
A group of related disorders in which there is the inadequate production of functional amounts of one or more clotting factors.
174
Psoriasis
A chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales.
175
Hypothyroidism
The disease state caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
176
Arthritis
Chronic inflammation of the synovial joints.
177
Immunity
Pertaining to the body's ability to mount an overwhelming immune response against a pathogen so that it cannot produce disease.
178
Epithelium
Sheets of cells that cover the exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities and passageways, and form certain glands.
179
Osteolytic
Causing the breakdown of bone.
180
Osteomalacia
A softening of adult bones due to Vitamin D deficiency.
181
Acromegaly
A disorder that results in the growth of bones in the face, hands, and feet in response to excessive levels of growth hormone in individuals who have stopped growing.
182
Arachnoid Trabeculae
A membrane layer of the CNS that resembles a spider web.
183
Angiosarcoma
A type of cancer that begins in the cels that line blood vessels or lymph vessels.
184
Endometriosis
A disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus.
185
Lymphadenopathy
Disease or swelling of the lymph nodes.
186
Thrombocytopenia
A condition in which there is an insufficient number of platelets.
187
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
188
Aphasia
Loss of language function.
189
Hyperplasia
Abnormal growth due to production of cells.
190
Hemiplegia
Paralysis on one side of the body.
191
Sleep Apnea
A chronic disorder characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep.
192
Hemopoiesis
The process by which the body produces blood.
193
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death.
194
Hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding.
195
Diarrhea
Frequent and watery bowel movements.
196
Arteriosclerosis
The generalized loss of compliance; "hardening of the arteries".
197
Agranulocytosis
A serious condition that occurs when there is an extremely low number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood.
198
Homeostasis
The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.
199
Hypertrophy
The enlargement of muscles.
200
Anuria
The absence of urine production.
201
Thoracentesis
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity through a needle inserted between the ribs.
202
Pleurodesis
A medical procedure that uses chemicals or drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between the layers of the pleura to prevent buildup of fluid.
203
Mastectomy
The surgical procedure to remove all or part of a breast.
204
Electrocardiogram
The record of the heart's function produced by the electrocardiograph.
205
Electrocardiograph
The instrument that generates an electrocardiogram (ECG); 10 electrodes are placed in standard locations on the patient's skin to record heart function.
206
Echocardiography
A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to look at tissues and organs inside the chest.
207
Sphygomomanometer
A blood pressure cuff attached to a measuring device.
208
Biopsy
The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist.
209
Colostomy
An opening into the colon from the outside of the body.
210
Laparotomy
A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen.
211
Oophoropexy
A procedure in which one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes are separated from the uterus and attached to the wall of the abdomen.
212
Vertebroplasty
A procedure used to repair a bone in the spine that has a break caused by cancer, osteoporosis, or trauma.
213
Endoscope
A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body.
214
Endoscopy
A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the body.
