Medical Abbreviations

A&P auscultation and percussion
ABG arterial blood gases
ABI ankle-brachial indices/index
AFB acid-fact bacillus
AFB aortofemoral bypass
A-fib atrial fibrillation
AP anteroposterior
APVD atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease
ATP -- stands for adenosine triphosphate (a-DEN-o-seen tri-FOS-fate).
b.i.d. twice a day
BP blood pressure
BPH benigh prostate hyperplasia/hypertrophy
BUN blood urea nitrogen
CA carcinoma
CABG coronary artery bypass grafting
CAD coronary artery disease; including heart attacks and angina (chest pain)
CCU coronary care unit
CHF congestive heart failure
CLD chronic lung disease (of prematurity)
CME cervical mediastinal exploration/open lung biopsy
CPK creatine phosphokinase, total CK; To determine if you have had a heart attack or if other muscles in your body have been damaged
CT computer tomography
CVP central venous pressures
DDH developmental dysplasia of the hip (pediatric)
DNA -- deoxyribonucleic (dee-ok-see-ri-bo-new-KLEE-ik) acid
DTaP diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
EBL estimated blood loss
EGA estimated gestational age
EGFR estimated glomerular filtration (see creatinine)
EKG electrocardiagram
EPSDT pediatric Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program
ER -- endoplasmic reticulum
ET endotrachial tube
FEV1 forced expiratory volume in one second
FEV forced expiratory volume
FVC forced vital capacity
GER gastroesophageal reflux
GU genitourinary
HACEK an acronym == refers to a grouping of gram-negative bacilli, organisms that share an enhanced capacity to produce endocardial infections [Haemophilus species, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella species]
HDL high density lipoprotein -- good cholesterol
hemostasis -- arrest of bleeding (as by a hemostatic agent); stoppage or sluggishness of blood flow
Hib - see HIB
HIB/Hib haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium that infects the lining of the brain, causing meningitis
HJR hepatojugular reflux
IE infective endocarditis
IMA inferior mesenteric artery
INR international normalized ratio is a ratio that helps drs. monitor pts. taking anticoagulant medicatns; method of expressg results of a PT; based on intl standard that autocorrects for variatns between labs compared to any lab measurmnt in the world
INR test is administered routinely to monitor the blood level of the medication to lessen risk of uncontrolled bleedg.
INR/PT see INR
JVD jugular venous distention
LAD left anterior descending [coronary artery]
LDL low density lipoprotein -- bad cholesterol
LR lactated Ringer's
LVEDP left ventricular end diastolic pressure
MCV mean corpuscle volume
MI myocardial infarction
PDS see sutures
PFT pulmonary function test
PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PPD purified protein derivative of tuberculin
PPDS see sutures
PRBC packed red blood cells
PSA prostate specific antigen
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronal angioplasty
PVR pulmonary vascular resistance
RNA -- ribonucleic (ri-bow-new-KLEE-ik) acid
RSD reflex sympathetic dystrophy
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBI serious bacterial infection
SEM systolic ejection murmur
SFA superficial femoral artery
SICU surgical intensive care unit
SMA superior mesenteric artery
ST see ST segment in genl med terms
t.i.d. 3 times per day
TAH total abdominal hysterectomy
TCAs tricyclic antidepressants
TURP transurethral resection of the prostate
UTI urinary tract infection
WBC white blood cell

DRUGS/PRESCRIPTIONS

Activan - brand name for lorazepam; tranquilizer used to treat anxiety, tension, and insomnia

AMPICILLIN a pencillin that is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and is used to treat various infections of the urinary, respiratory, and intestinal tracts

Ancef == cephalosporin antibiotic; for heart surgery increased anticoagulant effect

atenolol -- generic name for Tenormin; used to treat angina (chest pain) and hypertension (high bp); to treat or prevent

heart attack

Augmentin s used in the treatment of lower respiratory, middle ear, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections that are caused

by certain specific bacteria. These bacteria produce a chemical enzyme called beta lactamase that makes some infections

particularly difficult to treat.

