Desales Medical Terminology

-itis

suffix: inflammation

hepat/o

root: liver

ilium

part of the hip bone

ileum

third part of the small intestine

Urethra

tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body

ureter

A duct leading from the kidney to the urinary bladder.

cephalgia

headache

opthalmologist

eye doctor

root

foundation of the word

hemat

blood

suffix

word ending

-logy

process of study

combining vowel

vowel (usually o) that links the root to the suffix or the root to another root

hematology

process of study of blood

electrocardiagram

record of the electrical activity of the heart- roots: electr and cardi- combining vowels: o/o- suffix: -gram

gastritis

inflammation of the stomach- root: gastr (stomach) - suffix: -itis (inflammation)

When is a combining vowel used?

when the suffix begins with a consonant- used between two roots

gastroentrology

process of study of the stomach and intestines- root: gastr (stomach) and enter (intestines) - combining vowels: o/o- suffix: -logy (process of study)

when there are two roots

anatomic position determines which root goes first

hemat/o

blood

gastr/o

stomach

cardi/o

heart

prefix

small part attached to the beginning of a term

hypogastric

hypo- below;gastr/o- stomach-ic pertaining topertaining to below the stomach

epigastric

prefix: epi- aboveroot: gastr - stomachsuffix: -ic - pertaining to- pertaining to above the stomach

aden/o

gland

bi/o

life

cerebr/o

brain

cephal/o

head

arthr/o

joint

carcin/o

cancer

cyst/o

bladder

cyt/o

cell

derm/o or dermat/o

skin

encephal/o

brain

electr/o

electrical

-oma

tumor, mass

-al

pertaining to

iatrogenic

produced by treatment

neuropathy

pain of nerves

sarc/o

flesh

onc/o

cancer

opthlam/o

eye

opthlamoscopy

process of visual examination of the eye

biopsy

process of viewing living tissue through microscope

enetritis

inflammation of small intestine

-ion

process

-osis

abnormal condition

-pathy

disease

-ectomy

excision, surgical removal

-tomy

incision, process of cutting

-algia

pain

-emia

blood condition

-gram

record

-scope

instrument for visual examination

-genic

producing, originating, causing

-cyte

cell

-globin

protein

leukocytosis

increase in the number of white blood cells

hepatoma

(hepatocellular carcinoma) is a malignant tumor of the liver

cystitis

inflammation of the bladder

arthralgia

pain in a joint

pro-

before

dia-

complete, through

aut-, auto-

self, own

a-, an-

not, no, without

epi-

above, upon

endo-

within

retro-

behind

peri-

around, surrounding

ex-, exo-

out, outside of, outward

sub-

below, under

re-

back

diagnosis

complete knowledge of patient's condition

-gnosis

knowledge

prognosis

before knowledge

subhepatic

pertaining to below the liver

pericardium

Membrane surrounding the heart

hypodermic

pertaining to under the skin

anemia

A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume.

transhepatic

pertaining to across or through the liver

osteogenic sarcoma

malignant tumor originating in bone-producing cells

exocrine glands

Glands that secrete substances outward through a duct

neuralgia

nerve pain

Osteoarthritis

inflammation of the bone and joint

pathogenic

causing disease

thrombosis

abnormal condition of a blood clot

-ic

pertaining to

-scopy

process of visual examination

-opsy

process of viewing

adenitis

inflammation of a gland

cephalic

pertaining to the head

carcinoma

cancerous tumor

cystoscopy

visual examination of the urinary bladder

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

record of the electrical activity of the brain

arthroscopy

process of visual examination of a joint

cytology

process of study of cells

eneter/o

small intestine

iatr/o

treatment, physician

gynec/o

woman, female

psychosis

abnormal condition of the mind

osteotomy

incision into a bone

resection

process of cutting back (removal)

carcinogenic

pertaining to producing cancer

sarcoma

malignant tumor of flesh tissue

craniotomy

removal of a diseased or injured portion of the brain

thoracotomy

open heart surgery, or removal of lung tissue

discetomy

relief of symptoms from a bulging intervertebral disc

mediastinoscopy

Inspection of lymph nodes in the region between the lungs

tracheotomy

emergency procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage

laryngectomy

Removal of a squamous cell carcinoma in the voice box

laparoscopy

inspection of the abdominal or pelvic cavity with a laparoscope, which is an endoscope used to examine the abdominal and pelvic regions

