Medical Terminology Notes

Medical Terminology

Table of Contents

  • Medical Terminology
    • Root Words
    • Prefixes
    • Suffixes
    • Additional Terms
    • Combining Forms
  • Colors in Medical Terminologies
  • Directional Terms & Planes
  • Surgical Positions
  • 4 Quadrants
  • 9 Regions
  • Structure & Organization of Body
  • Systems of Body
  • Procedure Terminologies
  • Cardiovascular System
    • Cardiovascular Anatomy
    • Cardiovascular Disorders
    • Cardiovascular Diagnostics
    • Cardiovascular Treatments
    • Cardiovascular Terms
  • Blood Typing
    • Blood Parts
      • Plasma
      • Red Blood Cells (RBC)
      • White Blood Cells (WBC)
      • Platelets
    • Kinds of White Blood Cells
  • Respiratory System
    • Respiratory Anatomy
    • Respiratory Disorders
    • Respiratory Diagnostics
    • Respiratory Treatments
    • Respiratory Terms
    • Breathing Patterns
  • Urinary System
    • Urinary Anatomy
    • Urinary Disorders
    • Urinary Diagnostics
    • Urinary Treatments
    • Urinary Terms / Procedures
  • Male Reproductive System
    • Male Reproductive Anatomy
    • Male Reproductive Disorders
    • Male Reproductive Diagnostics
    • Male Reproductive Treatments
    • Male Reproductive Terms / Procedures
  • Female Reproductive System
    • Female Reproductive Anatomy
    • Female Reproductive Disorders
    • Female Reproductive Diagnostics
    • Female Reproductive Treatments
    • Female Reproductive Terms / Procedures
  • Eye Anatomy
    • Eye Anatomy
    • Eye Conditions
    • Eye Procedures
    • Eye Treatments
  • Skull Anatomy
    • Frontal View
    • Lateral View
  • Spine Anatomy
  • Upper Extremities
  • Lower Extremities
  • Whole Skeletal System

Terminology Guide 1: MedTerm Construction

Root Words

Root words are the fundamental part of a medical term that contains its primary meaning.

General Root Words
  • Cardi – Heart (e.g., Cardiology)
  • Hepat – Liver (e.g., Hepatitis)
  • Nephr/Ren – Kidney (e.g., Nephrology, Renal)
  • Gastr – Stomach (e.g., Gastritis)
  • Derm – Skin (e.g., Dermatology)
  • Oste – Bone (e.g., Osteoporosis)
  • My – Muscle (e.g., Myopathy)
  • Neu – Nerve (e.g., Neurology)
  • Pulmon – Lung (e.g., Pulmonology)
  • Hemat – Blood (e.g., Hematology)

Prefixes

Prefixes are attached to the beginning of medical terms to modify their meaning.

  • A-/An- – Without, lack of (e.g., Anemia – lack of blood)
  • Brady- – Slow (e.g., Bradycardia – slow heart rate)
  • Tachy- – Fast (e.g., Tachypnea – fast breathing)
  • Hyper- – Excessive, above normal (e.g., Hypertension – high blood pressure)
  • Hypo- – Deficient, below normal (e.g., Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar)
  • Dys- – Difficult, abnormal (e.g., Dyspnea – difficulty breathing)
  • Poly- – Many (e.g., Polyuria – excessive urination)
  • Oligo- – Few, scanty (e.g., Oliguria – low urine output)
  • Neo- – New (e.g., Neonatal – newborn)
  • Pre-/Post- – Before/After (e.g., Prenatal – before birth, Postoperative – after surgery)

Suffixes

Suffixes are attached at the end of medical terms to modify meaning.

