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Medical Terminology

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
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Question Combining Forms
Answer
abdominal cavity   Body pace between abdominal walls, above the pelvis, and below the diaphragm.  
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abdomin(o)   abdomen  
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acetabul(o)   cut-shaped hip socket  
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aden(o)   gland  
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adip(o)   fat  
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adren(o)   adrenal glands  
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alveol(o)   air sac, alveolus  
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angi(o)   vessel  
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anterior   At or toward the front(of the body).  
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aort(o)   aorta  
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appendic(o)   appendix  
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arteri(o)   artery  
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arteriol(o)   arteriole a tiny artery connecting to a capillary.  
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arthr(o)   joint; articulation  
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aur(i), auricul(o)   ear  
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blephar(o)   eyelid  
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brachi(o)   arm  
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blood system   Body system that includes blood and all its component parts  
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bronch(o), bronchi   bronchus  
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bucc(o)   cheek  
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burs(o)_   bursa  
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calcane(o)   heel bone  
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cardi(o)   heart;esophageal opening of the stomach  
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cardiovascular system   Body system that includes the heart and blood vessels; circulatory system.  
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carp(o)   wrist bones  
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celi(o)   abdomen  
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cell   Smallest unit of a living structure  
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cephal(o)   head  
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cerebell(o)   cerebellum  
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cerebr(o)   cerebellum  
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cervic(o)   neck;cervix  
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cheil(o), chil(o)   lip  
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chir(o)   hand  
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chol(e), cholo   bile  
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chondri(o), chondro   cartilage  
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col(o), colon(o)   colon  
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colp(o)   vagina  
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connective tissue   Fibrous substance that forms the body's supportive framework.  
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core(o)   pupil  
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coronal plane   Imaginary line that divides the body into anterior and posterior positions  
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cranial cavity   Space in the head that contains the brain  
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cortic(o)   cortex  
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costi, costo   rib  
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crani(o)   cranium  
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cross-sectional plane   Imaginary line that insects the body horizontally.  
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cyst(i), cysto   bladder; cyst  
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cyt(o)   cell  
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dactyl(o)   fingers,toes  
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deep   Away from the surface (of the body).  
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dent(i), dento   tooth  
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derm(o), derma,dermat(o)   skin  
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diaphragm   Muscle that divides the abdominal and thoracic cavities.  
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digestive system   Body system that includes all organs of digestion and waste excretions, from the mouth to the anus.  
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distal   Away from the point of attachment of the trunk.  
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dorsal   At or toward the back of the body  
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dorsal cavity   Main cavity on the back side of the body containing the cranial and spinal cavities.  
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duoden(o)   duodenum  
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encephal(o)   brain  
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endocrine system   Body system that includes glands that secrete hormones to regulate certain body functions.  
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enter(o)   intestines  
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epigastic region   Area of the body immediately above the stomach.  
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episi(o)   vulva  
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epithelial tissue   Tissue that covers or lines the body or its parts.  
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frontal plane   Imaginary line that divides that body into anterior and posterior positions.  
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gastr(o)   stomach  
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gingiv(o)   gum  
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gloss(o)   tongue  
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gnath(o)   jaw  
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gonad(o)   sex glands  
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hem(a), hemat(o), hemo   blood  
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hemic system   Organs involved in the production of blood including the cellular and the molecular components essential in providing defenses against foreign organisms or substances.  
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hepat(o),hepatic(o)   liver  
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hidr(o)   sweat  
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histi(o), histo   tissue  
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hypochondriac regions   Left and right regions of the body just below the cartilage of the ribs and immediately above the abdomen.  
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hypogastric regions   Areas of the body just below the umbilical region.  
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hyster(o)   uterus, hysteria  
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ile(o)   ileum  
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ili(o)   ilium  
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iliac regions   Left and right regions of the body near the upper portions of the hip bone.  
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inferior   Below another body structure.  
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inguin(o)   groin  
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inguinal regions   Left and right regions of the body near the upper portion of the hip bone.  
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integumentary system   Body system that includes skin, hair, and nails.  
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irid(o)   iris  
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ischi(o)   ischium  
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kary(o)   nucleus  
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kerat(o)   cornea  
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labi(o)   lip  
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lamin(o)   lamina  
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lapar(o)   abdominal wall  
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laryng(o)   larynx  
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lateral   to the side  
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lateral plane   Imaginary line that divides the body perpendicularly to the medial plane.  
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left lower quadrant (LLQ)   Quadrant on the lower left anterior side of the patient's body.  
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left upper quadrant (LUQ)   Quadrant on the upper left anterior side of the patient's body.  
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linguo   tongue  
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lip(o)   fat  
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lumbar region   Left and right regions of the body near the waist on the dorsal (or posterior) side.  
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lymph(o)   lymph  
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lymphatic and immune system   Body system that includes the lymph, glands of the lymphatic system, lymphatic vessels, and the specific and nonspecific defenses of the immune system.  
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mast(o)   breast  
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maxill(o)   maxilla  
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medial   At or near the middle (of the body)  
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medial plane   Imaginary line that divides the body into equal left and right halves.  
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medull(o)   medulla  
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mening(o)   meninges  
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midsagittal plane   See medial plane  
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muco   mucus  
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muscle tissue   Tissue that is able to contract and relax  
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musculoskeletal system   Body system that includes muscles, bones, and cartilage.  
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my(o)   muscle  
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myel(o)   spinal cords; bone marrow  
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nephr(o)   kidney  
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nervous system   Body system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and controls most body functions by sending and receiving messages.  
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nervous tissue   Specialized tissue that forms nerve cells and is capable of transmitting messages.  
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neur, neuro   nerve  
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oculo   eye  
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odont(o)   tooth  
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onych(o)   nail  
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oo   egg  
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oophor(o)   ovary  
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ophthalm(o   eye  
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opto, optico   eye; sight  
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or(o)   mouth  
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orchi(o),orchid(o)   testis  
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organ   Group of specialized tissue that performs a specific function.  
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osseo, ossi   bone  
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ost(e),osteo   bone  
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ot(o)   ear  
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ovari(o)   ovary  
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ovi, ovo   egg; ova  
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ped(o), pedi   food; child  
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pelvi(o), pelvo   pelvic bone; hip  
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pelvic cavity   Body space below the abdominal cavity that includes the reproductive organs.  
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pharyng(o)   pharynx  
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phleb(o)   vein  
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phren(o), phreni, phrenico   mind; diaphragm  
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pil(o)   hair  
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plasma, plasmo, plasmat(o)   plasma  
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pleur(o), pleura   rib; side; pleura  
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pneum(a), pneumat(o)   lungs; air; breathing  
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pod(o)   foot  
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posterior   At or toward the back side (of the body)  
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proct(o)   anus  
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prone   Lying on the stomach with the face down.  
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proximal   At or near the point of attachment of the trunk.  
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psych(o), psyche   mind  
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pulmon(o)   lung  
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pyel(o)   renal pelvis  
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rachi(o)   spine  
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rect(o)   rectum  
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reni, reno   kidney  
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reproductive system   Either the male or female body system that controls reproduction  
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respiratory system   Body system that includes the lings and airways and performs breathing.  
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rhin(o)   nose  
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right lower quadrant (RLQ)   Quadrant on the lower right anterior side of the patient's body  
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right upper quadrant (RUQ)   Quadrant on the upper right anterior side of the patient's body.  
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sacr(o)   sacrum  
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sagittal plane   Imaginary line that divides the body into right and left portions.  
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sarco   fleshy tissue; muscle  
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scler(o)   sclera  
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sensory system   Body system that includes the eyes and ears and those parts of other systems involved in the reactions of the five senses.  
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sial(o)   salivary glands; saliva  
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sigmoid(o)   sigmoid colon  
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somat(o)   body  
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sperma,spermato,spermo   semen;spermatozoa  
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spinal cavity   Body space that contains the spinal cord.  
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splanchn(o), splanchni   viscera  
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splen(o)   spleen  
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spondyl(o)   vertebra  
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stern(o)   sternum  
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steth(o)   chest  
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stom(a),stomat(o)   mouth  
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superficial   at or near the surface (of the body).  
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superior   above another body structure  
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supine   lying on the spine facing upward.  
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system   Any group of organs and ancillary parts that work together to perform a major body function.  
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ten(o),tendin(o), tendo, tenon(o)   tendon  
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test(o)   testis  
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thorac(o), thoracico   thorax, chest  
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thoracic cavity   Body space above the abdominal cavity that contains the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.  
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thym(o)   thymus gland  
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thyr(o)   thyroid gland  
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tissue   Any group of cells that work together to perform a single function.  
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trache(o)   trachea  
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trachel(o)   neck  
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transverse plane   Imaginary line that intersects the body horizontally.  
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trich(o), trichi   hair  
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umbilical region   Area of the body surrounding the umbilicus.  
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urinary system   Body system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra and helps maintain homeostasis by removing fluid and dissolved waste.  
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varico   varicosity  
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vas(o)   blood vessel; duct  
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vasculo   blood vessel  
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veni, veno   vein  
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ventral   at or toward the front (of the body)  
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ventral cavity   Major cavity in the front of the body containing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.  
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ventricul(o)   ventricle  
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vertebro   vertebra  
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vesic(o)   bladder  
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abscess   Localized collection of pus and other exudate,usually accompanied by swelling and redness.  
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acne   Inflammatory eruption of the skin, occurring in or near sebaceous glands on the face, neck, shoulder, or upper neck.  
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acne vulgaris   See acne  
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actinic keratosis   Overgrowth of horny skin that forms from overexposure to sunlight; sunburn.  
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adip(o)   fatty  
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adipose   Fatty; relating to fat  
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allograft   Skin graft using donor skin from one person to another  
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albinism   Rare, congenital condition causing either partial or total lack of pigmentation.  
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alopecia areata   Loss of hair in patches, loss of hair in spots, baldness.  
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alpha-hydroxy acid   Agent added to cosmetics to improve the skin's appearance.  
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anesthetic   Agent that relieves pain by blocking nerve sensations  
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antibacterial   Agent that kills or slows the growth of a bacteria.  
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antibiotic   Agent that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms.  
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antifungal   Agent that kills or slows the growth of fungi.  
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antihistamine   Agent that controls allergic reactions by blocking the effectiveness of histamines in the body.  
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anti-inflammatory   Agent that relieves the symptoms of inflammations.  
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antipruritic   Agent that controls itching  
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antiseptic   Agent that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms.  
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apocrine glands   Glands that appear during and after puberty and secret sweat, as from the armpits.  
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astringent   Agent that removes excess oils and impurities from the surface of skin.  
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autograft   Skin graft using skin from one's own body  
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basal cell carcinoma   Slow-growing cancer of the basal cells of teh epidermis, usually a result of sun damage.  
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biopsy   Excision of tissue for microscopic examination.  
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birthmark   Lesion (especially a hemangioma) visible at or soon after birth; nevus  
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blackhead   See Comedo Open hair follicle filled with bacteria and sebum; common in acne; blackhead.  
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bulla(pl.bullae)   Bubble-like blister on the surface of the skin.  
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burn   Damage to the skin caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or other skin irritants.  
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callus   Mass of hard skin that forms as a cover over broken skin on certain areas of the body, especially the feet and hands.  
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candidiasis   Yeast-like fungus on the skin, caused by Candida; characterized by pruritus, white exudate, peeling, and easy bleeding; examples are thrush and diaper rash.  
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carbuncle   Infected area of the skin producing pus and usually accompanied by fever.  
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cauterize   To apply heat to an area to cause coagulation and stop bleeding.  
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cellulitis   Severe inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous portions of the skin, usually caused by an infection that enters the skin through an opening as a wound; characterized by local heat, redness, pain, and swelling.  
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chemotherapy   Treatment of cancer that uses chemicals to destroy malignant cells  
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chloasma   Group of fairly large, pigmented facial patches, often associated with pregnancy  
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cicatrix   Growth of fibrous tissue inside a wound that forms a scar; also, general term for scar.  
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cold sore   Eruption around the mouth or lips; herpes simplex virus type 1.  
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collagen   Major protein substance that is tough and flexible and that forms connective tissue in the body.  
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comedo   Open hair follicle filled with bacteria and sebum; common in acne; blackhead.  
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corium   See dermis Layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels, nerves, and some glands  
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corn   Growth of hard skin, usually on the toes.  
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corticosteroid   Agent with anti-inflammatory properties.  
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crust   Hard layer, especially one found by dried pus, as in a scab.  
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cryosurgery   Surgery that removes tissue by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.  
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currettage   Removal of tissue from an area, such as a wound, by scraping.  
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cuticle   Thin band of epidermis that surrounds the edge of nails, except at the top.  
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cyst   Abnormal sac containing fluid  
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debridement   Removal of dead tissue from a wound.  
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decubitus ulcer   Chronic ulcer on skin over bony parts that are under constant pressure.  
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depigmentation   Loss of color of the skin  
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dermabrasion   Removal of wrinkles, scars, tattoos, and other marks by scraping with brushes or emery papers  
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dermatitis   Inflammation of the skin  
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dermat(o)   skin  
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diaphoresis   Excretion of fluid by the sweat glands; sweating.  
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discord lupus erythematosus   Mild form of lupus  
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ecchymosis (pl. ecchymoses)   Purplish skin patch(bruise) caused by broken blood vessels beneath the surface.  
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eccrine glands   sweat glands that occur all over the body, except where the apocrine glands occur.  
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eczema   severe inflammatory condition of the skin, usually of unknown cause.  
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electrodesiccation   Drying with electrical current.  
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emollient   Agent that smooths or softens skin.  
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epidermis   Outer portion of the skin containing several strata  
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erosion   wearing away of the surface of the skin, especially that caused by friction.  
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exanthematous viral disease   Viral disease that causes a rash on the skin.  
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excoriation   Injury to the surface of the skin caused by a scratch, abrasion, or burn, usually accompanied by some oozing.  
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exocrine glands   glands that secret through ducts toward the outside of the body  
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exudate   Any fluid excreted out of tissue, especially fluid excreted out of an injury to the skin.  
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fever blister   eruption around the mouth or lips; herpes simplex virus Type 1  
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first-degree burn   least severe burn, causes injury to the surfaces of the skin without blistering.  
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fissure   Deep slit in the skin.  
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fulguration   destruction of tissue using electric sparks.  
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furuncle   localized skin infection, usually in a hair follicle and containing pus; boil  
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gangrene   Death of an area of skin, usually caused by loss of blood supply to the area.  
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genital herpes   See herpes simplex virus Type 2 Herpes that recurs on the genitalia; can be easily transmitted from on person to another through sexual contact.  
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hair follicle   tube-like sac in the epidermis out of which the hair shaft develops.  
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hair root   portion of hair beneath the skin surface.  
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hair shaft   portion of the hair visible above the skin surface.  
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herpes   an inflammatory skin disease caused by viruses of the family Herpesviridae.  
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herpes simplex virus Type 1   Herpes that recurs on the lips and around the area of the mouth, usually during viral illnesses or states of stress.  
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herpes simplex virus Type 2   Herpes that recurs on the genitalia; can be easily transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact.  
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herpes zoster   Painful herpes that affects nerve roots; shingles.  
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heterograft   skin graft using donor skin from one species to another  
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hidr(o)   sweat, sweat glands  
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hives   See urticaria group of reddish wheals, usually accompanied by pruritus and often caused by an allergy.  
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homograft   skin graft using donor skin from one person to another.  
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hypodermis   Subcutaneous skin layer; layer below the dermis  
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ichthy(o)   fish, scaly  
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impetigo   a type of pyoderma  
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integument   skin and all the elements that are contained within and arise from it  
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intradermal   from within the skin, particularly from the dermis  
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Kaposi's sarcoma   skin cancer associated with AIDS  
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keloid   thick scarring of the skin that forms after an injury or surgery.  
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keratin   hard, horny protein that forms nails and hair.  
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kerat(o)   horny tissue  
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keratolytic   Agent that aids in the removal of warts and corns.  
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keratosis   lesion on the epidermis containing keratin  
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lesion   wound, damage, or injury to the skin.  
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leukoderma   absence of pigment in the skin or in an area of the skin  
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leukoplakia   white patch of mucus membrane on the tongue or cheek  
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lip(o)   fatty  
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lunula(pl. lunulae)   half-moon shaped area at the base of the nail plate.  
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macule   small, flat, noticeably colored spot on the skin.  
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malignant melanoma   virulent skin cancer originating in the melanocytes, usually caused by overexposure to the sun.  
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Mantoux test   test for tuberculosis in which a small dose of tuberculin in injected into the skin with a syringe.  
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melan(o)   black, very dark  
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melanin   pigment produced by melanocytes that determines skin, hair, and eye color.  
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melanocyte   cell in the epidermis that produces melanin  
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Moh's surgery   removal of thin layers of malignant tissue until nonmalignant tissues is found.  
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myc(o)   fungus  
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nail   thin layer of keratin that covers the distal portion of fingers and toes.  
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neoplasm   abnormal tissue growth.  
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nevus(pl. nevi)   birthmark  
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nodule   small knob of tissue  
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onych(o)   nail  
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onychia, onychitis   inflammation of the nail  
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onychopathy   disease of the nail.  
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papillary layer   thin sublayer of the dermis containing small papillae (nipple-like masses).  
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papule   small, solid elevation on the skin  
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parasiticide   Agent that kills or slows the growth of parasites.  
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paronychia   inflammation, with pus, of the fold surrounding the nail plate.  
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patch   small area of skin differing in color from the surrounding area.  
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patch test   test for allergic sensitivity in which a small dose of antigen is applied to the skin on a small piece of gauze  
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pediculated polyp   polyp that projects upward from slender stalk.  
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pediculosis   lice infestation  
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pemphigus   autoimmune disease that causes skin blistering  
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petechia(pl. petechiae)   tiny hemorrhages beneath the surface of the skin.  
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pil(o)   hair  
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pilonidal cyst   cyst containing hair, usually found at the lower end of the spinal cord.  
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plantar wart   wart on the sole of the foot.  
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plaque   see patch small area of skin differing in color from the surrounding area.  
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plastic surgery   repair or reconstruction(as of the skin) by means of surgery.  
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polyp   bulging mass of tissue that projects outward from the skin surface.  
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pore   opening or hole, particularly in the skin.  
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pressure sore   See decubitus ulcer. Chronic ulcer on skin over bony parts that are under constant pressure.  
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pruritus   itching  
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psoriasis   chronic skin condition accompanied by scaly lesions with extreme pruritus.  
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purpura   skin condition with extensive hemorrhages underneath the skin covering a wide area.  
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pustule   small elevation on the skin containing pus.  
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pyoderma   any inflammation of the skin that produces pus.  
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radiation therapy   treatment of cancer that uses ionizing radiation to destroy malignant cells.  
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reticular layer   Bottom sublayer of the dermis containing reticula(network of structures with connective tissue between).  
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ringworm   fungal infection; tinea  
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rosacea   vascular disease that causes blotchy, red patches on the skin, particularly on the nose and cheeks.  
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roseola   skin eruption small, rosy patches, usually caused by a virus.  
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rubella   disease that causes a viral skin rash; German measles.  
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rubeola   disease that causes a viral skin rash; measles.  
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scabies   skin eruption caused by a mite burrowing into the skin.  
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scale   small plate of hard skin that falls off.  
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Schick test   test for diphtheria  
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scleroderma   thickening of the skin caused by an increase in collagen formation.  
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scratch test   test for allergic sensitivity in which a small amount of antigen is scratched onto the surface of the skin.  
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sebaceous cyst   cyst containing yellow sebum.  
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sebaceous glands   glands in the dermis that open to hair follicles and secrete sebum.  
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seb(o)   sebum, sebaceous glands.  
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seborrhea   overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands.  
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sebum   oily substance, usually secreted into hair follicle.  
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second-degree burn   moderately severe burn that affects the epidermis and dermis; usually involves blistering.  
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sessile polyp   polyp that projects upward from a broad base.  
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shingles   viral disease affecting peripheral nerves and caused by herpes zoster.  
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skin graft   placement of fresh skin over a damaged area.  
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squamous cell carcinoma   cancer of the squamous epithelium  
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squamous epithelium   flat, scaly layer of cells that makes up the epidermis.  
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steat(o)   fat  
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stratified squamous epithelium   layers of epithelial cells that make up the strata of the epidermis.  
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stratum(pl. strata)   layer of tissue, especially a layer of skin.  
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striae   stretch marks made in the collagen fibers of the dermis layer.  
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subcutaneous layer   bottom layer of the skin containing fatty tissue.  
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sweat glands   coiled glands of the skin that secrete perspiration to regulate body temperature and excrete waste products.  
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systemic lupus erythematosus   most severe form of lupus, involving internal organs.  
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third-degree burns   most severe type of burns; involving complete destruction of an area of skin.  
🗑
tine test   test for tuberculosis in which a small dose of tuberculin is injected into a series of sites within a small space with a tine (instrument that punctures the surface of the skin).  
🗑
tinea   fungal infection; ringworm  
🗑
topical anesthetic   anesthetic applied to the surface of the skin.  
🗑
trich(o)   hair  
🗑
tumor   any mass of tissue; swelling  
🗑
ulcer   open lesion, usually with superficial loss of tissue.  
🗑
ultraviolet light   artificial sunlight used to treat some skin lesions.  
🗑
urticaria   group of reddish wheals, usually accompanied by pruritus and often caused by an allergy.  
🗑
varicella   contagious skin disease, usually occurring during childhood, often accompanied by the formation of pustules; chicken pox.  
🗑
vascular lesion   lesion in a blood vessel that shows through the skin.  
🗑
verruca(pl. verrucae)   flesh-colored growth, sometimes caused by a virus; wart.  
🗑
vesicle   small, raised sac on the skin containing fluid.  
🗑
vitiligo   condition in which white patches appear on otherwise normally pigmented skin.  
🗑
wart   See verruca flesh-colored growth, sometimes caused by virus; wart  
🗑
wheal   itchy patch of raised skin.  
🗑
whitehead   closed comedo that does not contain the dark bacteria present in blackheads.  
🗑
xanth(o)   yellow  
🗑
xenograft   See heterograft skin graft using donor skin from species to another.  
🗑
xer(o)   dry  
🗑
bx   biopsy  
🗑
DLE   Discoid Lupus Erythematosus  
🗑
PPD   Psoralen-ultraviolet a light therapy  
🗑
SLE   System Lupus Erythematosus  
🗑
acetabul(o)   acetabulum  
🗑
acetabulum   cup-shaped depression in the hip bone into which the top of the femur fits.  
🗑
acromi(o)   end point of the scapula  
🗑
acromion   part of the scapula that connects to the clavicle.  