b.i.d. twice a day

benzoin == used especially as an expectorant and topically to relieve skin irritations

Cardizem -- brand name for diltiazem (dil TYE a zem) for hypertension, angina pectoris (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm

disorders (supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation); calcium channel blockers; works by slowing the electrical

conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, and/or normalizing heart rhythm

Cardizem -- other brand names: Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiazac

colace

Coumadin anticoagulant; used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries; Generic Name is

WARFARIN; brand names: Coumadin, Jantoven

digitalis -- is an inotropic agent; see gen med terms

digoxin == generic name for brand name Lanoxin; useful in tx of heart failure

enalapril -- generic name for Vasotec

FeSO4 == iron/ferrous sulfate

GENTAMICIN used for Bacterial Endocarditis and treats skin or soft tissue infection

glipizide - generic name for Glucotrol is an oral blood-glucose-lowering drug of the sulfonylurea class; treating type 2 diabetes

Hespan -- generic name is sodium chloride injection; used for increasing plasma volume during schock caused by bleeding,

burns, surgery, or other trauma. It is not a substitute for blood or plasma; is a synthetic plasma expander; works by producing expansion of plasma blood volume

hypothyroidism brand name drugs: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid

imipramine - generic for Tofranil

iron/ferrous sulfate --generic name for brand names Fer-in-Sol, Feosol, Fer-Iron; for iron deficiency, anemia == also called

FeSO4

Indocin used in preparation of indomethacin

Indo
Isolyte provides electrolytes and calories, and is a source of water for hydration; capable of inducing diuresis depending

on the clinic condition of the patient

isosorbide dinitrate -- a coronary vasodilator used especially in the tx of anginis pectoris from heart disease; brand

names are Sorbitrate, Isordil

Jantoven -- see coumadin

Lopid -- generic name is gemfibrozil (tablets); s used for: Treating high blood cholesterol and triglyceride

Lopressor -- generic name : metoprolol tartrate; tablets and injection; antianginal agent reducing # of angina attacks; treats high bp; Occasionally doctors prescribe Lopressor for the treatment of aggressive behavior, prevention of migraine headache, and relief of temporary anxiety.

lorazepam -- acts as a sedative and antianxiety agent; used therapeutically to control seizures: brand bane Ativan

Lovastatin generic name for Mevacor and Altocor; also proven to reduce risk for coronary artery disease, such as heart attack or angina (chest pain)

Mevacor - cholesterol-lowering drug; is brand name for Lovastatin; other brand name is Altocor

Mycolog -II cream topical prescribed for xment of candidiasis (a yeast-like fungal infection) of the skin.

Nolvadex brand name for tamoxifen

papaverine -- used especially as a vasodialtor because of its ability to relax smooth muscle

Persantine -- brand name for generic dipyridamole; anticoagulater mainly used after heart valve replacement

povidone -- a polymerized form of vinylpyrrolidone, a white hygroscopic powder readily soluble in water, used as a dispersing and suspending agent in drugs. It also has been used as a blood volume extender and, in a complex with iodine, as a topical antiseptic.

povidone iodine -- disenfectant similiar to Betadine

Pravachol -- see pravastatin

pravastatin -- a statin drug used to treat hyperlipidemia; brand name Pravachol; used also as an adjunct in primary hypercholesterolemia

Prevnar - brand name; a pediatric vaccine for routine immunizatn against invasive pneumococcal disease

procainamide -- generic name for brand names of Pronestyl; Procan-SR; Procanbid; is a cardiac antiarrhythmid medication used to correct disturbances in the heart's rhythm

protamine -- used in heart surgery to neutralize the anticoagulant effects of heparin.

ReJuveness cream for scar treatment
ReJuveness sheet- VIn researching "ReJuveness," the internet lists it as a silicone sheeting, not a cream or gel. However, in the 2005 Saunders Pharmaceutical Word Book there is a listing for "Rejuvenex" cream. This would be a great place to flag for clarification!

