Term | Definition |
ascites | abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity |
edema | abnormal accumulation of fluid within tissue spaces |
adhesion | abnormal fibrous band that holds or binds together tissues that are normally separated |
mycosis | any fungal infection in or on the body |
excisional | biopsy in which the entire lesion is removed |
incisional | biopsy in which only a small sample of the lesion is removed |
inflammation | body defense against injury, infection, or allergy marked by redness, swelling, heat, pain and sometimes loss of function |
organelle | cellular structure that provides a specialized function, such as the nucleus (reproduction), robosomes (protein synthesis), Golgi apparatus (removal of material from the cell), and lysosomes (digestion) |
positron emission tomography (PET) | Computed tomography records the positrons (positive charged particles) emitted from a radiopharmaceutical to produce a cross-sectional image of metabolic activity of body tissues to determine the presence of disease |
gangrene | death and decay of soft tissue, usually caused by circulatory obstruction, trauma or infection |
infusion therapy | delivery of fluids directly into the blood stream via a vein for treating various disorders; also called IV therapy |
cauterize | destruction of tissue by electricity, freezing, heat or corrosive materials |
inspection | general observation of the patient as a whole progressing to specific body areas |
palpation | gentle application of the hands to a specific structure or body area to determine size, consistency, texture, symmetry, and tenderness of underlying structures |
(US) ultrasound/ ultrasonography | High-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are directed at soft tissue and reflected as "echoes" to produce an image on a monitor of an internal body structure; also called ultrasound, sonography, and echo |
perforation | hole that completely penetrates a structure |
(CT) computed tomography | imaging technique in which an x-ray emitter rotates around the area to be scanned and a computer measures the intensity of transmitted x-rays from different angles; formerly called computerized axial tomography |
(I&D) incision and drainage | incision made to allow the free flow or withdrawal of fluids from a wound or cavity |
peritonitis | inflammation of the peritoneum, the serous membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity and covers its organs |
blood chemistry analysis | laboratory test, usually performed on serum, to evaluate various substances to determine whether they fall within a normal range |
auscultation | listening to the heart, bowel and lungs with or without a stethescope to assess the presence and quality of sounds |
(DNA) deoxyribonucleic acid | molecule that holds genetic information capable of replicating and producing an exact copy whenever the cell divides |
diaphragm | muscular wall that divides the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity |
(CBC) complete blood count | panel of blood tests used as a broad screening test for anemias, infections and other diseases |
sepsis | pathological state, usually febrile, resulting from the presence of microorganisms or their products in the bloodstream |
febrile | pertaining to a fever; also called pyretic |
suppuration | producing or associated with the generation of pus |
hernia | protrusion of any organ through the structure that normally contains it |
(SPECT) single-photon emission computed tomography | radiological technique that integrates computed tomography and a radioactive material (tracer) injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood flow to tissues and organs |
ablation | removal of a part, pathway, or function by surgery, chemical destruction, electrocautery, freezing, or radio frequency |
(Bx) biopsy | removal of a representative tissue sample from a body site for microscopic examination, usually to establish a diagnosis |
resection | removal of part or all of a structure, organ, or tissue |
curettage | scraping of a body cavity with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette |
assessment techniques | sequence of procedures designed to evaluate the health status of a patient |
organ-disease panels | series of blood tests used to evaluate a specific organ (liver panel) or disease (anemia panel) |
chromatin | structural component of the nucleus, composed of nucleic acids and proteins |
rupture | sudden breaking or bursting of a structure or organ |
metabolism | sum of all physical and chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism |
anastomosis | surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to another |
revision | surgical procedure used to replace or compensate for a previously implanted device or correct an undesirable result or effect of a previous surgery |
percussion | tapping a structure with the hand or fingers to assess consistency and the presence or absence of fluids within the underlying structure |
nuclear scan | technique in which a radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) called a tracer is introduced into the body (inhaled, ingested or injected) and a specialized camera (gamma camera) is used to produce images of organs and structures |
fluoroscopy | technique in which x-rays are directed through the body to a fluorescent screen that displays internal structures in continuous motion |
radiography | technique in which x-rays are passed through the body or area and captured on a film to generate an image; also called x-ray |
(MRI) magnetic resonance imaging | technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field, rather than an x-ray beam, to produce highly detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional views of soft tissues |
chromosome | threadlike structures within the nucleus composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that carries hereditary information encoded in genes |
laser surgery | use of a high intensity laser light beam to remove diseased tissues, stop bleeding blood vessels, or for cosmetic purposes |
endoscopy | visual examination of a body cavity or canal using a specialized lighted instrument called an endoscope |
anteroposterior | AP |
biopsy | Bx, bx |
complete blood count | CBC |
computed tomography | CT |
deoxyribonucleic acid | DNA |
diagnosis | Dx |
incision and drainage | I&D |
lateral | LAT, lat |
left lower quadrant | LLQ |
left upper quadrant | LUQ |
magnetic resonance imaging | MRI |
positron emission tomography | PET |
radio frequency, rheumatoid factor | RF |
right lower quadrant | RLQ |
right upper quadrant | RUQ |
single-photon emission computed tomography | SPECT |
symptom | Sx |
treatment | Tx |
upper and lower | U&L, U/L |
ultrasound, ultrasonography | US |