🗑
amphiarthroses   cartilaginous joint having some movement at the union of two bones  
🗑
amputation   Cutting off of a limb or part of a limb.  
🗑
analgesic   to relieve pain aspirin acetaminophen (NSAIDS are also analgesics.) Agents that relieve pain.  
🗑
ankle   Hinged area between the lower leg bones and the bones of the foot.  
🗑
ankyl(o)   bent crooked  
🗑
ankylosis   Stiffing of a joint, especially as a result of disease.  
🗑
anti-inflammatory   Agent that reduces inflammation.  
🗑
arthr(o)   joint  
🗑
arthaglgia   Severe joint pain  
🗑
arthritis   Any of various conditions involving joint inflammation.  
🗑
arthrocentesis   removal of fluid from a joint with use of puncture needle.  
🗑
arthrodesis   Surgical fusion of a joint to stiffen it  
🗑
arthography   Radiography of a joint  
🗑
arthroplasty   Surgical replacement or repair of a joint.  
🗑
arthroscopy   Examination with an instrument that explores the interior of a joint.  
🗑
articular cartilage   cartilage joint  
🗑
articulation   point at which two bones join together to allow movement.  
🗑
atlas   First cervical vertebra  
🗑
atrophy   Wasting away of tissue, organs, and cells, usually as a result of disease or loss of blood supply.  
🗑
axis   second cervical vertebra.  
🗑
bone   Hard connective tissue that forms the skeleton of the body.  
🗑
bone grafting   Transplantation of bone from one site to another.  
🗑
bone head   Upper, rounded end of a bone.  
🗑
bone phagocyte   Bone cell that ingests dead bone and bone debris  
🗑
bone scan   radiographic or ultrasound image of a bone.  
🗑
bony necrosis   death of portions of bone.  
🗑
brachi(o)   arm  
🗑
bunion   an inflamed bursa at the foot joint, between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone.  
🗑
bunionectomy   removal of a bunion  
🗑
burs(o)   bursa  
🗑
bursa   sac lined with a synovail membrane that fills the spaces between tendons and joints.  
🗑
bursectomy   removal of a bursa  
🗑
bursitis   inflammation of bursa  
🗑
calcane(o)   heel  
🗑
calcaneus   heel bone  
🗑
calcar   another name for spur  
🗑
calci(o)   calcium  
🗑
calcium   Mineral important in the formation of bone.  
🗑
cancellous bone   Spongy bone with latticelike structure.  
🗑
cardiac muscle   Striated involuntary muscle of the heart.  
🗑
carp(o)   wrist  
🗑
carpal tunnel syndrome   pain and paraesthesia in the hand due to repetitive motion injury of the median nerve.  
🗑
carpus, carpal bone   wrist bone  
🗑
cartilage   flexible connective tissue found in joints, fetal skeleton, and the lining of various parts of the body.  
🗑
cartilaginous disk   Thin, circular mass of cartilage between the vertebrae of the spinal column.  
🗑
casting   forming of a cast in a mold; placing of fiberglass or plaster over a body part to prevent its movement.  
🗑
cephal(o)   head  
🗑
cervic(o)   neck  
🗑
cervical vertebrae   Seven vertebrae of the spinal column located in the neck.  
🗑
chiropractor   Health care professional who works to align the spinal column so as to treat certain ailments  
🗑
chondr(o)   cartilage  
🗑
chondromalacia   softening of cartilage  
🗑
clavicle   curved bone of the shoulder that joins to the scapula; collar bone.  
🗑
closed fracture   fracture with no open skin wound.  
🗑
coccyx   small bone consisting of four fused vertebrae at the end of the spinal column; tailbone  
🗑
Colles' fracture   fracture of lower end of the radius.  
🗑
comminuted fracture   fracture with shattered bones.  
🗑
compact bone   hard bone with tightly woven structure.  
🗑
complex fracture   fracture with part of the bone displaced.  
🗑
compound fracture   fracture with an open skin wound; open fracture.  
🗑
compression fracture   fracture of one or more vertebrae caused by compressing on the space between the vertebrae.  
🗑
condyle(o)   knob, knuckle  
🗑
cost(o)   rib  
🗑
crani(o)   skull  
🗑
crest   bony ridge  
🗑
dactyl(o)   fingers, toes  
🗑
degenerative arthritis   arthritis with erosion of the cartilage.  
🗑
densitometer   device that measures bone density using light and x-rays.  
🗑
diaphysis   long middle section of a long bone; shaft  
🗑
diarthroses   freely movable joints.  
🗑
disk, disc(disk)   thin, circular mass of cartilage between the vertebrae of the spinal column.  
🗑
diskography   radiographic image of intervertebral disk by injection of a contrast medium into the center of the disk.  
🗑
dislocation   movement of a joint out of its normal position as a result of an injury or sudden, strenuous movement.  
🗑
dorsal vertebrae   thoracic vertebrae  
🗑
dystonia   abnormal tone in the tissues  
🗑
elbow   joint between the upper arm and the forearm.  
🗑
electromyogram   a graphic image of muscular action using electrical currents  
🗑
endosteum   lining of the medullary cavity  
🗑
epiphyseal plate   cartilaginous tissue that is replaced during growth years, but eventually calcifies and disappears when growth stops.  
🗑
epiphysitis   inflammation of the epiphysis.  
🗑
ethmoid bone   irregular bone of the face attached to the sphenoid bone.  
🗑
ethmoid sinuses   sinuses on both sides of the nasal cavities between each eye and the sphenoid sinus.  
🗑
exostosis   abnormal bone growth capped with cartilage.  
🗑
external fixation device   device applied externally to hold a limb in place.  
🗑
fasci(o)   fascia  
🗑
fascia   sheet pf fibrous tissue that encloses muscles  
🗑
femor(o)   femur  
🗑
femur   long bone of the thigh.  
🗑
fibr(o)   fiber  
🗑
fibula   smallest long bone of the lower leg.  
🗑
fissure   deep furrow or slit.  
🗑
flaccid   without tone; relaxed  
🗑
flat bone   thin, flattened bones that cover certain areas, as of the skull.  
🗑
fontanelle   soft, membranous section on top of an infant's skull.  
🗑
formen   opening or perforation through a bone.  
🗑
formen magnum   opening in the occipital bone through which the spinal cord passes.  
🗑
fossa   depression, as in a bone.  
🗑
fracture   a break, especially in a bone.  
🗑
frontal bone   large bone of the skull that forms the top of the head and forehead.  
🗑
frontal sinuses   sinuses above the eyes.  
🗑
goniometer   instrument that measures angles or range of motion in a joint.  
🗑
gouty arthritis, gout   inflammation of the joints, present in gout; usually caused by uric acid crystals.  
🗑
greenstick fracture   fracture with twisting or bending of the bone but no breaking; usually occurs in children.  
🗑
hairline fracture   fracture with no bone separation or fragmentation.  
🗑
heel   back, rounded portion of the foot.  
🗑
herniated disk   protrusion of an intervertebral disk into neural canal  
🗑
humer(o)   humerus  
🗑
humerus   long bone of the arm connecting to the scapula on top and the radius and ulna at the bottom.  
🗑
hypertrophy   abnormal increase as in muscle size.  
🗑
hypotonia   abnormally reduced muscle tension,  
🗑
ilo(o)   ilium  
🗑
ilium   wide portion of the hip bone.  
🗑
impacted fracture   fracture in which a fragment from on part of the fracture is driven into the tissue of another part.  
🗑
imcomplete fracture   fracture that does not go entirely through a bone.  
🗑
insertion   point at which muscles attach to a movable bone.  
🗑
internal fixation device   device, such as a pin, inserted in bone to hold it in place.  
🗑
involuntary muscle   muscles not movable at will.  
🗑
irregular bones   any of a group of bones with a special shape to fit into certain area of the skeleton, such as the skull.  
🗑
ischi(o)   ischium  
🗑
ischium   one of three fused bones that form the pelvic girdle.  
🗑
joint   place of joining between two or more bones.  
🗑
kyph(o)   hump, bent  
🗑
kyphosis   abnormal posterior spine curvature.  
🗑
lacrimal bone   thin, flat bone of the face.  
🗑
lamin(o)   lamina  
🗑
lamina, (pl. laminae)   thin, flat part of either side of the arch of a vertebra.  
🗑
laminectomy   removal of part of an invertebral disk.  
🗑
leiomy(o)   smooth muscle  
🗑
leiomyoma   benign tumor of smooth muscle.  
🗑
leiomyosarcoma   malignant tumor of smooth muscle.  
🗑
ligament   sheet of fibrous tissue connecting and supporting bones; attaches bone to bone.  
🗑
long bone   any bone of the extremities with a shaft.  
🗑
lordosis   abnormal anterior spine curvature resulting in a sway back.  
🗑
lumb(o)   lumbar  
🗑
lumbar vertebrae   five vertebrae of the lower back.  
🗑
malleolus (pl. malleoli)   rounded protrusion of the tibia of fibula on either side of the ankle.  
🗑
mandible   U-shaped bone of the lower jaw  
🗑
mandibular bone   mandible.  
🗑
marrow   connective tissue filling the medullary cavity, often rich in nutrients.  
🗑
mastoid process   protrusion of the temporal bone that sits behind the ear.  
🗑
maxill(o)   upper jaw  
🗑
maxillary bone   bone of the upper jaw  
🗑
maxillary sinus   sinus on either side of the nasal cavity below the eyes.  
🗑
medullary cavity   soft center cavity in bone that often holds marrow.  
🗑
metacarp(o)   metacarpal  
🗑
metacarpal   one of the five bones of the hand between the wrist and the fingers.  
🗑
metaphysis   section of long bone between the epiphysis and diaphysis.  
🗑
metatarsal bones   bones of the foot between the instep(arch) and the toes.  
🗑
muscle   contractile tissue that plays a major role in body movement.  
🗑
muscle relaxant   agent that relieves muscle stiffness.  
🗑
muscular dystrophy   progressive degenerative disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system, and later, other organs.  
🗑
musculoskeletal system   system of the body including the muscles and skeleton.  
🗑
my(o)   muscle  
🗑
myalgia   muscle pain  
🗑
myel(o)   spinal cord; bone marrow  
🗑
myelography   radiographic imaging of the spinal cord  
🗑
myeloma   bone marrow  
🗑
myodynia   muscle pain  
🗑
myoma   benign muscle tumor  
🗑
myoplasty   surgical repair of muscle tissue  
🗑
myositis   inflammation of a muscle.  
🗑
narcotic   agent that relieves pain by affecting the body in ways similar to opium.  
🗑
nasal bones   bones that form the bridge of the nose  
🗑
nasal cavity   cavity on either side of the nasal septum.  
🗑
neural canal   space through which the spinal cord passes.  
🗑
nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug   agent that reduces inflammation without the use of steroids.  
🗑
nucleus pulposus   fibrous mass in the center portion of the intervertebral disk.  
🗑
occipital bone   bone that forms the lower back portion of the skull  
🗑
olecranon   curved end of the ulna to which tendons of the arm muscles attach; bony prominence of the elbow.  
🗑
open fracture   fracture with an open skin wound; compound fracture.  
🗑
origin   point at which muscles attach to stationary bone.  
🗑
orthopedist   physician who examines, diagnoses, and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system.  
🗑
orthosis, orthotic   external appliance used to immobilize or assist the movement of the spine or limbs.  
🗑
osseus tissue   connective tissue into which calcium salts are deposited.  
🗑
ossification   hardening into bone.  
🗑
oste(o)   bone  
🗑
osteaglia   bone pain  
🗑
osteoarthritis   arthritis with loss of cartilage.  
🗑
osteoblast   cells that forms bone.  
🗑
osteoclasis   breaking of a bone in order to repair or reposition it.  
🗑
osteoclast   large cells that reabsorbs and removes osseous tissue.  
🗑
osteocyte   bone cell  
🗑
osteodynia   bone pain  
🗑
osteoma   benign tumor, usually in the skull or mandible.  
🗑
osteomyelitis   inflammation of the bone marrow and surrounding bone.  
🗑
osteopath   physician who combines manipulative treatment with conventional therapeutic measures.  
🗑
osteoplasty   surgical replacement or repair of bone.  
🗑
osteoporosis   degenerative thinning of bone.  
🗑
osteoscarcoma   malignant tumor of bone.  
🗑
osteotomy   cutting of bone.  
🗑
palatine bone   bones that help form the hard palate and nasal cavity; located behind the maxillary bones.  
🗑
parietal bone   flat, curved bone either side of the upper part of the skull.  
🗑
patall(o)   knee  
🗑
patella   large, sesamoid bone that forms the kneecap  
🗑
pathological fracture   fracture occurring at the site of already damaged bone.  
🗑
ped(i), pedo   foot  
🗑
pelvi(o)   pelvis  
🗑
pelvic cavity   cup-shaped cavity formed by the large bones of the pelvic girdle; contains female reproductive organs, sigmoid colon, bladder, and rectum.  
🗑
pelvic girdle   hip bones.  
🗑
pelvis   cup-shaped ring of bone and ligaments at the base of the trunk.  
🗑
periosteum   fibrous membrane covering the surface of bone.  
🗑
phalang(o)   finger or toe bone  
🗑
phanlanges (sing. phalanx)   long bones of the fingers and toes.  
🗑
phantom limbs; phantom pain   pain felt in a paralyzed or amputated limb.  
🗑
phosphorus   mineral important to the formation of bone.  
🗑
physical therapy   movement therapy to restore use of damaged areas of the body.  
🗑
pod(o)   foot  
🗑
podagra   pain in the big toe, often associated with gout.  
🗑
podiatrist   medical specialist who examines, diagnoses, and treats disorders if the foot.  
🗑
process   bony outgrowth or projection.  
🗑
prosthetic device   artificial device used as a substitute for a missing or diseased body part.  
🗑
pub(o)   pubis  
🗑
pubes   anteroinferior portion of the hip bone.  
🗑
pubic symphysis   joint between the two pubic bones.  
🗑
rachi(o)   spine  
🗑
radi(o)   forearm bone  
🗑
radius   shorter bone of the forearm.  
🗑
reduction   return of a part to its normal position.  
🗑
rhabd(o)   rod-shaped  
🗑
rhabdomy(o)   striated muscle  
🗑
rhabdomyoma   benign tumor in striated muscle.  
🗑
rhabdomyosarcoma   malignant tumor in striated muscle.  
🗑
rheumatoid arthritis   autoimmune disorder affecting connective tissue.  
🗑
rheumatoid factor test   test used to detect rheumatoid arthritis  
🗑
rhematologist   physician who examines, diagnoses, and treats disorders of the joints and musculoskeletal system.  
🗑
rib   one of twenty-four bones that form the chest wall.  
🗑
rickets.   disease of the skeletal system, usually caused by vitamin d deficiency.  
🗑
rigidity   stiffness  
🗑
rigor   stiffening  
🗑
sacrum   next-to-last spinal vertebra made up of five fused bones; vertebra that forms part of the pelvis.  
🗑
scapul(o)   scapula  
🗑
scapula   large flat bone that forms the shoulder blade.  
🗑
sciatica   pain in the lower back, usually radiating down the leg, from a herniated disk or other injury or condition.  
🗑
scoli(o)   curved  
🗑
scoliosis   abnormal lateral curvature of the spinal column.  
🗑
sella turcica   bony depression in the sphenoid bone where the pituitary gland is located  
🗑
sequestrum   piece of dead tissue or bone separated from the surrounding area.  
🗑
serum calcium   test for calcium in the blood.  
🗑
serum creatine phosphokinase   enzyme active in muscle contraction, usually elevated after a myocardial infarction and in the presence of other degenerative muscle disease.  
🗑
serum phosphorus   test for phosphorus in the blood.  
🗑
sesamoid bone   bone formed in a tendon over a joint.  
🗑
shin   anterior ridge of the tibia.  
🗑
short bones   square-shaped bones with approximately equal dimensions on all sides.  
🗑
simple fracture   fracture with no open skin wound.  
🗑
sinus   hollow cavity, especially either side of two cavities on the sides of the nose.  
🗑
skeleton   bony framework of the body.  
🗑
smooth muscle   fibrous muscle of internal organs that acts involuntarily.  
🗑
spasm   sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.  
🗑
spactic   tending to have spasms.  
🗑
sphenoid bone   bone that forms the base of the skull  
🗑
sphenoid sinus   sinus above and behind the nose  
🗑
spina bifida   congenital defect with deformity of the spinal column.  
🗑
spinal column   column of vertebrae at the posterior of the body, from the neck to the coccyx.  
🗑
spinal curvature   abnormal curvature of the spine.  
🗑
spinous process   protrusion from the center of the vertebral arch.  
🗑
splinting   applying a splint to immobilize a body part.  
🗑
spondyl(o)   vertebra  
🗑
spondylolisthesis   degenerative condition in which one vertebra misaligns with the one below it.  
🗑
spondylolysis   degenerative condition of the moving part of a vertebra.  
🗑
spondylosndesis   fusion of two or more spinal vertebrae.  
🗑
spongy bone   bone with an open latticework filled with connective tissue or marrow.  
🗑
sprain   injury to a joint without dislocation or fracture.  
🗑
spur   bony projection growing out of a bone.  
🗑
stern(o)   sternum  
🗑
strain   injury to a muscle as a result of overuse.  
🗑
striated muscle   muscle with a ribbed appearance that is controlled at will.  
🗑
styloid process   peg-shaped protrusion from a bone.  
🗑
subluxation   partial dislocation, as between joint surfaces.  
🗑
sulcus   groove or furrow in the surface of bone.  
🗑
suture   joining of two bones parts with fibrous membrane  
🗑
symphysis   type of cartilaginous joint uniting two bones.  
🗑
synarthrosis   fibrous joint with no movement.  
🗑
synov(o)   synovial membrane  
🗑
synovectomy   removal of part or all of a joint's synovial membrane.  
🗑
synovial fluid   fluid that serves to lubricate joints.  
🗑
synovial joint   a joint that moves  
🗑
synovial membrane   connective tissue lining the cavity of joints and producing the synovial fluid.  
🗑
talipes calcaneus   deformity of the heel resulting from weakened calf muscles.  
🗑
talipes valgus   foot deformity characterized by eversion of the foot  
🗑
talipes varus   foot deformity characterized by inversion of the foot.  
🗑
tars(o)   tarsus  
🗑
tarsus, tarsal bones   seven bones of the instep (arch of the foot)  
🗑
temporal bone   large bone forming the base and sides if the skull  
🗑
temporomandibular joint   joint of the lower jaw between the temporal bone and the mandible.  
🗑
ten(o), tend(o), tendin(o)   tendon  
🗑
tendinitis, tendonitis   inflammation of a tendon  
🗑
tendon   fibrous band that connects muscle to bone or other structures.  
🗑
tenotomy   surgical cutting of a tendon.  
🗑
tetany   painfully long muscle contraction.  
🗑
thorac(o)   thorax  
🗑
thoracic vertebrae   twelve vertebrae of the chest area.  
🗑
tibi(o)   tibia  
🗑
tibia   larger of the two lower leg bones  
🗑
tinel's sign   "pins and needles" sensation felt when an injured nerve site is trapped.  
🗑
traction   dragging or pulling or straightening of something, as a limb, by attachment of elastic or other devices.  
🗑
transverse process   protrusion on either side of the vertebral arch.  
🗑
tremor   abnormal, repetitive muscle contractions.  
🗑
trochanter   bony protrusion at the upper end of the femur.  
🗑
true rib   seven upper ribs of the chest that attach to the sternum.  
🗑
tubercle   slight bony elevation to which a ligament or muscle may be attached.  
🗑
tuberosity   larger elevation in the surface of a bone.  
🗑
uln(o)   ulna  
🗑
ulna   larger bone of the forearm  
🗑
uric acid test   test for acid content in urine, elevated levels may indicate gout.  
🗑
vertebr(o)   vertebra  
🗑
vertebra (pl. vertebrae)   one of the bony segments of the spinal column.  
🗑
vertebral body   main portion of the vertebra, separated from arches of the vertebra  
🗑
vertebral column   spinal column  
🗑
visceral muscle   smooth muscle  
🗑
vitamin d   vitamin important to the formation of bone  
🗑
voluntary muscle   striated muscle  
🗑
vomer   flat bone forming the nasal septum  
🗑
zygomatic bone   bone that forms the cheek  
🗑
A-K   above the knee (amputation)  
🗑
B-K   below the knee (amputation)  
🗑
C1, C2, etc.   first cervical vertebra, second cervical vertebra, etc.  
🗑
ca   calcium  
🗑
CTS   carpal tunnel syndrome  
🗑
DJD   degenerative joint disease  
🗑
DTR   deep tendon reflux  
🗑
EMG   electromyogram  
🗑
fx   fracture  
🗑
IM   intramuscularly  
🗑
L1, L2, etc.   first lumbar vertebra, second lumbar vertebra, etc.  
🗑
MCP   metacarpophalangeal  
🗑
NSAID   nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug  
🗑
P   phosphorus  
🗑
PIP   proximal interphalangeal joint  
🗑
ROM   range of motion  
🗑
T1, T2, etc.   first thoracic vertebra, second thoracic vertebra, etc.  
🗑
TMJ   temporomandibular joint.  
🗑
anastomosis   surgical connection of two blood vessels to allow blood flow between them.  
🗑
aneurysm   ballooning of the artery wall caused by weakness in the wall.  
🗑
angina   angina pectoris  
🗑
angina pectoris   chest pain, usually caused by a lowered oxygen or blood supply to the heart.  
🗑
angi(o)   blood vessel  
🗑
angiocardiography   viewing of the heart and its major blood vessel by x-ray after injection of a contrast medium.  
🗑
angiography   viewing of the heart's major blood vessels by x-ray after injection of a contrast medium.  
🗑
angioplasty   opening of a blocked blood vessel, as by balloon dilation.  
🗑
angioscopy   viewing of the interior of a blood vessel using a fiberoptic catheter inserted or threaded into the vessel  
🗑
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor   medication used for heart failure and other cardiovascular problems; acts by dilating arteries to lower blood pressure and makes heart pump easier.  
🗑
antianginal   agent used to relieve or prevent attacks of angina  
🗑
antiarrhythmic   agent used to help normalize cardiac rhythm  
🗑
anticlotting   agent that prevents the formation of dangerous clots.  
🗑
anticoagulant   agent that prevents the formation of dangerous clots.  
🗑
antihypertensive   agent that helps control high blood pressure  
🗑
aorta   largest artery of the body; artery through which blood exits the heart.  
🗑
aort(O)   aorta  
🗑
aortic regurgitation or reflux   backward flow or leakage of blood through a faulty aortic valve.  
