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Definitions for the Trauma Section - Blinn College EMS Program

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Terms
Definitions
Emboli   Undissolved solid, liquid, or gaseous matter in the bloodstream that may cause blockage of blood vessels.  
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Energy   Capacity to do work in the strict physical sense.  
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Epistaxis   Bleeding from the nose resulting from injury, disease, or environmental factors.  
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Exsanguination   Blood loss sufficient to cause death.  
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Commotio Cordis   Lethal cardiac arrhythmia caused by by a sharp non-penetrating blow to the sternum.  
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Comorbitdity   Simultaneous presence of more than one disease or condition.  
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Electrical Alternas   Alternating amplitude of the P, QRS, and T waves on the ECG rhythm strip as the heart swings in a pendulum-like fashion within the pericardial sac during tamponade.  
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Epicardium   Serous membrane covering the outer surface of the heart; the visceral pericardium.  
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Flail chest   Defect in the chest wall that allows for free movement of a segment. Breathing will cause paradoxical chest wall movement.  
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Great vessels   Large arteries and veins located in the mediastinum that enter and exit the heart: pulmonary artery, the aorta, the inferior vena cava, and the superior vena cava.  
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Hemopneumothorax   Condition in which air and blood are in the pleural space.  
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Hemoptysis   Coughing up blood that originates in the respiratory tract.  
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Hemothorax   Blood within the pleural space.  
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Ligamentum Arteriosum   Cordlike remnant of a fetal vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta at the aortic isthmus.  
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Myocardium   Muscular tissue of the heart.  
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Pericardial tamponade   A restriction to cardiac filling caused by blood (or other fluid) within the pericardial sac.  
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Pericardium   Fibrous sac that surrounds the heart.  
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Pneumothorax   A collection of air in the pleural space. Air may enter the pleural space through an injury to the chest wall or through an injury to the lungs. In a tension pneumothorax. pressure builds because there is no way for air to escape, causing lung to collapse.  
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Precordium   Area of the chest wall overlying the heart.  
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Pulmonary Hilum   Central medial region of the lung where the bronchi and pulmonary vasculature enter the lung.  
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Pulsus Alternas   Drop of greater than 10mmHg in the systolic blood pressure during the inspiratory phase of respiration that occurs in patients with pericardial tamponade.  
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Pulsus Paradoxus   Alternating strong and weak pulse.  
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Rhabdomyolysis   Acute pathological process that involves the destruction of skeletal muscle.  
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Tension Pneumothorax   Buildup of air under pressure within the thorax. The resulting compression of the lung severely reduces venous return, cardiac output, and the effectiveness of respiration.  
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Tracheobrochial Tree   The structures of the trachea and the bronchi.  
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Xiphisternal Joint   Union between xiphoid process and the body of the sternum.  
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Degloving injury   Avulsion in which the mechanism of injury tears the skin off the underlying muscle,tissue, blood vessel, and bone  
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Dermis   True skin, also called the corium; it is the layer of tissue producing the epidermis and housing structures, blood vessels, and nerves normally associated with the skin  
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Ecchymosis   blue-black discoloration of the skin due to leakage of blood into the tissues  
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Epidermis   outermost layer of skin composed of dead or dying skin cells  
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epithielization   early stage of wound healing in which epithelial cells migrate over the surface of the wound  
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erythema   general reddening of the skin due to dilation of the superficial capillaries  
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fascia   a fibrous membrane that covers, supports, and separates, muscle and may also unite the skin with underlying tissue.  
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fibroblast   specialized cells that form collagen  
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gangrene   deep-space infection usually caused by the anaerobic bacterium (clostridium perfringens)  
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granulocytes   white blood cells charged with the primary purpose of neutralizing foreign bacteria  
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hematoma   collection of blood beneath the skin or trapped within a body compartment  
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hemostasis   the body's three-step process to local hemorrhage, comprising a vascular phase in which aggregating platelets form a weak clot, and a coagulation phase that results in the formation of fibrin, creating a strong clot.  
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hyperemia   increased blood flow into and through injured or infected tissue, responsible for the reddish skin color, or erythema, associated with inflammation  
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impaled object   foreign body embedded in a wound  
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incision   very smooth or surgical laceration, frequently caused by a knife, scapel, razor blade, or piece of glass  
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infection   invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in a body part or tissue  
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inflammation   complex process of local cellular and biochemical changes as a consequence of injury or infection an early stage of healing  
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integumentary system   skin, consisting of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers  
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keloid   a formation resulting from overproduction of scar tissue  
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laceration   an open wound, normally tear with jagged borders  
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lumen   opening, or space, within a needle, artery, vein, or other hollow vessel  
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lymphangitis   inflammation of the lymph channels, usually as a result of a distal infection.  
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Circumduction   Movement at a synovial joint where the distal end of a bone describes a circle but the shaft does not rotate.  
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Closed Fracture   A broken bone in which the bone ends or the forces that caused it do not penetrate the skin.  
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Comminuted Fracture   Fracture in which a bone is broken into several pieces.  
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Cramping   Muscle pain resulting from over activity, lack of oxygen, and accumulation of waste products.  
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Devascularization   Loss of blood vessels from a body part.  
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Diaphysis   Hollow shaft found in long bones.  
