Ear, Nose, Mouth, and Throat (Chapter 12) Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, diagnostic terms, and clinical conditions of the ear, nose, mouth, and throat.

Pinna

Anatomical structure of the external ear that directs sound into the auditory canal.

Auditory Ossicles

Three small bones in the middle ear consisting of the Malleus (hammer), Incus (anvil), and Stapes (stirrup).

Eustachian tube

A tube connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx that regulates inner ear pressure; dysfunction is a factor in recurrent Otitis Media.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped structure within the inner ear involved in hearing.

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

The cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell, located near the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone.

Conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by a mechanical dysfunction where the sound conduction pathway is blocked.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing loss involving the inner ear that is considered more serious than conductive loss.

Ménière’s disease

A serious condition indicated by hearing loss accompanied by symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus.

Otitis Externa

An inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, common in water sports.

Otomycosis

A subgroup of otitis externa specifically involving a fungal infection.

Otitis Media (OM)

Presence of fluid in the middle ear accompanied by signs of infection; incidence decreases significantly with age.

Tympanogram

A diagnostic test performed to determine the integrity of the tympanic membrane in the absence of an obvious perforation.

Allergic Rhinitis

An immunoglobulin E–mediated response to nasally inhaled allergens causing sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, and congestion.

Nonallergic Rhinitis

Nasal inflammation resulting from infection, vasomotor issues, hormones, drugs, or food, characterized by excessive mucus and congestion.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the nasal cavity or one or more paranasal sinuses, often caused by bacterial or viral exposure.

Deviated Septum

A nasal condition typically occurring from trauma (such as a blow to the side of the nose) that may cause chronic nasal obstruction.

Epistaxis

The medical term for a nosebleed, which can be anterior or posterior.

Kiesselbach’s plexus

A vascular area on the nasal septum where more than $90\%$ of anterior epistaxis cases occur.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly known as a sore throat; initially viral but can become bacterial (Streptococcus).

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils, most commonly caused by $\beta$-hemolytic Streptococcus.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx often occurring with respiratory infections, also known as 'cheerleader’s nodules' in athletes.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing that may be caused by edema of the larynx.

Oral Cancer Statistics

The sixth most common cancer in the world, accounting for more than $400,000$ new cases each year, with men having twice the risk of women.

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

A reddish to purple pigmented lesion (flat or raised) that is a common manifestation of HIV infection.

Gingivitis

An inflammatory condition of the gums caused by bacteria and plaque deposits from inadequate brushing and flossing.

Periodontitis

A progression of untreated gingivitis that results in a receding gum line and loss of alveolar bone.