Medical Terminology and Body Organization

Flashcards created from lecture notes on basic medical terminology, cellular organization, body cavities, positional terms, suffixes, prefixes, and related pathological conditions.

What are the three steps for defining a medical term?

First define the suffix, second define the first part of the word (word root, combining form, or prefix), and third define the middle part of the word.

What three rules govern the building of medical words with combining vowels?

1. A word root links a suffix that begins with a vowel. 2. A combining form links a suffix that begins with a consonant. 3. A combining form links a root to another root even if the second root starts with a vowel.

What is the rule regarding combining vowels when joining two word roots versus attaching a suffix starting with a vowel?

Keep the combining vowel between two word roots regardless of whether the second root starts with a vowel (e.g., gastroenterology), but drop the combining vowel before a suffix starting with a vowel (e.g., gastritis).

What is the distinction between a word root and a combining form?

A word root is the main foundation of a word that gives it meaning, whereas a combining form is a word root combined with a combining vowel (usually "o").

What is the definition of a karyotype?

A karyotype is the photograph and visual arrangement displaying the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell.

How do anabolism and catabolism differ within cellular metabolism?

Anabolism is the process of building up large proteins from smaller amino acid pieces, while catabolism is the process of breaking down molecules to release energy.

Why are mitochondria referred to as the "powerhouse of the cell"?

Mitochondria generate most of the cell's energy supply and are involved in cellular differentiation, cell growth, and cell death.

What anatomical structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

The diaphragm.

What are the nine regions of the abdominopelvic area?

Right hypochondriac region, Epigastric region, Left hypochondriac region, Right lumbar region, Umbilical region, Left lumbar region, Right iliac (inguinal) region, Hypogastric region, and Left iliac (inguinal) region.

What are the five regions of the spinal column from superior to inferior?

Cervical ($7$ vertebrae), Thoracic ($12$ vertebrae), Lumbar ($5$ vertebrae), Sacral ($5$ fused vertebrae), and Coccygeal ($4$ fused vertebrae).

What is the difference between the supine and prone body positions?

Supine means lying flat on the back, whereas prone means lying flat on the belly.

What is the difference between a cystocele and a rectocele?

A cystocele is a hernia in which the urinary bladder protrudes into the vagina, whereas a rectocele is a hernia in which a portion of the rectum protrudes toward the vaginal wall.

What clinical features and genetic inheritance pattern characterize achondroplasia?

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by abnormal conversion of cartilage into bone, preventing long bone growth and causing dwarfism with short limbs, normal trunk, enlarged head, saddle nose, protruding jaw, and exaggerated lumbar lordosis.

How do Streptococci, Staphylococci, and Diplococci differ in cellular grouping?

Streptococci grow in twisted chains, Staphylococci grow in small clusters, and Diplococci are organized in pairs.

What proportion of white blood cells are neutrophils, and what function do they perform?

Neutrophils make up $50\text{--}60BA$ (specifically $50\text{--}60BA$ or $50\text{--}60BA$) of leukocytes and act as phagocytes that engulf and digest bacteria.

What gas is introduced during a laparoscopy to expand the abdominal cavity?

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$).

What is the distinction between a tracheotomy and a tracheostomy?

A tracheotomy is the surgical incision made into the trachea, whereas a tracheostomy is the resulting opening created in the trachea.

What hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and what are their functions?

Epinephrine (increases heart rate and dilates bronchioles under stress), Cortisol (manages stress and influences the immune system), and Aldosterone (regulates sodium and potassium levels).

How do medical signs differ from medical symptoms?

A sign is an objective phenomenon detected by another person or clinician (e.g., fever, rash), whereas a symptom is a subjective experience reported by the patient (e.g., pain, fatigue).

What mechanism causes Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (Erythroblastosis Fetalis)?

An Rh- mother exposed to Rh+ fetal blood produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies to attack and destroy the Rh+ fetus's red blood cells.

What treatment schedule of Rh immune globulin prevents maternal sensitization to the Rh factor?

Administering Rh immune globulin during the $7\text{th}$ month of pregnancy and again within $72\text{ h}$ ($72$ hours) of delivery.

What facial features are characteristic of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

Small palpebral fissures (eye openings), a smooth philtrum, a thin upper lip, microcephaly, epicanthal folds, and a low nasal bridge.

What are the primary clinical characteristics of Marfan Syndrome (Arachnodactyly)?

A tall, lanky frame with long, spiderlike fingers, dislocated ocular lenses, high risk of glaucoma or retinal detachment, and cardiovascular malformations, with aortic rupture being the most common cause of death.

What surgical procedure is performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Gland (TURP).

What causes Reye Syndrome in children, and what are its main pathologic features?

Reye Syndrome is an acute neurologic disease following viral infections like flu or chickenpox that is linked to aspirin or salicylate use; it causes fat accumulation in the liver and brain swelling.