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Diarthroses   Synovial joints.  
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Dislocation   Complete displacement of a bone end from its position in a joint capsule.  
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Epiphyseal   Area of the metaphysis where cartilage is generated during bone growth in childhood. Also called growth plate.  
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Epiphysis   End of a long bone, including the epiphyseal, or growth, plate and supporting structures underlying the joint.  
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Fascicle   Small bundle of muscle fibers.  
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Fatigue Fracture   Break in a bone associated with prolonged or repeated stress.  
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Greenstick Fracture   Partial fracture of a child's bone.  
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Hairline Fracture   Small crack in a bone that does not disrupt its total structure.  
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Haversian Canals   Small perforations of the long bones through which the blood vessels and nerves travel through the bone itself.  
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Impacted Fracture   Break in a bone in which the bone is compressed on itself.  
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Insertion   Attachment of a muscle to a bone that moves when the muscle contracts.  
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Joint   Area where adjacent bones articulate.  
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Joint Capsule   Chamber formed by ligaments surrounding a joint that holds a small amount of synovial fluid to lubricate articular surfaces.  
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Ligaments   Bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone and hold joints together.  
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Malleolus   The protuberance of the ankle.  
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Medullary Canal   Cavity within a bone that contains the marrow.  
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Abruptio Placentae   a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall  
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Evisceration   a protrusion of organs from a wound  
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Guarding   protective tensing of the abdominal muscles by a patient suffering abdominal pain  
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Hematemesis   vomiting of blood  
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Hematochezia   passage of stools containing red blood  
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Hematuria   blood in the urine  
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Mesentery   double fold of peritoneum that supports the major portion of the small bowel, suspending it from the posterior abdominal wall  
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Pelvic Space   division of the abdominal cavity containing the organs located within the pelvis  
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Peritoneal Space   division of the abdominal cavity containing the organs or portions of organs covered by the peritoneum  
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Peritoneum   fine fibrous tissue surrounding the interior of most of the abdominal cavity and covering most of the small bowel and some of the abdominal organs  
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Peritonitis   inflammation of the peritoneum caused by chemical or bacterial irritation  
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Rebound tenderness   pain caused by any abdominal jarring, as occurs with percussion or when the pressure of deep palpitation is released quickly  
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Retroperitoneal space   division of the abdominal cavity containing the organs posterior to the peritoneal lining  
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Supine hypotensive syndrome   inadequate return of venous blood to the heart, reduced cardiac output, and lowered blood pressure resulting from pressure on the inferior vena cava by the fetus and uterus late in pregnancy  
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Abduction   movement of a body part away from the midline  
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Adduction   movement of a body part toward the midline  
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Amphiarthrosis   joints that permit a limited amount of independent motion  
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Articular surface   surface of a bone that moves against another bone  
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Bursae   sacs containing synovial fluid that cushion adjacent structures  
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Callus   thickened area that forms at the site of a fracture as part of the repair process  
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Cancellous   having a latticework structure, as in the spongy tissue of a bone  
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Cartilage   connective tissue providing the articular surfaces of the skeletal system  
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Flechettes   Arrow-shapped projectiles found in some military ordance.  
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Force   Strength or energy.  
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Hemoptysis   Coughing up blood that originates in the respiratory tract.  
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Incendiary   Combusting easily or creating combustion.  
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Index of Suspesion   Anticipation of the severity of an injury based on the events and circumstances that appear to have caused the injury.  
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Inertia   Tendency of an object to remain at rest or in motion unless acted on by an external force.  
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Kinematics   A branch of physics that deals with motion of a body or system of bodies without consideration to its mass or forces acting upon it.  
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Kinetic Energy   Energy an object has while it is in motion.  
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Kinetics   Branch of physics that deals with motion, taking into consideration mass, velocity, and force.  
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Mass   A measure of the matter that an object contains.  
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Motion   The process of changing place, movement.  
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Ordance   Military weapons and munations  
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Overpressure   A rapid increase, then decrease, in atmospheric pressure created by an explosion.  
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Oxidizer   An agent that enhances combustion of a fuel.  
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Perforating Trauma   A form of penetrating trauma that occurs when an object enters and exits the body.  
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Pressure Wave   Area of overpressure that radiates outward from an explosion.  
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Profile   The cross section of a bullet along its direction of travel; the energy-exchange surface of the bullet when it contracts a target.  
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Projectile   An object hurled or projected by the exertion of force.  
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Metaphysis   The wide portion of a long bone between the epiphysis and the narrow diaphysis.  
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Oblique fracture   A fracture, the line of which runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the bone  
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Opposition   The relation between the thumb and the other digits of the hand for the purpose of grasping objects between the thumb and fingers  
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Origin   The place or point where a muscle, nerve, or other body part arises, in particular.  
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Osteoblast   A cell that secretes the matrix for bone formation.  
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Osteoclast   A large multinucleate bone cell that absorbs bone tissue during growth and healing.  
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Osteocyte   A bone cell, formed when an osteoblast becomes embedded in the matrix it has secreted.  
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Osteoporosis   A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.  
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Paresthesia   Is an abnormal sensation such as tingling, tickling, pricking, numbness or burning of a person's skin with no apparent physical cause.  
