intro of medical terminology

chp 18

acronym

An abbreviation formed from the first letter of each word of a phrase and pronounced as a word.

anaplastic

A rapidly dividing cancer cell that has little to no similarity to normal cells.

antibodies

Protein substances produced in the blood or tissues in response to a specific antigen that destroys or weakens the antigen. Part of the immune system.

antigens

Substances that stimulate the production of an antibody when introduced into the body. Antigens include toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.

biopsy

Process of viewing living tissue that has been removed for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment.

chromosomes

Rod-shaped structures found in the cell’s nucleus; they contain genetic information.

cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus and fills the cells.

diaphragm

A broad, dome-shaped muscle used for breathing that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

differentiated

Describes how malignant tissues or cells look like the normal tissues or cells they came from; poorly-differentiated means they do not look like the normal tissues or cells, and well-differentiated means they look like the normal tissues or cells.

endoscope

A scope with a camera attached to a long, thin tube that can be inserted into the body.

eponym

A word that comes from the name of a person, place, or thing associated with the word.

homeostasis

The internal environment of the body that is compatible with life. A steady state that is created by all the body systems working together to provide a consistent and unvarying internal environment.

intercellular

Located between cells.

metastasize

To spread from one part of the body (the primary tumor) to another part of the body, forming a secondary tumor.

oncologist

A specially trained doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer.

organelle

Structures inside of the cell that has specific functions to maintain the cell.

pathogen

A disease-causing organism.

pathologist

A physician specially trained in the nature and cause of disease.

pathology

The study of disease.

peristalsis

Wavelike motion.

physiology

The study of body functions.

plasma membrane

Outer covering surrounding the cell that allows certain substances to enter the cell and blocks other substances. Can also be called the cell membrane.

toxins

Substances created by microorganisms, plants, or animals that are poisonous to humans.

vasoconstriction

Contraction of the muscles, causing narrowing of the inside tube of the vessel.