  • -itis – Inflammation (e.g., Appendicitis – inflammation of the appendix)
  • -ectomy – Surgical removal (e.g., Mastectomy – removal of the breast)
  • -osis – Condition, usually abnormal (e.g., Osteoporosis – bone disease)
  • -oma – Tumor (e.g., Carcinoma – cancerous tumor)
  • -algia – Pain (e.g., Myalgia – muscle pain)
  • -emia – Blood condition (e.g., Leukemia – blood cancer)
  • -megaly – Enlargement (e.g., Cardiomegaly – enlarged heart)
  • -pathy – Disease (e.g., Neuropathy – nerve disease)
  • -scope – Instrument for viewing (e.g., Endoscope – instrument for viewing inside the body)
  • -stomy – Creating an opening (e.g., Colostomy – surgical opening in the colon)

Additional Terms

These are common medical terms and their meanings used in healthcare.

  • Acute – Sudden onset of a disease or condition
  • Chronic – Long-term or persistent condition
  • Benign – Non-cancerous
  • Malignant – Cancerous, harmful
  • Prognosis – Expected outcome of a disease
  • Diagnosis – Identification of a disease
  • Idiopathic – Unknown cause
  • Nosocomial – Hospital-acquired infection
  • Palliative – Relieving symptoms without curing the disease
  • Metastasis – Spread of cancer from one part of the body to another

Combining Forms

Combining forms consist of a root word and a vowel (usually "o") that help with pronunciation when attaching suffixes or prefixes.

  • Cardi/o – Heart (e.g., Cardiologist)
  • Gastr/o – Stomach (e.g., Gastroenteritis)
  • Neur/o – Nerve (e.g., Neurology)
  • Oste/o – Bone (e.g., Osteoarthritis)
  • Dermat/o – Skin (e.g., Dermatology)
  • Hemat/o – Blood (e.g., Hematoma)
  • Pulmon/o – Lung (e.g., Pulmonology)
  • Arthr/o – Joint (e.g., Arthritis)
  • Cephal/o – Head (e.g., Cephalic)
  • Cyt/o – Cell (e.g., Cytology)

Body Parts – Medical Terminology

Head & Brain

  • Cephal/o – Head (e.g., Cephalic)
  • Cran/i – Skull (e.g., Cranial)
  • Encephal/o – Brain (e.g., Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain)
  • Mening/o, Meningi/o – Meninges (e.g., Meningitis – inflammation of the brain’s protective layers)

Face & Sensory Organs

  • Ophthalm/o – Eye (e.g., Ophthalmology – study of the eyes)
  • Ocul/o – Eye (e.g., Oculomotor – eye movement)
  • Ot/o – Ear (e.g., Otitis – inflammation of the ear)
  • Rhin/o – Nose (e.g., Rhinitis – inflammation of the nose)
  • Nas/o – Nose (e.g., Nasal cavity)
  • Or/o, Stomat/o – Mouth (e.g., Stomatitis – inflammation of the mouth)
  • Dent/o, Odont/o – Teeth (e.g., Dentist, Odontalgia – tooth pain)
  • Gloss/o, Lingu/o – Tongue (e.g., Glossitis – inflammation of the tongue)

Neck & Throat

  • Cervic/o – Neck (e.g., Cervical vertebrae)
  • Laryng/o – Larynx/Voice box (e.g., Laryngitis)
  • Pharyng/o – Pharynx/Throat (e.g., Pharyngitis – sore throat)
  • Thyroid/o – Thyroid gland (e.g., Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid)

Chest & Respiratory System

  • Thorac/o – Chest (e.g., Thoracic cavity)
  • Pneum/o, Pulmon/o – Lungs (e.g., Pneumonia, Pulmonology)
  • Bronch/o – Bronchi (e.g., Bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchi)
  • Trache/o – Trachea/Windpipe (e.g., Tracheostomy – surgical opening in the trachea)

Heart & Circulatory System

  • Cardi/o – Heart (e.g., Cardiovascular)
  • Angi/o, Vas/o – Blood vessel (e.g., Angioplasty)
  • Hemat/o, Hem/o – Blood (e.g., Hematoma)

Digestive System

  • Gastr/o – Stomach (e.g., Gastric ulcer)
  • Enter/o – Intestines (e.g., Enteritis)
  • Col/o, Colon/o – Colon (e.g., Colonoscopy)
  • Hepat/o – Liver (e.g., Hepatitis)
  • Cholecyst/o – Gallbladder (e.g., Cholecystitis)

Musculoskeletal System

  • Oste/o – Bone (e.g., Osteoarthritis)
  • Arthr/o – Joint (e.g., Arthritis)
  • My/o – Muscle (e.g., Myopathy)

Medical Terminology Guide 2

Colors in Medical Terminologies

Medical color prefixes and root words describe conditions, tissues, or substances.