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Perforating Canals   Canals in bone through which blood vessels pass.  
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Periosteum   A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.  
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Red Bone Marrow   Bone marrow in which the stroma primarily contain the developmental stages of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and megakaryocytes; it is present throughout the skeleton during fetal life and at birth. After the fifth postnatal year, it is gradually replaced in the long bones by yellow marrow.  
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Reduction   1:the action or fact of making a specified thing smaller or less in amount, degree, or size: 2:The action of remedying a dislocation or fracture by returning the affected part of the body to its normal position.  
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Rotation   The process of turning around an axis.  
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Spasm   A sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsive movement.  
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Spiral Fracture   Is a bone fracture occurring when torque (a rotating force) is applied along the axis of a bone.  
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Sprain   Also known as a torn ligament, is damage to one or more ligaments in a joint, often caused by trauma or the joint being taken beyond its functional range of motion  
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Strain   to over exercise, excessive effort or exercise, an overstretching or overexertion of some part of the musculature.  
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Subluxation   A partial dislocation.  
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Synarthroses   A type of joint which permits very little or no movement under normal conditions.  
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Synovial Fluid   A viscous, non-Newtonian fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints. With its egg-white-like consistency, the principal role of synovial fluid is to reduce friction between the articular cartilage of synovial joints during movement.  
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Open Fracture   Is one in which the bone breaks through the skin; it may then recede back into the wound and not be visible through the skin.  
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Peripheral Vascular Resistance   The resistance of the vessels to the flow of blood; it increases when the vessels constrict and decreases when the vessels relax. Also called afterload.  
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Platelet   One of the fragments of cytoplasm that circulates in the blood and works with components of the coagulation system to promote blood clotting. Platelets also release serotonin, a vasoconstrictive substance.  
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Platelet Phase   Second step in the process of hemostasis in which platelets adhere to blood vessel walls and to each other.  
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Preload   The pressure within the ventricles at the end of diastole; the volume of blood delivered to the atria prior to ventricular diastole.  
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Pulse Pressure   Difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.  
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Septic Shock   Form of shock caused by massive infection in which toxins compromise the vascular system's ability to control blood vessels and distribute blood.  
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Shock   A state of inadequate tissue perfusion.  
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Stroke Volume   The amount of blood ejected by the heart in one cardiac contraction.  
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Tilt Test   Measuring the blood pressure before and after moving the patient from a supine to a sitting position; a drop in the systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or an increase in the pulse rate of 20 beats per minute after the patient is moved to a sitting position is a finding suggestive of a relative hypovolemia.  
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Tourniquet   A constrictor used on an extremity to apply circumferential pressure on all arteries to control bleeding.  
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Tranexamic Acid (TXA)   A drug that inhibits fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots); an antifibrinolytic.  
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Vascular Phase   First step in the process of hemostasis, in which smooth blood vessel muscle contracts, reducing the vessel lumen and the flow of blood through it.  
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Vein   A blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart.  
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Abrasion   Scraping or abrading away of the superficial layers of the skin; an open soft tissue injury.  
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Amputation   severance, removal, or detachment, either partial or complete, of a body part.  
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Avulsion   Forceful tearing away or separation of body tissue.  
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Chemotactic Factors   Chemicals released by white blood cells that attract more white blood cells to an area of inflammation.  
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Collagen   Tough, strong protein that makes up most of the body's connective tissue.  
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Compartment Syndrome   Muscle ischemia that is caused by rising pressures within an anatomic fascial space.  
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Contusion   Closed wound in which the skin is unbroken, although damage has occurred to the tissue immediately beneath.  
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Crush Injury   Mechanism of injury in which tissue is locally compressed by high-pressure forces.  
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Crush Syndrome   Systemic disorder of severe metabolic disturbances resulting from the crush of a limb or other body part.  
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lymphatic system   The interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body.  
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lymphocyte   Any of a class of white blood cells of the vertebrate immune system, including the B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells  
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macrophage   Any of various large, phagocytic white blood cells that develop from monocytes, are found in the spleen, liver, and other tissues, and have a variety of functions in the immune system including engulfing and destroying pathogens and dead cells  
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necrosis   Death of cells through injury or disease, especially in a localized area of a tissue or organ.neo  
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neovascularization   new blood vessel formation in abnormal tissue or in abnormal positions  
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phagocytosis   the engulfing of microorganisms or other cells and foreign particles by phagocytes  
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puncture   the act of piercing or penetrating with a pointed object.  
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remodeling   reorganization or renovation of an old structure  
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rhabdomyolysis   disintegration of striated muscle fibers with excretion of myoglobin in the urine  
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sebaceous glands   Tiny skin glands that secrete an oily lubricating substance, called sebum, either into hair follicles or directly on to the surface of the skin.  
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sebum   The secretion of the sebaceous glands.  
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serous fluid   Any of various body fluids resembling serum, especially lymph.  
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skeletal muscle   A usually voluntary muscle that is made up of elongated, multinucleate, transversely striated muscle fibers and is typically attached to a bone.  
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subcutaneous tissue   The sheet of connective tissue below the dermis.  
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tendons   Bands of fibrous connective tissue joining muscles to bones.  
