MED 121 Chapter 21 Word List Study Notes

MED 121 Chapter 21 Word List Study Notes

Introduction

  • The word list presented is designed for use alongside the textbook to study various terms related to medical imaging and radiation therapy.

  • Flashcards are encouraged for effective memorization:

    • Create cards with the term on one side

    • Include the definition on the reverse side

21.1 - X-Ray and Radiological Images (pg 686)

  • X-Ray: A form of electromagnetic radiation used for imaging purposes, particularly to visualize the internal structure of the body.

  • Radiological Images: Images produced through various techniques to view the internal structures of the body. These include X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds.

  • Electromagnetic: Refers to the wave-like behavior of particles that can carry energy through space.

  • Ion: An atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

  • Ionization: The process by which an atom or molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons.

  • Radioactive: Refers to materials that emit radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves as a result of nuclear decay.

  • Radiolucent: Describes tissues or materials that allow X-rays to pass through, resulting in darker images on radiographic films.

  • Radiopaque: Refers to materials that do not allow X-rays to pass through, appearing white or light on radiographic images.

  • Interventional: Procedures or techniques used that involve making an intervention to treat a condition, often guided by imaging technologies.

  • Ultrasound (Sonography): A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body.

  • Axial: Referring to a specific plane in imaging that runs perpendicular to the long axis of the body or organ.

  • Coronal: A plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

  • Mediolateral oblique: An imaging technique that takes a view at an angle between the medial and lateral aspects of a body part.

  • Sagittal: A plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

  • Teleradiology: The transmission of radiological images from one location to another for interpretation and consultation.

  • Tomography: A technique to create detailed images of specific layers or sections of an object (e.g., the body).

  • Ultrasonography: The process of creating an image by using reflected sound waves, typically employed in medical diagnostics.

21.2 - Nuclear Medicine

  • Angiography: A medical imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, primarily by injecting a contrast agent.

  • Angioplasty: A procedure that involves the inflating of a balloon within a blood vessel to open up narrowed or blocked arteries.

  • Angiogram: An image or series of images derived from angiography.

  • Anteroposterior: A term describing the direction from the front (anterior) to the back (posterior) of the body.

  • Fluoroscopy: A technique that uses X-ray imaging to obtain real-time moving images of internal structures of a patient’s body.

  • Oblique: A term used to describe an angle of view that is not along the standard anatomical planes.

  • Opaque: Refers to structures that do not allow radiation to pass, appearing as light on radiographic images.

  • Posteroanterior: A view that is taken from the back (posterior) to the front (anterior) of the body.

  • Radiocontrast: A contrast agent used in imaging that enhances the visibility of internal structures in X-rays or other imaging studies.

  • Craniocaudal: Refers to direction from the head (cranial) to the tail (caudal) of the body.

  • Mammography: A specific type of imaging that uses low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening.

  • Radiograph: An image produced on a radiographic film as a result of exposure to X-rays.

  • Radiology: The branch of medicine that uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases.

  • Positron: A subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge; used in positron emission tomography (PET).

  • Radionuclide: An atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable and thus radioactive.

  • Radiopharmaceutical: A compound that is radioactive, used for diagnosis or treatment in nuclear medicine.

  • Tracer: A radioactive substance used in medical imaging to visualize and follow biological processes in the body.

21.2 - Radiation Therapy

  • Brachytherapy: A form of cancer treatment where sealed radioactive sources are placed inside or near the tumor.

  • Monoclonal: Antibodies that are made by identical immune cells that are all clones of a unique parent cell; commonly used in targeted therapy.

  • Photon: A quantum of electromagnetic radiation; in the context of radiation therapy, photons are often used in beam therapy.

  • Stereotactic: A technique that allows for precise localization of a target in three-dimensional space, often used in delivering radiation therapy.

Abbreviations Related to Radiation Therapy

  • EGD: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

  • GI: Gastrointestinal

  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • PET: Positron Emission Tomography

  • US: Ultrasound

  • Radiotherapist: A physician specialized in the treatment of cancer using radiation therapies.