Medical Terminology Final Quizlet Flashcards
Abdominocentesis
the surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid
Abrasion
scrape of the skin
Acromegaly
abnormal enlargement of the extremities
Addison's disease
Disorder in which the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol
ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
a psychological disorder marked by extreme inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity
adhesions
an abnormal union of membranous surfaces due to inflammation or injury.
Agoraphobia
fear or avoidance of situations, such as crowds or wide open places, where one has felt loss of control and panic
Albinism
a genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or the absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises of the eyes
Allograft
skin graft from another person or a cadaver
Alopecia
hair loss
Alzheimer's disease
a progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and, finally, physical functioning
Amnesia
partial or total loss of memory
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
disease with muscular weakness and atrophy due to degeneration of motor neurons of spinal cord; commonly called Lou Gehrig disease
Anakusis
total deafness
Anastamosis
a connection made surgically between adjacent blood vessels, parts of the intestine, or other channels of the body, or the operation in which this is constructed.
Anencephaly
congenital deformity in which some or all of fetal brain is missing
Aneurysm
ballooning of a weakened portion of an arterial wall
Angiography
examination by X-ray of blood or lymph vessels, carried out after introduction of a radiopaque substance.
Anisocoria
unequal pupil size
Anisocytosis
presence of red blood cells of unequal size
Ankylosing Spondylitis
a form of rheumatoid arthritis that primarily causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae--causes fusing of the vertebrae
anorexia
an eating disorder characterized by the patient's refusal to eat
Anosmia
loss of sense of smell
antacid
drug that neutralizes stomach acid
Anthracosis
lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal dust
anticoagulant
a drug that prevents clotting of the blood
antiemetic
a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
antihistamine
medication that blocks effects of histamine released by body during allergic reactions
Antitussive
a drug that prevents coughing
Anuria
absence of urine
Apgar
appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration--checks after a baby is born to assess its health
Aplastic anemia
characterized by an absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow
Arachnophobia
fear of spiders
ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
respiratory insufficiency marked by progressive hypoxia
Arteriosclerosis
abnormal hardening of the walls of an artery or arteries
Arthrocentesis
surgical puncture to remove fluid from the joint space
Arthroscopy
the visual examination of the internal structure of a joint
ascites
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
Asphyxia
a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation.
Asthma
episodes of breathing difficulty due to narrowed or obstructed airways
Astrocytoma
malignant tumor of astrocytes
Asystole
absence of contractions of the heart
Ataxia
the loss of full control of bodily movements.
Atelectasis
collapsed lung
auscultation
listening to sounds within the body
Autism
A developmental disorder marked by disabilities in language, social interaction, and the ability to understand another person's state of mind.
Autoimmune disease
a disease in which the immune system attacks the organism's own cells
Avulsion
a fracture in which a ligament or tendon pulls a piece of bone out of place, fracturing it
Bacterial vaginosis
a condition in women in which there is an abnormal overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina
BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response)
a test to measure the brain wave activity that occurs in response to clicks or certain tones--a test for integrity of auditory nuclei and tracts
Bell's palsy
temporary paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve that causes paralysis only on the affected side of the face
Bipolar Disorder
mood disorder in one experiences both manic and depressed episodes
Blepharoplasty
plastic surgery of the eyelid
Blepharoptosis
drooping eyelid
BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy)
enlargement of the prostate gland due to overgrowth of cells; compresses urethra; blocks urine
brachytherapy
radiation therapy in which the source of radiation is implanted in the tissue to be treated
Bradycardia
slow heart rate
BRCA1, BRCA2
Tests for breast cancer 1 and 2--genetic mutations associated with increased risk for breast cancer
Breech
When a baby is born bottom or feet first
Bulimia
eating disorder characterized by excessive eating followed by purging through vomiting or through use of laxatives.
Bunionectomy
removal of a bunion
CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
Creation of a new blood supply to an area of the heart with a clotted/blocked artery.