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tension lines   lines that can be extrapolated by connecting linear openings made when a round pin is driven into the skin of a cadaver, resulting from the principal axis of orientation of the subcutaneous connective tissue (collagen) fibers of the dermis  
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tetanus   Tetanus is a rare but often fatal disease that affects the central nervous system by causing painful muscular contractions.  
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alpha radiation   an emission of a nucleus of high kinetic energy from the nucleus of an atom undergoing radioactive decay or fission.  
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ampere   the base unit of electric current strength, defined in terms of the force of attraction between two parallel conductors carrying current.  
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midbrain   the short part of the brainstem just above the pons  
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myotome   an instrument for dividing muscles.  
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nares   the external opening of the nasal cavity  
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orbit   the bony cavity containing the eyeball and its associated muscles, vessels, and nerves  
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paraplegia   paraplegia Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. paraplegia [par″ah-ple´jah] impairment or loss of motor or sensory function in areas of the body served by the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral neurological segments  
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pia matter   the innermost of the three meninges covering the brain and spinal cord  
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pinna   the projecting part of the ear lying outside the head; called also pinna.  
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pons   that part of the metencephalon lying between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain  
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pupil   pupil Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. pupil (P) [pu´pil] the opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eyeq  
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quadriplegia   paralysis of all four limbs  
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blunt trauma   injury caused by the collision of an object with the body in which the object does not enter the body.  
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epidemiology   the study of disease to determine its prevalence, course, and seriousness.  
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Golden Period   the 60 minute period after a severe injury; it is the maximum acceptable time between the injury and initiation of surgery for the seriously injured trauma patient.  
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Haddon Matrix   a framework for classifying factors associated with injury, death, or events that may cause injury or death. The matrix can be used to identify factors that can be modified and interventions that can be taken to prevent or reduce the severity of such events.  
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Index of Suspicion   anticipation of the severity of an injury based on the events and circumstances that appear to have caused the injury.  
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Mechanism of Injury   the process and forces that cause trauma; the manner in which an injury occurs.  
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Penetrating Trauma   injury occurs when an object pierces the skin and enters the body.  
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Trauma   a physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence.  
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Trauma Center   a hospital that has the capability of caring for acutely injured patients  
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Trauma Registry   data retrieval system for trauma patient information, which is used to evaluate and improve the trauma system.  
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Trauma Triage Criteria   guidelines to aid prehospital personnel in determining which trauma patients require urgent transportation to a trauma center.  
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acceleration   the rate at which speed or velocity increases.  
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axial loading   application of the forces of trauma along the axis of the spine; this often results in compression fractures of the spine.  
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ballistics   the study of projectile motion and its interactions with the gun, the air, and the object it contacts.  
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caliber   the diameter of a bullet expressed in hundredths of an inch; the inside diameter of the barrel of a handgun or rifle.  
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cavitation   the outward motion of tissue due to a projectile's passage, resulting in a temporary cavity and vacuum.  
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crumple zone   the region of a vehicle designed to absorb the energy of impact.  
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deceleration   the rate at which speed or velocity decreases.  
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dirty bomb   a nuclear weapon improvised from radioactive nuclear waste material and conventional explosives.  
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Drag   the forces acting on a projectile in motion to slow its progress.  
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Dyspnea   labored or difficult breathing.  
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Hypothalamus   portion of the diencephalon producing neurosecretions important in the control of certain metabolic activities, including body temp.  
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Intervertebral Disk   A pad of fibrocartilage that lies between adjacent vertebrae, allows slight movement of the spine, and acts as a cushion or shock absorber.  
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Intracerebral Hemorrhage   bleeding directly into the tissue of the brain  
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Intracranial Pressure (ICP)   pressure exerted on the brain by the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.  
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Ipsilateral   same side  
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Iris   Pigmented portion of the eye. It is the muscular area that constricts or dilates to change size of pupil.  
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Lacrimal Fluid   liquid that lubricates the eye  
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Le Fort Criteria   classification system for fractures involving the maxilla.  
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Mean Arterial Pressure   Diastolic BP plus 1/3 the pulse pressure  
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Medulla Oblongata   lower portion of the brainstem containing the respiratory, cardiac, and vasomotor centers.  
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Meninges   three membranes that surround and protect the spinal cord. Dura mater, pia mater, arachnoid mater.  
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Midbrain   Portion of the brain connecting the pons and cerebellum to the cerebral hemispheres.  
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Myotome   muscle and tissue of the body innervated by spinal nerve roots.  
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Nares   openings of the nostrils  
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Neurogenic Shock   Type of shock resulting in the interruption of comminucation pathway between the CNS and the rest of the body, leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance  
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Orbit   the eye socket  
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Paraplegia   paralysis of the lower limbs and lower trunk  
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Pia Mater   The inner and most delicate layer of the meninges. It covers the convolutions of the brain and spinal cord.  
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Pinna   Outer, visible portion of the ear.  
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Pons   Process of tissue responsible for the communication interchange between the cerebellum , the cerebrum, the midbrain, and the spinal cord.  