  • Cyan/o – Blue (e.g., Cyanosis – bluish skin due to lack of oxygen)
  • Erythr/o – Red (e.g., Erythrocyte – red blood cell)
  • Leuk/o – White (e.g., Leukocyte – white blood cell)
  • Melan/o – Black (e.g., Melanin – skin pigment)
  • Xanth/o – Yellow (e.g., Xanthoderma – yellowish skin)
  • Chlor/o – Green (e.g., Chlorophyll – green pigment in plants)
  • Alb/o, Albin/o – White (e.g., Albinism – lack of pigment)
  • Purpur/o – Purple (e.g., Purpura – purple skin discoloration)

Directional Terms & Planes

Directional terms describe locations in the body relative to others.

Directional Term
  • Superior (Cranial) – Above (e.g., The head is superior to the chest)
  • Inferior (Caudal) – Below (e.g., The feet are inferior to the knees)
  • Anterior (Ventral) – Front (e.g., The sternum is anterior to the spine)
  • Posterior (Dorsal) – Back (e.g., The shoulder blades are posterior to the ribs)
  • Medial – Toward the midline (e.g., The nose is medial to the eyes)
  • Lateral – Away from the midline (e.g., The ears are lateral to the nose)
  • Proximal – Closer to the point of attachment (e.g., The elbow is proximal to the wrist)
  • Distal – Farther from the point of attachment (e.g., The fingers are distal to the elbow)
  • Superficial – Near the surface (e.g., The skin is superficial to muscles)
  • Deep – Far from the surface (e.g., The lungs are deep to the ribs)
Body Planes
  • Sagittal Plane – Divides the body into left and right halves
  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane – Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) halves
  • Transverse Plane – Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) halves

Surgical Positioning

  • Supine Position
    • The patient lies flat on their back with arms at their sides. This is the most common surgical position used for abdominal, facial, and extremity procedures.
  • Trendelenburg Position
    • The patient is in a supine position with the operating table tilted so that the head is lower than the feet. This position is used to improve venous return and is often used in lower abdominal and pelvic surgeries.
  • Reverse Trendelenburg Position
    • The patient is in a supine position with the head higher than the feet. This position is useful for upper abdominal and head/neck surgeries to reduce blood pooling in the head.
  • Fracture Table Position
    • This position is used primarily for orthopedic procedures, especially hip and femur surgeries. The patient is positioned on a specialized table with traction applied to the affected limb.
  • Lithotomy Position
    • The patient lies on their back with legs elevated and supported in stirrups. This position is used for gynecological, urological, and rectal procedures.
  • Prone Position
    • The patient lies flat on their abdomen with the head turned to one side. This position is used for spinal, neck, and back surgeries.
  • Jackknife Position
    • The patient lies face down with the table bent at the hips, elevating the pelvis and lowering the head and feet. This position is commonly used for rectal and lower back surgeries.
  • Fowler's Position
    • The patient sits upright at a 45-90 degree angle. This position is used for neurosurgical, shoulder, and some respiratory procedures to facilitate breathing.
  • Knee-Chest Position
    • The patient kneels on the table with their chest resting on it, creating an arch in the back. This position is used for rectal and lower spinal surgeries.
  • Kidney Position
    • The patient is placed in a lateral position with the table flexed at the level of the kidneys. This is commonly used for kidney and retroperitoneal procedures.
  • Lateral Position
    • The patient lies on their side with one leg flexed and arms positioned for support. This position is used for thoracic, hip, and kidney surgeries.
  • Wilson Frame Position
    • The patient is positioned in a prone position on a Wilson frame to allow flexion of the spine. This position is used for spinal and lumbar surgeries.

