Case Study Terms and Anatomical Reference

Petechiae/Petechial Hemorrhage

Tiny round brown-purple spots due to bleeding under the skin, may be in a small area due to minor trauma or widespread due to blood-clotting disorder

Crepitance

A grating sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or the fractured parts of a bone

Pleura/Pleurae

A thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the interior wall of the chest cavity

Peritoneal Cavity

The space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver

Peritonitis

A redness or swelling of the lining of the stomach or abdomen

Epicardium

A serous membrane that forms the innermost layer of the pericardium and the outer surface of the heart

Mural Thrombosis

When thrombi (blood clots) attach to the wall of a blood vessel and cardiac chamber

Papillary Muscles

Muscles located in the ventricle of the heart

(Patent) Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)

An extra blood vessel found in babies before birth and just after birth; normally disappears within in the first few days of life

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

A hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart

Laryngeal Cartilages

Cartilages that surround and protect the larynx

Parenchyma

The functional tissue of an organ

Pulmonary Vasculature

A highly specialized circulatory network connecting the heart and lungs

Mesentery

A fan-shaped structure in the abdomen that holds the intestines and other organs in place, and supplies them with blood, nerves, and lymph nodes

Anti-Mesenteric Border

The convex margin of a small bowel loop, facing away from the axis of the root of the mesentery

Lobular

Having or relating to lobes

Periportal (Region)

A potential space surrounding the portal vein and its intrahepatic branches

Corticomedullary Demarcation

A clear, visible difference between the cortex and the medulla (can be pertaining to a kidney)

Follicles (with reference to the spleen)

Lymphatic nodules (in the spleen)

Dura Mater

The tough, outermost membrane enveloping the brain and the spinal cord

Calvarium

The bones of the skull that exclusively cover and protect the brain

Hematoma

A pool of mostly clotted blood that forms in an organ, tissue, or body space

Subarachnoid Hematoma

Bleeding in the space between the brain and the membrane that covers it

Leptomeninges

The inner two membranes surrounding the brain (the arachnoid and the pia mater) that circulate cerebrospinal fluid

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain that control voluntary movement

Uncal

Referring to the uncus, an anatomical structure at the frontal extremity of the parahippocampal gyrus (part of the temporal lobe of the brain)

Weight of right lung (in men)

Avg - 445g

Range - 185-967 g

Weight of left lung (men)

Avg - 395 g

Range - 110-675 g

Weight of right lung (in women)

Avg - 340 g

Range - 142-835 g

Weight of left lung (in women)

Avg - 299 g

Range - 108-736 g

Weight of brain

1300-1400 g

(350-400 g in newborns)

Weight of spleen

170 g (can vary)

Weight of heart (in men)

280-340 g

Weight of heart (in women)

Weight of right kidney (in men)

79-223 g

Weight of left kidney (in men)

74-235 g

Weight of right kidney (in women)

55-274 g

Weight of left kidney (in women)

67-261 g

Weight of liver

Avg - 1500 g

Range - 838-2584 g

Effects of alcohol/ethanol

Depressant; impairs coordination, judgment, and reaction time. In high doses, can cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness. Chronic use affects the liver, brain, and other organs

Risks of alcohol/ethanol

Addiction, liver damage, brain shrinkage, and increased risk of accidents

Effects of acetone

Can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Large exposures may lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, and central nervous system (CNS) depression

Risks of acetone

Ingestion can cause vomiting and abdominal pain. Chronic exposure may harm the liver and kidneys

Effects of isopropanol/isopropyl alcohol

CNS depressant; causes dizziness, headache, and confusion. Ingesting large amounts can result in nausea, vomiting, and severe intoxication

Risks of isopropanol/isopropyl alcohol

Can cause respiratory depression and organ damage in severe cases

Effects of methanol

Highly toxic; metabolizes to formic acid, which can cause metabolic acidosis, blindness, and damage to the CNS

Risks of methanol

Even small amounts can be fatal if untreated

Effects of amphetamines

Stimulants; increase alertness, energy, and focus. High doses can lead to agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations

Risks of amphetamines

Addiction, cardiovascular strain, and neurotoxicity

Effects of antidepressants

Improve mood and alleviate depression by modulating neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine). Side effects vary by type (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, etc.)

Risks of antidepressants

Can cause serotonin syndrome in high doses or interactions, withdrawal symptoms, and emotional blunting

Effects of barbiturates

CNS depressants; induce relaxation, sleep, or anesthesia. Overdose can lead to respiratory depression

Risks of barbiturates

High addiction potential, severe withdrawal symptoms, and risk of fatal overdose

Effects of benzodiazepines

CNS depressants; reduce anxiety, induce sedation, and relax muscles

Risks of benzodiazepines

Dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose (especially when combined with other depressants)

Effects of cannabinoids

Euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and appetite stimulation. High doses can cause anxiety or paranoia

Risks of cannabinoids

Impaired memory, dependence, and possible exacerbation of mental health disorders

Effects of cocaine

Stimulant; increases energy, euphoria, and alertness. Raises heart rate and blood pressure

Risks of cocaine

Addiction, cardiovascular strain, nasal damage, and risk of stroke

Effects of lidocaine

Local anesthetic; blocks nerve signal transmission. Overdose can cause CNS and cardiac toxicity

Risks of lidocaine

Seizures, irregular heartbeat, and respiratory issues if absorbed in large amounts

Effects of methadone

Opioid; reduces pain and withdrawal symptoms in addiction treatment

Risks of methadone

Respiratory depression, overdose, and dependence

Effects of phencyclidine (PCP)

Hallucinogen; causes dissociation, agitation, and altered perception

Risks of phencyclidine (PCP)

Violence, psychosis, and long-term cognitive deficits

Effects of phinothiazines

Antipsychotics; reduce psychotic symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors

Risks of phinothiazines

Movement disorders, sedation, and metabolic side effects

Effects of propoxyphene

Weak opioid analgesic for pain relief

Risks of propoxyphene

Cardiotoxicity, respiratory depression, and overdose risk

Effects of acetaminophen

Pain reliever and fever reducer

Risks of acetaminophen

Liver damage in high doses, especially with alcohol

Effects of oxycodone

Opioid; provides pain relief and euphoria

Risks of oxycodone

Addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose

Effects of morphine

Strong opioid analgesic; alleviates severe pain

Risks of morphine

Dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression

Effects of hydrocodone

Opioid; relieves moderate to severe pain

Risks of hydrocodone

Addiction, drowsiness, and respiratory depression

Effects of fentanyl

Potent synthetic opioid; provides significant pain relief

Risks of fentanyl

Extremely high overdose potential and respiratory depression