FINAL EXAM

fissure

a normally occurring deep groove

body mass index (BMI)

a number that shows body weight adjusted for height; results fall into one of these categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese; high BMI is one of many factors related to developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes

priapism

a painful erection that lasts 4 hours or more but is either not accompanied by sexual excitement or does not go away after sexual stimulation has ended; can be caused by medications or by blood-related diseases such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia

proctologist

a physician who specializes in disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus

incisional biopsy

a piece, but not all, of the tumor or lesion is removed

cecum

a pouch that lies on the right side of the abdomen; extends from the end of the ileum to the beginning of the colon

coma

a profound (deep) state of unconsciousness marked by the absence of spontaneous eye movements, no response to painful stimuli, and the lack of speech; comatose refers to a person who is in a coma

cholangiography

a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium; used to identify obstructions in the liver or bile ducts that slow or block the flow of bile from the liver; resulting record is a cholangiogram

hypoglycemia

abnormally low concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood; symptoms include nervousness and shakiness, confusion, perspiration, or feeling anxious or weak; low blood sugar

keloid

abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision; often inherited and is more common among people with dark-pigmented skin

horizontal recumbent position

also known as supine position; patient is lying on the back, face up; used for examination and treatment of the anterior surface of the body and for x-rays

tarus

also known as tarsal plate; the framework within the upper and lower eyelids that provides the necessary stiffness and shape; plural - tarsi; this also refers to the seven tarsal bones of the foot's instep

dental calculus

also known as tartar; dental plaque that has calcified (hardened) on the teeth; deposits irritate the surrounding tissues and cause increasingly serious periodontal diseases

testicles

also known as testes; two small, egg-shaped glands that produce sperm; singular - testis; develop within the abdomen of the male fetus and normally descend into the scrotum before or soon after birth

gastrointestinal tract

also known as the GI tract; organs work in cooperation with accessory organs

amniotic sac

also known as the amnion, is the innermost membrane that surrounds the embryo in the uterus (Figure 14.9). The common name for this structure is the bag of waters.

antimotility drugs and antacids

among the over-the-counter medications used to treat diarrhea and upset stomach

intracranial pressure

amount of pressure inside the skull; elevated pressure can be due to a tumor, an injury, or improper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid; potentially restricts the flow of blood to the brain, depriving it of oxygen

sigmoid colon

an S-shaped structure that continues from the descending colon above and joins the rectum below

ascites

an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity; usually the result of severe liver disease creating pressure on the liver's blood vessels

leukoplakia

an abnormal white precancerous lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or inside of the cheek; usually benign; develop in response to chronic irritation in the mouth such as constant rubbing against a broken tooth; occasionally patches occur on the genitals, in the digestive system, or in the urinary tract

aldosteronism

an abnormality of the electrolyte balance that is caused by the excessive secretion of aldosterone

hypothermia

an abnormally low temperature

Pyosalpinx

an accumulation of pus in a fallopian tube ( py/o means pus, and -salpinx means fallopian tube).

allopathic medicine

another term for conventional, or Western, medical practices and systems of health care

fever

any body temperature of 100 or higher; most commonly caused by an infection, in injury, or medications

humor

any clear body liquid or semifluid substance

malocclusion

any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth

otorrhea

any discharge from the ear; in rare cases this could include leakage of cerebrospinal fluid

nephropathy

any disease of the kidney; includes both degenerative and inflammatory conditions

stomatomycosis

any disease of the mouth due to a fungus

neuropathy

any disease or damage to a nerve

ametropia

any error of refraction in which images do not focus properly on the retina; (astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia are forms)

gonadotropin

any hormone that stimulates the gonads

otitis

any inflammation of the ear; second part of the term gives the location of the inflammation, for example otitis externa is inflammation of the external auditory canal, also known as swimmers ear

sterilization

any procedure rendering an individual incapable of reproduction

trismus

any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer; causes difficulty in speaking and affects the patient's nutrition due to impaired ability to chew and swallow

keratosis

any skin growth, such as a wart or callus, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin; patches in the mouth are known as leukoplakia; plural - keratoses

stimulus

anything that excites (activates) a nerve and causes an impulse; plural, stimuli

purpura

appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin; areas of discoloration are smaller than an ecchymosis and larger than petechiae

fluorescein staining

application of fluorescent dye to the surface of the eye via eye drops or a strip applicator; dye causes a corneal abrasion to temporarily appear bright green

pain-relieving creams

applied topically to relieve pain due to conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; primary active ingredients is capsaicin, a chemical found in chili peppers

female urethra

approximately 1.5 inches long, and the urethral meatus is located between the clitoris and the opening of the vagina; in the female, the urethra transports only urine

male urethra

approximately 8 inches long, and the urethral meatus is located at the tip of the penis; transports both urine and semen

Birth control pills

are a form of hormones that are administered as an oral contraceptive. Other forms of this type of contraceptive are available as an injection, a patch, an implant, and an inserted ring.

sulcus

area of space between a tooth and the surrounding gingiva (plural sulci); a buildup of food debris and bacteria here can lead to infection; sulci is also the term for fissures in the cerebral cortex of the brain

eye muscles

arranged in three pairs; attached to each eye - superior and inferior oblique muscles, superior and inferior rectus muscles, lateral and medical rectus muscles; these muscles make a wide range of very precise eye movements possible

shunt

artificial passage that allows the blood to flow between the body and the hemodialysis unit

prosthesis

artificial substitute for a diseased or missing body part

factitious

artificial, self-induced, or not naturally occurring

non-narcotic analgesics

aspirin; sold over the counter for mild to moderate pain; prescription pain relievers are used for moderate to severe pain

midwife

assists in labor and delivery. A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an RN with specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology who provides primary care in normal pregnancies and deliveries.

dysplastic nevi

atypical moles that can develop into skin cancer

scleroderma

autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened, causing the skin to become hard and swollen; can also affect the joints and internal organs

alopecia areata

autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles, causing well-defined bald areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body; often begins in childhood

type 1 diabetes

autoimmune insulin deficiency disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells; symptoms include polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, weight loss, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, and slow healing; onset is often triggered by a viral infection; treatment involves a combination of diet, exercise and carefully regulated insulin replacement therapy administered by injection or insulin pump

relfex

automatic, involuntary response to some change, either inside or outside the body; examples include changes in heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure; coughing and sneezing; responses to painful stimuli; deep tendon reflexes

pH values of urine

average range is 4.5 to 8.0; pH describes the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance

ejaculatory duct

begins at the vas deferens, passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra; during ejaculation, a reflex action caused by these ducts,semen passes into the urethra which exits the body via the penis

second state of labor

begins when the cervix is dilated to 10 centimeters, is the delivery of the infant. As the uterine contractions become stronger and more frequent, the mother pushes to help expel the child through the birth canal (vagina). Normally, the baby's head presents first. Cephalic presentation or crowning describes when the baby is coming head first. The head can be seen at the vaginal opening (Figure 14.11C).

bladder retraining

behavioral therapy in which the patient learns to urinate on a schedule, with increasingly longer time intervals as the bladder increases its capacity; goal is to reestablish voluntary bladder control and to break the cycle of frequency and urgency that results from urge incontinence

retroperitoneal

behind the peritoneum

seborrheic keratosis

benign skin growth that has a waxy or "pasted-on" look; can vary in color from light tan to black; occur most commonly in the elderly

hemangioma

benign tissue mass made up of newly formed small blood vessels that in birthmarks are visible through the skin

insulinoma

benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia by secreting additional insulin

prolactinoma

benign tumor of the pituitary gland; causes the pituitary gland to produce too much of the lactogenic hormone known as prolactin; can cause infertility in women and erectile dysfunction in men and can impair vision

lipoma

benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer; usually harmless; treatment is rarely necessary unless the tumor is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing rapidly

papilloma

benign, superficial, wart-like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as the bladder

cystic duct

bile travels from the liver through the common hepatic duct to the gallbladder where it enters and exits through the narrow cystic duct

pupil

black circular opening in the center of the iris that permits light to enter the eye

subconjunctival hemorrhage

bleeding between the conjunctiva and the sclera; usually caused by an injury, creates a red area over the white of the eye

otorrhagia

bleeding from the ear

urethrorrhagia

bleeding from the urethra

hemianopia

blindness in one-half of the visual field

herpes labialis

blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); also known as cold sores or fever blisters

sunscreen

blocks out the harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) rays; sometimes measured in terms of strength of the sun protection factor (SPF); some also give protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays

renal artery

blood enters the kidneys through the renal artery and flows into the nephrons

strangulating obstruction

blood flow to a segment of the intestine is blocked; can lead to gangrene or perforation

glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

blood test to check how well the kidneys are functioning at filtering blood; can help diagnose chronic kidney disease and kidney failure

tonometry

measurement of intraocular pressure; abnormally high pressure can be an indication of glaucoma; part of a routine eye examination in which intraocular pressure (IOP) is measured

intraocular pressure (IOP)

measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye; pressure is regulated by the rate at which aqueous humor enters and leaves the eye

fructosamine test

measures average glucose levels over the previous 3 weeks; able to detect changes more rapidly than the HbA1c test

thyroid-stimulating hormone assay

measures circulating blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that can indicate abnormal thyroid activity

acoustic reflectometry

measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum, a way to test how much fluid is in the middle ear to diagnose otitis media

serum bilirubin test

measures the ability of the liver to take up, process, and secrete bilirubin into the bile; useful in determining whether a patient has liver disease or a blocked bile duct

blood urea nitrogen test (BUN)

measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood due to the waste product urea; performed to obtain an indication of kidney function

home blood glucose monitoring

measures the current blood glucose level using a drop of blood; often performed by the patient multiple times per day

platelet count

measures the number of platelets in a specified amount of blood and is a screening test to evaluate platelet function; also used to monitor changes in the blood associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy; changes include thrombocytosis (abnormal increase in the number of platelets) and thrombocytopenia (abnormal decrease in the number of platelets)

epididymis

coiled tube at the upper part of each testicle; tube runs down the length of the testicle, then turns upward toward the body where it narrows to from the tube known as the vas deferens

cranial hematoma

collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the brain; named for their location , epidural and subdural

iris

colorful circular structure that surrounds the pupil; structure that controls the amount of light that is allowed to enter the eye through the pupil; to decrease light entering the eye, the muscles of the iris contract, making the opening of the pupil smaller; to increase light entering the eye, the muscles of the iris relax, or dilate, making the opening of the pupil larger

saliva

colorless liquid that maintains the moisture in the mouth; helps maintain the the health of the teeth and it begins the digestive process by lubrication food during chewing and swallowing (mechanical digestion); also contains the digestive enzyme amylase and is the first step in chemical digestion

addiction

compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a drug, alcohol, or other substance; can also be a habit or practice that cannot be stopped without causing severe emotional, mental, or physiologic reactions

high specific gravity

concentrated urine; occurs in conditions such as dehydration, liver failure, or shock

bipolar disorder

condition characterized by cycles of severe mood changes shifting between highs (manic, euphoria, intense happiness and excitement) and severe lows (depression) that affect a person's attitude, energy, and ability to function

cerebral palsy

condition characterized by poor muscle control, spasticity, speech defects, and other neurologic deficiencies due to damage that affects the cerebrum; occurs most frequently in premature or low-birth-weight infants; usually caused by an injury that occurs during pregnancy, birth, or soon after birth

galactorrhea

condition in which an excess of prolactin causes the breasts to produce milk spontaneously, not due to childbirth

factitious disorder

condition in which an individual acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick; visible symptoms are self-inflicted and seem motivated by a desire for attention and sympathy rather than for external benefits lie malingering; also referred to as Munchausen syndrome

hydrocephalus

condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain; can occur at birth or develop later in life from obstructions related to meningitis, brain tumors, or other causes

dehydration

condition in which fluid loss exceeds fluid intake and disrupts the body's normal electrolyte balance

Endometriosis

condition in which patches of endometrial tissue escape the uterus and become attached to other structures in the pelvic cavity; leading cause of infertility

prediabetes

condition in which the blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes; indicates increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke

astigmatism

condition in which the eye does not focus properly because of uneven curvatures of the cornea

premature ejaculation

condition in which the male reaches climax too soon, usually before shortly after penetration of the female

gastroparesis

condition in which the muscles in the stomach slow down and work poorly or not at all, preventing the stomach from emptying normally

anisocoria

condition in which the pupils are unequal in size; can be congenital or caused by a head injury, an aneurysm, or pathology of the central nervous system; pupils are not equal in size

malabsorption

condition in which the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from food that passes through it

arterial blood gas analysis (ABG)

measures the pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels of arterial blood; used to evaluate lung and kidney function and overall metabolism

learning disabilities

disorders found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills such as processing language or grasping mathematical concepts

dysphoria

dissatisfaction

hydroureter

distention (swelling) of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked; always accompanies hydronephrosis

noncomedogenic

do not clog pores; over the counter face washes recommended for treating acne contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide

specialized types of hormones

do not fit the previous hormone definition, either because of their chemical structure or because they are not secreted by endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream

nonfunctioning pituitary tumors

do not produce excessive amounts of hormones

benign brain tumor

does not invade the brain tissue; because the growth is surrounded by rigid bone, as the tumor enlarges, it can damage the brain tissue by placing pressure against the tissues and by increasing the intracranial pressure

refraction test

done to determine an eye's refractive error so that the best corrective lenses can be prescribed

ptosis

drooping of the upper eyelid that is usually due to paralysis; the term blepharoptosis has the same meaning

brand-name drug

drug sold under the name given the drug by the manufacturer; always spelled with a capital letter

nuclear medicine

drugs known as radiopharmaceuticals (emit gamma rays that are detected by a special camera attached to a computer; the data is used to generate an image showing the pattern of absorption that can be indicative of pathology) are used for either diagnostic or treatment purposes; these contain radioactive materials called radioisotopes that produce a powerful form of energy called radiation; can be inserted into a vein, taken by mouth, or placed inside the body

diabetic emergencies

due to either too high or too low levels of blood glucose; treatment depends on accurately diagnosing the cause of the emergency

infestation

dwelling of microscopic parasites on external surface tissue; some parasites live temporarily on the skin; others lay eggs and reproduce there

Perimenopause

e term used to designate the transition phase between regular menstrual periods and no periods at all; During this phase, which can last as long as 10 years, changes in hormone production can cause symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood swings, and disturbed sleep.

cerebral lobes

each cerebral hemisphere is subdivided to create pairs of cerebral lobes; each named for the bone of the cranium that covers it; frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal

glomerulus

each nephron contains this; cluster of capillaries (plural, glomeruli), surrounded by a cup-shaped membrane called the Bowman's capsule, and a renal tubule

otolaryngologist

ear, nose, and throat physician

gingivitis

earliest stage of periodontal disease; inflammation affects only the gums; inflammation of the gums

precocious puberty

early onset of the changes of puberty, usually before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys; precocious means exceptionally early in development or occurrence

osteopathic manipulative therapy

mechanical spinal adjustment used in conjunction with conventional medical therapies by an osteopath

phlebotomist

medical professional who is trained to draw blood from patients for various laboratory test and other procedures

anesthetist

medical professional who specializes in administering anesthesia but is not a physician; ex. nurse anesthetist

antipyretic

medication administered to prevent or reduce fever; aspirin and acetaminophen; acts by lowering a raised body temperature; do not affect a normal body temperature when a fever is not present

antiemetic

medication administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting

antithyroid drug

medication administered to slow the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones

prescription

medication that can legally be dispensed only by a pharmacist with an order from a licenses professional such as a physician or dentist

anesthetic

medication used to induce anesthesia; may be topical, local, regional, or general

diuretics

medications administered to increase urine secretion, primarily to rid the body of excess water and salt; some foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages also have a diuretic effect; other drugs used to treat urinary tract problems are antibiotics for urinary tract infections and antispasmodics to block the signals that cause urinary incontinence

laxatives

medications or foods given to stimulate bowel movements; bulk-forming laxatives, such as bran, treat constipation by helping fecal matter retain water and remain soft as it moves through the intestines

peritoneum

membrane that lines the abdominal cavity

mild cognitive impairment

memory disorder, usually associated with recently acquired information, which may be an early predictor of Alzheimer's disease

amnesia

memory disturbance characterized by a total or partial inability to recall past experiences; can be caused by a brain injury, illness, or a psychological disturbance

anxiety disorders

mental conditions characterized by excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations or fear that is out of proportion to the real danger in a situation; without treatment, anxiety disorder can become chronic

transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS)

method of pain control by wearing a device the delivers small electrical impulses to the nerve endings through the skin; cause changes in muscles, such as numbness or contractions, which produce temporary pain relief; transcutaneous - performed through the unbroken skin

nephrons

microscopic functional units of each kidney; here the urine is produced through the processes of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion; urine is produced in microscopic functional units of each kidney called nephrons

jejunum

middle portion of the small intestine; extends from the duodenum to the ileum

hand, foot, and mouth disease

mild viral infection common in children under 5 years of age; characterized by sores in the mouth and throat and a rash on the hands and feet

eletrolytes

mineral substances - calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium - that are normally found int eh blood and other bodily fluids

cover test

examination of how the two eyes work together and is used to assess binocular vision; one eye at a time is covered while the patient focuses on an object across the room

urinalysis

examination of the physical and chemical properties of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements

electrolytes

mineral substances, such as sodium and potassium, normally found in the blood

laparoscopic adrenalectomy

minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands

integrative medicine

model of health care based on both allopathic and alternative medicine

mammary glands

modified sweat glands; sometimes classified with the integumentary system; also part of the reproductive system

urinalysis

examination of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements; used to diagnose diseases and pregnancy as well as to detect the presence of substances such as drugs

palpation

examination technique in which the examiner's hands are used to feel the texture, size, consistency, and location of certain body parts

hyperpituitarism

excess secretion of growth hormone that causes acromegaly and gigantism

agoraphobia

excessive fear of environments where the person fears a panic attack might occur; may not even be able to leave home

acrophobia

excessive fear of heights

edema

excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues that can be symptomatic of nephrotic syndrome and other kidney diseases; swelling can be in the area around the eyes, the abdomen, or the legs and feet

polyphagia

excessive hunger

gastrorrhea

excessive secretion of gastric juice or mucus in the stomach

photophobia

excessive sensitivity to light and can be the result of migraines, excessive wearing of contact lenses, drug use, or inflammation

polydipsia

excessive thirst

polyuria

excessive urination

polyuria

excessive urination and is a common symptom of diabetes; opposite of oliguria

drug abuse

excessive use of illegal or recreational drugs, or the misuse of prescription drugs

ejacuate

expel suddenly

dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

modified version of cognitive behavior therapy; used to treat people with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or borderline personality disorder

polyneuropathy

multiple peripheral nerves are damaged; diabetes is a common cause, along with trauma, vitamin deficiencies, and alcoholism

radiolucent soft tissues

muscles and skin; appear as shades of gray to black on the radiograph

vagina

muscular tube lined with mucosa that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body

esophagus

muscular tube through which ingested food passes from the pharynx to the stomach

kegal exercises

named for Dr. Arnold Kegal; series of pelvic muscle exercises used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor; used to control urinary stress incontinence in both sexes, in men to treat prostate pain and swelling, and in women to condition the muscles so that they will recover quickly after childbirth

cuticle

narrow band of epidermis attached to the surface of the nail just in front of the root, protecting the new keratin cells as they form

phimosis

narrowing of the opening of the foreskin so it cannot be retracted (pulled back) to expose the glans penis; can be present at birth or become apparent during childhood

endorphins

naturally occurring substances that are produced by the brain to help relieve pain

glomerulonephritis

nehritis caused by inflammation of the glomeruli that causes red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine

ganglion

nerve center made up of a cluster of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system; plural, ganglia, or ganglions

cervical radiculopathy

nerve pain caused by pressure on the spinal nerve roots in the neck region

lumbar radiculopathy

nerve pain in the lower back caused by muscle spasms or nerve root irritation from the compression of vertebral disks such as a herniated disk

structures of the nervous system

nerves, brain, spinal cord, and sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue)

plexus

network of intersecting spinal nerves; plural, plexuses; spinal nerves sometimes join with others to innervate a certain area

computed tomography (CT)

neuroimaging tool; facilitate the examination of the soft tissue structures of the brain and spinal cord

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

neuroimaging tool; facilitate the examination of the soft tissue structures of the brain and spinal cord

restless legs syndrome (RLS)

neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable feeling in the legs, producing a strong urge to move them; usually most noticeable at night or when trying to rest

deep brain stimulation

neurosurgical procedure used in the treatment of dystonia, tremors, and Parkinson's disease; device to stimulate the brain with mild electrical signals is implanted in the brain and is connected to stimulator implanted near the collar bone

antacids

neutralized the acids in the stomach; taken to relieve the discomfort of conditions such as pyrosis or to help peptic ulcers heal

disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)

newer diagnosis for children who have frequent, severe temper outbursts and are chronically irritable

chalazion

nodule or cyst, usually on the upper eyelid, caused by obstruction in a sebaceous gland; type of granuloma; plural - chalazia

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

non-narcotic analgesics administered to control pain by reducing inflammation and swelling; aspirin and ibuprofen; available over the counter; stronger NSAIDs available by prescription; can cause side effects including attacking the stomach lining and thinning the blood

prebiotics

nondigestible carbohydrates that probiotics feed on; foods such as yogurt, some dairy drinks, and supplements contain both probiotics and prebiotics

comedo

noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle often associated with acne vulgaris; plural - comedones; also known as a blackhead

fetal ultrasound

noninvasive procedure used to image and evaluate fetal development during pregnancy; 3D/4D ultrasound is a technique that uses specialized equipment to create photograph-like images of the developing child

abdominal ultrasound

noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high-frequency sound waves

ibuprofen

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that is sold over the counter under the brand names of Advil and Motrin; acts as an analgesic and an antipyretic

ketosis

normal metabolic process that helps the body utilize stored fat when other sources of energy are lacking; excessively high level of ketosis may indicate that the body is not producing enough insulin to convert glucose to energy

emmetropia

normal relationship between the refractive power of the eye and the shape of the eye that enables light rays to focus correctly on the retina

cicatrix

normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound; plural - cicatrices

laparoscope used for several purposes

explore and examine the interior of the abdomen; take specimens to be biopsied; perform surgical procedures such as the endoscopic removal of a diseased gallbladder

third state of labor

expulsion of the placenta as the afterbirth

small intestine

extends from the pyloric sphincter to the first part of the large intestine; coiled organ is up to 20 feet in length and consists of three sections (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) where food is digested and the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream

large intestine

extends from the small intestine to the anus; about twice as wide as the small intestine, but only 1/4 as long; here the waste products of digestion are processed in preparation for excretion through the anus; major parts are the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus; contains gut microflora, which help break down organic waste material and produces gas

spermatic cord

extends upward from the epididymis and is attached to each testicle; each cord contains a vas deferens plus the arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic vessels required by each testicle

analog hearing aid

external electronic device that uses a microphone to detect and amplify sounds

meatus

external opening of a canal

vaginal orifice

external opening of the vagina; orifice means opening;

hyperemesis

extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration; during pregnancy it is known as morning sickness

oculus

eye; plural - oculi; structures of the eye include the eyeball and the adnexa that are attached to or surround the eyeball

cleft palate

failure of the palate to close during the early development of the fetus; opening can involve the upper lip, hard palate, and/or soft palate; if not corrected, makes it difficult for the child to eat and speak; cleft lip and palate can occur singly or together and usually can be corrected surgically

delusion

false personal belief that is maintained despite obvious proof or evidence to the contrary; belief is not one ordinarily accepted by other members of the individual's culture or religious faith

nail root

fastens the nail to the finger or toe by fitting into a groove in the skin

pancreas

feather-shaped organ located posterior to the stomach that functions as part of both the digestive and the endocrine systems

pedis

feet

keratin

fibrous, water-repellent protein; soft keratin is a primary component of the epidermis; hard keratin is found in the hair and nails

end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

final stage of chronic kidney disease, condition is fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are replaced by dialysis, or with a successful kidney transplant

systolic

first beat heard

duoden

first part of the small intestine

duodenum

first portion of the small intestine; extends from the pylorus of the stomach to the jejunum

bridge

fixed dental prosthesis used to join one or more artificial teeth to the adjacent teeth

scales

flakes or dry patches made up of excess dead epidermal cells; some shedding of these scales is normal; excessive shedding is associated with skin disorders such as psoriasis

topical steroids

hydrocortisone and other more potent variations; used in the treatment of various skin disorders and diseases; derivatives of the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands; must be used cautiously to avoid potential side effects which can include irreversible thinning of the skin

time

if any of the signs are presnet, immediate conveyance to the emergency room is essential for critical treatments such as thrombolytics

contact dermatitis (CD)

localized allergic response caused by contact with an irritant, such as diaper rash; can also be caused by exposure to an allergen such as poison ivy or an allergic reaction to latex gloves

aneurysm

localized weak, balloon-like enlargement of an artery wall; less common that ischemic strokes and is often fatal

epidural hematoma

located above the dura mater

medulla oblongata

located at the lowest part of the brainstem; connected to the spinal cord; controls basic survival functions, including the muscles that make possible respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as reflexes for coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting

anterior chamber

located behind the cornea and in front of the iris

posterior chamber

located behind the iris and in front of the ligaments holding the lens in place (don't confuse posterior chamber with posterior segment)

subarachnoid space

located below the arachnoid membrane and above the pia mater; contains cerebrospinal fluid

thalamus

located below the cerebrum; relays sensory stimuli from the spinal cord and midbrain to the cerebral cortex; suppresses some stimuli and magnifies others; produces sensations by relaying impulses to and from the cerebrum and the sense organs of the body

subdural hematoma

located below the dura mater

hypothalamus

located below the thalamus; controls seven vital body functions; regulatory functions: 1. regulates and integrates the autonomic nervous system, including controlling heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and digestive tract activity 2. regulates emotional responses, including fear and pleasure 3. regulates body temperature 4. regulates food intake by controlling hunger sensations 5. regulates water balance by controlling thirst sensations 6. regulates sleep-wakefulness cycles 7. regulates the pituitary gland and endocrine system activity

middle ear

located between the outer ear and the inner ear; transmits sound across the space between these two parts

brainstem

located in the base of the brain and forms the connection between the brain and the spinal cord; consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; controls the functions necessary for survival (breathing, digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure) and for arousal (being awake and alert); the crossing of nerve fibers that makes this arrangement possible occurs here; stalk-like portion of the brain that connects the cerebral hemispheres with the spinal cord

cerebellum

located in the lower back of the cranium below the cerebrum; coordinates muscular activity and balance for smooth and steady movements, to maintain equilibrium, and to sustain normal postures; second-largest part of the brain; receives incoming messages regarding movement within joints, muscle tone, and positions of the body; from here, messages are relayed to the different parts of the brain that control the motions of the skeletal muscles; general

subcutaneous layer

located just below the layers of the skin and connects the skin to the surface muscles; made up of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue (fat tissue)

thymus

located near the midline in the anterior portion of the thoracic cavity; posterior to (behind) the sternum and slightly superior to (above) the heart; functions as part of the endocrine system by secreting hormone that functions as part of the immune system, helping develop the body's immune system before birth and in childhood; function is greatly reduced after puberty, and it slowly turns into fatty tissue

parotid glands

located on the face, slightly in front of each ear; ducts for these glands are on the inside of the cheek near the upper molars

external female genitalia

located posterior to the mons pubis, which is rounded, fleshly prominence located over the pubic symphysis; known collectively as the vulva, or the pudendum;

oval window

located under the base of the stapes; membrane that separates the middle ear from the inner ear; vibrations enter the inner ear through this structure

ciliary body

located within the choroid; set of muscles and suspensory ligaments that adjust to the thickness of the lens to refine the focus of light rays on the regina; produces the aqueous humor that fills the anterior segment of the eye; to focus on nearby objects, these muscles adjust the lens to make it thicker; to focus on distant objects, these muscles stretch the lens so it is thinner

internal female genitalia

located within the pelvic cavity where they are protected by the bony pelvis; includes two ovaries, two fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the vagina

spinal cord

long, fragile, tube-like structure that begins at the end of the brainstem and continues down almost to the bottom of the spinal column; contains all the nerves that affect the limbs and lower part of the body; serves as a pathway for impulses traveling to and from the brain; surrounded and protected by cerebrospinal fluid and the meninges

anorexia

loss of appetite for food, especially when caused by disease;

demyelination

loss of patches of the protective myelin sheath

cataract

loss of transparency of the lens that causes progressive loss of visual clarity; associated with aging; or can be congenital or due to an injury or disease

burn

injury to body tissues caused by heat, flame, electricity, sun, chemicals, or radiation; severity is described according to the depth or layers of skin involved

contusion

injury to underlying tissues without breaking the skin and is characterized by discoloration and pain which is caused by an accumulation of blood within the skin

corneal abrasion

injury, such as a scratch or irritation, to the outer layers of the cornea

probiotics

living microorganisms sometimes described as good bacteria because of their role in aiding digestion and protecting the body from harmful bacteria

oral hypoglycemics

lower blood glucose by causing the pancreas to release more insulin or by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin

anus

lower opening of the digestive tract; the flow of waste through here is controlled by the internal and external anal sphincters

lethargy

lowered level of consciousness marked by listlessness, drowsiness, and apathy (indifference and a reduced level of activity); lethargic (person who is at this level of consciousness)

basal layer

lowest layer of the epidermis; it is here that the new cells are produced and then pushed upward; when the cells reach the surface, they die and become filled with keratin

thyroid nodules

lumps in the thyroid that can grow large enough to cause a goiter; most are benign; however, some are malignant or produce too much thyroxine

cirrhosis

a progressive degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring; often caused by excessive alcohol abuse or by viral hepatitis B or C; progress is marked by the formation of areas of scarred liver tissue that are filled with fat; liver damage causes abnormal conditions throughout the other body systems

intravenous injection (IV)

made directly into a vein; administered over a period of time

intramuscular injection (IM)

made directly into muscle tissue

subcutaneous injection (SC)

made into the fatty layer just below the skin

intradermal injection

made into the middle layers of the skin

walls of the eyeball

made up of 3 layers - sclera, choroid, and retina

gastric juices

made up of enzymes and hydrochloric acid aid in the beginning of food digestion; mucus produced by glands in the stomach create a protective coating on the lining of the stomach

breasts

made up of fat, connective tissue, and the mammary glands; each breast is fixed to the overlying skin and the underlying pectoral muscles by suspensory ligaments

integumentary system

made up of the skin and its related structures, performs important functions in maintaining the health of the body

adipose tissue

not commonly thought of as an endocrine gland; research has shown that fat cells do secrete at least one and possibly more hormones that play important roles in the balance and health of the body

parenteral

not in or through the digestive system

diabetes insipidus

not related to diabetes mellitus; is an uncommon disorder caused by an insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone ADH or by the inability of the kidneys to respond appropriately to this hormone

bone scan

nuclear scanning test that identifies new areas of bone growth or breakdown; results are obtained after a radionuclide tracer is injected into the bloodstream, and the patient then waits while the material travels through the body tissues; can be done to evaluate damage to the bones, detect cancer that has metastsized to the bones, and monitor conditions that can affect the bones; can often detect a problem days to months earlier than a regular x-ray; only pathology in the bones absorbs the radionuclide, and these are visible as dark areas

topical anesthesia

numbs only the tissue surface and is applied as a liquid, ointment, or spray

conductive hearing loss

occurs when sound waves are prevented from passing from the air to the fluid-filled inner ears; causes include a buildup of earwax, infection, fluid in the middle ear, a punctured eardrum, otosclerosis, and scarring; can often be treated