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Pupil   Dark opening in the center of the iris through which light enters the eye  
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Quadriplegia   paralysis of all four limbs  
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Retina   Light and color-sensing tissue lining the posterior chamber of the eye  
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Retinal detachment   Condition that may be of traumatic origin and presents with patient complaint of a dark curtain obstructing a portion of the field of view  
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Retroauricular ecchymosis   black and blue discoloration over the mastoid process (just behind the ear) that is characteristic of a basilar skull fracture. (Also called Battle's sign)  
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Retrograde amnesia   Inability to remember events that occurred before the trauma that caused the condition  
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Sacrum   Triangular bone, formed from five fused vertebrae, that lies between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the coccyx  
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Sclera   The "white" of the eye  
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Semicircular canals   The three rings of the inner ear. They sense the motion of the head and provide positional sense for the body.  
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Simplified Motor Score (SMS)   A simplified scoring system for monitoring the neurologic status of patients with head injuries based on three elements of motor responsiveness, compared to 15 elements of eye-opening  
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Spinal canal   A cavity that runs successively through each of the vertebrae and contains the spinal cord  
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Spinal meninges   Protective structures that cover the spine, consisting of the dura mater, the arachnoid membrane, and the pia mater  
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Spinal shock   The loss of spinal reflexes after injury of the spinal cord that affects muscles innervated by the cord segments below the site of the injury  
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Subdural hematoma   collection of blood directly beneath the dura mater  
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Sutures   Pseudojoints that join the various bones of the skull to form the cranium  
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Thalamus   Switching station between the pons and the cerebrum in the brain  
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Thoracic vertebrae   The 12 vertebrae that lie between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, helping to support the thorax  
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Transection   A cutting across a long axis; a cross-sectional cut  
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Vertebral column   The main support for the axis of the body, consisting of 33 bones (vertebrae); also called the spinal column  
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Vertebral foramen   A cavity that runs successively through each of the vertebrae and contains the spinal cord; (spinal canal)  
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Vitreous humor   Clear watery fluid filling the posterior chamber of the eye. It is responsible for giving the eye its spherical shape  
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Zygoma   The cheekbone  
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Aneurysm   A weakening or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel  
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Atelectasis   Collapse of a lung or part of a lung  
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baux score   is a system used to predict the chance of mortality due to severe burns.  
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beta radiation   is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted in the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus  
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blepharospasm   involuntary tight closure of the eyelids.  
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Heatstroke   Acute, dangerous reaction to heat exposure, characterized by a body temperature usually above 105F (40.6C) and central nervous system disturbances. The body usually ceases to perspire.  
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Hyperbaric oxygen chamber   Recompression chamber used to treat patients suffering from barotrauma.  
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Hyperthermia   Unusually high core body temperature  
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Hypothalamus   Portion of the diencephalon producing neurosecretions important in the control of certain metabolic activities, including body temperature regulation.  
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Hypothermia   State of low body temperature, particularly low core body temperature.  
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J waves   ECG deflections found at the junction of QRS complexes and the ST segments. They are associated with hypothermia and seen at core temeratures below 32C most commonly in leads II and V6 also called Osborn waves.  
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Mammalian diving reflex   A complex cardiovascular reflex, resulting from submersion of the face and nose in water, that constricts blood flow everywhere except the brain.  
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Negative feedback   Homeostatic mechanism in which a change in a variable ultimately inhibits the process that led to the shift  
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Nitrogen narcosis   A state of stupor that develops during deep dives due to nitrogen’s effect on cerebral function; also called “raptures of the deep.”  
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Pneumomediastinum   The presence of air in the mediastinum.  
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Pulmonary overpressure   Expansion of air held in the lungs during ascent. If not exhaled, the expanding air may cause injury to the lungs and surrounding structures.  
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Pyrexia   Fever, or above-normal body temperature  
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Pyrogens   Any substance causing fever, such as viruses and bacteria or substances produced within the body in response to infection or inflammation.  
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Radiation   Transfer of energy through space or matter.  
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Recompression   Resubmission of a person to a greater pressure so gradual decompression can be achieved; often used in the treatment of diving emergencies.  
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Scuba   Acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Portable apparatus that contains compressed air that allows the diver to breath underwater.  
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Superficial frostbite   Freezing involving only epidermal tissues, resulting in redness followed by blanching and diminished sensation; also called frostnip.  
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Surfactant   A compound secreted by cells in the lungs that regulates the surface tension of the fluid that lines the alveoli, which is important in keeping the alveoli open for gas exchange.  
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Thermal gradient   The difference in temperature between the environment and the body.  
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Thermogenesis   The production of heat, especially within the body.  
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Thermolysis   The loss of heat especially from the body  
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Thermoregulation   The maintenance or regulation of a particular temperature of the body.  
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Trench foot   A painful foot disorder resembling frostbite and resulting from exposure to cold and wetness, which can eventually result in tissue sloughing or gangrene.  
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Rotational   Turning along the axis of abone  
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Resistance   property of a conductor that opposes the passage of an electric current  
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Resolution phase   final stage of the burn process in which scar tissue is laid down and the healing process is completed  
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Afterload   The resistance a contraction of the heart must overcome to eject blood; in cardiac physiology, defined as tension of cardiac muscle during systole (contraction). AKA peripheral vascular resistance.  
