Language of Medicine Exam 2 Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering medical terminology for body systems, reproductive organs, obstetrics, neurology, and nephrology from the University of Delaware MMSC 200 course.

Abortion

Ending of pregnancy before the fetus can live outside the uterus

Abruptio placentae

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus

Acetone

Ketone found in urine when fat is broken down

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contraction

Afferent nerves

Nerves carrying signals to the brain/spinal cord

Albuminuria

Protein (albumin) in urine

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstrual periods

Amniocentesis

Needle removal of amniotic fluid for testing

Amnion

Inner fetal membrane surrounding the embryo

Amniotic fluid

Liquid around the fetus in the uterus

Anemia

Low red-blood-cell or hemoglobin count

Anencephaly

Congenital absence of part of the brain/skull

Anesthesia

Loss of sensation

Aneurysm

Bulging of a weakened blood vessel wall

Anovulatory

Without ovulation

Anuria

No urine output

Apgar score

Newborn test of appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration

Areola

Pigmented area around the nipple

Arteriole

Small branch of an artery

Astrocyte

Glial cell that supports neurons

Astrocytoma

Brain tumor from astrocytes

Ataxia

Lack of muscle coordination

AURA

Sensory warning before seizure or migraine

Autonomic nervous system

Controls involuntary body functions

Azotemia

Nitrogen wastes in blood due to kidney failure

Bacteriuria

Bacteria in urine

Bartholin glands

Glands at vaginal opening that secrete mucus

Bell palsy

Facial paralysis from nerve inflammation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Noncancerous prostate enlargement

Blood-brain barrier

Barrier protecting brain from harmful substances

Brainstem

Midbrain, pons, medulla—controls vital functions

Bradykinesia

Slowness of movement

Bulbourethral glands

Small glands that add fluid to semen

Calciferol

Vitamin D form aiding calcium absorption

Caliceal

Relating to a renal calyx

Caliectasis

Dilation of a kidney calyx

Calyx; calyces

Cup-like collecting regions in the kidney

Castration

Removal of testes or ovaries

Cauterization

Burning tissue to destroy or stop bleeding

Cephalic version

Turning the fetus so the head is down

Cerebellum

Part of brain controlling balance and coordination

Cerebral cortex

Outer layer of cerebrum for thinking and movement

Cerebrospinal fluid

Fluid cushioning brain and spinal cord

Cervix

Neck of uterus opening into vagina

Cesarean section

Surgical delivery of a baby through abdomen

Chancre

Sore from syphilis infection

Chlamydial infection

Bacterial STI causing urethritis or cervicitis

Chorion

Outermost fetal membrane

Chorionic villus sampling

Prenatal test using placental tissue

Clitoris

Female erectile organ

Coitus

Sexual intercourse

Coma

Deep unconsciousness

Cortex

Outer region of an organ

Cortical

Relating to a cortex

Creatinine

Waste product from muscle metabolism

Creatinine clearance

Kidney test measuring filtration ability

Cryogenic surgery

Destruction of tissue using extreme cold

Cryptorchism

Undescended testis

Cystectomy

Surgical removal of bladder

Cystitis

Bladder inflammation

Cystoscopy

Visual exam of bladder with scope

Cystostomy

Opening made into bladder for drainage

Cytology

Study of cells

Dementia

Loss of mental ability due to brain disease

Dendrite

Neuron branch receiving signals

Dermoid cyst

Ovarian cyst with hair or teeth

Diabetes insipidus

Lack of ADH causing excess dilute urine

Diabetes mellitus

High blood sugar from insulin problems

Dialysis

Removing waste from blood when kidneys fail

Dilatation

Widening of a body opening

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

Scraping uterine lining after dilation

Diuresis

Increased urine formation

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation

Dysuria

Painful urination

Efferent nerves

Nerves carrying signals from brain/spinal cord

Edema

Swelling from fluid buildup

Electrolyte

Ion like sodium or potassium in body fluids

Enuresis

Bed-wetting

Epididymis

Tube where sperm mature and are stored

Epididymitis

Inflammation of epididymis

Epilepsy

Recurrent seizures

Erythropoietin

Kidney hormone that makes red blood cells

Essential hypertension

High blood pressure without known cause

Fallopian tube

Tube carrying egg from ovary to uterus