Breech presentation

occurs when the buttocks or feet of the fetus are positioned to enter the birth canal first instead of the head.

keratoconus

occurs when the cornea becomes irregular and cone-shaped, causing blurring and distortion of vision

binocular vision

occurs when the muscles of both eyes work together in coordination to make normal depth perception possible

sensorineural conduction

occurs when these sound vibrations reach the inner ear; structures of the inner ear receive the sound waves and replay them to the auditory nerve for transmission to the brain

aphasia

often caused by brain damage associated with a stroke; the loss of the ability to speak, write, and/or comprehend the written or spoken word

functioning pituitary tumors

often produce hormones in large and unregulated amounts

epidermoid cyst

often referred to as a sebaceous cyst; closed sac that is found just under the skin; contain yellow, fatty material and are usually found on the face, neck, or trunk

cortex

outer portion of an organ

extraocular

outside the eyeball

O&P

ova (parasite eggs) and parasites

urinary bladder

oval, hollow, muscular organ that is a reservoir for urine before it is excreted from the body; located in the anterior portion of the pelvic cavity behind the pubic symphysis; average adult stores more than one pint of urine; lined with rugae - folds allow it to expand when full and contract when empty

seborrhea

overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum

hyperparathyroidism

overproduction of the parathyroid hormone, causes the condition known as hypercalcemia; can result from a disorder of the parathyroid gland or from a disorder elsewhere in the body, such as kidney failure

biliary colic

pain caused by the passage of a gallstone through the bile duct

anticonvulsants and antidepressants

pain management is not their primary role; have been found to be effective as part of some chronic pain management programs

dyspepsia

pain or discomfort in digestion; also known as indigestion

lunula

pale half-moon-shaped region at ever nail root; generally most easily seen in the thumbnail; plural - lunulae; active area of the nail, where new keratin cells form

pancreatic duct

pancreatic juices leave the pancreas through here that joins the common bild duct just before the entrance into the duodenum

palsy

paralysis of a body part that is often accompanied by loss of feeling and uncontrolled body movements, such as shaking

adrenal glands

part of the endocrine system; located on the top of the kidneys

prostate gland

part of the male reproductive system; surrounds the urethra; most disorders of the prostate affect the male's ability to urinate

hypothalamus

part of the nervous system that produces hormones that control many body functions

intestinal obstruction

partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine caused by a physical obstruction; can result from many causes such as scar tissue, a tumor, or the ingestion of nondigestible materials

tarsorrhaphy

partial or complete suturing together of the upper and lower eyelids to protect the eye when the lids are paralyzed and unable to close normally

pancreatic islets

parts of the pancreas that have endocrine functions; secretions include glucose, glucagon, insulin

transverse colon

passes horizontally across the abdominal cavity from right to left toward the spleen

urethra

passes through the penis to the outside of the body; in the male, the urethra serves both the reproductive and the urinary systems

transient

passing quickly

lesion

pathologic change of the tissue due to disease or injury; described by their appearance, location, color, and size as measured in centimeters

pain rating scale

patient asked to describe level of pain from 0 to 10; facial expressions used to ask children to rate their pain (Oucher Pain Assessment Tool)

knee-chest position

patient is lying face down with the hips bent so that the knees and chest rest on the table; used for rectal examinations

prone position

patient is lying on the abdomen face down, arms may be placed under the head for comfort; used for the examination and treatment of the back and buttocks

lithotomy position

patient is lying on the back, face up with the feet and legs raised and supported in stirrups; used for vaginal and rectal examinations and during childbirth

dorsal recumbent position

patient is lying on the back, face up, with knees bent; used for examination and treatment of the abdominal area and for vaginal or rectal examinations

Sims' position

patient is lying on the left side with the right knee and thigh drawn up with the left arm placed along the back; used in the examination and treatment of the rectal area

compliance

patient's consistency and accuracy in following the regimen prescribed by a physician or other health care professional; regimen means directions or rules

biofeedback

patient-guided treatment that teaches individuals to control muscle tension, pain, body temperature, brain waves, and other bodily functions through relaxation, visualization, and other cognitive control techniques

antisocial personality disorder

pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others; brings the individual into continuous conflict with society

narcissistic personality disorder

pattern of extreme preoccupation with the self and complete lack of empathy for others

gallbladder

pear-shaped organ about the size of an egg located under the liver; stores and concentrates bile for later use; when bile is needed, the gallbladder contracts, forcing the bile out through the biliary tree

external male genitalia

penis and the scrotum; contains two testicles

gastric ulcers

peptic ulcers that occur in the stomach

duodenal ulcers

peptic ulcers that occur in the upper part of the small intestine

urethral catheterization

performed by inserting a plastic tube called a catheter through the urethra and into the bladder

Doppler echocardiogram

performed in the same way as an echocardiogram; measures the speed and direction of the blood flow within the heart

digital rectal examination

performed on men by using a lubricated, gloved finger placed in the rectum to palpate the prostate gland to detect prostate enlargement and to look for indications of prostate cancer or tumors of the rectum; in this, digital means using a finger

percutaneous

performed through the skin

pregnancy test

performed to detect an unusually high level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone in either a blood or urine specimen, which is usually an indication of pregnancy. A home pregnancy test uses a urine specimen, whereas a pregnancy test based on a blood specimen at a doctor's office usually provides more reliable results.

crossmatch tests

performed to determine the compatibility of blood donor and the recipient before a blood transfusion; agglutination is a positive reaction that indicate the donor unit is not a suitable match; agglutination is the clumping together of red blood cells

C-reactive protein test (CRP)

performed to identify high levels of inflammation within the body; information provided is obtained by the presence of the C-reactive protein, which is produced by the liver only during episodes of acute inflammation; does not identify the specific cause of the inflammation; elevated level can indicate a heart attack, coronary artery disease, or an autoimmune disorder

routine urinalysis

performed to screen for urinary and systemic disorders; test uses a dipstick; this with a plastic strip impregnated with chemicals that react with substances in the urine and change color when abnormalities are present

bariatric surgery

performed to treat morbid obesity by restricting the amount of food that can enter the stomach and be digested; limit food intake and force dietary changes that enable weight reduction

microscopic examination

performed when more detailed testing of the specimen is necessary, for example to identify casts (fibrous or protein materials, such as pus and fats, that are thrown off into the urine in kidney disease)

causalgia

persistent, severe burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve

brain dead

person is considered brain dead when the brain has ceased functioning; vital functions such as breathing can sometimes be maintained artificially to allow for organ donation

biliary

pertaining to bile; provides the channels through which bile is transported from the liver to the small intestine; small ducts in the liver join together like branches to form the biliary tree

peripheral

pertaining to body parts that are away from the center of the body

nocturnal

pertaining to night

acoustic

pertaining to sound or hearing

cerebral

pertaining to the cerebrum or to the brain

ischemic

pertaining to the disruption of the blood supply

ocular

pertaining to the eye

optic

pertaining to the eye or sight

cholecystic

pertaining to the gallbladder

renal

pertaining to the kidneys

hepatic

pertaining to the liver

pancreatic

pertaining to the pancreas

auditory

pertaining to the sense of hearing

cutaneous

pertaining to the skin

fluorescein angiography

photographic study of the blood vessels in the back of the eye following the intravenous injection of a fluorescein dye as a contrast medium; resulting angiograms are used to determine whether there is proper circulation in the retinal vessels

anesthesiologist

physician who specializes in administering anesthetic agents before and during surgery

psychiatrist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating chemical dependencies, emotional problems, and mental illness; can prescribe medications

urologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the genitourinary system of males and the urinary system of females

nephrologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the kidneys

neurologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system

gastroenterologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the stomach and intestines

urologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary system of females and the genitourinary system of males

radiologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders with x-rays and other forms of radiant energy

endocrinologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and malfunctions of the endocrine glands

dermatologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin

opthalmologist

physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of diseases and disorders of the eyes, from vision correction to eye surgery

obstetrician

physician who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately thereafter. This specialty is referred to as obstetrics.

neurosurgeon

physician who specializes in surgery of the nervous system

plastic surgeon

physician who specializes in the surgical restoration and reconstruction of body structures

bilirubin

pigment excreted into the digestive fluid called bile, giving it a yellow to green color; excessive amounts in the body can lead to jaundice and other diseases

melanin

pigment that determines the color of the skin, which depends upon the type and amount of this pigment that is present; also produces spots of color such as freckles and age spots; function of protecting the kin against some of the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun

uvea

pigmented layer of the eye; has a rich blood supply and consists of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris

fovea centralis

pit in the middle of the macula; color vision is best in this area because it contains a high concentration of cones and no rods

corneal ulcer

pitting of the cornea caused by an infection or injury; heal with treatment but can leave a cloudy scar that impairs vision

mydriatic drops

placed into the eyes to produce temporary paralysis, forcing the pupils to remain dilated even in the presence of bright light

suprapubic catheterization

placement of a catheter into the bladder through a small incision made through the abdominal wall just above the pubic bone

nephrostomy

placement of a catheter to maintain an opening from the pelvis of one or both kidneys to the exterior of the body; allows urine from the kidney to be drained directly through the lower back; tubes are also used to gain access to the kidneys for diagnostic procedures

sublingual administration

placement of medication under the tongue where it is allowed to dissolve slowly ; because the sublingual tissues are highly vascular the medication is quickly absorbed directly into the bloodstream; highly vascular - containing many blood vessels

cosmetic surgeons

plastic surgeons who perform operations such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts that are usually done for anesthetic rather than medical reason

denture

plate holding one or more replacement teeth; conventional dentures, also known as a full or partial set of false teeth, are removable

free edge

portion of the nail not attached to the nail bed; extends beyond the tip of the finger or toe

white matter

portion of the nerve fibers that are myelinated (having a myelin sheath); it is the color of this covering that makes these fibers white

crown

portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth, covered with enamel which is the hardest substance in the body; metal or porcelain allow cap shaped like a damaged tooth cemented over the remaining tooth structure; CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) devices are now able to create crowns in the dental office instead of the traditional method of having these prosthetics made in an outside lab

gray matter

portions of the nerve fibers that are unmyelinated (lacking a myelin sheath); reveals the brownish-gray color of the cortex of the cerebrum and cerebellum, and the core of the spinal cord

drug overdoes

potentially fatal, accidental or intentional use of an illegal drug or prescription medicine in an amount higher than what is safe or normal

sympathetic nerves

prepare the body for emergencies and stress by increasing the respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood flow to muscles; nerves become aroused as part of the fight-or-flight response, which is the body's natural reaction to real or imaginary danger

hyperproteinuria

presence of abnormally high concentrations of protein in the urine

hypoproteinemia

presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood; often associated with hyperproteinuria

proteinuria

presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine; usually a sign of kidney disease

bacteriuria

presence of bacteria in the urine

hematospermia

presence of blood in the seminal fluid; can be caused by infections of the seminal vesicles, prostatitis, urethritis, or urethral strictures

hematuria

presence of blood in the urine; can be caused by kidney stones, infection, kidney damage, or bladder cancer

calciuria

presence of calcium in the urine; abnormally high levels can be diagnostic for hyperparathyroidism; lower than normal levels can indicate osteomalacia

steatorrhea

presence of excess fat in the stool; results in froth, foul-smelling stools; usually caused by pancreatic disease, the removal of the gallbladder, or malabsorption disorders

hirsutism

presence of excessive body and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern; can be hereditary or caused by hormonal imbalance

glycosuria

presence of glucose in the urine; most commonly caused by untreated diabetes mellitus

ketonuria

presence of ketones in the urine; ketones are formed when the body breaks down fat, and their presence in urine can indicate starvation or uncontrolled diabetes

pyuria

presence of pus in the urine; when pus is present, the urine is turbid in appearince (turbid means having a cloudy or smoky appearance)

albuminuria

presence of the protein albumin in the urine; high test levels are a sing of impaired kidney function

photopsia

presence of what appears to be flashes of light, or flashes; often caused by damage to the eye or migraine headaches

barotrauma

pressure-related ear condition; can be caused by pressure changes when flying, driving in the mountains, or scuba diving or when the eustachian tube is blocked

irrigation and debridement (I & D) procedure

pressurized fluid is used to clean out wound debris

pressure sore

previously known as a decubitus ulcer or bedsore; an open ulcerated wound that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of skin; without proper care, these sores quickly become seriously infected and can result in tissue death

antidepressants

primarily administered to prevent or relieve depression

endocrine system

primary function is to produce hormones that work together to maintain homeostasis

male reproductive system

primary function is to produce sperm and deliver them into the female body so that one sperm can unite with a single ovum to create a new life

lap-band adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)

procedure involves placing an inflatable band around the exterior of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can enter; has the advantage of being reversible though the removal of the band

dialysis

procedure to remove waste products, such as urea, creatinine, and excess water from the blood of a patient whose kidneys no longer function; two types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis - patients can sometimes choose the type of long-term dialysis they prefer

absorption

process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells throughout the body

digestion

process by which complex foods are broken down into nutrients in a form the body can use

prostate-specific antigen

protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland to help liquefy semen; the higher a man's PSA level, the more likely cancer is present

midbrain and pons

provide conduction pathways to and from the higher and lower centers in the brain; also control reflexes for movements of the eyese and head in response to visual and auditory stimuli; pons is latin word for bridge

glial cells

provide support and protection for neurons; 4 main functions are 1) surround neurons and hold them in place, 2) supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons, 3) insulate one neuron from another, 4) destroy and remove dead neurons

ischemic colitis

occurs when part of the large intestine is partially or completely deprived of blood; if this persists, it can lead to inflammation and permanent damage of the affected area

contact lenses

refractive lenses that float directly on the tear film in front of the eye; rigid gas-permeable lenses cover the central part of the cornea; disposable soft lenses cover the entire cornea

paradoxical reaction

result of medical treatment that yields the opposite of normally expected results; paradoxical means not being normal or the usual kind

shaken baby syndrome

results of a child being violently shaken by someone; can cause brain injury, blindness, fractures, seizures, paralysis, and death

parasympathetic nerves

return the body to normal after a response to stress; maintain normal body functions during ordinary circumstances that are not emotionally or physically stressful

pulse

rhythmic pressure against the walls of an artery that is caused by the beating of the heart; pulse rate reflects the number of times the heart beats each minute and is recorded as bpm (beats per minute); can be measured at different points on the body

pyloric sphincter

ring-like muscle at the base of the stomach that controls the flow of partially digested food from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine

sphincter

ring-like muscle that closes a passageway

ileocecal sphincter

ring-like muscle that controls the flow from the ileum of the small intestine into the cecum of the large intestine

hair fibers

rod-like structures composed of tightly fused, dead protein cells filled with hard keratin; darkness and color of the hair is determined by the amount and type of melanin produced by the melanocytes that surround the core of the hair shaft

dendrites

root-like processes that receive impulses and conduct them to the cell body; root-like structures of a nerve...

Oophoritis

s inflammation of an ovary ( oophor means ovary, and -itis means inflammation). This condition frequently occurs when salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease are present.

Dyspareunia

s pain during sexual intercourse

Lochia

s the postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues for 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth ( loch means childbirth, and -ia means pertaining to). It consists primarily of blood and mucus.

stomach

sac-like organ composed of fundus (upper, rounded part), body (main portion), and antrum (lower part)

scrotum

sac-like structure that surrounds, protects, and supports the testicles; suspended from the pubic arch behind the penis and lies between the thighs

hair follicles

sacs that hold the root of the hair fibers; shape of the follicle determines whether the hair is straight or curly; hair is dead tissue, but it appears to grow because the cells at the base of the follicle divide rapidly and push the old cells upward; as they are pushed upward, they harden and undergo pigmentation

squamous

scale-like

plaque

scaly, solid raised area of closely spaced papules; ex. lesions of psoriasis

oliguria

scanty urination; can be caused by dehydration, renal failure, or a urinary tract obstruction; opposite of polyuria

dosimetry

science of measuring radiation exposure

seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

seasonal bout of depression associated with the decrease in hours of daylight during winter months

open comedo

sebum plug that is exposed to air often oxidizes and becomes a blackhead

Lewy body dementia

second most common type of dementia; occurs when abnormal proteins interfere with cell function in the brain; named after neurologist Frederic Lewy

lacrimal glands

secrete lacrimal fluid (tears); located on the underside of the upper eyelid just above the outer corner of each eye

sebaceous glands

secrete sebum (oil) that lubricates the skin and discourages the growth of bacteria on the skin; located in the dermis layer of the skin and are closely associated with hair follicles

receptors

sites in the sensory organs (eyes, ears, skin, nose, and taste buds) that receive external stimulation; send the stimulus through the sensory neurons to the brain for interpretation

extracorporeal

situated or occurring outside the body;

vitiligo

skin condition resulting from the destruction of the melanocytes due to unknown causes; causes irregular patches of white skin (depigmentation); hair growing in an affected area may also turn white

erythema multiforme

skin disorder resulting from a generalized allergic reaction to an illness, infection, or medication; affects the skin, the mucuous membranes, or both; characterized by a rash that may appear as nodules or papules (raised bumps), macules (flat discolored areas), or vesicles or bullae (blisters)

scabies

skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites; cause small, itchy bumps and blisters by burrowing into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs; medications applied to the skin kill the mites, however, itching may persist for several weeks

narcolepsy

sleep disorder consisting of sudden uncontrollable brief episodes of falling asleep during the day

prolapse

slipping or falling out of place

dementia

slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgement, that is often accompanied by personality changes

speech abnormality

slurred speech, using the wrong words, or unable to speak

vesicle

small blister, less than .5 cm in diameter, containing watery fluid; ex. rash of poison ivy

anal fissure

small crack-like sore in the skin of the anus that can cause severe pain during a bowel movement

cilia

small hairs; make up the eyebrows and eyelashes; also present in the nose to prevent foreign matter from being inhaled

islet

small isolated mass, or island, of one type of tissue within a larger mass of a different type; endocrine function is to control the blood glucose levels and glucose metabolism throughout the body

ovaries

small pair of small, almond shape organs located in the lower abdomen, one on either side of the uterus; also produce the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone

diverticulum

small pouch, or sac, found in the lining or wall of a tubular organ such as the colon; plural, diverticula

myringotomy

small surgical incision in the eardrum to relieve pressure from excess pus or fluid or to create an opening for the placement of ear tubes

tubule

small tube

skin tags

small, flesh-colored or light-brown polyps that hang from the body by fine stalks; benign; tend to enlarge with age

virtual colonoscopy

small, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and an MRI or CT machine is used to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon; preparation requires that the bowels be completely emptied

endoscope

small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end; fiber-optic instrument named for the body parts they are designed to examine (laparoscope-used to examine the interior of the abdomen; hysteroscope-used to examine the interior of the uterus

spider veins

small, nonessential veins that can be seen through the skin, often on the legs

papule

small, raised red lesion that is less than .5 cm in diameter and does not contain pus; ex. small pimples and insect bites

seminiferous tubules

sperm are formed within

oligospermia

sperm count of below 20 million/mL; also known as low sperm count; common cause of male infertility

unconscious

state of being unaware and unable to respond to any stimuli, including pain

dialysate

sterilized solution made up of water and electrolytes

meninges

system membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord; singular, meninx; consist of three layers of connective tissue - dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and the pia mater

brain

the functions most essential to the support of life are located within the most protected portions; divided into right and left hemispheres;

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

the general name for diseases that cause inflammation and swelling in the intestines; 2 most common are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; both are chronic and incurable and can affect the large and small intestines and also have similar symptoms which include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, fever, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea; tend to occur at intervals of active disease known as flares alternating with periods of remission; treated with medication and surgery to remove diseased portions of the intestine

insulin

the hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in response to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream; functions - when energy is needed, insulin allows glucose to enter the cells to be used as this energy, and when additional glucose is not needed, insulin stimulates the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage

bowel incontinence

the inability to control the excretion of feces

incontinence

the inability to control the excretion of urine, feces, or both

lactose intolerance

the inability to digest dairy products due to the absence of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to process the sugar (lactose) found in milk and some other dairy products; particularly common among African-Americans and East Asians

synergism

the interaction of two drugs taken together that enhances the effectiveness of both;

conscious

the state of being awake, alert, aware, and responding appropriately

kinesiology

the study of body movements and physical activity;

radiopaque

the substance does not allow x-rays to pass through and appears white or light gray on the resulting film

radiolucent

the substance, such as air or nitrogen gas, allows x-rays to pass through and appears black or dark gray on the resulting film

colostomy

the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface; the segment of the intestine below the ostomy is usually removed, and the fecal matter flows through the stoma into a disposable bag; can be temporary to divert feces from an area that needs to heal

ileostomy

the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the ileum, at the end of the small intestine, and the outside of the abdominal wall; surgically created opening in small intestine

cystopexy

the surgical fixation of the bladder to the abdominal wall

gastrostomy tube

the surgical placement of a feeding tube from the exterior of the body directly into the stomach; also known as a G-tube; permanently placed to provide nutrition for patients who cannot wallow or take sufficient nutrients by mouth

diverticulectomy

the surgical removal of a diverticulum

percutaneous nephrolithotomy

the surgical removal of a nephrolith through a small incision in the back; small tube is temporarily inserted through the incision into the kidney; first urine is removed, then the stone is crushed and the pieces are removed; used if ESWL has not been successful, if an infection is present, or if the stone is particularly large

ureterectomy

the surgical removal of a ureter

hepatectomy

the surgical removal of all or part of the liver

cystectomy

the surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder; usually performed to treat bladder cancer

gingivectomy

the surgical removal of diseased gingival tissue

cholecystectomy

the surgical removal of the gallbladder; open cholecystectomy is performed through an incision in the right side of the upper abdomen; laparoscopic cholecystectomy, also known as lap choley, the surgical removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope and other instruments inserted through three or four small incisions in the abdominal wall

palatoplasty

the surgical repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip

urethroplasty

the surgical repair of damage or a defect in the walls of the urethra

cystorrhaphy

the surgical suturing of a wound or defect in the bladder

capillary puncture

the technique used when only a small amount of blood is needed as a specimen for a blood test; usually known as a finger, heel, or earlobe stick

dura mater

the thick, tough, outermost membrane of the meninges; dura means hard and mater means mother; the inner surface of the cranium is lined with the dura mater

pia mater

the third layer of the meninges; located nearest to the brain and spinal cord; consists of delicate connective tissue that contains a rich supply of blood vessels

sclerotherapy

the treatment of spider veins by injecting a saline sclerosing solution into the vein; this irritates the tissue, causing the veins to collapse and disappear;

umbilical cord

the tube that carries blood, oxygen, and nutrients from the placenta to the developing baby. It also transports waste from the fetus to be disposed of through the mother's excretory system. This cord is cut soon after the birth of the infant and before the delivery of the placenta. After birth, the navel, also known as the belly button, is formed where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus.

ligation

the tying off of blood vessels or ducts

gastroesophageal reflux disease

the upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus; also known as GERD; this acid irritates and damages the delicate lining of the esophagus

nausea

the urge to vomit

nephrotomography

the use of a CAT scan to examine the kidneys

audiometry

the use of an audiometer to measure hearing activity; electronic device that produces acoustic stimuli of a set frequency and intensity

hypnotherapy

the use of hypnosis to produce an altered state of focused attention in which the patient may be more willing to believe and act on suggestions; used for pain relief, anxiety reduction and behavioral modification

palpate

the use of touch to examine a body part

phacoemulsification

the use of ultrasonic vibration to shatter and remove the lens clouded by a cataract; performed through a very small opening, and the same opening is used to slide the intraocular lens into place

partial or subtotal hysterectomy

the uterus is removed and the cervix is left in place.

labia majora and labia minora

the vaginal lips that protect the other external genitalia and the urethral meatus; singular - labium; the urethral meatus is the external opening of the urethra

hematemesis

the vomiting of blood; often resembles coffee grounds; medical term meaning vomiting blood

ambulation

the way the patient walks, including gait, any unsteadiness, or possible difficulty

after fertilization occures in the fallopian tube:

the zygote travels to the uterus where it is implanted. Implantation is the embedding of the zygote into the lining of the uterus. From implantation through the 8th week of pregnancy, the developing baby is known as an embryo (EM-bree-oh). From the 9th week of pregnancy to the time of birth, the baby in utero is known as a fetus

onychia

also known as onychitis; inflammation of the bed of the nail that often results in the loss of the nail

testitis

also known as orchitis; inflammation of one or both testicles

canthus

angle where the upper and lower eyelids meet; plural - canthi

vestibular disorders

BPPV, labyrinthitis, and Meniere's disease are examples; these are disorders of the body's balance-controlling vestibular system in the inner ear

hertz (Hz)

measure of sound frequency that determines how high or low a pitch is; singular and plural are the same

thyroid scan

measure thyroid function; form of nuclear medicine

cranial nerves

12 pairs; originate from the under-surface of the brain; two nerves of a pair are identical in function and structure and each nerve of a pair serves half of the body; identified by Roman numerals and are named for the area or function they serve

retroperitoneal space

2 bean-shaped kidneys are located in here with one on each side of the vertebral column below the diaphragm and the lower edge of the rib cage

salivary glands

3 pairs - parotid, sublingual, and submandibular

peripheral nerves

3 types - autonomic, sensory, and somatic nerve fibers

parathyroid glands

4 of them; each is about the size of a grain of rice; embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland; primary function is to regulate calcium levels throughout the body; calcium levels are important to the smooth functioning of the muscular and nervous systems

average normal body temperature

98.6

insipidus

refers to the relatively low sodium (salt) content of the urine in patients with diabetes insipidus

specific gravity of urine

reflects the amount of wastes, minerals, and solids that are present

otosclerosis

ankylosis of the bones of the middle ear resulting in a conductive hearing loss, treated with a stapedectomy

concussion

violent shaking up or jarring of the brain; may result in temporary loss of awareness and function

abscess

closed pocket containing pus that is caused by a bacterial infection; can appear on the skin or within other structures of the body

carbuncle

cluster of connected furuncles (boils)

Hepatitis A

virus transmitted mainly through contamination of food and water with infected fecal matter

rhonchi

coarse rattling sounds that are someone like snoring; usually caused by secretions in the bronchial airways; singular - rhonchus

renal vein

After passing through the filtration system of the glomerulus, the filtered blood containing protein and blood cells leaves the kidney and returns to the bloodstream through the renal vein;

coitus

After the ovum (egg) is released, it is caught up by the fimbriae of the fallopian tube. Wave-like peristaltic actions move the ovum down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. It usually takes an ovum about 5 days to pass through the fallopian tube. If sperm are present at that time, one will fertilize the ovum within the fallopian tube. After the ovum has been released, the ruptured follicle enlarges, takes on a yellow fatty substance, and becomes the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum (KOR-pus LOO-tee-um) secretes the hormone progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle. This maintains the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for the fertilized egg. If the ovum is not fertilized, the corpus luteum dies, and the endometrium lining of the uterus sloughs off as the menstrual flow occurs. If the ovum is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to secrete the hormones required to maintain the pregnancy.

warning aura

visual disturbance perceived by the patient preceding a migraine headache or epileptic seizure

polyp

a mushroom like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane; not all polyps are malignant

Reiki

Japanese technique in which the practitioner transfers healing energy to the patient by means of visualization or gentle touch

LASIK

Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis; used to treat vision conditions such as myopia, that are caused by the shape of the cornea; during this procedure, a flap is opened in the surface of the cornea, and then a laser is used to change the shape of a deep corneal layer

axillaris

Latin for axillary

cyst

abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material; most common type of skin cyst is a sebaceous cyst

anoscopy

visual examination of the anal canal and lower rectum

role of the small intestine

The conversion of food into usable nutrients is completed as the chyme is moved through the small intestine by peristaltic action; In the duodenum, chyme is mixed with pancreatic juice and bile. The bile breaks apart large fat globules so that enzymes in the pancreatic juices can digest the fats. This action is called emulsification and must be completed before the nutrients can be absorbed into the body. The jejunum secretes large amounts of digestive enzymes and continues the process of digestion. The primary function of the ileum is to absorb nutrients from the digested food

renal tubules

The remaining filtrate flows into the renal tubules, where elements, including some water, sugar, and salts, are returned to the bloodstream via a nearby capillary; Remaining waste products are continuously converted into urine, which is transported to the renal pelvis and collected in preparation for entry into the ureters; If waste products are not efficiently removed from the bloodstream, the body cannot maintain homeostasis, with a stable balance of salts and other substances.

ureteral orifices

Urine drains from the ureters into the bladder through the ureteral orifices in the wall of the urinary bladder

Qi Gong

a Chinese system of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation designed to improve and enhance the flow of qi

diaphragm

a barrier contraceptive that prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.