Candidiasis
A fungal infection typically on the skin or mucous membranes caused by candida.
Carboxyhemoglobin
blood test to measure the level of carbon monoxide in the blood of patients exposed to fires or fumes in unventilated spaces
Cardiac tamponade
Compression of the heart caused by fluid collecting in the sac surrounding the heart.
Cardiomyopathy
any disease condition of the heart muscle that includes heart enlargement and heart failure.
cardioversion
Procedure to treat an arrhythmia that cannot be controlled with antiarrhythmic drugs. Involves shocking the heart.
Cataract
clouding of the lens of the eye
CBC (complete blood count)
a group of blood tests that are performed automatically by machine to determine the number, type, and characteristics of various cells in the blood. Includes HCT, Hgb, etc.
Cerebral palsy
a condition caused by a lack of oxygen to parts of the fetus' brain during birth. The result can include spastic muscles; lack of coordination in walking, eating, and talking; muscle paralysis; seizures; or mental retardation
Cerebrovascular Accident
Disruption or blockage of blood flow to the brain, which causes tissue death and an area of necrosis known as an infarct.
Cerumen
a waxy, sticky substance that traps dirt and has an antibiotic action against microorganisms that enter the ear canal
chantix
a drug to help stop smoking
cheilitis
inflammation of the lips--chapped lips
CHF (congestive heart failure)
A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
cholecystitis
inflammation or infection of the gallbladder
choledocholithiasis
A hardened deposit within the fluid in the gallbladder--gallstones
Chordee
a downward curvature of the penis, often associated with hypospadias
chyme
the pulpy acidic fluid which passes from the stomach to the small intestine, consisting of gastric juices and partly digested food.
Cialis
a drug that can treat erectile dysfunction and BPH
Cicatrix
scar
Circumcision
surgical removal of the foreskin
cirrhosis
chronic degenerative disease of the liver
CK (creatine kinase)
an enzyme found in all muscle cells--because a special kind is found in the myocardium, can be tested to see if have a myocardial infarction, as the levels of this enzyme begin to rise after one
talipes equinovarus
clubfoot
colic
severe abdominal pain
Colles' fracture
distal radius is broken by falling onto an outstretched hand
color test
a urine test to compare normal color (light yellow to amber) to a patient's color of urine. Pink indicates blood, milky indicates white blood cells
Comminuted fracture
bone breaks into many fragments
Concussion
A brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. Causes shearing of the axons in the brain
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid.
Contracture
inactivity or paralysis coupled with continuing nerve impulses can cause an arm or leg muscle to become progressively flexed and drawn into a position where it becomes nearly immovable
Contusion
bruise
tusis
cough
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
A procedure designed to restore normal breathing after cardiac arrest
Cretinism
condition of congenital hypothyroidism in children that results in a lack of mental development and dwarfed physical stature; the thyroid gland is either congenitally absent or imperfectly developed
Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease
A degenerative brain disorder that leads to dementia and death.
cryosurgery
use of cold temperatures to destroy tissue
Cryptorchidism
undescended testicles
Cushing's syndrome
a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol
Cyanosis
a bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.
Cystic fibrosis
affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. It causes these fluids to become thick and sticky. They then plug up tubes, ducts, and passageways
Cystocele
A bulge of the bladder into the vagina.
Cystoscopy
visual examination of the bladder
Decubitus ulcer
sore caused by lying down for long periods of time
deglutition
process of swallowing
Diabetes insipidus
antidiuretic hormone is not secreted adequately, or the kidney is resistant to its effect
Diabetes mellitus
insulin is not secreted adequately or tissues are resistant to its effects
Diaphoresis
excessive sweating
digitalis
the "foxglove" plant from which heart medicine is made
Diplopia
double vision
diuretic
administered to stimulate the kidneys to increase the secretion of urine to rid the body of excess sodium and water
diverticulitis
inflammation of a diverticulum
Doppler ultrasonography
imaging technique using ultrasound to create moving image; utilized to evaluate blood flow through blood vessels, movement of heart valves, and movement of heart muscle during contraction
Down syndrome
a condition of mild to severe intellectual disability and associated physical disorders caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 or 18
Dramamine
example of an antimotion-sickness drug
duodenum
first part of the small intestine
Dupuytren's contracture
A gradual thickening and tightening of tissue under the skin in the hand.