chondroma

benign tumor of cartilage

Chondrosarcoma

malignant flesh tumor of cartilage

pharyngeal

pertaining to the pharynx

laryngitis

inflammation of the voice box (larynx)

lithotomy

a surgical incision for the removal of a stone from the bladder

paracentesis

removal of abdominal fluid from the peritoneal space

laparotomy

large abdominal incision to remove an ovarian adenocarcinoma

mastectomy

surgical removal of a breast

amniocentesis

needle puncture of the amniotic sac to withdraw amniotic fluid for analysis

tonsillectomy

surgical procedure to remove pharyngeal lymphatic tissue

angioplasty

surgical repair of a blood vessel

thoracentesis

surgical puncture to remove fluid from the pleural space

colostomy

procedure to remove the diseased part of the colon and create a new opening in the abdominal wall where feces can leave the body

angiography

x-ray procedure used to examine blood vessels before surgery

laparascopy

A minimally invasive surgery involving visual examination of the inside of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope

-cele

hernia

-coccus

berry-shaped bacterium

-centesis

surgical puncture to remove fluid

-genesis

process of producing, forming

-graphy

process of recording

-graph

instrument to record

cystocele

hernia of the urinary bladder

myalgia

muscle pain

myelitis

inflammation of the spinal cord

streptococci

berry-shaped bacteria that form a chain

ischemia

to hold back blood from cells

Stapylococci

berry-shaped bacterium in clusters

rhinorrhea

discharge from the nose

Neutrophils

granulocytic white blood cell that destroys foreign cells by engulfing them

lymphocyte

mononuclear WBC that destroys foreign cells by creating antibodies

thrombocyte

clotting cell, also called platelet

eosinophil

leukocyte with reddish staining granules and numbers elevated in allergic reactions

Erythocytes

red blood cell

monocyte

mononuclear WBC that engulfs and digests cellular debris, has one large nucleus

basophil

granulocytic WBC that increases during healing phase of inflammation

-lysis

breakdown, destruction, separation

-penia

deficiency, less than normal

-malacia

softening

-phobia

fear of

-megaly

enlargement

-plasia

condition of formation, growth

-plasty

surgical repair

-sclerosis

hardening; to harden

-stasis

to stop, control

splenomegaly

enlargement of the spleen

morphology

study of the shape of cells

chondromalacia

softening of cartilage

Hydronephrosis

abnormal condition of water in the kidney

myoma

tumor of muscle

myosarcoma

flesh tumor of muscle

rhinoplasty

surgical repair of the nose

myeloma

tumor of bone marrow

acrophobia

fear of heights

hemostasis

stoppage of the flow of blood

blepharitis

inflammation of the eyelid

phlebotomy

incision of a vein

chemotherapy

treatment using drugs

necrosis

condition of death of cells

osteomalacia

softening of the bone

atrophy

no development, shrinkage of cells

metastasis

Beyond control; spreading of a cancerous tumor

acromegaly

enlargement of the extremities caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty

achondroplasia

condition of improper formation of cartilage in the embryo that leads to short bones and dwarfism

hypertrophy

Excessive development (increase in cell size).

hydrotherapy

therapy using water

-ia

condition

-trophy

development, nourishment

-stomy

new opening

-ole

little, small

-um

structure

-ule

little, small

-y

condition, process

-oid

resembling

-ptosis

falling, drooping, prolapse

pneumonia

condition of the lungs

radiotherapy

treatment using radiation

pleurodynia

pain in the pleura

nephropathy

disease of the kidney

chronic

pertaining to time; denotes a disease with little change or of slow progression; the opposite of acute

pulmonary

pertaining to the lungs

necrotic

pertaining to death

axillary

pertaining to the armpit

adipose

pertaining to fat

opioid

resembling opium

mucous

pertaining to mucus

agoraphobia

fear of open spaces

esophagus

Tube connecting the mouth to the stomach

hemolysis

destruction of red blood cells

thrombocytopenia

low platelet count

neutropenia

deficiency of neutrophils

ante-

before

ab-

away from

ana-

up, back, again

anti-

against

ad-

toward

cata-

breakdown, downward

contra-

against, opposite

con-

...