Hepatitis C Virus

a bloodborne disease that is spread through contact with blood and other body fluids that are contaminated with this virus. HCV is described as a silent epidemic because it can be present in the body for years and destroy the liver before any symptoms appear. There is no vaccine available to prevent this form of hepatitis.

Hepatitis B Virus

a bloodborne disease that is transmitted through contact with blood and other body fluids that are contaminated with this virus. A vaccine is available to provide immunity against HBV.

Chron's disease (CD)

a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract; however, it is most often found in the ileum and in the colon; generally penetrates every layer of tissue in the affected area; can result in scarring and thickening of the walls of the affected structures; most common complication is blockage of the intestine due to swelling and scarring

ulcerative colitis

a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers and irritation; usually starts in the rectum and progresses upward to the lower part of the colon; can affect the entire large intestine; affects only the innermost lining and not the deep tissues of the colon

Premature menopause

a condition in which the ovaries cease functioning before age 40 years due to disease, a hormonal disorder, or surgical removal. This causes infertility and often brings on menopausal symptoms.

cachexia

a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advance cancer or AIDS; they may be eating enough food, but their bodies are unable to absorb enough nutrients

Barrett's esophagus

a condition that occurs when the cells in the epithelial tissue of the esophagus are damaged by chronic acid exposure; some patients with chronic GERD develop this which slightly increases the risk of esophageal cancer

vaginal atrophy

a decrease in elasticity and lubrication caused by hormonal changes. It affects about half of all postmenopausal women and can be treated with moisturizers or estrogen therapy.

red blood cell count (RBC)

a determination of the number of erythrocytes in the blood; depressed count can indicate anemia or an acute hemorrhage

white blood cell count (WBC)

a determination of the number of leukocytes in the blood; elevated count can be an indication of infection or inflammation

cheilosis

a disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth

graves' disease

a disorder of unknown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone; results in hyperthyroidism and can also cause goiter, exophthalmos, or both; note - hashimoto's diseases has an o like in hypo, graves' disease has an e like in hyper

contraindication

a factor in the patient's condition that makes the use of a medication or specific treatment dangerous or ill advised

Gestational diabetes mellitus

a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy,

fissure

a groove or crack-like break in the skin; ex. the breaks in the skin between the toes caused by tinea pedis, or athlete's foot

Alzheimer's disease (AD)

a group of disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language; the leading form of dementia and is marked by progressive deterioration that affects both the memory and reasoning capabilities of an individual

Hemoccult test

a laboratory test for hidden blood in the stools; also known as fecal occult blood test; kit is used to obtain the specimens at home and the results are then evaluated in a lab

HELLP syndrome

a life-threatening pregnancy complication characterized by hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It occurs in 10-20% of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia and can occur during the third trimester of pregnancy or after delivery. Treatment includes delivery of the fetus and careful monitoring to prevent serious maternal complications including hemorrhage and death.

contraceptive

a measure taken to lessen the likelihood of pregnancy.

birthmark

a mole or blemish on the skin present at birth or shortly thereafter; some fade as a child gets older

peristalsis

a series of wavelike contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction that moves the food forward into the digestive system

cervical cancer

a slow-growing squamous cell cancer (see Chapter 12). It is caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can now usually be prevented through vaccination. Cervical cancer can be detected early through routine Pap smears.

endometrial biopsy

a small amount of the tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed for microscopic examination. This test is most often used to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Colostrum

a specialized form of breast milk that delivers essential nutrients and antibodies in a form that the newborn can digest. Colostrum is produced by the mammary glands in late pregnancy and during the first few days after giving birth.

ureterolith

a stone located anywhere along the ureter

cystolith

a stone located within the urinary bladder

autism

a subgroup of autistic spectrum disorders; children with autism have significant developmental delays, including speech and language, with most having very minimal verbal skills and lacking normal social relationships

palliative

a substance that eases the pain or severity of the symptoms of a disease but does not cure it;

anastomosis

a surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures; plural anatomoses

Tubal ligation

a surgical sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are sealed or cut to prevent sperm from reaching a mature ovum.

placenta

a temporary organ that forms within the uterus to allow the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and fetus without allowing maternal blood and fetal blood to mix. The placental barrier does not, however, keep chemicals or drugs from reaching the fetus. The placenta also produces hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy. These hormones are discussed in Chapter 13. After delivery of the newborn, the placenta and fetal membranes are expelled as the afterbirth.

holistic

a treatment approach that takes into consideration the whole body and its environment, including the mind, body, and spirit

myelosis

a tumor of the spinal cord; also means an abnormal proliferation of bone marrow tissue

endoscopy

a visual examination of internal structures

surrogate

a woman who agrees to become pregnant and give birth on behalf of a person or couple. Artificial insemination or surgical implantation of an in vitro fertilized egg may be used. Table 14.2Abbreviations and T

jaundice

a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes caused by greater-than-normal amounts of bilirubin in the blood

bruit

abnormal sound or murmur heard during auscultation of an artery; usually due to a partially blocked, narrowed, or diseased artery

stridor

abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing caused by a blockage in the throat or in the larynx (voice box)

diarrhea

abnormally frequent flow of loose or watery stools and can lead to dehydration

hyperglycemia

abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood; seen primarily in patients with diabetes mellitus; symptoms include polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria

intestinal adhesions

abnormally hold together parts of the intestine that should be separate; caused by inflammation or trauma and can lead to intestinal obstruction

PICC line

abbreviation for peripherally inserted central catheter; used for a patient who will need IV therapy for more than 7 days

visual acuity

ability to distinguish object details and shape at a distance

depth perception

ability to see things in three dimensions

empathy

ability to understand another person's mental and emotional state without becoming personally involved

anhidrosis

abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat

urethrorrhea

abnormal discharge from the urethra; associated with some sexually transmitted diseases

claustrophobia

abnormal fear of being in small or enclosed spaces

phobia

abnormal fear; persistent, irrational fear of a specific thing or situation, strong enough to cause significant distress, to interfere with functioning, and to lead to the avoidance of the thing or situation that causes this reaction; countless types

brain tumor

abnormal growth located inside the skull

gigantism

abnormal growth of the entire body that is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone before puberty

heart murmur

abnormal heart sound that is most commonly a sign of defective heart valves; described by volume and the stage of the heartbeat when the murmur is heard

stricture

abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage

vesicovaginal fistula

abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that allows constant involuntary flow of urine from the bladder into the vagina; may be caused by prolonged labor during childbirth or surgery such as a hysterectomy

fistula

abnormal passage between two internal organs

exophthalmos

abnormal protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit

erythroderma

abnormal redness of the entire skin surface

thrill

abnormal rhythmic vibration felt when palpating an artery

anesthesia

absence of normal sensation, especially sensitivity to pain, that is induced by the administration of an anesthetic agent

azoospermia

absence of sperm in the semen

anuria

absence of urine formation by the kidneys; often caused by kidney failure or a urinary tract obstruction

adnexa

accessory or adjoining anatomical parts of an organ (this term is plural)

needlestick injury

accidental puncture wound caused by a used hypodermic needle, potentially transmitting an infection

dry macular degeneration

accounts for 90% of all AMD cases; caused by the slow deterioration of the cells of the macula

impacted cerumen

accumulation of earwax that forms a solid mass by adhering to the walls of the external auditory canal; impacted means lodged or wedged firmly in place

PERRLA

acronym for "pupils are equal, round, responsive to light and accommodation; diagnostic observation, and any abnormality here could indicate a head injury or damage to the brain

laser

acronym in which the letters stand for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; used to treat skin conditions and other disorders of the body; tattoos are removed by using lasers that target particular colors; lasers are used in treating some skin cancers, precancer of the lip and warts that recur around nails and on the soles of the feet

VBAC

acronym used to describe vaginal birth after a cesarean.

tretinoin

active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova which are used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne, and wrinkles

psychotropic drugs

acts primarily on the central nervous system, where it produces temporary changes affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior; used as medications to control pain or treat narcolepsy and attention disorders

paronychia

acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail

cellulitis

acute, rapidly spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissues that is characterized by malaise, swelling, warmth, and red streaks

controlled substances

addictive prescription medicines and illegal drugs whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by the government

substance abuse

addictive use of tobacco, alcohol, medications, or illegal drugs; leads to significant impairment in functioning, danger to one's self or others, and recurrent legal and/or interpersonal problems

radiation therapy and hormone therapy

additional treatments used to control prostate cancer; "watchful waiting" is often the prescribed course of action in older patients because this disease normally progresses slowly

contrast medium

administered by swallowing, via an enema, or intravenously to make specific body structures visible; specialized substances are used depending on the imaging systems and the body parts to be enhanced; these media are either radiopaque or radiolucent

transdermal medication

administered from a patch that is applied to unbroken skin; continuously released by the patch; absorbed through the skin and transmitted to the bloodstream so that it can produce a systemic effect; used to convey medications such as nitroglycerin for angina, hormones for hormone replacement therapy, or nicotine patches for smoking cessation

intravenous fluids

administered to combat the effects of dehydration

total parenteral nutrition

administered to patients who cannot or should not get their nutrition through eating; all of the patient's nutritional requirements are met though a specialized solution administered intravenously

antidepressent

administered to prevent or relieve depression; also used to treat obsessive-compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders and to help relieve chronic pain

anticonvulsant

administered to prevent seizures such as those associated with epilepsy

photosensitizing drug

administered topically or by injection; incubation period is followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light, administered either externally or endoscopically

wet macular degeneration

advanced form of dry AMD; new blood vessels growing beneath the retina leak blood and fluid, damaging retina cells; these small hemorrhages usually result in rapid and severe vision loss

noreinephrine

affects alertness and arousal, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, and releasing stores of glucose in response to stress; also a hormone released by the adrenal gland as part of the body's fight-or-flight response

postpartum

after childbirth

bile

aids in the digestion of fats, is a digestive juice secreted by the liver that is necessary for the digestion of fat; travels from the liver to the gallbladder where it is concentrated and stored; the liver secretes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder for later use

blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test

also an indicator of kidney function

Mastopexy

also called a breast lift, is a mammoplasty to affix sagging breasts in a more elevated position

tonic-clonic seizure

also called a grand mal seizure; involves the entire body; in the tonic phase, the body becomes rigid; in the clonic phase, there is uncontrolled jerking

lipid panel

also called a lipid profile; measures the amounts of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoportein (LDL), and triglycerides in a blood sample

absence seizure

also called a petit mal seizure; brief disturbance in brain function in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a staring episode

neurodegenerative disease

also called degenerative nerve disease; an umbrella term for disorders in which there is a progressive loss of the structure or functions of the neurons

cryosurgery

also called freezing; destruction or elimination of abnormal tissue cells, such as warts or tumors, through the application of extreme cold by using liquid nitrogen

pituitary gland

also called hypophysis; pea-sized gland that is divided into two parts, the anterior and the posterior lobes; hang from a stalk-like structure located below the hypothalamus in the brain; primary function is to secrete hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands; acts in response to stimuli from neurohormones secreted by the hypothalamus; creates a system of checks and balances to maintain an appropriate blood level of each hormone

intellectual disability

also called intellectual developmental disorder; a diagnosis of significant below-average intellectual and adaptive functioning present from birth or early infancy

Artificial insemination,

also called intrauterine insemination (IUI), is a technique in which sperm from a woman's partner or from a donor are introduced into the vagina or uterus during the ovulatory phase of her menstrual cycle.

antipsychotic drugs

also called neuroleptic; administered to treat symptoms of severe disorders of thinking and mood that are associated with neurological and psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, mania, and delusional disorders

social anxiety disorder

also called social phobia; excessive fear of social situations where the person fears negative evaluation by others and embarrassing him or herself in front of others

actinic keratosis

also called solar keratosis; precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin; often looks like a red, tan, or pink scaly patch and feels like sandpaper; precancerous skin lesion

clostridium difficile

also known as C. diff; bacterial infection common to older adults in hospitals or long-term-care facilities typically following the use of antibiotics that wipe out competing bacteria; causes diarrhea and can lead to inflammation of the colon; hand-scrubbing or wearing gloves can help prevent its spread

bulbourethral glands

also known as Cowper's glands; located just below the prostate gland; one is located on either side of the urethra, and they open into the urethra; during sexual arousal, these secrete fluid known as pre-ejaculate; this helps flush out any residual urine or foreign matter in the urethra; also lubricates the urethra for sperm to pass through; fluid can contain sperm and is able to cause pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur

hemoglobin A1c testing

also known as HbA1c; measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 3 to 4 months

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

also known as Lou Gehrig's disease; rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles resulting in complete paralysis or death; patients affected with this condition become progressively weaker until they are completely paralyzed and die; degenerative disease of the motor nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord

over-the-counter

also known as OTC; medication that can be purchased without a prescription

positron emission tomorgraphy (PET)

also known as PET imaging; combines tomography with radionuclide tracers, usually inserted into a vein, to produce enhanced images of selected body organs or areas; scans of the whole body are used to detect cancer and to examine the effect of cancer therapy; scan of the heart are used to determine blood flow to the heart muscle, which helps to evaluate signs of coronary artery disease or to differentiate nonfunctional heart muscle from tissue that would benefit from a procedure such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery; scans of the brain are used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause, suspected or proven brain tumors, or seizure disorders that are not responsive to medical therapy and are therefore candidates for surgery

gastric bypass surgery

also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, makes the stomach smaller by stapling a section to create a small pouch and causes food to bypass the first part of the small intestine; most common bariatric surgery; not reversible and carries some risk of complications

cesarean section

also known as a C-section, is the delivery of the child through an incision in the maternal abdominal and uterine walls. This is usually performed when a vaginal birth would be unsafe for either the mother or baby.

computed tomography

also known as a CT scan; more commonly sued as a primary tool for evaluation of the urinary system because it can be rapidly performed and provides additional imaging of the abdomen, which may reveal other potential sources for the patient's symptoms

radical hysterectomy

also known as a bilateral hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy, is most commonly performed to treat uterine cancer (Figure 14.16B). This procedure includes the surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, the uterus and cervix, plus nearby lymph nodes. If this surgery is performed before natural menopause, the patient immediately experiences surgical menopause.

hemorrhagic stroke

also known as a bleed; occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or when an aneurysm within the brain ruptures; affects the area of the brain damaged by the leaking blood

scotoma

also known as a blind spot; an abnormal area of diminished vision surrounded by an area of normal vision

bolus

also known as a bolus infusion; single, concentrated does of a drug usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period of time;

defacation

also known as a bowel movement (BM); evacuation or emptying of the large intestine

chemabrasion

also known as a chemical peel; use of chemicals to remove the outer layers of skin to treat acne scarring, fine wrinkling, and keratoses

total hysterectomy

also known as a complete hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. This procedure can be performed through the vagina or laparoscopically through the abdomen

Conization

also known as a cone biopsy, is the surgical removal of a cone-shaped specimen of tissue from the cervix. This is performed as a diagnostic procedure or to remove abnormal tissue.

contrecoup

also known as a counterblow; injury that occurs beneath the skull opposite the area of the impact

encephalocele

also known as a craniocele; congenital herniation of brain tissue through a gap in the skull

retinal detachment

also known as a detached retina or retinal tears; separation of some or all of the light-sensitive retina from the choroid; if not treated, the entire retina can detach, causing blindness; can be caused by head trauma, aging, or the vitreous humor separating from the retina

rhytidectomy

also known as a facelift; surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the face to eliminate wrinkles

infertility specialist

also known as a fertility specialist, helps infertile couples by diagnosing and treating problems associated with conception and maintaining pregnancy.

cleft lip

also known as a harelip; birth defect in which there is a deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose as a result of the failure of this portion of the lip to close during prenatal development; cleft lip and cleft palate can occur singly or together and usually can be corrected surgically

cephalagia

also known as a headache; pain in the head

renal transplantation

also known as a kidney transplant; the grafting of a donor kidney, from either a living or nonliving donor, into the body to replace the recipient's failed kidneys; donors do not need to be genetically related to the recipient, although a tissue match increases the success rate; a single transplanted kidney is capable of adequately performing all kidney functions and frees the patient from the need for dialysis; nonfunctioning kidney is usually not removed, but the donor kidney and its associated structures are sutured into place at a lower point in the abdomen

blepharoplasty

also known as a lid lift; surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids by removing sagging skin; small amount of fat from the patient's thighs or buttocks is sometimes injected in the hollow below the eye to improve appearance

macule

also known as a macula; discolored flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter; ex. freckles, or flat moles

nevus

also known as a mole; small, dark skin growth that develops from melanocytes in the skin; plural - nevi; normally are benign

uterine fibroid

also known as a myoma, is a benign tumor composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that occurs in the wall of the uterus

cholesteatoma

also known as a pearly tumor; destructive epidermal cyst in the middle ear and/or the mastoid process made up of epithelial cells and cholesterol; can be congenital or a serous complication of chronic otitis media

pustule

also known as a pimple; small, circumscribed lesion containing pus; can be caused by acne vulgaris, impetigo, or other skin infections

radiculitis

also known as a pinched nerve; inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve that causes pain and numbness radiated down the affected limb; usually applied to that portion of the root that lies between the spinal cord and the intervertebral canal of the spinal column

pituitary adenoma

also known as a pituitary tumor; two types of these slow-growing benign tumors of the pituitary gland - functioning pituitary tumors and nonfunctioning pituitary tumors; may or may not cause excess hormone secretion

premature infant

also known as a preemie, is a fetus born before the 37th week of gestation.

crust

also known as a scab; collection of dried serum and cellular debris

nuclear scan

also known as a scintigram; diagnostic procedure that uses nuclear medicine technology to gather information about the structure and function of organs or body systems that cannot be seen on conventional x-rays

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

also known as a sed rate; test based on the speed with which the red blood cells separate from the plasma and fall to the bottom of a specialized tube; elevated sed rate indicates the presence of inflammation in the body; normal range is <15-20 mm/hr for adults under 50 and <20-30 mm/hr for adults over 50

intermittent catheter

also known as a short-term catheter; inserted as needed several times a day to drain urine from the bladder

adverse drug reaction (ADR)

also known as a side effect; undesirable reaction that accompanies the principal response for which the drug was taken

dermatoplasty

also known as a skin graft; the replacement of damaged skin with healthy tissue taken from a donor site on the patient's body

sperm count

also known as a sperm analysis; testing of freshly ejaculated semen to determine the volume plus the number, shape, size, and motility of the sperm; normal count is 20 to 120 million or more sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen

lumbar puncture

also known as a spinal tap; process of obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region to withdraw fluid; changes in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid can be an indication of injury, infection, or disease

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

also known as a stroke or CVA; damage to the brain that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted because a blood vessel is either blocked or has ruptured; third leading cause of death and the primary cause of long-term disability; damage to the right side of the brain produces symptoms on the left side of the body; damage to the left side of the brain produces symptoms on the right side of the body

hordeolum

also known as a stye; pus-filled and often painful lesion on the eyelid resulting from an acute infection in a sebaceous gland

thyroid storm

also known as a thyrotoxic crisis; relatively rare, life-threatening condition caused by exaggerated hyperthyroidism; patients may complain of fever, chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath, tremors, increased sweating, disorientation, and fatigue

ileal conduit

also known as a urinary ileostomy; use of a small piece of intestine to convey urine to the ureters and to a stoma in the abdomen

phlebotomy

also known as a venipuncture; the puncture of a vein for the purpose of drawing blood

wheal

also known as a welt; small bump that itches; can appear as urticaria, or hives, as a symptom of an allergic reaction

Vaginal candidiasis

also known as a yeast infection, is a vaginal infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans (see Chapter 6). The growth of this fungus is usually controlled by bacteria normally present in the vagina. Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include burning, itching, and a "cottage cheese-like" vaginal discharge.

closed-angle glaucoma

also known as acute glaucoma; the opening between the cornea and iris narrows so that fluid cannot reach the trabecular meshwork; can cause a sudden increase in the intraocular pressure that produces severe pain, nausea, redness of the eye, and blurred vision; without immediate treatment, blindness can occur in as little as two days

adnexa of the eyes

also known as adnexa oculi; structures outside the eyeball; includes orbit, eye muscles, eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctiva, and lacrimal apparatus

epinephrine (Epi, EPI)

also known as adrenaline; stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to physical injury or to mental stress such as fear; makes the heart beat faster and can raise blood pressure; helps relieve the liver release glucose and limits the release of insulin

rosacea

also known as adult acne; characterized by tiny red pimples and broken blood vessels; unknown cause; usually develops in individuals with fair skin between 30 and 60 years of age

myxedema

also known as adult hypothyroidism; caused by an extreme deficiency of thyroid secretion; symptoms include swelling, particularly around the eyes and cheeks; fatigue; and a subnormal temperature

amnionic fluid

also known as amniotic fluid, is the liquid that protects the fetus and makes possible its floating movements. The Umbilical Cord

anxiolytic drug

also known as an antianxiety drug or tranquilizer; administered to temporarily relieve anxiety and to reduce tension

ocular prosthesis

also known as an artificial eye, may be fitted to wear over a malformed eye or to replace an eyeball that is either congenitally missing or has been surgically removed

otalgia

also known as an earache; pain in the ear

ectopic pregnancy

also known as an extrauterine pregnancy, is a potentially dangerous condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted and begins to develop outside of the uterus. Ectopic means out of place, and Figure 14.14 illustrates some of these potential locations.

oophorectomy

also known as an ovariectomy, is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries ( oophor mean ovary, and -ectomy means surgical removal). If both ovaries are removed in a premenopausal woman, the patient experiences surgical menopause.

hypothyroidism disease

also known as an underactive thyroid; caused by a deficiency of thyroid secretion; symptoms include fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, and a decreased metabolic rate

cryptorchidism

also known as an undescended testicle; developmental defect in which one or both of the testicles fail to descend into their normal position in the scrotum

aqueous humor

also known as aqueous fluid; fills both the anterior and posterior chambers; helps the eye maintain its shape and nourishes the intraocular structures; this fluid is constantly filtered and drained through the trabecular meshwork of the canal of Schlemm

connecting neurons

also known as associative neurons; link afferent and efferent neurons

tinea pedis

also known as athlete's foot; most commonly found between the toes

eczema

also known as atopic dermatitis; form of persistent or recurring dermatitis usually characterized by redness, itching and dryness, with possible blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding; most often seen in infants and children; appears to be the result of a malfunction of the body's immune system;

continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)

also known as automated peritoneal dialysis (APD); uses a machine to cycle the dialysate solution during the night while the patient sleeps

halitosis

also known as bad breath; unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders

alopecia

also known as baldness; partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp

benign prostatic hyperplasia

also known as benigh prostatick hypertrophy or enlarged prostate; abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland that most often occurs in men older than 50; can make urination difficult and causes other urinary-tract problems for men

castration

also known as bilateral orchidectomy; surgical removal or destruction of both testicles

furuncles

also known as boils; large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around hair follicles or sebaceous glands

abdominal sounds

also known as bowel sounds; normal noises made by the intestines; auscultation of the abdomen is performed to evaluate these sounds and to detect abnormalities; increased bowel sounds can indicate ileus (stopping of intestinal peristalsis)

rhinophyma

also known as bulbous nose; usually occurs in older men; characterized by hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the tissues of the nose and is associated with advanced rosacea; treated by using a laser to reshape the nose by vaporizing the excess tissue

stone

also known as calculus; abnormal mineral deposit that has formed within the body and is named for the organ or tissue where it is located (plural, calculi); vary in size from small sand-like granules that pass through the body unnoticed to stones the size of marble that can become lodged, causing acute pain; in the urinary system, stones form when waste products in the urine separate and crystallize; normally urine contains chemicals to prevent this from happening, however, dehydration and other factors may disrupt this balance

cardiocentesis

also known as cardiopuncture; puncture of a chamber of the heart for diagnosis or therapy

urinary catheterization

also known as cathing; the insertion of a tube into the bladder to procure a sterile specimen for diagnostic purposes; also used to drain urine from the bladder when the patient is unable to urinate for other reasons; used to place medication into the bladder; performed to withdraw urine for diagnostic purposes, to allow urine to drain freely, or to place a fluid such as a chemotherapy solution into the bladder

mastication

also known as chewing, breaks food down into smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva, and prepares it to be swallowed

erythema pernio

also known as chilblains; purple-red inflammation that occurs when the small blood vessels below the skin are damaged; usually due to exposure to cold and damp weather; when warmth restores full circulation, the affected areas begin to itch; they usually heal without treatment

labor and delivery

also known as childbirth or parturition, occurs in three stages, shown in Figure 14.11. The stages of labor and delivery are as follows: Dilation Delivery of the baby Expulsion of the afterbirth

papilledema

also known as choked disk; swelling and inflammation of the optic nerve at the point of entrance into the eye through the optic disk; swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure and can be due to a tumor pressing on the optic nerve

gallstone

also known as cholelith; hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to the concretion of bile components; plural, calculi

choroid

also known as choroid coat; opaque middle layer of the eyeball that contains many blood vessels and provides the blood supply for the entire eye

open-angle glaucoma

also known as chronic glaucoma; most common form of this condition; trabecular meshwork gradually becomes blocked, causing a buildup of pressure; symptoms are not noticed by the patient until the optic nerve has been damaged; could be detected earlier through regular eye examinations, including tonometry and visual field testing

hashimoto's disease

also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis; autoimmune disease in which the body's own antibodies attack and destroy the cells of the thyroid gland; often leads to hypothyroidism

gluten intolerance

also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity; response to gluten involving digestive distress but not causing the intestinal tissue damage of celiac disease; sometimes caused by an allergy to wheat

chronic kidney disease (CKD)

also known as chronic renal disease, or kidney failure; the progressive loss of renal function over months or years; common condition; can be life-threatening, may result from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease; buildup of waste in the blood from chronic kidney disease can be a contributing factor in heart attacks and strokes

monochromatism

also known as color blindness; the inability to distinguish certain colors in a normal manner; genetic condition caused by deficiencies in or the absence of certain types of cones in the retina

