skillsusa medical terminology

Dyspnea

difficult or labored breathing

ACE inhibitors

blocks the action of the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension.

anoxia

absence of oxygen

Anemia

A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume.

larynospasm

the sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx

aneurysm

an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall.

empyema

pus in the pleural cavity

Angina

a condition of episodes of severe chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium

asbestosis

asbestos particles accumulate in the lungs

angioplasty

Surgical repair or recanalization of a blood vessel.

anticoagulant

a drug that prevents clotting of the blood

nebulizer

A drug delivery device used to administer medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs.

aplastic anemia

characterized by an absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow

bronchorrhea

excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi

cystic fibrosis

A genetic disorder that is present at birth and affects both the respiratory and digestive systems.

arrhythmia

Abnormal heart rhythm

hyperpnea

excessive breathing

atherectomy

surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior of an artery

sinusitis

inflammation of the sinuses

atheroma

fatty deposit or plaque within the arterial wall

hypercapnia

excessive carbon dioxide in the blood

Atherosclerosis

condition in which fatty deposits called plaque build up on the inner walls of the arteries

pneumonectomy

the surgical removal of all or part of a lung

atrial fibrillation

occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid irregular twitching of the muscular heart wall

cholangiography

X-ray examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium

automatic external defibrillator (AED)

portable computerized defibrillator that analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and delivers an elestimulate a heart in cardiac arrest

Beta Blockers

decrease heart rate and dilate arteries by blocking beta receptors

hepatomegaly

enlarged liver

blood dyscrasia

bone marrow depression caused by drug effects on the rapidly multiplying cells of the bone marrow; lower-than-normal levels of blood components can be seen

steatorrhea

fat in the feces

esophageal varices

swollen, varicose veins at the lower end of the esophagus

Bradycardia

abnormally slow heartbeat

gastroduodenostomy

surgical anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach and the duodenum

cardiac arrest

sudden, unexpected stoppage of heart action, often leading to sudden cardiac death

dyspepsia

indigestion

cardiac catheterization

a diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart

dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

cardiomyopathy

the term used to describe all diseases of the heart muscle

emesis

vomiting

carotid endarterectomy

the surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain

incontinence

inability to control excretion of feces or urine

Cholesterol

A type of fat made by the body from saturated fat; a minor part of fat in foods.

chronic venous insufficiency

a condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or leakage of venous valves

colitis

inflammation of the colon (large intestine)

enteritis

inflammation of the small intestine

coronary thrombosis

damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery

gastritis

inflammation of the stomach

defibrillation

brief discharges of electricity are applied across the chest to stop dysrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation)

cholecystectomy

surgical removal of the gallbladder

diurectic

An agent that increases the excretion of urine

choledocholithotomy

incision into the common bile duct to remove a stone

Electrocadiogram

means the recording of the electricity of the heart abbreviation EKG

gingivectomy

surgical removal of gum tissue

embolism

Obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot of blood or foreign substance

erythema

redness of the skin due to capillary dilation

embolus

A clot that breaks lose and travels through the bloodstream.

endocarditis

inflammation of the inner lining of the heart

hemorrhoids

varicose veins of the rectum or anus

Erythrocytes

another name for red blood cells

ascites

abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity

EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that reversibly binds oxygen.

sigmoidoscopy

visual examination of the sigmoid colon

hemolytic anemia

characterized by an inadequate number of circulating red blood cells due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the spleen

cachexia

physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass

Hemostasis

the stopping of a flow of blood.

cirrhosis

chronic degenerative disease of the liver

ischemic heart disease

a group of cardiac disabilities resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the heart

hepatitis

inflammation of the liver

Leukimia

cancer of white blood cells

peristalsis

smooth muscle contractions of the GI tract that move the food mass

Leukocytes

white blood cells

Leukopenia

deficiency of white blood cells

nausea

unpleasant sensation in the stomach associated with a tendency to vomit

diverticulum

an small pouch or sac in the intestine, usually in the sigmoid area

megaloblastic anemia

a blood disorder characterized by anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal

polyp

a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane

myelodysplastic syndrome

a group of bone marrow disorders that are characterized by the insufficient production of one or more types of blood cells due to dysfunction of the bone marrow

hernia

protrusion of any organ through the structure that normally contains it

myocardial infarction

the occlusion of one or more coronary arteries caused by plaque buildup (heart attack)

antiemetic

drug that prevents or stops vomiting

othostatic hypotension

a common adverse effect of anti-hypertensive medications

duodenum

first part of the small intestine

Pericardium

Double-layered membrane surrounding the heart.

