Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Allied Med 500
Chapters 6,7,8
173
Medical
Undergraduate 1
05/11/2010

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
hemolytic
Definition
function of the spleen that destroys worn-out RBCs and releases their hemoglobin for reuse
Term
lymphadenitis
Definition
AKA swollen glands, an inflammation of the lymph nodes
Term
lymphadenopathy
Definition
disease process affecting lymph node or nodes
Term
lymphangioma
Definition
a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
Term
splenomegaly
Definition
an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
Term
lymphoscintigraphy
Definition
a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels
Term
lymphedema
Definition
swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues
Term
antigen
Definition
any substance that the body regards as being foreign, and includes viruses, bacteria, toxins, and transplanted tissues
Term
allergen
Definition
a substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual
Term
antibody
Definition
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
Term
immunoglobulins
Definition
bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response
Term
lymphocytes
Definition
WBCs that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells
Term
interferon
Definition
a family of proteins produced by the T cells whose specialty is fighting viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication
Term
lymphokines
Definition
produced by the T cells, direct the antigen-antibody response by signaling between the cells of the immune system
Term
macrophage
Definition
a type of WBC that surrounds and kills invading cells
Term
complement
Definition
a group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form and are activated by contact with nonspecific antigens such as foreign blood cells or bacteria
Term
autoimmune disorder
Definition
AKA autoimmune disease, any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues
Term
immunodeficiency disorder
Definition
occurs when the immune response is compromised
Term
human immunodeficiency disorder
Definition
(HIV) a blood-borne infection in which the virus damages or kills the cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail, thus leaving the body at risk of developing many life threatening opportunistic infections
Term
opportunistic infection
Definition
caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in healthy humans
Term
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Definition
the most advanced, and fatal, stage of an HIV infection
Term
immunotherapy
Definition
a disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response
Term
immunosuppressant
Definition
a substance that prevents or reduces the body's normal immune response
Term
cytotoxic drug
Definition
a medication that kills or damages cells
Term
pathogen
Definition
a microorganism that causes a disease in humans
Term
bacteria
Definition
one-celled microscopic organisms
Term
bacilli
Definition
rod-shaped spore-forming bacteria
Term
tetanus
Definition
caused by the bacillus Clostridium tetani, and is transmitted through a cut or wound
Term
rickettsia
Definition
a small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, tick and mites
Term
spirochetes
Definition
spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement
Term
staphylococci
Definition
a group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes
Term
streptococci
Definition
bacteria that form a chain
Term
parasite
Definition
plant or animal that lives on, or within, another living organism at the expense of that organism
Term
toxoplasmosis
Definition
parasite that is most commonly transmitted from animals to humans by contact with contaminated feces
Term
herpes zoster
Definition
AKA shingles, an acute viral infection that characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve
Term
infectious mononucleosis
Definition
AKA mono, caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Term
rubella
Definition
AKA German measles or 3-day measles, a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash
Term
rabies
Definition
an acute viral infection that is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite or saliva of an infected animal
Term
varicella
Definition
AKA Chickenpox, caused by the herpes virus Varicella zoster and is highly contagious
Term
cytomegalovirus
Definition
(CMV) a member of the herpesvirus family that causes a variety of diseases
Term
antibiotics
Definition
medications that are capable of inhibiting growth, or killing pathogenic bacterial mocroorganisms
Term
antifungal
Definition
an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi
Term
metastasize
Definition
the process by which cancer spreads from one place to another
Term
metastasis
Definition
new cancer site that results from the spreading process
Term
carcinoma
Definition
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue
Term
carcinoma in situ
Definition
describes a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues
Term
sarcoma
Definition
a malignant tumor that arises from connective tissues, including hard tissues, soft tissues, and liquid tissues
Term
lymphoma
Definition
a general term applied to malignancies affection lymphoid tissues
Term
Hodgkin's lymphoma
Definition
distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells
Term
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Definition
the term used to describe all lymphomas other than Hodgkin's lymphoma
Term
ductal carcinoma in situ
Definition
breast cancer at its earliest stage before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct
Term
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Definition
AKA invasive ductal carcinoma, starts in the milk duct, breaks thru the wall of that duct, and invades the fatty breast tissue
Term
mammography
Definition
a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells
Term
teletherapy
Definition
radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body
Term
anaphylaxis
Definition
AKA anaphylactic shock, a severe response to an allergen
Term
malaria
Definition
disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes that is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito