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Aggregate   To cluster or come together  
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Anaerobic   Ability to live without oxygen  
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Rule of palms   method of estimating the amount of body surface area burned that sizes the area burned that sizes the area burned in comparison to the patients palmar surface  
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Subglottic   referring to the lower airway  
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Superficial burn   burn that involves only the epidermis; reddening of the skin; first degree burn  
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Supraglottic   referring to the upper airway  
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Voltage   the difference of electric potential between two points with different concentrations of electrons  
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Anaphylactic Shock   form of shock in which histamine causes general vasodilation, precapillary sphincter dilation, capillary engorgement, and fluid movement into the interstitial compartment  
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Arteriole   A small artery  
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Artery   a vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body tissues  
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Capillary   one of the minute blood vessels that connects the ends of the arterioles with the beginnings of venules; where oxygen is diffused to tissue and products of metabolism enter the blood stream  
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Zone of coagulation   area in a burn nearest the heart source that sufferes the most damage and is characterized by clotted blood and thrombosed blood vessels  
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Zone of hyepremia   area peripheral to a burn that is characterized by increase blood flow  
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Zone of stasis   area in a burn surrounding the zone of coagulation that is characterized by decreased blood flow  
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Anterior cord syndrome   condition that is caused by bony fragments or pressure compressing the arteries of the anterior spinal cord and resulting in loss of motor function and sedation to pain, light touch, and temperature below the injury site  
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Anterograde Amnesia   inability to remember events that occurred after the trauma that caused the condition  
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Aqueous humor   clear fluid filling the anterior chamber of the eye  
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Arachnoid membrane   middle layers of the meninges  
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Ascending reticular activating system   a series of nervous tissues keeping the human system in a state of consciousness  
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Ascending tracts   bundles of axons along the spinal cord that transmit signals from the body to the brain  
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Cardiac Contractility   The ability of the heart to contract; the strength of the heart's contractions  
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Cardiogenic Shock   Shock resulting from failure to maintain the blood pressure because of inadequate cardiac output  
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Catecholamine   A hormone, such as epinephrine or nor epinephrine, that strongly affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, metabolic rate, temperature, and smooth muscle  
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Clotting Factors   The process in which an acid, while destroying tissue, forms an insoluble layer that limits further damage  
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Coagulation Phase   Third step in the process of hemostasis, which involves the formation of a protein called fibrin that forms a network around a wound to stop bleeding, ward off infection, and lay a foundation for healing and repair of the wound  
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Coagulopathy   Condition in which the blood's ability to clot is impaired  
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Compensated Shock   Hemodynamic insult to the body in which the body responds effectively. Signs and symptoms are limited, and the human system continues to provide oxygenated circulation to most tissues  
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Autonomic hyperreflexia syndrome   condition associated with the bodys adjustment to the effects of neurogenic shock  
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Autoregulation   process that controls blood flow to the brain tissue by causing alterations in the blood pressure  
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Axon   extension of a neuron that serves as a pathway for transmission of signals to and from the brain  
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Bilateral periorbital ecchymosis   black and blue discoloration of the area surrounding the eyes. associated with basilar skull fracture  
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Blood-brain barrier   has the effect of reducing the interstitial flow of proteins and other materials to the brain and spinal cord  
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Brown-sequard syndrome   cause by cutting of one side of the spinal cord, resulting in sensory and motor loss to that side of the body  
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Decompensated Shock   continuing hemodynamic insult to the body in which the compensatory mechanisms break down. The signs and symptoms become very pronounced, and the patient moves rapidly toward death  
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Direct Pressure   Method of hemorrhage control that relies on the application of pressure to the actual actual site of the bleeding  
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Distributive Shock   Is a medical condition in which abnormal distribution of blood flow in the smallest blood vessels results in inadequate supply of blood to the body's tissues and organs  
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Epistaxis   Bleeding from the nose resulting from injury, disease, or environmental factor; a nosebleed  
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Erythrocytes   Peripheral blood cell that contains hemoglobin; responsible for transport of oxygen to the cells.  
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Extrinsic Pathway   The activation of clotting factors from damaged blood vessel walls and surrounding tissue.  
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Fascia   A fibrous membrane that covers, supports and separates muscles and may also unite the skin with the underlying tissue  
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Fibrin   protein fibers that trap red blood cells as part of the clotting process  
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Hematemesis   vomiting of blood  
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Hematochezia   passage of stools containing red blood  
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Hematocrit   the percentage of the total blood volume consisting of red blood cells  
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Hematoma   collection of blood beneath the skin or trapped within a body compartment  
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Hemoglobin   an iron-based compound that binds with oxygen and transports it to the body cells  
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Hemoptysis   coughing up blood that originates in the respiratory tract  
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Hemorrhage   an abnormal internal or external discharge of blood  
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Hemostasis   the body's three step response to local hemorrhage, comprising a vascular phase that reduces blood flow, a platelet phase in which aggressive platelets form a weak clot, and a coagulation phase that results in thr formation of fibrin, creating a strong clot  
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Homeostasis   the natural tendency of the body to maintain a stable, steady normal environment.  