Firs trimester screening

also known as combined screening, is performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and involves an ultrasound and a finger-stick blood test. The combined results of these two measurements, plus the mother's age, detect if the fetus is at increased risk for Down syndrome, which is discussed in Chapter 2. Diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, are recommended for those at increased risk for this condition.

rales

also known as crackles; abnormal crackle-like lung sounds heard through a stethoscope during inspiration (breathing in)

esotropia

also known as cross-eyes; strabismus characterized by inward deviation of one or both eyes

cystalgia

also known as cystodynia; pain in the bladder

dyslexia

also known as developmental reading disorder; learning disability characterized by substandard reading achievement due to the inability of the brain to process symbols correctly

diplopia

also known as double vision; the perception of two images of a single object; sometimes a symptom of a serous underlying disorder such as multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor

xerophthalmia

also known as dry eye; drying of surfaces of the eye, including the conjunctiva, because tear glands do not produce enough tears; often associated with aging; can also be due to systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or caused by a lack of vitamin A

persistent depressive disorder

also known as dysthymia; low-grade, chronic depression with symptoms that are milder than those of severe depression but are present on a majority of days for two or more years

cerumen

also known as earwax; secreted by ceruminous glands that line the auditory canal; sticky yellow-brown substance has protective functions because it traps small insects, dust, debris, and some bacteria to prevent them from entering the middle ear

ova

also known as eggs; the female gametes; singular - ovum; immature ova are present at birth; normally after puberty, one ovum matures and is released each month

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

also known as electroshock therapy; procedure in which small amounts of electric current are passed through the brain, deliberately triggering a brief seizure in order to revers symptoms of certain mental illnesses

intravenous pyelography

also known as excretory urography; radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters; contrast medium is administered intravenously to clearly define these structures in the resulting image which is called an intravenous pyelogram (IVP); used to diagnose changes in the urinary tract resulting from nephroliths, infections, enlarged prostate, tumors, and internal injuries after an abdominal trauma; shows the urinary tract, including the ureters, a kidney, and the bladder

orbit

also known as eye socket; bony cavity of the skull that contains and protects the eyeball and its associated muscles, blood vessels, and nerves

syncope

also known as fainting; brief loss of consciousness caused by the decreased flow of blood to the brain

hyperopia

also known as farsightedness; defect in which light rays focus beyond the retina; can occur in childhood but usually causes difficulty after age 40

fasting blood sugar test (FBS)

also known as fasting plasma glucose test; measures the blood glucose levels after the patient has not eaten for 8 to 12 hours; used to screen for diabetes as well as to monitor treatment of this condition

lipocytes

also known as fat cells; predominant in the subcutaneous layer where they manufacture and store large quantities of fat

erythema infectiosum

also known as fifth disease; mildly contagious viral infection that is common in childhood; produces a red, lace-like rash on the child's face that looks as if the child has been slapped; called this because of its place on a list of six common childhood diseases that can cause an exanthem (widespread rash); others include measles and rubella

flatulence

also known as flatus; passage of gas out of the body through the rectum

nephroptosis

also known as floating kidney; the prolapse, or dropping down, of a kidney into the pelvic area when the patient stands

third-degree burn

also known as full thickness burn; damage to the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers, and possibly also the muscle and bone below

opthalmoscopy

also known as funduscopy; use of an opthalmoscope to visually examine the fundus (back part) of the eye; examination includes the retina, optic disk, choroid, and blood vessels; visual examination of the fundus

pyrosis

also known as heartburn; the burning sensation caused by the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus

urticaria

also known as hives; itchy wheals cause by an allergic reaction

cortisol

also known as hydrocortisone; corticosteroid hormone that has an anti-inflammatory action; also helps regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body

sensorineural hearing loss

also known as nerve deafness; develops when the auditory nerve or hair cells in the inner ear are damaged; usually due to age, noise exposure, or an acoustic neuroma; source of this hearing loss can be located in the inner ear, in the nerve from the inner ear to the brain, or in the brain

Cushing's syndrome

also known as hypercortisolism; caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol; cortisol has an anti-inflammatory action and helps regulate the metbolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body; signs include a rounded, red "moon" face; can be caused by overproduction of cortisol by the body or by prolonged use of corticosteroids - these medications are used to treat inflammatory diseases such as asthma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis and to keep the body from rejecting transplanted organs or tissue

Guillain-Barre syndrome

also known as infectious polyneuritis; inflammation of the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves; characterized by rapidly worsening muscle weakness that can lead to temporary paralysis; rare condition; autoimmune reaction that can occur after certain viral infections or immunizations

Menometrorrhagia

also known as intermenstrual bleeding, is excessive uterine bleeding at both the usual time of menstrual periods and at other irregular intervals

urinary retention

also known as ischuria; the inability to completely empty the bladder when attempting to urinate; more common in men and is frequently associated with an enlarged prostate gland

pruritus

also known as itching; associated with most forms of dermatitis

tinea cruris

also known as jock itch; found in the genital area

corneal transplant

also known as keratoplasty; surgical replacement of a scarred or diseased cornea with clear corneal tissue from a donor

renal failure

also known as kidney failure; the inability of one or both of the kidneys to perform their functions; the body cannot replace damaged nephrons, and when too many nephrons have been destroyed, the result is kidney failure

nephrolith

also known as kidney stone or renal calculus; found in the kidney; a stone located in the kidney

mammary glands

also known as lactiferous glands; milk-producing glands that develop during puberty

tetanus

also known as lockjaw; acute and potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria; can be prevented through immunization; if unimmunized people, this condition is typically acquired through a deep puncture wound

systemic lupus erythematosus

also known as lupus; autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk; also attacks the connective tissue in other body systems, especially the joints

magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

also known as magnetic resonance angio; helps locate problems within blood vessels thoughout the body; diagnostic imaging; sometimes includes the use of a contrast dye, is frequently used as an alternative to the conventional angiography

gingiva

also known as masticatory mucost or the gums; specialized mucous membrane that covers the bone of the dental arches and surrounds the neck of the teeth (plural gingivae)

Mastalgia

also known as mastodynia, is pain in the breast

malignant melanoma

also known as melanoma; skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes; most serous type of skin cancer; often the first signs are changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole; think ABCDE - Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving by changing in size, shape, shade, or color

chloasma

also known as melasma or the mask of pregnancy; pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face; can occur during pregnancy, especially among women with dark hair and fair skin; usually disappears after delivery

Hypermenorrhea

also known as menorrhagia, is an excessive amount of menstrual flow over a period of more than 7 days ( hyper- means excessive, men/o means menstruation, and -rrhea means flow or discharge). Hypermenorrhea is the opposite of hypomenorrhea.

menstruation

also known as menses, is the normal periodic discharge of the endometrial lining and unfertilized egg from uterus. The average menstrual cycle consists of 28 days. These days are grouped into four phases

lactiferous ducts

also known as milk ducts; carry milk from the mammary glands to the nipple, where breast milk flows through; nipple is surrounded by the dark-pigmented area known as the areola

somatic nerve fibers

also known as motor nerve fibers; convey information that controls the body's voluntary muscular movements

efferent neurons

also known as motor neurons; carry impulses away from the brain and spinal cord and toward the muscles and glands

lacrimal duct

also known as nasolacrimal duct; the passageway that drains excess tears into the nose

naturopathy

also known as naturopathic medicine; combination of nutrition, medicinal supplements and herbs, water therapy, homeopathy, and lifestyle modifications used to identify and treat the root causes of symptoms and disease instead of surgery and drugs; emphasizes supporting the body's own innate healing ability and the healing power of nature

myopia

also known as nearsightedness; defect in which light rays focus in front of the retina; occurs most commonly around puberty

nephropexy

also known as nephrorrhaphy; the surgical fixation of nephroptosis, or a floating kidney

nephrotic syndrome

also known as nephrosis; group of conditions in which excessive amounts of protein are lost through the urine; usually caused by damage to the glomeruli; results in abnormally low levels of protein in the blood; causes include diabetes mellitus, infection, and kidney disorders, or minimal change disease - so called because the nephrons look normal under a regular microscope and is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children

nyctalopia

also known as night blindness; condition in which an individual with normal daytime vision has difficulty seeing at night

lipedema

also known as painful fat syndrome; chronic abnormal condition that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs; usually affects women and even with weight loss this localized excess fat does not go away

second-degree burn

also known as partial thickness burn; blisters, damage to the epidermis, and dermis

peyronie's disease

also known as penile curvature; form of sexual dysfunction in which the penis is bent or curved during an erection

periodontal disease

also known as peridontitis; inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth; progressive disease is classified according to the degree of tissue involvement; in severe cases, the gums and bone surrounding the teeth are involved

visual field testing

also known as perimetry; performed to determine losses in peripheral (occurring away from the center) vision; blank sections in the visual field can be symptomatic of glucoma or an optic nerve disorder; test is done by having the patient look straight ahead and indicate whether or not they can see an object or flash of light when it is presented in their periphery

conjunctivitis

also known as pinkeye; inflammation of the conjunctiva that is usually caused by an infection or an allergy

tinea versicolor

also known as pityriasis versicolor; fungal infection that causes painless, discolored areas on the skin

poliomyelitis

also known as polio; highly contagious viral infection of the brainstem and spinal cord that sometimes leads to paralysis; no known cure; can be prevented through vaccination

Preeclampsia

also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure), edema (swelling), and proteinuria (an abnormally high level of protein in the urine).

foreskin

also known as prepuce; retractable double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane that covers and protects the glans penis

heat rash

also known as prickly heat; intensely itchy rash caused by blockage of the sweat glands by bacteria and dead cells

prothrombin time

also known as pro time; coagulation test used to diagnose conditions associated with abnormalities of clotting time and to monitor anticoagulant therapy; a longer prothrombin time can be used by serious liver disease, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medicines, or a lack of vitamin K

lactogenic hormone (LTH)

also known as prolactin; stimulates and maintains the secretion of breast milk in the mother after childbirth

cystocele

also known as prolapsed bladder; hernia of the bladder through the vaginal wall; sometimes occurs as a result of pregnancy or childbirth

nephropyosis

also known as pyonephrosis; suppuration of the kidney

radionuclide tracer

also known as radioactive tracer; specific to the body system being examined; short-lived tracer that can be given by mouth or inserted into a vein

respiration

also known as respiratory rate (RR); number of complete breaths per minute; single respiration consists of one inhalation and one exhalation; normal respiratory rate for adults ranges from 12 to 20 respirations per minute

afferent neurons

also known as sensory neurons; emerge from sensory organs and the skin to carry the impulses from the sensory organs toward the brain and spinal cord

sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs); infections caused by either bacteria or a virus that affects both males and females; commonly spread through sexual intercourse or other genital contact; more than 20 types of STDs

somnambulism

also known as sleep walking or noctambulism; condition of walking or performing some other activity without awakening

age spots

also known as solar lentigines or liver spots; discolorations caused by sun exposure; although harmless, these spots can sometimes resemble skin cancer growths

feces

also known as solid body wastes; expelled through the rectum and anus

audiological evaluation

also known as speech audiometry; measurement of the ability to hear and understand speech sounds based on their pitch and loudness; testing is best achieved in a sound-treated room with earphones; resulting graph is an audiogram that represents the ability to hear a variety of sounds at various loudness levels

sperm

also known as spermatozoa; male gametes (reproductive cells)

cerebrospinal fluid

also known as spinal fluid; produced by special capillaries within the four ventricles located in the middle region of the cerebrum; clear, colorless, watery fluid that flows throughout the brain and around the spinal cord; function - cool and cushion these organs from shock or injury, nourish the brain and spinal cord by transporting nutrients and chemical messengers to these tissues

koilonychia

also known as spoon nail; malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like the bowl of a spoon

capillary hemanigoma

also known as strawberry birthmark; soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark

liposuction

also known as suction-assisted lipectomy; surgical removal of fat beneath the skin with the aid of suction

sweat glands

also known as sudoriferous glands; tiny, coiled glands found on almost all body surfaces; two types - apocrine and eccrinehelp regulate body temperature and water content by secreting sweat; a small amount of metabolic waste is also excreted through the sweat glands

first-degree burn

also known as superficial burn; no blisers; superficial damage to the epidermis

eustachian tubes

also known as the auditory tubes; narrow tubes that lead from the middle ear to the nasal cavity and the throat; purpose of these tubes is to equalize the air pressure within the middle ear with that of the outside atmosphere

pinna

also known as the auricle or the outer ear; external portion of the ear; captures sound waves and transmits them into the external auditory canal

optic disk

also known as the blind spot; small region in the eye where the nerve endings of the retina enter the optic nerve; it does not contain any rods or cones to convert images into nerve impulses

cervix

also known as the body of the uterus, is the middle portion.

corpus

also known as the body of the uterus, is the middle portion.

lower GI tract

also known as the bowels; made up of the small and large intestines plus the rectum and anus; digestion is completed and waste material is prepared for expulsion from the body

lower esophageal sphincter

also known as the cardiac sphincter; muscular ring between the esophagus and stomach; during swallowing, it relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach; normally opens to allow the flow of food into the stomach and closes to prevent the stomach contents from regurgitating into the esophagus

dermis

also known as the corium; the thick layer of living tissue directly below the epidermis; contains connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels, and nerve fibers; hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands are also found in the dermis (these are related structures of the integumentary system as well as the nails)

primary dentition

also known as the deciduous dentition, or baby teeth; these 20 teeth erupt during early childhood, are normally lost in late childhood, and are replaced by permanent teeth; consists of 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars, but no premolars

vas deferens

also known as the ductus deferens; llong, narrow continuations of each epididymis; lead upward and eventually join the urethra

tympanic membrane

also known as the eardrum; located between the outer and middle ear; when sound waves reach the eardrum, this membrane transmits the sound by vibrating

eyeball

also known as the globe; 1 inch sphere with only about one-sixth of its surface visible

lips

also known as the labia; surround the opening to the oral cavity; singular labium; labia is also used to describe parts of the female genitalia; during eating, the lips, tongue, and cheeks hold the food in the mouth; lips also have an important role in breathing, speaking, and the expression of emotions

mandibular arch

also known as the lower jaw; a separate bone and is the only movable component of the joint

macula

also known as the macula lutea; clearly defined light-sensitive area in the center of the retina that is responsible for sharp central vision; macula means a small spot known as a macule; can also refer to a small, discolored spot on the skin such as a freckle

oral cavity

also known as the mouth; major structures are the lips, hard and soft palates, salivary glands, tongue, teeth, periodontium

cervix

also known as the neck of the tooth; where the crown and root meet

growth hormone (GH)

also known as the somaotropic hormone; regulates the growth of bone, muscle, and other body tissues

adrenal glands

also known as the suprarenals; named because they are located on top of each kidney; each gland consists of an outer portion (adrenal cortex) and middle portion (adrenal medulla); each has a specialized role; primary function is to control electrolyte levels within the body; also help regulate the metabolism and interacting with the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress

lacrimal apparatus

also known as the tear apparatus; consists of the structures that produce, store, and remove tears

lacrimal sac

also known as the tear sac; an enlargement of the upper portion of the lacrimal duct

maxillary arch

also known as the upper jaw; consists of bones of the lower surface of the skull; this arch does not move

perimetrium

also known as the uterine serosa; the tough, membranous outer layer ( peri- means surrounding, metri means uterus, and -um is a singular noun ending). Membranous means pertaining to a thin layer of tissue.

sclera

also known as the white of the eye; maintains the shape of the eye and protects the delicate inner layers of tissue; tough, fibrous tissue forms the outer layer of the eye, except for the part covered by the cornea

goiter

also known as thyromegaly; an abnormal, benign enlargement of the thyroid gland; produces a swelling in the front of the neck; usually occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs - due to either Graves' disease, other medical conditions, or an iron deficiency

hyperthyroidism

also known as thyrotoxicosis; overproduction of thyroid hormones which causes can imbalance of metabolism; causes symptoms including an increased metabolic rate, sweating, nervousness, and weight loss; most common cause is Graves' disease

dental carries

also known as tooth decay or a cavity; infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth; if not arrested, the pulp can be exposed and become infected

acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)

also known as trench mouth; caused by the abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth; as it progresses, the inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, and the death of gum tissue become more severe

trichomoniasis

also known as trich; infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis; one of the most common symptoms in infected women is thin, frothy, yellow-green foul-smelling discharge; infected me often do not have symptoms, however, when symptoms are present, they include painful urination or a clear discharge from the penis

latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)

also known as type 1.5 diabetes; condition in which type 1 diabetes develops in adults; shares many of the characteristics of type 2 diabetes; however, autoimmune antibodies are present; latent - means not visible; usually occurs in adults with a normal weight and family history of type 1 diabetes; estimated 10% of adults with diabetes have LADA; treated with diet exercise, oral medications, and insulin

uremia

also known as uremic poisoning; toxic condition resulting from renal failure in which kidney function is compromised and urea and other waste products normally secreted in the urine are retained in the blood; urea is retained in the blood

urethrostenosis

also known as urethral stricture; narrowing of the urethra; occurs almost exclusively in men and is caused by scarring from infection or injury

overactive bladder (OAB)

also known as urge incontinence; occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily even though the bladder is not actually full enough to indicate the need to urinate; urinary spinchters' relaxation in response to this urgent need to urinate may result in increased urinary frequency or accidental urination; common in adults older than 40 and may be caused by excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, urinary tract infections, neurological diseases, or bladder or prostate problems

urethral meatus

also known as urinary meatus; the external opening of the urethra

urine culture and sensitivity tests

also known as urine C and S; laboratory test that is used to identify the cause of a urinary tract infection and to determine which antibiotic would be the most effective treatment

fallopian tubes

also known as uterine tubes; extend from the upper end of the uterus to a point near but not attached to an ovary; each month one of these tubes carries a mature ovum from the ovary to the uterus; tubes also carry sperm upward from the uterus toward the descending mature ovum so that fertilization can occur

colpopexy

also known as vaginofixation, is the surgical fixation of a prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure such as the abdominal wall (

vasovasostomy

also known as vasectomy reversal; procedure performed as an attempt to restore fertility to a vasectomized male

floaters

also known as vitreous floaters; particles of cellular debris that float in the vitreous humor and cast shadows on the retina; often occur normally but may be an indication of retinal detachment, especially when accompanied by photopsia

urination

also known as voiding or micturition; normal process of secreting urine; as the bladder fills up with urine, pressure is placed on the base of the urethra, resulting in the urge to urinate; this requires the coordinated contraction of the bladder muscles and relaxation of the spinchters, this action forces the urine through the urethra and out through the urethral meatus

exotropia

also known as walleye; strabismus characterized by the outward deviation of one eye relative to the other; one or both eyes turn outward away from the nose

verrucae

also known as warts; small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus; singular - verruca; plantar warts are verrucae that develop on the sole of the foot

xeroderma

also known as xerosis; excessively dry skin

refraction

also means refractive power; ability of the lens to bend light rays so they focus on the retina

meningitis

also referred to as infections meningitis; inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord; can be caused by a bacterial or vial infection elsewhere in the body; characterized by intense headache and flu-like symptoms; bacterial meningitis is less common but sometimes fatal

exfoliative cytology

also referred to as skin scraping; technique in which cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope

urinary system

also referred to as the urinary tract; located in close proximity to the reproductive organs so sometimes these together are referred to as the genitourinary tract; performs many functions that are important in maintaining homeostasis; consists of 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, 1 bladder, and 1 urethra

ionizing radiation

also referred to as x-radiation; beneficial in producing diagnostic images and in treating cancer; excess exposure is dangerous, and the effects are cumulative; x-radation is invisible, has no odor, cannot be felt so appropriate precautions must always be taken to protect the technician and the patient

prophylaxis

also refers to a treatment intended to prevent a disease or stop it from spreading; examples include vaccination to provide immunity against a specific disease

orchidectomy

also spelled as orchiectomy; surgical removal of one or both testicles

Mammoplasty

also spelled mammaplasty, is a general term for a cosmetic operation on the breasts

lithotripsy

also used to break up calculi in the ureter, bladder, or urethra

delirium

an acute condition of confusion, disorientation, disordered thinking and memory, agitation, and hallucinations; usually caused by a treatable physical condition, such as a high fever; individuals suffering from this condition are described as being delirious

cholangitis

an acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice; most common cause is a bacterial infection

renal colic

an acute pain in the kidney area that is caused by blockage during the passage of nephrolith (kidney stone); pain sometimes comes in waves due to the peristaltic movement of the ureters

acetaminophen

an analgesic that reduces pain and fever but does not relieve inflammation; does not have the negative side effects of NSAIDS; basic ingredient found in Tylenol and its generic equivalents

hiatal hernia

an anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upwards into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm; can cause GERD and pyrosis

azotemia

an elevation of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) caused by a lack of blood flow to each kidney; uremia can occur when this excess becomes toxic

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract; this includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum

obesity

an excessive accumulation of fat in the body; usually used to refer to individuals who are more than 20 to 30$ over the established weight standards for their height, age, and gender

hyperthermia

an extremely high fever

incision and drainage (I & D)

an incision (cutting open) of a lesion, such as an abscess, and the draining of the contents

choledocholithotomy

an incision into the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones

salmonellosis

an infectious disease of the intestines that is transmitted by food contaminated with feces; also referred to as salmonella; transmitted by feces, either through direct contact with animals, or by eating contaminated raw or undercooked meats and eggs or unpasteurized milk and cheese products

Salpingitis

an inflammation of a fallopian tube

mastoiditis

an inflammation of any part of the mastoid bone; may develop when acute otitis media that cannot be controlled with antibiotics spreads to the mastoid process

stomatitis

an inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth

celiac disease

an inherited autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reaction to food containing gluten; also known as gluten intolerance; this disorder damages the villi of the small intestine and can cause malabsorption

puncture wound

an injury caused by a pointed object piercing the skin

abrasion

an injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away

type 2 diabetes

an insulin resistance disorder - insulin is being produced, but the body does not use it effectively; in an attempt to compensate for this lack of response, the body secretes more insulin; increasingly common in children and young adults, and obese adults; a person with this disorder may be asymptomatic for years; treatment is usually diet, exercise, and oral medications such as oral hypoglycemics, glucophage, or insulin replacement therapy

liver transplant

an option for a patient whose liver has failed for a reason other than liver cancer

clitoris

an organ of sensitive, erectile tissue locatd anterior to the urethral meatus and the vaginal orifice

carotid ultrasonograpy

an ultrasound of the carotid artery to detect plaque buildup in the artery to predict or diagnose an ischemic stroke

idiosyncratic reaction

an unexpected reaction to a drug that is peculiar to the individual

clubbing

anbormal curving of the nails that is often accompanied by enlargement of the fingertips; can be hereditary but is usually caused by changes associated with oxygen deficiencies related to coronary or pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer

dental implant

anchoring of a crown, bridge, or denture to the bone of the jaw; these can also be placed in the mouth without being anchored to the jaw

first stage of labor

and the longest; the changes that occur include the gradual dilation (dye-LAY-shun) and effacement of the cervix and the rupture of the amniotic sac. Effacement (eh-FAYS-mehnt) is the process by which the cervix prepares for delivery as it gradually softens, shortens, and becomes thinner (Figure 14.11B). Fetal monitoring is the use of an electronic device to record the fetal heart rate and the maternal uterine contractions during labor.

sublingual surface

and the tissues that lie under the tongue are covered with delicate highly vascular tissues; the presence makes it suitable for administering certain medications sublingually by placing them under the tongue where they are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream

submandibular glands

and their ducts are located on the floor of the mouth near the mandible

sublingual glands

and their ducts are located on the floor of the mouth under the tongue

vesicoureteral reflux

backward flow of urine into the ureters from the bladder; most common in infants and children

reflux

backward or return flow

dysentery

bacterial infection occurs most frequently in tropical countries where it is spread through food or water contaminated by human feces

adhesion

band of fibers that holds structures together abnormally

lingual frenum

band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth; limits the motion of the tongue

phenobarbital

barbiturate used as a sedative and as an anticonvulsant

amobarbital

barbiturate used as a sedative and hypnotic

psychoanalysis

based on the idea that mental disorders have underlying causes stemming from childhood and can only be overcome by gaining insight into one's feelings and patterns of behavior

neurons

basic cells of the nervous system that allow different parts of the body to communicate with each other; each neuron consists of a cell body, several dendrites, a single axon, and terminal end fibers; a single neuron can have a few or several hundred synapses

glucose

basic form of energy used by the body; glucose in the bloodstream is also known as blood sugar

partial liver transplant

because liver tissue regenerates, only part of the organ is donated; can be donated by a living donor whose blood and tissue types match;

traumatic brain injury

blow to the head or penetrating head injury that damages the brain; not all blows to the head result in damage to the brain; can range from mild, with only a brief change in mental status, to sever, with longer-lasting effects

corporis

body

radiopaque hard tissues

bone and tooth enamel; appear white or light gray on the radiograph

norepinephrine

both a hormone and a neurohormone; released as a hormone by the adrenal medulla and as a neurohormone by the sympathetic nervous system; plays an important role in the fight or flight response by raising blood pressure, strengthening the heartbeat, and stimulating muscle contractions

acoustic neuroma

brain tumor that develops adjacent to the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear; one of the most common types of brain tumors and can cause hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus

terminal end fibers

branching fibers at the end of the axon that lead the nerve impulse from the axon to the synapse

rash

breaking out, or eruption, that changes the color or texture of the skin

cerebral contusion

bruising of brain tissue as the result of a head injury that causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull

rectocele

bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the vagina, usually as the result of childbirth or pregnancy

tract

bundle or group of nerve fibers located within the brain or spinal cord

paresthesia

burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet but can also occur in other parts of the body; may constitute the first symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or may be a drug side effect

thyroid gland

butterfly-shaped; lies on either side of the larynx, just below the thyroid cartilage; one primary function is to regulate the body's metabolism

perforating ulcer

complication of a peptic ulcer in which the ulcer erodes through the entire thickness of the organ wall

induced abortion

caused by human intervention, is achieved through the use of drugs or suctioning. When done for medical purposes, it is known as a therapeutic abortion.

concave lenses

curved inward; used for myopia, or nearsightedness

laser tube

can be filled with a solid, liquid, or gas substance that is stimulated to emit light at a specific wavelength; some wavelengths are capable of destroying all skin tissue; others target tissue of a particular color

speech-language pathologist (SLP)

can be involved in numerous medical areas including audiology; practitioner that helps patients who have problems related to swallowing, speech, and communication disorders

chronic pain

can be mild or severe; persists over a longer period of time than acute pain and is resistant to most medical treatments; often causes severe problems for the patient

infectious diseases of the intestines

can be transmitted though contaminated food and water or through poor sanitation practices; most common includes clostridium difficile, dysentery, e. coli, salmonellosis

complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

can be used to supplement or replace allopathic medicine; available to patients today; some have been researched and proven effective while others have little research to support their claims

kidney disease

can lead to renal failure because damage to the blood vessels reduces blood flow through the kidneys

poorly controlled blood glucose

can slow wound healing and increase the likelihood of wound infections; can make minor injuries worse and lead to ulcers and gangrene, requiring amputation, particularly in the feet and legs

testicular cancer

cancer that begins in the testicles; the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34 years; highly treatable when diagnosed early

autonomic nerve fibers

carry instructions to the organs and glands from the autonomic nervous system

descending nerve tracts

carry nerve impulses away from the brain

ascending nerve tracts

carry nerve impulses toward the brain

vascular dementia

caused by a stroke or other restriction of the flow of blood to the brain; accounts for 10 to 20% of Alzheimer's disease

hypoparathyroidism

caused by an insufficient or absent secretion of the parathyroid hormone; causes hypocalcemia; in severe cases, it leads to tetany - the condition of periodic, painful muscle spasms and tremors

polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination)

caused by an insufficient quantity of ADH - too much fluid is excreted by the kidneys; extreme cases can reach over 20 quarts a day; if not controlled, can cause severe dehydration

vascular birthmarks

caused by blood vessels close to the skin's surface; most common type of birthmark; sometimes called salmon patches or red birthmarks

convex lenses

curved outward; used for hyperopia, or farsightedness

genital warts

caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV); highly contagious; in the male - infects the urethra; in the female - infects the external genitalia, cervix, and vagina; also increases the risk of cervical cancer; HPV vaccine available to prevent the spread of this disease; recommended that all boys and girls ages 11 or 12 be vaccinated; women can be vaccinated through age 26, men through age 21

syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)

caused by overproduction of the antidiuretic hormone ADH; often as a result of cancer or its treatment; high amounts of ADH keep the kidneys from excreting water, resulting in bloating and water retention that can dilute the blood, causing electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia (low levels of sodium)