4 Quadrants of the Abdomen

Used to locate organs and describe pain.

  1. Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) – Contains the liver, gallbladder, and right kidney
  2. Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) – Contains the stomach, spleen, and left kidney
  3. Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) – Contains the appendix, right ovary (female), and part of the intestines
  4. Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ) – Contains the left ovary (female) and part of the intestines

9 Regions of the Abdomen

Provides a more precise anatomical reference.

  1. Right Hypochondriac – Liver, gallbladder
  2. Epigastric – Stomach, liver, pancreas
  3. Left Hypochondriac – Spleen, stomach
  4. Right Lumbar – Right kidney, ascending colon
  5. Umbilical – Small intestine, transverse colon
  6. Left Lumbar – Left kidney, descending colon
  7. Right Iliac (Inguinal) – Appendix, cecum
  8. Hypogastric (Suprapubic) – Bladder, reproductive organs
  9. Left Iliac (Inguinal) – Sigmoid colon

Structure & Organization of the Body

The human body is organized into different levels:

  1. Chemical Level – Atoms and molecules forming life
  2. Cellular Level – Basic unit of life (cells)
  3. Tissue Level – Groups of cells working together (e.g., muscle tissue)
  4. Organ Level – Structures with specific functions (e.g., heart, liver)
  5. System Level – Organs working together (e.g., cardiovascular system)
  6. Organism Level – The complete human body

Systems of the Body

The human body has 11 major systems, each with unique functions.

  1. Integumentary System – Skin, hair, nails (protection)
  2. Skeletal System – Bones, joints (support, movement)
  3. Muscular System – Muscles (movement, heat production)
  4. Nervous System – Brain, spinal cord, nerves (control, communication)
  5. Endocrine System – Glands (hormone production)
  6. Cardiovascular System – Heart, blood vessels (circulation)
  7. Lymphatic System – Lymph nodes, spleen (immune defense)
  8. Respiratory System – Lungs, trachea (oxygen intake, carbon dioxide release)
  9. Digestive System – Stomach, intestines (nutrient breakdown, absorption)
  10. Urinary System – Kidneys, bladder (waste removal)
  11. Reproductive System – Ovaries/testes (reproduction)

Procedure Terminologies

Medical procedures are classified based on their function.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Radiography (X-ray)
    • Major Uses: Detects fractures, infections, lung diseases (pneumonia, tuberculosis), dental problems, and bone abnormalities.
    • Diagnostics: Commonly used for skeletal imaging, chest examinations, and detecting foreign objects in the body.
  • Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
    • Major Uses: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of bones, organs, and tissues, often used for detecting tumors, internal bleeding, blood clots, and organ damage.
    • Diagnostics: Used for stroke assessment, cancer staging, trauma evaluation, and detailed imaging of the brain, abdomen, and chest.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    • Major Uses: Offers high-resolution imaging of soft tissues, making it valuable for diagnosing neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, joint abnormalities, and tumors.
    • Diagnostics: Used for brain and spinal cord imaging, ligament and tendon injuries, multiple sclerosis, and detecting cancerous growths in soft tissues.
  • Ultrasound (Sonography)
    • Major Uses: Commonly used for monitoring pregnancy, examining organs like the liver and kidneys, detecting cysts or tumors, and guiding biopsies.
    • Diagnostics: Used for fetal development assessment, diagnosing gallstones, blood flow studies (Doppler ultrasound), and detecting abnormalities in soft tissues.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
    • Major Uses: Primarily used in oncology, neurology, and cardiology to detect cancer, brain disorders, and heart disease.
    • Diagnostics: Helps identify cancerous tumors, evaluate brain activity in conditions like Alzheimer's, and assess blood flow to the heart muscles.
  • Endoscopy
    • Major Uses: Used to visualize internal organs and tissues, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, respiratory system, and urinary tract.
    • Diagnostics: Detects ulcers, tumors, inflammation, polyps, and internal bleeding in organs like the stomach, intestines, lungs, and bladder.
  • Biopsy
    • Major Uses: A procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined for disease, mainly cancer.
    • Diagnostics: Confirms cancer diagnosis, detects infections, and assesses abnormal tissue growths in organs such as the skin, breast, liver, and lungs.
  • Nuclear Scanning
    • Major Uses: Used to evaluate organ function and detect abnormalities in the heart, thyroid, bones, lungs, kidneys, and other organs by using radioactive tracers.
    • Diagnostics: Commonly used for detecting cancer metastasis (bone scans), assessing heart conditions (myocardial perfusion scan), diagnosing thyroid disorders, evaluating kidney function, and detecting blood flow abnormalities in the lungs (ventilation-perfusion scan)