ileum

third part of the small intestine

pericious anemia

lack of B12

phlebitis

inflammation of the walls of a vein

electrolyte

mineral salt that carries an electrical charge when in solution

pyelonephritis

kidney infection; inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis

Raynaud's disease

a peripheral arterial occlusive disease in which intermittent attacks are triggered by cold or stress

nephralgia

pain in the kidneys

septicemia

growth of bacteria in the blood

bacteriuria

bacteria in the urine

sickle cell anemia

a genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in some red blood cells assuming an abnormal sickle shape

pyuria

pus in the urine

Tachycardia

rapid heart rate

hematuria

blood in the urine

Temporal arteritis

a form of vasculitis that can cause headaches, visual impairment, jaw pain, and other symptoms

glomerulonephritis

inflammation of the glomerular membrane in the nephrons, causing it to become leaky

thalium stress test

medicated stress test

nephrolithiasis

kidney stones

Thrombocytopenia

a condition in which there is an abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood

thrombolytic

drug that breaks down blood clots

anuria

absence of urine production or output

urgency

sensation of the need to void immediately

thrombosis

the abnormal condition of having a thrombus

Wilms tumor

rapidly developing malignant neoplasm of the kidney that usually occurs in children

thrombotic occlusion

Blockage of a blood vessel caused by thrombosis or clot formation.

kidney transplant

replacement of a diseased kidney with one that is supplied by a compatible donor

thrombus

stationary blood clot

nephropexy

fixation of a floating or mobile kidney

transfusion reaction

Systemic response by the body to the administration of blood incompatible with that of the recipient.

valvulitis

inflammation of a valve

urethrotomy

incision of a urethral stricture

varicose veins

abnormally swollen veins, usually occurring in the superficial veins of the legs

acrophobia

fear of high places

anesthetic

a substance which causes loss of feeling

ventricular fibrillation

irregular contractions of the ventricles; may be fatal unless reversed

causalgia

persistent, severe burning pain that usually follows an injury to a sensory nerve

ventricular tachycardia

A rapid heart rhythm in which the electrical impulse begins in the ventricle (instead of the atrium), which may result in inadequate blood flow and eventually deteriorate into cardiac arrest.

claustrophobia

An abnormal fear of narrow, enclosed spaces

concussion

injury to the brain caused by a blow

encephalitis

inflammation of the brain usually caused by a virus

hyperesthesia

a condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, or other sensory stimuli

Meningitis

Dangerous infection of the outer lining of the brain

meningocele

the congenital herniation of the meninges through a defect in the skull or spinal column

Neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons

paresthesia

abnormal tactile sensation often described as creeping, burning, tingling, or numbness

Hypochondriasis

a disorder characterized by an unreasonable fear that one has a serious disease

blepharoptosis, ptosis

prolapse, downward displacement; drooping of the eyelid

chalazion

a nodule or cyst, usually on the upper eyelid, caused by obstruction in a sebaceous gland

Ectopion

lower eyelid loose and rolling outward

entropion

inward turning of the rim of the eyelid

periorbital edema

swelling surrounding the eye or eyes

diplopia

the perception of two images of a single object; also known as double vision

hemianopia

blindness over half the field of vision

monochromatism (color blindness)

lack of ability to distinguish colors

photophobia

sensitivity to light

presbyopia

impairment of vision as a result of old age

esotropia

cross-eyed

canthus

angle where the upper and lower eyelids meet

Cilia

eyelash

conjuctiva

the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.

lacrimal apparatus

the structures that produce, store, and remove tears

lacrimal gland

produces tears

lacrimal fluid

tears; maintains moisture on the anterior surface of the eyeball

lacrimal sac

structure that collects tears before emptying into the nasolacrimal duct

lacrimal ducts

tubes that carry tears to the lacrimal sac

extraocular

pertaining to outside the eye

intraocular

pertaining to within the eye

choroid

middle, vascular layer of the eye, between the retina and the sclera

aqueous humor

fluid produced by the ciliary body and found in the anterior chamber

vitrous humor

jelly like, maintains eye shape and optical properties

rods and cones

in the retina, receives images that have passed through the lens of the eye

optic disk (papilla)

blind spot, where all the vv seem to run to

uvea

the pigmented layer of the eye

Cornea

The clear tissue that covers the front of the eye

pupil

the adjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters

lens

Focuses light onto retina

accommodation

the process by which the eye's lens changes shape to focus near or far objects on the retina

Covergence

simultaneous inward movement of the eyes toward each other.