Synthroid -- used for treatment of hypothyroidism; generic name is Levothyroxine

t.i.d. -- 3 x per day

tamoxifen - for women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and women at high risk for breast cancer

tegretol
Tegretol -- brand name for drug carbamazepine; anticonvulsant

tetracycline - brand name is Achromycin V.Sumycin -- etracycline, a "broad-spectrum" antibiotic, is used to treat bacterial

infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, and tick fevers; upper respiratory infections; pneumonia; gonorrhea; amoebic infections; and urinary tract infections. It is also used to help treat severe acne and to treat trachoma (a chronic eye infection) and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Tetracycline is often an alternative drug for people who are allergic
to penicillin.

Tofranil brand name for imipramine - used in some children to help reduce bedwetting

Toprol XL see Lopressor

tricyclic -- antidepressant TCAs

Vasotec -- brand name for enalapril; used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney

problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack

warfarin -- see coumadin

GENERAL MEDICAL

abduct -- to move away from the midline
adenoma -- tumor (-oma) of a gland
adhere -- to attach or stick together
adhesion -- attachment of parts
adipoid -- like or resembling fat (-oid)
adiposuria - presence of fat /adipose in the urine
amino acids -- nitrogen-comtaining compounds that make up proteins
amylase -- enzyme that digests starch (amyl/o = starch)
anabolism -- type of metabolism in which body substances are made the building phase of metabolism
analgesia -- absence of pain
anaplasia -- a change in structure/orientatn of cells, characterizd by loss of
differentiatn/reversion to a more primitive form; is characteristic of malignancy
anastomosis -- is the connection of two structures (blood vessels, intestines)
anesthesia -- loss of sensation
angina -- chest pain
antegrade -- forward moving; as in blood flow; sometimes synanomous with anterograde
antenatal -- before birth
anteserum -- a normal or pathological serous fluid (as in a blister)
antidote -- means of counteracting a poison
aortotomy -- incision of the aorta
apex -- top or peak
aplasia -- lack of development of an organ or tissue
aplastic -- adj. unable to form or regenerate tissue; exhibiting incomplete or faulty development
APGAR score - neonatal
arcus senilis -- a whitish ring or bow-shaped deposit in the cornea that frequently occurs in old age
arteriotomy -- incision of an artery
aseptic -- free of infectious organisms
asteatosis -- diminished or arrested action of the sebaceous glands
atony -- lack of muscle tone
atrial fibrillation -- A-fib
atrophy -- wasting away (lack of nourishment)
autogenous -- originating or derived from sources w/i the same individual as autogenous graft; produced independently of external influence or aid
azygos vein -- a vein that arises from the right ascending lumbar vein or the inferior vena cava, ascends through the aortic orifice of the diaphragm, lies in the posterior mediastinum, and terminates in the superior vena cava
Barlow maneuver and the Ortalani test -- hip exam for pediatrics
benign - having a good prognosis; responding favorably to treatment
benign tumor
Brudzinski's sign - spontaneous hip flexion with passive neck flexion - meningeal signs
C. difficile see clostridium difficile
cannula -- a small tube for insertion into a body cavity, duct, or vessel
carbohydrase -- enzyme that digests carbohydrates
cardioplegia -- temporary cardiac arrest induced (as by drugs) during heart surgery
carina (L) a ridgelike structure; carina trachae: a downward/backward projection of the lowest tracheal cartilage, forming a ridge between the openings of the right and left principal bronchi
catabolism -- type of metabolism in wich substances are brokien down for energy and simple compounds