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system (circulatory system) is responsible for pumping blood, transporting nutrients and oxygen, and removing waste products from the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Cardiovascular Anatomy

Heart Structure

The heart is a muscular organ located in the mediastinum between the lungs. It consists of:

  • Four Chambers:
    • Right Atrium (RA) – Receives deoxygenated blood from the body
    • Right Ventricle (RV) – Pumps blood to the lungs
    • Left Atrium (LA) – Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs
    • Left Ventricle (LV) – Pumps oxygenated blood to the body
  • Heart Valves:
    • Tricuspid Valve – Between RA and RV
    • Pulmonary Valve – Between RV and pulmonary artery
    • Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve – Between LA and LV
    • Aortic Valve – Between LV and aorta
  • Layers of the Heart:
    • Endocardium – Inner layer
    • Myocardium – Thick muscular middle layer
    • Epicardium – Outer layer
Blood Vessels
  • Superior & Inferior Vena Cava – Carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium.
  • Pulmonary Arteries – Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
  • Pulmonary Veins – Carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
  • Aorta – Distributes oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Major Blood Circulations

  • Systemic Circulation – Oxygenated blood is delivered to the body, and deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart
  • Pulmonary Circulation – Blood is sent to the lungs for oxygenation

Heart Pumping Cycle & Blood Flow Sequence

Deoxygenated Blood Flow:

Body → Superior & Inferior Vena Cava → Right Atrium → Tricuspid Valve → Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Valve → Pulmonary Arteries → Lungs (Oxygenation)

Oxygenated Blood Flow:

Lungs → Pulmonary Veins → Left Atrium → Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve → Left Ventricle → Aortic Valve → Aorta → Body

Heart Pumping Cycle Sequence (Systole & Diastole)
  • Diastole (Relaxation Phase)
    • Atria fill with blood → Atria contract (Atrial Systole) → Blood pushed into ventricles
  • Ventricular Systole (Contraction Phase)
    • Ventricles contract → Right ventricle pumps blood to lungs → Left ventricle pumps blood to body
  • Diastole again (Heart relaxes, blood returns, and cycle repeats).
Heart Valves & Their Roles

Valves ensure one-way blood flow and prevent backflow.

  1. Tricuspid Valve – Between the right atrium and right ventricle; prevents backflow into the right atrium.
  2. Pulmonary Valve – Between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery; controls blood flow to the lungs.
  3. Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve – Between the left atrium and left ventricle; prevents backflow into the left atrium.
  4. Aortic Valve – Between the left ventricle and aorta; controls blood flow to the body.

