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Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering general physical examination techniques, ectoscopy, head and neck assessment, respiratory semiology, and cardiovascular examination.

Propedeutics

The preliminary body of knowledge and skills required to evaluate a patient, establish clinical hypotheses, and direct the continuity of care.

Ectoscopy

The initial global visual evaluation of a patient as a whole prior to examining specific anatomical systems.

Inspection

The systematic visual and olfactory examination of the body to evaluate size, shape, color, symmetry, position, and physical abnormalities.

Palpation

The physical examination technique using touch and pressure to assess tissue texture, volume, temperature, tenderness, fremitus, and anatomical structures.

Percussion

The technique of applying light, targeted strikes to the body surface to delineate organs, detect air or fluid collections, and evaluate underlying tissue density.

Auscultation

The propedeutic method of listening to internal body sounds, such as respiratory, cardiac, and bowel sounds, typically using a stethoscope.

Resonant Sound (Claro Pulmonar)

The normal, clear percussion sound elicited over healthy, air-filled lung tissue.

Tympanic Sound

A high-pitched, drum-like percussion sound generated over air-filled cavities, such as an empty stomach or pneumothorax.

Dull Sound (Maciço)

A thud-like percussion sound produced over dense tissue, solid organs like the liver, or pathological fluid collections like pleural effusions.

Miosis

Abnormal constriction of the pupil of the eye.

Mydriasis

Abnormal dilation of the pupil of the eye.

Anisocoria

An asymmetry marked by unequal sizing of the pupils.

Exophthalmos

An abnormal anterior protrusion of the eyeball, frequently associated with hyperthyroidism.

Anosmia

The complete absence or loss of the sense of smell.

Cacosmia

A perversion or distortion of the sense of smell, often characterized by perceiving unpleasant odors that are not present.

Epistaxis

Acute hemorrhage or bleeding originating from the nasal cavity or nostrils.

Oral Candidiasis

A fungal infection of the oral mucosa caused by Candida albicans, presenting as white adherent plaques (commonly termed thrush).

Ankyloglossia

A congenital oral anomaly characterized by an abnormally short or restrictive lingual frenulum, commonly known as tongue-tie.

Webbed Neck

A congenital skin fold extending along the lateral sides of the neck, characteristic of Turner syndrome ($45,X$ karyotype).

Barrel Chest

A rounded, hyperinflated thoracic shape resulting from chronic air trapping and hyperinflation, common in emphysema.

Intercostal Retractions

Inward pulling of the intercostal muscles between the ribs during inspiration, serving as a classic sign of severe respiratory distress.

Tactile Fremitus

Palpable vibrations felt on the chest wall produced by vocalization, traditionally evaluated by having the patient repeat $33$.

Adventitious Sounds

Abnormal or extra respiratory sounds heard during pulmonary auscultation, including wheezes, rhonchi, and crackles.

Digital Clubbing

Hypertrophy of the soft tissue and nail bed at the distal fingertips caused by chronic peripheral hypoxia and vasodilation.

Ictus Cordis

The point of maximal impulse (PMI) of the heart felt against the chest wall, normally located at the 5th left intercostal space along the midclavicular line.

First Heart Sound ($S_1$)

The cardiac sound created by the sudden closure of the atrioventricular (mitral and tricuspid) valves at the onset of ventricular systole.

Second Heart Sound ($S_2$)

The cardiac sound created by the closure of the semilunar (aortic and pulmonary) valves marking the end of systole and start of diastole.

Aortic Auscultation Focus

The cardiac listening point located at the 2nd right intercostal space, adjacent to the sternal border.

Pulmonary Auscultation Focus

The cardiac listening point located at the 2nd left intercostal space, adjacent to the sternal border.

Mitral Auscultation Focus

The cardiac listening point located at the 5th left intercostal space along the midclavicular line, corresponding to the apex of the heart.

Tricuspid Auscultation Focus

The cardiac listening point located at the 4th or 5th left intercostal space, adjacent to the lower left sternal border.

Erb's Point

The accessory aortic listening point located at the 3rd left intercostal space along the sternal border, useful for evaluating aortic regurgitation murmurs.

Heart Murmur

An abnormal sound produced by turbulent blood flow through diseased or altered heart valves, caused by valvular stenosis or insufficiency.

Orthopnea

Shortness of breath that develops when lying flat in a recumbent position and is relieved by sitting upright.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea

Sudden severe episodes of shortness of breath that awaken a patient from sleep at night, typically associated with congestive heart failure.

Jugular Venous Distension

Visible swelling or engorgement of the jugular veins, indicating increased central venous pressure and right ventricular overload.