Vocabulary List: Medical Terminology for 10th Grade

Anemia

A condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Biopsy

A medical procedure involving the extraction of tissue for examination to detect disease.

Cholesterol

A type of fat found in the blood that is necessary for building cells but can cause health issues at high levels.

Diagnosis

The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.

Epidemic

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

Febrile

Having or showing the symptoms of a fever.

Germicide

A substance that kills harmful microorganisms or pathogens.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Incubation

The period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.

Jaundice

A medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

Kinesiology

The study of the mechanics of body movements.

Lesion

An abnormal area of tissue resulting from injury, disease, or infection.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Neurology

The branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

Pathogen

An organism, such as a virus or bacterium, that causes disease.

Quarantine

A period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease.

Radiology

The branch of medicine that uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.

Surgery

A medical procedure involving an incision with instruments to repair damage or remove tissue.

Therapeutic

Relating to the treatment of a disease or disorder.

Ultrasound

An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune response against an infectious disease.

Wound

An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact.

Acute

A condition that comes on suddenly and has a severe course.

Benign

Not harmful in effect; in medicine, referring to tumors that are not cancerous.

Chronic

A condition that develops slowly and lasts for a long time, often for the rest of a person's life.

Endemic

Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area; often referring to diseases.

Fertility

The natural capability to produce offspring.

Genetic

Related to genes or heredity; passed from parents to offspring.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive, producing excessive hormones.

Immunization

The process by which an individual is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease.

Lymphatic

Relating to the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and helps fight infections.

Nutrient

A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

Oncology

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Palliative

Relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the underlying cause.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis of all four limbs, typically caused by spinal injury.

Respiratory

Relating to or affecting respiration or the organs of respiration.

Sepsis

A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection, leading to tissue damage and organ failure.

Toxicology

The study of the effects of chemicals on living organisms, particularly the harmful effects.

Urgent care

Medical treatment that is needed quickly but is not an emergency.

Vital signs

Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's essential body functions, such as heart rate and temperature.

X-ray

A form of electromagnetic radiation used to create images of the inside of the body, especially bones.