glossary med terms chap 1

abdomen

Part of the trunk between the thorax and the pelvis.

abdominal

Pertaining to the abdomen.

abdominocentesis

Puncture of the abdomen (usually for the purpose of withdrawing fluid).

abdominopelvic

Pertaining to the abdomen and pelvis.

abdominoplasty

Surgical removal of excess subcutaneous fat from the abdominal wall (tummy tuck).

abducens

Sixth (VI) nerve; responsible for eye movement.

abduction

Action of moving away from the midline.

ablation

Removal of tissue to destroy its function.

abortifacient

Drug or device that causes the termination of a pregnancy.

abortion

Spontaneous or induced expulsion of the fetus from the uterus at 20 weeks or less.

abortus

Product of abortion.

abrasion

Area of skin or mucous membrane that has been scraped off.

abruptio

Placenta abruptio is the premature detachment of the placenta.

abruptio placentae

Separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus.

abscess

Localized collection of pus in the body.

absorption

Uptake of nutrients and water by cells in the GI tract.

accessory

A muscle or nerve that is auxiliary to a more major structure.

accommodation

The act of adjusting something to make it fit the needs; for example, the lens of the eye adjusts itself.

acetabulum

The cup-shaped cavity of the hip bone that receives the head of the femur to form the hip joint.

acetaminophen

Medication that is an analgesic and an antipyretic.

acetone

Ketone that is found in blood, urine, and breath when diabetes mellitus is out of control.

acetylcholine

Parasympathetic neurotransmitter.

achilles tendon

A tendon formed from gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and inserted into the calcaneus bone. Also called calcaneal tendon.

achondroplasia

Condition with abnormal conversion of cartilage into bone, leading to dwarfism.

acid

Substance with a pH below 7.0.

acidemia

Abnormal acidity of the blood.

acinar cells

Enzyme-secreting cells of the pancreas.

acne

Inflammatory disease of sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

acne vulgaris

Common acne; an inflammation of the skin follicles.

acoustic

Pertaining to hearing.

acoustic neuroma

A tumor on the acoustic nerve.

acquired

A condition that is not inherited.

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Infection with the HIV.

acromegaly

Enlargement of the head, face, hands, and feet due to excess growth hormone in an adult.

acromioclavicular

The joint between the acromion and the clavicle.

acromion

Lateral end of the scapula, extending over the shoulder joint.

acrophobia

Fear of heights.

actinic dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin caused by sun exposure.

actinic keratosis

Horny skin condition caused by sun exposure.

activities of daily living

Daily routines for mobility, personal care, bathing, dressing, eating, and moving.

acuminata

Tapering to a point.

acupoint

Point of entry in the skin to a meridian.

acupressure

Application of pressure to acupoints.

acupuncture

Use of sterile, hair-thin needles to stimulate the energy pathways known as meridians.

acute

Disease of sudden onset.

adapt

To adjust to different conditions.

adaptation

Change in the function or structure of an organ to meet new conditions.

adaptive equipment

Devices and supplies that enable a disabled individual to perform specific functions.

addict

One who cannot live without a substance or practice.

addiction

Habitual psychologic and physiologic dependence on a substance or practice.

addictive

Pertaining to or causing addiction.

addison disease

An autoimmune disease leading to decreased production of adrenocortical steroids.

adduction

Action of moving toward the midline.

adenalgia

Pain in a gland.

adenectomy

Surgical excision of a lymph node(s).

adenine

One of the chemical bases found in, and comprising the sequence of, both DNA and RNA.

adenitis

Inflammation of a gland.

adenocarcinoma

A cancer arising from glandular epithelial cells.

adenocarcinoma of the breast

Glandular tumor in the breast.

adenohypophysis

Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

adenoid

Single mass of lymphoid tissue in the midline at the back of the throat.

adenoidectomy

Surgical removal of the adenoid tissue.

adenoma

Glandular tumor.

adenomegaly

Abnormal enlargement of a gland.

adenomyosis

The implantation of endometrial glandular tissue in the myometrium.

adenopathy

Gland disease.

adenosis

Gland condition.

adherence

The act of sticking to something.

adipocele

A hernia filled with fatty tissue.

adipose

Containing fat.

adiposity

Excessive accumulation of fat in a site, organ, or body.

adjunct

Something that is joined to another but is not an essential part.

adjustment

The action of bringing a body part into alignment with the others; Also called "manipulation."

adjuvant

Additional treatment after a primary treatment has been used.

adnexa

Parts accessory to an organ or structure; singular adnexum.

adnexal

Pertaining to accessory structures; for example, structures alongside the uterus.

adolescence

Stage that begins with puberty and ends with physical maturity.

adrenal adenoma

Tumor of the adrenal gland.

adrenal gland

The suprarenal gland on the upper pole of each kidney.

adrenal insufficiency

Condition in which the adrenal glands underproduce necessary hormones.

adrenal virilism

Development of male secondary sexual characteristics caused by excessive secretion of the adrenal gland.

adrenalectomy

Removal of the adrenal gland.

adrenaline

One of the catecholamines. Also called epinephrine.

adrenalitis

Inflammation of the adrenal gland.

adrenarche

Beginning of adrenal secretion (at puberty).

adrenergic

Relating to the autonomic nervous system.

adrenocortical

Pertaining to the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenocortical carcinoma

Cancerous tumor originating in the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenocortical insufficiency

Condition in which the adrenal cortex underproduces necessary hormones.

adrenocorticohyperplasia

Overdevelopment of the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenocorticotropic hormone

Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenogenital syndrome

Hypersecretion of androgens from the adrenal gland.

adrenomegaly

Abnormal enlargement of the adrenal gland.

advance medical directive

Legal document signed by the patient dealing with issues of prolonging or ending life in the event of life-threatening illness.

adventitia

Outer layer of connective tissue covering blood vessels or organs.

aerobic

An organism capable of living in the presence of oxygen.

aerodontalgia

Tooth pain caused by exposure to air.

aerotitis

Inflammation of the ear caused by air.

affect

External display of feelings, thoughts, and emotions.