Medical Terms

Anatomy

The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms.

Pathophysiology

The study of the disordered physiological processes associated with or resulting from disease or injury.

Cardiologist

A physician who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and medical treatment of heart conditions.

Cerebrovascular

Pertaining to the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

Subclavian

Situated or occurring beneath the collarbone (clavicle).

Intercostal Space

Located or occurring between the ribs.

Midaxillary

Pertaining to the middle region of the armpit.

Myocardium

Heart muscle structure; the thick middle layer of the heart wall.

Apex

The top or highest peak of a structure (or the pointed inferior tip of the heart).

Supraventricular

Pertaining to the region located above the ventricles.

Interventricular

Pertaining to the space, muscular wall, or structures located directly between the left and right ventricles of the heart.

Atrioventricular

Pertaining to both the atria and the ventricles of the heart.

Epicardium

The outer protective layer of the heart wall, which doubles as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Tricuspid

Having three points, cusps, or flaps.

Bicuspid

Having two points, cusps, or flaps.

Hypocapnia

A state of reduced $CO_2$ levels in the blood.

Hypoxemia

An abnormally low concentration of oxygen in arterial blood.

Hypoglycemia

An abnormally low concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Hyperkalemia

An abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood.

Hypocalcemia

An abnormally low concentration of calcium in the blood.

Embolism

The sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus (such as a blood clot or air bubble) transported through the bloodstream.

Arrhythmia / Dysrhythmia

A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate condition.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate condition.

Hypertrophy

The enlargement of an organ or tissue resulting from an increase in the size of individual cells.

Ischemia

An inadequate blood supply to an organ or tissue, depriving it of essential oxygen and nutrients.

Infarction

Tissue death caused by a local lack of oxygen due to an obstruction of the blood supply.

Semilunar

Shaped like a half-moon, referring to the aortic and pulmonary valves of the heart.

Depolarization

The loss of electrical charge difference across a cell membrane, leading to an electrical impulse and muscular contraction.

Repolarization

The restoration of resting membrane potential across a cell following an electrical discharge.

Electrophysiology

The branch of physiology that deals with the electrical properties and activities of biological tissues.

Electrocardiogram

A recorded tracing of the electrical activity generated by the heart.

Echocardiography

A diagnostic ultrasound imaging technique used to visualize the structural movement and function of the heart.

Microvascular

Pertaining to the microscopic blood vessels of the body.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of vessels.

Phlebotomy

The practice or process of puncturing or making an incision in a vein to draw blood.

Vasodilation

The widening or dilation of blood vessels, resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within vessel walls.

Intravenous

Existing, taking place, or administered within a vein or veins.

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein associated with the formation of a blood clot.