Refraction

the ability of the lens to bend light rays so they focus on the retina

visual acuity

the sharpness of visual discrimination

albinism

An inherited deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes

alopecia

A partial or complete lack of hair

anhidrosis

The condition of lacking or being without sweat

blepharoplasty

Surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids

capillary hemangioma

A soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark

cauterization

The destruction of tissue by burning for therapeutic purposes

liposuction

The surgical removal of fat from beneath the skin with the aid of suction

onychia

An inflammation of the matrix of the nail

onychocryptosis

Ingrown toenail

papilloma

A benign epithelial tumor that projects from the surrounding surface

pediculosis

Infestation with lice

petechiae

Small pinpoint hemorrhages

-Algia

pain; painful condition

acr/o

extremity

Skeletal System

body's framework of bones, cartilage and other connective tissues

ankyl/o

crooked, stiffening

Osteoblast

bone cell responsible for developing bone matrix by synthesizing and mineralizing osteoid

dys-

bad; difficult or painful

arthr/o

joint

-ectomy

surgical removal

Osteocyte

mature inactive osteoblast incorporated in mature bone

-graphy

process of recording a picture

burs/o

pouch, sac

-megaly

enlargement

Osteoclast

bone cells responsible for resorbing old or damaged bone

hyper-

excessive, increase

carp/o

wrist

Osteoid

organic part of bone matrix comprised of mostly collagen fibers

hypo-

deficient, decreased

chri/o

hand

-itis

inflamation

Periosteum

thin outer layer of connective tissue covering bones

-malacia

abnormal, softening

chondr/o

cartilage

-necrosis

tissue death

Cortical Bone

hard dense outer layer of bone; also called compact bone

-osis

abnormal condition

calcan/e

heel bone

Cancellous Bone

light porous inner layer of bone; also called spongy bone

-rrhage

bleeding, bursting fort

cost/o

rib

-ostomy

surgical creation of an artificial opening to the body surface

Osteon

fundamental functional unit of cortical bone; structured as a column of rings of bone matrix with a central (Haversian) canal

-plasty

surgical repair

crani/o

skull, head

-otomy

surgical incision

Endosteum

thin vascular membrane covering cavities within bone

-rrhaphy

surgical suturing

coccyg/o/e

coccyx (tailbone)

-scopy

visual examination

Bone Marrow

soft substance in which blood cells are produced; found in cancellous bone Cartilage, flexible connective tissue made of collagen and elastin proteins

-rrhexis

rupture

dactyl/o

finger or toe

-stenosis

abnormal narrowing

Ligament

tough dense fibrous connective tissue connecting bones and cartilages to other bones and cartilages

-sclerosis

abnormal hardening

femor/o

femur (thigh bone)

-rrhea

flow or discharge

Sesamoid Bone

small bone developed and embedded inside tendons

natal

pertaining to birth

fibul/o fibula (one of the lower leg bones)

Bone Marking

distinctive surface feature on bone

-pathy

disease

fixat/o

fastened

-ology

study of

Joint

location at which bones or bone and cartilage come together; also known as articulation; include types classified by function: synarthrosis, amphiarthrosis and diarthrosis; as well as types classified by structure: fibrous; cartilaginous and synovial Skull group of bones forming the head

-graphy

the process of producing a picture or record

rhin/o

nose

humer/o

humerus (upper arm bone)

Auditory Ossicles

bones of the middle ear

Prognosis

a prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disorder

kyph/o

hump

sign

is objective evidence of disease such as a fever. Objective means the sign can be evaluated or measured by the patient or others.

symptom

is subjective evidence of a disease, such as pain or a headache. Subjective means that it can be evaluated or measured only by the patient.

Vertebral Column

group of irregular bones extending the length of the body's axis; also known as the spinal column or spine Thoracic Cage, group of bones forming the thoracic cavity of the chest

lord/o

bending, curve

acute

sudden onset of a disease

Pectoral Girdle

group of bones attaching the upper limb to the axial skeleton

Chronic

continuing is of long duration

Upper Limb

group of bones forming the arm, forearm and hand

remission

is the temporary, partial, or complete disappearance of the symptoms of a disease without having achieved a cure