Term
antibiotic
Definition
medication capable of inhibiting growth, or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms
Term
antifungal
Definition
agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi
Term
metastasize
Definition
process by which cancer spreads from one place to another
Term
metastasis
Definition
new cancer site that results from the spreading process
Term
osteosarcoma
Definition
a malignant tumor usually involving the upper shaft of long bones, the pelvis, or knee
Term
myosarcoma
Definition
a malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue
Term
myoma
Definition
a benign tumor made up of muscle tissue
Term
antigen-antibody reaction
Definition
AKA immune reaction, involves binding antigens to antibodies
Term
mediastinum
Definition
the cavity located between the lungs 
Term
otolaryngologist
Definition
AKA ENT, a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck
Term
emphysema
Definition
the progressive loss of lung function that is characterized by (1) a decrease in the total number of alveoli, (2) the enlargement of the remaining alveoli, and (3) the progressive destruction  of the walls of the remaining alveoli
Term
asthma
Definition
a chronic allergic disorder characterized by episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing and wheezing
Term
bronchospasm
Definition
a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles that tighten and squeeze the airway shut
Term
croup
Definition
an acute respiratory syndrome in children and infants characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and a barking cough
Term
diphtheria
Definition
now largely prevented through immunization, an acute bacterial infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract
Term
epistaxis
Definition
AKA nose-bleed, bleeding from the nose that is usually caused by an injury
Term
pertussis
Definition
AKA whooping cough, a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough, followed by breathlessness, and a noisy inspiration
Term
sinusitis
Definition
an inflammation of the sinuses
Term
pharyngitis
Definition
AKA sore throat, an inflammation of the pharynx
Term
laryngoplegia
Definition
paralysis of the larynx
Term
aphonia
Definition
the loss of the ability of the larynx to produce normal speech sounds
Term
dysphonia
Definition
any change in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy's voice during puberty
Term
laryngitis
Definition
an inflammation of the larynx
Term
bronchorrhea
Definition
an excessive discharge of mucus from the bronchi
Term
pleurisy
Definition
AKA pleuritis, an inflammation of the pleura that produces sharp chest pain with each breath
Term
pleurodynia
Definition
pain in the pleura that occurs in relation to breathing movements
Term
pneumothorax
Definition
the accumulation of air in the pleural space causing a pressure imbalance that prevents the lung from fully expanding or can cause it to collapse
Term
hemothorax
Definition
collection of blood in the pleural cavity
Term
hemoptysis
Definition
coughing up of blood or bloodstained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of a pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage
Term
pyothorax
Definition
presence of pus in the pleural cavity between the layers of the pleural membrane
Term
empyema
Definition
a collection of pus within a body cavity
Term
tuberculosis
Definition
(TB) an infectious disease caused by Myobacterium tuberculosis, usually attacks the lungs
Term
aspiration pneumonia
Definition
occurs when a foreign substance, such as vomit, is inhaled into the lungs
Term
pneumoconiosis
Definition
fibrosis of the lung tissues caused by dust in the lungs that usually develops after prolonged environmental or occupational contact
Term
anthracosis
Definition
caused by coal dust in the lungs
Term
asbestosis
Definition
caused by asbestos particles in the lungs and usually occurs after working with asbestos
Term
cystic fibrosis
Definition
a genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus
Term
apnea
Definition
the absence of spontaneous respiration
Term
bradypnea
Definition
an abnormally slow rate of respiration usually of less than 10 breaths per minute
Term
tachypnea
Definition
abnormally rapid rate of respiration usually of more than 20 breaths per minute
Term
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Definition
pattern of alternation periods of hypopnea and apnea followed by hyperpnea
Term
dyspnea
Definition
AKA shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing
Term
hyperpnea
Definition
commonly associated with exertion, is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest
Term
hypopnea
Definition
shallow or slow respiration
Term
asphyxia
Definition
the condition that occurs when the body cannot get the air it needs to function
Term
asphyxiation
Definition
AKA suffocation, any interruption of normal breath resulting in asphyxia
Term
hypercapnia
Definition
abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood
Term
hypoxemia
Definition
a condition of having below-normal oxygen level in the blood
Term
hypoxia
Definition
the condition of having below-normal oxygen levels in the body tissues and cells
Term
bronchoscopy
Definition
the visual examination of the bronchi suing a bronchoscope 
Term
laryngoscopy
Definition
visual examination of the larynx using a laryngoscope inserted through the mouth and placed into the pharynx to examine the larynx
Term
polysomnography
Definition
AKA sleep apnea study, measures physiological activity during sleep and is most often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea
Term
antitussive
Definition
AKA cough medicine, administered to prevent or relieve coughing
Term
bronchodilator
Definition
a medication that expands the opening of the passages into the lungs
Term
nebulizer
Definition
AKA atomizer, pumps air or oxygen through a liquid medicine into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway
Term
endotracheal intubation
Definition
the passage of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway
Term
laryngectomy
Definition
the surgical removal of the larynx
Term
pharyngoplasty
Definition
the surgical repair of the pharynx
Term