E. coli

caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli; transmitted through contaminated foods that have not been adequately cooked

syphilis

caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum; has many symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other STDs; highly contagious and is passed from person to person through direct contact with a chancre - sore caused by syphilis; can be detected through the VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) blood test before the lesions appear; also can use the RPR test (Rapid Plasma Reagin)

chlamydia

caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis; most commonly reported STD in the United States; highly contagious and requires early treatment with antibiotics; in females - can damage the reproductive organs, even though symptoms are usually mild or absent, serious complications can cause irreversible damage, including infertility; in males - one of the causes of urethritis

genital herpes

caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2; symptoms include itching or burning before the appearance of lesions (sores) on the genitals or rectum; highly contagious, even when visible lesions are not present; antiviral drugs ease symptoms and can suppress future outbreaks; there is currently no cure

diabetic coma

caused by very high blood glucose (hyperglycemia); also know as diabetic ketoacidosis; treated by the prompt administration of insulin

insulin shock

caused by very low blood glucose (hypoglycemia); oral glucose - a sugary substance that can quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream - is consumed to rapidly raise the blood sugar level

local anesthesia

causes the loss of sensation in a limited area by injecting an anesthetic solution near that area

necrotizing

causing ongoing tissue death

divisions of the nervous system

central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)

cerebral hemispheres

cerebrum is divided to create two, the left and right cerebral hemisphere

oppositional defiant disorder

characterized by a child or adolescent's persistent angry, uncooperative, and disruptive behavior directed toward authority figures, which disrupts daily activities

anorexia nervosa

characterized by a false perception of body appearance; leads to an intense fear of gaining weight and inability to maintain a healthy body weight; voluntary starvation and/or excessive exercising often cause the patient to become emaciated (abnormally thin)

panic disorder

characterized by a fear of panic attacks; can cause people to develop agoraphobia or other phobias

attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

characterized by a short attention span and impulsive behavior that is inappropriate for the child's developmental age; may persist into adulthood

hypercalcemia

characterized by abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood instead of being stored in the bones and teeth; can lead to weakened bones and the formation of kidney stones

hypocalcemia

characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

characterized by chronic, excessive worrying; physical symptoms can include muscle tension, sleep disturbance, irritability, trouble concentrating, and restlessness

binge eating disorder (BED)

characterized by frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food, accompanied by a sense of loss of control and feelings of guilt or shame afterward

gamma radiation

characterized by high energy and a short wavelength; also used in nuclear medicine

borderline personality disorder

characterized by impulsive actions, often with the potential for self-harm as well as mood instability and chaotic relationships

somatic symptom disorder

characterized by physical complaints or concerns about one's body that are out of proportion to any physical findings or disease

incision

cut made with a surgical instrument

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

characterized by recurrent obsessions (repetitive, intrusive, distressing thoughts or impulses) and/or compulsions (repeatedly feeling compelled to do things, like wash or pray); makes someone feel they must do compulsive behaviors, such as repeated cleaning or checking, to prevent harm or stop the obsession; performing compulsions provides only temporary relief, but not performing them temporarily increases anxiety

conversion disorder

characterized by serious temporary or ongoing changes in function, such as paralysis or blindness, that are triggered by psychological factors rather than by any physical cause

trigeminal neuralgia

characterized by severe, lightning-like pain due to an inflammation of the fifth cranial nerve; sudden, intense, brief attacks of sharp pain affect the cheek, lips, and gums only on the side of the face innervated by the affected nerve

female pattern baldness

characterized by the hair thinning in the front and on the sides of the scalp and sometimes on the crown; rarely leads to total hair loss

malingering

characterized by the intentional creation of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms; motivated by incentives such as avoiding work

psychotic disorder

characterized by the loss of contact with reality and deterioration of normal social functioning

hoarding disorder

characterized by the over accumulation of belongings in a way that interferes with daily living; can create unsafe and unsanitary living conditions

hormones

chemical messengers that are secreted by endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream; this enables them to reach targeted cells and organs throughout the body; each hormone has specialized functions in regulating the activities of specific cells, organs, or both; affect almost every organ and cell in the body; blood or urine tests are used to measure hormone levels; often referred to by their abbreviation

neurotransmitters

chemical substances that make it possible for messages to cross from the synapse of a neuron to the target receptor; between 200 and 300 known neurotransmitters; each has a specialized function

antiodidants

chemicals such as vitamins A, C, and E; carotene; and lutein that may prevent or delay cell damage by blocking the activity of potentially harmful chemicals called free radicals; naturally present in fruits, beans, berries, nuts, and dark chocloate

alcoholism

chronic alcohol dependence with specific signs and symptoms upon withdrawal (psychological or physical syndrome caused by the abrupt cessation of the use of alcohol or drugs in an addicted individual)

eosinophilic esophagitis

chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the esophagus, usually as the result of an allergy to certain foods; inflammation can make it difficult to swallow; appears to be increasingly common in children and adults

interstitial cystitis

chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder; symptoms similar to cystitis, however do not respond to traditional treatment

epilepsy

chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of seizures of varying severity; also known as seizure disorder; can usually be controlled with medication

personality disorder

chronic pattern of inner experience and behavior that causes serious problems with relationships and work; pattern is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment

Parkinson's disease (PD)

chronic, degenerative central nervous disorder characterized by fine muscle tremors, rigidity, and a slow or shuffling gait (manner of walking); caused by gradual progressive loss of control over movements due to inadequate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain

retinoids

class of compounds derived from vitamin A that are used in skin care and treatment because of their effect on epithelial cell growth; use of retinoids can make the skin burn more easily

barbiturates

class of drugs whose major action is a calming or depressed effect on the central nervous system

lens

clear, flexible, curved structure that focuses images on the retina; contained within a clear capsule located behind the iris and pupil

acute pain

comes on quickly; can be severe and lasts only a relatively short time; can be caused by disease, inflammation, or injury to the tissues; when the cause of the pain is diagnosed and treated, the pain goes away

vulgaris

common

benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

common cause of vertigo that occurs when there is a shift in the located of small crystals in the semicircular canals;

metabolic syndrome

common combination of medical conditions, including increased blood pressure, elevated levels of insulin in the blood, excess body fat around the waist, or abnormal cholesterol levels; increases the patient's risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

common condition of unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping and abdominal pain, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea; usually aggravated by stress and by eating certain foods, not believed to be caused by pathogens (bacteria or viruses)

gastritis

common inflammation of the stomach lining that is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori

depression

common mood disorder characterized by lethargy and sadness, as well as the loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities; severe depression may lead to feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide

pharynx

common passageway for both respiration and digestion

psoriasis

common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, or buttocks

meningioma

common, slow-growing, and usually benign tumor of the meninges

vermiform appendix

commonly called the appendix; hangs from the lower portion of the cecum; consists of lymphoid tissue

temporomandibular joint

commonly known as TMJ; formed at the back of the mouth where the maxillary and mandibular arches come together

Dilation and curettage

commonly known as a D & C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and the endometrium of the uterus is scraped away. This can be performed as a diagnostic or a treatment procedure. Dilation means the expansion of an opening. Curettage is the removal of material from the surface by scraping with an instrument known as a curette.

panoramic radiograph

commonly known as a Panorex; shows all of the structures in both dental arches in a single film

ecchymosis

commonly known as a bruise; large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin; plural - ecchymoses

unguis

commonly known as a fingernail or toenail; the keratin plate that protects the dorsal surface of the last bone of each finger and toe; plural - ungues; each nail consists of a nail body, nail bed, free edge, lunula, cuticle, nail root

acne vulgaris

commonly known as acne; inflammatory disease characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft; often triggered by hormones in puberty and adolescence; also occurs in adults

colorectal carcinoma

commonly known as colon cancer; often first manifests itself in polyps in the colon

onychocryptosis

commonly known as ingrown toenail; the edges of a toenail, usually on the big toe, curve inward and cut into the skin; the affected area is prone to inflammation or infection

sleep hyperhidrosis

commonly known as night sweats; occurrence of hyperhidrosis during sleep; many potential causes, including menopause, certain medications, and some infectious diseases

deglutition

commonly known as swallowing; pharynx plays an important role in this

perspiration

commonly known as sweat; secreted by sweat glands and is made up of 99% water plus some salt and metabolic waste products; one way in which the body excretes excess water, normally up to one quart of liquid is perspired daily; as perspiration evaporates into the air, it also cools the body; body odor comes from the interaction of sweat with bacteria on the skin's surface

lacrimal fluid

commonly known as tears; is to maintain moisture on the anterior surface of the eyeball; blinking distributes the lacrimal fluid across the eye

ultrasonography

commonly referred to as ultrasound or diagnostic ultrasound; imaging of deep body structures by recording the echoes of sound wave pulses that are above the range of human hearing; does not involve radiation

decibel (dB)

commonly used as the measurement of the loudness of sound

deafness

complete or partial loss of the ability to hear; can range from the inability to hear sounds of a certain pitch or intensity, to a complete loss of hearing

tourette syndrome (TS)

complex neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics, grunts, and compulsive utterances that sometimes include obscenities

exfoliative dermatitis

condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin; often accompanied by pruritus, erythroderma (redness), and hair loss; may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions

bacterial vaginosis

condition in women in which there is an abnormal overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina; can cause complications during pregnancy and an increase risk of HIV infection if exposed to the virus; symptoms include a discharge, odor, pain, itching, or buring

bacterial vaginosis (BV)

condition in women in which there is an abnormal overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina; can cause complications during pregnancy and an increases risk of HIV infection if exposed to the virus; symptoms sometimes include discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning

tinnitus

condition of a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in one or both ears; often associated with hearing loss and is more likely to occur when there has been prolonged exposure to loud noises

hyperesthesia

condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, or other sensory stimuli

presbyopia

condition of common changes in the eyes that occur with aging; near vision declines noticeably as the lens becomes less flexible and the muscles of the ciliary body become weaker; result is that the eyes are no longer able to focus the image properly on the retina

hypogonadism

condition of deficient secretion of hormones by the sex glands

gynecomastia

condition of excessive mammary development in the male; caused by a decrease in testosterone

hypergonadism

condition of excessive secretion of hormones by the sex glands

hyperinsulinism

condition of excessive secretion of insulin in the bloodstream; can cause hypoglycemia

hyperhidrosis

condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body

gender dysphoria

condition where a person's gender at birth does not match the gender with which they currently identify, potentially causing significant amount of stress; can begin in early childhood

acanthosis nigricans

condition where one or more areas of the skin develop dark, wart-like patches; can be a sign of a disease such as cancer to type 2 diabetes or a reaction to a medication

autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

condition with different levels of symptom severity in which a young child has difficulty developing normal social relationships and communication skills, may compulsively follow repetitive routines, and has narrowly focused, intense interests that are sometimes unusual; children with autism have significant developmental delays, including speech and language; most have very minimal verbal skills and lack normal social relationships

epispadias

congenital abnormality of the urethral opening; in males, the urethral opening is located on the upper surface of the penis; in the female, the urethral opening is in the region of the clitoris

hypospadias

congenital abnormality of urethral opening; in males opening is on the ventral surface (underside) of the penis; in females, urethra opens into the vagina

anorchism

congenital absence of one or both testicles

cretinism

congenital form of hypothyroidism; if treatment is not started soon after birth, cretinism causes arrested physical and mental development

meningocele

congenital herniation of the meninges that surround the brain or spinal cord through a defect in the skull or spinal column

semicircular canals

connected to the cochlea by the vestibule; contain the liquid endolymph and sensitive hair cells; bending of these hair cells in response to the movements of the head sets up impulses in nerve fibers to help maintain equilibrium (state of balance)

pain

considered to be a fifth vital sign; subjective symptom that cannot be measured; must be determined as reported by the patient

permanent dentition

consists of 32 teeth designed to last a lifetime; 20 replace primary teeth and 12 erupt at the back of the mouth; includes 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars

lacrimal canal

consists of a duct at the inner corner of each eye; collect tears and empty them into the lacrimal sacs; crying is the overflowing of tears from the lacrimal canals

pulp

consists of a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrients and innervation to the tooth

peripheral nervous system

consists of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that extend from the brain, plus 31 pairs of spinal nerves that extend from the spinal cord

vulva

consists of the labia, clitoris, Bartholin's glands, and vaginal orifice

upper GI tract

consists of the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, and stomach; transports food from entry into the body until digestion begins in the stomach

the body of the uterus

consists of three major anatomic areas: fundus, corpus, cervix

kidneys

constantly filter the blood to remove waste products and excess water; these are excreted as urine which is 95% water and 5% urea and other body wastes; about 200 quarts of blood are processed every day, producing an average of 2 quarts of urine; also help the body maintain the proper level of fluid, produce hormones that control blood pressure and make red blood cells, and activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones

spermatocele

cyst that develops in the epididymis and is filled with a milky fluid containing sperm

infectious myringitis

contagious inflammation that causes painful blisters on the eardrum; associated with a middle ear infection; not be be confused with infectious meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord)

circumscribed

contained within a limited area

highly vascular

containing many blood vessels

inner ear

contains the sensory receptors for hearing and balance; structures of the inner ear are a maze-like system known as the labyrinth

overflow incontinence

continuous leaking from the bladder either because it is full or because it does not empty completely; usually caused by a blocked urethra and is prevalent in older men with enlarged prostates

miosis

contraction of the pupil, normally in response to exposure to light but also possibly due to the use of prescription or illegal drugs

right cerebral hemisphere

controls most of the functions of the left side of the body; injury to the right hemisphere produces sensory and motor deficits on the left side of the body

occipital lobe

controls sight

frontal lobe

controls skilled motor functions, memory, and behavior

left cerebral hemisphere

controls the majority of the functions on the right side of the body; injury to the left hemisphere produces sensory and motor deficits on the right side of the body

temporal lobe

controls the senses of hearing and smell, and the ability to create, store, and access new information

function of the nervous system

coordinates and controls all bodily activities; when the brain ceases functioning, the body is no longer able to live on its own; the brain is at its center

aldosterone (ALD)

corticosteroid that regulates the sodium and water levels in the body by increasing sodium reabsorption (returning a substance to the bloodstream) and potassium excretion by the kidneys

integument

cover; enclose

acoustic nerves

cranial nerve VIII; also called auditory nerves; transmit information to the brain; made up of two parts - cochlear nerves that transmit sound for hearing and vestibular nerves that sense balance and head position

radiology

creates an image of hard-tissue internal structures by the exposure of sensitized film to x-radiation; resulting film is a radiograph or radiogram; commonly referred to as an x-ray

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

currently 5th edition; gold standard for diagnosing mental health disorders (congenital abnormalities, physical changes, substance abuse, trauma, medication, or any combination of these)

mononeuropahty

damage to a singular peripheral nerve, as in carpal tunnel syndrome

peripheral neuropathy

damage to the nerves affecting the hands and feet which makes it harder to feel a cut or other injury;

diabetic retinopathy

damage to the retina as a complication of uncontrolled diabetes; as this progresses, diabetic macular edema can occur

gangrene

death of tissue; most commonly caused by a loss of circulation to the affected tissues; followed by bacterial invasion that causes putrefaction, and if this enters the bloodstream, it can be fatal

putrefaction

decay that produces foul-smelling odors

altered levels of consciousness

decrease in consciousness due to injury, disease, or substances such as medication, drugs, or alcohol

proton pump inhibitors

decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach; used to treat the symtoms of GERD

constipation

defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week; stools are usually had, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate; can be caused by a lack of fiber in the diet, disease, a side effect of certain drugs, and pelvic floor dysfunction - lack of coordination of the muscles needed for the rectum to straighten and the anal sphincter to relax

senile dementia

dementia of the aged

orthodontist

dental specialist who prevents or corrects malocclusion of the teeth and related facial structures

periodontist

dental specialist who prevents or treats disorders of the tissues surrounding the teeth

hypnotic

depresses the central nervous system and usually produces sleep

sedative

depresses the central nervous system to produce calm and diminshed responsiveness without producing sleep

sensory nerve endings

dermis are the sensory receptors for stimuli such as touch, temperature, pain, and pressure

perforation

describes a hole through the wall of a structure

metabolism

describes all of the processes involved in the body's use of nutrients, including the rate at which they are used; thyroid secretions also influence the growth and the functioning of the nervous system

oblique

describes an angle that is slanted but is not perpendicular or parallel

coup

describes an injury occurring within the skull near the point of impact, such as hitting the windshield in an auto accident

mycosis

describes any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus

recumbent

describes any position in which the patient is lying down; can be back, front, or side;

precancerous

describes growth that is not yet malignant; but if not treated is likely to become malignant

assisted reproductive technology (ART)

describes techniques used to aid an infertile couple in achieving a viable pregnancy. See Table 14.2 for abbreviations and terms related to assisted fertilization.; artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization

nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

describes the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol; usually has no signs or symptoms, most often individuals who are obese, have type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, or a combination of these conditions

dilation

describes the expansion of the capillary

cognition

describes the mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and memory

radiographic projection

describes the path the x-ray beam follows through the patient's body from the entrance to exit; when the name of the projection combines two terms into a single word, the term listed first is the one that the x-ray penetrates first; can be exposed with the patient in a standing or recumbent position

hematocrit (HCT)

describes the percentage, by volume, of a blood sample occupied by red cells; used to diagnose abnormal states of hydration (fluid levels in the body), polycythemia (excess red blood cells), and anemia (deficient red blood cells)

radiographic positioning

describes the placement of the patient's body and the part of the body that is closest to the x-ray film; example - left lateral position - left side of the patient's body is placed nearest the film

comorbidity

describes the presence of more than one disease or health condition in an individual at a given time

nephrolithiasis

describes the presence of stones in the kidney; as they travel with the flow of urine, they are named for the location where they become lodged

perodontium

describes the structure that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth; consists of the bone of the dental arches and the soft tissues that surround and support the teeth

open MRI

designed to be less confining and is more comfortable; has a lower field strength which limits its uses in certain situation

hyperplasia

increase in cell numbers typically associated with tumor growth, but is not always caused by cancer or infection

malignant brain tumor

destroys brain tissue; when this originates in the brain, it is considered to be the primary site; if it metastasizes to the brain from another body system, it is considered to be a secondary site

functional MRI (fMRI)

detects changes in blood flow in the brain when the patient is asked to perform a specific task; gives a clearer picture of the brain tissue relevant to accomplishing this task

amniotic cavity

developing embryo is surrounded by this fluid-filled space between the embryo and the amniotic sac

percussion

diagnostic procedure designed to determine the density of a body part by the sound produced by tapping the surface with the fingers; performed on the back to determine the presence of normal air content in the lungs

voiding cystourethrography

diagnostic procedure in which a fluoroscope is used to examine the flow of urine from the bladder and through the urethra; often performed after cystography

slit-lamp opthalmoscopy

diagnostic procudure in which a narrow beam of light is focused onto parts of the eye to permit the opthalmologist to examine the structures at the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens; fluorescein is used to help detect foreign bodies or an infected or injured area of the eye

amniocentesis

diagnostic test performed during pregnancy

thyroid-stimulating hormone assay

diagnostic test to measure the circulating blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone; used to detect abnormal thyroid activity resulting from excessive pituitary stimulation

normal resting heart rate

differs by age group; adults is 60-100 bpm; newborn is 100-160 bpm; athletes is 40-60 bpm

dysuria

difficult or painful urination; frequently associated with urinary tract infections

urinary hesitancy

difficulty in starting a urinary stream; most common in older men with enlarged prostate glands; in younger people, the inability to urinate when another person is resent is known as bashful bladder syndrome

dysphagia

difficulty in swallowing

hydronephrosis

dilation (swelling) of one or both kidneys; can be caused by problems associated with the backing up of urine due to an obstruction such as a nephrolith (kidney stone) or a stricture (narrowing) in the ureter

mydriasis

dilation of the pupil; causes include diseases, trauma (injury), and drugs

low specific gravity

dilute urine; characteristic of diabetes insipidus

amblyopia

dimness of vision or the partial loss of sight, especially in one eye, without detectable disease of the eye

ureterorrhagia

discharge of blood from the ureter

morbid

diseased state

pyromania

disorder characterized by repeated, deliberate fire setting

kleptomania

disorder characterized by repeatedly stealing objects neither for personal use nor for their monetary value

strabismus

disorder in which the eyes point in different directions or are not aligned correctly, because the eye muscles are unable to focus together; sometimes treated with corrective lenses or an eye patch covering the stronger eye and thus strengthening the muscles in the weaker eye

delirium tremens (DTs)

disorder involving sudden and severe mental changes or seizures caused by abruptly stopping the use of alcohol

Conn's syndrome

disorder of the adrenal glands that is caused by the excessive production of aldosterone; a form of primary aldosteronism; can cause weakness, cramps, and convulsions

peripheral neuropathy

disorder of the peripheral nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord; produces pain, the loss of sensation, and the inability to control muscles, particularly in the arms or legs

prostatism

disorder resulting from the compression or obstruction of the urethra due to benign prostatic hyperplasia; can produce difficulties with urination, including urinary retention

bulimia nervosa

eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications

sedation

effect produced by a sedative

Rh factor

efines the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells (see Chapter 5). The Rh factor can cause difficulties when an Rh negative (Rh-) mother is pregnant with an Rh positive (Rh+) baby. If a small amount of the baby's blood enters the mother's bloodstream, she can develop antibodies in an allergic response. A man who is Rh+ can father a baby that is either Rh+ or Rh-, potentially causing a reaction if the mother is Rh-. (If both parents are Rh-, there is no danger of incompatibility.) The antibodies that develop in the mother's body during pregnancy can cause anemia and other problems for the baby and can also be a risk factor to subsequent pregnancies if the mother is not treated. Blood tests of both parents can identify this potential problem. If it exists, the mother is vaccinated with a blood product called Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg). The abbreviation Rh comes from the fact that blood samples from rhesus monkeys were used in the experiments that lead to the discovery of the Rh factor in 1940.

cochlear implant

electronic device that bypasses the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve; external speech processor captures sounds and converts them into digital signals; electrodes that are implanted into the cochlea receive the signals and stimulate the auditory nerve; the brain receives these signals and perceives them as sound; it may take several months to adjust to the difference in speech when it is received in this manner

hearing aids

electronic devices that are worn to correct a hearing loss; sometimes a sensorineural hearing loss can be corrected with a hearing aid; some are programmable from a smart phone or tablet; worn behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC), or completely in the canal (CIC)

esophageal varices

enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus; singular, varix; severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures

excisional biopsy

entire tumor or lesion and a margin of surrounding tissue are removed

port-wine stain

flat vascular birthmark made up of dilated blood capillaries, creating a large, reddish-purple discoloration on the face or neck; will not resolve without treatment; treated using short pulses of laser light to remove the birthmark; can require many sessions because only a small section is treated at a time

soft palate

flexible posterior portion of the palate; during swallowing, it closes off the nasal passage to prevent food and liquid from moving upward into the nasal cavity

otopyorrhea

flow of pus from the ear

regurgitating

flowing backward

serous otitis media

fluid buildup in the middle ear without symptoms of an infection; can follow acute otitis media or can be caused by obstruction of the eustachian tube

exudate

fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of an infected wound

follicle

fluid-filled sac containing a single ovum (egg); there are thousands of these sacs on the inside surface of the ovaries

hydrocele

fluid-filled sac in the scrotum along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles

mindfulness meditation

focuses on becoming aware of thoughts and emotions and their physiological responses, as well as accepting them and maintaining a calm, constant awareness

behavioral therapy

focuses on changing behavior by indentifying problem behaviors, replacing them with appropriate behaviors, and using rewards or other consequences to make the changes

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

focuses on changing thoughts that are affecting a person's emotions and actions; identified and then challenged through logic, gathering evidence, testing in action, or a combination; goal is to change problematic beliefs;

refractive disorder

focusing problem that occurs when the lens and cornea do not bend light so that it focuses properly on the retina

swallowing

food travels from the mouth into the pharynx and on into the esophagus, then downward through the action of gravity and peristalsis

endoscope

for examining the inside of the stomach through the mouth

scalpel

for single-incision gallbladder removal; used for Open Cholecystectomy

sphygmomanometer

force is measured; if using a manual style, a stethascope is required to listen to the blood sounds

temporal artery

forehead scanner

epithelial tissues

form a protective covering for all of the internal and external surfaces of the body

dermabrasion

form of abrasion involving the use of a revolving wire brush or sandpaper; used to remove acne and chickenpox scars as well as for facial skin rejuvenation

factitious disorder by proxy

form of child abuse; seemingly very concerned about the child's well being, the mentally ill parent will falsify an illness in a child by making up or inducing symptoms and then seeking medical treatment, even surgery, for the child

ophthalmia neonatorum

form of conjuctivitis that is caused by the bacteria responsible for chlamydia or gonorrhea; all newborns receive an antibiotic ointment in each eye within an hour after birth to prevent

gestational diabetes mellitus

form of diabetes mellitus that occurs during some pregnancies; usually disappears after delivery; many of these women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

sunburn

form of erythema in which skin cells are damaged by exposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight; damage increases the chances of later developing skin cancer

temporal arteritis

form of fasculitis that can cause a sudden vision loss; usually in one eye

glycogen

form of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles

neuromuscular therapy (NMT)

form of massage that uses soft-tissue manipulation focusing on applying pressure to trigger points to treat injuries and alleviate pain; trigger point - a particularly taut band of muscle that is tender to the touch

vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)

form of physical therapy designed to treat a wide variety of balance disorders, the majority of which are caused by problems in the inner ear and vestibular nerve

collagen replacement therapy

form of soft-tissue augmentation used to soften facial lines or scars or to make lips appear fuller; tiny quantities of collagen are injected under a line or scar to boost the skin's natural supply of collagen; effect usually lasts for 3 to 12 months

ear tubes

formally known as tympanostomy tubes; tiny ventilating tubes placed through the eardrum to provide ongoing drainage for fluids and to relieve pressure that can build up after childhood ear infections

suppuration

formation or discharge of pus

identical twins

formed by the fertilization of a single egg cell by a single sperm that divides to form two embryos. Each of these twins receives exactly the same genetic information from the parents.

