Term | Definition |
aden/o | gland |
adip/o | fat |
anter/o | before, front |
caud/o | lower part of body, tail |
cephal/o | head |
cyt/o, -cyte | cell |
end-, endo- | in, within, inside |
exo- | outside of, outside, away from |
hist/o | tissue |
-ologist | specialist |
-ology | science or study of |
path/o, -pathy | disease, suffering, feeling, emotion |
plas/i, plas/o, -plasia | development, growth, formation |
poster/o | behind, toward the back |
-stasis, -static | control, maintenance of a constant level |
anatomy | study of the structures of the body |
physiology | study of the functions of the structures of hte body |
physi | nature or physical |
anatomic position | body standing in standard position: upright and facing forward, arms @ sides w/ palms facing front. |
body planes | imaginary vertical and horizontal lines used to divide body into sections for descriptive purposes |
vertical plane | an up-and-down plane that is at a right angle to the horizon. Sagittal, midsagittal, frontal |
horizontal plane | a flat, crosswise plane, like horizon. Transverse |
sagittal plane | vertical plane that divides body into unequal L and R portions |
midsagittal plane | vertical plane, aka midline, divides body into equal L & R halves |
frontal plane | vertical plane that divides body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions. Aka coronal plane |
transverse plane | horizontal plane that divides body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions. @ waist or any other level |
ventral | front, or belly side, of an organ or body - opposite of dorsal |
ventr | belly side of body |
dorsal | back of an organ or body - opposite of ventral |
cephalic | toward head |
caudal | toward feet |
anterior | situated in the front or front or forward part of an organ - opposite of posterior |
anter | front or before |
-ior | pertaining to |
posterior | situated in the back or back part of an organ - opposite of anterior |
poster | back or toward back |
superior | uppermost, above, or toward the head - opposite of inferior |
inferior | lowermost, below, or toward feet - opposite of superior |
cephal | head |
caud | tail or lower part of body |
proximal | situated nearest the midline or beginning of a body structure - opposite of distal |
distal | situated farthest from the midline or beginning of a body structure - opposite of proximal |
medial | direction toward, or nearer, the midline - opposite of lateral |
lateral | direction toward, or nearer, the side of the body, away from the midline - opposite of medial |
body cavities | 2 major spaces w/in body that contain and protect internal organs - dorsal (back) and ventral (front) |
dorsal cavity | located along back of body and head, contains organs of nervous system that coordinate body functions. 2 portions: Cranial & Spinal |
cranial cavity | part of dorsal, located w/in skull, surrounds and protects brain. |
cranial | pertaining to the skull |
spinal cavity | part of dorsal, located w/in the spinal column, surrounds and protects the spinal cord. |
ventral cavity | located along the front of the body, contains body organs that sustain homeostatis. 3 portions: thoracic, abdominal, pelvic |
homeostasis | processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment |
home/o | contant |
-stasis | control |
thoracic cavity | part of ventral, aka chest cavity or thorax, surrounds and protects the heart and lungs. |
diaphragm | muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities |
abdominal cavity | contains major organs of digestion. aka abdomen |
pelvic cavity | space formed by hip bones and contains the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems |
abdominopelvic cavity | since no physical division btw the two, sometimes combined |
abdomin/o | abdomen |
pelv | pelvis |
inguinal | relating to the groin - entire lower area of abdomen |
groin | crease at the junction of the trunk w/ upper end of thigh |
regions of thorax and abdomen | Divides abdomen & lower thorax into 9 parts. RT & LT hypochondriac regions, epigastric region, RT & LT lumbar regions, umbilical region, RT & LT iliac regions, hypogastric region |
RT & LT hypogastric regions | covered by lower ribs, below ribs |
chondr/i | cartilage |
epigastric region | located above stomach |
epi- | above |
RT & LT lumbar regions | located near the inward curve of the spine |
lumb | lower back |
lumbar | describes part of back btw ribs and pelvis |
umbilical region | surrounds umbilicus |
umbilicus | belly button or navel where umbilical cord was once attached |
RT & LT iliac regions | located near hip bones |
ili | hip |
hypogastric region | located below stomach |
quadrant | 4 imaginary quadrants of abdomen RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ |
RUQ | Right upper quadrant |
LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
RLQ | Right lower quadrant |
LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
peritoneum | multilayered membrane that protects and holds the organs in place w/in the abdominal cavity |
membrane | thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ |
parietal peritoneum | outer layer of the peritoneum that lines the interior of the abdominal wall |
parietal | cavity wall |
mesentery | fused double layer of the parietal peritoneum that attaches parts of the intestine to the interior abdominal wall |