🗑
aortic valve   valve between the aorta and the left ventricle.  
🗑
aortography   viewing of the aorta by x-ray after injection of contrast medium.  
🗑
arrhythmia   irregularity in the rhythm of the heartbeat.  
🗑
arteri(o) arter(o)   artery  
🗑
arteriography   viewing of a specific artery by x-ray after injection of contrast medium  
🗑
arteriole   a tiny artery connecting to a capillary.  
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arteriosclerosis   hardening of the arteries.  
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arteriotomy   surgical incision into an artery, especially to remove a clot.  
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arteritis   inflammation of an artery or arteries.  
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artery   a thick-walled blood vessel that, in systemic circulation, carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.  
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asystole   cardiac arrest  
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ather(o)   fatty matter  
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atherectomy   surgical removal of an atheroma  
🗑
atheroma   a fatty deposit (plaque) in the wall of an artery.  
🗑
atherosclerosis   hardening of the arteries caused by the building of atheromas  
🗑
atri(o)   atrium  
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atrial fibrillation   an irregular, usually rapid, heartbeat caused by overstimulation of the AV node.  
🗑
atrioventricular block   heart block; partial or complete blockage of the electrical impulses from the atrioventricular node.  
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atrioventricular bundle   bundles of fibers in the interventricular septum that transfer charges in the heart's conduction system; also called bundle of His.  
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atrioventricular node (AV node)   specialized part of the interatrail septum that sends a charge to the bundle of His.  
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atrioventricular valve   one of two valves that control blood flow between the atria and ventricles.  
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atrium(pl. atria)   either of the two upper chambers of the heart.  
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auscultation   process of listening to body sounds via a stethoscope.  
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bacterial endocarditis   bacterial inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.  
🗑
balloon catheter dilation   insertion of a balloon catheter into a blood vessel to open the passage so blood can flow freely  
🗑
balloon valvuloplasty   procedure that uses a balloon catheter to open narrowed orifices in cardiac valves.  
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bicuspid valve   atrioventricular valve on the left side of the heart.  
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blood   essential fluid containing plasma and other elements that circulates throughout the body; delivers nutrients to and removes waste from the body's cells.  
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blood pressure   measure of the force of blood surging against the walls of the arteries.  
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blood vessel   any of the tubular passageways in the cardiovascular systems through which blood travels.  
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bradycardia   heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute.  
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bruit   sound of murmur, especially an abnormal heart sound heard on auscultation, especially of the carotid artery.  
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bundle of His   bundle of fibers in the interventricular septum that transfer charges in the heart's conduction system  
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bypass   a structure (usually a vein graft) that creates a new passage for blood to flow from one artery to another artery or part of an artery; used to create a detour around blockages in arteries.  
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calcium channel blocker   medication that lessens the ability of calcium ions to enter heart and blood vessel muscle; used to lower blood pressure and normalize some arrhythmias.  
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capillary   a tiny blood vessel that forms the exchange point between the arterial and venous vessels.  
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carbon dioxide   waste material transported in the venous blood  
🗑
cardi(o)   heart  
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cardiac arrest   sudden stopping of the heart; also called asystole.  
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cardiac catheterziation   process of passing a thin catheter through an artery or vein to the heart to take blood samples, inject a contrast medium, or measure various pressures.  
🗑
cardiac cycle   repeated contraction and relaxation of the heart as it circulates blood within itself and pumps it out to the rest of the body or the lungs.  
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cardiac enzyme studies   blood test for determining levels of enzymes during a myocardial infarction; serum enzyme tests.  
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cardiac MRI   viewing of the heart by magnetic resonance imaging.  
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cardiac scan   process of viewing the heart muscle at work by scanning the heart of a patient into whom a radioactive substance has been injected.  
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cardiac tamponade   compression of the heart caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac.  
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cardiomyopathy   disease of the heart muscle  
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cardiopulmonary bypass   procedure used during surgery to divert blood flow to and from the heart through a heart-lung machine and back into circulation.  
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cardiotonic   medication for congestive heart failure; increases the force of contractions of the myocardium.  
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carotid artery   artery that transport oxygenated blood to the head and neck  
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cholesterol   fatty substance present in animal fats,cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream, sometimes causing arterial plaque to form.  
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claudication   limping caused by inadequate blood supply during activity; usually subsides during rest.  
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coarctation of the aorta   abnormal narrowing of the aorta  
🗑
conduction system   part of the heart containing specialized tissue that sends charges through heart fibers, causing the heart to contract and relax at regular intervals.  
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congenital heart disease   heart disease (usually a type of malformation) that exists at birth.  
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congestive heart failure   inability of the heart to pump enough blood out during the cardiac cycle; collection of fluid in the lungs result.  
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constriction   compression or narrowing caused by contraction, as of a vessel.  
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coronary angioplasty   opening of a blocked blood vessel, as by balloon dilation.  
🗑
coronary artery   blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the heart.  
🗑
coronary artery disease   condition that reduces the flow of blood and nutrients through the arteries of the heart.  
🗑
coronary bypass surgery   a structure (usually a vein graft) that creates a new passage for blood to flow from one artery to another artery or part of an artery; used to create a detour around blockages in arteries.  
🗑
cyanosis   bluish or purplish coloration, as of the skin, caused by deficient oxygenation of the blood.  
🗑
deep vein thrombosis   formation of a thrombus (clot) in a deep vein, such as femoral vein.  
🗑
depolarization   contracting state if the myocardial tissue in the heart's conduction system.  
🗑
diastole   relaxation phase of a heartbeat  
🗑
digital subtraction angiography   use of two angigrams done with different dyes to provide a comparison bewteen the results.  
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diuretic   medication that promotes the excretion of urine  
🗑
doppler ultrasound   ultrasound test of blood flow in certain vessels.  
🗑
ductus arteriosus   structure in the fetal circulatory systems through which blood flows to bypass the fetus's nonfunctioning lungs.  
🗑
ductus venosus   structure in the fetal circulatory system through which blood flows to bypass the fetal liver.  
🗑
dysrthythmia   abnormal heart rhythm.  
🗑
echocardiography   use of sound waves to produce images showing the structure and motion of the heart.  
🗑
ejection fraction   percentage of teh volume of teh contents of the left ventricle ejected with each contratction.  
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electrocardiography   use of the electrocardiograph in diagnosis.  
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embolectomy   surgical removal of an embolus  
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embolus   mass of foreign materail blocking a vessel.  
🗑
endarterectomy   surgical removal of the diseased portion of the lining of an artery  
🗑
endocarditis   inflammation of the endocardium, espcecially one caused by a bacterial, (for example, staphylococci) or fungal agent.  
🗑
endocardium   membranous lining of the chambers and valves of the heart, the innermost layer of heart tissues.  
🗑
endothelium   lining of the arteries that secretes substances into the blood.  
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endovascular surgery   any of various procedures performed during cardiac catheterization, such as angioscopy and atherectomy.  
🗑
epicardium   outermost layer of the heart tissue.  
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essentail hypertension   high blood pressure without any known cause  
🗑
femoral artery   an artery that supplies blood to the thigh.  
🗑
fibrillation   random, chaotic, irregular heart rthythm.  
🗑
flutter   regular but very rapid heartbeat.  
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Fontan's operation   surgical procedure that create's a bypass from the right atrium to the main pulmonary artery; Fontan's procedure.  
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foramen ovale   opening in the septum of the fetal heart that closes at birth.  
🗑
gallop   triple sound of a heartbeat, usually indicative of serious heart disease.  
🗑
graft   any tissue or organ implanted to replace or mend damaged areas.  
🗑
hardening of the arteries   ateriosclerosis  
🗑
heart   musclar organ that receives blood from the veins and sends it into the arteries.  
🗑
heart block   heart block; partial or complete blockage of the electrical impulses from the artrioventricular node to the ventricles.  
🗑
heart transplant   implantation of the heart of a person who has just died into a person whose diseased heart cannot sustain life.  
🗑
hemangi(o)   blood vessel  
🗑
hemorrhoidectomy   surgical removal of hemmorrhoids.  
🗑
hemorrhoids   varicose condition of veins in the anal region.  
🗑
heparin   anticoagulant present in the body; also, synthetic version administered to prevent clotting.  
🗑
high blood pressure   chronic condition with blood pressure greater than 140/90  
🗑
Holter monitor   portable device that provides a 24-hour electrocardiogram.  
🗑
hypertension   chronic condition with blood pressure greater than 140/90  
🗑
hypertension heart disease   heart disease caused, or worsened, by high blood pressure.  
🗑
hypotension   chronic condition with blood pressure below normal.  
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infarct   area of necrosis caused by a sudden drop in the supply of arterial or venous blood.  
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infarction   sudden drop in the supply of arterial or venous blood, often due to an embolus or thrombus.  
🗑
inferior vena cava   large vein that draws blood from the lower part of the body to the right atrium.  
🗑
intermittent claudication   attacks of limping, particularly in the legs, due to ischemia of the muscles.  
🗑
intracardiac tumor   a tumor within one of the heart chambers.  
🗑
intravascular stent   stent placed within a blood vessel to allow blood to flow freely.  
🗑
ischemia   localized blood insufficiency caused by an obstruction.  
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left atrium   upper left heart chamber  
🗑
left ventricle   lower left heart chamber  
🗑
lipid-lowering   helpful in lowering cholesterol levels.  
🗑
lipid profile   laboratory test that provides the levels of lipids, triglycerides, and other substances in the blood.  
🗑
low blood pressure   chronic condition with blood pressure below normal  
🗑
lumen   channel inside an artery through which blood flows.  
🗑
mitral insufficiency or reflux   backward flow of blood due to a damaged mitral valve.  
🗑
mitral stenosis   abnormal narrowing at the opening of the mitral valve.  
🗑
mitral valve   atrioventricular valve on the left side of the heart  
🗑
mitral valve prolapse   backward flow of blood into the left atrium due to protrusion of one or both mitral cusps into the left atrium during contractions.  
🗑
multiple-gated acquisition angiography (MUGA)   radioactive scan showing heart function  
🗑
murmur   soft heart humming sound heard between normal beats.  
🗑
myocardial infarction   sudden drop in the supply of blood to an area of the heart muscle, usually due toa blockage in a coronary artery.  
🗑
myocarditis   inflammation of the myocardium  
🗑
necrosis   death of tissue or an organ or part due to irreversible damage; usually a result of oxygen deprivation.  
🗑
nitrate   any of several medications that dilate the veins, arteries, or coronary arteries; used to control angina.  
🗑
occlusion   the closing of a blood vessel  
🗑
pacemaker   term for the sinoatrial node (SA node); also, an artifical device that regulates heart rhythm.  
🗑
palpitations   uncomfortable pulsations of the heart felt as a thumping in the chest.  
🗑
patent ductus arteroosus   a condition at birth in which the ductus arteriosus, a small duct between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, remains abnormally open.  
🗑
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty   insertion of a balloon catheter into a blood vessel to open the passage so blood can flow freely.  
🗑
perfusion deficit   lack if flow through a blood vessel, usually caused by an occlusion.  
🗑
pericardi(o)   pericardium  
🗑
pericarditis   inflammation of the pericardium  
🗑
pericardium   protective covering of the heart.  
🗑
peripheral vascular disease   vascular disease in the lower extremities, usually due to blockages in the arteries of the groin or legs.  
🗑
petechiae   minute hemorrhages in the skin  
🗑
phleb(o)   vein  
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phlebitis   inflammation of the vein  
🗑
phlebography   viewing of a vein by x-ray after injection of a contrast medium.  
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phlebotomy   drawing blood froma vein via a small incision  
🗑
plaque   buildup of solid material, such as fatty deposit, on the lining of an artery.  
🗑
polarization   resting state of the myocardial tissue in the conduction system of the heart.  
🗑
popliteal artery   an artery that supplies blood to the cells of the area behind the knee.  
🗑
positron emission tomography scans   type of nuclear image that measures movement of areas of the heart.  
🗑
premature atrial contractions (PACs)   atrial contractions that occur before normal impulse; can be the cause of palpitations.  
🗑
premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)   ventricular contractions that occur before the normal impulse; can be the cause of palpitations.  
🗑
pulmonary artery   one of two arteries that carry blood that is low in oxygen from the heart to the lungs.  
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pulmonary artery stenosis   narrowing of the pulmonary artery, preventin the lungs from receiving enought blood from the heart to oxygenate.  
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pulmonary edema   abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs  
🗑
pulmonary valve   valve that controls the blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary arteries.  
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pulmonary vein   one of four veins that bring oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.  
🗑
pulse   rhythmic expansion and contraction of blood vessel, usually an artery.  
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Purkinje fibers   fibers in the ventricle that cause it to contract.  
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Raynaud's phenomenon   spasm in the arteries of the fingers causing numbness or pain.  
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repolarization   recharging state; transiion from contraction to resting that occurs in the conduction system of the heart.  
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rheumatic heart disease   heart valve and/or muscle damage caused by an untreated streptococcal infection.  
🗑
right atrium   upper right chamber of the heart  
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right ventricle   lower right chamber of the heart  
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risk factor   any of various factors considered to increase the probability that a disease will occur; for example, high blood pressure and smoking are considered risk factors for heart disease.  
🗑
rub   frictional sound heard between heartbeats, usually indicating a pericardial murmur.  
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saphenous vein   any group of veins that transport deoxygenated blood from the legs.  
🗑
secondary hypertension   hypertension having a known cause, such as kidney disease.  
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semilunar valve   one of the two valves that prevent the backflow of blood flowing out of the heart into the aorta and the pulmonary artery.  
🗑
septal defect   congenital abnormality consisting of an opening in the septum between the atria or ventricles.  
🗑
septum   partition between the left and right chambers of the heart  
🗑
serum enzyme tests   laboratory test performed to detect enzymes present during or after a myocardial infarction; cardiac enzyme studies.  
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sinoatrial node (SA node)   region of the right atrium containing specialized tissue that sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle; causing it to connect.  
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sinus rhythm   normal heart rhythm  
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sonography   production of images based on the echoes of sound waves against structures.  
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sphygm(o)   pulse  
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sphygmomanometer   device for measuring blood pressure  
🗑
stenosis   narrowing, particularly of blood vessel or of the cardiac valves.  
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stent   surgically implanted device used to hold something (as a blood vessel) open.  
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stress test   test that measures heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions while the patient is exercising on a treadmill.  
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superior vena cava   large vein that transport blood collected from the upper part of the body to the heart.  
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systole   contraction phase of the heartbeat  
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tachycardia   heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute.  
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tetralogy of Fallot   set of four congenital heart abnomralities appearing together that cause deoxygenated blood to enter the systemic circulation; ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, incorrect position of the aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.  
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thromb(o)   blood clot  
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thrombectomy   surgical removal of a thrombus  
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thrombolytic   agent the dissolves a thrombus  
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thrombophlebitis   inflammation of a vein with a thrombus  
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thrombosis   presence of a thrombus in a blood vessek.  
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thrombotic occlusion   narrowing caused by a thrombus.  
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thrombus   stationary blood clot in the cardiovascular system, usually found from matter found in the blood.  
🗑
tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA, TPA)   agent that prevents a thrombus from forming.  
🗑
tricuspid stenosis   abnormal narrowing of the opening of the tricuspid valve.  
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triglyceride   fatty substance; lipid  
🗑
valve   any of various structures that slow or prevent fluid from flowing backward or forward  
🗑
valve replacement   surgical replacement of a coronary valve.  
🗑
valvotomy   incision into a cardiac valve to remove an obstruction  
🗑
valvulitis   inflammation of a heart valve.  
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valvuloplasty   surgical reconstruction of a cardiac valve.  
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varicose vein   dilated, enlarged, or twisted vein, usually on the leg.  
🗑
vas(o)   blood vessel  
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vasoconstrictor   agent that narrows the blood vessels  
🗑
vasodilator   agent that dilates or widens the blood vessels.  
🗑
vegetation   clot on a heart valve or opening, usually caused by infection.  
🗑
vein   any of various blood vessels carrying deoxygenated blood toward the heart, except the pulmonary vein.  
🗑
vena cava   large vein that transport blood collected from the upper part of the body to the heart. Large vein that draws blood from the lower part of the body to the right atrium.  
🗑
ven(o)   vein  
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venipuncture   small puncture into a vein, usually to draw blood or inject a solution.  
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venography   viewing of a vein by x-ray after injection of a contrast medium.  
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ventricle   either of the two lower chambers of the heart.  
🗑
ventriculgram   x-ray of a ventricle taken after injection of a contrast medium.  
🗑
venule   a tiny vein connecting to a capillary.  
🗑
AcG   accelerator globulin  
🗑
AF   atrial fibrillation  
🗑
AS   aortic stenosis  
🗑
ASCVD   arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease  
🗑
ASD   atrial septal defect  
🗑
ASHD   arteriosclerotic heart disease  
🗑
AV   atrioventricular  
🗑
BP   blood pressure  
🗑
CABG   coronary artery bypass graft  
🗑
CAD   coronary artery disease  
🗑
cath   catheter  
🗑
CCU   coronary care unit  
🗑
CHD   coronary heart disease  
🗑
CHF   congestive heart failure  
🗑
CO   cardiac output  
🗑
CPK   creatine phosphokinase  
🗑
CPR   cardiopulmonary resuscitation  
🗑
CVA   cerebrovascular accident  
🗑
CVD   cardiovascular disease  
🗑
DSA   digital subtraction angiography  
🗑
DVT   deep venous thrombosis  
🗑
ECG, EKG   electrocardiogram  
🗑
ECHO   echocardiogram  
🗑
ETT   exercise tolerance test  
🗑
GOT   glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase  
🗑
HDL   high-density lipoprotein  
🗑
LDH   lactate dehydroganase  
🗑
LDL   low-density lipoprotein  
🗑
LV   left ventricle  
🗑
LVH   left ventricular hypertrophy  
🗑
MI   mitral insufficiency; myocardial infarction  
🗑
MR   mitral regurgitation  
🗑
MS   mitral stenosis  
🗑
MUGA   multiple-gated acquisition scan  
🗑
MVP   mitral valve prolapse  
🗑
PTCA   percutanceous transluminal coronary angioplasty  
🗑
PVC   premature ventricular contraction  
🗑
SA   sinoatrial  
🗑
SV   stroke volume  
🗑
tPA, TPA   tissue plasminogen activator  
🗑
VLDL   very low-density lipoprotein  
🗑
VSD   ventricular septal defect  
🗑
VT   ventricular tachycardia  
🗑
adam's apple   thyroid carilage, supportive structure of the larynx; larger in males than in females.  
🗑
adenoid(o)   adenoid gland  
🗑
adenoidectomy   removal of the adenoids  
🗑
adenoiditis   inflammation of the adenoids.  
🗑
adenoids   collection of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx; pharyngeal tonsils.  
🗑
alveol(o)   alveolus  
🗑
alveolus (pl. alveoli)   air sac at the end of each bronchiole.  
🗑
anthracosis   lung disease caused by long-term in halation of coal dust; black lung disease.  
🗑
antitussives   agent that control coughing  
🗑
apex   topmost section of the lung  
🗑
apnea   cessation of breathing  
🗑
arterial blood gases   laboratory test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood  
🗑
asbestosis   lung disorder caused by long-term inhalation of asbestos (as in construction work).  
🗑
asthma   chronic condition with obstruction or narrowing of the bronchial airways.  
🗑
atelectasis   collapse of a lung or part of a lung.  
🗑
auscultation   listening to internal sounds with a stethoscope.  
🗑
bacilli   a type of bacteria  
🗑
base   bottom section of the lung  
🗑
black lung   lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust.  
🗑
bradypnea   abnormally slow breathing  
🗑
bronch(o), bronchi(o)   bronchus  
🗑
bronchial alveolar lavage   retrieval of fluid for examination through a bronchoscope.  
🗑
bronchial brushing   retrieval of material for biopsy by insertion of a brush through a bronchoscope.  
🗑
bronchiol(o)   bronchiole  
🗑
bronchiole   fine subdivision of the bronchi made of smooth muscle and elastic fibers.  
🗑
bronchitis   inflammation of the bronchi  
🗑
bronchodilators   agents that dilate the walls of the bronchi  
🗑
bronchography   radiological picture of the trachea and bronchi  
🗑
bronchoplasty   surgical repari of a bronchus  
🗑
bronchoscope   device used to examine airways  
🗑
bronchospasm   sudden contraction in the bronchi that causes coughing  
🗑
bronchus (pl. bronchi)   one of the two airways from the trachea to the lungs.  
🗑
capn(o)   carbon dioxide  
🗑
Cheyne-Stokes respiration   irregular breathing pattern with a period of apnea followed by deep, labored breathing that becomes shallow, then apneic.  
🗑
chronic bronchitis   recurring or long-lasting bouts of bronchitis  
🗑
chronic obstuctive pulmonary disease   disease of the bronchail tubes or lungs with chronic obstruction.  
🗑
cilia   hairlike extensions of the cell's surface that usually provide some protection by sweeping foreign particles away.  
🗑
crackles   popping sounds heard in the lung collapse or other conditions; rales  
🗑
croup   acute respiratory syndrome in children or infants accompanied by seal-like coughing.  
🗑
cystic fibrosis   disease that causes chronic airway obstruction and also affects the bronchial tubes.  
🗑
diaphragm   membranous muscle between the abdominal and thoracic cavities that contracts and relaxes during the respiratory cycle.  
🗑
diphtheria   acute infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract caused by bacteria  
🗑
dysphonia   hoarseness usually caused by laryngitis  
🗑
dyspnea   difficult breathing  
🗑
emphysema   chronic condition of hyperinflation of the air sacs; often caused by prolonged smoking.  
🗑
empyema   pus in the pleural cavity  
🗑
endoscope   tube used to view a body cavity  
🗑
endotracheal intubation   insertion of a tube through the nose or mouth, pharynx, and larynx and into the trachea to establish an airway.  
🗑
epiglott(o)   epiglottis  
🗑
epiglottis   cartilaginous flap that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent food from enerting the airway.  
🗑
epiglottitis   inflammation of the epiglottis  
🗑
epistaxis   bleeding from the nose, usually caused by trauma or a sudden rupture of the blood vessels of the nose.  
🗑
eupnea   normal breathing  
🗑
exhalation   breathing out  
🗑
expectorants   agents that promote the coughing and expelling of mucus.  
🗑
expiration   exhalation  
🗑
external nares   External openings at the base of the nose; also called external nares  
🗑
external respiration   exchange of air between the body and the outside enviroment.  