Dwarfism
Condition caused by insufficient growth hormone in childhood
Dyskinesia
abnormal, uncontrolled, involuntary movement
dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Dysplasia
the presence of cells of an abnormal type within a tissue, which may signify a stage preceding the development of cancer.
Dysuria
painful urination
Echocardiography
ultrasound recording of heart function
Ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
ED
emergency department, erectile dysfunction
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues.
EKG (electrocardiogram)
a recording of the electrical impulses set off by the heart
Electromyography
the recording of the electrical activity of muscle tissue, or its representation as a visual display or audible signal, using electrodes attached to the skin or inserted into the muscle.
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
a blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies
Empyema
accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity
Encephalitis
inflammation of the brain
Encopresis
a childhood disorder characterized by repeated defecating in inappropriate places, such as one's clothing
Endocarditis
inflammation of the endocardium
Endometriosis
Growth of endometrial tissue outside of uterus
Endotracheal intubation
placement of a tube through the mouth into the pharynx, larynx, and trachea to establish an airway
Enucleation
surgical removal of the eyeball
Epilepsy
chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity
Episiotomy
surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth
Epistaxis
nosebleed
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
a procedure that enables your physician to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts. A bendable, lighted tube (endoscope) about the thickness of your index finger is placed through your mouth and into your stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Involves X-ray as well
erythropoietin
A hormone produced and released by the kidney that stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
esophageal varices
swollen, varicose veins at the lower end of the esophagus
ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy)
electrohydraulic shock waves used to break apart calcifications in the urinary system
etiology
study of the cause of disease
Ewing's sarcoma
malignant growth found in the shaft of long bones that spreads through the periosteum
Exfoliative cytology
a technique in which cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope
Exhibitionism
Obtaining power, control, and sexual arousal by exposing the genital area in public areas to strangers and seeing their reactions.
Exophthalmos
bulging eyes
Fasciotomy
a surgical incision through the fascia to relieve tension or pressure
FBS (fasting blood sugar)
measures circulating glucose level in a patient who has fasted at least 4 hours; to determine if has diabetes mellitus or if under control
Fecal occult test
test of stool specimen for the presence of minute amounts of blood
Ferritin
storage form of iron; measures how much our body is processing iron
Fibrillation
uncontrolled quivering or twitching of the heart muscle
Fibromyalgia
chronic condition with widespread aching and pain in the muscles and fibrous soft tissue
Fissure
an opening; a groove; a split type wound
Floaters
Particles of cellular debris that float in the vitreous fluid and cast shadows on the retina
Foley catheter
A tube inserted through the urethra to drain urine, often left in place
Galactorrhea
abnormal flow of milk from the breasts
gallbladder
A muscular sac attached to the liver that secretes bile and stores it until needed for digestion
Ganglion
an abnormal benign swelling on a tendon sheath.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
A digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining.
Gestational diabetes
a form of diabetes mellitus that occurs during some pregnancies
Glaucoma
increased intraocular pressure results in damage to the retina and optic nerve with loss of vision
Glioblastoma
malignant brain tumor arising from glial cells
Gout
arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid
Grave's disease
an autoimmune disorder that is caused by hyperthyroidism and is characterized by goiter and/or exophthalmos
Greenstick
bone breaks incompletely
Gynecomastia
Abnormal development of breast tissue in males
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
an autoimmune disease in which the body's own antibodies attack and destroy the cells of the thyroid gland
haustra
pouches in the wall of the large intestine that expand to accommodate the bulk of undigested materials
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
test that detects a hormone normally present during pregnancy but not at other times. An elevated level of this is seen in choriocarcinoma in women and in cancer of the testes in men.