celiac disease -- Patients often present with diarrhea or frank steatorrhea, abdominal distention and flatulence,weight loss, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.
celiac disease....also see steatorrhea
cell -- the basic structural and functgional unit of the living organism; a microscopic unit that combines with other cells to form tissues (cyt/o-).
cell membrane -- outer layer of the cell; composed mainly of lipids and proteins; function --> limits the cell; regulates what enters and leaves the cell
cephalad -- towards the head or anterior end of the body - adv.
cephalohematoma - subperiosteal hemorrhage limited to one cranial bone; does not cross suture lines, usually in parietal region
centrioles -- rod-shaped bodies (usually 2) near the nucleus; function-->help separate the chromosomes in cell division
chromophilic -- attracting color (stain)
chromosome(s) -- carry genetic information; each cell carries 46 chromosomes, aside from sex cells; a threadlike body in the nucleus of a cell that contains genetic information
cilia -- short, hairlike projections from the cell; function-->create movement around the cell
Clostridium difficile -- gastritis caused by a genus of anaerobic spore-forming bacteria (family Bacillaceae)
collagen -- a fibrous protein found in connective tissue
connective tissue -- supports and binds body structures. It contains fibers and other nonliving material between the cells. Included are adipose (fat) tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood.
contraception -- prevention of conception
Coombs test -- an aggluntination test used to detect proteins and especially antibodies on the surface of RBCs
cortex -- the outer region of an organ
craniosynostosis -- premature closing of cranial sutures in infants
cyanosis -- bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
cytogenesis -- the formation (-genesis) of cells
cytoplasm -- colloidal suspension that fills cell; function -->holds cell contents; the fluid that fills a cell and holds the organelles.
dacryocystitis - infection of the nasolacrimal duct and sac ;rash
dextrocardia -- location of the heart (cardi/o) in the right side of the chest (dextr/o- = right)
dextroversion -- location or movement toward the right
diagnosis -- identification of disease
dialysis -- separation (-lysis) by passage through a membrane
dichotomy -- division into two parts
dipilatory -- agent used to remove hair (pil/o)
diplegia -- paralysis on both sides of the body
diploid -- having two sets of chromosomes
dissect -- to separate tissues for anatomical study
diuresis -- an increased excretion of urine
DNA -- the genetic compounds of the cell: makes up the genes.
dorsalis pedis -- dorsalis pedis artery; an artery of the upper surface of the foot that is a direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery
dysentery -- intestinal disorder
dyskinesia -- distortion or impairment of voluntary movement, as in tic or spasm.dyskinet´ic
dyspnea -- difficult or labored respiration
dystrophy -- any disorder due to defective or faulty nutrition.
ectocardia -- displacement of the heart from its normal position
ectoderm -- outermost layer of the developing embryo (ec-, ecto- = out, outside)
effusion -- escape of fluid into a cavity or other body part
egotism -- exaggerated self-importance
embolus -- a blockage in thed circulation; embolism
endonasal -- within the nose
endoplasmic reticulum (ER) -- network of membranes in the cytoplasm; function-->needed for protein manufacture
endoscope -- device for viewing the inside of a cavity or an organ (end/o- = in, within)
enzyme -- an organic substance that speeds the rate of metabolic reactions.
epileptiform -- like or resembling epilepsy
epithelial -- tissue that covers and protects body structures and lines organs, vessels, and cavities.
esophagus -- the musculomembranous passage extending from the pharynx to the stomach