🗑
glottis   Part of the larynx consisting of the vocal folds of mucous membrane and muscle  
🗑
Heimlich maneuver   Procedureto prevent choking to death. One person places his or her hands on the midsectionof the choking person's adbomen and thrusts upward until the obstruction is dislodged.  
🗑
hemoptysis   lung or bronchial hemorrhage resulting in the spitting of blood.  
🗑
hemothorax   Blood in the pleural cavity  
🗑
hilum (also hilus)   Midsection of the lung where the nerves and vessels enter and exit.  
🗑
hypercapnia   Excessive buildup of carbon dioxide in lings, usually associated wht hypoventilation  
🗑
hyperpnea   Abnormally deep breathing  
🗑
hyperventilation   Abnormally fast breathing in and out, often associated with anxiety.  
🗑
hypopharynx   Laryngopharynx  
🗑
hypopnea   Shallow breathing  
🗑
hyppoventilation   Abnormally low movement of air in out of the lungs.  
🗑
hypoxemia   deficient amount of oxygen in the blood.  
🗑
hypoxia   deficient amount of oxygen in the tissue.  
🗑
inferior lobe   Bottom lobe of the lung  
🗑
inhalation   breathing in  
🗑
inspiration   inhalation  
🗑
intercostal muscles   muscles between the ribs  
🗑
internal respiration   exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the cells.  
🗑
laryng(o)   larynx  
🗑
laryngectomy   Removal of the larynx  
🗑
laryngitis   Inflammation of the larynx  
🗑
laryngocentesis   Surgical puncture of the larynx  
🗑
laryngopharynx   Part of the pharynx below and behind the larynx  
🗑
laryngoplasty   Visual examination of the mouth and larynx using an endoscope.  
🗑
laryngospasm   Sudden contraction of the larynx, which may cause coughing and may restrict breathing.  
🗑
laryngostomy   Creation of an artificial opening in the larnyx  
🗑
laryngotracheobronchitis   Inflammation of the larnyx, trachea, and bronchi  
🗑
laryngotracheotomy   Incision into the larynx and trachea  
🗑
larynx   Organ of voice production in the respiratory tract, between the pharynx and the trachea; voice box  
🗑
lob(o)   lobe of the lung  
🗑
lobeectomy   Removal of one of the lobes of a lung  
🗑
lung   One of two organs of respiration (left lung and right lung) in the thoracic cavity where oxyegenation of blood takes place  
🗑
mediastin(o)   mediastinum  
🗑
mediastinoscopy   Visual examination of the mediastinum and all the organs within it using an endscope  
🗑
mediastinum   Median portion of the thoracic cavity; septum between two areas of an organ or cavity  
🗑
mesothelioma   Rare cancer of the lungs assocaited with asbestosis  
🗑
middle lobe   Middle section of the right lung  
🗑
nas(O)   nose  
🗑
nasal cavity   Opening in the external nose where air enters the body  
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nasal septum   Cartilaginous division of the external nose  
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nasopharyngitis   Inflammation of the nose and the pharynx  
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nosopharyngoscopy   Examination of the nasal passages and the pharynx using an endscope  
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nasopharynx   Portion of the throat above the soft palate  
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nebulizer   Device that delivers medication through the nose or mouth in a fine spray to the respiratory tract  
🗑
nose   External structure supported by nasal bones and containing cavity  
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nosebleed   Bleeding from the nose, usually caused by trauma or a sudden rupture of the blood vessels of the nose.  
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nostrils   External openings at the base of the nose; also called external nares  
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or(o)   mouth  
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oropharynx   Back portion of the mouth, a division of the pharynx  
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orthopnea   Difficulty in breathing, especially while lying down  
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otorhinolaryngologist   Medical doctor who diagnoses and treats disorders of the ear, nose and throat  
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ox(o), oxi, oxy   oxygen  
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pansinusitis   Inflammation of all the sinuses  
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paranasal sinuses   Area of the nasal cavity where external air is warmed by blood in the mucous membrane lining  
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parietal pleura   Outer layer of the pleura  
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paroxysmal   Sudden, as a spasm or convulsion  
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peak flow meter   Device for measuring breathing capacity  
🗑
percussion   Tapping on the surface of the body to see if lungs are clear  
🗑
pertussis   severe infection of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea caused by bacteria; whooping cough  
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pharyng(o)   pharynx  
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pharyngeal tonsils   Adenoids  
🗑
pharyngitis   Inflammation of the pharynx  
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pharynx   Passageway at back of mouth for air and food; throat  
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phon(o)   voice, sound  
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phren(o)   diaphragm  
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pleur(o)   pleura  
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pleura (pl. pleurae)   Double layer of membrane making up the outside of the lungs  
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pleural cavity   Space between the two pleura  
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pleural effusion   Escape of fluid into the pleural cavity  
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pleuritis, pleurisy   Inflammation of the pleura  
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pleurocentesis   Surgical puncture of pleural space  
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pleuropexy   Fixing in place of the pleura surgically, usually in case of injury or deterioration  
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pneum(o), pneumon(o)   air, lung  
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pneumobronchotomy   incision of the lung and bronchus  
🗑
pneumoconiosis   Lung condition caused by inhaling dust  
🗑
pneumonectomy   Removal of a lung  
🗑
pneumonia   Acute infection of the alveoli  
🗑
pneumonitis   Inflammation of the lung  
🗑
pneumothorax   Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity  
🗑
pulminary abscess   Large collection of pus in the lungs  
🗑
pulmonary edema   Fluid in the air sacs and brochioles usually caused by failure of the heart to pump enough blood to and from lungs  
🗑
pulmonary embolism   Clot in the lungs  
🗑
pulmonary function tests   Tests that measure the mechanics of breathing  
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rales   Popping sounds heard in lung collapse or other conditions; rales  
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rhin(o)   nose  
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rhinitis   Nasal inflammation  
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rhinoplasty   Surgical repair of the nose  
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rhinorrhea   Nasal discharge  
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rhonchi   Whistling sounds heard on inspiration in certain breathing disorders, especially asthma  
🗑
septoplasty   Surgical repair of the nasal septum  
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septostomy   Incision of the nasal septum  
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septum   Cartilaginous division, as in the nose or mediastinum  
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silicosis   Lung condition caused by silica dust from grinding rocks or glass or other materials used in manufacturing  
🗑
sungultus   Hiccuping  
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sinusitis   Inflammation of the sinuses  
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sinusotomy   Incision of a sinus  
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soft palate   Flexible muscular sheet that separates the nasopharynx from the rest of the pharynx  
🗑
spir(o)   breathing  
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spirometer   Testing maching that measures the lungs' volume and capacity  
🗑
sputum sample or culture   Cultureof material that is expectorated (or brought back as mucus)  
🗑
steth(o)   chest  
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stridor   High-pitched crowing sound heard in certain respiratory conditions  
🗑
superior lobe   Topmost lobe of each lung  
🗑
sweat test   Test for cystic fibrosis that measures the amount of salt in sweat.  
🗑
tachypnea   Abnormally fast breathing  
🗑
thorac(o)   thorax, chest  
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thoracic surgeon   Surgeon who specializes in surgery of the thorax  
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thoracocentesis   Surgical puncture of the chest cavity  
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thoracostomy   Establishment of an opening in the chest cavity  
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thoracotomy   Incision into the chest cavity  
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thorax   Chest cavity  
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throat   Passageway at back of mouth for air and food; throat  
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throat culture   Test for streptococcal or other infections in which a swab taken on the surface of the throat is placed in a culture to see if certain bacteria grow  
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thyroid catilage   Thyroid cartilgae, supportive structure of the larynx; larger in males than in females  
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tonsil(o)   tonsils  
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tonsillectomy   Removal of the tonsils  
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tonsillitis   Inflammation of the tonsils  
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trachea(o)   trachea  
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trachea   Airway from the larynx into the bronchi; windpipe  
🗑
tracheitis   Inflammation of the trachea  
🗑
tracheoplasty   Repair of the trachea  
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tracheostomy   Creation of an artificial opening in the trachea  
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tracheotomy   Incision into the trachea  
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tuberculosis   Acute infectious disease caused by bacteria called bacilli  
🗑
upper respiratory infection   Infection of all or part of upper portion of respiratory tract  
🗑
ventilator   Mechanical breathing device  
🗑
visceral pleura   Inner layer of the pleura  
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vocal cords   Strips of epithelial tissue that vibrate and play a major role in the production of sound  
🗑
voice box   Organ of voice production in the respiratory tract, between the pharynx and the trachea; voice box  
🗑
wheezes   Whistling sounds heard on inspiration in certain breathing disorders, especially asthma  
🗑
whooping cough   Severe infection of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea caused by bacteria; whooping cough  
🗑
windpipe   Airway from the larynx into the bronchi; windpipe  
🗑
ABG   Arterial blood gases  
🗑
AFB   Acid-fast bacillus(causes tuberculossis)  
🗑
A&P   auscultation and percussion  
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AP   anteroposterior  
🗑
ARD   adult respiratory disease  
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ARDS   adult respiratory disease syndrome  
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ARF   acute respiratory failure  
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BS   breath sounds  
🗑
COLD   chronic obstructive lung disease  
🗑
COPD   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  
🗑
CPR   cardiopulmonary resuscitation  
🗑
CTA   clear to auscultation  
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CXR   chest x-ray  
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DOE   dyspnea on exertion  
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DPT   diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (combined vaccination)  
🗑
ENT   ear, nose, and throat  
🗑
ET Tube   endotracheal intubation tube  
🗑
FEF   forced expiratory flow  
🗑
FEV   forced expiratory volume  
🗑
FVC   forced vital capacity  
🗑
HBOT   hyperbaric oxygen therapy  
🗑
IMV   intermittent mandatory ventilation  
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IPPB   intermittent positive pressure breathing  
🗑
IRDS   infant respiratory distress syndrome  
🗑
IRV   inspiratory reserve volume  
🗑
LLL   left lower lobe (of the lung)  
🗑
LUL   left upper lobe (of the lung)  
🗑
MBC   maximal breathing capacity  
🗑
MDI   metered dose inhaler  
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PA   posteroanterior  
🗑
PCP   pneumocystis carininn pneumonia (a type of pneumonia to which AIDS patients are susceptible)  
🗑
PEEP   postitive and expiratory pressure  
🗑
PFT   pulmonary function tests  
🗑
PND   paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea; postnasal drip  
🗑
RD   respiratory disease  
🗑
RDS   respiratory disease syndrome  
🗑
RLL   right lower lobe (of the lungs)  
🗑
RUL   right upper lobe (of the lungs)  
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SIDS   sudden infant death syndrome  
🗑
SOB   shortness of breath  
🗑
T&A   tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy  
🗑
TB   tuberculosis  
🗑
TLC   total lung capacity  
🗑
TPR   temperature, pulse, and respiration  
🗑
URI   upper respiratory infection  
🗑
VC   vital capacity  
🗑
V/Q scan   ventilation/perfusion scan  
🗑
absence seizure   Mild epileptic seizure consisting of brief disorientation with the environment  
🗑
acetylcholine   Chemical that stimulates cells  
🗑
afferent neuron   Neuron that carries information from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system  
🗑
agnosia   Inability to receive and understand outside stimuli  
🗑
Alzheimer's Disease   Any of variety of degenerative brain diseases causing thought disorders, gradual loss of muscle control, and eventually, death  
🗑
amnesia   Loss of memory  
🗑
amyotrophic laterla sclerosis   Degenerative disease of the motor neurons leading to loss muscular control and death  
🗑
analgesic   Agent that relieves or eliminates pain  
🗑
anesthetic   Agent that causes loss of feeling or sensation  
🗑
aneurysm   Abnormal widening of an artery wall that bursts and releases blood  
🗑
anticonvulsant   Agent that lessens or prevents convulsions  
🗑
aphasia   Loss of speech  
🗑
apraxia   Inability to properly use familiar objects  
🗑
arachnoid   Middle layer of meninges  
🗑
astrocyte, astroglia   A type of neuroglia that maintains nutrient and chemicals levels in neurons  
🗑
astrocytoma   Type of glioma formed from astrocytes  
🗑
ataxia   Condition which uncoordinated voluntary muscular movement, usually resulting from disorders or the cerebellum or spinal cord  
🗑
aura   Group of sypmtoms that precede a seizure  
🗑
autonomic nervous system   Part of the peripheral nervous system that carries impulses from the central nervous system to glands, smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and various membranes  
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axon   Part of a nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body  
🗑
bacterial meningitis   Meningitis caused by a bacteria; pyrogenic meningitis  
🗑
Babinski's reflex   Reflex on the plantar surface of the foot.  
🗑
basal ganglia   Large masses of gray matter within the cerebrum  
🗑
Bell's palsy   Paralysis of one side of the face; usually temporary  
🗑
brain   Body organ responisble for controlling the body's functions and interactions with outside stimuli  
🗑
brain contusion   Bruising of the surface of the brain without penetration  
🗑
brainstem   One of the four major divisions of the brain; division that controls certain heart, lung, and visual functions  
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cell body   Part of a nerve cell that has branches or fibers that reach out to send or receive impulses  
🗑
central nervous system   Body system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges  
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cerebell(o)   cerebellum  
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cerebellitis   Inflammation of the cerebellum  
🗑
cerebellum   One of the four major divisions of the brain; division that coordinates musculoskeletal movement  
🗑
cerebr(o) cerebri   cerebrum  
🗑
cerebral angiogram   X-ray of the brain's blood vessels after a dye is injected  
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cerebral cortex   Outer portion of the cerebrum  
🗑
cerebral infarction   Neurological incident caused by disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke  
🗑
cerebral palsy   Congential disease caused by damage to the cerebrum during gestation or birth and resulting in lack of motor coordination.  
🗑
cerebrospinal fluid   Watery fluid that flows throughout the brain and around the spinal cord  
🗑
cerebrovascular accident   Neurological incident caused by damage disruption in normal blood supply to the brain;stroke  
🗑
cerebrum   One of the four major divisions of the brain; division involved with emotions,memory, conscious thought, moral behaviorm sensory interpretations, and certain bodily movement  
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coma   Abnormally deep sleep with little or no respons to stimuli  
🗑
computerized (axial) tomography scan   Radiographic imaging that produces cross-sectional images  
🗑
concussion   Brain injury due to trauma  
🗑
conductivity   Ability to transmit a signal  
🗑
convolution   Folds in the cerebral cortex; gyri  
🗑
cordotomy   Resectioning of a part of the spinal cord  
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corpus callosum   Bridge of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum  
🗑
crani(o)   cranium  
🗑
cranial nerves   Any of 12 pairs of nerves tha tcarry impulses to and from the brain  
🗑
craniectomy   Removal of a part of the skull  
🗑
craniotomy   Incision into the skull  
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dementia   Deterioration in mental capacity, usually in the elderly  
🗑
demyelination   Destruction of myelin sheath, particularly in MS  
🗑
dendrite   A thin branching extension of a nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses toward the cell body  
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diencephalon   One of the four major structures of the brain; it is the deep portion of the brain and contains the thalamus  
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dopamine   Substance in the brain or manufactured substance that helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease  
🗑
dura mater   Outermost layer of meninges  
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duritis   Inflammation of the dura mater  
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dysphasis   Speech difficulty  
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efferent neuron   Neuron that carries information to the muscles and glands from the central nervous system  
🗑
electrencephalogram   Record of the electrical impulses of the brain  
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embolic stroke   Sudden stroke caused by an embolus  
🗑
embolus   Clot from somewhere in the body that blocks a small blood vessel in the brain  
🗑
encephal(o)   brain  
🗑
encephalitis   Inflammation of the brain  
🗑
encephalogram   Record of the radiographic study of the ventricles of the brain  
🗑
epidural space   Area between the pia mater and the bones of the spinal cord  
🗑
epilepsy   Chronic recurrent seizure activity  
🗑
epithalamus   One of the parts of the diencephalon; serves as a sensory relay station  
🗑
evoked potentials   Record of the electrical wave pattern observedin EEG  
🗑
excitability   Ability to respond to stimuli  
🗑
fainting   Loss of consciousness due to a sudden lack of oxygen in the brain  
🗑
fissure   One of may indentations of the cerebrum; sulci  
🗑
frontal lobe   One of the four parts of each hemisphere of the cerebrum  
🗑
gait   Manner of walking  
🗑
gangli(o)   Ganglion  
🗑
gangliitis   Inflammation of the ganglion  
🗑
ganglion (pl. ganglia, ganglions)   Any group of nerve cell bodies forming a mass or a cyst in the peripheral nervous system; usually forms in the wrist  
🗑
gli(o)   neuroglia  
🗑
glioblastoma multiforme   Most malignant type of glioma  
🗑
glioma   Tumor that arises from neuroglia  
🗑
grand mal seizure   Severe epileptic seizure accompanied by convulsions, twitching, and loss of consciouness  
🗑
gyrus(pl. gyri)   Folds in the cerebral cortex; gyri  
🗑
hemorrhagic stroke   Stroke caused by blood escaping from a damaged cerebral artery  
🗑
Huntington's chorea   Hereditary disorder with uncontrollable, jerking movements  
🗑
hydrocephalus   Overproduction of fluid in the brain  
🗑
hypnotic   Agent that induces sleep  
🗑
hypothalamus   One of the parts of the diencephalon; serves as a sensory realy station  
🗑
interneuron   Neuron that carries and processes sensory information  
🗑
lobectomy   Removal of a portion of the brain to treat certain disorders  
🗑
lobotomy   Removal of the frontal lobe of the brain  
🗑
Lou Gehrig's disease   Degenerative disease of the motor neurons leading to loss of muscular control and death  
🗑
lumbar puncture   Withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid from between two lumbar vertebrae  
🗑
medulla oblongata   Part of the brain stem that regulates hear and lung functions, swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing  
🗑
mening(o), meningi(o)   meninges  
🗑
meninges (sing. meninx)   Three layers of membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord  
🗑
meningioma   Tumor that arises from the meninges  
🗑
meningitis   Inflammation of the meninges  
🗑
meningocele   In spina bifida cystica, protrusion of the spinal meninges above the surface of the skin  
🗑
meningomyelocele   IN spina bifida cystica, protrusion of the meninges and spinal cord above the surface of the skin  
🗑
microglia   A type of neuroglia that removes debris  
🗑
midbrain   Part of the brainstem involved with visual reflexes  
🗑
multiple sclerosis (MS)   Degenerative disease with loss of myelin, resulting in muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, and some paralysis  
🗑
myasthenia gravis   Disease involving overproduction of antibodies that block certain neurotransmitters; causes muscle weakness  
🗑
myel(o)   Bone marrow, spinal cord  
🗑
myelin sheath   Fatty tissue that covers axons  
🗑
myelitis   Inflammation of the spinal cord  
🗑
myelogram   X-ray of the spinal cord after a contrast medium has been injected  
🗑
narcolepsy   Nervous system disorder that causes uncontrollable, sudden lapses into deep sleep  
🗑
nerve   Bundle of neurons that bear electrical messages to the organs and muscles of the body  
🗑
nerve cell   Basic cell of the nervous system having three parts: cell body, dendrite, and axon; neuron  
🗑
nerve conduction velocity   Timing of the conductivity of an electrical shock administered to peripheral nerves  
🗑
nerve impulse   Release energy that is received or transmitted by tissue or organs and that usually provokes a response  
🗑
neur(o), neuri   nerve  
🗑
neurectomy   Surgical removal of a nerve  
🗑
narcotic   Agent that relieves pain by inducing a stuporous or euphoric state  
🗑
neurilemma   Membranous covering that protects the myelin sheath  
🗑
neuritis   Inflammation of the nerves  
🗑
neuroglia, neuroglial   Cell of the nervous system that does not transmit impulse  
🗑
neuron   Basic cell of the nervous systen having three parts; nerve cell  
🗑
neuroplasty   Surgical repair of a nerve  
🗑
neurorrhaphy   Suturing of a severed nerve  
🗑
neurosurgeon   Medical specialist who performs surgery on the brain and spinal cord  
🗑
neurotomy   Dissection of a nerve  
🗑
neurotransmitter   various substances located in tiny sacs at the end of the axon  
🗑
occipital lobe   One of the four parts of each hemisphere of the cerebrum  
🗑
occlusion   Blocking of a blood vessel  
🗑
oligodendroglia   A type of neuroglia that produces myelin and helps support neurons  
🗑
oligodendroglioma   Type of glioma formed from oligodendroglia  
🗑
palsy   Partial or complete paralysis  
🗑
parasympathetic nervous system   Part of the autonomic nervous system that operates when the body is in a normal state  
🗑
parietal lobe   One of the four part of each hemisphere of the cerebrum  
🗑
Parkinson's disease   Degeneration of nerves in the brain caused by lack of sufficient dopmanine  
🗑
PET (positron emission tomography)   Imaging of the brain using radioactive isotopes and tomography  
🗑
petit mal seizure   Mild epileptic seizure consisting of brief cisorientation with the environment  
🗑
pia mater   Innermost layer of meninges  
🗑
polysomnography   Recording of electrical and movement patterns during sleep  
🗑
pons   Part of the brainstem that controls certain respiratory functions  
🗑