Cardiovascular Disorders

  • Aneurysm – A bulge in the wall of an artery, which can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.
  • Angina Pectoris – Chest pain due to spasms of coronary arteries.
  • Arrhythmia – Irregular heartbeat, often occurring after myocardial infarction.
  • Arteriosclerosis – Thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of blood vessel walls, narrowing the lumen.
  • Asystole – Cardiac standstill.
  • Atherosclerosis – Build-up of fatty material (plaque) in arteries, leading to arteriosclerosis.
  • Bradycardia – Slow heart rate (less than 60 bpm).
  • Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy) – Stress-induced heart condition mimicking a heart attack.
  • Cardiac Arrest – Heart action ceases suddenly.
  • Cardiogenic Shock – Inadequate amount of circulating blood.
  • Cardiomyopathies:
    • Dilated Cardiomyopathy – The heart muscle enlarges and weakens, reducing its ability to pump blood.
    • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – Thickened heart muscle, often genetic, leading to obstructed blood flow.
    • Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy – Thickening of heart walls that obstructs blood flow; unknown cause.
    • Restrictive Cardiomyopathy – Stiff heart muscle restricting blood filling.
  • Cholesterolemia (Hypercholesterolemia) – High cholesterol levels.
  • Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) – Birth defects affecting heart structure, including:
    • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
    • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
    • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
    • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) – The heart fails to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), leading to heart attacks.
  • Endocarditis – Inflammation of the endocardium (inner heart lining).
  • Embolus/Embolism – A clot that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, potentially causing a stroke or other blockages.
  • Fibrillation – Quivering or trembling type of contraction caused by injury, myocardial infarction, or drugs.
  • Heart Block – Delay or blockage in electrical signals between heart chambers, causing slow or irregular beats.
  • Heart Murmur – Soft, blowing sound heard during auscultation, indicating improper valve closure.
  • Hemophilia – Congenital lack of clotting factor in blood.
  • Hodgkin’s Disease – Malignant tumors of the lymph nodes and spleen.
  • Hypertension – High blood pressure.
  • Hypotension – Low blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting.
  • Leukemia – Group of diseases affecting blood-forming organs, specifically white blood cells (WBCs).
  • Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) – Contributing factor in coronary artery disease.
  • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) – Death of heart muscle due to lack of oxygen, also called coronary occlusion, coronary thrombosis.
  • Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle.
  • Pericarditis – Inflammation of the double membrane surrounding the heart.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, causing pain and circulation issues.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension – High blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries, straining the heart.
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease – Form of myocarditis, often leading to mitral valve insufficiency.
  • Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) – Damage to the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel or clot.
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Fast heartbeats originating from above the ventricles.
  • Tachycardia – Fast heart rate (more than 100 bpm).
  • Thrombophlebitis – Inflammation in a vein with clot formation.
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – Brief period of inadequate blood supply to the brain.
  • Varicose Veins – Dilated veins caused by defective valves, leading to varices.
  • Ventricular Fibrillation – Life-threatening irregular heart rhythm causing the heart to quiver instead of pumping blood.

Cardiovascular Diagnostics

Physical & Laboratory Tests
  • Blood Pressure Measurement – Assesses heart function
    • Systolic Pressure – The highest pressure in arteries when the heart contracts.
    • Diastolic Pressure – The lowest pressure in arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
      • Blood Pressure Categories
        • Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg (Healthy range)
        • Hypotension (Low BP): Lower than 90 / 60 mmHg (May cause dizziness, fainting, or shock)
        • Elevated: 120-129 / Less than 80 mmHg (Higher risk for hypertension)
        • Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139 / 80-89 mmHg (Requires lifestyle changes & possible medication)
        • Hypertension Stage 2: 140 or higher / 90 or higher mmHg (Serious condition requiring medical treatment)
        • Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180 / Higher than 120 mmHg (Emergency – immediate medical attention)
  • Cholesterol Test – Measures levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and HDL ("good" cholesterol)
Imaging & Procedures
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Records heart's electrical activity
  • Echocardiogram (ECHO) – Uses ultrasound to assess heart function
  • Stress Test – Evaluates heart performance under exertion
  • Cardiac Catheterization – A catheter is inserted into the heart to check for blockages
  • Angiography – X-ray imaging of blood vessels using contrast dye

Cardiovascular Treatments

Medications
  • Antihypertensives – Lower blood pressure (e.g., Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
  • Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) – Prevent clot formation (e.g., Warfarin, Heparin)
  • Statins – Lower cholesterol (e.g., Atorvastatin)
  • Diuretics – Reduce fluid buildup (e.g., Furosemide)
Surgical & Interventional Procedures
  • Angioplasty – A balloon is used to open blocked arteries
  • Stent Placement – A mesh tube is inserted to keep arteries open
  • Bypass Surgery (CABG - Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) – Creates a new route for blood flow
  • Pacemaker – A device that regulates heart rhythm