antepartum

before birth

analysis

to separate

antibody

protein made by lymphocytes in response to the presence in the blood of a specific antigen

ec-

out, outside

dys-

bad, painful, difficult

de-

down

hemi-

half

eu-

good

in-

...

inter-

between

intra-

within, inside

infra-

below, beneath

euthyroid

normal thyroid function

dsypnea

difficulty breathing

hemiglossectomy

removal of half the tongue

endotracheal

pertaining to within the windpipe

Dysplasia

condition of abnormal formation of cells

Hyperplasia

condition of excessive formation of number of cells

exophthalmos (proptosis)

bulging of the eyeballs

pancytopenia

deficiency of all blood cells

mal-

bad, poor

per-

by, through

meta-

beyond, change

para-

beside, near

syn-

with, together

neo-

new, recent

percutanous

pertaining to through the skin

retroperitoneal

located behind the peritoneum

polyneutritis

inflammation of many nerves

retroflexion

bending backward

transurethral

pertaining to through the urethra

syndrome

group of symptoms that occur together indicating a particular condition or disorder

syndactyly

webbed fingers or toes

prodrome

symptoms before the onset of a disease

ultrasonography

process of using sound waves to create an image of organs and structures in the body

bifurcate

branching into two

parts of small intestine in order

duodenum, jejunum, ileum(alphabetical)

labi/o, cheil/o

lip

sialadenectomy

removal of a salivary gland

palatoplasty

surgical repair of the roof of the mouth

postprandial

After meals (abbreviation: pc)

proctoscopy

visual examination of the rectal and anal region

Etiology

study of the cause of disease

choledochotomy

incision of the common bile duct

choledochojejunostomy

new opening between the common bile duct and the jejunum

perianal

pertaining to surrounding the anus

endodontist

performs root canal therapy

periodontist

specialist in gums and tissues

peritonitis

inflammation of the membrane surrounding the abdomen

Cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder

ileitis

inflammation of the ileum

stomatitis

inflammation of the mouth

sialadentitis

inflammation of the salivary glands

enterocolitis

inflammation of the small and large intestines

Parenteral

pertaining to administration of medications other than orally

portal vein

large vessel that takes blood to liver from intestines

biliary

pertaining to the bile ducts

hematochezia

passage of bright red blood from the rectum

steatorrhea

fat in the feces

melena

black, tarry stools, feces containing digested blood

borborygmi (singular: borborygmus)

rumbling noises produced by gas in the GI tract

flatus

gas expelled thru anus

eurctation

gas expelled from stomach thru mouth

ileus

loss of peristalsis with resulting obstruction of the intestines

volvulus

twisting of the intestine on itself

esophageal varices

swollen, varicose veins at the lower end of the esophagus

intussusception

telescoping of the intestines

achlorhydria

lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach

uvulectomy

removal of soft tissue hanging from the roof of the mouth

lithogenesis

formation of stones

-pepsia

digestion

-ptysis

to spit

-rrhea

flow, discharge

-rrhage, -rrhagia

bursting forth

-rrhaphy

suture

-ectasis, -ectasia

dilation, widening

-tresia

perforation or opening

cholestasis

stoppage of bile flow

herniorrhapy

suture of a hernia

cholangiectasis

Dilation of the bile ducts

hematoptysis

spitting up blood

hematemesis

vomitting blood

pyloric stenosis

narrowing of the pyloric sphincter

gastrorrhagia

bursting forth of blood from the stomach

Pylorosplasm

sudden involuntary contraction of muscles at the distal region of the stomach

Hemmorrhage

bursting forth of blood

polyphagia

excessive hunger

dyspepsia

difficult digestion

biliary atresia

No opening of the bile ducts (into the duodenum).

esophageal astresia

congenital lack of the connection between esophagus and stomach; food cannot enter stomach

pyloroplasty

surgical repair of the pyloric sphincter

splenorrhagia

hemorrhage of the spleen

proctosigmoidoscopy

visual examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon

cholangitis

inflammation of the bile ducts

cholecystolithiasis

abnormal condition of stones in the gallbladder

choledochal

pertaining to the common bile duct

labiodental

pertaining to the lips and teeth

cheilosis

abnormal condition of the lip

periodontal membrane

membrane surrounding a tooth

choledochectasia

dilation of the common bile duct

Cholangiocarcinoma

malignant tumor of bile vessel

TPN

total parenteral nutrition

PUD

peptic ulcer disease

EGD

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

IBD

inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis)