erythrocyte -- a red blood cell'
erythroblast -- an immature red blood cell
euthanasia -- easy or painless death (thanata/o)
excise -- to cut out (ex/o- = away from, outside)
excoriate - abrading or wearing off the skin; raw irritated lesion (as of the skin or a mucosal surface)
exudate exuded matter; especially : the material composed of serum, fibrin, and white blood cells that escapes from blood vessels into a superficial lesion or area of inflammation
fascial -- adj. pert. to a sheet of connective tissue (as an aponeurosis) covering or binding together body structures; also; tissue occuring in such a sheet
fibrosis -- abnormal formation of fibrous tissue
flagellum -- long, whiplike extension from the call; function-->moves the cell
foramen -- opening
fructose -- fruit sugar
ganglion -- mass of nerve tissue
gingiva -- gum; the tissue that surrounds the necks of teeth and covers the alveolar parts of the jaws
gene(s) -- hereditary material that directs all cell activities; a hereditary unit composed of DNA and combined with with other genes to from the chromosomes.
genesis -- the origin of something
genetics -- The study of hereditary traits passed on through the genes.
glucose -- a simple sugar that circulates in the blood; the main energy source for metabolism (gluc/o, glyc/o).
glucosuria -- presence of glucose in the urine (-ur/o)
glycogen -- a complex sugar compound stored in liver and muscles; broken down into glucose when needed for energy
Golgi apparatus -- layers of membranes in cell; function-->put together special substances such as mucus
gonadotropin -- substance that acts on the sex glands; hormones that stimulate the ovary and testicles
Goodpasture syndrome -- is a disease that affects the kidneys and lungs. It usually involves rapidly progressive kidney failure that develops in days to weeks along with lung disease (cough, shortness of breath, and blood in sputum). Some forms of the disease involve just the lung or kidney, not both.
granulation -- one of the small elevations of a granulated surface; a minute mass of tissue projecting from the surface of an organ (as on the eyelids in trachoma); one of the minute red granules made up of loops of newly formed capillaries that form on a raw surface (of a wound) and that with fibroblasts are the active agents in the process of healing
granulation tissue -- tissue made up of granules that temporarily replaces lost tissue in wound
granuloma -- a mass or nodule of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations that is usually associated with an infective process
granulomatosis -- a chronic condition marked by the formation granulomas
great SAPHENOUS vein - found in leg, when available, is used for doing peripheral arterial bypass operations
guaiac -- a compound derived from the wood resin of Guaiacum trees is used in a common test for blood in human stool samples.