HCT (Hematocrit)
percentage of RBCs in a blood sample
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
Act instituted by the government to ensure patient privacy and security
Heimlich maneuver
an emergency procedure to help someone who is choking because food is lodged in the trachea
Hemangioma
a benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels
hematemesis
vomiting blood
Hematuria
blood in the urine
Hemiparesis
slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body
Hemoglobin A1c
A test that measures the level of hemoglobin A1c in the blood as a means of determining the average blood sugar concentrations for the preceding two to three months.
Hemophilia
A hereditary disease where blood does not have clotting factors to clot
Hemorrhage
excessive bleeding
hemorrhoids
varicose veins in rectum
Hemothorax
blood in the pleural cavity
hepatitis
inflammation of the liver
HER2/neu
Test that detects a gene that affects the prognosis of, and treatment options for, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer. A tumor that is positive for this is an aggressive tumor that is resistant to hormone therapy and some chemotherapy drugs
Herniated nucleus polposus
Back injury often caused by bending or heavy lifting.Leads to protrusion into the spinal canal and subsequent nerve compression. Most commonly occurs at L5-S1. May result in cauda equina if severe. May present with lumbar pain with activity, spine flexion, or prolonged sitting. May have radicular pain, numbness or weakness of lower extremities. Bowel or bladder incontinence are red flags. Dx with plain radiographs to evaluate disc space; MRI may help.Tx is usually conservative, bed rest and PT. Possibly surgery in severe cases. NSAIDs helpful for pain control, may use systemic or epideral corticosteroids.
Hirsutism
excessive hair growth
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells
Holter monitor
a portable electrocardiograph that is worn by an ambulatory patient to continuously monitor the heart rates and rhythms over a 24-hour period
Hordeolum
stye
Hydronephrosis
A condition characterized by excess fluid in a kidney due to a backup of urine.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
excessive vomiting during pregnancy
Hyperextension-Hyperflexion injury
"Whiplash", when a persons head snaps forward and then backward
Hyperopia
A condition in which visual images come to a focus behind the retina of the eye and vision is better for distant than for near objects -- called also farsightedness.
Hypertension
high blood pressure
Hyphema
blood in the anterior chamber of the eye
Hypochondriasis
a disorder characterized by an unreasonable fear that one has a serious disease
hysterectomy
surgical removal of the uterus
iatrogenic
relating to illness caused by medical examination or treatment.
idiopathic
unknown cause
Incompetent cervix
premature painless dilation of the cervical os during pregnancy
incontinence
inability to control urination
Influenza
a virus that is fairly common--has symptoms of fever, cough, chills, malaise, etc.
intussusception
A condition in which part of the intestine telescopes into itself.
irritable bowel syndrome
a common condition of unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea
IVP (intravenous pyelogram)
x-ray of kidneys and urinary tract after IV injection; also called excretory urography
jaundice
yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood
Keloid
overgrowth of scar tissue
Ketoacidosis
excessive production of ketones, making the blood acidic
Kleptomania
a continual urge to steal regardless of economic motive
KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder)
simple radiographic image of the abdomen. It is often used to view the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to determine size, shape, and location. Also used to identify calculi in the kidney, ureters, or bladder, or to diagnose intestinal obstruction; (also called flat plate of the abdomen)
Kyphosis
hunchback
Laceration
a cut, tear
laryngitis
inflammation of the larynx, or voice box
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis)
the use of a laser to reshape the corneal tissue beneath the surface of the cornea to correct vision disorders
Lasix
a diuretic that can treat edema and swelling caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and other medical conditions.
Legionnaires' disease
severe, often fatal bacterial infection characterized by pneumonia and liver and kidney damage
Leukemia
cancer of white blood cells
Leukoplakia
chalky white, thick, raised patch on sides of tongue
Lung cancer
malignant tumor arising from the lungs and bronchi
Lyme disease
tick-borne disease that causes immune system issues as well as weakness, etc.