pyrogenic meningitis   Meningitis caused by bacteria; can be fatal; bacterail meningitis  
🗑
radiculitis   Inflammation of the spinal nerve roots  
🗑
receptor   Tissue or organ that receives nerve impulses  
🗑
reflex   Involuntary muscular contraction in response to a stimulus  
🗑
sciatica   Inflammation of the sciatic nerve  
🗑
sedative   Agent that relieves feeling of agitation  
🗑
shingles   Viral disease affecting the peripheal nerves  
🗑
somatic nervous system   Part of the peripheral nervous system that receives and processes sensory input from various parts of the body  
🗑
somnambulsim   Sleepwalking  
🗑
somnolence   Extreme sleepiness caused by a neurological disorder  
🗑
SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) brain scan   Brain image produced by the use of radioactive isotopes  
🗑
spin(o)   spine  
🗑
spina bifida   Congential defect of the spinal column  
🗑
spinal cord   Ropelike tissue that sits inside the vertebral column and from which spinal nerves extend  
🗑
spinal nerves   Any of 31 pairs of nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal corn and the torso and extremities  
🗑
sterotaxy or stereotactic surgery   Destruction of deep-seated brain structures using three-dimensional coordinates to locate the structures  
🗑
stimulus (pl. stimuli)   Anything that arouses a response  
🗑
stroke   Neurological incident caused by disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain; stroke  
🗑
subdural space   Area between the dura mater and pia mater across which the arachnoid runs  
🗑
sulcus (pl.sulci)   One of many indentations of the cerebrum; sulci  
🗑
sympathetic nervous system   Of the part of the autonomic nervous system that operates when the body is under stress  
🗑
synapse   Space over which nerve impulses jump from one neuron to another  
🗑
syncope   Loss of consciousness due to a sudden lack of oxygen to the brain  
🗑
Tay-Sachs disease   Hereditary disease that causes deterioration in the central nervous system and eventually, death  
🗑
temporal lobe   One of the four parts of each hemisphere of the cerebrum  
🗑
terminal end fibers   Group of fibers at the end of an axon that passes the impulses leaving the neuron to the next neuron  
🗑
thalam(o)   thalamus  
🗑
thalamus   One of the four parts of the diencephalon; serves as a sensory relay station  
🗑
thrombotic stroke   Stroke caused by a thrombus  
🗑
thrombus   Blood clot  
🗑
tics   Twitching movement that accompany some neurological disorders  
🗑
tonic-clonic seizure   Severe epileptic seizure accompanied by convulsions, twitching, and loss of consciousness  
🗑
trancranial sonogram   Brain images produced by the use of sound waves  
🗑
trephination   Circular incision into the skull  
🗑
Tourette syndrome   Neurological disorders that causes uncontrollable speech sounds and tics  
🗑
transient ischemic attack   Short neurological incident usually not resulting in permanent injury, but usually signaling that a larger stroke may occur  
🗑
vag(o)   vagus nerve  
🗑
vagotomy   Surgical cutting off of the vagus nerve  
🗑
ventral thalamus   One of the four parts of the diencephalon; serves as a sensory relay station  
🗑
ventricle   Cavity in the brain for cerebrospinal fluid  
🗑
ventricul(o)   ventricle  
🗑
viral meningitis   Meningitis caused by a virus and not as severe as pyrogenic meningitis  
🗑
Ach   acetylcholine  
🗑
ALS   amyotrophic lateral sclerosis  
🗑
BBB   blood-brain barrier  
🗑
CNS   central nervous system  
🗑
CP   cerebral palsy  
🗑
CSF   cerebrospinal fluid  
🗑
CT or CAT scan   computerized (axial) tomography  
🗑
CVA   cerebrovascular accident  
🗑
CVD   cerebrovascular disease  
🗑
EEG   electroencephalogram  
🗑
ICP   intracranial pressure  
🗑
LP   lumbar puncture  
🗑
MRA   magnetic resonance angiography  
🗑
MRI   magnetic resonance imaging  
🗑
SAH   subarachnoid hemorrhage  
🗑
TIA   transient ischemic attack  
🗑
acetone   Type of ketone normally found in urine in small quantities; found in larger quantities in diabetic urine  
🗑
albumin   Simple protein; when leaked into urine, may indicate a kidney problem  
🗑
albuminuria   Presence of albumin in urine, usually indicative of disease  
🗑
antispamodic   Pharmacological agent that relieves spasms; also decreases frequency of urination  
🗑
anuresis   Abnormal retention of urine  
🗑
anuria   Lack of urine formation  
🗑
atresia   Abnormal narrowing, as of the ureters or urethra  
🗑
azotemia   Excess of urea and other wastes in the blood  
🗑
bilirubin   Substance produced in the liver; elevated levels may indicate liver disease or hepatitis when found in urine  
🗑
bladder   Organ where urine collects before being excreted from the body  
🗑
bladder cancer   Malignancy of the bladder  
🗑
Bowman's capsule   Capsule surrounding a glomerulus and serving as a collection site for urine  
🗑
Bright's disease   Inflammation of the glomeruli that can result in kidney failure  
🗑
cali(o), calic(o)   calix  
🗑
calices, calyces, (sing. calix, calyx)   Cup-shaped structures in the renal pelvis for the collection of urine  
🗑
casts   materials formed in urine when protein accumlates; may indicate renal disease  
🗑
condom catheter   Disposable catheter for urinary sample collection or incontinence  
🗑
cortex   Outer portion of the kidney  
🗑
creatine   Substance found in urine; elevated levels may indicate muscular dystrophy  
🗑
creatinine   A component creatine  
🗑
cyst(o)   bladder  
🗑
cystectomy   Surgical removal of the bladder  
🗑
cystitis   Inflammation of the bladder  
🗑
cystocele   Hernia of the bladder  
🗑
cystolith   Bladder stone  
🗑
cystopexy   Surgical fixing of the bladder to the abdominal wall  
🗑
cystoplasty   Surgical repair of the bladder  
🗑
cystorrhaphy   Suturing of a damaged bladder  
🗑
cystoscope   Tubular instrument for examining the interior of the bladder  
🗑
cystoscopy   Tubular instrument for examining the inerior of the bladder  
🗑
dialysis   Method of filtration used when kidneys fail  
🗑
diuretic   Pharmacological agent that increases urination  
🗑
dysuria   Painful urination  
🗑
edema   Retention of water in cells, tissues, and cavities, sometimes due to kidney disease  
🗑
end-stage-renal disease (ESRD)   The last stage of kidney failure  
🗑
enuresis   Urinary incontinence  
🗑
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)   Breaking of kidney stones by using shock waves from outside the body  
🗑
filtration   Process of separating solids from a liquid by passing it through a porous substance  
🗑
Foley catheter   Indwelling catheter held in place by a balloon that inflates inside the bladder  
🗑
glomerul(o)   glomerulus  
🗑
glomerulonephritis   Inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidneys  
🗑
glomerulus (pl. glomuleri)   Group of capillaries in a nephron  
🗑
glucose   Form of sugar found in the blood; may indicate diabetes when found in the urine  
🗑
hematuria   Blood in the urine  
🗑
hemodialysis   Dialysis performed by passing blood through a filter outside the body and returning filtered blood to the body  
🗑
hilum   Portion of the kidney where blood vessels and nerves enter and exit  
🗑
hydronephrosis   Abnormal collection of urine in the kidneys due to a blockage  
🗑
incontinence   Inability to prevent excretion of urine or feces  
🗑
indwelling   Of a type of catheter inserted into a body  
🗑
intracorporeal electrohydraulic lithotripsy   Use of an endoscope to break up stones  
🗑
ketone   Substance that reults from the breakdown of fat; indicates diabetes of starvation when present in the urine  
🗑
ketonuria   Increased urinary excretion of ketones, usually indicative of diabetes or starvation  
🗑
kidney   Organ tha forms urine and reaborbs essentail substances back into the bloodstream  
🗑
kidney failure   Loss of kidney function  
🗑
kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB)   X-ray of three parts of the urinary system  
🗑
lithotomy   Surgical removal of bladder stones  
🗑
meato   meatus  
🗑
meatotomy   Surgical enlargement of the meatus  
🗑
meatus   External opening of a canal, such as the urethra  
🗑
medulla   Soft, central portion of the kidney  
🗑
nephrectomy   Removal of a kidney  
🗑
nephritis   Inflammation of the kidneys  
🗑
nephro(o)   kidney  
🗑
nephroblastoma   Malignant kidney tumor found primarily in young children; nephroblastoma  
🗑
nephrolithotomy   Surgical removal of a kidney stone  
🗑
nephrolysis   Removal of kidney adhersions  
🗑
nephroma   Any renal tumor  
🗑
nephron   Functional unit of a kidney  
🗑
nephropexy   Surgical fixing of a kidney to the abdominal wall  
🗑
nephrorrhaphy   Suturing of a damaged kidney  
🗑
nephrosis   Disorder caused by loss of protein in the urine  
🗑
nephrostomy   Establsihment of an opening from the renal pelvis to the outside of the body  
🗑
nocturia   Nighttime urination  
🗑
oliguria   Scanty urine production  
🗑
peritoneal dialysis   Type of dialysis in which liquid that extracts substances from blood is inserted into the peritoneal cavity and emptied outside the body  
🗑
pH   Measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution such as urine  
🗑
phenylketones   Substances that, if accumulated in the urine of infants, indicate phenylketonuria, a disease treated by diet  
🗑
polycystic kidney disease   Condition with many cysts on and within the kidneys  
🗑
polyuria   Excessive urination  
🗑
prostate   Gland surrounding the urethra in the male; active in ejaculation of semen  
🗑
proteinuria   Abnormal presence of protein in the urine  
🗑
pyel(o)   renal pelvis  
🗑
pyelitis   Inflammation of the renal pelvis  
🗑
pyeloplasty   Surgical repair of the renal pelvis  
🗑
pyelotomy   Incision into the renal pelvis  
🗑
pyuria   Pus in the urine  
🗑
reabsorption   Process of returning essential elements to the bloodstream after filtration  
🗑
ren(o)   Kidney  
🗑
renal pelvis   Collectin area for urine in the center of the kidney  
🗑
renin   Enzyme produced in the kidneys to regulate the filtration rate of blood by increasing blood pressure as necessary  
🗑
renogram   Radioactive imaging of kidney function after introduction of a substance that is filtered through the kidney while it is observed  
🗑
resectoscope   type of endoscope for removal of lesions  
🗑
retrograde pyelogram   X-ray of the bladder and ureters after a contrast medium is injected into the bladder  
🗑
retroperitoneal   Posterior to the peritoneum  
🗑
specific gravity   Measurement of the concentration of wastes, minerals, and solids in urine  
🗑
trigon(o)   trigone  
🗑
trigone   Triangular area at the base of the bladder through which the ureters enter and the urethra exits the bladder  
🗑
ur(o) urin(o)   urine  
🗑
urea   waste product of nitrogen metabolism excreted in normal adult urine  
🗑
uremia   Excess of urea and other wastes in the blood  
🗑
ureter(o)   ureter  
🗑
ureterctomy   Surgical removal of all or some of a ureter  
🗑
ureteroplasty   Surgical repair of a ureter  
🗑
ureterorrhaphy   Suturing of a ureter  
🗑
urethr(o)   urethra  
🗑
urethra   Tube through which urine is transported from the bladder ti the exterior of the body  
🗑
urethropexy   Surgical fixing of the urethra  
🗑
urethroplasty   Surgical repair of the urethra  
🗑
urethrorrhaphy   Suturing of the urethra  
🗑
urethrostomy   Establishment of an opening between the urethra and the exterior of the body  
🗑
urethrotomy   Surgical incision of a narrowing in the urethra  
🗑
uric acid   Nitrogenous waste excreted in the urine  
🗑
urinalysis   Examination of the properties of urine  
🗑
urinary bladder   Organ where urine collects before being excreted from the body  
🗑
urinary system   body system that forms and excretes urine and helps in the reabsorption of essential substances  
🗑
urinary tract infection   Infection of the urinary tract  
🗑
urine   Fluid excreted by the urinary system  
🗑
urology   Medical specialty that diagnoses and treats the urinary system and the male reproductive system  
🗑
urostomy   Establishment of am opening in the abdomen to the exterior of the body for the release of urine  
🗑
vesic(o)   bladder  
🗑
voiding (urinating) cystourethogram (VCU, VCUG)   X-ray image made after indroduction of a contrast medium and while urination is taking place  
🗑
Wilms' Tumor   Malignant kidney tumor found primarily in young children; nephroblastoma  
🗑
ADH   antidiuretic hormone  
🗑
A/G   albumin/globulin  
🗑
AGN   acute glomerulonephritis  
🗑
ARF   acute renal failure  
🗑
ATN   acute tubular necrosis  
🗑
BNO   bladder neck obstruction  
🗑
BUN   blood urea nitrogen  
🗑
CAPD   continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis  
🗑
Cath   catheter  
🗑
C1   chlorine  
🗑
CRF   chronic renal failure  
🗑
cysto   cystoscopy  
🗑
ESRD   end-stage renal disease  
🗑
ESWL   extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy  
🗑
HD   hemodialysis  
🗑
IVP   intravenous pyelogram  
🗑
K+   potassium  
🗑
KUB   kidney, ureter, bladder  
🗑
Na+   sodium  
🗑
pH   power of hydrogen concentration  
🗑
PKU   phenylketonuria  
🗑
RP   retrograde pyelogram  
🗑
SG   specific gravity  
🗑
UA   urinalysis  
🗑
UTI   urinary tract infection  
🗑
VCU, VCUG   voiding cystourethrogram  
🗑
abortion   Premature ending of a pregnancy  
🗑
abortifacient   Medication to prevent implantation of an ovum  
🗑
abruptio placnetae   Breaking away of the placenta from the uterine wall  
🗑
afterbirth   Placenta and membranes that are expelled from the uterus afterbirth  
🗑
amenoorrhea   Lack of menstruation  
🗑
amni(o)   amnion  
🗑
amniocentesis   Removal of a sample of amniotic fluid through a needle injected in the amniotic sac  
🗑
anovulation   Lack of ovulation  
🗑
anteflexion   Bending forward, as of the uterus  
🗑
areola   Darkish area surrounding the nipple on a breast  
🗑
aspiration   Biopsy in which fluid is withdrawn through a needle by suction  
🗑
Bartholin's gland   One of two glands on either side of the vagina that secrete fluid into the vagina  
🗑
birth control pills or implants   Medication that controls the flow of hormones to block ovulation  
🗑
body   Middle portion of the uterus  
🗑
carcinoma in situ   Localized malignancy that has not spread  
🗑
cauterization   Removal or destruction of tissue using chemicals or devices, such as laser-guided equipment  
🗑
cervic(o)   cervix  
🗑
cervicitis   Inflammation of the cervix  
🗑
cervix   Protective part of uterus, located at the bottom and protruding through the vaginal wall; contains glands that secrete fluid into the vagina  
🗑
chlamydia   Sexually transmitted bacterial infection affecting various parts of the male or female reproductive systems; the bacterial agent itself  
🗑
chorion   Outermost membrane of the sac surrounding the fetus during gestation  
🗑
climacteric   Period of hormonal changes just prior to menopause  
🗑
clitoris   Primary organ of female sexual stimulation, located at the top of the labia minora  
🗑
coitus   Sexual intercourse  
🗑
colp(o)   vagina  
🗑
colposcopy   Examination of the vagina with colposcope  
🗑
condom   Contraceptive device consisting of a rubber or vinyl sheath placed over the penis or as lining that covers the vaginal canal that blocks contact between the sperm and the female sex organs  
🗑
condyloma   Growth on the external genitalia  
🗑
conization   Removal of a cone-shaped section of the cervix for examination  
🗑
contraception   Method of controlling conception by blocking access or interrupting reproductive cycles; birth control  
🗑
copulation   Sexual intercourse  
🗑
corpus luteum   Structure formed after the graafian follicle fills with a yellow substance that secretes estrogen and progesterone  
🗑
cryosurgery   Removal or destruction of tissue using cold temperatures  
🗑
culdocentesis   Taking of a fluid sample from the base of the pelvic cavity to see if an ectopic pregnancy has ruptured  
🗑
culdoscopy   Examination of the pelvic cavity using an endoscope  
🗑
diaphragm   Contraceptive device that covers the cervix and blocks sperm from entering; used in conjunction with spermicide  
🗑
dysmenorrhea   Painful menstruation  
🗑
dyspareunia   Painful sexaul intercourse due to any of various conditions, such as cysts, infection, or dryness, in the vagina  
🗑
endometriosis   Abnormal condition in which uterine wall tissue is found in the pelvis or on the abdominal wall  
🗑
endometrium   Inner mucous layer of the uterus  
🗑
episi(o)   vulva  
🗑
estrogen   One of the primary female hormones produced by the ovaries  
🗑
fallopian tube   One of two tubes that lead from the ovaries to the uterus; uterine tube  
🗑
fibroid   Benign tumor commonly found in the uterus  
🗑
fimbriae   Hairlike ends of the uterine tubes that sweep the ovum into the uterus  
🗑
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)   Hormone necessary for maturation of oocytes and ovulation  
🗑
foreskin   Fold of skin at the top of the labia minora  
🗑
fundus   Top portion of the uterus  
🗑
galact(o)   milk  
🗑
gamete   Sex cell; mature female sex cell produced by teh ovaries, which then travels to the uterus. If fertilized, it implants in the uterus; if not, it is released during menstruation to the outside of the body  
🗑
gestation   Period of fetal development in the uterus; usually about 40 weeks  
🗑
gonad   Male or female sex organ; one of two glands that produce ova  
🗑
gonorrhea   Sexually transmitted inflammation of the genital membranes  
🗑
graafian follicle   Follicle in the ovary that holds an oocyte during development and then releases it.  
🗑
gravida   Pregnant woman  
🗑
gynec(o)   Female  
🗑
gynecologist   Specialist who diagnoses and treats the processes and disorders of the female reproductive system  
🗑
hormone   Chemical secretion from glands such as the ovaries  
🗑
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)   Treatment with hormones when the body stops or decreases the production of hormones by itself  
🗑
hymen   Fold of mucous membranes covering the vagina of a young female; usually ruptures during first intercourse  
🗑
hyster(o)   uterus  
🗑
hysteroctomy   Removal of the uterus  
🗑
hysterosalpingography   X-ray of the uterus and uterine tubes after a contrast medium has been injected  
🗑
hysteroscopy   Examination of the uterus using a hysteroscope  
🗑
intrauterine device (IUD)   Contraeceptive device consisting of a coil placed in the uterus to block implantation of a fertilized ovum  
🗑
introitus   External openings or entrance to a hollow organ, such as a vagina  
🗑
isthmus   Narrow region at the bottom of the uterus opening into the cervix  
🗑
Kegal exercises   Exercise to strengthen pubic muscles  
🗑
labia majora   Two folds of skin that form the borders of the vulva  
🗑
labia minora   Two folds of skin between the labia majora  
🗑
lact(o), lacti   milk  
🗑
lactation   Production of milk from the breasts following delivery  
🗑
lactiferous   Producing milk  
🗑
laparoscopy   Use of a lighted tubular instrument inserted through a woman's naval to perform a tubal ligation or to examine the fallopian tubes  
🗑
leukorrhea   Abnormal vaginal discharge; usually whitish  
🗑
lumpectomy   Removal of a breast tumor  
🗑
luteinizing hormone (LH)   Hormone essential ot ovulation  
🗑
mamm(o)   breast  
🗑
mammary glands   Glandular tissue that forms the breasts, which respond to cycles of menstuation and birth  
🗑
mammography   X-ray imaging of the breast as a cancer screening method  
🗑
mammoplasty   Plastic surgery to reconstruct the breast, particularly after a mastectomy  
🗑
mast(o)   breast  
🗑
mastectomy   Removal of a breast  
🗑
mastitis   Inflammation of the breast  
🗑
mastopexy   Surgical procedure to attach sagging breasts in a more normal postion  
🗑
men(o)   menstruation  
🗑
menarche   First menstruation  
🗑
menometrorrhagia   Irregular or excessive bleeding between or during menstruation  
🗑
menopause   Time when menstruation ceases; usually between ages 45 and 55  
🗑
menorrhagia   Excessive menstrual bleeding  
🗑
menstruation   Cyclical release of uterine lining through the vagina; usually every 28 days  
🗑
metr(o)   uterus  
🗑
metrorrhagia   Uterine bleeding between menstrual periods  
🗑
miscarriage   Spontaneous, premature ending of a pregnancy  
🗑
mons pubis   Mound of soft tissue in the external genitalia covered by pubic hair after puberty  
🗑
morning-after pill   Medication to prevent implantation of an ovum  
🗑
myomectomy   Removal of fibroids from the uterus  
🗑
myonmetrium   Middle layer of muscle tissue of the uterus  
🗑
nipple   Projection of the apex of the breast through which milk flows during lactation  
🗑
oo   egg  
🗑
obstetrician   Physician who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth care  
🗑
oligomenorrhea   Scanty menstrual period  
🗑
oligo-ovulation   Irregular ovulation  
🗑
oocyte   Immature ovum produced in the gonads  
🗑
oophor(o)   ovary  
🗑
oophorectomy   Removal of an ovary  
🗑
ov(i), ov(o)   egg  
🗑
ovari(o)   ovary  
🗑
ovulation   Release of an ovum(or rarely, more than one ovum) as part of monthly cycle that leads to fertilization or menstruation  
🗑
ovum (pl. ova)   Mature female sex cell produced by the ovaries, which then travels to the uterus. If fertilized, it implants in the uterus; if not, it is released during menstruation to the outside of the body  
🗑
oxytocin   Hormone given to induce labor  
🗑
Papanicolaou smear   Gathering of cells from the cervix and vagina to abserve for abnormalities  
🗑
para   Woman who has given birth to one or more viable infants  
🗑
parturition   Birth  
🗑
pelvimetry   Measurement of the pelvis during pregnancy  
🗑
perimenopause   Three-to-five-year period of decreasing estrogen levels prior to menopause  
🗑
perimetrium   Outer layer of the uterus  
🗑
perine(o)   perineum  
🗑
perineum   Space between the labia majora and the anus  
🗑
placenta   Nutrient-rich organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy; supplies nutrients to the fetus  
🗑
placenta previa   Placement of the placenta so it blocks the birth canal  
🗑
preclampsia   Toxic infection during pregnancy  
🗑
progesterone   One of the primary female hormones  
🗑
puberty   Pre-teen or early teen period when secondary sex characteristics develop and menstruation begins  
🗑
retroflexion   Bending backward of the uterus  
🗑
retroversion   Backward turn of the uterus  
🗑
salping(o)   fallopian tube  
🗑
salpingectomy   Removal of a fallopian tube  
🗑
salpingitis   Inflammation of the fallopian tube  
🗑
salpingotomy   Incision into the fallopian tube  
🗑
sinus   Space between the lactiferous ducts and the nipple  
🗑
spermicide   Contraceptive chemical that destroys sperm; usually in cream or jelly form  
🗑
sponge   Polyurethane contraceptive device filled with spermicide and placed in vagina near cervix  
🗑
syphilis   Sexually transmitted acute infection  
🗑
tocolytic agent   Hormone given to stop labor  
🗑
umbilical cord   Cord that connects the placenta in the mother's uterus to the navel of the fetus during gestation for nourishment of the fetus  
🗑
uter(o)   uterus  
🗑
uterine tube   One of two tubes through which ova travel from an ovary to the uterus  
🗑
uterus   Female reproductive organ; site of implantation after fertilization or release of the lining during menstruation  
🗑
vagin(o)   vagina  
🗑
vaginitis   Inflammation of the vagina  
🗑
vulv(o)   vulva  
🗑
vulva   External female genitalia  
🗑
AB   abortion  
🗑
AFP   alpha fetoprotein  
🗑
AH   abdominal hysterectomy  
🗑
CIS   caricinoma in situ  
🗑
CS   caesarean section  
🗑
C-section   caesarean section  
🗑
Cx   cervix  
🗑
D&C   dilation and curettage  
🗑
DES   diethylsilbestrol  
🗑
DUB   dysfunctional uterine bleeding  
🗑
ECC   endocervical curettage  
🗑
EDC   expected date of confinement  
🗑
EMB   endometrial biopsy  
🗑
ERT   estrogen replacement therapy  
🗑
FHT   fetal heart tones  
🗑
FSH   follicle-stimulating hormone  
🗑
G   gravida (pregnancy)  
🗑
gyn   gynecology  
🗑
HCG   human chorionic gonadotropin  
🗑
HRT   hormone replacement therapy  
🗑
HSG   hysterosalpingography  
🗑
HSO   hysterosalpingoophorectomy  
🗑
IUD   intrauterine device  
🗑
LH   luteinizing hormone  
🗑
LMP   last menstrual period  
🗑
multip   multiparous  
🗑
OB   obstetrics  
🗑
OCP   oral contraceptive pill  
🗑
P   para (live birth)  
🗑
Pap smear   Papanicolaou smear  
🗑
PID   pelvic inflammatory disease  
🗑
PMP   previous menstrual period  
🗑
PMS   premenstrual syndrome  
🗑
primip   primiparous  
🗑
TAH-BSO   total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salping oophorectomy  
🗑
TSS   toxic shock syndrome  
🗑
UC   uterine contractions  
🗑
anabolic steriods   Prescription drug abused by some athletes to increase muscle mass  
🗑
andr(o)   men  
🗑
anorchism, anorchia   Congenital absence of one or both testicles  
🗑
aspermia   Inability to produce sperm  
🗑
azoospermia   Semen without living sperm  
🗑
balan(o)   glans penis  
🗑
balanitis   Inflammation of the glans penis  
🗑
bulbourethral gland   One of two glands below the prostate that secrete a fluid to lubricate the inside of the urethra  
🗑
castration   Removal of the testicles  
🗑
chancroids   Bacterial infection that can be sexually transmitted; results in sores on the penis, urethra, or anus  
🗑
circumcision   Removal of the foreskin  
🗑
Cowper's gland   One of two glands below the prostate that secretes a fluid to lubricate the inside of the urethra  
🗑
cryptorchism   Birth defect with the failure of one or both of the testicles to descend in to the scrotal sac  
🗑
ejaculation   Expulsion of semen outside the body  
🗑
epididym(o)   epididymis  
🗑
epididymectomy   Removal of an epididymis  
🗑
epididymis   Group of ducts at the top of the testis where sperm are stored  
🗑
epididymitis   Inflammation of the epididymis  
🗑
epispadias   Birth defect with abnormal opening of the urethra on the top side of the penis  
🗑
flagellum   Tail at the end of a sperm that helps it move.  