BE

barium enema

BRBPR

bright red blood per rectum (hematochezia)

LFTs

liver function tests - alk phos, bilirubin, AST, ALT

GERD

gastroesophageal reflux disease

HBV

hepatitis B virus

cecal volvulus

twisted intestine in the area of the cecum

serum bilirubin

measurement of the level of bilirubin in the blood

barium enema

x-ray examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract

abdominal ultrasonography

imaging of abdominal viscera using sound waves

small bowel follow-through

sequential x-ray images of the small intestine

percutanenous transhepatic cholangiography PTHC

injection of contract material through the skin into the liver to obtain x-ray images of bile vessels

CT scan of the abdomen

transverse x-ray pictures of the abdominal organs

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

injection of contrast material through endoscope for x-ray imaging of the pancreas and bile ducts

endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)

insertion of an endoscope of use of ultrasound imaging to visualize the organs of the GI tract

HIDA scan

radioactive imaging of the liver, gallbladder, and intestine

path of urine

glomerulus, glomerular capsule, renal tubule, renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder, urethra, urinary meatus

trigone

triangular area in the urinary bladder

renal cortex

outer region of the kidney

renal medulla

inner portion of the kidney

renin

hormone secreted by the kidney that raises blood pressure

hilum

notch on the surface of the kidney where blood vessels and nerves enter

calyx

cup-like collecting region of the renal pelvis

pyelolithotomy

incision of the renal pelvis to remove a stone

trigonitis

inflammation of the trigone

ureteroileostomy

new opening between the ureter and ileum

urethrostenosis

narrowing of the urethra

vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

abnormal flow of urine from the bladder back into the ureters

creatinine

nitrogenous waste excreted in the urine

calciferol

active form of vitamin D, secreted by the kidney

pyuria

presence of pus in the urine

azotemia

urea in the blood

enuresis

involuntary discharge of urine

urinary retention

abnormal accumulation of urine in the bladder because of an inability to urinate

uremia

presence of urinary waste in the blood

diuresis

increased formation and secretion of urine

PKU

Phenylketonuria- a genetic condition in which the body cannot break down proteins

interstitial nephritis

inflammation of the connective tissue that lies between the renal tubules

pyelonephritis

inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney

Wilms tumor

malignant tumor of the kidney occurring in childhood

nephrotic syndrome

group of clinical signs and symptoms caused by excessive protein loss in urine

renal colic

pain caused by a kidney stone

CAPD

Dialysate (fluid) is injected into the peritoneal cavity and then drained out

BUN

high levels on this test lead to suspicion of renal disease (blood urea nitrogen)

RP

Contrast is injected into the urinary bladder and ureters and x-ray pictures of the urinary tract are taken

cysto

this endoscopic procedure is used to examine the interior of the urinary bladde

VCUG

voiding cystourethrogram

amnion

Innermost membranous sac surrounding the developing fetus

chorion

Outermost layer of the two membranes surrounding the embryo; it forms the fetal part of the placenta.

perimetrium

outer layer of uterus

endometrium

inner lining of the uterus

gametes

reproductive cells (eggs and sperm)

Gonads

ovaries and testes, organs that produce gametes

adnexa uteri

fallopian tubes, ovaries, and supporting ligaments

cul-de-sac

region in the lower abdomen, midway between the rectum and the uterus

bartholin glands

small mucus-secreting exocrine glands at the vaginal orifice

ovarian follicle

developing sac enclosing each ovum within the ovary

corpus luteum

empty ovarian follicle that secretes progesterone after release of the egg cell

human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

hormone produced by the placenta to sustain pregnancy by stimulating the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate maturation of the egg cell (ovum)

progesterone

hormone produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary and the placenta of pregnant women