Lymphadenopathy
enlarged lymph nodes
Lymphedema
swelling of the tissues due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues
Macule
flat, colored spot on the skin; freckle
Malignant melanoma
malignant tumor composed of melanocytes
Malingering
characterized by the intentional creation of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms to get drugs, money, etc.
Masochism
sexual arousal from being subjected to pain, bondage, or humiliation
Meconium
first stool of the newborn
Meniere's disease
Abnormal condition within the labyrinth of the inner ear that can lead to a progressive loss of hearing. The symptoms are dizziness or vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Meningocele
the congenital herniation of the meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column
Menopause
the time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines
Menorrhagia
excessive menstrual bleeding
Mononucleosis
condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and characterized by an increase in mononuclear cells (monocytes and lymphocytes) in the blood along with enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), fatigue, and sore throat (pharyngitis)
Multiple myeloma
malignant tumor of bone marrow cells
Multiple sclerosis
A chronic disease of the central nervous system marked by damage to the myelin sheath. Plaques occur in the brain and spinal cord causing tremor, weakness, incoordination, paresthesia, and disturbances in vision and speech
Munchausen by proxy
a disorder in which the patient creates illness in another person, usually a child in order to receive feelings of being valued by caring for the person with the illness
Murmur
abnormal swishing sound caused by improper closure of the heart valves
Muscular dystrophy
group of inherited diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of muscle fibers without involvement of the nervous system
Myasthenia gravis
autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles
Myocardial infarction
heart attack
Myopia
nearsightedness
Myorrhaphy
surgical suturing of a muscle
Narcolepsy
A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times.
Necrosis
tissue death
Neoplasm
new growth
Nephroptosis
downward displacement of a kidney
Neurofibromatosis
tumor on peripheral nerves; A condition that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Nocturia
excessive urination at night
nosocomial
hospital acquired illness
Nystagmus
repetitive rhythmic movements of one or both eyes
O&P (ova and parasites)
test done to check for parasites
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts and/ or actions
Onychomycosis
fungal infection of the nail
oophorectomy
surgical removal of an ovary
Ophidophobia
fear of snakes
Opportunistic infection
an infection that causes disease when the immune system is compromised for other reasons
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
a childhood disorder in which children are repeatedly argumentative and defiant, angry and irritable, and in some cases, vindictive
Oral candidiasis
Candida yeast infection of the oral mucosa
ORIF (open reduction internal fixation)
Treatment of a fractured bone with an incision, and the use of plates and screws or pins to hold the fragments together.
Orthosis
the correction of disorders of the limbs or spine by use of braces and other devices to correct alignment or provide support.
Osteoarthritis
inflammation of the bones and joints
Osteomalacia
abnormal softening of bones in adults
Osteomyelitis
inflammation of bone and bone marrow
Osteotome
instrument used to cut bone
Otalgia
pain in the ear
Otitis media
inflammation of the middle ear
otoplasty
surgical repair of the ear
Otorrhea
discharge from the ear
ovary
a female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced, present in humans and other vertebrates as a pair.
Oximeter
instrument used to measure oxygen
Pacemaker
A device that delivers electrical impulses to the heart to regulate the heartbeat
palliative
relieving or soothing the symptoms of a disease or disorder without effecting a cure
pancreas
Organ that regulates the level of sugar in the blood
Panic Disorder
An anxiety disorder marked by unpredictable minutes-long episodes of intense dread in which a person experiences terror and accompanying chest pain, choking, or other frightening sensations.
