Breast, Lymphatic, Heart, Neck, and Abdomen Health Concepts

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions pertaining to breast, lymphatic, heart, neck, and abdominal health concepts, aiding in exam preparation.

Tail of Spence

An extension of breast tissue from the upper outer quadrant into the armpit.

Lactiferous ducts

Ducts that transport milk from the lobules of the breast to the nipple.

Areola

The pigmented area surrounding the nipple, containing Montgomery glands.

Glandular tissue

Breast tissue that produces milk.

milk line

An embryonic structure along which breast tissue develops, extending from the armpit to the groin.

Fibrous tissue

Connective tissue in the breast providing structural support.

Fatty tissue

Adipose tissue in the breast, influencing size and shape.

Cooper ligaments

Suspensory ligaments that maintain breast structure and position.

Lymph nodes

Small structures that filter lymph fluid and trap foreign materials, such as bacteria.

Ductal carcinoma

The most common type of breast cancer arising from the ducts of the breast.

Lobular carcinoma

A type of breast cancer that begins in the lobules of the breast.

BRCA1 and BRCA2

Genes that, when mutated, increase susceptibility to breast cancer.

Breast self-examination (BSE)

A method for individuals to check their own breasts for abnormalities.

Peau d’orange

An orange peel appearance of the breast often associated with cancer.

Paget disease

A form of breast cancer that manifests through changes in the nipple and areola.

Mastitis

Infection of the breast tissue, often with swelling and pain.

Radical mastectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the breast, nipple, and surrounding tissue, including some axillary lymph nodes.

Modified radical mastectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the breast and lymph nodes but preserving underlying muscles.

Gynecomastia

Enlargement of male breast tissue due to an imbalance of hormones.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

Circulatory conditions affecting blood flow to the limbs.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in arteries.

Deep veins

Veins located deeper in the body, typically carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Superficial veins

Veins located close to the surface of the skin.

Lymphatic system

A network of vessels that helps drain excess fluid and is involved in immune responses.

Intermittent claudication

Pain in the legs due to inadequate blood flow, typically during exercise.

Pitting edema

Swelling causing an indentation when pressed.

Non-pitting edema

Swelling that does not leave an indentation when pressed.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often due to liver disease.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, typically due to gallstones.

Abdominal quadrants

Sections of the abdomen used for assessing organ location and conditions.

Inspection

The initial physical examination technique that involves visually examining the area.

Auscultation

The examination technique that involves listening to the sounds within the body, often using a stethoscope.

Percussion

A technique to assess the density of an underlying structure by tapping on the surface.

Palpation

The examination technique that involves using hands to feel body parts for size, consistency, and presence of abnormal structures.

Murphy sign

A clinical sign indicating gallbladder inflammation, felt as pain during deep inhalation.

Psoas sign

Pain in the lower right abdomen upon extending the leg, indicative of appendicitis.

Obturator sign

Pain in the right lower abdomen when flexing and rotating the hip, indicative of appendicitis.

Claudication

Pain caused by too little blood flow during exercise, often experienced in the legs.

C-reactive protein

A substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation, used as a marker for disease.

Capillary refill time

The time taken for color to return to a nail bed after pressure is released, indicating circulation.

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

A measure comparing blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm, used to assess peripheral artery disease.

Fluid wave test

A clinical test for confirming ascites by detecting a wave of fluid movement.

Blumberg sign

Rebound tenderness in abdomen indicating peritoneal irritation.

Risk factors for coronary heart disease

Various lifestyle and genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Cardiac output (CO)

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as stroke volume multiplied by heart rate.

Heart sounds S1 and S2

Sounds produced by the closure of heart valves, important indicators of heart function.