MA EXAM - low yield

What is the medical term for inflammation of the pancreas?

Pancreatitis

What does the abbreviation “qid” mean?

Four times a day

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Regulates metabolism and energy use

What is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder?

Cystitis

What is the anatomical term for the kneecap?

Patella

What is the role of the lymphatic system?

Helps defend against infection and removes waste

What is the medical term for the surgical removal of the tonsils?

Tonsillectomy

What is the purpose of a lumbar puncture?

To collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing

What is the medical term for a blood clot?

Thrombus

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis produces identical cells; meiosis produces gametes with half the chromosomes

What is the medical term for a heart attack?

Myocardial infarction

What is the difference between the small and large intestines?

Small intestine absorbs nutrients; large intestine absorbs water and forms stool

What is the medical term for excessive sweating?

Hyperhidrosis

What is the purpose of a Holter monitor?

To continuously record heart activity over 24-48 hours

What is the role of the adrenal glands?

Produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune system, and stress response

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid?

Cushions the brain and spinal cord

What is the medical term for inflammation of the stomach lining?

Gastritis

What is the difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood to the heart

What is the anatomical term for the thigh bone?

Femur

What is the function of the spleen?

Filters blood and helps fight infection

What is the medical term for low white blood cell count?

Leukopenia

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 is insulin-dependent; type 2 is insulin-resistant

What is the medical term for inflammation of the appendix?

Appendicitis

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Controls other endocrine glands and regulates growth and metabolism

What is the medical term for nosebleed?

Epistaxis

What is the difference between ligaments and tendons?

Ligaments connect bone to bone; tendons connect muscle to bone

What is the function of melanin?

Provides skin pigment and protects from UV radiation

What is the medical term for fainting?

Syncope

What is the role of platelets in clotting?

They clump together to form a plug at injury sites

What is the medical term for inflammation of the lungs?

Pneumonia

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Coordinates voluntary muscle movements and balance

What is the medical term for difficulty speaking?

Aphasia

What is the purpose of a colonoscopy?

To examine the interior of the colon for abnormalities

What is the difference between acute and chronic bronchitis?

Acute is short-term inflammation; chronic is long-lasting and often linked to smoking

What is the medical term for swelling of lymph nodes?

Lymphadenopathy

What is the function of the pancreas?

Produces insulin and digestive enzymes

What is the medical term for a stroke?

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic heart failure?

Systolic means the heart can’t contract well; diastolic means the heart can’t relax properly

What is the function of alveoli in the lungs?

Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood

What is the medical term for yellowing of the skin?

Jaundice

What is the purpose of a pulmonary function test?

Measures lung capacity and airflow

What is the anatomical term for the heel bone?

Calcaneus

What is the role of the corpus callosum?

Connects the two hemispheres of the brain

What is the medical term for excessive thirst?

Polydipsia

What is the function of the urinary bladder?

Stores urine until elimination

What is the medical term for inflammation of the throat?

Pharyngitis

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?

Sprain is ligament injury; strain is muscle or tendon injury

What is the medical term for high cholesterol?

Hyperlipidemia

What is the function of the cochlea in the ear?

Converts sound waves into nerve signals

What is the role of the endocrine system?

Produces hormones that regulate body functions

What is the medical term for difficulty urinating?

Dysuria

What is the function of the large intestine?

Absorbs water and forms feces

What is the anatomical term for the wrist bones?

Carpals

What is the difference between mitral valve prolapse and stenosis?

Prolapse is valve flaps bulging backward; stenosis is narrowing of the valve opening

What is the function of the lymph nodes?

Filter lymph fluid and trap pathogens

What is the medical term for inflammation of the pancreas?

Pancreatitis

What is the purpose of a bone marrow biopsy?

To diagnose blood disorders and cancers

What is the function of the gallbladder?

Stores and concentrates bile for digestion

What is the medical term for a heart murmur?

An abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow

What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?

HDL is "good" cholesterol; LDL is "bad" cholesterol

What is the medical term for a nosebleed?

Epistaxis

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

Controls the pituitary gland and regulates homeostasis

What is the function of the retina?

Converts light into neural signals for vision

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 is autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells; type 2 is insulin resistance

What is the medical term for inflammation of the kidney?

Nephritis

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Regulates metabolism

What is the medical term for inflammation of the stomach?

Gastritis

What is the purpose of an MRI scan?

To produce detailed images of organs and tissues

What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?

Bacteria are living cells; viruses require a host to reproduce