diagnosis

is the identification of a disease

lumb/o

lower back, loin

myel/o

bone marrow

syndrome

signs and symptoms that occur together

Pelvic Girdle

group of bones attaching the lower limbs to the axial skeleton

edema

swelling

oste/o

bone

endarterial

pertaining to the lining of an artery

Lower Limb

group of bones forming the thigh, leg and foot

ped/o

foot

rad/i

radius

radi/o

X-ray

inflammation

localized response to a tissue injury

rheumat/o

discharge

Osteopenia

deficiency of bone mass, over a period of time, which leads to brittle bones

Osteoporosis

abnormal condition caused by a decrease in bone density

scoli/o

curvature

Osteosarcoma

malignant tumor of the bone; cancer arising from connective tissue

spondyl/o

vertebre

Osteochondritis

inflammation of the bone and cartilage due to lack of blood flow

tract/o

to draw

Scoliosis

abnormal lateral curve of the spinal column

Kyphosis

exaggeration of the thoracic curvature producing a "humpback" appearance

Arthritis

inflammation of a joint, usually caused by normal wear and tear

Lordosis

exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine producing a "swayback" appearance

Osteoarthritis (OA)

inflammation of the bone and joint, occurs in middle to older aged individuals

Rheumatoid Arthritis

disease characterized by inflammation of the joints

Hydrarthrits

abnormal condition in which there is an accumulation of watery fluid in the cavity of a joint

Achondroplasia

decrease in cartilage formation at the epiphyses of long bones

Rickets

abnormal condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, usually occurring in children

Compression Fracture

bone is crushed, which causes the bone to be wider or flatter in appearance

Vertebral Compression Fracture

fractures of the vertebra in the spine, usually caused by osteoporosis

Epiphyseal Fracture

occurs through the growth plate, usually occurring in children

Stress Fracture

occurs during activity, usually occurring in the foot

Greenstick Fracture

incomplete fracture, bone has not broken into individual pieces

Spiral Fracture

break in the bone in the formation of a spiral, common in twisting injuries

Colles Fracture

break in the radius near the wrist, often occurring after reaching out during a fall

Pott Fracture

break in the ankle which fractures both the tibia and fibula

Closed/Simple Fracture

bone is broken but the skin around the fracture stays intact

Open/Compound Fracture

skin may be pierced by the bone or an injury which breaks the skin at the time of the fracture

Transverse Fracture

break is a straight line across the bone

Comminuted Fracture

break of the bone is in three or more pieces and fragments are present at the site of fracture

Bone Spur

bony projections which develop along the edge of bones, often found in the joints

Bursitis

inflammation of a bursa, commonly occurs in the shoulder, elbow and hip

Hammertoe

acquired flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint

Gout

caused by excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood with deposits of urates of sodium in and around the joint

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

abnormal condition caused by compression of the median nerve

Tennis Elbow

chronic condition which causes excessive pronation and supination activities of the forearm leading to elbow pain

gastr

stomach

cardi

heart

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megal

enlarged

itis

inflammation

dermat

skin

plast

surgical repair

cerebr

brain

path

disease

ectomy

surgical removal

enter

intestines

osis

any condition

otomy

cut into

aden

gland

angi

vessel

oma

tumor

nephr

kidney

hepat

liver

arthr

joint

blephar

eyelid

ologist

specialist

rhin

nose

gingiv

gums

malacia

soft

ology

study of

spasm

involuntary contraction

algia

pain

crani

skull

end

inside,within

hemi

half

oid

hyper

above,more than normal

cyst

sac containing fluid

chole

bile

hypo

below

scop

observe

hyster

uterus

ostomy

create an opening

para

beside,beyond

lysis

loosening,destruction

cervic

neck

chondr

cartilage

cyan

blue

hem(at)

blood

ost

bone

psycho

mind

lip

fat

muscle

lith

stone

opthalm-opt

eye

proct

anus

cost

rib

gram

record

acro

extremeties

rhexis

break,burst

carcin

cancer

penia

decrease

gen

original,production

burso

sac

retr(o)

backwards

trip

rub,friction

strept

twist

desis

binding

mani

madness

glosso

tongue

trophy

development

supra

above

ptosis

falling

dyn

pain

mast

breast

rrhaphy

suture

dent

teeth

cephal

head

auto

self

epi

upon

hydro

water

lobo

section

emesis

vomiting

contra

against,counter

iasis

condition

trans

through,across

brady

slow

ectasis

expansion

cyt

cell

odont

tooth

leuk

white

esthesia

sensation

cantho

angle at the end of the eyelid

steno

narrow,contracted

cheil

lip

cele

hernia

benign

mild,not cancerous

semen

seed

celio

abdomen

erythro

red

vaso

vessel

melan

black

cauda

tail

lingua

tongue

myring

eardrum

spondyl

spinal column

ovar

egg

centesis

puncture

oto

ear

bili

bile

squam

scale

mening

membrane

cec

blind passage

macul

spot

pexy

suspension

onco

tumor

mouth

sub

under

spiro

coil

lacrim

tear

viscro

organ

lact

milk

onych

nail,claw

thorac

chest

pyle

gate

vesic

bladder

sphenic

wedge

myel

marrow,spinal cord

anti

against

myco

fungus

hallux

great toe (big toe)