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

hormone produced by the pituitary gland; promotes ovulation

galact/o, lact/o

milk

colp/o

vagina

metr/o

uterus

-cyesis, -gravida

pregnancy

salping/o, -salpinx

fallopian tube

episi/o, vulv/o

vulva

bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries

culdocentesis

needle aspiration of fluid from the cul-de-sac

leukorrhea

white discharge from the vagina

metrorrhagia

Bleeding between menstrual periods

menorrhagia

excessive menstrual bleeding

pyosalpinx

pus in the fallopian tube

dyspareunia

painful intercourse

menometrorrhagia

excessive uterine bleeding at both the usual time of menstrual periods and at other irregular intervals

oligomenorrhea

scanty menstrual flow

nulligravida

a woman who has never been pregnant

nulliparous

female who has borne no offspring

gynecomastia

development of breast tissue in males

pseudocyesis

false pregnancy

Cystadenoma

Benign tumor of cystic and glandular components, commonly found in the ovaries.

parturition

act of giving birth

anovulatory

ovulation does not occur; ovum is not released from the ovary

vuvlodynia

pain in the vulva

abrupto placentae

premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall

placenta previa

implantation of the placenta over the cervical opening or in the lower region of the uterus

leiomyoma

benign tumor of smooth muscle

hysterosalpingography

a radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes

colposcopy

visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope

conization

removal of a cone-shaped section (cone biopsy) of the cervix

pelvic exenteration

removal of internal gynecologic organs and adjacent structures in the pelvis

oophorectomy (ovariectomy)

surgical removal of one or both ovaries

DCIS

ductal carcinoma in situ

CIS

carcinoma in situ

Epididymis

One of a pair of long, tightly coiled tubes above each testis. It stores and carries sperm from seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens.

prostate gland

exocrine gland at the base of the male urinary bladder

seminiferous tubules

Narrow, coiled tubules that produce sperm in the testes.

spermatozoon

sperm cell

seminal vesicles

paired sac-like exocrine glands that secrete fluid into the vas deferens

vas deferens

tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

Bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland

pair of exocrine glands near the male urethra

interstitial cells

in the testes, these cells lie between the seminiferous tubules and produce the hormone testosterone

parenchymal tissue

essential distinctive cells of an organ

stromal tissue

supportive, connective tissue of an organ

azoospermia

lack of sperm in semen

aspermia

complete lack of semen

oligiospermia

low sperm count

orchitis, orchiditis, or testitis

inflammation of the testis or testicle

epididymitis

inflammation of the epididymis

prostatectomy

excision of the prostate gland

prostatitis

inflammation of the prostate gland

Spermatogenesis

production of sperm

orchiopexy

surgical repair of a testis

balanitis

inflammation of the glans penis

phimosis

narrowing of the opening of the prepuce over the glans penis

hypospadias

opening of the urethra on the undersurface of the penis

varicocele

enlarged, dilated veins near the testicle

Syphilis

marked by formation of a chancre

hydrocele

sac of clear fluid in the scrotum

TURP

transurethral resection of the prostate

TRUS

transrectal ultrasound

RALP

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

semin/i

semen, seed

-pexy

surgical fixation

terat/o

monster, malformed fetus

vas/o

vas deferens

zo/o

animal

andr/o

male

crypt/o

hidden

vasovasostomy

reversal of a vasectomy

seminoma

type of testicular cancer arising from sperm-forming tissue

Path of urine from the renal arterioles (bloodstream) to the point at which urine leaves the body

glomerulusglomerular capsulerenal tubulerenal pelvisureterurinary bladderurethraurinary meatus

vesicoureteral reflux

backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters

Creatinine

nitrogenous waste excreted in the urine

axon

microscopic fiber that carries the nervous impulse along a nerve cell

dendrite

microscopic branching fiber of a nerve cell that is the first part to receive the nervous impulse

astrocyte

glial cell that transports water and salts between capillaries and nerve cells

oligodendrogial cell

glial cell that forms the myelin sheath covering axons

myelin sheath

fatty tissue that surrounds the axon on a nerve cell

dura mater

thick, outermost layer of the meninges surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord

arachnoid mater

middle layer of the meninges

Hypothalamus

A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.

medulla oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls vital life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion.

pons

part of the brain anterior to the cerebellum and between the medulla and the rest of the midbrain

