Terms that Defy Word Analysis

Aorta

Large artery that directly leaves the heart to deliver blood to the body; largest artery in the body

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity; aka dropsy

Auscultate

To evaluate by listening, usually with the aid of a stethoscope

Edema

Excess fluid accumulation around the cells of connective tissue

Fibrillation

Rapid, irregular myocardial contractions resulting in loss of a simultaneous heartbeat and pulse

Infarct

A localized area of tissue that is dying or dead because of lack of blood supply

Lavage

Washing out a hollow organ by rinsing with fluid that is introduced into the organ and suctioned out

Murmur

An atypical heart sound associated with a functional or structural valve abnormality