🗑
foreskin   Flap of skin covering the glans penis; removed by circumcision in many cultures  
🗑
glans penis   Sensitive area at the tip of the penis  
🗑
hernia   Abnormal protrusion of tissue through muscle that contains it  
🗑
hydrocele   Fluid-containing hernia of the testis  
🗑
hypospadias   Birth defect with abnormal opening of the urethra on the bottom side of the penis  
🗑
impotence   Inability to maintain an erection for ejaculation  
🗑
infertility   Inability to fertilize ova  
🗑
oligospermia   Scanty production of sperm  
🗑
orch(o), orchi(o), orchid(o)   testes  
🗑
orchidectomy   Removal of a testicle  
🗑
orchiectomy   Removal of a testicle  
🗑
penis   Male reproductive part that covers the urethra on the outside of the body  
🗑
perineum   Area between the penis and the anus  
🗑
Peyronie's disease   Abnormal curvature of the penis caused by hardening in the interior of the penis  
🗑
phimosis   Abnormal narrowing of the opening of the foreskin  
🗑
prostat(o)   prostate gland  
🗑
prostate gland   Gland surrounding the urethra that emits fluid to help sperm move and contracts its muscular tissue during ejaculation to help the sperm exit the body  
🗑
prostatectomy   Removal of the prostate  
🗑
prostate-specific antigen test   Blood test for prostate cancer  
🗑
prostatitis   Inflammation of the prostate  
🗑
scrotum   Sac outside the body containing the testicles  
🗑
semen   Thick, whitish fluid containing spermatozoa and secretions from the seminal vesicles, Cowper's glands, and prostate; ejaculated from the penis  
🗑
semen analysis   Observation of semen for viability of sperm  
🗑
seminoma   Malignant tumor of the testicles  
🗑
sperm   Male sex cell that contains chromosomes  
🗑
sperm(o) spermat(o)   sperm  
🗑
spermatozoon (pl. spermatozoa)   Male sex cell that contains chromosomes  
🗑
testicles   Male organ that produces sperm and is contained in the scrotum  
🗑
testis (pl. testes)   Male organ that produces sperm and is contained in the scrotum  
🗑
testosterone   Primary male hormone  
🗑
urethrogram   X-ray of the urethra and prostate  
🗑
varicocele   Enlargement of veins of the spermatic cord  
🗑
vas deferens   Narrow tube through which sperm leave the epididymis and travel to the seminal vesicles and into the urethra  
🗑
vasectomy   Removal of part of the vas deferens to prevent conception  
🗑
vasovasostomy   Reversal of a vasectomy  
🗑
AIH   artificial insemination homogous  
🗑
BPH   benign prostatic hypertrophy  
🗑
PED   penile erectile dysfunction  
🗑
PSA   prostate-specific antigen  
🗑
SPP   suprapibic prostatectomy  
🗑
TURP   transurethral resection of the prostate  
🗑
agglutin(o)   agglutinin  
🗑
agglutination   Clumping of cells and particles in blood  
🗑
agglutinogen   Substance that causes agglutination  
🗑
agranulocyte   Leukocyte with nongranular cytoplasm  
🗑
albumin   Simple protein found in plasma  
🗑
anemia   Condition in which red blood cells do not transport enough oxygen to the tissues  
🗑
anisocytosis   Condition with abnormal variation in the size of red blood cells  
🗑
anticoagulant   Agent that prevents formation of blood clots  
🗑
antiglobulin test   Test for antibodies on red blood cells  
🗑
basophil   Leukocyte containing heparin and histamine and performing a phagocytic function  
🗑
basophilia   Condition with an increased number of basophils in the blood  
🗑
biochemistry panel   Common group of automated tests run on one blood sample  
🗑
blood   Fluid (containing plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) circulated throughout the arteries, veins, capillaries, and heart  
🗑
blood chemistry   Test of plasma for presence of a particular substance such as glucose  
🗑
blood culture   Test of a blood specimen in a culture medium to observe for particular mocroorganisms  
🗑
blood indices   Measurement of the characteristics of red blood cells  
🗑
blood types or groups   Classification of blood according to its antigen and anitbody qualities  
🗑
bone marrow biopsy   Extraction of bone marrow, by means of a needle for observation  
🗑
bone marrow transplant   Injection of donor bone marrow into a patient whose diseased cells have been killed through radiation and chemotherapy  
🗑
chemistry profile   test of plasma for presence of a particular substance such as glucose  
🗑
coagulant   Clotting agent  
🗑
coagulation   Changing of a liquid, especially blood, into a semi-solid  
🗑
complete blood count (CBC)   Most common blood test for a number of factors  
🗑
dyscrasia   Any disease with abnormal particles in the blood  
🗑
electrophoresis   Process of separating particles in a solution by passing electricity through the liquid  
🗑
eosino   eosinophil  
🗑
eosinophil   Type of granulocyte  
🗑
eosinophilia   Condition with an abnormal number of eosinophils in the blood  
🗑
erythr(o)   red  
🗑
erythroblastosis fetalis   Incompatibility disoreder between a mother with Rh negative and a fetus with Rh positive  
🗑
erythrocyte   Mature red blood cell  
🗑
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)   Test for rate at which red blood cells fall through plasma  
🗑
erythropenia   Disorder with abnormally low number of red blood cells  
🗑
erythropoietin   Hormone released by the kidneys to stimulate red blood cell production  
🗑
fibrin clot   Clot-forming threads formed at the site of an injury during coagulation where platelets clump together with various other substances  
🗑
fibrinogen   Protein in plasma that aids in clotting  
🗑
gamma globulin   Globulin that arises in lymphatic tissue and functions as part of the immune system  
🗑
globin   Protein molecule; in blood, a part of hemoglobin  
🗑
granulocyte   Leukocyte with granular cytoplasm  
🗑
granulocytosis   Condition with abnormal number of granulocytes in the bloodstream  
🗑
hematocrit   Measure of the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample  
🗑
hematocytoblast   Most immature blood cell  
🗑
heme   Pigment containing iron in hemoglobin  
🗑
hemo hemat(o)   blood  
🗑
hemochromatosis   Hereditary condition with excessive iron buildup in the blood  
🗑
hemoglobin   Protein in red blood cells essential to the transport of oxygen  
🗑
hemolsis   Disorder with breakdown of red blood cell membranes  
🗑
hemophilia   Hereditary disorder with lack of clotting factor in the blood  
🗑
hemostatic   Agent that stops bleeding  
🗑
heparin   Substance in blood that prevents clotting  
🗑
histamine   Substance released by basophils and eosinophils; involved in allergic reations  
🗑
leuk(o)   white  
🗑
leukocyte   Mature white blood cell  
🗑
lymphocyte   Type of agranulocyte  
🗑
macrocytosis   Disorder with abnormally large red blood cells  
🗑
megakaryocyte   Large cells in red bone barrow that form platelets  
🗑
microcytosis   Disorder with abnormally small red blood cells  
🗑
monocyte   Type of agranulocyte  
🗑
multiple myeloma   Malignant tumor of the bone marrow  
🗑
myeloblast   Immature granulocytes  
🗑
neurtrophil   Type of leukocyte; granulocyte  
🗑
pancytopenia   Condition with low number of blood components  
🗑
partial thromboplastin time (PTT)   Test for ability of blood to coagulate  
🗑
phag(o)   eating, devouring  
🗑
phlebotomy   Insertion of a needle into a vein, usually for the purpose of extracting a blood sample  
🗑
plasma   Liquid portion of unclotted blood  
🗑
plasmapheresis   Process of removing blood from a person, centrifuging it, and returning only red blood cells to that person  
🗑
platelet   Thrombocyte; part of a megakaryocyte that initiates clotting  
🗑
platelet count (PLT)   Measurement of number of platelets in a blood samples  
🗑
poikilocytosis   Disorder with irregularly shaped red blood cells  
🗑
polycythemia   Disorder with abnormal increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin  
🗑
prothrombin time (PT)   Test ability of blood to coagulate  
🗑
purpura   Condition with multiple, tiny hemorrhages under the skin  
🗑
red blood cell   One of the solid parts of blood formed from stem cells and having hemoglobin within; erythrocyte  
🗑
red blood cell count   Measurement of red blood cells in a cubic millimeter of blood  
🗑
red blood cell morphology   Observation of shape of red blood cells  
🗑
relapse   Recurrence of a disease  
🗑
remission   Disappearance of a disease for a time  
🗑
reticulocytosis   Disorder with an abnormal number of immature erthrocytes  
🗑
Rh factor   Type of antigen in blood that can cause a transfusion reaction  
🗑
Rh-negative   Lacking Rh factor on surface of blood cells  
🗑
Rh-positive   Having Rh factor on surface on blood cells  
🗑
sedimentation rate (SR)   Test for rate at which red blood cells fall through plasma  
🗑
serum   The liquid left after blood had clotted  
🗑
SMA (sequential multiple analyzer)   Original blood chemistry machine; now a synonym for blood chemistry  
🗑
stem cell   Immature cell formed in bone marrow that becomes differentiated into either a red or a white blood cell  
🗑
thalassemia   Hereditary disorder characterized by inability to produce sufficient hemoglobin  
🗑
thromb(o)   blood clot  
🗑
thrombin   Enzyme that helps in clot formation  
🗑
thrombocyte   Platelet; cell fragment that produces thrombin  
🗑
thrombocytopenia   Bleeding condition with insufficient production of platelets  
🗑
thrombolytic   Agent that disolves blood clots  
🗑
thromboplastin   Protein that aids in forming a fibrin clot  
🗑
transfusion   Injection of donor blood into a person needing blood  
🗑
venipucture   Insertion of a needle into a vein, usually for the purpose of extracting a blood sample  
🗑
von Willebrand's disease   Hemorrhagic disorder with tendency to bleed from mucous membranes  
🗑
white blood cell   One of the solid parts of blood from stem cells that plays a role in defense against disease; leukocyte  
🗑
APTT   activated partial thromboplastin time  
🗑
baso   basophil  
🗑
BCP   biochemistry panel  
🗑
BMT   bone marrow transplant  
🗑
CBC   complete blood count  
🗑
diff   differential blood count  
🗑
eos   eosinophils  
🗑
ESR   erythrocyte sedimentation rate  
🗑
G-CSF   Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor  
🗑
GM-CSF   Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor  
🗑
HCT, Hct   hematocrit  
🗑
HGB, Hgb, HB   hemoglobin  
🗑
MCH   mean corpuscular hemoglobin  
🗑
MCHC   mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration  
🗑
MCV   mean corpuscular volume  
🗑
mono   monocyte  
🗑
PCV   packed cell volume  
🗑
PLT   platelet count  
🗑
PMN, poly   polymorphonuclear neurtrophil  
🗑
PT   prothrombin time  
🗑
PTT   partial thromboplastin time  
🗑
RBC   red blood cell count  
🗑
SR; sed,rate   sedimentation rate  
🗑
seg   segmented mature white blood cells  
🗑
WBC   white blood cell count  
🗑
acquired active immunity   Resistance to a disease acquired naturally or developed by previous exposure or vaccination  
🗑
acquired passive immunity   Inoculation against disease or poison, using antitoxins or antibodies from or in another person or another species  
🗑
acquired immunodeficiency disease   AIDS  
🗑
aden(o)   gland  
🗑
allergen   Substance to which exposure causes an allergic reaction  
🗑
allergy   Production of IgE antibodies against an allergen  
🗑
anaphylaxis   Life-threatening allergic reaction  
🗑
anntibody   Specialized protein that fights disease  
🗑
antigen   any substance in the bloodstream that can provoke an immune response  
🗑
antitoxin   Antibodies directed against a particular disease or poison  
🗑
autoimmune disease   Any of a number of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma, caused by an autoimmune response  
🗑
autoimmune response   Overactivity in the immune system against oneself causing destruction of one's own healthy cells  
🗑
cell-mediated immunity   Resistance to disease mediated by T cells  
🗑
cytotoxic cell   T cell that helps in destruction of infected cells throught out the body  
🗑
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA, ELISA)   Test used to screen blood for the presence of antibodies to different viruses or bacteria  
🗑
gamma globulin   Antibodies given to prevent or lessen certain diseases  
🗑
helper cell   t cell that stimulates the immune response  
🗑
histiocytic lymphoma   Lymphoma with malignant cells that resemble histiocytes  
🗑
Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease   Type of lymph cancer of uncertain origin that generally appears in early adulthood  
🗑
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)   Virus that causes AIDS; spread by sexual contact and exchange of body fluids  
🗑
humoral immunity   Resistance to disease provided by plasma cells and anitbody production  
🗑
hypersensitivity   Abnormal reaction to an allergen  
🗑
hypersplenism   Overactive spleen  
🗑
immun(o)   immunity  
🗑
immunity   Resistance to particular pathogens  
🗑
immunoglobulin   Type of antibody  
🗑
immunosuppressive disease   Disease that flourishes because of lowered immune response  
🗑
infectious mononucleosis   Acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus  
🗑
interferon   Protein produced by T cells and other cells; destroys disease-causing cells with its antiviral properties  
🗑
interleukin   Protein produced by T cells; helps regulates immune system  
🗑
lymph   Fluid containing white blood cells and toher substances that flows in the lymphactic vessels  
🗑
lymph(o)   lymph  
🗑
lymphaden(o)   lymph nodes  
🗑
lymphadenectomy   Removal of a lymph node  
🗑
lymphadenopathy   Swollen lymph nodes  
🗑
lymphadenotomy   Incision into a lymph nodes  
🗑
lymphangi(o)   lymphatic vessels  
🗑
lymph node   Specialized organ that produces lymphocytes and filters harmful substances from the tissues  
🗑
lymph node dissection   Removal of a cancerous node for microscopic examination  
🗑
lymphocytes   Lymph cells  
🗑
lymphocytic lymphoma   Lymphoma with malignant cells that resemble large lymphocytes  
🗑
lymphoma   Cancer of the lymph nodes  
🗑
macrophage   Special cell that devours foreign substances  
🗑
metastasis   Spread of a cancer from a localized area  
🗑
natural immunity   Inherent resistance to disease found in a species, race, family group, or certain individuals  
🗑
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma   Cancer of the lymph nodes with some cells resembling healthy cells and spreading in a diffuse pattern  
🗑
opportunistic infection   Infection that takes hold because of lowered immune response  
🗑
pathogen   Disease-causing agent  
🗑
phagocytosis   Ingestion of foreign substances by specialized cells  
🗑
plasma cell   Specialized cells that develop in the thymus and are responsible for cellular immunity  
🗑
retrovirus   Type of virus that spreads by using DNA in the body to help it replicate its RNA  
🗑
sarcoidosis   Inflammation condition with lesions on the lymph nodes and other organs  
🗑
spleen   Organ of lymph system that filters, stores, removes, blood, and activates lymphocytes  
🗑
splen(o)   spleen  
🗑
splenectomy   Removal of the spleen  
🗑
splenomegaly   Enlarged spleen  
🗑
suppressor cell   t cell that suppresses B cells and other immune cells  
🗑
T cells   Specialized cells that develop in the thymus and are responsible for cellular immunity  
🗑
thym(o)   thymus  
🗑
thymectomy   Removal of the tyhmus gland  
🗑
thymocyte   Cell of the thymus gland that can mature into a T cell  
🗑
thymoma   Tumor of the thymus gland  
🗑
thymosin   Hormone secreted by the thymus gland that aids in distribution of thymocytes  
🗑
thymus gland   Soft gland with two lobes that is involved in immune response; located in mediastinum  
🗑
T lymphocytes   Specialized cells that develop in the thymus and are responsible for cellular immunity  
🗑
tox(o), toxi, toxico   poison  
🗑
vaccination vaccine   Injection of an antigen from a different organism to cause active immunity  
🗑
Western blot   Test primarily used to check for antibodies to HIV in serum  
🗑
AIDS   acquired immunodenficiency syndrome  
🗑
ALL   acute lymphocytic leukemia  
🗑
AML   acute myelogenous leukemia  
🗑
AZT   Azidothymidine  
🗑
CLL   chronic lymphocytic leukemia  
🗑
CML   chronic myelogenous leukemia  
🗑
CMV   cytomegalovirus  
🗑
EBV   Epstein-Barr virus  
🗑
EIS, ELISA   Enzyme-linked immonuosorbent assay  
🗑
HIV   human immunodeficiency virus  
🗑
HSV   herpse simples virus  
🗑
IgA   immunoglobulin A  
🗑
IgD   immunoglobulin D  
🗑
IgE   immunoglobulin E  
🗑
IgG   immunoglobulin G  
🗑
IgM   immunoglobulin M  
🗑
PCP   Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia  
🗑
SLE   systemic lupus erythematosus  
🗑
ZDV   Zidovudine  
🗑
abdominocentesis   Incision into the abdomen to remove fluid  
🗑
absorption   Passing of nutrients into the bloodstream  
🗑
achalasia   Inability of a muscle, particularly the cardiac sphincter, to relax  
🗑
achlorhydria   Lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach  
🗑
alimentary canal   Muscular tube from the mouth to the anus; digestive tract; gastrointestinal tract  
🗑
amino acid   Chemical compound that results from digestion of complex proteins  
🗑
amylase   Enzyme that is part of pancreatic juice and saliva and that begins the digestion of carbohydrates  
🗑
anal canal   Part of the digestive tract extending from the rectum to the anus  
🗑
anal fistula   Small opening in the anal canal through which waste matter can leak  
🗑
anal fistulectomy   Removal of an anal fistula  
🗑
anastomosis   Surgical union of two hollow structures  
🗑
ankyloglossia   Conditon of the tongue being partially or completely attached to the bottom of the mouth  
🗑
an(o)   anus  
🗑
anorexia   Eating disorder with extreme weight loss  
🗑
antacid   Agent that neutralizes stomach acid  
🗑
antidiarrheal   Agent that controls loose, watery stools  
🗑
antiemetic   Agent that prevents vomiting  
🗑
antispasmodic   Agent that controls intestinal tract spasms  
🗑
anus   Place at which feces exit the body  
🗑
aphagia   Inability to swallow  
🗑
append(o), appendic(o)   appendix  
🗑
appendage   Any body part (inside or outside) either subordinate or to a larger part or having no specific central function  
🗑
appendectomy   Removal of the appendix  
🗑
appendicitis   Inflammation of the appendix  
🗑
appendix   Wormlike appendage to the cecum  
🗑
ascites   Fluid buildup in the abdominal and peritoneal cavities  
🗑
bil(o), bili   bile  
🗑
bile   Yellowish-brown to greenish fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder; aids in fat digestion  
🗑
bilirubin   Pigment contained in bile  
🗑
Billroth's I   Excision of the pylorus  
🗑
Billroth's II   Resection of the pylorus with the stomach  
🗑
body   Middle section of the stomach  
🗑
bowel   Intestine  
🗑
bucc(o)   cheek  
🗑
bulimia   Eating disorder with binging and purging  
🗑
cathartic   Laxative  
🗑
cec(o)   cecum  
🗑
cecum   Pouch at the top of the large intestine connected to the bottom of the ileum  
🗑
celi(o)   abdomen  
🗑
cheeks   Walls of the oral cavity  
🗑
cheilitis   Inflammation of the lips  
🗑
cheiloplasty   Repair of the lips  
🗑
chol(o), cholo   bile  
🗑
cholangi(o)   bile vessel  
🗑
cholangiography   X-ray of the bile ducts  
🗑
cholangitis   Inflammation of the bile ducts  
🗑
cholecyst(o)   gallbladder  
🗑
cholecystectomy   Removal of the gallbladder  
🗑
cholecystitis   Inflammation of the gallbladder  
🗑
cholecystography   X-ray of the gallbladder  
🗑
choledoch(o)   common bile duct  
🗑
choledocholithotomy   Removal of stones from the common bile duct  
🗑
cholelithiasis   Gallbladder in the bladder  
🗑
cholelithotomy   Removal of gallstones  
🗑
cholelithotripsy   Breaking up or crushing of stones in the body especially gallstones  
🗑
chyme   Semisolid mass of partially digested food and gastric juices that passes from the stomach to the small intestines  
🗑
cirrhosis   Liver disease, usually caused by alcoholism  
🗑
col(o), colon(o)   colon  
🗑
colectomy   Removal of the colon  
🗑
colic   Gastrointestinal distress, especially of infants  
🗑
colitis   Inflammation of the colon  
🗑
colon   Major portion of the large intestine  
🗑
colonoscopy   Examination of the colon using an endoscope  
🗑
colostomy   Creation of an opening from the colon into the abdominal wall  
🗑
constipation   Difficult or infrequent defecation  
🗑