Cerebellum

posterior part of the brain that coordinates muscle movements and maintains balance

thalamus

part of the brain below the cerebrum, relay center that conducts impulses between the spinal cord and the cerebrum

ganglion

collection of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system

pia mater

Innermost layer of the meninges

sulci

shallow grooves that separate gyri

gyri

elevated ridges of the brain

leptomeningitis

inflammation of the pia mater and arachnoid membrane

poliomyelitis

inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord

radiculopathy

disease of the spinal nerve roots

myelomeningocele

hernia of the spinal cord and meninges

intrathecal

Within a sheath (e.g., the theca of the spinal cord, as in an intrathecal injection into the subarachnoid space).

glioma

tumor of neuroglial cells ( a brain tumor)

bradykinesia

slow movement

hyperesthesia

increased sensitivity to stimulation such as touch or pain

motor apraxia

inability to perform a task

neurasthenia

condition of lack of nerve strength; nervous exhaustion and weakness

-paresis

partial paralysis

-asthenia

lack of strength

paresthesia

abnormal sensation of numbness and tingling without objective cause

hypoalgesia

decreased sensitivity to pain

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

atrophy of muscles and paralysis caused by damage to motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem

Huntington disease

Patient displays bizarre, abrupt, involuntary, dance-like movements, as well as decline in mental functions

myasthenia gravis

loss of muscle strength; breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter

Parkinson disease

degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia, occurring in later life and leading to tremors, weakness of muscles, and slowness of movement

cerebral contusion

bruising of brain tissue as a result of direct trauma to the head

cerebral embolus

blockage of blood vessel in the cerebrum caused by material from another part of the body that suddenly occludes the vessel

cerebral thrombosis

blockage of a blood vessel in the cerebrum caused by formation of a clot within the vessel

glioblastoma multiforme

malignant brain tumor of immature glial cells

apraxia

inability to perform particular purposive actions

parasthesia

sensations of tingling, numbness, or pins and needles

ataxia

lack of muscle coordination

hyperkinesia

excessive movement

dyskinesia

abnormal, involuntary, spasmodic movements

paresis

partial paralysis

PET

positron emission tomographyradioactive materials such as glucose are taken up by the brain and images recorded

phelbitis

inflammation of a vein

valvuloplasty

surgical repair of a valve

hypoxia

lack of oxygen

thrombolysis

destruction of a blood clot

cyanosis

bluish discoloration of the skin

atheroma

a deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall

Tetralogy of Fallot

congenital malformation involving four distinct heart defects

coarctation of the aorta

congenital cardiac condition characterized by a narrowing of the aorta

patent ductus arteriosus

passageway between the aorta and the pulmonary artery remains open after birth

Angina

a condition of episodes of severe chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium

infarction

area of dead tissue due to depravation of oxygen

Ischemia

blood is held back from the area of the body

bruit

abnormal sound or murmur heard during auscultation of an artery

thrill

vibration felt on palpation of the chest

acute coronary syndrome

Consequences of plaque rupture in coronary arteries; unstable angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

petechiae

small, pinpoint hemorrhages

claudication

pain, tension, and weakness in a leg after walking has begun, but absence of pain at rest

empyema, pyothorax

pus in the pleural cavity

pneumoconiosis

abnormal condition of dust in the lungs

pleurisy

inflammation of the pleura

anthracosis

coal dust accumulates in the lungs (black lung disease)

megakaryocyte

a large bone marrow cell from which platelets are derived

myeloblast

immature bone marrow that gives rise to granulocytes

sideropenia

deficiency of iron

myelodysplasia

defective development of the bone marrow or spinal cord

poikilocytosis

any irregularity in the shape of red blood cells

hypochromic

pertaining to reduction of hemoglobin in red blood cells (loss of red color)

anisocytosis

variation in size of RBCs

spherocytosis

abnormal numbers of round, rather than normally biconcave-shaped, red blood cells

pernicious anemia

lack of mature erythrocytes caused by inability to absorb vitamin B12 into the bloodstream

thalassemia

inherited defect in ability to produce hemoglobin, leading to hypochromia

Granulocytosis

abnormal increase in granulocytes in the blood (eosinophilia and basophilia)