Pathologic
pertaining to the study of disease
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
An endocrine disorder associated with chronic anovulation, most common in young women (teens to twenties). High LH/FSH ratio in blood; A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
Pediculosis
infestation with lice
Pericardiocentesis
surgical puncture of the membrane surrounding the heart in order to remove fluid
Peritoneal dialysis
dialysis in which the lining of the peritoneal cavity acts as the filter to remove waste from the blood
peritoneum
Double-layered membrane surrounding the abdominal organs
Pernicious anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency
pharyngitis
inflammation of the pharynx
Pheochromocytoma
tumor of the adrenal medulla
Phimosis
narrowing of the opening of the prepuce over the glans penis
Phlebitis
inflammation of a vein
Photophobia
sensitivity to light
PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
syndrome that is onset before menstruation; causes headache, cramps, acne, etc.
PND (post nasal drip)
when mucus builds up in the back of the nose and throat
Pneumonectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of a lung
Pneumonia
An inflammation of lung tissue, wherer the alveoli in the affected areas fill w/fluid
Poikilocytosis
condition characterized by red blood cells in a variety of shapes
Polycythemia vera
general increase in red blood cells
polyp
a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane
Presbyopia
impairment of vision as a result of old age
Priapism
persistent and painful erection
Prolapse
descent of the uterus down the vaginal canal
PROM (premature rupture of membranes)
Rupture of amniotic sac and leakage of amniotic fluid beginning at least 1 hour before onset of labor at any gestational age
prone
lying face down
proton pump inhibitor
a drug that blocks gastric acid secretion; used to treat ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Pruritus
itching
PSA (prostate specific antigen)
Used to diagnose prostate cancer in conjunction with a digital rectal exam
Psoriasis
chronic, recurrent dermatosis marked by itchy, scaly, red plaques covered by silvery gray scales
PT (prothrombin time)
a test to measure how long it takes blood to clot. Can be used to check for bleeding problems or whether medicine to prevent blood clots is working. Produced by the liver.
PTT (partial thromboplastin time)
test of blood plasma to detect coagulation defects of the intrinsic system; used to detect hemophilia
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
an anxiety disorder characterized by haunting memories, nightmares, social withdrawal, jumpy anxiety, and/or insomnia that lingers for four weeks or more after a traumatic experience
Pulmonary embolism
Blocking of a pulmonary artery due to a blood clot
Pyelonephritis
inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney
Pyosalpinx
an accumulation of pus in the fallopian tube
Pyridium
Analgesic; It can relieve symptoms caused by urinary tract infections and other urinary problems.
Pyromania
a compulsion to set things on fire
pyrosis
heartburn; burning sensation in upper abdomen due to reflux of gastric acid
Pyuria
presence of pus in the urine
Radiculopathy
disease of the spinal nerve roots
Rectocele
hernia of the rectum into the vagina
Relapse
presence of cancer after having no symptoms for a time
Remission
the temporary, partial, or complete disappearance of the symptoms of cancer
Repetitive strain injury
An injury that can result when a person makes too many of the same motions over a long period of time.
Retinoblastoma
tumor arising from a developing retinal cell
Rhabdomyoma
benign tumor of striated muscle
Rheumatoid arthritis
a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the joints and some organs of other body systems are attacked
Rhinoplasty
plastic surgery of the nose
rhytidectomy
surgical removal of wrinkles
Rigor mortis
stiffness of the body that sets in several hours after death
Romberg's sign
Test used to determine neurological function for balance. Patient will stand with feet together, arms at the side, and eyes closed. Positive Romberg's sign occurs when the patient sways or losses balance during test.
SAB (spontaneous abortion)
miscarriage
SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
controversial disorder in which a person experiences depression during the winter and improvement during the spring
Sadism
the tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual gratification, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others.
Scabies
contagious skin disease transmitted by the itch mite, commonly through sexual contact
Schizophrenia
a psychological disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and/or diminished, inappropriate emotional expression
Scintigraphy
nuclear medicine procedure that visualizes various tissues and organs after administration of a radionuclide; lights up at places of uptake
Scleral icterus
yellowing of the sclera due to jaundice
sequela
a disorder or condition usually resulting from a previous disease or injury
shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
soreness on the front of the leg due to straining the anterior leg muscles, often as a result of walking up and down hills
sialolithiasis
Presence of a stone in the salivary gland
speculum
an instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity to facilitate inspection of its interior
SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis)
measures specific proteins in the blood to help identify some diseases that have abnormal protein levels.