short stature

formerly known as dwarfism; sometimes caused by deficient secretion of growth hormone

uterus

formerly known as the womb; pear-shaped organ with muscular walls and a mucous membrane lining filled with a rich supply of blood vessels; located between the urinary bladder and the rectum and midway between the sacrum and the pubic bone; normal position is known as anteflexion-the body of the uterus is bent forward; composed of 3 major layers of tissue - perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium

dissociative identity disorder

formerly referred to as multiple personality disorder; mental illness characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personalities, each with its own characteristics, which appear to exist within the same individual

skin

forms the protective outer layer covering the external surfaces of the entire body; waterproofs the body and prevents fluid loss; intact skin plays an important role in the immune system by blocking the entrance of pathogens into the body; major receptor for the sense of touch; helps the body synthesize vitamin D from the sun's ultraviolet light, while screening out some harmful ultraviolet radiation; average adult has 2 square yards of skin, making it the largest bodily organ; complex system of specialized tissues made up of three basic layers - epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous

palate

forms the roof of the mouth; consists of hard palate, soft palate, and uvula

squamous epithelial tissue

forms the upper layer of the epidermis; consists of flat, scaly cells that are continuously shed

botox

formulation of botulinum toxin; the same neurotoxin responsible for the form of food poisoning known as botulism; when small, sterile doses are injected into muscles on the forehead, it can temporarily block the nerve signals to the injected muscle for up to 3 to 4 months, reducing moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows; also used therapeutically to treat migraines, overactive bladder, strabismus, and muscle spasms

apocrine glands

found at the hair follicles

mast cells

found in the connective tissue of the dermis, respond to injury, infection, or allergy by producing and releasing substances, including heparin and histamine

tinea capitis

found on the scalps of children

vital signs

four key indications that the body systems are functioning; recorded for most patient visits; temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; VSS means vital signs stable

nocturia

frequent and excessive urination during the night

fimbriae

fringed, finger-like extensions of the infundibulum opening; role is to catch the mature ovum when it leave the ovary; singluar - fimbria;

otomycosis

fungal infection of the external auditory canal; also known as swimmer's ear

onychomycosis

fungal infection of the nail; depending on type of fungus involved, can cause the nails to turn white, yellow, green, or black and to become thick or brittle

tinea corporis

fungal infection of the skin on the body

tinea

fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair, or nails; also known as ringworm; not because a worm is involved, but because as the fungus grows on the skin, it spreads out in a worm-like circle; does not create this pattern when it grows on the nails

renal pelvis

funnel-shaped area inside each kidney that is surrounded by the renal cortex and medulla; this is where the newly formed urine from the nephrons collects before it flows into the ureters; before entering the ureters, urine collects in the renal pelvis

infundibulum

funnel-shaped opening into the fallopian tube near the ovary

ankylosis

fused together

gonads

gamete-producing glands; ovaries in females, testicles in males; secrete hormones that are responsible for the development and maintenance of the secondary sex characteristics that develop during pregnancy

pneumatic retinopexy

gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity to put pressure on the area of repair while it heals; the bubble gradually dissipates; lasers are used to removed clouded tissue that may have formed in the posterior portion of the lens capsule after cataract extraction

role of the stomach

gastric juices of the stomach contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes to continue the breakdown of food; few nutrients enter the bloodstream through the walls of the stomach; the churning action of the stomach works with the gastric juices by converting the food into chyme

alternative medicine

general term for practices and systems of health care other than allopathic approaches used in place of these treatments

complementary medicine

general term for practices and systems of health care other than allopathic approaches used to supplement these treatments; 3 categories - mind-body therapies, hands-on therapies, and energy therapies

wellness

general term that means actively working toward a state of being in good physical and mental health; including a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and the avoidance of risky behavior such as smoking or not wearing a seatbelt

polyp

general term used most commonly to describe a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane, such as a polyp in the nose; have many causes and are not necessarily malignant

dermatosis

general term used to denote skin lesions or eruptions of any type that are not associated with inflammation

granuloma

general term used to describe a small, knot-like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis; can result from inflammation, injury, or infection; knotlike swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis

lensectomy

general term used to describe the surgical removal of a cataract-clouded lens

albinism

genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or the absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises of the eyes; result of a missing enzyme that is necessary for the production of melanin; person with this condition is known as an albino

polycystic kidney disease

genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys; these cysts slowly replace much of the mass of the kidney, reduce the kidney function, which eventually leads to kidney failure

Huntington's disease

genetic disorder that is classified as a neurodegenerative disease

seminal vesicles

glands that secrete a thick, yellow substance to nourish the sperm cells; this forms 60% of the volume of semen; located at the base of the urinary bladder and open into the vas deferens as it joins the urethra

anastomosis clamps

goes in drawer of implements used in procedures connecting the stomach and the duodenum

presbycusis

gradual loss of sensorineural hearing that occurs as the body ages

macular degeneration (MD)

gradually progressive condition in which the macula at the center of the retina is damaged, resulting in the loss of central vision but not in total blindness

aphthous ulcers

gray-white pits with red border that appear in the soft tissues lining the mouth; also known as canker sores or mouth ulcers; exact cause is unknown; appearance is associated with stress, certain foods, or fever

vernix

greasy substance that protects the fetus in utero and can still be present at birth

meconium

greenish material that collects in the intestine of a fetus and forms the first stools of a newborn

glaucoma

group of diseases characterized by increases intraocular pressure (IOP) that causes damage to the retinal nerve fibers and the optic nerve; caused by a blockage in the flow of fluid out of the eye; if untreated, can cause loss of peripheral vision and eventually blindness

prostatitis

group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of the prostate gland; most common is chronic nonbacterial prostatis-no single known cause; or bacterial prostatis - usually results from bacteria transported in the urine

basic metabolic panel (BMP, or Profile 8)

group of eight specific blood tests that provide important information about the current status of the patient's kidneys, electrolyte balance, blood sugar, and calcium levels; significant changes can indicate acute problems such as kidney failure, diabetes-related complications, or respiratory problems

ichthyosis

group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin; caused either by the slowing of the skin's natural shedding process or by a rapid increase in the production of the skin's cells

impulse control disorders

group of psychiatric disorders characterized by a failure to resist an impulse despite potential negative consequences; includes kleptomania, pyromania, oppositional defiant disorder; compulsive shopping and gambling

peripheral spinal nerves

grouped together and named based on the region of the body they innervate; referred to by number; C1-C8 are the cervical nerves; T1-T12 are the thoracic nerves; L1-L5 are the lumbar nerves; S1-S5 are the sacral nerves

male pattern baldness

hairline receding from the front to the back until only a horseshoe-shaped area of hair remains in the back and at the temples

uvula

hangs from the free edge of the soft palate; during swallowing, it moves upward with the soft palate; plays an important role in snoring and in the formation of some speech sounds

psychologist

has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) but is not a medical doctor; evaluates and treats emotional problems and mental illness

pneumatic otoscope

has the attachment of a bulb filled with air; during an exam with an otoscope the bulb is pressed to visualize whether or not the tympanic membrane is immobile, indication possible otitis media

arachnoid

having to do with spiders

capitis

head

optician

health care practitioner who designs, fits, and dispenses lenses for vision correction

certified diabetes educator

health care professional qualified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their disease

lubb sound

heard first; caused by the tricuspid and mitral valves closing between the atria and the ventricles

respiratory sounds

heard through a stethoscope; provide information abut the condition of the lungs and the pleura as the patient breathes

hair

helps control the loss of body heat

duct probe

helps locate gallstones in bile duct; used for Cholelithiasis

hemorrhoid

hemorrhoid

impetigo

highly contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly occurs in children; characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture

gonorrhea

highly contagious condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae; in women - affects the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes; in men - affects the urethra by causing painful urination and an abnormal discharge; can also affect the mouth, throat, and anus of both men and women

roots of the

hod it securely in place within the dental arch; protected by cementum which is hard, but not as strong as enamel

dentist

holds a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of medical dentistry (DMD) degree and specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of teeth and tissues of the oral cavity

needle biopsy

hollow needle is used to remove a core of tissue for examination

ghrelin

hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract; sometimes referred to as the hunger hormone; research is ongoing to flesh out the tole that leptic and ghrelin play in the rising levels of obesity

progesterone

hormone released during the second half of the menstrual cycle by the corpus luteum in the ovary; function is to complete the preparation of the uterus for possible pregnancy

glucagon

hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets in response to low level of glucose in the bloodstream; increases the glucose level by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose for release into the bloodstream; amount of glucose in the bloodstream is increased

estrogen

hormone secreted by the ovaries that is important in the development and maintenance of the female secondary sex characteristics and in regulation of the menstrual cycle

oxytocin (OXT)

hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth; after childbirth, controls postnatal hemorrhage and stimulates the flow of milk from the mammary glands

melatonin

hormone that influences the sleep-wakefulness portions of the circadian cycle (the biological functions that occur within a 24-hour period); secreted by the pineal gland

sonogram

image created by ultrasonography; images are created by a sonographer who is a technician specifically trained in this technique; most effective for viewing solid organs of the abdomen and soft tissues where the signal is not stopped by intervening bone or air; common uses include evaluating fetal development, detecting the presence of gallstones or a blood clot, identifying tears in tendons, muscles, or ligaments, or confirming the presence of a mass found on a mammogram; also used to guide interventional procedures such as injections of anti-inflammatory drugs the removal of fluid, and needle placement for a biopsy

stat

immediately

food allergy

immune system reaction that occurs after eating a certain food

dystonia

impairment of voluntary muscle movement

erectile dysfunction (ED)

impotence; the inability of the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection; a penis that is not erect is referred to as being flaccid, or limp

subdural space

in both the skull and vertebral column, located between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane

occlusion

in dentistry, describes any contact between the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth

in situ

in its original place

decubitus

in radiography, describes the patient lying in a recumbent position

axillary

in the armpit

aural

in the ear

oral

in the mouth

rectal

in the rectum

urinary incontinence

inability to control the voiding of urine

stress incontinence

inability to control the voiding of urine under physical stress such as running, lifting, sneezing, laughing, or coughing; occurs more often in women

placebo

inactive substance, such as a sugar pill or liquid, that is administered only for its suggestive effects; sometimes administered to a control group, while the drug being studied is sometimes administered to the other group

pigmented birthmarks

include nevi, also known as moles, as well as cafe-au-lait spots and other irregularities in skin color

internal male genitalia

include the remaining structures of the male reproductive system; line 25 in images

overall appearance

includes a number of factors: how appropriately the patients is dressed, whether there is any body odor, or if there are signs of possible difficulties with self-care

metabolism

includes all of the processes involved in the body's use of nutrients; consists of 2 parts-anabolism and catabolism

manic behavior

includes an abnormally elevated mood of euphoria, including inappropriate elation, increases irritability, severe insomnia, poor judgement, and inappropriate social behavior

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

includes the 12 pairs of cranial nerves extending from the brain and the 31 pairs of peripheral spinal nerves extending outward from the spinal cord; function is to transmit nerve signals to and from the central nervous system

central nervous system (CNS)

includes the brain and spinal cord; functions is to receive and process information and to regulate all bodily activity; protected externally by the bones of the cranium and the vertebrae of the spinal column, within these bony structures, the brain and spinal cord are further protected by the meninges and the cerebrospinal fluid

creatinuria

increased concentration of creatinine in the urine; creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is normally removed by the kidneys; excess creatinine indicates increases muscle breakdown or a disruption of kidney function

diuresis

increased output of urine

melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

increases the production of melanin in melanocytes, thereby causing darkening of skin pigmentation; production usually increases during pregnancy

pH value below 7

indicates acid urine and is an indication of acidosis (excessive acid in the body fluids)

pH value above 7

indicates alkaline urine and can indicate conditions such as a urinary tract infection

pediculosis corporis

infestation with body lice

pediculosis capitis

infestation with head lice

pediculosis pubis

infestation with lice in the pubic hair and pubic region

pediculosis

infestation with lice; in order to get rid of the infestation the lice eggs (nits) must be destroyed; 3 types of lice, pediculosis capitis, pediculosis corporis, and pediculosis pubis

neuritis

inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function

adrenalitis

inflammation of the adrenal glands

cystitis

inflammation of the bladder

encephalitis

inflammation of the brain; can be caused by viral infection such as rabies

keratitis

inflammation of the cornea; can be due to many causes, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections

epididymitis

inflammation of the epididymis that is frequently caused by the spread of infection from the urethra or the bladder

cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder; usually associated with gallstones blocking the flow of bile

balanitis

inflammation of the glans penis that is usually caused by poor hygiene in men who have not had the foreskin removed by circumcision

folliculitis

inflammation of the hair follicles; common on arms, legs, and in the beard area of men; one cause is bacterium found in poorly chlorinated hot tubs or whirlpools; leads to hot tub folliculitis; especially common on the limbs

nephritis

inflammation of the kidney or kidneys; most common causes are toxin, infection, or an autoimmune disease

labyrinthitis

inflammation of the labyrinth that can result in vertigo and deafness

dacryoadenitis

inflammation of the lacrimal gland caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; signs and symptoms of this condition include sudden severe pain, redness, and pressure in the orbit of the eye

hepatitis

inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection; leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants; 3 most common - hep A, hep B, hep C

otitis media

inflammation of the middle ear

gastroenteritis

inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines

pancreatitis

inflammation of the pancreas; leading cause is long-term alcohol abuse

pyelonephritis

inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney; usually caused by a bacterial infection that has spread upward from the bladder

sciatica

inflammation of the sciatic nerve that results in pain, burning, and tingling along the course of the affected nerve through the thigh, leg, and sometimes into the foot

scleritis

inflammation of the sclera of the eye; usually associated with infections, chemical injuries, or autoimmune diseases

dermatitis

inflammation of the skin; takes many forms; usually characterized by redness, swelling, and itching

enteritis

inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral or bacterial pathogens

myelitis

inflammation of the spinal cord; also means inflammation of bone marrow

thymitis

inflammation of the thymus gland

urethritis

inflammation of the urethra

uveitis

inflammation of the uvea causing swelling and irritation; complications can potentially lead to permanent vision loss

diverticulitis

inflammation or infection of one or more diverticulum in the colon; sometimes develops as a result of diverticulosis; symptoms can include sudden abdominal pain, cramping, and nausea

seborrheic dermatitis

inflammation sometimes resulting from seborrhea that causes scaling and itching of the upper layers of the skin or scalp; example is extensive dandruff or cradle cap in infants; mild dandruff is usually caused by a yeast-like fungus on the scalp

intravenous contrast medium

injected into a vein to make the flow of blood through blood vessels and organs visible

medulla

inner region of the kidney and it contains most of the urine-collecting tubules

epidural space

inner surface of the vertebral column; located between the walls of the veterbral column and the dura mater of the meninges, contains fat and supportive connective tissues to cushion the dura mater

nasogastric tube

inserted into the stomach to facilitate liquid feeding and medication administration or removal of stomach contents; used for Ileus

rectal administration

insertion of medication in the rectum either in the form of a suppository or a liquid; suppository - medication in a semisolid form that is introduced into the rectum which melts at body temperature and is absorbed through the surrounding tissues

endoscope

instrument used for an endoscopy

speculum

instrument used to enlarge the opening of any canal or cavity, especially the vagina, to facilitate inspection of its interior

otoscope

instrument used to examine the external ear canal

opthalmoscope

instrument used to examine the interior of the eye

stethoscope

instrument used to listen to sounds within the body

otoscope

instrument used to visually examine the external ear canal and tympanic membrane

cluster headaches

intensely painful headaches that affect one side of the head and may be associated with tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion; primarily affect men; named for their repeated occurrence in groups or clusters

Braxton Hicks contractions

intermittent painless uterine contractions that occur with increasing frequency as the pregnancy progresses. These contractions are not true labor pains and are usually infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless. They are named after British doctor John Braxton Hicks, who first described them in 1872.; The fetus is described as being viable when it is capable of living outside the uterus. Viability depends on the developmental age, birth weight, and developmental stage of the lungs of the fetus.

ensuresis

involuntary discharge of urine

enuresis

involuntary discharge of urine

nystagmus

involuntary, constant, rhythmic movement of the eyeball that can be congenital or caused by a neurological injury or drug use

Endometrial cancer

involves a cancerous growth that begins in the lining of the uterus. One of the earliest symptoms of this cancer that frequently occurs after menopause is abnormal bleeding from the uterus.

binaural testing

involves both ears

monaural testing

involves one ear

general anesthesia

involves the total loss of body sensation and consciousness induced by anesthetic agents administered primarily by inhalation or intravenous injection

homeopahty

involves the use of substances created from plant or mineral products diluted a thousand-fold in water or alcohol; homeopaths believe that the body can stimulate its own healing responses when the right trigger is given in minute doses, producing symptoms similar to the disease being treated

Mastitis

is a breast infection that is caused by bacteria that enter the breast tissue, most frequently during breastfeeding

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

is a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are closely linked to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

is a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries are enlarged by the presence of many cysts formed by incompletely developed follicles.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

is a condition characterized by abnormal bleeding, often due to an imbalance in hormone level changes.

Pruritus vulvae

is a condition of severe itching of the external female genitalia. Pruritus means itching.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

is a group of symptoms experienced by some women within the 2-week period before menstruation. These symptoms can include bloating, swelling, headaches, mood swings, and breast discomfort.

intrauterine device (IUD)

is a molded plastic contraceptive inserted through the cervix into the uterus to prevent pregnancy (

Postpartum depression

is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and the loss of pleasure in normal activities that can occur shortly after giving birth. One cause of this depression is the rapid change in the hormone levels that occurs after giving birth. When the depression is severe, treatment is required

Vulvodynia

is a painful syndrome of unknown cause ( vulv/o means vulva, and -dynia means pain). It is characterized by chronic burning, dyspareunia, itching, or stinging irritation of the vulva.

gynecologist

is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system

neonatologist

is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the newborn

In vitro fertilization (VEE-troh) (IVF)

is a procedure in which mature ova are removed from the mother to be fertilized. The resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus with the hope that they will implant and continue to develop as a normal pregnancy. In vitro means in an artificial environment such as a test tube.

Leukorrhea

is a profuse, whitish mucus discharge from the uterus and vagina ( leuk/o means white, and -rrhea means flow or discharge). Women normally may have some vaginal discharge; however, leukorrhea describes a change and increase in this discharge that can be due to an infection, malignancy, or hormonal changes.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

is a radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes ( hyster/o means uterus, salping/o means fallopian tube, and -graphy means the process of producing a picture or record). This test requires the instillation of radiopaque contrast material into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes to make them visible. Instillation means the slow introduction of a liquid into a body part by pouring or injection.

Pelvimetry

is a radiographic study to measure the dimensions of the pelvis to evaluate its capacity to allow passage of the fetus through the birth canal

fibroadenoma

is a round, firm, rubbery mass that arises from excess growth of glandular and connective tissue in the breast (Figure 14.13). These masses, which can grow to the size of a small plum, are benign and usually painless. Fibroadenomas often enlarge during pregnancy and shrink during menopause.

Apgar score

is a scale of 1 to 10 to evaluate a newborn infant's physical status at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The Apgar score is named for obstetrical anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar. The newborn is evaluated by assigning numerical values (0 to 2) to each of five criteria: (1) heart rate, (2) respiratory effort, (3) muscle tone, (4) response stimulation, and (5) skin color. A total score of 8 to 10 indicates the best possible condition.

episiotomy

is a surgical incision made into the perineum to enlarge the vaginal orifice to prevent tearing of the tissues as the infant moves out of the birth canal

Amniocentesis (AMN)

is a surgical puncture with a needle to obtain a specimen of amniotic fluid ( amnio means amnion and fetal membrane, and -centesis means a surgical puncture to remove fluid). This specimen, which is usually obtained after the 14th week of pregnancy, is used to evaluate fetal health and to diagnose certain congenital disorders.

Amenorrhea

is an abnormal absence of menstrual periods for 90 days or more ( a- means without, men/o means menstruation, and -rrhea means flow or discharge). This condition, which is normal only before puberty, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and after menopause, can be caused by stress, hormonal problems, inadequate nutrition, or excessive exercise.

incubator

is an apparatus for maintaining an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration for a premature or ill newborn

Pap smear

is an exfoliative biopsy of the cervix. It is performed to detect conditions that can be early indicators of cervical cancer (Figure 14.15). As used here, exfoliative means that cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope. A speculum is used to enlarge the opening of the vagina during the examination of the cervix and vagina.

Cervicitis

is an inflammation of the cervix that is usually caused by an infection

Vaginitis

is an inflammation of the lining of the vagina ( vagin means vagina, and -itis means inflammation). The most common causes of a vaginal inflammation are bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vaginal candidiasis

Endocervicitis

is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the cervix

Vulvitis

is an inflammation of the vulva ( vulv means vulva, and -itis means inflammation). Possible causes include fungal or bacterial infections, chafing, skin conditions, or allergies to products such as soaps and bubble bath.

Vaginismus

is an involuntary spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, which close off the vagina ( vagin means vagina, and -ismus means spasm or contraction). This spasm can cause dyspareunia and difficulty tolerating speculum insertion for a Pap smear.

Hypomenorrhea

is an unusually small amount of menstrual flow during a shortened regular menstrual period ( hypo- means deficient, men/o means menstruation, and -rrhea means flow or discharge). Hypomenorrhea is the opposite of hypermenorrhea.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

is any inflammation of the female reproductive organs that is not associated with surgery or pregnancy. This condition occurs most frequently as a complication of a sexually transmitted disease and can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and other serious disorders.

Breast augmentation

is mammoplasty performed to increase breast size, often for cosmetic reasons. Augmentation means the process of adding to make larger. Breast augmentation is the opposite of breast reduction.

Dysmenorrhea

is pain caused by uterine cramps during a menstrual period ( dys- means bad, men/o means menstruation, and -rrhea means flow or discharge). This pain, which occurs in the lower abdomen, can be sharp, intermittent, dull, or achi

Endovaginal ultrasound

is performed to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. This test is performed by placing an ultrasound transducer in the vagina so that the sound waves can create images of the uterus and ovaries.

Placenta previa

is the abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus. Previa means appearing before or in front of. Symptoms include painless, sudden-onset bleeding during the third trimester.

Menarche

is the beginning of menstruation; This begins after the maturation that occurs during puberty. In the United States the average age of menarche is 12.

stillbirth

is the birth of a fetus that died before or during delivery.

Hysteroscopy (HYS)

is the direct visual examination of the interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes ( hyster/o means uterus, and -scopy means direct visual examination). This examination is performed by using the magnification of a hysteroscope.

Colposcopy

is the direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina ( colp/o means vagina, and -scopy means direct visual examination). This examination is performed using a binocular magnifier known as a colposcope.

Infertility

is the inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to a live birth.

endometrium

is the inner layer, and it consists of specialized epithelial mucosa that is rich in blood vessels; mucosa means referring to mucous membrane

abortion

is the interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A spontaneous abortion, also known as a miscarriage, usually occurs early in the pregnancy and is due to an abnormality or genetic disorder.

Hepatitis A Virus

is the most prevalent type of hepatitis. This highly contagious condition is transmitted mainly through contamination of food and water with infected fecal matter. A vaccine is available to provide immunity against HAV

myometrium

is the muscular middle layer

Menopause

is the normal termination of menstruation in a woman during middle age; considered to be confirmed when a woman has gone 1 year without having a period.

Cervical dysplasia

is the presence of precancerous changes in the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix. Without early detection and treatment, these cells can become malignant.

Fibrocystic breast disease

is the presence of single or multiple benign cysts in the breasts. This condition occurs more frequently in older women. A cyst is a closed sac containing fluid or semisolid material.

Galactorrhea

is the production of breast milk in a woman who is not breastfeeding ( galact/o means milk, and -rrhea means flow or discharge). This condition is caused by a malfunction of the thyroid or pituitary gland.

salpingo-oophorectomy (SO)

is the surgical removal of a fallopian tube and ovary ( salping/o means fallopian tube, oophor means ovary, and -ectomy means surgical removal). A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of both of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

salpingectomy

is the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes

hysterectomy

is the surgical removal of the uterus

Colporrhaphy

is the surgical suturing of a tear in the vagina

episiorrhaphy

is the surgical suturing to repair an episiotomy

Oligomenorrhea

is the term used to describe infrequent or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods

puerperium

is the time from the delivery of the placenta through approximately the first 6 weeks after the delivery. By the end of this period, most of the changes in the mother's body due to pregnancy have resolved, and the body has reverted to the nonpregnant state.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

is the use of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone to replace those the body no longer produces during and after perimenopause. Estradiol and progestin are commonly used synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, respectively.

Metrorrhagia

is uterine bleeding between menstrual periods, often referred to as spotting

nail bed

joins the nail body to the underlying connective tissue, nourishes the nail; blood vessels here givethe nail its characteristic pink color

Colporrhexis

means tearing or laceration of the vaginal wall; A laceration is a torn, ragged wound or an accidental cut.

diabetic nephropathy

kidney disease resulting from late-stage diabetes mellitus

KUB

kidneys, ureters, bladder; radiographic study without the use of a contrast medium; also referred to as a flat-plate of the abdomen; used to detect bowel obstructions and nephroliths; does not show the ureters

varicocele

knot of widening varicose veins in one side of the scrotum; vericose veins are abnormally swollen veins

newborn infant

known as a neonate during the first 4 weeks after birth

uterine prolapes

known as a pelvic floor hernia, is a condition in which the uterus slides from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and sags into the vagina. Prolapse means the falling or dropping down of an organ or internal part.

isotretinoin

known by its tradename of Accutane; powerful retinoid taken in pill form for the treatment of severe acne

malnutrition

lack of proper food or nutrients in the body due to a shortage of food, poor eating habits, or the inability of the body to digest, absorb, and distribute these nutrients

bulla

large blister that is usually more than .5 cm in diameter; plural - bullae

steroids

large family of hormone-like substances that share the same fat-soluble chemical structure; ex. cholesterol, testosterone, and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids such as prednisone; secreted by endocrine glands or artificially produced as medications to relieve swelling and inflammation in conditions such as asthma

The Joint Commission

largest American standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare recommends writing out terms instead of using abbreviations (OD, OS, OU)

cerebrum

largest and uppermost part of the brain; consists of four lobes; controls the highest level of thought, including judgement, memory, and emotion; motor and sensory functions; association, and critical thinking; processes sensations and controls all voluntary muscle activity

liver

largest organ in the body; several important functions related to removing toxins from the blood and turning food into the fuel and nutrients the body needs; removes excess glucose (blood sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen; when blood sugar level is low the liver converts it back into glucose and releases it for use by the body; essential to the digestive process

diastolic

last beat heard

trifocals

lenses with three powers

bifocals

lenses with two powers

pharmacist

licensed specialist who formulates and dispenses prescribed medications

epiglottis

lid-like structure that closes of the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) to prevent flood and liquids from moving from the pharynx during swallowing

prostate gland

lies under the bladder and surrounds the end of the urethra in the region where the vas deferens enters the urethra; during ejaculation, the prostate gland secretes thick, alkaline fluid into the semen that aids the motility of the sperm

opaque

light cannot pass through this substance

topical application

liquid or ointment that is rubbed into the skin on the area to be treated; cortisone ointment is applied topically to relieve itching and to speed healing; antibiotic ointments are applied over minor wounds to prevent infection

formulary

list of prescription drugs covered by a specific health care plan; originally referred to a book listing ingredients and formulas for making medicines

auscultation

listening for sounds within the body and is usually performed through a stethoscope

mood-stabilizing drugs

lithium; used to treat mood instability and bipolar disorders

urinary system functions

maintaining the proper balance of water, salts, and acids in the body by filtering the blood as it flows through the kidneys; constantly filtering the blood to remove urea, creatinine, uric acid, and other waste materials from the bloodstream; converting these waste products and excess fluids into urine in the kidneys and excreting them from the body via the urinary bladder

dental plaque

major cause of dental caries and periodontal disease, forms as soft deposits in sheltered areas near the gums and between the teeth; consists of bacteria and bacterial byproducts;

urea

major waste product of protein metabolism

dentin

makes up the bulk of the tooth; portion that is above the gum line is covered with enamel, root area is covered with cementum

anterior segment of the eye

makes up the front one-third of the eyeball; divided into anterior and posterior chambers

posterior segment

makes up the remaining two-thirds of the eyeball; lined with the retina and filled with vitreous humor - also known as vitreous gel - soft, clear, jelly-like mass that contains millions of fine fibers that are attached to the surface of the retina; help maintain its shape

androgen

male sex hormone

penis

male sex organ that transports the sperm into the female vagina; composed of three columns of erectile tissue

vasectomy

male sterilization procedure in which a small portion of the vas deferens is surgically removed; prevents sperm from entering the ejaculate but does not change the volume of semen created by the body

skin cancer

malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun; very common; affecting one in five Americans in his or her lifetime; 3 main types - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

basal cell carcinom

malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis; most common and least harmful type because it is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body; lesions mainly occur on the face or neck; tend to bleed easily; are usually pink and smooth and are raised with a depression in the center

Breast reduction

mammoplasty performed to decrease and reshape excessively large, heavy breasts. Breast reduction, which is sometimes done to relieve back and neck pain, is the opposite of breast augmentation.

anabolic steroids

man-made substances that are chemically related to male sex hormones; used in the treatment of hormone problems in men and to help the body replace muscle mass lost due to disease; athletes sometimes use anabolic steroids illegally to build muscle mass, which can lead to lasting damage to the body

catatonic behavior

marked by a lack of responsiveness, stupor, and a tendency to remain in a fixed posture

bolus

mass of food that has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed; also used in relation to the administration of medication

migraine headache

may be preceded by a warning aura; characterized by a throbbing pain on one side of the head; primarily affect women and are sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

may develop after an event involving actual or threatened death or injury to the individual or someone else, during which the person felt intense fear, helplessness, or horror; can be caused by war, natural disasters, or other life-threatening experiences; symptoms include emotional numbing, hyperarousal, anxiety, sleep disorders, and persistent reliving of the event

collagen

means glue; tough yet flexible fibrous protein material found in the skin and also in the bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments

kidney disease dietary considerations

monitoring the amounts of sodium, potassium, protein, and phosphorus in their diet

nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

more serious form because it consists of fatty accumulations plus liver-damaging inflammation; some cases will progress to cirrhosis, irreversible liver scarring, or liver cancer

multiple births

more than one egg is passing down the fallopian tube when sperm are present, the fertilization of more than one egg is possible

narcotic analgesics

morphine, Demerol, codeine; available by prescription only to relieve severe pain; have a sedative effect and can cause physical dependence or addiction

thyroid carcinoma

most common cancer of the endocrine system; the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States; has a high survival rate, affects significantly more women than men, and is commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 55

diabetes mellitus

most common endocrine system disease; group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in the body's production of insulin (type 1) or its ability to use it properly (type 2); known as autoimmune diabetes in adults (type 1.5); some patients present with symptoms of both types of diabetes, and their treatment must be modified accordingly; treatment goals for all types is to effectively control blood glucose levels and prevent complications

iritis

most common form of uveitis; inflammation of the uvea affects primarily structures in the front of the eye; has sudden onset and may last six to eight weeks

extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

most common kidney stone treatment; high-energy ultrasonic waves traveling through water or gel to break the stone into fragments, which are then excreted in the urine

androgenic alopecia

most common type of hair loss;