Hemochromatosis

excess iron deposits throughout the body

mononucleosis

infectious disease marked by increased numbers of mononuclear leukocytes and enlarged cervical lymph nodes

plasma cell

lymphocyte that matures from a B lymphocyte and secretes antibodies

macrophage

large phagocyte found in lymph nodes and other tissues of the body

helper T cell

CD4+ T cell that aids B cells in recognizing antigens

suppressor T cell

Treg that inhibits the activity of B and T lymphocytes

complement system

proteins in the blood that help antibodies and T cells kill their target

dendritic cell

antigen-presenting cell, shows B cells and T cells what to attack

lymphopoeisis

formation of lymph

lymphodenitis

inflammation of the lymph nodes

lymphodenopathy

disease of the lymph nodes

hyperslenism

syndrome marked by enlargement of the spleen and associated with anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia

reverse transcriptase inhibitors

drug used to treat AIDS by blocking an enzyme needed to make copies of HIV

Protease inhibitors

drug used to treat AIDs by blocking the production of an enzyme that creates new viral pieces for HIV

Atopy

hypersensitive or allergic state involving an inherited predisposition

monoclonal antibody

antibody used in immunotherapy; produced in a laboratory to attack antigens and destroy cells

osseous tissue

bone tissue

sesamoid bones

round bones found near joints (e.g., the patella)

Diaphysis

shaft of a long bone

Epiphyses

ends of long bone

cancellous or trabecular bone

spongy bone

Periosteum

A dense fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones (except at their extremities) and serving as an attachment for tendons and muscles.

compact bone

Hard, dense bone tissue that is beneath the outer membrane of a bone

Haversian canal

a series of canals containing blood vessels lie within the outer dense tissue of bone

medullary cavity

cavity within the shaft of the long bones filled with bone marrow

malleolus

the rounded bony protuberance on each side of the ankle

fontanelle

soft spot between the skull bones of an infant

spondylosis

stiff, immobile condition of vertebrae caused by joint degeneration

craniotome

instrument to cut the skull

chrondomalacia

softening of cartilage

osteodystrophy

poor bone development

myelopoeisis

formation of bone marrow

talipes

clubfoot

Exostoses

benign tumors arising from the bone surface

osteogenesis imperfecta

brittle bone disease

spondylolisthesis

forward slipping of one vertebra over another

Osteomyelitis

inflammation of bone and bone marrow

Crepitus

a crackling or grating sound usually of bones

osteopenia

deficiency of bone

Ewing sarcoma

rare malignant tumor arising in bone; most often occurring in children

metastatic bone lesion

malignant tumor that has spread to bone from the breast, lung, kidney, or prostate gland

ankylosis

abnormal condition of stiffness of a joint

ankylosing spondylitis

chronic, progressive arthritis with stiffening of joints, primarily of the spine

arthrodesis

surgical fixation of a joint

podagra

gout in the big toe

sprain

trauma to a joint with swelling and injury to ligaments

strain

overstretching of a muscle

Dorsiflexion

movement that bends the foot upward at the ankle

Plantarflexion

Ankle movement pointing the foot downward

leiomyosarcoma

malignant tumor of smooth muscle

rhabdomyoma

benign tumor of striated muscle

Fibromyalgia

pain in the muscle fibers

sarcopenia

the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that comes with aging

paronychia

diseased state around the nail

Dermatophytosis

fungal infection of the skindermatomycosis

keratosis

abnormal condition of proliferation of horny, keratinized cells

ichthyosis

abnormal condition of dry or scaly skin

xanthoma

yellow tumor (benign, primarily in the skin)

subungal

pertaining to under the nail

hypertrichosis

excessive growth of hair

Leukoplakia

condition characterized by white spots or patches on mucous membrane, which may be precancerous

first degree burn

Superficial burns through only the epidermis.

second degree burn

A burn marked by pain, blistering, and superficial destruction of dermis with edema and hyperemia of the tissues beneath the burn.

third degree burn

a burn involving all layers of the skin; characterized by the destruction of the epidermis and dermis, with damage or destruction of subcutaneous tissue

vescicles

blister

Schick test

an intradermal skin test to detect immunity to diphtheria; a positive result indicates lack of immunity or negative immunity

electrodessication

destruction of tissue using

curettage

use of a sharp spoon-like instrument to scrape away tissue

conjuctiva

delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covering the anterior eyeball

cornea

Fibrous transparent layer of clear tissue that extends over the anterior portion of the eyeball.