visceral peritoneum | inner layer of the peritoneum that surrounds the organs of the abdominal cavity. |
visceral | relating to internal organs |
retroperitoneal | located behind the peritoneum |
retro- | behind |
periton | peritoneum |
-eal | pertaining to |
peritonitis | inflammation of the peritoneum |
cells | basic structural and functional units of the body. Specialized and grouped together to form tissues and organs |
cytology | study of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and chemistry of the cell |
cy | cell |
cytologist | specialist in the study and analysis of cells |
cell membrane | tissue that surrounds and protects the contents of a cell from the external environments |
cytoplasm | material w/in a cell membrane that is not part of the nucleus |
cyt/o | cell |
-plasm | formative material of cells |
nucleus | structure w/in a cell that is surrounded by nuclear membrane. Functions: controls activities of cell and helps cell divide |
stem cells | unspecialized cells that are able to renew themselves for long periods of time by cell division. |
adult stem cells | aka somatic stem cells: undifferentiated cells found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ. Maintain/ repair tissue |
undifferentiated cells | not having specialized function or structure |
differentiated cells | having a specialized function or structure |
hemopoietic | blood forming |
graft-versus-host disease | rejection of a stem cell transplant |
embryonic stem cells | undifferentiated & unlike any specific adult cell but can for ANY adult cell. |
embryonic | embryo |
embry/o | fertilized ovum |
-nic | pertaining to |
gene | fundamental physical & functional unit of heredity: control hereditary disorders, hair, skin, and eye color |
genetics | study of how genes are transferred from parents to children & role in health/ diseases |
geneticist | specialist in field of genetics |
dominant gene | inherited from either parent & offspring WILL inherit that condition or characteristic. |
recessive gene | inherited from both parents, WILL receive. When inherited from one parent, will not receive but will be a carrier. |
genome | complete set of genetic information of an organism. 99% identical in humans |
chromosome | genetic structure located w/in nucleus of each cell, made up of DNA molecules containing body's genes. Ea = 100,000 genes |
somatic cell | any cell in body except gametes (sex cells). 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. 22 identical, the other XX female or XY male |
somatic | pertaining to the body in general |
gamete | sperm or egg, aka sex cell, only type of cell that does not contain 46 chromosomes. 23 each |
Down syndrome chromosomes | 47 instead of usual 46 |
DNA | basic structure same for all living organisms. Chromosome w/ 2 spiraling strands to form double helix. Deoxyribonucleic Acid that's found in all cells but erythrocytes |
erythrocytes are missing | nucleus - only cell that does not have this |
helix | shape twisted like a spiral staircase (DNA) |
double helix | consists of 2 helix strands twisted together |
Same DNA | identical twins |
genetic mutation | change of sequence of a DNA molecule |
somatic cell mutation | change w/in cells of the body. Affect individual but cannot be transmitted to next generation |
gametic cell mutation | change w/in genes in gamete that can be transmitted to next generation |
genetic engineering | manipulating or splicing of genes for scientific or medical purposes. |
genetic disorder | aka hereditary disorder, pathological condition caused by absent or defective gene. Some @ birth, others manifest |
cystic fibrosis (CF) | genetic disorder present @ birth & affects respiratory & digestive systems |
down syndrome (DS) | genetic variation associated w/ certain facial appearance, LD's, delays, and abnormalities |
hemophilia | group of hereditary bleeding disorders in which blood clotting factor missing |
Huntington's disease (HD) | genetic disorder passed from parent to child. Nerve degeneration w/ symptoms that appear in midlife. |
degeneration | worsening condition |
muscular dystrophy (MD) | group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness & degeneration of skeletal muscles controlling movement |
phenylketronuria (PKU) | rare genetic disorder which essential digestive enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is missing. Limit protein |
tissue | group or layer of similarly specialized cells that join together to perform certain specific functions |
histology | microscopic study of the structure, composition, and function of tissues |
hist | tissue |
histologist | non-physician specialist that studies the microscopic structure of tissues |
4 main types of tissues | Epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve |
epithelial tissue | forms protective covering for all internal & external surfaces of body & form glands. |
epithelium | specialized epithelial tissue that forms epidermis of skin & surface layer of mucous membranes |
endothelium | specialized epithelial tissue that lines the blood & lymph vessels, body cavities, glands, & organs |
connective tissue | supports & connects organs & other body tissues. 4 kinds: dense, adipose, loose, liquid |
dense connective tissue | such as bones and cartilage, form the joints& body framework |
adipose tissue | A connective tissue, aka fat, provides protective padding, insulation, & support |
