Vocabulary List: Medical Terminology for 10th Grade

Overview

• Grade Level: 10th Grade
• Topic: Medical Terminology
• Number of Words: 50

Vocabulary Words

1. Anemia

   • Definition: A condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.
   • Example: The patient was diagnosed with anemia after experiencing extreme fatigue.

2. Biopsy

   • Definition: A medical procedure involving the extraction of tissue for examination to detect disease.
   • Example: The doctor performed a biopsy to check for cancerous cells.

3. Cholesterol

   • Definition: A type of fat found in the blood that is necessary for building cells but can cause health issues at high levels.
   • Example: High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

4. Diagnosis

   • Definition: The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
   • Example: The diagnosis revealed that the patient had a respiratory infection.

5. Epidemic

   • Definition: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
   • Example: The flu epidemic affected thousands of people last winter.

6. Febrile

   • Definition: Having or showing the symptoms of a fever.
   • Example: The febrile patient was monitored closely for any complications.

7. Germicide

   • Definition: A substance that kills harmful microorganisms or pathogens.
   • Example: The nurse used a germicide to clean the surgical instruments.

8. Hemoglobin

   • Definition: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
   • Example: Low hemoglobin levels can lead to fatigue and weakness.

9. Incubation

   • Definition: The period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.
   • Example: The incubation period for the virus can range from one to two weeks.

10. Jaundice

    • Definition: A medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.
    • Example: The newborn showed signs of jaundice and needed treatment.

11. Kinesiology

    • Definition: The study of the mechanics of body movements.
    • Example: Kinesiology is important in designing effective rehabilitation programs.

12. Lesion

    • Definition: An abnormal area of tissue resulting from injury, disease, or infection.
    • Example: The dermatologist examined the skin lesion for signs of malignancy.

13. Metastasis

    • Definition: The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.
    • Example: The cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes.

14. Neurology

    • Definition: The branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system.
    • Example: Neurology specialists focus on conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

15. Osteoporosis

    • Definition: A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
    • Example: Osteoporosis can result from aging and hormonal changes.

16. Pathogen

    • Definition: An organism, such as a virus or bacterium, that causes disease.
    • Example: Vaccines help the body develop immunity against specific pathogens.

17. Quarantine

    • Definition: A period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease.
    • Example: The infected patients were placed under quarantine to protect others.

18. Radiology

    • Definition: The branch of medicine that uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.
    • Example: Radiology plays a crucial role in detecting tumors.

19. Surgery

    • Definition: A medical procedure involving an incision with instruments to repair damage or remove tissue.
    • Example: The surgeon performed a complex surgery to repair the patient's heart.

20. Therapeutic

    • Definition: Relating to the treatment of a disease or disorder.
    • Example: Therapeutic exercises are essential for rehabilitation after injury.

21. Ultrasound

    • Definition: A imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body.
    • Example: The ultrasound revealed the position of the fetus in the womb.

22. Vaccination

    • Definition: The administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune response against an infectious disease.
    • Example: Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of measles.

23. Wound

    • Definition: An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact.
    • Example: The nurse cleaned and dressed the wound to prevent infection.

24. Acute

    • Definition: A condition that comes on suddenly and has a severe course.
    • Example: The patient experienced acute pain in the abdomen.

25. Benign

    • Definition: Not harmful in effect; in medicine, referring to tumors that are not cancerous.
    • Example: The biopsy results showed that the tumor was benign.

26. Chronic

    • Definition: A condition that develops slowly and lasts for a long time, often for the rest of a person's life.
    • Example: Chronic pain can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

27. Endemic

    • Definition: Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area; often referring to diseases.
    • Example: Malaria is endemic in many tropical regions.

28. Fertility

    • Definition: The natural capability to produce offspring.
    • Example: Fertility treatments help couples struggling to conceive.

29. Genetic

    • Definition: Related to genes or heredity; passed from parents to offspring.
    • Example: Genetic testing can reveal the risk of certain inherited diseases.

30. Hyperthyroidism

    • Definition: A condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive, producing excessive hormones.
    • Example: Hyperthyroidism can lead to symptoms like weight loss and anxiety.

31. Immunization

    • Definition: The process by which an individual is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease.
    • Example: Immunization campaigns have drastically reduced the spread of polio.

32. Lymphatic

    • Definition: Relating to the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and helps fight infections.
    • Example: The lymphatic system plays a key role in fluid balance and immunity.

33. Nutrient

    • Definition: A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.
    • Example: A balanced diet is important to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

34. Oncology

    • Definition: The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
    • Example: Oncology has made significant advances in cancer treatment.

35. Palliative

    • Definition: Relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the underlying cause.
    • Example: Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress.

36. Quadriplegia

    • Definition: Paralysis of all four limbs, typically caused by spinal injury.
    • Example: Quadriplegia can result from severe trauma to the spinal cord.

37. Respiratory

    • Definition: Relating to or affecting respiration or the organs of respiration.
    • Example: Respiratory issues can arise from various environmental factors.

38. Sepsis

    • Definition: A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection, leading to tissue damage and organ failure.
    • Example: The patient was treated for sepsis following a severe bacterial infection.

39. Toxicology

    • Definition: The study of the effects of chemicals on living organisms, particularly the harmful effects.
    • Example: Toxicology reports can determine the cause of poisoning.

40. Urgent care

    • Definition: Medical treatment that is needed quickly but is not an emergency.
    • Example: The urgent care facility treated my sprained ankle.

41. Vital signs

    • Definition: Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's essential body functions, such as heart rate and temperature.
    • Example: The nurse monitored the patient's vital signs throughout the night.

42. X-ray

    • Definition: A form of electromagnetic radiation used to create images of the inside of the body, especially bones.
    • Example: The doctor ordered an X-ray to check for fractures in the arm.