Foley catheter

most common type of indwelling catheter; made of a flexible tube with a balloon filled with sterile water at the end to hold it in place in the bladder; commonly used on postsurgical patients and is named for its inventor, surgeon Frederic Foley

ischemic stroke

most common type of stroke in older people; occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked by the narrowing or blockage of a carotid artery; 2 types - thrombotic and embolic

oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

most commonly performed to diagnose gestational diabetes; after fasting at least 8 hours, the patient drinks liquid containing a high concentration of sugar, and the blood glucose level is tested after 1 hour and again after 2 hours

Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR)

most commonly used drug information guide; updated anually

closed MRI

most commonly used type of equipment; produces the most accurate images; patients may be uncomfortable because of the loud noise and the feeling of being closed in; some patients may not fit into the narrow tube

treatment of nephroliths (kidney stones)

most pass out of the urinary tract naturally over a period of two days to three weeks; can be quite painful and is sometimes accompanied by vomiting due to the pain; larger stones may require surgical intervention

diabetic complications

most result from the damage to capillaries and other blood vessels due to long-term exposure to excessive blood glucose

retrograde

moving backward

hemorrhoids

occur when a cluster of veins, muscles, and tissues slip near or through the anal opening; can become inflamed, resulting in pain, fecal leakage, itching, and bleeding

dissociative disorders

occur when normal thought is separated from consciousness

areata

occurring in patches

bone conduction

occurs as the eardrum vibrates and causes the auditory ossicles of the middle ear to vibrate; the vibration of these bones transmits the sound waves through the middle ear to the oval window of the inner ear

heart disease

occurs because excess blood glucose makes the walls of the blood vessels sticky and rigid; this encourages hypertension and atherosclerosis

age-related macular degeneration

occurs most frequently in older people and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in those over 60

thrombotic stroke

occurs when a blood clot forms in a carotid artery and blocks it

embolic stroke

occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms in a blood vessel somewhere other than the brain and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in the narrower brain arteries

strangulated hernia

occurs when a portion of the intestine is constricted inside the hernia, causing ischemia (insufficient oxygen) in this tissue by cutting off its blood supply

conception

occurs when a sperm penetrates and fertilizes the descending ovum. This union, which is the beginning of a new life, forms a single cell known as a zygote (ZYE-goht).

diabetic retinopathy

occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina; causes blood to leak into the posterior segment of the eyeball and produces the damage that causes the loss of vision

sebum

oily substance that is releases through ducts opening into the hair follicles; from here, the sebum moves onto the surface and lubricates the skin; slightly acidic and discourages the growth of bacteria on the skin

urinary sphincters

one located at either end of the urethra; muscular rings that control the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra and out of the urethra through the urethral meatus

recreational drug

one normally used for personal pleasure or satisfaction rather than medical purposes

endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

one of several endoscopic options for bariatric surgeries requiring general anesthesia; the stomach is sutured to make it into a small tube, reducing its capacity significantly

arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

one of the causes of hemorrhagic strokes; abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain is usually congenital and can rupture suddenly at any age

prostate cancer

one of the most common cancers among men; can grow slowly with no symptoms, or it can grow aggressively and spread throughout the body

thyroxine (T4)

one of two primary thyroid hormones that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other body systems; rate of secretion is controlled by the thyroid-stimulating growth hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland

nerve

one or more bundles of neurons that connect the brain and spinal cord with other parts of the body

facial droop

one side of the face droops or does not move equally when the person smiles

ulcer

open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges

eccrine glands

open onto the skin and are most numerous in the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and forehead

orifice

opening

pores

openings on the surface of the skin that act as the ducts of the sweat glands

due date

or estimated date of confinement (EDC), is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). Confinement is an old-fashioned term describing the time when a period of rest for the mother followed childbirth.

Abruptio placentae

or placental abruption, is a disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus. Abruption means breaking off. This condition is a leading cause of fetal death.

radioactive iodine treatment (RAI)

oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells; nuclear medicine procedure; disables at least part of the thyroid gland; used to treat thyroid cancer and chronic hyperthyroid disorders such as Graves' disease

synthetic thyroid hormones

oral medications administered to replace lost thyroid function

autonomic nervous system

organized with two divisions, one comprising sympathetic nerves and the other parasympathetic nerves; controls the involuntary actions of the body such as the functioning of internal organs; each division balances the activity of the other to maintain homeostasis within the body

squamous cell carcinoma

originates as a malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; can quickly spread to other body systems; begin as skin lesions that appear to be sores that will not heal or that have a crusted look

Ovarian cancer

originates within the cells of the ovaries. These cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread (metastasize) to other tissues and organs within the abdomen or travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

air conduction

process by which sound waves enter the ear through the pinna and then travel down the external auditory canal until they strike the tympanic membrane, which is located between the outer ear and middle ear

homeostasis

process of maintaining the constant internal environment of the body

puberty

process of physical changes by which a child's body becomes an adult body that is capable of reproducing; marked by maturing of the genital organs, the development of secondary sex characteristics, and the first occurrence of menstruation in the female; average age is 12 for girls, 11 for boys

electroencephalography

process of recording the electrical activity of the brain through the use of electrodes attached to the scalp; resulting record is an electroencephalogram; this electrical activity may also be displayed on a monitor as brain waves

spermatogenesis

process of sperm formation; ideal temperature is 93.2; scrotum aids in maintaining this temperature by adjusting how closely it holds the testicles to the body; sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles, then move into the epididymis where they become motile (capable of spontaneous motion) and are temporarily stored, then travel upward into the body and enter the vas deferens where the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland add their secretions to form semen

axon

process the conducts impulses away from the nerve cell; can be more than 3 feet long; many, but not all, are protected by a myelin sheath, which is a white fatty tissue covering

accommodation

process whereby the eyes make adjustments for seeing objects at various distances; include contraction (narrowing) and dilation (widening) of the pupil, movement of the eyes, and changes in the shape of the lens

homeostasis

processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment

Bartholin's glands

produce a mucus secretion to lubricate the vagina; two small round glands located on either side of the vaginal orifice

endocrine glands

produce hormones; do not have ducts; 13 major glands that make up the endocrine system - pituitary gland (divided into 2 lobes), pineal gland, thyroid gland, 4 parathyroid glands, thymus, pancreas (pancreatic islets), 2 adrenal glands, 2 gonads (either ovaries or a pair of testicles)

neurohormones

produced and released by neurons in the brain, rather than by the endocrine glands, and delivered to organs and tissues through the bloodstream; ex. neurohormones secreted by the hypathalamus that control the secretions of the pituitary gland

calcitonin

produced by the thyroid gland; hormone that works with the parathyroid hormone to decrease calcium levels in the blood and tissues by moving calcium into storage in the bones and teeth

purulent

producing or containing pus

hidrosis

production and excretion of perspiration

diaphoresis

profuse sweating; normal condition when brought on by heat or exertion but can also be the body's response to emotional or physical distress; profuse, but not necessarily excessive, sweating

multiple sclerosis (MS)

progressive autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that causes demyelination of myelin sheath; scars the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves and disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses; leave the patient with varying degrees of pain plus physical and cognitive problems; characterized by periods of exacerbations or flares (episodes of worsening symptoms); remission is a time during which the symptoms ease, but the disease has not been cured

retinitis pigmentosa

progressive degeneration of the retina that affects night and peripheral vision; can be detected by the presence of dark pigmented spots in the retina

degenerative

progressive deterioration resulting in the loss of tissue or organ function

insomnia

prolonged or abnormal inability to sleep; usually a symptom of another problem such as depression, pain, or excessive caffeine

nails

protect the dorsal surface of the last bone of each toe and finger

myelin sheath

protective covering made up of glial cells; forms the white matter of the brain and covers some parts of the spinal cord and the axon of most peripheral nerves

leptin

protein hormone secreted by fat cells that is involved in the regulation of appetite; leaves the fat cells and travels in the bloodstream to the brain where it acts on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and burn fat stored in adipose tissue

hospital burn center

provides care for serious burns, including pain relief, debridement and dermoplasty (skin grafts), IV fluids and nutritional supplements, antibiotics, cosmetic reconstruction, and rehabilitation; type of treatment depends on its degree and the percentage of the body surface involved

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

provides ongoing dialysis as the patient goes about his or her daily activities; the dialysate solution is instilled from a plastic container worn under the patient's clothing; about every 4 hours, the used solution is drained back into this bag and the bad is discarded; a new bag is then attached, the solution is instilled, and the process continues

schizophrenia

psychotic disorder usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disturbances

pericardiocentesis

puncture of the pericardial sac for the purpose of removing fluid; performed to treat pericarditis

retrograde urography

radiograph of the urinary system taken after a contrast medium has been placed in the urethra through a sterile catheter and caused to flow upward through the urinary tract; retrograde - moving backward

abdominal computed tomography (CT)

radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen, showing, for example, the presence of a tumor or obstruction

upper GI series / lower GI series

radiographic studies to examine the digestive system; contrast medium is required to make these structures visible; a barium swallow is used for upper GI series, a barium enema is used for the lower GI series

myelography

radiographic study of the spinal cord after the injection of a contrast medium through a lumbar puncture; resulting record is a myelogram

cystography

radiographic, or x-ray, examination of the bladder after a contrast medium is instilled via a urethral catheter; resulting film is a cystogram; x-ray of the bladder

barium (chemical symbol Ba)

radiopaque contrast medium used primarily to visualize the gastrointestinal tract; administered orally as a barium swallow for an upper GI study; administered rectally as a barium enema for a lower GI study; radiography and fluoroscopy are used to trace the flow of the barium

thyroid scan

radiopharmaceutical containing radioactive iodine is administered; makes use of the thyroid gland's ability to concentrate certain radioactive isotopes to generate images of it; provides information about the size, shape, location, and relative activity of different parts of the thyroid gland

drug-screening urine test

rapid method of identifying the presence in the body of one or more drugs of abuse such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; also used to detect the use of performance-enhancing drugs by athletes

acromegaly

rare chronic disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of the extremities (hands and feet) caused by the excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty

Meniere's disease

rare chronic disorder in which the amount of fluid in the inner ear increases intermittently, producing attacks of vertigo, a fluctuating hearing loss (usually in one ear), and tinnitus

Wilms tumor

rare type of malignant tumor of the kidney that occurs in young children; high cure rate when treated promptly

pheochromocytoma

rare, benign tumor of the adrenal gland that causes too much release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are the hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure

sensory nerve fibers

receive external stimuli, such as how something feels, and transmit this information to the brain where it is interpreted

rods and cones of the retina

receive images that have passed through the lens of the eye; images are converted into nerve impulses and transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve; rods are the black and white receptors; cones are the color receptors

role of the large intestine

receive the waste products of digestion and store them until they are eliminated from the body; Food waste enters the large intestine where excess water is reabsorbed into the body through the walls of the large intestine, helping maintain the body's fluid balance. The remaining waste forms into feces.

parietal lobe

received and interprets nerve impulses from sensory receptors in the tongue, skin, and muscles

organ of Corti

receives the vibrations from the cochlear duct and relays them to the auditory nerve fibers; these fibers transmit the sound impulses to the auditory center of the brain's cerebral cortex where they are heard and interpreted

Cologuard

recently developed, noninvasive, collect-at-home stool test that uses DNA testing along with screening for hidden blood to determine the potential presence of colorectal cancer

ears

receptor organs of hearing; functions are to receive sound impulses and transmit them to the brain; the inner ear helps to maintain balance; divided into three separate regions - outer, middle, and inner

post-polio syndrome

recurrence later in life of some polio symptoms in individuals who have had childhood poliomyelitis and have recovered from it

erythema

redness of the skin due to capillary dilation

andropause

referred to as ADAM (Androgen Decline in the Aging Male); marked by the decrease of the male hormone testosterone; usually progresses very gradually over several decades

juvenile diabete

referred to this in the past; is now described as type 1 or type 2

androgenic

referring to androgens - the hormones involved in the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics

root canal

refers both to the pulp cavity in the root of the tooth and to a procedure in which diseased or damaged pulp in the root canal is removed in order to save the tooth; after it is free of infection, the cavity is filled with a protective substance and sealed

sundowning

refers to a group of symptoms leading to a state of confusion that can happen towards the end of the day in patients with dementia

transgender

refers to a person whose gender identity does not match their gender at birth

exanthem

refers to a widespread rash, usually in children;

vermiform

refers to a worm-like shape

genitourinary

refers to both the genital and urinary organs

secondary sex characteristics

refers to features that distinguish the two sexes but are not directly related to reproduction

ultraviolet (UV)

refers to light that is beyond the visible spectrum at the violet end; some UV rays help the skin produce vitamin D; other rays damage the skin

oral administration

refers to medications taken by mouth to be absorbed through the walls of the stomach or small intestine; can be in the form of liquids, tablets, or capsules; medications to be releases in the small intestine are covered with an enteric coating to prevent them from being absorbed in the stomach

anorectal

refers to the anus and rectum as a single unit

gut microflora

refers to the billions of normal bacteria present in the large intestine to protect against infection and help maintain the immune system; a disruption of microflora resulting from the use of antibiotics can lead to infections such as C. Diff

analgesic

refers to the class of drugs that relives pain without affecting consciousness; includes aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen

antepartum

refers to the final stage of pregnancy just before the onset of labor

dentition

refers to the natural teeth arranged in the upper and lower jaws; consists of four types of teeth-incisors, canines(cuspids), premolars(bicuspids) and molars

emotional affect

refers to the patient's expression, tone of voice, mood, and emotions; affect means the outward expression of emotion

epidural anesthesia

regional anesthesia produced by injecting medication into the epidural space of the lumbar or sacral region of the spine; administered during childbirth to numb the nerves from the uterus and birth passage without stopping labor

spinal anesthesia

regional anesthesia produced by injecting medication into the subarachnoid space; patent remains conscious; provides numbness from the toes to the waist or lower chest

interstitial

relating to spaces within a tissue or organ

penile and phallic

relating to the penis

acetylcholine

released at some synapses in the spinal cord and at neuromuscular junctions; influences muscle action

histamine

released in response to allergens; causes the signs of an allergic response, including itching and increased mucus secretion

heparin

released in response to an injury; is an anticoagulant which prevents blood clotting

dopamine

released within the brain; an excess of dopamine is associated with schizophrenia, mood and thought disorders and in abnormal movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease

serotonin

releases in the brain, has roles in sleep, hunger, and pleasure recognition; also sometimes linked to mood disorders

anti-inflammatory

relieves inflammation and pain without affecting consciouness

indwelling catheter

remains inside the body for a prolonged time based on need; can be either urethral or a suprapubic catheter

varicocelectomy

removal of a portion of an enlarged vein to relieve a varicocele

biopsy

removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis

hypophysectomy

removal of abnormal glandular tissue; performed through the nasal passages

exfoliation

removal of dead epidermal cells, often through sanding or chemabrasion and is sometimes done for cosmetic purposes

curettage

removal of material from the surface by scraping; one use of this technique is to remove basal cell tumors

enucleation

removal of the eyeball, leaving the eye muscles intact

vitrectomy

removal of the vitreous humor and its replacement with a clear solution; sometimes performed to treat a retinal detachment or when diabetic retinopathy causes blood to leak and cloud the vitreous humor; removal of the virtuous fluid of the posterior chamber of the eye and its replacement with a clear solution

paracentesis needle

removes excess fluid from the abdomen; used for Ascites

microdermabrasion

removes only a fine layer of skin, so the results are temporary

gamete

reproductive cell; sperm in the male, ova (eggs) in the female

dilation

required in preparation for the opthalmoscipic examination of the interior of the eye; artificial enlargement is achieved through the use of mydriatic drops

arachnoid membrane

resembles a spider web; the second layer of the meninges and is located between the dura mater and the pia mater; loosely attached to the other meninges to allow space for fluid to flow between the layers

indwelling

residing within

digestive enzymes

responsible for the chemical changes that break foods down into simpler forms of nutrients for use by the body

hyperactivity

restlessness or a continuing excess of movement

fraternal twins

result from the fertilization of separate ova by separate sperm cells. These develop into two separate embryos

drug interaction

result of drugs reacting with each other, often in ways that are unexpected or potentially harmful; can occur when medications are taken along with herbal remedies or when more than one prescription drug is taken at the same time

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

secreted by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland, helps control blood pressure by reducing the amount of water that is excreted through the kidneys; a diuretic is administered to increase the amount of urine secretion

lacrimation

secretion of tears

thymosin

secretion of the thymus; plays an important part in the immune system - stimulates the maturation of lymphocytes into T cells of the immune system

testicular self-examination

self-help step in early detection of testicular cancer by detecting lumps, swelling, or changes in the skin of the scrotum

chyme

semifluid mass of partly digested food that passes out of the stomach, through the pyloric sphincter, and into the small intestine

vertigo

sense of whirling, dizziness, and loss of balance that is often combined with nausea and vomiting; although a symptom of many disorders, recurrent vertigo is sometimes associated with inner ear problems such as Meniere's disease

retina

sensitive innermost layer that lines the posterior segment of the eye; receives nerve impulses and transmits them to the brain via the optic nerve (also known as the second cranial nerve)

hallucination

sensory perception (sight, touch, sound, smell, or taste) experienced in the absence of an external stimulation

complete blood cell count (CBC)

series of tests performed as a group to evaluate several blood conditions

peristalsis

series of wave-like contractions, moves urine down each ureter to the bladder; is also part of the digestive process

Reye's syndrome (RS)

serious and potentially deadly disorder in children that is characterized by vomiting and confusion; sometimes follows a viral illness in which the child was treated with aspirin

necrotizing fasciitis

severe infection caused by group A strep bacteria that enters the body through a wound; if untreated, the infected body tissue can be destroyed and the illness may be fatal; also known as flesh-eating bacteria

androgens

sex hormones secreted by the gonads, the adrenal cortex, and fat cells; primarily testosterone; promote development and maintenance of the male sex characteristics

testicular torsion

sharp pain in the scrotum caused by twisting of the vas deferens and blood vessels leading into the testicle; torsion means twisting

acuity

sharpness

dupp sound

shorter and higher pitched; heard second; caused by the closing of the semilunar valves in the aorta and pulmonary arteries as blood is pumped out of the heart

asymptomatic

showing no symptoms; when symptoms do occur, they include those of type 1 diabetes plus recurring infections, irritability, and a tingling sensation in the hands or feet

scleral buckle

silicone band or sponge used to repair a detached retina; detached layers are brought closer together by attaching this band onto the sclera, or outer wall, of the eyeball, creating an indentation or buckle effect inside the eye

convergence

simultaneous inward movement of the eyes toward each other; occurs in an effort to maintain single binocular vision as an object comes nearer

cochlea

snail-shaped structure of the inner ear and is where sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses; located within the cochlea are the cochlear duct, the organ of Corti, the semicircular canals, and the acoustic nerves

pancreas

soft, 6 inch long, oblong gland that is located behind the stomach; important in both digestive and endocrine systems; produces and secretes pancreatic juices that aid in digestion and contain digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acids

nodule

solid, raised skin lesion that is larger than .5 cm in diameter and deeper than a papule; in acnes vulgaris, nodules can cause scarring

certified paraoptometric

sometimes plays a support role to an optometrist

Addison's disease

sometimes referred to as Addison disease; occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol or aldosterone; potentially life-threatening condition is characterized by chronic, worsening fatigue and muscle weakness; loss of appetite; low blood pressure; and weight loss; many patients develop patches of dark skin

computed tomography (CT) scan

sometimes referred to as a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan; uses a thin, fan-shaped x-ray beam that rotates around the patient to produce multiple cross-sectional views of the body; information gathered by radiation detectors is downloaded to a computer, analyzed, and converted into gray-scale images corresponding to anatomic slices of the body; images are viewed on a monitor, stored as digital files, or printed as films; more effective than MRI at imaging compact bone and is frequently preferred for patients with head injuries or strokes; can be performed with or without contrast dye, which contains iodine and can trigger a reaction in patients with iodine sensitivity

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

sometimes referred to as a min-stroke; temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain; symptoms include numbness, blurred vision, dizziness, or loss of balance; passes is less than an hour; often a warning sign that the individual is at risk for a more serous debilitating stroke

peptic ulcers

sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or by medications, such as aspirin, that irritate the mucous membranes; referred to as peptic ulcer disease

synapse

space between two neurons or between a neuron and a receptor organ; single neuron can have a few or several hundred synapses

colic

spasms of pain in the abdomen

melanocytes

special cells that are also found in the basal cell layer; produce and contain a dark brown to black pigment known as melanin

registered dietitian (RD)

specialist in food and nutrition who practices medical nutrition therapy and counsels patients on improving their dietary intake

optometrist

specialist who holds a doctor of optometry degree and provides primary eye care, including diagnosing eye diseases and conditions and measuring the accuracy of vision to determine whether corrective lenses are needed

resectoscope

specialized endoscopic instrument that resembles a cystoscope

myofascial release

specialized soft-tissue manipulation technique used to ease the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, movement restrictions, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and carpel tunnel syndrome

lacteals

specialized structures of the lymphatic system; absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins that cannot be transported directly by the bloodstream; they absorb these nutrients and transport them via lymphatic vessels; as they are being transported, they are filtered by the lymph nodes in preparation for their delivery to the bloodstream

maxillofacial surgery

specialized surgery of the face and jaws to correct deformities, treat diseases, and repair injuries

oral or maxillofacial surgeon

specializes in surgery of the fce and jaws to correct deformities, treat diseases, and repair injuries

audiologist

specializes in the measurement of hearing function and in the rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairments

nuclear medicine technologist

specializes in the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals

stool samples

specimens of feces that are examined for content and characteristics; fatty stools might indicate the presence of pancreatic disease; cultures of the stool sample can be examined in the laboratory for the presence of bacteria or O&P

testosterone

steroid hormone secreted by the testicles and the adrenal cortex to stimulate the development of male secondary sex characteristics; estrogen and testosterone are present in both males and females but in dramatically different amounts depending on gender

corticosteroids

steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex; also describes synthetically produced equivalents that are administered as medications

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

stimulates growth and secretions of the adrenal cortex; produced by the pituitary gland

luteinizing hormone (LH)

stimulates ovulation in the female and production of the female sex hormone progesterone; stimulates the secretion of testosterone in the male

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

stimulates the secretion of estrogen and the growth of ova (eggs) in the ovaries of the female; in the male it stimulates the production of sperm in the testicles (testes)

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

stimulates the secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland

rectus

straight

process

structure that extends out from the cell body

pharmacology

study of nature, uses, and effects of drugs for medical purposes

Asperger's syndrome

subgroup of the autism spectrum; usually have normal or above-average intelligence but are impaired in social interactions and nonverbal communiation

nutrient

substnce, usually from food, that is necessary for normal functioning of the body; primary or macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients (required only in small amounts)

acute renal failure (ARF)

sudden onset and is characterized by uremia; can be fatal if not reversed promptly; can be caused by the kidneys not receiving enough blood to filter due to dehydration or a sudden drop in blood volume or blood pressure from injury, burns, or a severe infection

seizure

sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or acts for a short time; some are hardly noticed; some cause a brief loss of consciousness; symptoms of different disorders that can affect the brain and also can be caused by extreme high fever, brain injury, or brain lesions

sleep deprivation

sufficient lack of restorative sleep over a cumulative period so as to cause physical or psychiatric symptoms and affect routine performance or tasks

trichomycosis axillaris

superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands such as armpits

innervation

supply of nerves to a specific body part

tympanoplasty

surgical correction of a damaged middle ear, either to cure chronic inflammation or to restore function

neurotomy

surgical division or dissection of a nerve

proctopexy

surgical fixation of a prolapsed rectum to an adjacent tissue or organ

urethropexy

surgical fixation of the urethra to nearby tissue

nephrolysis

surgical freeing of a kidney from adhesions; can also describe a pathologic condition in which there is destruction of renal cells

lithotomy

surgical incision for the removal of a nephrolith from the bladder; no longer a common surgery, name is still used to describe a physical examination position for procedures involving the pelvis and lower abdomen

colotomy

surgical incision into the colon

orbitotomy

surgical incision into the orbit; performed for biopsy, abscess drainage, or removal of a tumor or foreign object

pyelotomy

surgical incision into the renal pelvis; performed to correct obstructions such as a stone lodged in the junction between the renal pelvis and the ureter

thalamotomy

surgical incision into the thalamus; destroys brain cells; primarily performed to quiet the tremors of Parkinson's disease

urethrotomy

surgical incision into the urethra for relief of a stricture

meatotomy

surgical incision made in the urethral meatus to enlarge the opening

fenestration

surgical procedure in which a new opening is created in the labyrinth to restore lost hearing

endoscopic surgery

surgical procedure that is performed through very small incision with the use of an endoscope and specialized instruments; named for the body parts involved

human growth hormone (HGH)

synthetic version of the growth hormone that is administered to stimulate growth when the natural supply of growth hormone is insufficient for normal development

radial keratotomy

surgical procedure to treat myopia; incisions are made in the cornea to cause it to flatten, this allows the sides of the cornea to bulge outward, this brings the focal point of the eye closer to the retina and improves distance vision

arthrocentesis

surgical puncture of joint space to remove synovial fluid for analysis to determine the cause of pain or swelling in a joint

abdominocentesis

surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid

centesis

surgical puncture to remove excess fluid or to remove fluid for diagnostic purposes

lobectomy

surgical removal of a portion of the brain to treat brain cancer or seizure disorders that cannot be controlled with medication

iridectomy

surgical removal of a portion of the tissue of the iris; most frequently performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma

gastrectomy

surgical removal of all or a part of the stomach

labyrinthectomy

surgical removal of all or a portion of the labyrinth of the inner ear; performed to relieve uncontrolled vertigo; can cause complete hearing loss in the affected ear

colectomy

surgical removal of all or part of the colon

pancreatectomy

surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas; total pancreatectomy is performed to treat pancreatic cancer; also involves removing the spleen, gallbladder, common bile duct and portions of the small intestine stomach

lipectomy

surgical removal of fat from beneath the skin to improve physical appearance

hemorrhoidectomy

surgical removal of hemorrhoids; rubber band ligation often used instead of surgery - rubber bands cut off the circulation at the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to eventually fall off

mastoidectomy

surgical removal of mastoid cells; used to treat mastoiditis that cannot be controlled with antibiotics or in preparation for the placement of a cochlear implant

lobectomy

surgical removal of one lobe of thyroid gland

parathyroidectomy

surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands; performed to control hyperparathyroidism

prostatectomy

surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland; performed to treat prostate cancer or to reduce an enlarged prostate gland; treatment can lead to erectile difficulties

radical prostatectomy

surgical removal of the entire prostate gland in cases where it is extremely enlarged or when cancer is suspected

circumcision

surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis; optional procedure is usually performed within a few days of birth

cholocystectomy

surgical removal of the gallbladder

ileectomy

surgical removal of the ileum

pinealectomy

surgical removal of the pineal gland

thymectomy

surgical removal of the thymus gland

stapedectomy

surgical removal of the top part of the stapes bone and the insertion of a small prosthetic device known as a piston that conducts sound vibrations to the inner ear

neuroplasty

surgical repair of a nerve or nerves

otoplasty

surgical repair, restoration, or alteration of the pinna of the ear; sometimes done as a cosmetic surgery called ear pinning to bring protruding ears closer to the head

ureterorrhaphy

surgical suturing of a ureter

electrodesiccation

surgical technique in which tissue is destroyed using an electric spark; primarily used to eliminate small superficial growths and to seal off blood vessels

intraocular lens (IOL)

surgically implanted replacement for a natural lens that has been removed; two types - monofocal and multifocal which was designed to eliminate the need for additional corrective lenses

neurorrhaphy

surgically suturing together the ends of a severed nerve

blepharitis

swelling of the eyelid, often at the location of the eyelash hair follicles

periorbital edema

swelling of the tissues surrounding the eye or eyes; can give the face a bloated appearance and cause the eyes to be partially covered by the swollen eyelids; swelling is associated with conditions such as allergic reaction, nephrotic syndrome, or cellulitis

erection

swelling, hardness, and stiffness; during sexual stimulation, the erectile tissue fills with blood under pressure

cortisone

synthetic equivalent of corticosteroids produced by the adrenal glands; cortisone and the synthetic corticosteroid prednisone are administered to supress inflammation and as an immunosuppresant

pitocin

synthetic form of oxytocin that is administered to induce or speed up labor

traditional Chines medicine

system of ancient Chinese medicinal treatments including acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease; parts of traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture are also used as complementary medicine

chiropractic manipulative therapy

system of mechanical spinal adjustments made by a chiropractor to correct biomechanical problems in the skeletal framework of the body

parenteral

taken into the body or administered in a manner other than through the digestive tract; most common use is by injection through a hypodermic syringe

photodynamic therapy (PDT)

technique used to treat damaged and precancerous skin as well as various types of cancer; used to treat tumors on or near the surface of the skin, or in the lining of internal organs such as the lungs and esophagus

mohs surgery

technique used to treat various types of skin cancer; individual layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until a margin that is clear of all cancerous tissue has been achieved

intussusception

telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part; rare but serious condition is sometimes found in children between 3 months and 6 years of age

mastoid process

temporal bone containing hollow air space that surrounds the middle ear; (process - a projection on a structure such as a bone)

postoperative ileus

temporary impairment (stoppage) of bowel action that is considered to be a normal response to abdominal surgery; often present for 24 to 72 hours, depending on which part of the digestive system was treated

regional anesthesia

temporary interruption of nerve conduction; produced by injecting an anesthetic solution near the nerves to be blocked

Bell's palsymega

temporary paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve that causes paralysis of the face, only on the affected side; symptoms can include the inability to close the eye, pain, tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear, and impairment of taste

ablation

term used to describe some types of treatment of prostate cancer; involves the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function through the use of surgery, hormones, drugs, heat, chemicals, electrocautery, or other methods; treatment in which a body part is removed or its function is destroyed

profile

tests that are frequently performed as a group on automated multi-channel laboratory testing equipment

white blood cell differential count

tests to see what percentage of the total white blood cell count is composed of each of the five types of leukocytes; provides information about the patient's immune system, detects certain types of leukemia, and determines the severity of infection

hepatomegaly

the abnormal enlargement of the liver

Anovulation

the absence of ovulation when it would be normally expected ( an- means without, and ovulation means the release of a mature egg). This condition can be caused by stress, inadequate nutrition, or hormonal imbalances. Menstruation can continue, although ovulation does not occur.

eructation

the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach

hard palate

the anterior portion of the palate; area is covered with specialized mucous membrane; Rugae are irregular ridges or folds in this mucous membrane; singular ruga

pulp cavity

the area within the crown and roots of the tooth that is surrounded by the dentin to protect the delicate pulp of the tooth; in the roots, the pulp continues in the space known as the root canals

electrochemical processes

the body has billions of neurons carrying nerve impulses throughout the body via this process

dental arches

the bony structures of the oral cavity; hold the teeth firmly in position to facilitate chewing and speaking

bariatrics

the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases

catabolism

the breaking down of body cells or substances, releasing energy and carbon dioxide; opposite of anabolism

anabolism

the building up of body cells and substances from nutrients; opposite of catabolism

fundus

the bulging, rounded part above the entrance of the fallopian tubes. Because the fundus rises during pregnancy, measuring the fundal height in relation to the pubic bone helps determine the baby's growth.