loose connective tissue | surrounds various organs & supports both nerve cells & blood vessels |
liquid connective tissue | blood and lymph, transport nutrients & waste products throughout body. |
muscle tissue | contains cells w/ specialized ability to contract & relax |
nerve tissue | contains cells w/ specialized ability to react to stimuli & to conduct electrical impulses |
aplasia | defective development, or congenital absence, of an organ or tissue |
-plasia | formation |
hypoplasia | the incomplete development of an organ or tissue usually due to a deficiency in the number of cells |
anaplasia | change in the structure of cells & in their orientation to each other |
ana- | backward |
dysplasia | abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs |
hyperplasia | enlargement of an organ or tissue b/c of an abnormal increase in the # cells in the tissues |
hypertrophy | general increase in the bulk of a body part or organ that is due to an increase in the size, but not #, of cells in tissues |
-trophy | development |
gland | group of specialized epithelial cells that are capable of producing secretions |
secretion | the substance produced by a gland |
exocrine glands | secrete chemical substances into ducts that lead either to other organs or out of the body, such as sweat glands |
exo- | out of |
-crine | secrete |
endocrine glands | produce hormones, do not have ducts. Secreted directly into bloodstream & then transported to organs & other structures |
endo- | within |
adenoids | mass of gland-like lymphoid tissue @ back of upper pharynx |
aden | gland |
adenitis | inflammation of a gland |
adenocarcinoma | malignant tumor that originates in glandular tissue |
Malignant | harmful, capable of spreading, and potentially life threatening |
adenoma | a benign tumor that arises in or resembles glandular tissue |
benign | not life threatening |
adenomalacia | the abnormal softening of a gland |
adenosis | any disease or condition of a gland. |
adenosclerosis | the abnormal hardening of a gland |
adenectomy | surgical removal of a gland |
organ | independent part of the body that performs a specific function |
pathology | the study of disease: its nature and cause as well as the produced changes in structure and function |
path/o, -pathy | disease or suffering, feeling, and emotion |
pathologist | physician who specializes in laboratory analysis of diseased tissue samples to confirm or establish a diagnosis |
skeletal system (major structures/ functions) | Bones, joints, cartilage. Supports/ shapes body, protects internal organs, forms some blood cells, stores minerals |
Muscular system (major structures/ functions) | Muscles, fascia, & tendons. Holds body erect, makes movement possible, moves body fluids & generates body heat. |
cardiovascular system (major structures/ functions) | heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, & blood. Blood circulates to transport oxygen & nutrients to cells in lymph nodes, waste to kidneys |
lymphatic system (major structures/ functions) | lymph, lymphatic vessels, & lymph nodes. Removes/ transports waste product from fluid btw cells, destroys pathogens & cancer cells in lymph nodes, returns filtered lymph to bloodstream |
immune system (major structures/ functions) | tonsils, spleen, thymus, skin, & specialized blood cells. Defends body against invading pathogens & allergens |
respiratory system (major structures/ functions) | nose, pharynx, trachea, larynx, lungs. Brings oxygen into body for transportation to the cells. Removes carbon dioxide & some water waste from body. |
digestive system (major structures/ functions) | mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas. Digests ingested food so it can be absorbed into bloodstream, eliminates solid waste |
urinary system (major structures/ functions) | kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, & urethra. Filters blood to remove waste. Maintains electrolyte & fluid balance w/in body |
nervous system (major structures/ functions) | nerves, brain, spinal cord. Coordinates reception of stimuli. Transmits messages throughout body. |
special senses (major structures/ functions) | eyes & ears. receive visual & auditory info & transmit it to brain |
integumentary system (major structures/ functions) | skin, sebaceous glands, & sweat glands. Protects body against invasion by bacteria. Aids in regulating body temp & H2O content |
endocrine system (major structures/ functions) | adrenal glands, gonads, pancreas, parathyroids, pineal, pituitary, thymus, & thyroid. Integrates all body functions |
reproductive system (major structures/ functions) | male: penis & testicles, female: ovaries, uterus, vagina. Produces new life. |
etiology | the study of the causes of diseases |
pathogen | disease-producing microorganism such as a virus |
transmission | spread of disease |
contamination | a pathogen is possibly present - from lack of proper hygiene or infection control |
communicable disease | aka contagious disease. Any condition transmitted from 1 person to another - directly or indirectly |
communicable | capable of being transmitted. |
indirect contact transmission | situations in which a susceptible person is infected by contact w/ a contaminated surface. |
bloodborne transmission | spread of disease through contact w/ infected blood or other body fluids contaminated w/ infected blood. HIV, STDs |
