Key Medical Terms and Concepts in Human Physiology and Pathology

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Last updated 2:39 PM on 9/10/26
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115 Terms

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Antigen

substance that triggers an immune response

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anemia

A deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin

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CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

emergency treatment for someone experiencing cardiac arrest

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Polydipsia

medical term for excessive thirst?

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Pleuritis

inflammation of the pleura

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Cyanosis

bluish discoloration of the skin

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Diabetes Mellitus

condition where the body cannot produce sufficient insulin

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Homeostasis

body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment

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Edema

puffy swelling of tissue from the accumulation of fluid

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Vasoconstriction

narrowing of blood vessels

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Hypertension

high blood pressure

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Chronotropic Agent

A drug that increases heart rate (positive chronotropic effect)

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Myocardial Infraction (Cardiovascular System)

heart attack

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bronchospasm

narrowing of the airway caused by contraction of smooth muscles (spasms)

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Diaphragm

primary muscle of breathing

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Tachycardia

fast heart rate

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millimeters of mercury (mmHg)

unit of measurement of blood pressure

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Cardiac cycle

A complete heartbeat consisting of contraction and relaxation of the heart

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perfusion

The passage of blood to an organ or a tissue

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Ecology

the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment

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Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts.

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EBP

Evidence-Based Practice; using the best available evidence to guide healthcare practice.

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Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin.

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Hypodermis

The layer of fat located beneath the skin; also called the subcutaneous layer.

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Flexion

Movement that involves bending a joint.

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Edema

Swelling of body tissues caused by excess fluid.

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Adverse effect

A harmful and unintended reaction to a medication.

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IV

Intravenous; administration of something directly into a vein.

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Pivot joint

A type of joint that allows rotational movement.

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Ball-and-socket joint

A joint that allows movement in many directions, including rotation.

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Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

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Osseology

The study of the structure and function of bones.

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Titration

Gradually adjusting a medication dosage to achieve the desired effect.

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Muscular system functions

Maintaining posture, facilitating movement, and generating heat.

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NOT a function of the muscular system

Producing hormones.

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Pathology

The study of disease.

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Skeletal muscle

Muscle that is under voluntary control.

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Diagnosis

The identification of a disease or condition.

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Bone

The primary structural unit of the skeletal system.

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Respiratory system

The body system primarily responsible for gas exchange.

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Integumentary system

The body system that primarily protects against environmental damage.

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PRN

As needed.

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Platelets

Blood components that aid in clotting and help prevent bleeding.

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Credentialing

The process of verifying a healthcare provider's qualifications and competency.

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Estrogen

A hormone primarily responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle.

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Collaborative care

Multiple healthcare providers working together to provide patient care.

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Communication

The process of exchanging information through verbal and non-verbal means.

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Thyroid gland

The endocrine gland primarily responsible for regulating metabolism.

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Two-factor authentication

Using two forms of identification before administering a medication.

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Pancreas

The endocrine organ that helps regulate blood sugar levels by producing insulin.

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Dysuria

Painful urination.

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Interprofessional collaboration

Teamwork among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.

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Dosage miscalculation

A medication error involving administering the wrong dosage.

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Documentation

A legal record of patient care and progress.

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Therapeutic communication

Communication used to build trust and provide support to patients.

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Red blood cells

Blood cells whose primary function is to transport oxygen to body tissues.

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Urinary system

The body system that removes waste products and regulates water balance.

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Standardized documentation

A format that ensures consistency and clarity in patient records.

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Medication education

The nurse's role in providing information about medication usage, side effects, and safety.

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Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal gland that is involved in the stress response.

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Patient-centered communication

Communication that engages patients in their own care and decision-making.

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Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

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Respiratory System
Moves air and exchanges O2 and CO2
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Cardiovascular System
Pumps blood and delivers oxygen
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Tidal Volume
Air in and out in one breath
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Vital Capacity
Maximum air exhaled after a maximum inhale
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Respiratory Rate
Number of breaths per minute
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Diffusion
Gas exchange in the alveoli
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Alveoli
Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs
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Bronchi
Branches that carry air into the lungs
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Trachea
Windpipe that leads to the bronchi
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Diaphragm
Main breathing muscle
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Oxygen
Treats hypoxia (low O2)
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Inhalers
Commonly used for asthma
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Chest Physiotherapy
Loosens and clears mucus
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Bronchodilators
Open airways and are often used in COPD
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Inhale
Diaphragm contracts and air enters
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Exhale
Diaphragm relaxes
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Asthma
Chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways; causes wheezing
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COPD
Progressive disease that makes breathing difficult
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Pneumonia
Infection that inflames the air sacs; may be bacterial or viral
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TB
Bacterial infection mainly affecting the lungs
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Ventilation
Movement of air
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Arteries
Carry O2-rich blood away from the heart
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Veins
Return deoxygenated blood to the heart and have valves
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Capillaries
Site of gas and nutrient exchange
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Aorta
Largest artery
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Pulmonary Artery
Carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs
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Myocardium
Heart muscle responsible for contraction
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Pericardium
Double-walled sac surrounding the heart
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Endocardium
Inner lining of the heart chambers
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Septum
Divides the left and right sides of the heart
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AV Node
Delays the impulse for coordination
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ECG
Measures the electrical activity of the heart
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Angioplasty
Widens narrowed or blocked arteries
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Echocardiography
Ultrasound of heart structure and function
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Cardioversion
Restores normal heart rhythm
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Right Side of Heart
Sends blood to the lungs
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Left Side of Heart
Sends blood to the body
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Heart Chambers
4 chambers: 2 atria and 2 ventricles