MDA2010 Final Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and definitions for the Medical Assisting Department final exam.

Allergic rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to sensitivity to an allergen; also called hay fever.

Histamine

A substance released from injured cells that causes increased mucus secretions, dilation of capillaries, constriction of bronchial smooth muscle, and increased gastric secretions.

Pruritus

Severe itching.

Rhinovirus

A virus that causes the common cold in humans.

Expectorant

An agent that stimulates and decreases the thickness of respiratory tract secretions to help expel mucus.

Mucolytic

Drugs that reduce the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions by breaking them down.

Pertussis

Whooping cough, a very contagious illness caused by Bordetella pertussis.

Cromolyn sodium

A medication that inhibits the degranulation of mast cells and the release of histamine to prevent asthma.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The causative agent of tuberculosis.

Reye’s syndrome

A condition that occurs in children who take aspirin for fever after a viral illness, leading to liver and brain swelling.

Carbonic anhydrase

An enzyme in red blood cells that catalyzes the formation of carbonic acid from water and carbon dioxide.

Nephrotic syndrome

A disease characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia.

Diuretics

Medications that promote the excretion of water and electrolytes via urine.

Type I diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, caused by the body's failure to produce insulin.

Type II diabetes

A form of diabetes typically linked to obesity, characterized by insulin resistance.

Acromegaly

A disorder in adults resulting from excess growth hormone, leading to enlargement of extremities.

Hypogonadism

A condition characterized by the underproduction of hormones by the gonads.

Hypothyroidism

A condition resulting from an inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones, often treated with hormone replacement therapy.

Antipyretic

A substance used to reduce fever.

Hirsutism

Excessive hair growth in women due to increased levels of androgens.

Aqueous humor

The clear fluid in the eyes that maintains pressure and nourishes tissues.

Narcotic analgesics

Drugs that inhibit pain pathways in the central nervous system.

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

A condition of permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.

Inhibitor

A chemical substance that blocks enzyme activity.