LA

Terminology I

TERMINOLOGY

1. Absolute Zero

  • A temperature of approximately -273.2°C or -459.8°F.

  • Defined as the complete absence of heat.

2. Aerosol

  • Description: Suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in a gas.

3. Ambulatory

  • Condition characterized by the patient being able to walk about;

  • Not confined to bed.

4. Antiseptic

  • Definition: A substance that will inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms.

  • Note: It does not necessarily destroy microorganisms, but prevents their growth.

5. Arrhythmia

  • Definition: An alteration or abnormality of the normal cardiac rhythm.

6. Atelectasis

  • Condition: A collapsed or airless state of the lung.

7. Bifurcation

  • Definition: The division into two branches.

8. Bronchodilator

  • Action: A substance that dilates or expands the lumina or air passages of the lungs.

9. Cardioversion

  • Description: An elective procedure in which an electric current is delivered to the heart.

  • Purpose: Aimed to terminate dangerous arrhythmias.

10. Contraindication

  • Definition: Any condition of disease that renders a particular line of treatment improper or undesirable.

11. Cystic Fibrosis

  • Description: An inherited disease affecting exocrine glands.

  • Affects the pancreas, respiratory system, and sweat glands.

12. Diuresis

  • Definition: Increased secretion of urine.

13. Electrolyte

  • Definition: Any solution that conducts electricity via its ions.

14. Etiology

  • Definition: The science or study of the causes of disease.

15. Febrile

  • Definition: Pertaining to fever; indicative of a state that is feverish.

16. Hemoglobin

  • Definition: The oxygen-carrying red pigment found in red blood cells.

17. Hilus of Lung

  • Definition: A depression located in the mediastinal surface of the lung.

  • Function: Acts as the entry point for bronchi, blood vessels, nerves, etc.

18. Hypervolemia

  • Definition: An abnormal increase in the volume of circulating fluid (plasma) in the body.

19. Infarct

  • Definition: An area of necrosis in the tissue resulting from local obstruction of circulation to that area.

20. Ischemia

  • Definition: A local decrease in blood supply due to obstruction of arterial blood, or as a result of vasoconstriction.

21. Medial

  • Definition: A part that is located close to the midline of the body.

22. Parietal

  • Definition: A layer of tissue that is adherent to the inner surface of the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum.

23. pH

  • Definition: A symbol commonly used to express hydrogen-ion concentration, which measures alkalinity and acidity.

  • Note: pH 7 is considered the neutral point; values above 7 increase alkalinity, while values below 7 increase acidity.

24. Pleurisy

  • Description: Inflammation of the pleura, which may be dry (fibrinous) or serofibrinous with nonpurulent effusion.

25. Prognosis

  • Definition: A prediction regarding the probable course and outcome of a disease, injury, or developmental abnormality in a patient.

  • Based on general knowledge of conditions, as well as specific information and the exercise of clinical judgment on a particular case.

26. Pulmonary Edema

  • Description: Usually characterized as an acute condition, but can be subacute or chronic.

  • Features: Marked by an excess of fluid in the extravascular spaces of the lungs.

27. Radiopaque

  • Definition: A property of a material that does not permit the passage of radiant energy (such as x-rays).

28. Respiration

  • Definition: The process fundamentally concerning gas exchange.

29. Spirometer

  • Description: A device used for measuring and recording the amount of air inhaled and exhaled.

30. Stridor

  • Definition: A harsh, high-pitched respiratory sound; an example includes the inspiratory sound heard in acute laryngeal obstruction.

31. Systemic Circulation

  • Definition: The general circulation that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to various tissues throughout the body, returning venous blood to the right atrium of the heart.

32. Tenacious

  • Definition: Describes a property of being cohesive.

33. Vasculature

  • Definition: Refers to a system of vessels, usually in relation to blood vessels in the body.

34. Ventral

  • Definition: Pertaining to the front or anterior aspect of an organism or structure.