hemothorax -- one side of the chest
hematocrit -- determines by centrifugation the relative amts of plasma an corpuscles in blood
hemoclip -- A hemoclip applier with hemoclips applies metal clips onto blood vessels and ducts which will remain occluded.
heterosexual -- pertaining to the opposite sex
HIB see abbreviations
hilum -- a depression or recess/slit-like opening at the part of the organ where vessels, ducts, and nerves enter and leave in an organ or gland. Also called porta
histogenesis -- the formation of tissue
histologist -- specialist in the study of tissue
Holter monitor -- a portable device that makes a continuous record of electrical activity of the heart and that can be worn by an ambulatory patient during the course of daily activities in order to detect fleeting episodes of abnormal heart rhythms
homeostasis -- maintaining the body's state of internal stability; a steady state; a condition of internal stability and constancy
homothermic -- maintaining a constant body temperature (thermo/o); warm blooded
hydrated -- combined with water
hyperglycemia -- high blood sugar
hydrophilic -- attracting water
hyperlipidemia the presence of excess fat or lipids in the blood
hypertension -- high blood pressure
hypertrophy -- increased growth of tissue; enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part due to increase in size of its constituent cells
hyperventilation -- increased breathing
hypokinesis --- abnormally decreased muscular movement (as in spaceflight) vs hyperkinesis
hypoplasia -- underdevelopment of an organ or tissue
hypotension -- low blood pressure
hypotonia - "floppy infant" - lower-than-normal muscular resistance to passive movementof a joint. Muscle strength is a key component of this resistance
hypoxia -- decreased oxygen in the tissues
index -- indicator
incontinent -- having no control over excretion
inotropic -- affecting contraction of muscle fibers (-ino)
inotropic drugs -- relating to or influencing the force of muscular contractions
interstitial -- between parts, such as the spaces between cells in a tissue
isograft -- graft between two genetically identified individuals
karyogenesis -- formation of a nucleus
karyomegaly -- enlargement (-megaly) of the nucleus of a cell
Kernig's sign - pain with passive knee extension and hip flexion; meningeal signs
lead I -- the standard bipolar limb lead attached to the right and left arms
lead II -- the standard bipolar limb read attached to the right arm and left leg
lead III -- the standard bipolar limb lead attached tot he left arm and left leg
leukoblast -- immature white blood cell
leukoderma -- loss of color in the skin
leukoplakia -- white patches in the mouth
levothyroxine -- synthetic replacement for thyroxin by Synthroid
lipid -- a category of organic compounds which includes fats (lip/o-).
lipoma -- tumor containing fat
lumen -- central opening
lysosomes -- small sacs of digestive enzymes; function-->digest substances within the cell; small body containing digestive enzymes
macroscopic -- visible with the naked eye (without a microscope)
mediastinoscopy -- is a surgical procedure used to detect stage lymphoma or lung cancer.
medulla -- the inner region of an organ; marrow (root medull/o)
megacolon -- enlargement of the colon
megakaryocyte -- a cells with a very large nucleus
melanin -- the dark pigment that colors the hair and skin
melanocyte -- dark-colored cell
membranes -- simplest tissues
meningeal signs -- pediatrics; neck stiffness, see Kernig's sign, Brudzinski's sign
meninx -- membrane around the brain and spinal cord
mesencephalon -- midbrain (mes/o- = middle)
mesoderm -- middle layer of the developing embryo
metabolism -- the sum of all the physical and chemical changes that occur within an organism
microsurgery -- surgery of extremely small structures under the microscope
mitosis -- cell division
monoclonal -- pertaining to a cell colony (clone) arising from a single cell
mucorrhea -- increased flow (-rhea) of mucus
mucous membranes -- secrete a thick fluid (mucus) that protects underlying tissue
mucus -- a thick fluid secreted by cellsin membranes and glands that lubricates and protects tissues muc/o-, myx/o-), the adjective is mucuous
muscle tissue -- (my/o-) contracts to produce movement. The three types are: skeletal or voluntary muscle that moves the skeleton; the cardiac muscle of the heart; smooth or visceral muscle that forms the walls of the abdominal organs. Cardiac and smooth muscle can function without conscious control and are thus described as involuntary.
myotropic -- affecting or tending to invade muscles
myxadenoma -- inflammation of gland that secretes mucus
myxoma -- tumor of tissue that secretes mucus
neonatal -- pertaining to a newborn
neonate -- a newborn infant
neoplasia -- the process of tumor formation; a tumerous condition of the body; Abnormal growth of cells, which may lead to a neoplasm, or tumor.
nervous tissue (neur/o) -- makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It coordinates and controls body responses by the transmission of electrical impulses.
non-focal -- absence of signs and symptoms indicating a problem in a specific, localized area of the brain or spinal cord
nonfocal -- neurology adjective referring to a seizure which is not localized, generalized
normoblast -- an immature red blood cell, normally present in bone marrow, but appearing in the bloodstream in many severe pernicious anemias
normoglycemia -- normal glucose content of the blood
normothermic -- pertaining to a normal temperature
normovolemia -- normal blood volume
nucleolus -- small body in the nucleus; composed of RNA, DNA, and protein; function -->needed for protein manufacture