Rugae

the folds in the mucosa lining of the stomach; folds allow the stomach to increase and decrease in size; glands located within these folds produce gastric juices

diverticulosis

the chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon; often has no symptoms; believed to be related to a low-fiber diet

excision

the complete removal of a lesion or organ

morbid obesity

the condition of weighing two or more times the ideal weight or having a body mass index value greater than 40; also known as severe obesity

primary function of the female reproductive system

the creation and support of new life; the ovaries produce mature eggs to be fertilized by the sperm; the uterus provides the environment and support for the developing child; after birth, the breasts produce milk to feed the child; described as being the external female genitalia and the internal female reproductive organs

common bile duct

the cystic duct leaving the gallbladder rejoins the common hepatic duct to form this; also joins the pancreatic duct and together they enter the duodenum of the small intestine

cauterization

the destruction of tissue by burning

colonoscopy

the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum

ureterectasis

the distention (swelling) of a ureter due to hydroureter or congenital abnormalities; distention of the ureter; can be a result of a ureteral calculus

sigmoidoscopy

the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon

gastroduodenostomy

the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum; performed to treat stomach cancer or to remove a malfunctioning pyloric valve

assessment

the evaluation or appraisal of the patient's condition; used in reaching a diagnosis and in formulating a plan of care

ectropion

the eversion (turning outward) of the edge of an eyelid; usually affects the lower lid, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid to irritation and preventing tears from draining properly

Chorionic villus sampling (kor-ee-ON-ick VIL-us) (CVS)

the examination of cells retrieved from the chorionic villi, which are minute, vascular projections on the chorion. This test is performed between the 8th and 10th weeks of pregnancy to search for genetic abnormalities in the developing fetus.

aerophagia

the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, and is a common cause of gas in the stomach

prolapse

the falling or dropping down of an organ or internal part

extraoral radiography

the film is placed and exposed outside of the mouth

intraoral radiography

the film is placed within the mouth and exposed by a camera positioned next to the exterior of the cheek

Quickening

the first movement of the fetus in the uterus that can be felt by the mother. This usually occurs during the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy.

blood pressure (BP)

the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries

entropion

the inversion (turning inward) of the edge of an eyelid; usually affects the lower eyelid and causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea; the edge of the lower eyelid turns in and causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea

bruxism

the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is associated with tension or stress; can occur habitually during the day; wears away tooth structure, damages periodontal tissues, and injures the temporomandibular joint

xerostomia

the lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands; also known as dry mouth; can be due to medications or radiation of the salivary glands; can cause discomfort, difficulty in swallowing, changes in the taste of food, and dental decay

ileum

the last and longest portion of the small intestine; extends from the jejunum to the cecum of the large intestine

peritoneal dialysis

the lining of the peritoneal cavity acts as the filter to remove waste from the blood; the sterile dialysate flows into the peritoneal cavity around the intestine through a catheter implanted in the abdominal wall; fluid is left in for a period of time to absorb the waste products and then drained out through the tube; normally repeated several times during the day and can be done using an automated system; advantages - can be done at home by the patient; but is considered less effective than hemodialysis

colon

the longest portion of the large intestine; subdivided into 4 parts - ascending (upward) colon, transverse (across) colon, descending (downward) colon, sigmoid (curved like an S) colon

urea

the major end product of protein metabolism found in urine and blood

levels of consiousness

the measurement of response to arousal and stimulus

villi

the mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with these finger-like projections; singular, villus; each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals; blood vessels absorb nutrients directly from the digestive system into the bloodstream for deliver to the cells of the body

pylorus

the narrow passage that connects the stomach with the small intestine

cerebral cortex

the outer layer of the cerebrum; made up of gray matter; made up of elevated folds (gyri, singular gyrus) and deep fissures (sulci, singular sulcus)

renal cortex

the outer region of the kidney; layer of tissue contains more than one million microscopic units called nephrons

epidermis

the outermost layer of the skin; made up of several specialized epithelial tissues; does not contain any blood vessels or connective tissue; dependent on lower layers for nourishment

insulin deficiency

the pancreatic beta cells do not secrete enough insulin

ileus

the partial or complete blockage of the small intestine, large intestine, or both caused by the stopping of normal peristalsis; also known as paralytic ileus; symptoms can include severe pain, cramping, abdominal distention, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stools

melena

the passage of stools with a black, tar-like appearance, and foul-smelling stools that is caused by the presence of digested blood; often indicates bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract

nasogastric intubation

the placement of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach; temporarily provides nutrition for patients who cannot take sufficient nutrients by mouth

enema

the placement of a solution into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine through bowel activity; sometimes part of the preparation for an endoscopic examination; also used to treat severe constipation and as a means of injecting medication into the body

legal blindness

the point at which, under law, an individual is considered to be blind; commonly used standard is that a person is legally blind when his best-corrected vision is reduced to 20/200 or less

hematochezia

the presence of bright red blood in the stool; usually indicates that the blood is coming from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract

cholelithiasis

the presence of gallstones in the gallbaldder or bile ducts

hemodialysis

the process by which waste products are filtered directly from the patient's blood; treatment is performed on an external hemodialysis unit, sometimes referred to as an artificial kidney; most common type of dialysis; a shunt implanted in the patient's arm is connected to the hemodialysis unit, and arterial blood flows through the filters of the unit; filters contain dialysate which cleanses the blood by removing waste products and excess fluids; the cleansed blood is returned to the body through a vein; treatments take around 4 hours and repeated 3 times a week; can be done at a hospital, dialysis clinic, or at home with the necessary equipment

lactation

the process of forming and secreting milk from the breasts as nourishment for the infant. The breast milk develops a few days after giving birth to replace the colostrum.

dental prophylaxis

the professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus

hernia

the protrusion of a part or structure through the tissues that normally contain it

inguinal hernia

the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin; can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or straining to pass a stool

arterial stick

the puncture of an artery, usually on the inside of the wrist, to obtain arterial blood; this blood differs from venous blood mostly in the concentration of dissolved gasses it contains

cineradiography

the recording of the fluoroscopy images;

ovulation

the release of a mature egg from a follicle on the surface of one of the ovaries that happens on approximately the 13th or 14th day of a woman's menstrual cycle; After the ovum (egg) is released, it is caught up by the fimbriae of the fallopian tube. Wave-like peristaltic actions move the ovum down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. It usually takes an ovum about 5 days to pass through the fallopian tube. If sperm are present at that time, one will fertilize the ovum within the fallopian tube. After the ovum has been released, the ruptured follicle enlarges, takes on a yellow fatty substance, and becomes the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum (KOR-pus LOO-tee-um) secretes the hormone progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle. This maintains the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for the fertilized egg. If the ovum is not fertilized, the corpus luteum dies, and the endometrium lining of the uterus sloughs off as the menstrual flow occurs. If the ovum is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to secrete the hormones required to maintain the pregnancy.

debridement

the removal of dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and to promote healing

transurethral prostatectomy (TURP)

the removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate gland with the use of a resectoscope

orchiopexy

the repair of an undescended testicle; endoscopic surgery performed on infants before the age of 1 year to move the testicle into its normal position in the scrotum

regurgitation

the return of swallowed food into the mouth

Uterine involution

the return of the uterus to its normal size and former condition after delivery. Involution means the return of an enlarged organ to its normal size.

reabsorption

the return to the blood of some of the substances that were removed during filtration

borborygmus

the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine

electrolytes

the salts that conduct electricity and are found in the body fluid, tissue, and blood

hypnosis

therapy in which a patient is placed in a state of focused concentration and narrowed attention that makes them more susceptible to suggestions, and then given suggestions directed toward the patient's treatment goal

callus

thickening part of the skin on the hands or feet caused by repeated rubbing; ex. clavus or corn - callus in the keratin layer of the skin covering the joints of the toes, usually caused by ill-fitting shoes

hymen

thin mucous membrane that partially covers the vaginal orifice; can be torn either during the first instance of intercourse or other activity; this tissue can be absent in a woman who has not been sexually active

chorion

thin outer membrane that encloses the embryo; contributes to the formation of the placenta

attention deficit disorder (ADD)

this term used if hyperactivity is not present; may persist into adulthood

auditory ossicles

three small bones located within the middle ear; role is to transmit the sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear by vibration; named for the Latin terms that describe their shapes - malleus (hammer); incus (anvil); stapes (stirrup)

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

three-question scale used to recognize CVA uding the mneumonic FAST (facial droop, arm drift, speech abnormality, time); can be used by members of the public as well as first responders to see if a stroke is occurring

arrector pili

tiny muscle fibers attached to the hair follicles that cause the hair to stand erect; in response to cold or fright, these muscles contract, causing raised areas of skin known as goose bumps; this reduces heat loss through the skin

gengrene

tissue death that is associated with a loss of normal circulation

granulation tissue

tissue that normally forms during the healing of a wound; eventually forms the scar

first step in a physical assessment

to observe the patient's overall appearance, emotional affect, and ambulation

upper and lower eyelids

together with the eyebrows and eyelashes - help protect the eyeball from foreign matter, excessive light, and injuries due to other causes; edges of the eyelids contain oil-producing sebaceous glands

laceration

torn or jagged wound or an accidental cut wound

universalis

total

alopecia universalis

total loss of hair on all parts of the body

acupuncture

traditional Chinese medical practice using very thin acupuncture needles inserted into specific points of the body to restore the flow of qi

acupressure

traditional Chinese touch therapy involving finger pressure applied to specific areas of the body to restore the flow of qi

ayurvedic medicine

traditional Hindu system of medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to preventive treatment through hygiene, exercise, herbal preparations, and yoga and the treatment of illnesses with herbal medicines, physiotherapy, and diet

anticonvulsants

traditionally administered to prevent seizures associated with epilepsy

social worker

trained therapist, usually with a master's degree (MSW)

nail body

translucent; closely molded to the surface of the underlying tissues; made up of hard, keratinized plates of epidermal cells

optic nerve

transmits nerve impulses from the retina to the brain

external auditory canal

transmits sound waves to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) of the middle ear

assistive listening device (ALD)

transmits, processes, or amplifies sound and can be used with or without a hearing aid; can be helpful in eliminating distracting background noise; The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that many public places provide assisted listening devices

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

transmitted though exposure to infected body fluids, particularly through sexual intercourse with an infected partner

conjunctiva

transparent mucous membrane that lines the underside of each eyelid and continues to form a protective covering over the exposed surface of the eyeball; plural - conjuctivae

cornea

transparent outer surface of the eye covering the iris and pupil; primary structure focusing light rays entering the eye

descending colon

travels down the left side of the abdominal cavity to the sigmoid colon

ascending colon

travels upward from the cecum to the undersurface of the liver

ureteroscopy

treatment for a nephrolith lodged in the ureter; ureteroscope is inserted though the urethra and bladder into the ureter; if possible, the nephrolith is removed intact through the scope, if the stone is too large, a laser is used to break it up and the pieces are then removed

oral rehydration therapy (ORT)

treatment in which a solution of electrolytes is administered in a liquid preparation to counteract the dehydration that can accompany diarrhea, especially in young children

palliative care

treatment that focuses on alleviating pain and relieving symptoms rather than curing the disease

retinopexy

treatment to reattach the detached area in a retinal detachment; a laser is used to repair a detached retina

common hepatic duct

trunk; just outside the liver

hands-on therapies

try to improve body function by physically manipulating or massaging the body; can be used for neck or back pain, relaxation, and increased range of motion; based on the belief that the body functions more efficiently when it is in proper alignment, and that is possible to identify and correct poor movement and posture habits

energy therapies

try to improve or maintain health by manipulating the body's energy flow, or qi (believed to be the fundamental life energy responsible for health and vitality); based on the belief that illness is linked to blocked or insufficient energy levels

mind-body therapies

try to reduce stress and prevent its negative effects on the body; can be used for stress reduction, pain management, lifestyle changes, and depression; based on the belief that emotions trigger physiological responses; by becoming aware of and reducing stressful emotions and thoughts, it is possible to decrease physical stress and its negative effects

urethra

tube extending from the bladder to the exterior of the body

pinealoma

tumor of the pineal gland that can disrupt the production of melatonin; can also cause insomnia by disrupting the circadian cycle

volvulus

twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction; can cause necrosis of the affected segment of the bowel

volvulvus

twisting of the intestine upon itself, causing an obstruction

heartbeat heard through a stethoscope

two distinct sounds known as "lubb dupp" or "lub dub"

ureters

two narrow tubes, each about 10 to 12 inches long, which transport urine from the kidney to the bladder; urine is carried from the kidneys to the urinary bladder by the ureters

triiodothyronine (T3)

two of two primary thyroid hormones that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other body systems; rate of secretion is controlled by the thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland

persistent vegetative state

type of coma in which the patient exhibits alternating sleep and wake cycles; due to severe damage to certain areas of the brain, the person is unconscious even when appearing to be awake

noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

type of nerve deafness caused by repeated exposure to extremely loud noises such as a gunshot or to moderately loud noises that continue for long periods of time; can permanently damage the hair cells in the cochlea and at least partial hearing loss occurs; usually isn't noticed until some hearing has been permanently destroyed; any sound above 85 decibals can cause some hearing loss if exposure is prolonged; most music players and smartphones can produce sounds up to 105 dB, which is louder than a lawn mower or chain saw and is equivalent to an ambulance siren

single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

type of nuclear imaging test that produces 3D computer-reconstructed images showing perfusion through tissues and organs; perfusion means the flow of blood through an organ; used primarily to view the flow of blood through arteries and veins in the brain; also used in diagnosing blood-deprived areas of brain following a stroke and tumors

gluten

type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye

gamma knife surgery

type of radiation treatment for brain tumors performed without a knife or an incision; surgeon uses gamma radiation to destroy diseased tissue while preserving the healthy tissue around the tumor

oral thrush

type of stomatomycosis that develops when the fungus Candida albicans grows out of control; symptoms are creamy white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks; occurs most often in infants, older adults with weakened immune systems, or individuals who have been taking antibiotics

echocardiography

ultrasonic diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the structures and motion of the heart; resulting record is an echocardiogram

transesophageal echocardiography

ultrasonic imaging technique used to evaluate heart structures; performed from the inside of the esophagus; and because the esophagus is so close to the heart, this technique produces clearer images than those obtained with echocardiography

carotid ultrasonography

ultrasound study of the carotid artery; performed to detect plaque buildup in the artery to predict or diagnose an ischemic stroke

alopecia totalis

uncommon condition characterized by the loss of all the hair on the scalp

sublingual

under the tongue

panic attack

unexpected, sudden experience of fear in the absence of danger, accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitation, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, nausea, feelings of unreality, choking sensations, or a combination of these; unneeded activation of the body's fight-or-flight response

diopter

unit of measurement of a lens's refractive power

stupor

unresponsive state from which a person can be aroused only briefly despite vigorous repeated attempts

accessory organs

upper GI tract and lower GI tract (bowels); include the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas; play a key role in the digestive process but are not part of the gastrointestinal tract

dorsum

upper surface of the tongue; has a tough protective covering and in some areas, small bumps known as papillae (singluar, papilla) which contains taste buds that are the sensory receptors for the sensor of taste; the receptors of taste are located on the dorsum of the tongue

nocturnal enuresis

urinary incontinence during sleep; also known as bed-wetting

neurogenic bladder

urinary problem caused by interference with the normal nerve pathways associated with urination; normal urinary function depends on nerves to sense when the bladder is full and to control the muscles that either retain the urine or allow the bladder to empty; bladder may empty spontaneously (incontinence) or can prevent the bladder from emptying at all or completely which can result in urinary retention with overflow leakage; causes are a tumor of the nervous system, trauma, neuropathy, or an inflammatory condition such as multiple sclerosis

Weber and Rinne test

use a tuning fork to distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing losses; patient's perception of the tuning fork's vibrations helps evaluate his or her hearing ability by air conduction compared to that of bone conduction

bladder ultrasound

use of a handheld ultrasound transducer to look for stones or for elevation of the bladder by an enlarged prostate and to measure the residual amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination; normal bladder holds between 300 and 400 mL of urine; when more than this amount is still present after urination the bladder is described as being distended or enlarged

photocoagulation

use of a laser to treat some forms of wet macular degeneration by sealing leaking or damaged blood vessels; also used to repair small retinal tears by intentionally forming scar tissue to seal the holes

capsule endoscopy

use of a tiny video camera in a capsule that the patient swallows; for about 8 hours, as it passes through the small intestine, this camera transmits images of the walls of the small intestine, images are detected by sensor devices attached to the patient's abdomen and transmitted to a data recorder worn on the patients belt

tympanometry

use of air pressure in the ear canal to test for disorders of the middle ear; resulting record is a tympanogram - used to test for middle-ear fluid buildup or eustachian tube obstruction, or to evaluate a conductive hearing loss

electrolysis

use of electric current to destroy hair follicles in order to produce the relatively permanent removal of undesired hair

craniosacral therapy

use of gentle touch to help the body release tension, stress, and trauma to correct restrictions resluting from stress on the central nervous system

electrocautery

use of high-frequency electrical current to destroy tissue

interventional radiology

use of radiographic imaging to guide a precedure such as a biopsy; also used to confirm the placement of an inserted object such as a stent or feeding tube

nuclear imaging

use of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic purposes; images document the structure and function of the organ or organs being examined; involves a low does of radiopharmaceuticals taken internally

carotid ultrasonography

use of sound waves to image the carotid artery to detect an obstruction that could cause an ischemic stroke

tomotherapy

use of tomography in the cancer treatment method

echoencephalography

use of ultrasound imaging to create a detailed visual image of the brain for diagnostic purposes

tomography

use of x-rays or ultrasound to produce a cross-section of the body

synthetic version of the adrenal hormone epinephrine

used as a vasoconstrictor to cause blood vessels to contract; used to treat conditions such as allergic reactions, shock and cardiac arrest; epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen)- device used to inject a measured dose of epinephrine

incisors and canines (cuspids)

used for biting and tearing

premolars (bicuspids) and molars

used for chewing and grinding

gadolinium contrast

used in some MRI exames; does not use iodine; natural chemical element

multiples

used to describe a birth involving more than two infants

cellulite

used to describe deposits of dimpled fat around the buttocks and thighs; not a scientific term, and medical authorities agree that cellulite is simply ordinary fatty tissue

sigmoidoscope

used to examine the inside of the rectum; used for sigmoidoscopy

Cleft Palate Retractor

used to guide a needle when stitching together tissues to repair a cleft deformity

Snellen chart (SC)

used to measure visual acuity; results for each eye are recorded as a fraction with 20/20 being considered normal; first number indicates the standard distance from the chart (20 feet); second number indicates deviation from the norm based on the ability to read progressively smaller lines of letters on the chart

prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

used to screen for prostate cancer; measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen that is present in a blood specimen

suture needle

used to suture several small incisions after successful gallbladder removal; used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

laser trabeculoplasty

used to treat open-angle glaucoma in which a laser is used to create an opening in the trabecular meshwork to allow the fluid to drain properly

random blood glucose test

uses a blood drop sample to measure the current blood glucose level without fasting and can be used to diagnose diabetes

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

uses a combination of radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce images; hard tissues are dark, and soft tissues appear as shades of gray; uses a combination of radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create signals that are sent to a computer and converted into images of any plane through the body; images are used to construct images of internal organs and tissues that often do not show up well in radiographs; noninvasive means of examining soft tissues such as those of the heart, blood vessels, brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, and internal organs; images can be produced in coronal, sagittal, or oblique planes and are created without the use of x-radiation; powerful magnets; presence of metal implants can be contraindications for using an MRI on a patient

digital hearing aid

uses a computer chip to convert the incoming sound into a code that can be filtered before being amplified; designed to best compensate for a specific type of hearing loss;

laser iridotomy

uses a focused beam of light to create a hole in the iris of the eye; performed to treat closed-angle glaucoma by creating an opening that allows the aqueous humor to flow between the anterior and posterior chambers of the anterior segment of the eye

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

uses brief, powerful electromagnetic pulses to alter electrical pathways in the brain

radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU)

uses radioactive iodine administered orally to measure thyroid function; the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid is measured 6 to 24 hours later using a handheld instrument called a gamma probe

radiography (x-ray)

uses x-radiation passing through the patient to expose a film or create a digital image that shows the body in profile; in the resulting film, hard tissues are light, soft tissues are shades of gray, and air is black

computer tomography (CT)

uses x-radiation with computer assistance to produce multiple cross-sectional views of the body; hard tissues are light, soft tissues appear as shades of gray

acute otitis media

usually associated with an upper respiratory infection and is most commonly seen in young children; can lead to a ruptured eardrum due to the buildup of pus or fluid in the middle ear

urinary tract infection (UTI)

usually begins in the bladder; but can affect all parts of the urinary system; common; caused by bacteria, most often E. coli, entering the urinary system through the urethra; occur more frequently in women because the urethra is short and located near the opening to the rectum

hematoma

usually caused by an injury; swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues; the body eventually reabsorbs this blood; often named for the area where it occurs, example - subungual hematoma is blood trapped under a finger or toenail

generic drug

usually named for its chemical structure and is not protected by a brand name or trademark;

total hemoglobin test (Hb)

usually part of a complete blood count; elevated Hb levels indicate a higher than normal hemoglobin concentration in the plasma due to polycythemia or dehydration; low Hb indicates lower than normal hemoglobin concentration due to anemia, recent hemorrhage, or fluid retention

electromyography

utilizes electrodes taped to the skin to measure the transfer of electrical signals in peripheral nerves to the muscles

inhalation administration

vapors and gases taken in through the nose or mouth and absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs; example - use of a metered-dose inhaler to treat asthma or gases used for general anesthesia

versicolor

variety of color

pineal gland

very small endocrine gland; also known as the pineal body; located in the central portion of the brain and takes its name from the Latin word for pinecone, referring to the shape of the gland; secretions influence the sleep-wakefulness cycle

petechiae

very small, pinpoint hemmorrhages that are less that 2 mm in diameter; singular - petechia; sometimes result from high fevers

tongue

very strong, flexible, and muscular; posterior portion is attached; anterior end moves freely and is flexible; the structure is what makes it so important for chewing, speaking, and swallowing

laparoscopy

visual examination of the interior of the abdomen with the use of a laparoscope that is passed through a small incision in the abdominal wall; this surgery involves the use of a laparoscope plus specialized instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions

endoscopy

visual examination of the interior of the body cavity; usually named for the organs involved

cystoscopy

visual examination of the urinary bladder with the use of a specialized type of endoscope known as a cystoscope - which is also used for treatment procedures such as the removal of tumors or the reduction of an enlarged prostate gland

fluoroscopy

visualization of body parts in motion by projecting x-ray images on a luminous fluorescent screen; luminous means glowing; can also be used in conjunction with conventional x-ray techniques to capture x-ray images of specific parts of the examination

guided imagery

visualization; type of treatment in which a patient follows verbal prompts to envision a specific, peaceful location in detail, distancing them from any pain or stress the patient is currently experiencing

creatinine

waste product of muscle metabolism

aqueous

watery or containing water

impulse

wave of excitation transmitted through nerve fibers and neurons

arm drift

weakness on one side of the body, demonstrated by one arm drifting down when both arms are extended

erosion

wearing away of a surface such as the epidermis of the skin or the outer layer of a mucous membrane; can also describe a progressive loss of dental enamel

photosensitizers

when activated, produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells;

retrograde ejaculation

when an orgasm results in semen flowing backward into the bladder instead of our through the penis; most common long-term complication of a TURP

drug tolerance

when the body has become accustomed to a medication after being on it for a length of time, and higher doses are required to achieve the desired effect

Eclampsia

which is a more serious form of preeclampsia, is characterized by convulsions and sometimes coma. Treatment for this condition includes the delivery of the fetus.

pregnancy

which is often used interchangeably with gestation, means the condition of having a developing baby in the uterus; The length of pregnancy is described according to the number of weeks of gestation (usually 40 weeks total). For descriptive purposes, pregnancy can also be divided into three trimesters of about 13 weeks each.

gestation

which lasts approximately 280 days (40 weeks), is the period of development of the baby in the mother's uterus. Upon completion of this developmental time, the fetus is described as being at term and should be ready for birth

closed comedo

whitehead

semen

whitish fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated through the urethra at the peak of male sexual excitement

rectum

widest division of the large intestine; makes up the last 4 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus

condom

will also prevent pregnancy when used correctly. It is the only contraceptive method mentioned here that will also prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

intraocular

within the eyeball

edentulous

without teeth; after the natural permanent teeth have been lost

primigravida

woman during her first pregnancy

primipara

woman who has borne one viable child

multiparous

woman who has given birth two or more times

nulligravida

woman who has never been pregnant

nullipara

woman who has never borne a viable child

glucophage (metformin hydrochloride)

work within the cells to combat insulin resistance and to help insulin let blood glucose into the cells

stimulant

works by increasing activity in certain areas of the brain to increase concentration and wakefulness; drug therapies have been effecting in treating ADHD and narcolepsy; overuse of stimulants, including caffeine, can cause sleeplessness and heart palpitations

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

works with the hormone calcitonin that is secreted by the thyroid gland; together they regulate the calcium levels in the blood and tissues; higher than normal levels can increase calcium levels in the blood by mobilizing the release of calcium stored in bones and teeth