tracheostomy
Definition
the creation of a stoma into the trachea and inserting a tube to facilitate the passage of air or the removal of secretions
Term
tracheotomy
Definition
usually an emergency procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea to gain access to the airway below a blockage
Term
pleurectomy
Definition
the surgical removal of part of the pleura
Term
pneumonectomy
Definition
the surgical removal of all or part of a lung
Term
periodontium
Definition
consists of the bone and soft tissues that surround and support the teeth
Term
peristalsis
Definition
a series of wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles in a single direction
Term
bariatrics
Definition
the branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of obesity and associated diseases
Term
aphthous ulcers
Definition
AKA canker sores or mouth ulcers, grey-white pits with red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth
Term
cheilosis
Definition
AKA cheilitis, a disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth
Term
herpes labialis
Definition
AKA cold sores or fever blisters, blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue that are caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1
Term
xerostomia
Definition
AKA dry mouth, diminished secretions by the salivary glands
Term
dysphagia
Definition
difficulty in swallowing
Term
gastroesophageal reflux disease
Definition
AKA GERD, the upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus
Term
esophageal varices
Definition
enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus
Term
hiatal hernia
Definition
a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm
Term
anorexia nervosa
Definition
an eating disorder characterized by a false perception of body appearance
Term
bulimia nervosa
Definition
an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications
Term
cachexia
Definition
a condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS
Term
obesity
Definition
an excessive accumulation of fat in the body
Term
morbid obesity
Definition
the condition of weighing two or three times, or more, than the ideal weigh or having a BMI greated than 39
Term
aerophagia
Definition
the excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking, a common cause of gas in the stomach
Term
dyspepsia
Definition
AKA indigestion, is pain or discomfort in digestion
Term
emesis
Definition
AKA vomiting, the reflex ejection of the stomach contents through the mouth
Term
eructation
Definition
the act of belching or raising gas orally from the stomach
Term
hematemesis
Definition
the vomiting of blood
Term
hyperemesis
Definition
extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration
Term
regurgitation
Definition
the return of swallowed food into the mouth
Term
diverticulosis
Definition
the presence of a number of diverticula in the colon
Term
diverticulitis
Definition
the inflammation of one or more diverticula in the colon
Term
enteritis
Definition
an inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral and bacterial pathogens
Term
ileus
Definition
the partial or complete blockage of the small and/or large intestine
Term
ulcerative colitis
Definition
a chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers and irritation
Term
Crohn's disease
Definition
(CD) a chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract
Term
volvulus
Definition
the twisting of the intestine on itself that causes and obstruction
Term
inguinal hernia
Definition
the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin
Term
amebic dysentery
Definition
AKA amebiasis, is transmitted by food or water that is contaminated due to poor sanitary conditions
Term
botulism
Definition
AKA food poisoning, a rare, but very serious, condition transmitted through contaminated food or an infected wound
Term
cholera
Definition
transmitted through contact with contaminated food or water
Term
salmonellosis
Definition
AKA salmonella, is transmitted by food that is contaminated by feces
Term
melena
Definition
the passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools
Term
hepatitis
Definition
an inflammation of the liver
Term
jaundice
Definition
a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the eyes
Term
cirrhosis
Definition
a progressive degenerative disease of the liver that is often caused by excessive alcohol use or by viral hepatitis B or C
Term
ascites
Definition
an abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity
Term
cholangitis
Definition
an acute infection of the bile duct characterized by pain in the upper-right quadrants of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice
Term
cholecystalgia
Definition
pain in the gallbladder
Term
cholecystitis
Definition
inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with gallstones blocking the flow of bile
Term
cholelithiasis
Definition
the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts
Term
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Definition
an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract which includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum
Term
hemoccult test
Definition
AKA  fecal occult blood test, a lab test for hidden blood in the stools
Term
colonoscopy
Definition
the direct visual examination of the inner surface of the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum
Term
sigmoidoscopy
Definition
the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon
Term
antiemetic
Definition
a medication that is administered to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting
Term
gastrostomy tube
Definition
a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body into the stomach
Term
gastroduodenostomy
Definition
the establishment of an anastomosis between the upper portion of the stomach, and the duodenum
Term
anastomosis
Definition
a surgical connection between two hollow or tubular structures
Term
proctopexy
Definition
the surgical fixation of a prolapsed rectum to an adjacent tissue or organ
Term
choledocholithotomy
Definition
an incision into the common bile duct for the removal of gallstones
Term
cholecystectomy
Definition
the surgical removal of the gallbladder
Supporting users have an ad free experience!