nucleoplasm -- the material that fills the nucleus
nuclear -- pertaining to a nucleus
nucleus -- control region/center of the cell; large, dark-staining body near the center of the cell; composed of DNA and proteins; function --> contains the chromosomes with the genes (the hereditary material that directs all cell activities); directs all cell activities based on the information contained in its chromosomes (nucle/o-, kary/o-).
oligomenorrhea -- scanty menstrual flow
oligodontia -- less than the normal number of teeth
omentum -- abdominal membrane
omphalitis - umbilical problem; circumferential redness, warmth/tenderness around base of cord; caused by Strep A, Staph aureus, gram negative rods; inflammation of the navel
Ortalani test -- hip exam for pediatrics
orthodontic -- pertaining to straight teeth
orthopnea -- a difficulty in breathing that occurs when lying down and is relieved upon changing to an upright position (as in congestive heart failure)
orthosis -- an appliance used to correct or prevent deformities
ovum -- egg
pandemic -- disease affecting an entire population
panplegia -- total paralysis (-plegia)
papilla -- nipplelike projection
parasitism -- infection with parasites or behaving as a parasite
parenchyma -- the functional tissue of an organ
parietal -- pertaining to a wall; describes a membrane that lines a body cavity
patent -- (eg. ear tubes) affording free passage: being open and unobstructed
pedicle -- a basal attachment
percutaneous -- through the skin
perfusion -- the pumping of a fluid through an organ or tissue
pertussis - whooping cough
phagocyte -- cell that ingests waste and foreign matter
phagocytosis -- ingestion of waste by a cell
phalanx -- bone of finger or toe
physiology -- study of function in a living organism
pleomorphic -- able to assume different forms
polymorphic -- having many shapes (morph/o)
pneumonectomy -- surgical excision of an entire lung or of one or more lobes of a lung--called also pneumectomy, pulmonectomy
poikilocyte -- an irregularly shaped cell
poikiloderma -- mottled condition of the skin (poikilo- = varied, irregular).
polymer -- compound made of many subunits
postnasal -- behind the nasal
post-traumatic -- after injury or traumatic event (post- = before, in front of)
predisposing -- leading toward a condition, such as disease
primigravida -- woman pregnant for the first time
profunda femoris -- deep femoral artery
prodrome -- symptom that precedes a disease (pro- = before, in front of)
protease -- an enzyme that breaks down or digests proteins
proteolysis -- dissolving (-lysis) of proteins
protozoon -- microscopic animal
pseudoplegia -- false paralysis
pseudoreaction -- false reaction
psoriasis -- skin disease
reflux -- backward or return flow (re- = again, back)
regurgitation -- backward flowk, as of blood or stomach contents
reticulocyte -- an immature red blood cell that appears especially during regeneration of lost blood and that has a fine basophilic reticulum formed of the remains of ribosomes
reticulum -- a network
ribosomes -- small bodies attached to the ER; composed of RNA and protein; function-->manufacture proteins; small body in the cytoplasm that contains RNA
RNA -- an organic compounds involved in the manufacture of proteins within cells
sclerosis -- hardening
semisolid -- partially solid
serous membranes -- secrete a thin, watery fluid. They line body cavities and cover organs.
serum -- liquid; the watery portion of an animal fluid remaining after coagulation; the clear yellowish fluid that remains from blood plasma after fibrinogen, prothrombin, and other clotting factors have been removed by clot formation—called also blood serum
sinistrad -- toward the left (sinistr/o- = left)
soma -- the body
somatic -- pertaining to the body (as compared to the germ cells or to the mind)
somatotropin -- also called growth hormone (GH) , has a general stimulating effect on the body
ST segment -- the part of an EKG between the QRS complex and the T wave; may indicate myocardial infarction
steatorrhea -- an excess of fats in the stool; variant = steatorrhoea; discharge (-rhea) of fatty stools
stenosis -- narrowing of a vessel
stridor - indicates that the airway is partially obstructed; a harder a more vibrant noise
supermotility -- excess movement
supernumerary -- in excess number
synapse -- a junction between two nerve cells (syn-, sym- = together)
syndrome -- group of symptoms occurring together
telangion -- a terminal vessel (angi/o) (tel/e, tel/o = end)
telencephalon -- endbrain
tetany -- sustained muscle contraction
tetrad -- a group of four similar components
testis -- male gonad
thrombosis -- having a blood clot in a vessel
thyroxine -- thyroid hormone; hormone produced by the thyroid gland
tissue -- a group of cells that acts together for a specific purpose (hist/o-, histi/o-).
transfusion -- introduction of blood or blood components into the bloodstream
trisect -- to cut into three parts
unconscious -- not responsive
unilateral -- pertaining to one side of the body
urokinase -- an enzyme produced in the kidney, excreted in urine, and used to dissolve blood clots. Also called plasminogen activator.
V leads -- the series of six standard unipolar leads in which the exploring electrode is attached to the chest designated V1 to V6
visceral -- pertaining to the internal organs; describes a membrane on the surface of an organ
Wegener's granulomatosis -- an uncommon disease of unknown cause that is characterized especially by vasculitis of small vessels, by granuloma formation in the respiratory tract, and by glomerulonephritis
xanthocyte -- cell with yellow color
xanthoma -- a yellow raised area on the skin