Crohn's disease   Type of irritable bowel disease with no ulcers  
🗑
defecation   Release of feces from the anus  
🗑
deglutition   Swallowing  
🗑
diarrhea   Loose, watery stool  
🗑
digestion   Conversion of food into nutrients for the body and into waste products for release from the body  
🗑
diverticula   Small pouches in the intestinal walls  
🗑
diverticulitis   Inflammation of the diverticula  
🗑
diverticulosis   Condition in which the diverticula trap food or bacteria  
🗑
duoden(o)   duodenum  
🗑
duodenal ulcer   Ulcer of the duodenum  
🗑
duodenum   Top part of the small intestine where chyme mixes with bile, pancreatic juices, and intestinal juice to continue the digestive process  
🗑
dysentery   Irritation of the intestinal tract with loose stool  
🗑
dyspepsia   Indigestion  
🗑
dysphagia   Difficulty is swallowing  
🗑
emesis   Backward flow from the normal direction  
🗑
emulsification   Breaking down of fats  
🗑
enter(o)   intestines  
🗑
enteritis   Inflammation of the small intestine  
🗑
enzyme   Protein that causes chemical changes in substances in the digestive tract  
🗑
epoglottis   Movable flap of tissue that covers the trachea  
🗑
eructation   Belching  
🗑
esophag(o)   esophagus  
🗑
esophagitis   Inflammation of the esophagus  
🗑
esophagoplasty   Repair of the esophagus  
🗑
esophagoscopy   Examination of the esophagus with an esophagoscope  
🗑
esophagus   Part of alimentary canal from the pharynx to the stomach  
🗑
fatty acid   Acid derived from fat during the digestive process  
🗑
feces   Semisolid waste that moves through the large intestine to the anus, where it is released from the body  
🗑
fistula   Abnormal opening in tissue  
🗑
flatulence   Gas in the stomach or intestines  
🗑
flatus   Gas in the lower intestinal tract that can be released through the anus  
🗑
frenulum   Mucous membrane that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth  
🗑
fundus   Upper portion of the stomach  
🗑
gallbladder   Organ on lower surface of liver; stores bile  
🗑
gallstones   Calculi in the gallbladder  
🗑
gastrectomy   Removal of part or all of the stomach  
🗑
gastric resection   Removal of part of the stomach and repair of the remaining part  
🗑
gastritis   Inflammation of the stomach  
🗑
gastr(o)   stomach  
🗑
gastroenteritis   Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine  
🗑
gastroscopy   Examination of the stomach using of an endoscope  
🗑
gloss(o)   tongue  
🗑
glossectomy   Removal of the tongue  
🗑
glossitis   Inflammation of the tongue  
🗑
glossorrhaphy   Suture of the tongue  
🗑
gluc(o)   glucose  
🗑
glucose   Sugar found in fruits and plants and in various parts of the body  
🗑
glyc(o)   sugar  
🗑
glycogen(o)   glycogen  
🗑
glycogen   Starch that can be converted into glucose  
🗑
gums   Fleshy sockets that hold the teeth and aid in chewing  
🗑
halitosis   Foul mouth odor  
🗑
hard palate   Hard anterior portion of the palate at the roof of the mouth  
🗑
hematemesis   Blood in vomit  
🗑
hematochezia   Red blood in stool  
🗑
hemorrhoidectomy   Removal of hemorrhoids  
🗑
hemorrhoids   Swollen,twisted veins in the anus  
🗑
hepat(o)   liver  
🗑
hepatic lobectomy   Removal of one ore move lobes of the liver  
🗑
hepatitis   Inflammation or disease of the liver  
🗑
hepatomegaly   Enlarged liver  
🗑
hepatopathy   Liver disease  
🗑
hiatal hernia   Protrusion of the stomach through an opening in the diaphragm  
🗑
hyperbilirubinemia   Excessive bilirubin in the blood  
🗑
icterus   Jaundice  
🗑
ile(o)   ileum  
🗑
ileitis   Inflammation of the ileum  
🗑
ileostomy   Creation of an opening into the ileum  
🗑
ileus   Intestinal blockage  
🗑
intussusception   Prolapse of an intestinal part into a neighboring part  
🗑
jaundice   Excessive bilirubin in the blood causing yellowing of the skin  
🗑
jejun(o)   jejunum  
🗑
jejunum   Middle section of the small intestine  
🗑
labi(o)   lip  
🗑
large intestine   Passageway in intestinal tract for waste received from small intestine to be excreted through the anus; alos, place where water reabsorption takes place  
🗑
laxative   Agent that softens stool to relieve constipation  
🗑
lingu(o)   tongue  
🗑
lingual tonsils   Two mounds of lymph tissue at the back of the tongue  
🗑
lipase   Enzyme contained in pancreatic juice  
🗑
lips   Two muscular folds formed around the outside boundary of the mouth  
🗑
liver   Organ important in digestive and metabolic functions; secretes bile  
🗑
liver biopsy   Removal of a small amount of liver tissue to examine for disease  
🗑
mastication   Chewing  
🗑
melena   Old blood in the stool  
🗑
mesentery   Membranous tissue that attaches small and large intestines to the muscular wall at the dorsal part of the abdomen  
🗑
mouth   Cavity in the face in which food and water is ingested  
🗑
nausea   Sick feeling in the stomach  
🗑
obesity   Abnormal accumulation of fat in the body  
🗑
or(o)   mouth  
🗑
palatine tonsils   Mounds of tissue on either side of the pharynx  
🗑
pancreas   Digestive organ that secretes digestive fluids; endocrine gland that regulates blood sugar  
🗑
pancreat(o)   pancreas  
🗑
pancreatectomy   Removal of the pancreas  
🗑
pancreatitis   Inflammation of the pancreas  
🗑
papilla (pl. papillae)   Tiny projection on the superior surface of the tongue that contains taste buds  
🗑
paracentesis   Incision into the intestinal tract  
🗑
parotitis, parotiditis   Inflammation of the parotid gland  
🗑
pepsin   Digestive enzyme of gastric juice  
🗑
peptic ulcer   Sore on the mucous membrane if the digestive system; stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer  
🗑
perisalsis   Coordinated, rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle that force food through the digestive tract  
🗑
periton(eo)   peritoneum  
🗑
peritoneoscopy   Examination of the abdominal cavity using a peritoneoscope  
🗑
peritonitis   Inflammtion of the peritoneum  
🗑
pharyng(o)   pharynx  
🗑
pharynx   Tube through which food passes to the esophagus  
🗑
polypectomy   Removal of polyps  
🗑
polyposis   Condition with polyps, as in the intestines  
🗑
proct(o)   anus, rectum  
🗑
proctitis   Inflammation of the rectum and anus  
🗑
proctoplasty   Repair of the rectum and anus  
🗑
proctoscopy   Examination of the rectum and anus using a proctoscope  
🗑
pylor(o)   pylorus  
🗑
pylorus   Narrowed bottom part of the stomach  
🗑
rect(o)   rectum  
🗑
rectum   Bottom portion of large intestine; connected to anal canal  
🗑
reflux   Backward flow from the normal direction  
🗑
regurgitation   Backward flow from the normal direction  
🗑
rugae   Folds in stomach lining  
🗑
salvia   Fluid secreted by salivary glands  
🗑
salivary glands   Glans in the mouth that secrete fluids that aid in breaking down food  
🗑
sial(o)   saliva, salivary glands  
🗑
sialaden(o)   salivary glands  
🗑
sialoadenitis   Inflammation of the salivary glands  
🗑
simoid(o)   simoid colon  
🗑
sigmoid colon   S-shaped part of large intestine connecting at the bottom to the rectum  
🗑
simoidoscopy   Examination of the sigmoid colon using a sigmoidoscope  
🗑
small intestine   Twenty-foot long tube that continues the process of digestion started in the stomach; place where most absorption takes place  
🗑
soft palate   Soft posterior part of the palate in the mouth  
🗑
steat(o)   fats  
🗑
steatorrhea   Fat in the blood  
🗑
stomat(o)   mouth  
🗑
stomach   Large sac between the esophagus and small intestine; place where food is broken down  
🗑
stool   Feces  
🗑
throat   Pharynx  
🗑
tongue   Fleshy part of the mouth that moves food during mastication  
🗑
ulcerative colitis   Inflammation of the colon with ulcers  
🗑
uvula   Cone-shaped projection hanging down from soft palate  
🗑
villus (pl. villi)   Tiny fingerlike projection on the lining of the small intestine with capillaries through which digested nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and lymphatic system  
🗑
volvulus   Intestinal blockage caused by the intestine twisting on itself  
🗑
ALT, AT   alanine transaminase  
🗑
AST   aspartic acit transaminase  
🗑
BE   barium enema  
🗑
BM   bowel movement  
🗑
EGD   esophagogastroduedenoscopy  
🗑
ERCP   endoscopic rertograde cholangiopancreatography  
🗑
GERD   gastroesophageal reflux disease  
🗑
GI   gastrointestinal  
🗑
IBD   inflammatory bowel disease  
🗑
IBS   irritable bowel syndrome  
🗑
NG   nosogastric  
🗑
NPO   nothing by mouth (Latin nul per os)  
🗑
SGOT   serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase  
🗑
SGPT   serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase  
🗑
TPN   total parenteral nutrition  
🗑
UGI(S)   upper gastrointestinal (series)  
🗑
acidosis   Abnormal release of ketones in the body  
🗑
acromegaly   Abnormally enlarged features resulting from a pituitary tumor and hypersecretion of growth hormone  
🗑
Adam's apple   Protrusion in the neck caused by a fold of thyroid cartilage  
🗑
Addison's disease   Inderactivity of the adrenal glands  
🗑
aden(o)   gland  
🗑
adenectomy   Removal of a gland  
🗑
adenohyophysis   Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland  
🗑
adren(o), adrenal(o)   adrenal glands  
🗑
adrenal cortex   Outer portion of the adrenal gland; helps control metobolism, inflammation, sodium and potassium retention, and effects of stress  
🗑
adrenalectomy   Removal of an adrenal gland  
🗑
adrenaline   Epinerphrine; secreted by adrenal medulla  
🗑
adrenal medulla   Inner portion of adrenal glands; releases large quanties of hormones during stress  
🗑
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)   Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary; involved in the control of the adrenal cortex  
🗑
aldosterone   Hormone secreted by adrenal cortex; mineralocorticoid; affects electrolyte and fluid balance  
🗑
alpha cells   Specialized cells that produce glucagon in the pancreas  
🗑
androgen   Any male hormone, such as testosterone  
🗑
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)   Posterior pituitary hormone that increases water reabsorption; decreases urine output  
🗑
antihyperglycemic   Agent htat lowers blood glucose  
🗑
antihyopglycemic   Agent that raised blood glucose  
🗑
beta cells   Specialized cells that produce insulin in the pancreas  
🗑
blood sugar, blood glucose   Test for glucose in blood  
🗑
calcitonin   Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland and othe endocrine glands; help control blood calcium levels  
🗑
catecholamines   Hormones, such as epinephrine, released in response to stress  
🗑
corticosteroids   Steroids produced by the adrenal cortex  
🗑
cortisol   Hydrocortisone  
🗑
Cushing's syndrome   Group of symptoms caused by overactivity of the adrenal glands  
🗑
diabetes   Endocrine disorder with abnormally low levels of insulin; also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)  
🗑
diabetes   Disease caused by failure of the body to recognize insulin that is present or by abnormally low leve of insulin; also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); usually adult onset  
🗑
diabetes insipidus   Condition caused by hyposecretion of anditiuretic hormone  
🗑
diabetes mellitus   Endocrine disorder with abnormally low levels of insulin; also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)  
🗑
diabetes mellitus   Disease caused by failure of the body to recognize insulin that is present or by abnormally low leve of insulin; also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); usually adult onset  
🗑
diabetic nephropathy   Kidney disease due to diabetes  
🗑
diabetic neuropathy   Loss of sensation in the extremities due to diabetes  
🗑
diabetic retinopathy   Gradual loss of vision due to diabetes  
🗑
ductless gland   Endocrine gland  
🗑
dwarfism   Abnormally stunted growth caused by hyposecretion of growth hormone, congenital lack of a thyroid gland, or genetic defect  
🗑
electrolyte   Any substance that conducts electricity and is decomposed by it  
🗑
endocrine gland   Gland that secretes substances into the bloodstream instead of into ducts  
🗑
epinephrine   Hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to stress; adrenaline  
🗑
exocrine gland   Any gland that releases substances through ducts to a specific location  
🗑
exophthalmos   Abnormal protrusion of the eyes typical of Grave's disease  
🗑
fasting blood sugar   Test for glucose in blood following a fast for 12 hours  
🗑
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)   Hormone released by the anterior pituitary to aid in production of ova and sperm  
🗑
gigantism   Abnormally fast and large growth caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone  
🗑
gland   Any organized mass of tissue secreting or excreting substances  
🗑
gluc(o)   glucose  
🗑
glucogan   Hormone released by the pancreas to increase blood sugar  
🗑
glucocorticoid   Hormone released by the adrenal cortex  
🗑
glucose tolerance test (GTT)   Blood test for body's ability to metabolize carbohydratyes; taken after 12-hour fast, then repeated every hour for 4 to 6 hours after ingestion of a sugar solution  
🗑
glucosuria   Glucose in the urine  
🗑
glyc(o)   glycogen  
🗑
glycogen   Converted glucose stored in the liver for future use  
🗑
glycosuria   Glucose in the urine  
🗑
goiter   Abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland as a result of its overactivity or lack of iodine in the diet  
🗑
gonad(o)   sex glands  
🗑
Grave's disease   Overactivity of the thyroid gland  
🗑
growth hormone (GH)   Hormone released by anterior pituitary  
🗑
hirsutism   Abnormal hair growth due to an excess of androgens  
🗑
hormone   Substance secreted by glands and carried in the bloodstream to various parts of the body  
🗑
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)   Ingestion of hormones to replace missing or low levels of needed hormones  
🗑
hyperadrenalism   Overactivity of the adrenal glands  
🗑
hyperparathyroidism   Overactivity of the parathyroid glands  
🗑
hypersecretion   Abnormally high secretion, as from a gland  
🗑
hyperthyroidism   Overactivity of the thyroid gland  
🗑
hypoadrenalism   Underactivity of the adrenal gland  
🗑
hypoglycemia   Abnormally low level of glucose in the blood  
🗑
hypoglycemic   Agent that lowers blood glucose  
🗑
hypoparathyroidism   Underactivity of the parathyroid glands  
🗑
hypophysectomy   Removal of the pituitary gland  
🗑
hypophysis   Pituitary gland  
🗑
hyposecretion   Abnormally low secretion, as from a gland  
🗑
hypothalamus   Gland in the nervous system that releases hormones to aid in regulating pituitary hormones  
🗑
hypothyroidism   Underactivity of the thyroid gland  
🗑
inhibiting   Preventin the secretion of other hormones  
🗑
insulin   Substance released by the pancreas to lower blood sugar; helps transport glucose to cells and decrease blood sugar  
🗑
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus   Endocrine disorder with abnormally low levels of insulin; also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)  
🗑
islets of Langerhans   Specialized cells in the pancreas that release insulin and glucagon  
🗑
isthmus   Narrow band of tissue connecting the two lobes of the thyroid gland  
🗑
ketoacidosis   Condition of high acid levels caused by the abnormal release of ketones in the body  
🗑
ketosis   Condition caused by the abnormal release of ketones in the body  
🗑
luteinizing hormone (LH)   Hormone release to aid in maturation of ova and ovulation  
🗑
melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)   Hormone released by the pituitary gland  
🗑
melatonin   Hormone released by the pineal gland; affects sexual function and sleep patterns  
🗑
mineralocorticoid   Steroid secreted by adrenal cortex  
🗑
myxedema   Advanced adult hypothyroidism  
🗑
neurohyophysis   Posterior lobe of pituitary gland  
🗑
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)   Disease caused by failure of the body to recognize insulin that is present or by abnormally low leve of insulin; also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); usually adult onset  
🗑
norepinephrine   Hormone secreted by adrenal medulla  
🗑
ovary   One of two female reproductive glands that secrete hormones in the endocrine system  
🗑
oxytocin   Hormones released by the posterior pituitray gland to aid in uterine contractions and lactation  
🗑
pancrease   Gland of both the endocrine system (blood sugar control) and the digestive system (as an exocrine gland)  
🗑
pancreat(o)   pancreas  
🗑
pancreatectomy   Removal of the pancreas  
🗑
pancreatitis   Inflammation of the pancreas  
🗑
parathormone (PTH)   Parathroid hormone  
🗑
parathyroid(o)   parathyroid  
🗑
parathyroidectomy   Removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands  
🗑
parathyroid gland   One of four glands located adjacent to the thyroid gland on its dorsal surface that help maintain levels of blood calcium  
🗑
parathyroid hormone   Hormone released by parathyroid glands help raise blood calcium levels  
🗑
pineal gland   Gland located above pituitary gland; secretes melatonin  
🗑
pituitary gland   Major endocrine gland; secretes hormones essential to metabolic functions  
🗑
polydipsia   Excessive thirst  
🗑
polyuria   Excessive amount of water in the urine  
🗑
postprandial blood sugar   Test glucose in blood, usually about two hours after a meal  
🗑
radioactive immunoassay (RIA)   Test for measuring hormone levels in plasma; taken after radioactive solution is ingested  
🗑
radioactive iodine therapy   Use of radioactive iodine to eliminate thyroid tumors  
🗑
radioactive iodine uptake   Test for how quickly the thyroid gland pulls in ingested iodine  
🗑
receptor   Part of a target cell with properties compatible with a particular substance (hormone)  
🗑
releasing   Allowing secretion of other hormones  
🗑
somatotrophic hormone (STH)   Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary glands; important in growth and development  
🗑
steroid   A hormone or chemical substance released by several endocrine glands or manufactured in various medications  
🗑
suprarenal gland   Adrenal gland  
🗑
sympathomimetic   Mimicking functions of th esympathetic nervous system  
🗑
syndorme of inappropiate ADH (SIADH)   Excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone  
🗑
target cell   Cell with receptors that are compitable with specific hormones  
🗑
testis, testicle   One of two male organs that secretes hormones in the endocrine system  
🗑
tetany   Muscle paralysis, usually due to decreased levels of ionized calcium in the blood  
🗑
thymectomy   Removal of the thymus gland  
🗑
thymus gland   Gland that is part of the immune system as well as part of the endocrine system; aids in the maturation of T and B cells  
🗑
thyr(o) thyroid(o)   thyroid gland  
🗑
thyroidectomy   Removal of the thyroid  
🗑
thyroid function test or study   Test for levels for TSH, T3 and T4 in blood plasma to determine thyroid function  
🗑
thyroid gland   Gland with two lobes located on either side of the trachea; helps control blood calcium levels and metabolic function  
🗑
thyroid scan   Imaging test for thyroid abnormalities  
🗑
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)   Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland; stimulates release of thyroid hormones  
🗑
thyrotoxicosis   Overactivtiy of the thyroid gland  
🗑
thyroxine (T4)   Compound found in or manufactured for thyroid gland; helps regulate metabolism  
🗑
triiodothyronine (T3)   Thyroid hormone that stimulates growth  
🗑
Type I diabetes   Endocrine disorder with abnormally low levels of insulin; also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)  
🗑
Type II diabetes   Disease caused by failure of the body to recognize insulin that is present or by abnormally low leve of insulin; also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); usually adult onset  
🗑
urine sugar   Test for diabetes; determined by presence of ketones or sugar in urine  
🗑
vasopressin   Hormone secreted by pituitary gland; raises blood pressure  
🗑
virilism   Condtion with excessive androgen production, often resulting in the appearance of mature male characteristics in young children  
🗑
ACTH   adrenocorticotropic hormone  
🗑
ADH   antidiuretic hormone  
🗑
CRH   corticotropin-releasing hormone  
🗑
DM   diabetes mellitus  
🗑
