Medical Radiation Science and Medical History Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts in medical radiation science and the complete chronological history of medicine from prehistoric times to the 21st century.

Medical Radiation Science

The study of how radiation is used throughout medicine.

Imaging Sciences

Refers mainly to medical imaging, including modalities like medical sonography and MRI which do not primarily use ionizing radiation.

Radiologic/Radiation Sciences

A broader medical field involving the use of radiation in medicine for both imaging and treatment.

Radiation Therapy

A branch of radiation sciences that primarily uses radiation for treatment rather than imaging.

Prehistoric & Primitive Medicine

The earliest period of medicine before modern medicine existed, featuring healers such as shamans.

Shamans

Prehistoric individuals who acted as healers and could also be magicians, rulers, or priests.

Trephination

A prehistoric procedure in which stone instruments were used to bore or grind a hole into the skull.

Signature or Symbolic Treatments

Treatments based on the belief that something resembling a body part could treat disease affecting that body part.

Imhotep

Famous Egyptian physician who lived around 2800 BC and was associated with the Step Pyramid of Saqqarah.

Egyptian Priest-Physicians

Egyptian medical practitioners who believed different body parts were controlled by different gods and used religious incantations alongside medical practices.

Egyptian Medical Records

Large papyrus documents containing case histories, disease descriptions, symptoms, examinations, treatments, and prognoses.

Egyptian Direct Compression

A surgical technique used by Egyptian practitioners to control bleeding.

Aesculapius

Ancient Greek healing figure who lived around 1200 BC, taught by Apollo and Chiron, and was later worshiped as a god of healing.

Hippocrates

Important figure in medical history born around 460 BC on the island of Cos, associated with the Hippocratic Oath and over 70 medical books.

Four Humors

The ancient Greek medical concept comprising blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, associated with hot, cold, moist, and dry conditions.

Four Elements

The ancient Greek elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

Roman Public Health

Advanced public health contributions including water and sewage systems that were not equaled until well into the 19th century.

Galen

Most influential physician of the Roman era who served Emperor Marcus Aurelius and gladiators, wrote >500 books, and dissected animals to study anatomy.

Arabic Medicine

Post-Roman medical tradition that translated and expanded Greek texts, improved eye medicine, established civilian hospitals, and required formal medical examinations.

Medieval Physicians

Medical practitioners in the Middle Ages who generally treated internal diseases and problems.

Medieval Surgeons

Medical practitioners in the Middle Ages who generally treated wounds, fractures, dislocations, urinary problems, amputations, skin diseases, and syphilis.

Andreas Vesalius

Leading anatomist of the Renaissance who studied human anatomy, corrected old anatomical errors, and published detailed anatomical illustrations.

Ambroise Paré

Renaissance surgeon who revolutionized surgery by introducing ligatures to tie blood vessels and control bleeding.

William Harvey

17th-century scientist credited with the discovery of blood circulation.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Scientist who used a microscope to observe red blood cells, bacteria, and protozoa.

Edward Jenner

Physician who developed vaccination and discovered the relationship between cowpox and smallpox.

Thomas Sydenham

Physician who revolutionized clinical practice by emphasizing careful observation, detailed record keeping, and environmental considerations.

Giovanni B. Morgagni

18th-century physician who founded pathologic anatomy.

Marie François Bichat

18th-century researcher who created/established histology.

Jakob Henle

19th-century scientist who connected anatomy and biological functions, helping establish physiology.

Rudolf Virchow

19th-century scientist who created/developed cellular pathology.

Louis Pasteur

19th-century scientist who contributed to microbiology and conducted a famous study on rabies/hydrophobia.

Robert Koch

19th-century scientist who identified bacteria responsible for anthrax, tuberculosis, and cholera, helping establish bacteriology.

Joseph Lister

19th-century surgeon who introduced safer antiseptic surgical practices and proved surgery could be made safer by disinfecting surgical equipment.

William Morton

19th-century medical pioneer who developed anesthesia techniques, making surgery significantly less painful.

Paul Ehrlich

20th-century researcher who worked toward treatments for syphilis and antibiotics.

Alexander Fleming

20th-century researcher associated with the discovery of penicillin.

Selman Waksman

20th-century researcher associated with streptomycin.

Marie Curie & Pierre Curie

Researchers whose contributions led to the development of radiography (imaging) and radiotherapy (treatment).

Robotic Surgery

21st-century surgery using computer-assisted technology, 3D video, and precise instruments to reduce blood loss and speed recovery.