physio

nature

bucc(o)

cheek

palpebr

eyelid

plasi

development

rug

wrinkle,fold,cease

aur

ear

acoust(i)

hearing

colp(o)

hollow,vagina

phon

voice,sound

leio

smooth

cor

heart

ren

kidney

orchi

testis

encephal

brain

thalam

inner chamber

plexus

braid

cilia

eyelash

dendr

tree,branching

phleb

vein

pilo

hair

histo

tissue

stoma

mouth

tympan

eardrum

umbilic

navel

salpingo

tube

helio

sun

astr

star shaped

asthenia

weakness

fascia

sheet,band

iso

equal

tarso

ankle

tope

place

pod

foot

malign

bad

adnexa

ties,connection

ocul

eye

lapar

abdominal wall

dacry

tear

ment

mind

part

labor,bring forth

scler(a)

hard

somato

body

trachel

neck

sinus

hollow space

hypno

sleep

sept

wall,fence

scirr(h)

hard

antr

cavity

crine

to secrete

dura

hard

pneum

lung

phage

to eat

phren

mind

corne

horny

plak

plate

iris

rainbow

kerat

horny

pulmo

lung

ptyal

saliva

alveol

cavity

oophor

ovary

oment

covering

sedat

quiet,calm

furca

fork shaped

radic

root

radi

ray

fistul

pipe

edema

swelling

dactyl

finger,toe

metabol(e)

change

pariet

wall

ependym

wrapping

gravid

pregnant

aer

air

glyco

sweet

tarso

framework of the eyelid

cheir

hand

calc

heel,stone

cine

move

digit

finger,toe

dors

back

gangli

swelling

gemin

twin

grad

walk,take steps

gran

grain,particle

labi

lip

micr

small

paps

gigest

pleur

pleura,rib,side

mamm

breast

colla

glue

later

side

rachi

spinal column

phob

fear

phot

light

dys

bad

cut

skin

peri

about,around

pro

in front of,before

mechano

machine

dynam

power

osmo

odor

traumat

wound

trich

hair

maxill

upper jawbone

an-,a-

without,not

phak

lens

pre

in front of,before

strict

draw tight

turbin

shaped like a top

ameb

change

semi

half

neo

new

hormone

excite

therm

heat

syn,sym

together

vuls

twitch or pull

post

after

metr

uterus

tegument

covering,skin

pan

all

poly

many

ramus

branch

neuro

nerve (nervous system)

thromb

lump,clot

away from,not

plegia

paralysis

ante

before

thel

nipple

out,away from

lien

spleen

tumor

swelling

vestibule

entrance

puer

child

sarc

flesh

proli

offspring

macro

large

lal

speech

intra

within

inter

between

infra

beneath

cryo

cold

mal

bad

glom

ball

tens

stretch

spas

pull,draw

somni

sleep

pharmac

drug

lumbo

loins

arter

artery

appendic

appendix

thyro

thyroid

splen

spleen

ovario

ovary

adreno

adrenal (gland)

basi

base

pelvi

pelvis

vena

vein

urethr

urethra

utero

uterus

sacro

sacrum

pharyng

pharynx

duodeno

duodenum

ureter

laryng

larynx

bronch

bronchus

col

colon

esophag

esophagus

two,double,both

tri

three

ile

ileum

ili

ilium

lig

ligament

therap

therapy

ventr

front

vert

turn

good

ambi

both

amphi

around,on the sides

brachy

short

capit

head

cau

burn

clas

break

duct

tube

fiss

split

ger

old

heter

other

infer

under

hom

same

olfact

smell

orth

straight

gyn

female

pachy

thick

phrag

fence

poster

back part

cata

down

platy

flat

pseud

false

schiz

split

proxim

nearest

scol

curved

apo

away from

twice

dia

through

eury

broad

pact

chest

necr

dead

less

morph

form

dis

apart

fac

make,do

lept

slender

lymph

watery fluid