Spiral fracture
ragged break occurs when excessive twisting forces are applied to a bone
Splenomegaly
enlargement of the spleen
Spondylolisthesis
forward slipping of one vertebra over another
Strabismus
Disorder in which the eyes don't look in exactly the same direction at the same time; cross-eyed or wall-eye
Striae
stretch marks
syncope
fainting or sudden loss of consciousness caused by lack of blood supply to the cerebrum
Syndactyly
webbed fingers or toes
Tenosynovitis
inflammation of the sheath surrounding a tendon
Thanatophobia
fear of death
Thoracentesis
the surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to remove fluid from the pleural cavity
Thrombocytopenia
a condition in which there is an abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood
Tinea pedis
fungal infection of the foot; athlete's foot
Tinnitus
ringing or buzzing in the ears
Tonometry
the measurement of intraocular pressure
Torticollis
head tilt due to shortening or spasm of one sternomastoid muscle
Tourette's Syndrome
Disorder of the basal ganglia characterized by tics, involuntary vocalizations (including curse words and animal sounds), and odd, involuntary movements of the body, especially of the face and head.
Tracheostomy
surgical creation of an opening into the trachea through the neck
Transvestism
wearing clothes of the opposite sex for sexual arousal
Trichotillomania
a disorder characterized by the repeated pulling out of one's own hair
TRUS (transrectal ultrasonography)
a procedure which utilizes sound waves to create an image of the prostate gland and the surrounding tissue.
Tuberculosis
A potentially serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs; it is highly contagious.
TUMT (transurethral microwave therapy)
an outpatient procedure to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. It's generally used for men with small- to moderate-sized prostates. ... The antenna emits a dose of microwave energy that heats and destroys excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate)
Procedure to remove prostatic tissue preformed using an endoscope passed through the urethra
Varicose veins
abnormally swollen, twisted veins with defective valves; most often seen in the legs
vasectomy
removal of a segment of the vas deferens to produce sterility in the male
Vasoconstriction
the constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
Vasovasostomy
reversal of a vasectomy
Vesicovaginal fistula
abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina
Vitiligo
loss of pigment in areas of the skin
volvulus
twisting of the bowel on itself, causing obstruction
Voyeurism
obtaining power, control, and sexual arousal by secretively viewing other people who are naked or having sexual relations
Wheal
an area of the skin which is temporarily raised, typically reddened, and usually accompanied by itching.
xenograft
a graft of tissue obtained from any other species besides human
Xenophobia
fear of foreigners/strangers
Xerophthalmia
condition of dry eye
Angiogram
procedure that uses x-rays and a contrast dye injected into a blood vessel to create an image.
Arthrography
procedure that uses x-rays and a contrast dye injected into a joint to create an image
DEXA scan
Type of bone density test that uses two x-ray beams at two different energy levels.
Fluoroscopy
Procedure that uses continuous x-rays to capture the motion of internal organs after the administration of a contrast medium or contrast dye.
HIDA scan
radioactive imaging procedure that tracks the production and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine
Hysterosalpingogram
Procedure that uses x-rays and a contrast dye inserted into the uterus to create an image of the uterus and uterine tubes
MUGA scan
Nuclear medicine procedure that uses scintigraphy and a radiopharmaceutical drug to create an image of the blood in the heart.
Myelography
Procedure that uses x-rays and a contrast dye inserted through a catheter into the subarachnoid space of the spine to create an image of the spinal cavity
Pyelography
Procedure that uses x-rays and a contrast dye injected intravenously or instilled into the bladder to create an image of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
specialized echocardiography procedure in which patient swallows ultrasound head in order to better visualize internal cardiac structures, especially cardiac valves
VQ scan
Nuclear medicine procedure that uses scintigraphy and an inhaled radiopharmaceutical drug to create an image of the lungs