Medical Terminology

Flashcards of medical professions and definitions

Nutritionist

Evaluates the health of a client and advises them on which foods to eat.

Primary Care Physician

A medical doctor that examines and treats patients with a wide range of conditions and refers them to those with serious ailments to a specialist.

Endocrinologist

A medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of disorders associated with hormone regulation that may affect reproduction.

Coroner

Elected official who works with the police and helps to decide whether to have an autopsy. Responsible for pronouncing someone dead.

Phlebotomist

A professional who draws blood so that it can be analyzed.

Cardiologist

Physician specializing in the heart.

Podiatrist

Treats a variety of foot and ankle ailments as well as foot problems associated with diabetes and other diseases.

Geneticist

Evaluates patients at risk for inherited disease.

Toxicologist

PhD who test bodily fluids for the presence of medications and toxins to help determine the cause of death.

Medical Examiner

A physician who performs an autopsy when death may be accidental or violent.

Paramedic

Performs CPR, provides first aid, assesses patient's conditions, transports patients in an ambulance and restocks medical supplies and medical transport vehicles. Requires a 2-year associate's degree.

Emergency Room Physician

A physician who may work in an emergency room, record patient histories, order diagnostic tests, review test results and design a patient's treatment plan.

Emergency Medical Technician

Perform CPR, provides first aid, assesses a patient's condition, and determines a course of treatment. Requires EMT certification.

Nurse Practitioner

Records patient history, performs physical exams, creates patient care plans and diagnoses and prescribes medication to treat healthcare conditions.

Registered Nurse

Records patient histories, administers medication, carries out patient care plans and operates medical equipment.

Epidemiologist

Public health workers who investigate trends and causes of disease and injury.

Osmosis

The movement of water from an area of higher concentration to lower across a semipermeable membrane.

Solute

The substance being dissolved into a solution.

Hypertonic

When concentration of the outside is greater than the inside cell and it swells.

Hypotonic

The concentration of the outside of the cell is less than that on the inside.

Isotonic

When concentration inside and outside of the cell are equal.

Solution

Mixture of solvent and a solute

Solvent

The substance doing the dissolving