MED 121 Chapter 21 Word List

MED 121 Chapter 21 Word List

  • Introduction

    • Utilize this word list alongside the textbook for effective study.

    • Suggestion to create flashcards:

    • Word on one side, definition on the other.

21.1 - X-Ray

  • Radiological Images (pg 686)

    • Electromagnetic: Refers to electromagnetic radiation, which includes X-rays and is used in imaging.

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

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

    • Radioactive: Pertaining to materials that emit radiation as a result of the decay of atomic nuclei.

    • Radiolucent: Describes a substance that allows radiation to pass through it, appearing dark on X-ray films.

    • Radiopaque: Refers to a substance that does not allow radiation to pass through, appearing white or light on X-ray films.

    • Interventional: Refers to procedures that involve the alteration of a condition through the use of imaging.

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

    • Axial: Pertaining to images taken in an axial plane; cross-sectional view.

    • Coronal: Refers to a plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

    • Mediolateral oblique: A specific angle for imaging that differs from the standard planes.

    • Sagittal: Referring to the plane that divides the body into left and right parts.

    • Teleradiology: The transmission of radiologic images, such as X-rays, via telecommunications for interpretation and diagnosis.

    • Tomography: A imaging technique that allows viewing of cross-sectional slices of an object.

    • Ultrasonography: The process of using ultrasound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the body.

21.2 - Nuclear Medicine

  • Angiography: Imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs.

  • Angioplasty: A procedure to restore blood flow through the artery.

  • Angiogram: The resultant image from angiography.

  • Anteroposterior: A directional term for imaging that captures data from front to back.

  • Fluoroscopy: A technique used to obtain real-time images of the interior of a patient.

  • Oblique: Refers to images taken at an angle, not in the standard positional planes.

  • Opaque: Material that does not allow light or radiation to pass through it.

  • Posteroanterior: A directional term for imaging that captures data from back to front.

  • Radiocontrast: Substances used to enhance the contrast of structures in radiographic imaging.

  • Craniocaudal: Describes the directional view from head to tail.

  • Mammography: Specialized type of imaging technique used to examine breast tissue.

  • Radiograph: An image produced on a sensitive surface by radiation.

  • Radiology: The medical discipline that employs imaging technologies to diagnose and treat disease.

  • Positron: A subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge.

  • Radionuclide: An isotope of an element that is radioactive.

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

  • Tracer: A radioactive material used in medical imaging to visualize biological processes.

21.2 - Radiation Therapy

  • Brachytherapy: A form of radiation therapy where a sealed radiation source is placed directly inside or next to the tumor.

  • Monoclonal: Refers to antibodies that are identical and derived from a single clone of cells, used in treatment.

  • Photon: A particle representing a quantum of light or electromagnetic radiation.

  • Stereotactic: A precision targeting method often used in radiation therapy to treat brain tumors.

Abbreviations

  • EGD: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a procedure to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract.

  • GI: Gastrointestinal, relating to the stomach and the intestines.

  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a technique used for imaging soft tissues.

  • PET: Positron Emission Tomography, an imaging test that helps reveal metabolic processes.

  • US: Ultrasound, imaging using sound waves.

  • Radiotherapist: A medical professional who specializes in the treatment of cancer using radiation therapy.