FSH   follicle-stimulating hormone  
🗑
GH   growth hormone  
🗑
GTT   glucose tolerance test  
🗑
HCG   human chorionic gonadotropin  
🗑
IDDM   insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus  
🗑
LH   luteinizing hormone  
🗑
MSH   melanocyte stimulating hormone  
🗑
NIDDM   noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus  
🗑
PRL   prolactin  
🗑
PTH   parathyroid hormone, parathormone  
🗑
STH   somatotropin hormone  
🗑
TSH   thyroid-stimulating hormone  
🗑
aerotitis media   Inflammation of the middle ear caused by air pressure changes; as in air travel  
🗑
anacusis   Loss of hearing  
🗑
aphakia   Absence of lens  
🗑
asthenopia   Weakness of the ocular or ciliary muscle that causes the eyes to tire easily  
🗑
astigmatism   Distortion of sight because of lack of focus of light rays at one point on the retina  
🗑
audi(o), audit(o)   hearing  
🗑
audiogram   Graph that plots the acoustic frequencies being tested  
🗑
audiologist   Specialist in evaluating hearing function  
🗑
audiometry   Measurement of acoustic frequencies using an audiometer  
🗑
auditory ossicles   Three specially shaped bones in the middle ear that anchor the eardrum to the tympanic cavity and that transmit vibrations to the inner ear  
🗑
aur(o), auricul(o)   hearing  
🗑
auricle   Funnel-like structure leading from the external ear to the external auditory meatus; also called pinna  
🗑
blephar(o)   eyelid  
🗑
blepharitis   Inflammation of the eyelid  
🗑
blepharochalasis   Loss of elasticity of the eyelid  
🗑
blepharoplasty   Surgical repair of the eyelid  
🗑
blepharoptosis   Drooping of the eyelid  
🗑
blepharospasm   Involuntary eyelid movement; excessive blinking  
🗑
blindness   Loss or absences of vision  
🗑
cataract   Cloudiness of the lens of the eye  
🗑
cerumin(o)   wax  
🗑
chalazion   Nodular inflammation that usually forms on the eyelid  
🗑
cholesteatoma   Fatty cyst within the middle ear  
🗑
choroid   Thin posterior membrane in the middle layer of the eye  
🗑
ciliary body   Thick anterior membrane in the middle layer of the eye  
🗑
cochle(o)   cochlea  
🗑
cochlea   Snail-shaped structure in the inner ear that contains the organ of Corti  
🗑
cones   Specialized receptor cells in the retina that perceive color and bright light  
🗑
conjunctiv(o)   conjunctiva  
🗑
conjunctive (pl. conjunctivae)   Mucous membrane lining of the eyelid  
🗑
conjunctivitis   Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyelid  
🗑
contact lenses   Corrective lenses worn on the surface of the eye  
🗑
cor(o), core(o)   pupil  
🗑
corne(o)   cornea  
🗑
cornea   Transparent anterior section of the eyeball that bends light in a process called refraction  
🗑
cryoretinopexy   Fixing of a torn retina using extreme cold  
🗑
cycl(o)   ciliary body  
🗑
dacry(o)   tears  
🗑
dacryoadenitis   Inflammation of the lacrimal glands  
🗑
dacryocystectomy   Removal of a lacrimal sac  
🗑
dacryocystitis   Inflammation of a tear duct  
🗑
deafness   Loss or absence of hearing  
🗑
decibel   Measure of the intensity of sound  
🗑
dermatochalasis   Loss of elasticity of the eyelid  
🗑
diopter   Unit of refracting power of a lens  
🗑
diplopia   Double vision  
🗑
ear   Organ of hearing  
🗑
eardrum   Oval, semitransparent membrane that moves in response to sound waves and produces vibrations  
🗑
endolymph   Fluid inside the membranous labyrinth important to hearing and equilibrium  
🗑
enucleation   Removal of an eyeball  
🗑
epiphora   Excessive tearing  
🗑
equilibrium   Sense of balance  
🗑
esotropia   Deviation of one eye inward  
🗑
eustachian tube   Tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx  
🗑
exophthalmos, exophthalmus   Abnormal protrusion of the eyeballs  
🗑
exotropia   Deviation of one eye outward  
🗑
eye   Organ of sight  
🗑
eyebrow   Clump of hair,usually about 1/2-inch above the eye, that helps to keep foreign particles from entering the eye  
🗑
eyelashes   Group of hairs protruding from the end of the eyelid; helps to keep foreign particles from entering the eye  
🗑
eyelid   Moveable covering over the eye  
🗑
farsightedness   Hyperopia  
🗑
fovea centralis   Depression in the center of the macula lutea; perceives sharpest images  
🗑
glaucoma   Any various dieseases caused by abnomrally high eye pressure  
🗑
hearing   Ability to perceive sound  
🗑
hordeolum   Infection of a sebaceous gland of the eyelid; sty  
🗑
hyperopia   Focusing behind the retina causing vision distortion; farsightedness  
🗑
incus   One of three auditory ossicles; the anvil  
🗑
ir(o), irid(o)   iris  
🗑
iridectomy   Removal of part of the iris  
🗑
iridotomy   Incision into the iris to relieve pressure  
🗑
iris   Colored part of the eye that contains muscles that expand and contract in response to light  
🗑
iritis   Inflammation of the iris  
🗑
kerat(o)   cornea  
🗑
keratitis   Inflammation of the cornea  
🗑
keratoplasty   Corneal transplant  
🗑
labyrinthitis   Inflammation of the labyrinth  
🗑
lacrim(o)   tears  
🗑
lacrimal glands   Glands that secret liquid to moisten the eyes and produce tears  
🗑
lacrimation   Secretion of tears, usually excessively  
🗑
lens   Colorless, flexible transparent body behind the iris  
🗑
macula   Inner ear structure containing hairlike sensors that move to maintain equilibrium  
🗑
macula lutea   Small, yellowish area located in the center of the retina, which has a depression called the fovea centralis  
🗑
macular degeneration   Gradual loss of vision caused by degeneration of tissue of the macula  
🗑
malleus   One of the three auditory ossicles; the hammer  
🗑
mastoid(o)   mastoid process  
🗑
mastoiditis   Inflammation of the mastoid process  
🗑
membranous labyrinth   One of two tubes that make up the semicircular canals  
🗑
Meniere's disease   Elvated pressure within the cochlea  
🗑
miotic   Agent tha causes the pupil to contract  
🗑
mydriatic   Agent that causes pupil to dilate  
🗑
myopia   Foccusing in front of the retina causing vision distorting; nearsightedness  
🗑
myring(o)   eardrum, middle ear  
🗑
myringitis   Inflammation of the eardrum  
🗑
myringotomy   Insertion of a small tube to drain fluid from the ears (particularly of children)  
🗑
nas(o)   nose  
🗑
nearsightedness   Myopia  
🗑
neuroretina   Thick layer of nervous tissue in the retina  
🗑
nyctalopia   Night blindness  
🗑
nystagmus   Excessive involuntary eyeball movement  
🗑
ocul(o)   eye  
🗑
olfactory organs   Organs at the top of the nasal cavity containing olfactory receptors  
🗑
ophthalm(o)   eye  
🗑
ophthalmologist   Medical specialist who diagnoses and treats eye disorders  
🗑
ophthalmoscopy   Visual examination of the interior of the eye  
🗑
opt(o), optic(o)   eye  
🗑
optician   Technician who makes and fits corrective lenses  
🗑
optic nerve   Nerve that transmit nerve impulses from the eye to the brain  
🗑
optometrist   Nonmedical specialist who examines the eyes and prescribes lenses  
🗑
organ of Corti   Structure in the basilar membrane with hairlike receptors that receive and transmit sound waves  
🗑
osseus labyrinth   One of two tubes that make up the semicircular canals  
🗑
ossicul(o)   ossicle  
🗑
otalgia   Pain in the ear  
🗑
otitis externa   Inflammation of the external ear canal  
🗑
otitis media   Inflammation of the middle ear  
🗑
otoliths   Small calcifications in the inner ear that help to maintain balance  
🗑
otologist   Medical specialist in ear disorders  
🗑
otoplasty   Surgical reapair of the outer ear  
🗑
otorrhagia   Bleeding from the ear  
🗑
otorrhea   Purulent discharge from the ear  
🗑
otosclerosis   Hardening of bones of the ear  
🗑
otoscopy   Inspection of the ear using an otoscope  
🗑
papillae   Small, raised structures that contain taste buds  
🗑
paracusis   Impaired hearing  
🗑
perilymph   Liquid secreted by the walls of the osseus labyrinth  
🗑
phac(o), phak(o)   lens  
🗑
phacoemulsification   Use of ulrasound to break up an remove cataracts  
🗑
photophobia   Extreme sensitivity to light  
🗑
pinkeye   Conjunctivitis  
🗑
pinna   Auricle  
🗑
presbyacusis   Age-related hearing loss  
🗑
prebyopia   Age-related dimished ability to focus or accommodate  
🗑
pseudophakia   Eye with an implanted lens after cataract surgery  
🗑
pupil   Black circular center of the eye; opens and closes when muscles in the iris expand and contract in response to light  
🗑
pupill(o)   pupil  
🗑
refraction   Process of bending light rays  
🗑
retin(o)   retina  
🗑
retina   Oval, light-sensitive membraine in the interior layer of the eye; decodes light waves and transmits information to the brain  
🗑
retinitis pigmentosa   Progressive, inherited disease with a pigmented spot on the retina and poor night vision  
🗑
rods   Specialized receptor cells in the retina that perceive black to white shades  
🗑
scler(o)   white of the eye  
🗑
sclera 9pl. sclerae   Thick, tough membrane in the outer eye layer; supports the eyeball structure  
🗑
scleritis   Inflammation of the sclera  
🗑
scot(o)   darkness  
🗑
scotoma   Blind spot in vision  
🗑
semicircular canals   Structures in the inner ear important to equilibrium  
🗑
sensory receptors   Specialized tissue containing cells that can receive stimuli  
🗑
sensory system   Organs or tissue that perceive and receive stimuli from the outside or within the body  
🗑
sight   Ability to see  
🗑
smell   Ability to perceive odors  
🗑
stapedectomy   Removal of the stapes to cure otosclerosis  
🗑
stapes (pl. stapes, stapedes)   One of three auditory ossicles; the stirrup  
🗑
strabismus   Eye misalignment  
🗑
sty, stye   Hordeolum  
🗑
taste   Ability to perceive the qualities of ingested matter  
🗑
taste buds   Organs that sense the taste of food  
🗑
taste cells   Specialized receptors cells withing the taste buds  
🗑
tears   Moisture secreted from the lacrimal glands  
🗑
tinnitus   Constant ringing or buzzing in the ear  
🗑
tonometry   Measurement of tension or pressure within the eye  
🗑
touch   Ability to perceive pressure on the skin  
🗑
trabulectomy   Removal of part of the trabeculum to allow aqueous humor to flow freely around the eye  
🗑
trichiasis   Abnormal growth of eyelashes in a direction that causes them rub on the eye  
🗑
tympan(o)   eardrum, middle ear  
🗑
tympanic membrane   Eardrum  
🗑
tympanitis   Inflammation of the eardrum  
🗑
tympanoplasty   Repair of the eardrum  
🗑
uve(o)   uvea  
🗑
uvea   Region of the eye containing the iris, choroid membrane, and ciliary bodies  
🗑
verigo   Dizziness  
🗑
vestibule   Bony chamber between the semicircular canal and the cochlea  
🗑
acc.   accommonodation  
🗑
AD   right ear  
🗑
ARMD   age-related macular degeneration  
🗑
AS   left ear  
🗑
AU   both ears  
🗑
D   diopter  
🗑
dB   decibel  
🗑
DVA   distance visual activity  
🗑
ECCE   extracapsular cataract extraction  
🗑
EENT   eye, ear, nose and throat  
🗑
ENT   ear, nose, and throat  
🗑
ICCE   intracapsular cataract cryoextraction  
🗑
IOL   intracular lens  
🗑
NVA   near visual acuity  
🗑
OD   right eye  
🗑
OM   otitis media  
🗑
OS   left eye  
🗑
OU   each eye  
🗑
PERRLA   pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommonodation  
🗑
PE tube   polyethylene ventilating tube (placed in the eardrum)  
🗑
SOM   serious otitis media  
🗑
VA   visual acuity  
🗑
VF   visual field  
🗑
+   plus/convex  
🗑
-   minus/concave  
🗑
acanth(o)   spiny; thorny  
🗑
actin(o)   light  
🗑
aer(o)   air; gas  
🗑
alge, algesi, algio, algo   pain  
🗑
amyl(o)   starch  
🗑
andro   masculine  
🗑
athero   plaque; fatty substance  
🗑
bacill(i)   bacilli; bacteria  
🗑
bacteri(o)   bacteria  
🗑
bar(o)   weight; pressure  
🗑
bas(o), basi(o)   base  
🗑
bio, Greek bios, life   life  
🗑
blasto   immature cells  
🗑
cac(o)   bad; ill  
🗑
calc(o), calci(o)   calcium  
🗑
carcin(o)   cancer  
🗑
chem(o)   chemical  
🗑
chlor(o)   chlorine, green  
🗑
chondrio, chondro   cartilage, grainy, gritty  
🗑
chore(o)   dance  
🗑
chrom, chromat chromo   color  
🗑
chrono   time  
🗑
chyl(o)   chyle, a digestive juice  
🗑
chym(o)   chyme, semifluid present during digestion  
🗑
cine(o)   movement  
🗑
coni(o)   dust  
🗑
crin(o)   screte  
🗑
cry(o)   cold  
🗑
crypt(o)   hidden; obscure  
🗑
cyan(o)   blue  
🗑
cycl(o)   circle; cycle; ciliary body  
🗑
cyst(o), cysti   bladder, cyst, cystic duct  
🗑
cyt(o)   cell  
🗑
dextr(o)   right, toward the right  
🗑
dips(o)   thirst  
🗑
dors(o), dorsi   back  
🗑
dynamo   force; energy  
🗑
echo   reflected sound  
🗑
electr(o)   electricity; electric  
🗑
eosin(o)   red; rosy  
🗑
ergo   work  
🗑
erythr(o)   red, redness  
🗑
esthesio   sensation, perception  
🗑
ethmo   ethmoid bone  
🗑
etio   cause  
🗑
fibr(o)   fiber  
🗑
fluor(o)   light; luminous; fluorine  
🗑
fungi   fungus  
🗑
galact(o)   milk  
🗑
gen(o)   producing; being born  
🗑
gero; geront(o)   old age  
🗑
gluco   glucose  
🗑
glyco   sugars  
🗑
gonio   angle  
🗑
granulo   granular  
🗑
gyn(o), gyne, gyneco   women  
🗑
home(o), homo   same; constant  
🗑
hydr(o)   hydrogen, water  
🗑
hypn(o)   sleep  
🗑
iatr(o)   physician; treatment  
🗑
ichthy(o)   dry; scaly; fish  
🗑
idio   distinct; unknown  
🗑
immun(o)   safe; immune  
🗑
kal(i)   potassium  
🗑
karyo   nucleus  
🗑
ket(o), keton(o)   ketone; acetone  
🗑
kin(o), kine   movement  
🗑
kinesi(o), kineso   motion  
🗑
kyph(o)   humpback  
🗑
lact(o), lacti   milk  
🗑
latero   lateral, to one side  
🗑
lepto   light, frail, thin  
🗑
leuk(o)   white  
🗑
lip(o)   fat  
🗑
lith(o)   stone  
🗑
log(o)   speech, words, thought  
🗑
lys(o)   dissolution  
🗑
macr(o)   large; long  
🗑
medi(o)   middle; medial plane  
🗑
meg(a), megal(o)   large; million  
🗑
melan(o)   black; dark  
🗑
mes(o)   middle; median  
🗑
micr(o)   small; one-millionth; tiny  
🗑
mio   smaller; less  
🗑
morph(o)   structure; shape  
🗑
narco   sleep; numbness  
🗑
necr(o)   death; dying  
🗑
noct(i)   night  
🗑
normo   normal  
🗑
nucle(o)   nucleus  
🗑
nyct(o)   night  
🗑
oncho, onco   tumor  
🗑
orth(o)   straight; normal  
🗑
oxy   sharp; acute; oxygen  
🗑
pachy   thick  
🗑
path(o)   disease  
🗑
phago   eating; devouring; swallowing  
🗑
pharmaco   drugs; medicine  
🗑
phon(o)   sound; voice; speech  
🗑
phot(o)   light  
🗑
physi, physio   physical; natural  
🗑
physo   air; gas; growing  
🗑
phyt(o)   plant  
🗑
plasma, plasmo   formative; plasma  
🗑
poikilo   varied; irregular  
🗑
pseud(o)   false  
🗑
pyo   pus  
🗑
pyreto   fever  
🗑
pyro   fever; fire; hear  
🗑
radio   radiation; x-ray; radius  
🗑
salping(o)   tube  
🗑
schisto   split  
🗑
schiz(o)   split; division  
🗑
scler(o)   hardness; hardening  
🗑
scolio   crooked; bent  
🗑
scoto   darkness  
🗑
sidero   iron  
🗑
sito   food; grain  
🗑
somat(o)   body  
🗑
somn(o), somni   sleep  
🗑
sono   sound  
🗑
spasmo   spasm  
🗑
spher(o)   round; spherical  
🗑
spir(o)   breath; breathe  
🗑
squamo   scale; squamous  
🗑
staphyl(o)   grapelike clusters  
🗑
steno   narrowness  
🗑
stere(o)   three-dimensional  
🗑
strepto   twisted chains; streptococci  
🗑
styl(o)   peg-shaped  
🗑
syring(o)   tube  
🗑
tel(o), tele(o)   distant; end; complete  
🗑
terato   monster(as a malformed fetus)  
🗑
therm   heat  
🗑
tono   tension; pressure  
🗑
top(o)   place; topical  
🗑
tox(i), toxico, toxo   poison, toxin  
🗑
tropho   food; nurtrition  
🗑
vivi   life  
🗑
xanth(o)   yellow  
🗑
xeno   stranger  
🗑
xer(o)   dry  
🗑
xiph(o)   sword; xiphoid  
🗑
zo(o)   life  
🗑
zym(o)   fermentation; enzyme  
🗑
a-   without  
🗑
ab-,abs-   away from  
🗑
ad-   toward, to  
🗑
ambi-   both, around  
🗑
an-   without  
🗑
ana-   up, toward  
🗑
ante-   before  
🗑
anti-   against  
🗑
apo-   derived. separate  
🗑
aut(o)-   self  
🗑
bi-   twice, double  
🗑
brachy-   short  
🗑
brady-   slow  
🗑
cata-   down  
🗑
circum-   around  
🗑
co-, col-, com-, con-, cor-   together  
🗑
contra-   against  
🗑
de-   away from  
🗑
di-, dif-, dir-, dis-   not, separated  
🗑
dia-   through  
🗑
dys-   abnormal; difficult  
🗑
ect(o)-   outside  
🗑
end(o)-   within  
🗑
epi-   over  
🗑
eu-   well, good, normal  
🗑
ex-   out of, away from  
🗑
exo-   external, on the outside  
🗑
extra-   without, outside of  
🗑
hemi-   half  
🗑
hyper-   above normal; overly  
🗑
hypo-   below normal  
🗑
infra-   positioned beneath  
🗑
inter-   between  
🗑
intra-   within  
🗑
iso-   equal,same  
🗑
mal-   bad; inadequate  
🗑
meg(a)-, megal(o)-   large  
🗑
mes(o)-   middle, median  
🗑
meta-   after  
🗑
micr(o)-   small, microscopic  
🗑
mon(o)-   single  
🗑
multi-   many  
🗑
olig(o)-   few; little; scanty  
🗑
pan-, pnat(o)-   all, entire  
🗑
par(a)-   beside; abnormal; involving two parts  
🗑
per-   through intensely  
🗑
peri-   around, about, near  
🗑
pluri-   several, more  
🗑
poly-   many  
🗑
post-   after, following  
🗑
pre-   before  
🗑
pro-   before, forward  
🗑
quadra-, quadri-   four  
🗑
re-   again,backward  
🗑
retro-   behind, backward  
🗑
semi-   half  
🗑
sub-   less than, under, inferior  
🗑
super-   more than, above, superior  
🗑
supra-   above, over  
🗑
syl-, sym-, syn-, sys-   together  
🗑
tachy-   fast  
🗑
trans-   across, through  
🗑
ultra-   beyond, excessive  
🗑
un-   not  
🗑
uni-   one  
🗑
-ad   toward  
🗑
-algia   pain  
🗑
-asthenia   weakness  
🗑
-blast   immature, forming  
🗑
-cele   hernia  
🗑
-cidal   destroying, killing  
🗑
-cide   destroying, killing  
🗑
-clasis   breaking  
🗑
-crine   secreting  
🗑
-crit   separate  
🗑
-cyte   cell  
🗑
-cytosis   condition of cells  
🗑
-derma   skin  
🗑
-desis   bingind  
🗑
-dynia   pain  
🗑
-ectasia   expansion; dilation  
🗑
-ectasis   expanding; dilating  
🗑
-ectomy   removal of  
🗑
-edema   swelling  
🗑
-ema   condition  
🗑
-emesis   vomiting  
🗑
-emia   blood  
🗑
-emic   relating to blood  
🗑
-esthesia   sensation  
🗑
-form   in the shape of  
🗑
-gen   producing, coming to be  
🗑
-genesis   production of  
🗑
-genic   producing  
🗑
-globin   protein  
🗑
-globulin   protein  
🗑
-gram   a recording  
🗑
-graph   recording instrument  
🗑
-graphy   process of recording  
🗑
-iasis   pathological condition or state  
🗑
-ic   pertaining to  
🗑
-ics   treatment, practice, body of knowledge  
🗑
-ism   condition, disease, doctrine  
🗑
-itis (pl. -itides)   imflammation  
🗑
-kinesia   movement  
🗑
-kinesis   movement  
🗑
-lepsy   condition of  
🗑
-leptic   having seizures  
🗑
-logist   one who practices  
🗑
-logy   study, practice  
🗑
-lysis   destroying  
🗑
-malacia   softening  
🗑
-mania   obsession  
🗑
-megaly   enlargement  
🗑
-meter   measuring device  
🗑
-metry   measurement  
🗑
-oid   like, resembling  
🗑
-oma (pl. -omata)   tumor, neoplasm  
🗑
-opia   vision  
🗑
-opsia   vision  
🗑
-opsy   view of  
🗑
-osis (pl. -oses)   condition, state, process  
🗑
-ostomy   opening  
🗑
-oxia   oxygen  
🗑
-para   bearing  
🗑
-parous   producing; bearing  
🗑
-paresis   slight paralysis  
🗑
-pathy   disease  
🗑
-penia   deficiency  
🗑
-pepsia   digestion  
🗑
-pexy   fixation, usually done surgically  
🗑
-phage, -phagia, -phagy   eating, devouring  
🗑
-phasia   speaking  
🗑
-pheresis   removal  
🗑
-phil   attraction; affinity for  
🗑
-philia   attraction; affinity for  
🗑
-phobia   fear  
🗑
-phonia   sound  
🗑
-phoresis   carrying  
🗑
-phoria   feeling; carrying  
🗑
-phrenia   of the mind  
🗑
-phthisis   wasting away  
🗑
-phylaxis   protection  
🗑
-physis   growing  
🗑
-plakia   plaque  
🗑
-plasia   formation  
🗑
-plasm   formation  
🗑
-plastic   forming  
🗑
-plasty   surgical repair  
🗑
-plegia   paraylsis  
🗑
-plegic   one who is paralyzed  
🗑
-pnea   breath  
🗑
-poiesis   formation  
🗑
-poietin   one that forms  
🗑
-poietic   forming  
🗑
-porosis   lessening in density  
🗑
-ptosis   falling down; drooping  
🗑
-rrhage   discharging heavily  
🗑
-rrhagia   heavy discharge  
🗑
rrhaphy   surgical suturing  
🗑
-rrhea   a flowing, a flux  
🗑
-rrhexis   rupture  
🗑
-schisis   splitting  
🗑
-scope   instrument for observing  
🗑
-scopy   use of an instrument for observing  
🗑
-somnia   sleep  
🗑
-spasm   contraction  
🗑
-stalsis   contraction  
🗑
-stasis   stopping; constant  
🗑
-stat   agent to maintain a state  
🗑
-static   maintaining a state  
🗑
-stenosis   narrowing  
🗑
-stomy   opening  
🗑
-tome   cutting instrument, segment  
🗑
-tomy   cutting operation  
🗑
-trophic   nutritional  
🗑
-trophy   nutrition  
🗑
-tropia   turning  
🗑
-tropic   turning toward  
🗑
-trophy   condition of turning toward  
🗑
-uria   urine  
🗑
-version   turning  
🗑


   

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