droplet transmission | spread of diseases such as measles, cold, & flu through large respiratory droplets sprayed by coughing/sneezing. Lands on person or thing. Primary: nosocomial infections |
airborne transmission | contact w/ germs floating in air. airborne coughs or sneezes. Tuberculosis |
nosocomial infections | hospital acquired infections like MRSA |
food-borne & waterborne transmission | aka fecal-oral transmission. caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water that not properly treated |
vector-borne transmission | spread of certain disease due to bite of a vector (flies, mites, fleas, ticks, rats, dogs. Mosquitoes most common. |
epidemiologist | specialist in the study of outbreaks of disease w/in population group. |
epi- | above |
dem/i | population |
endemic | ongoing presence of a disease w/in a population, group. or area. Ex common cold |
dem | population |
epidemic | sudden & widespread outbreak of disease w/in a specific population group or area. Ex measles |
pandemic | outbreak of disease occurring over LG geographic area, possibly worldwide. AIDS |
functional disorder | produces symptoms for which no physiological or anatomical cause can be identified. Ex panic attack |
iatrogenic illness | illness w/out known cause |
idi/o | peculiar to the individual |
idiopathic | w/out known cause |
infectious disease | illness caused by living pathogenic organisms such as bacteria & viruses |
MRSA | Staphylococcus aureus infections often spread in hospitals |
organic disorder | produces symptoms caused by detectable physical changes in body. |
congenital disorder | abnormal condition that exists at time of birth. developmental before birth, prenatal influences, premature birth, or injuries during birth process |
congenital | existing at birth |
atresia | describes the congenital absence of a normal body opening or the failure of a structure to be tubular |
anomaly | deviation from what is regarded as normal |
anal atresia | congenital absence of the opening at the bottom end of anus |
prenatal influences | mother's health, behavior, prenatal care |
rubella infection | birth defects common if contracted early in pregnancy |
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) | caused by mother's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy |
premature birth | birth that occurs earlier than 37 weeks of development |
birth injuries | congenital disorders that were not present before the events surrounding the time of birth |
cerebral palsy | result of brain damage, caused by premature birth or inadequate oxygen to brain during birth process |
geriatrics | study of medical problems & care of older people |
autopsy | postmortem examination |
allied health professionals | roles outside of medicine, nursing, & pharmacy. Dental techs, interpreters, nutritionists, PT's, mental health, phlebotomists |
general practitioner (GP) | can be PCP, aka family practice. Provides ongoing care for patients of all ages |
internist | physician who specializes in diagnosing & treating diseases & disorders of internal organs & related body systems |
pediatrician | physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, & preventing disorders & diseases of infants & children. |
geriatrician | aka gerontologist, physician who specializes in care of older ppl |
nurse practitioner (NP) | nurse w/ graduate training who often works w/ primary care provider |
physician assistant (PA) | licensed pro who works under supervision of physician. Usually master's degree |
medical receptionist | schedules/ registers patients |
medical assistant | aka clinical medical assistant. Performs admin & clinical tasks in Dr's office. |
certified medical assistant | CMA |
medical coder | reviews patients' med records & assigns appropriate codes for treatment & services |
emergency room (ER) | focuses on diagnosing & treating life-threatening emergency med conditions. Patients triaged on arrival |
emergency physician | Dr who specializes in high-acuity med in ET |
acuity | level of severity of an illness |
emergency medical technician (EMT) | licensed health care pro who works in pre-hospital setting on ambulance or in ER |
registered nurse (RN) | licensed health care pro who works in variety of settings |
licensed vocational nurse (LPN) | aka LVN. works under basic supervision of Dr or RN to provide basic patient care. |
certified nursing assistant (CNA) | works under supervision of RN to provide basic patient care |
intensive care unit (ICU) | aka critical care unit. provides continuously monitored care for critically ill patients. |
intensivist | physician specializing in care of critically ill patients hospitalized in ICU |
hospitalist | physician focusing on general medical care of hospitalized patients |
telemetry | unit provides continuous cardiac monitoring for patients w/ heart problems |
tele | distant |
-metry | measure |
medical/surgical unit | provides nursing care for lower-acuity patients recovering from surgery or needing continued care |
A&P | Anatomy & Physiology |
CD | communicable disease |
CH, Chr | chromosome |
DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid |
epid | epidemic |
GP | general practitioner |
HD | Huntington's disease |
LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
PA | Physician assistant |
RLQ | Right lower quadrant |
RUQ | Right upper quadrant |