Medical and Anatomical Diagnostic Techniques and Body Terminology

Colonoscopy

A procedure where a camera is inserted into the lower digestive tract (colon) to observe disorders of the lining of the large intestine.

Diameter of a cylindrical organ

measurement across the widest part of the organ

Length of a cylindrical organ

measurement from one end of the organ to the other

Arthroscopy

Studies the inside of synovial joints using a camera with a monitor in one incision to observe the joint and tools inserted into other incisions to fix injuries of the joints

Laparoscopy

Studies the abdominopelvic cavity organs using a camera with monitor in one incision near the navel to observe the organs and tools in other incisions to fix disorders or injuries of the organs

Endoscopy

camera inserted into the upper digestive tract, (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach) and connected to a monitor to observe disorders of the lining of the organs

Amniocentesis

Used during high risk pregnancy due to age of mother (being over age 35) or if genetic disorders run in the family.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

A procedure used in high-risk pregnancies where a catheter is inserted through the vagina into the uterus to retrieve fetal chromosomes from the chorionic villi of the placenta.

Superior

towards head, above

Inferior

away from head, below

Anterior (ventral)

front of body, in front of

Posterior (dorsal)

backside of body, behind

Lateral

away from body midline

Medial

toward midline of body

Superficial

toward or at body surface

Deep

away from surface, internal

Proximal

closer to point of attachment to trunk

Distal

further from point of attachment to trunk

Cross-section

cs or xs

Longitudinal section

ls

Autopsy

The study of a deceased body (cadaver) using a Y-shaped incision to determine the cause of death.

Biopsy

A sample of a piece of a tumor, lesion, or suspicious tissue that is removed to create a microscope slide for examination of cancerous characteristics.

Catheterization

The insertion of a catheter into the urethra to drain the urinary bladder, or into an artery to treat coronary artery disease by inflating a balloon to open the vessel.

PAP Smear

A procedure where a speculum is inserted into the vagina and cervix to collect a sample of cervical cells for examination.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnets and radio frequency waves to create detailed 3D pictures of organs and soft tissues.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

An imaging technique that uses x-ray radiation to create 3D images of soft organs and bones.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)

An imaging technique that uses radioactive positron particles to show how an organ functions.

X-rays

A diagnostic tool that uses x-ray radiation projected through bones to create 2D images of dense organs, typically bones.

Ultrasound/Sonogram

A procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of organs or a fetus, often used during pregnancy to assess development.

Mammogram

A radiation imaging technique specifically used for examining breast tissue.

Invasive Diagnostic Techniques

Procedures that involve entering the body, often requiring incisions or insertions.

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Techniques

Procedures that do not require entering the body and typically involve imaging or external examinations.

Fetal Chromosome Map (Karyotype)

A visual representation of the chromosomes in a fetus, used to identify genetic disorders.

Genetic Disorders

Conditions caused by abnormalities in the genome, which can be identified through various diagnostic techniques.

Coronary Artery Disease

A condition characterized by the narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can be treated through catheterization.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, often identified through genetic testing.

Down's Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, detectable through karyotyping.

Polyps

Growths on the lining of the colon that can be observed during a colonoscopy.

Tumors

Abnormal growths of tissue that can be examined through biopsy or imaging techniques.