Nutrition-Related Medical Terminology Quiz 1

ACE Inhibitors

Agents that block conversion of angiotensin I to II, reducing vascular resistance and improving cardiac output. Examples: Enalapril, Captopril

achlorhydria

Absence of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice.

acrocyanosis

Cyanotic discoloration, coldness, and sweating of extremities due to arterial spasm.

amenorrhea

Absence or abnormal stoppage of menses; typically defined as missing 3-6 consecutive menstrual cycles.

anemia

Decrease in hemoglobin, red cell production, or increased destruction; may also result from blood loss.

anabolism

Metabolic process converting simple substances into complex ones; tissue growth.

analogues

Chemical compounds resembling others in structure but with different effects.

angina

Thoracic pain caused by myocardial anoxia; often described as crushing or choking.

anoxia

Lack of oxygen in body tissues.

anuria

Inability to urinate or urinary output <250 ml/day.

ascites

Abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

ataxia

Uncoordinated limb movement; often presents as a staggering gait.

atrophic gastritis

Age-related loss of stomach acid secretion; may impair intrinsic factor production.

atherogenesis

Development of cardiovascular disease.

azotemia

Excess nitrogenous compounds retained in the blood.

bariatrics

Medical field focused on treating obesity and related diseases.

basal insulin

Background insulin that regulates glucose between meals and during sleep.

beta blockers

Agents that block beta receptors, reducing nerve impulses.

beta cells

Pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.

bolus feedings

Administration of enteral nutrition in a single dose or short time period.

body mass index

Weight (kg) divided by height² (m²); indicator of weight status.

cardiac output

Volume of blood ejected by the heart per minute.

cardiomegaly

Enlargement of the heart, often due to hypertension or defects.

cardiomyopathy

Disease affecting the heart muscle; caused by infection, alcohol, or genetics.

catabolism

Breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones; associated with tissue loss.

cheilosis

Cracking at corners of the mouth; often linked to riboflavin deficiency.

cholelithiasis

Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

chylomicron

Large lipoprotein particle formed after fat absorption.

closed system

Enteral feeding container sealed by manufacturer; prevents contamination or additions.

combination glucose therapy

Use of oral medications and insulin together to manage blood glucose.

congestive heart failure

Circulatory congestion due to cardiac dysfunction, especially ventricular damage.

creatinine height index

24-hour measure of creatinine excretion relative to height; indicator of muscle mass and nutritional status.

cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes due to deoxygenated hemoglobin.

c-peptide

Protein produced from proinsulin; used to assess endogenous insulin production.

coefficient of variation

Statistical measure of variability in lab test results.

c-reactive protein

Marker of systemic inflammation; predictor of cardiovascular events.

cardiac arrest

Sudden cessation of heart function.

carcinoma

Malignant tumor derived from epithelial cells.

catheter

Tube inserted into the body to deliver or remove fluids.

cerebrospinal fluid

Clear fluid surrounding brain and spinal cord; cushions and protects CNS.