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Hydrostatic Pressure   the pressure of liquids in equilibrium; the pressure exterted by or within liquids  
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Hypovolemic Shock   shock caused by loss of blood or bodily fluids  
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Interstitial Space   space between the cells  
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Intrinsic Pathway   the activation of the clotting factors from damaged platelets within blood vessels  
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Irreversible Shock   the final stage of shock in which organs and cells are so damaged that recovery is impossible  
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Lactic acid   compound produced from pyruvic acid during anaerobic glycolysis  
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Melena   black, tar like feces due to gastrointestinal bleeding  
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Microcirculation   blood flow into the arterioles, capillaries, and venules  
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Neurogenic Shock   type of shock resulting from the interruption in the communication pathway between the CNS and the rest of the body, resulting in decreased peripheral vascular resistance  
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Obstructive Shock   is a form of shock associated with physical obstruction of the great vessels or the heart itself. Pulmonary embolism and cardiac tamponade are considered forms of obstructive shock. Obstructive shock has much in common with cardiogenic shock, and the two are frequently grouped together.  
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Oncotic Pressure   the force exerted by large protein molecules in the plasma that tends to draw fluid into the capillaries, compensating for the loss of fluid that leaks out of the fluids because of hydrostatic pressure  
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Orthostatic Hypotension   a decrease in blood pressure that occurs when a person moves from a supine or sitting position to an upright position  
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synovial joint   type of joint that permits the greatest degree of independent motion  
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tendons   long, thin, very strong collagen tissues that connect muscles to bones  
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tone   state of slight contraction of muscles that gives them firmness and keeps them ready to contract  
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transverse fracture   a break that runs across a bone perpendicular to the bone's orientation  
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yellow bone marrow   tissue that stores fat in semiliquid form within the internal cavities of a bone  
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absolute zero   the temperature at which all molecular motion stops (-273* C or -459*F)  
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acclimatization   the reversible changes in the body structure and function by which the body becomes adjusted to a change in the environment  
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arterial gas embolism (AGE)   an air bubble, or air embolism that enters the circulatory system from a damaged lung  
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autonomic neuropathy   condition that damages the autonomic nervous condition that damages the autonomic nervous system, which usually senses changes in core temperature and controls vasodilation and perspiration to dissipate heat  
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barotrauma   injuries caused by changes in pressure.  
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Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)   rate at which the body consumes energy just to maintain stability; the basic metabolic rate (measure by the rate of oxygen consumption) of an awake, relaxed person 12-14 hours after eating and at a comfortable temperature  
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Barotrauma that occurs from increasing pressure during a diving descent is commonly called:   "the squeeze"  
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conduction   moving electrons, ions, heat, or sound waves through a conductor or conducting medium  
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convection   transfer of heat via currents in liquids or gases  
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core temperature   the body temperature of the deep tissues which usually does not vary more than a degree or so from its normal 37*C (98.6*F)  
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decompression sickness   development of nitrogen bubbles within the tissues from a rapid reduction of air pressure when a diver returns to the surface; also called "the bends" or "dysbarism"  
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deep frostbite   freezing involving epidermal and subcutaneous tissues, resulting in a white appearance, hard (frozen) feeling on palpation, and loss of sensation  
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drowning   the process of experiencing respiratory impairment as the result of submersion or immersion in liquid  
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evaporation   change from liquid to gaseous state  
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exertional metabolic rate   rate at which the body consumes energy during activity. It is faster than the basal metabolic rate  
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frostbite   environmentally induced freezing of body tissues, causing destruction of cells  
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heat cramps   acute painful spasms of the voluntary muscles following strenuous activity in a hot environment without adequate fluid or salt intake  
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heat exhaustion   a mild heat illness; an acute reaction to heat exposure  
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Resiliency   elasticity; the ability to spring back from a force or impact to resume the original  
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Trajectory   the path a projectile follows  
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Velocity   the rate of motion in a particular direction in relation to time  
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Yaw   swing or wobble around the axis of a projectile's travel  
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Zone of Injury   in association with projectile wounds, the maximum area of injured tissue, usually extending beyond the permanent cavity formed by the projectile  
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Phases of Injury   5 main phases of injury during a motor vehicle accident/collision: Vehicle collision, occupant collision, organ collision, secondary impacts, additional impacts  
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Vehicle Collision   Begins when a vehicle strikes an object (or an object strikes the vehicle). Deceleration of the vehicle.  
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Occupant Collision   Collision of occupant with vehicle. Deceleration of the occupant.  
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Organ Collision   Collision of internal organs with body. Deceleration of internal organs. Results as an occupant contacts the vehicle's interior annd slows or stops. Tissues behind the surface of the body collide and the body comes to a stop.  
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Secondary Impacts   Occurs when the occupant is struck by loose objects within the vehicle.  
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Additional Impacts   May occur when a vehicle undergoes a second impact, such as striking another vehicle, a light pole, a tree, etc.  
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Blast injury   Injuries resulting from explosions. Categorized from Primary to Quaternary.  
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Primary   Caused by the heat of the explosion and the overpressure wave. Tend to be the most serious and life-threatening injuries associated with explosions.  
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Secondary   Include trauma caused by projectiles. Can cause severe bleeding.  
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Tertiary   Caused by personnel displacement and structural collapse.  
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Misc./Quaternary   Include any other injuries caused by the explosion mechanism and include crush injuries, burns, asphyxia, toxic exposures, and any exacerbation of preexisting or chronic illness.  