sclera

tough, white outer coat of the eyeball

choroid

vascular layer that is continuous with the iris

ciliary body

contains muscles that control the shape of the lens and secretes aqueous humor

accommodation

normal adjustment of the eye to focus on objects from far to near

fovea centralis

tiny pit or depression in the retina that is the region of clearest vision

anterior chamber

Area behind the cornea and in front of the lens and iris. It contains aqueous humor.

fundus

posterior, inner part of the eye

anisocoria

a condition in which the pupils are unequal in size

cycloplegic

Pertaining to paralysis of the ciliary muscle (causing paralysis of accommodation).

palpebral

pertaining to the eyelid

mydriasis

dilation of the pupil

miosis

constricted pupils

papilledema

swelling of the optic disc

scotoma

dark spot in the visual field

dacryoadenitis

inflammation of the tear gland

keratitis

inflammation of the cornea

uveitis

inflammation of vascular layer of the eye (iris, ciliary body, and choroid)

xerophthalmia

condition of dry eye

hemianopsia

blindness in half the visual field

aphakia

absence of the lens of the eye

amblyopia

lazy eye

hyperopia

farsightedness

presbyopia

impaired vision as a result of aging

myopia

nearsightedness

nyctalopia

night blindness

diplopia

double vision

strabismus

abnormal deviation of the eye

chalazion

small, hard, cystic mass (granuloma) on the eyelid

nystagmus

repetitive rhythmic movements of one or both eyes

semicircular canals

three fluid-filled canals in the inner ear responsible for our sense of balance

auditory tube

air passage between the middle ear and throat that equalizes air pressure on either side of the eardrum; also called the Eustachian tube

Organ of Corti

Center part of the cochlea, containing hair cells, canals, and membranes

perilymph and endolymph

fluids in the cochlea

cerumen

ear wax

vestibule

central cavity of the labyrinth, connecting the semicircular canals and the cochlea

presbycusis

age related hearing loss

microtia

abnormally small ears

otitis media

inflammation of the middle ear

cholesteatoma

collection of skin cells and cholesterol in a sac within the middle ear

suppurative otitis media

bacterial infection of the middle ear

myringitis, tympanitis

inflammation of the tympanic membrane

catecholamines

dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine

mineralcorticoids

aldosterone, affect salt concentration

glucocorticoids

raises blood sugar levels, cortisol

corticosteroid

steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex

adrenal virilism

excessive secretion of adrenal androgens

neurofibromatosis

genetic disorder with multiple benign fibrous tumors that grow anywhere in the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

scirrhous

densely packed; containing fibrous tissue

fungating

mushrooming pattern of growth in which tumor cells pile one on top of another and project from a tissue surface

polypoid

growths that are like projections extending outward from a base

medullary (tumor)

tumors are large, soft, and fleshy

radiosensitive

cancer degenerates in response to radiation

radiocurative

tumor is completely destroyed

linear accelerator

large electronic device that produces high-energy x-ray beams for treatment of deep-seated tumors

gray

unit of absorbed radiation dose

external beam irradiation

radiation applied to a tumor from a distant source

stereotactic radiosurgery

Technique in which a single large dose of radiation is delivered under precise 3D guidance to destroy vascular abnormalities and small brain tumors.

modality

method of treatment

adjuvant chemotherapy

drugs are given after primary therapy (surgery or radiation)

neoadjuvant chemotherapy

drugs are given before primary therapy to reduce the size of a tumor

molecularly targeted therapy

use of drugs to attack specific targets (mutations) that drive cancer cell growth

CA-125 test

protein marker elevated in ovarian cancer

estrogen receptor assay

test for the presence of a hormone receptor on breast cancer cells

radiopharmaceutical

Radioactive drug used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes

Radioisotope

radioactive chemical that gives off energy in the form of radiation

nuclear medicine

study of uses of radiative substances in the diagnosis of disease

MRI

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images

oblique

x-ray tube positioned at an angle

lateral decubitus

lying down on the side