Cardiovascular Terms

Cardiovascular-Related Abbreviations
  • AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
  • ALL – Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  • AML – Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
  • ASD – Atrial Septal Defect
  • AV – Atrioventricular
  • AVR – Aortic Valve Replacement
  • BP – Blood Pressure
  • CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
  • CBC – Complete Blood Count
  • CCU – Coronary Care Unit
  • CHF – Congestive Heart Failure
  • CHD – Congenital Heart Disease / Coronary Heart Disease
  • CO2 – Carbon Dioxide
  • CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • CVA – Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
  • CVP – Central Venous Pressure
  • DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • ECG / EKG – Electrocardiogram
  • HDL – High-Density Lipoprotein (Good Cholesterol)
  • HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • HTN – Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • LDL – Low-Density Lipoprotein (Bad Cholesterol)
  • MI – Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
  • NSR – Normal Sinus Rhythm
  • PAD – Peripheral Artery Disease
  • PE – Pulmonary Embolism
  • PTCA – Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
  • PVC – Premature Ventricular Contractions
  • RVH – Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
  • SVT – Supraventricular Tachycardia
  • TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-Stroke)
  • VSD – Ventricular Septal Defect
  • VT / V-Tach – Ventricular Tachycardia

Blood Parts

  • Plasma – The liquid component of blood that makes up about 55% of total blood volume. It contains water, proteins, hormones, nutrients, and waste products, and it helps in transporting substances throughout the body.
  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – Also called erythrocytes, these oxygen-carrying cells contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport. RBCs have a lifespan of about 120 days and are responsible for giving blood its red color.
  • White Blood Cells (WBCs) – Also called leukocytes, these are immune system cells that protect the body from infections, viruses, and harmful invaders.
  • Platelets – Also called thrombocytes, these are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding and promote wound healing.

Kinds of White Blood Cells

  • Neutrophils – The most abundant WBCs, responsible for fighting bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Lymphocytes – Include B cells (produce antibodies) and T cells (destroy infected or cancerous cells).
  • Monocytes – The largest WBCs, which become macrophages and help digest dead cells and pathogens.
  • Eosinophils – Help fight parasitic infections and play a role in allergic reactions.
  • Basophils – Release histamine and other chemicals involved in allergic responses and inflammation.

Blood Typing

A classification system for blood based on the presence or absence of A, B, and Rh (D) antigens on red blood cells (RBCs) and corresponding antibodies in plasma. The four major blood types are A, B, AB, and O, and they can be either Rh-positive (Rh⁺) or Rh-negative (Rh⁻).

ABO Blood Groups:

  • Type A – Has A antigens on RBCs and anti-B antibodies in plasma.
  • Type B – Has B antigens on RBCs and anti-A antibodies in plasma.
  • Type AB – Has both A and B antigens on RBCs and no antibodies in plasma (Universal Recipient).
  • Type O – Has no A or B antigens on RBCs but both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in plasma (Universal Donor).

Rh Factor (Rhesus System):

  • Rh-positive (Rh⁺) – Has the Rh (D) antigen on RBCs.
  • Rh-negative (Rh⁻) – Lacks the Rh (D) antigen, and can develop anti-Rh antibodies if exposed to Rh-positive blood.

Blood Compatibility for Transfusions:

  • Type A can receive from A, O and donate to A, AB.
  • Type B can receive from B, O and donate to B, AB.
  • Type AB can receive from A, B, AB, O (Universal Recipient) and donate to AB only.
  • Type O can receive from O only and donate to A, B, AB, O (Universal Donor).

Respiratory System

Respiratory Anatomy

  • The respiratory system consists of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing for proper cellular function.
  • Nasal Cavity The hollow space inside the nose that filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air before it enters the respiratory system.
  • Oral Cavity The mouth; serves as an alternative passage for air intake, especially when nasal breathing is obstructed.
  • Pharynx A muscular tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus, allowing the passage of air and food.
  • Larynx Also known as the voice box, it houses the vocal cords and functions as a passageway for air between the pharynx and trachea.
  • Trachea Also known as the windpipe, it is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air to flow into the lungs.
  • Right Lung One