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Collision Types   5 main types of collisions for motor vehicle collisions: Frontal, Lateral, Oblique, Rear-End, Rollover  
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Frontal   Frontal impact. Imposes more vehicle structure between point of impact and passenger compartment. Most common. Multiple mechanisms: Restrained, Up and over, Down and under, Ejection  
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Lateral   Lateral impact. Crumple zone is considerably less than in frontal impact. Intrusion is likely. Increase in upper and lower extremity injuries. Responsible for higher percentage of vehicular fatalities.  
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Oblique   Auto is struck at an angle rather than directrly to the front, side, or rear. Include four subcategories: left front, right front, left rear, and right rear. Rotation is most commonly associated with oblique impact.  
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Rear-end   Collision force pushes the vehicle forwards. The energy of the collision thus propels the occupant forwards. May result in connective tissue/cervical spine injuries. Coup-countercoup can be caused.  
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Rollover   Normally caused by a change in elevation and/or affects a vehicle with a high center of gravity. Vehicle impacts the ground at various points, and occupant experiences a collision with each vehicle impact.  
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Body Surface Area (BSA)   percentage of a patient's body affected by a burn  
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Coagulation necrosis   the process in which an acid, while destroying tissue, forms an insoluble layer that limits further damage  
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Current   the rate of flow of an electric charge  
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Denature   alter the usual substance of something  
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Emergent phase   first stage of the burn process, characterized by a catecholamine release and pain-mediated reaction  
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Eschar   hard, leathery product of a deep full thickness burn; it consists of dead and denatured skin  
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Extravascular space   the volume contained within the cells (intracellular space) and the spaces between cells (interstitial space)  
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Fluid shift phase   stage of the burn process in which there is a massive shift of fluid from the intravascular to the extravascular space  
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Full thickness burn   burn that damages all layers of the skin; characterized by areas that are painless and often dry; also called third-degree burn  
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Gamma radiation   powerful electromagnetic radiation emitted by radioactive substances with powerful penetrating properties; it is stronger than alpha and beta radiation  
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Gray   a unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to 100 rads  
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Hypermetabolic phase   stage of the burn process in which there is increased body metabolism in an attempt by the body to heal the burn  
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Intravascular space   the volume contained by all the arteries, veins, capillaries, and other components of the circulatory system  
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Ionization   the process of changing a substance into separate charged particles (ions)  
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Jackson's theory of thermal wounds   explanation of the physical effects of thermal burns  
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Joule's law   the physical law stating that the rate of heat production is directly proportional to the resistance of the circuit and to the square of the current  
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Liquefaction necrosis   the process in which an alkali dissolves and liquefies tissue  
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Neutron radiation   powerful radiation with penetrating properties between that of beta and gamma radiation  
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Ohm   basic unit for measuring the strength of electrical resistance  
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Ohm's law   the physical law identifying that the current in an electrical circuit is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance  
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Partial thickness burn   burn in which the epidermis is burned through and the dermis is damaged; characterized by redness and blistering; also called second-degree burn  
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Rad   basic unit of absorbed radiation dose  
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Cauda equine syndrome   rare but serious condition that describes extreme pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord  
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Central cord syndrome   the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injury characterized by impairment in the arms and hands and to a lesser extent in the legs  
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Cerebellum   the part of the brain at the back of the skull in vertebrates. Its function is to coordinate and regulate muscular activity.  
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Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)   the difference between the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and the Intracranial Pressure (ICP). This represents the pressure gradient driving cerebral blood flow (CBF) and hence oxygen and metabolite delivery.  
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)   a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spine. It is produced in the choroid plexuses of the ventricles of the brain. It acts as a cushion or buffer for the brain's cortex, providing basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull  
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Cerebrum   the anterior and largest part of the brain, consisting of two halves or hemispheres and serving to control voluntary movements and coordinate mental actions  
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Cheyne-stokes respirations   an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by progressively deeper and sometimes faster breathing, followed by a gradual decrease that results in temporary apnea  
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Concussion   a minor injury to the brain due to a blow or hit to the head  
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Consensual reactivity   contraction of the pupil of the fellow eye in consensus with the pupil of the illuminated eye.  
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Contralateral   occurring on or acting in conjunction with a part on the opposite side of the body.  
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Coup injury   Damage directly to the part of the brain that was struck  
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Cranium   the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain  
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Cushing’s reflex   a physiological nervous system response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that results in Cushing's triad  
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Cushing’s triad   increased blood pressure, irregular breathing, and a reduction of the heart rate.  
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Dermatome   an area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve  
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Descending tracts   the pathways by which motor signals are sent from the brain to lower motor neurones  
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Diffuse axonal injury   is a brain injury in which damage in the form of extensive lesions in white matter tracts occurs over a widespread area.  
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Dura mater   a thick membrane that is the outermost of the three layers of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord  
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Epidural hematoma   a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which a buildup of blood occurs between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane of the central nervous system) and the skull  
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Galea aponeurotica   an aponeurosis (a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue) which covers the upper part of the cranium  
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Hyphema   a pooling or collection of blood inside the anterior chamber of the eye   
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Event amnesia   inability to recall memories of a traumatic or stressful event  
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