body structures (1)

curettage

Scraping of a body cavity with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.

electrocauterization

Use of an electrically activated instrument to burn and destroy diseased tissue.

incision and drainage (I&D)

Incision made to allow the free flow of fluids and pus from a wound, abscess, or body cavity.

laser surgery

Use of a high-intensity laser light beam to remove diseased tissues, to stop bleeding, or for cosmetic purposes.

revision

Surgical procedure used to replace or compensate for a previously implanted device or correct an undesirable result or effect of a previous surgery.

fluoroscopy

Technique in which x-rays are directed through the body to a fluorescent screen that displays internal structures in continuous motion.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce highly detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional views of soft tissues.

nuclear scan

Technique in which a radioactive material called a tracer is introduced into the body and a specialized camera produces images of organs and structures.

positron emission tomography (PET)

Technique that records the positrons emitted from a radiopharmaceutical to produce a cross-sectional image of metabolic activity.

radiography

Technique in which x-rays are passed through the body to generate an image.

single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Radiological technique that integrates computed tomography and a radioactive material injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood flow to tissues and organs.

ultrasonography (US)

High-frequency sound waves directed at soft tissue to produce an image of an internal body structure.

surgical biopsy (bx)

Removal of a representative tissue sample from a body site for microscopic examination.

excisional biopsy

Biopsy in which the entire lesion is removed.

incisional biopsy

Biopsy in which only a small sample of the lesion is removed.

ablation

Removal of a body part, pathway, or function by surgery, chemical destruction, electrocautery, freezing, or radio frequency.

anastomosis

Surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to another.

homeostasis

State of equilibrium of the internal environment of the body despite changes in the external environment.

synthesize

Forming a complex substance by the union of simpler compounds or elements.

dermis

The second layer of the skin, composed of living tissue containing capillaries, lymphatic vessels, and nerve endings.

subcutaneous layer

Binds the dermis to underlying structures and is composed primarily of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue.

sebaceous glands

Glands in the dermis that produce oil and help prevent infection.

sudoriferous glands

Glands that secrete sweat onto the surface of the skin through pores.

alveolus

A small air sac in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

hair follicle

The structure from which hair grows, containing the hair root.

nail root

The part of the nail embedded in the skin, where nail growth occurs.

lunula

The half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail where new growth occurs.

auscultation

Listening to the heart, bowel, and lungs with a stethoscope to assess the presence and quality of sounds.

palpation

Gentle application of hands to determine the size, consistency, and tenderness of underlying structures.

percussion

Tapping a body structure to assess consistency and the presence of fluids.

endoscopy

Visual examination of a body cavity or canal using a specialized lighted instrument called an endoscope.

complete blood count (CBC)

Broad screening test used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

computed tomography (CT)

Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to create a detailed cross-sectional image.