Glossary of Medical Terminology
ABSCESS
Collection of pus in a localized pocket or cavity
ABSORBENT PRODUCTS
Disposable or reusable pads or garments worn for incontinence, to absorb leaking urine
ACTINIC KERATOSIS
Precancerous skin growth
ADDUCT
Any motion(s) of a particular body part, moving toward the midline of the body
ADJUVANT
Supplement to primary therapy
Ex: radiation following primary treatment of surgery
ALLERGEN
Any substance which will induce an allergic reaction
ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS
Skin irritation caused by a reaction to an allergen
ALLERGY
Overreaction by the immune system to common or uncommon substances that typically don’t cause reaction in others
Ex: food allergies, dust allergies, chemical allergies, animal allergies
ALOPECIA
Disease causing hair to fall out
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Therapies used to treat symptoms and conditions not recognized as traditional treatment, including herbal medications, acupuncture, etc…
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Extreme form of dementia, generally affecting older persons, which results in memory loss and cognitive function
ANAPHYLAXIS
A life-threatening or very severe allergic reaction, also called anaphylactic shock
Ex: bee stings, drug exposure, food ingestion
ANEMIA
Red blood cell count deficiency of hemoglobin or total blood volume
ANGINA
Pain or discomfort caused by coronary artery blockage which prevents oxygen- laden blood from reaching certain areas of the heart
ANGIOGRAM
Diagnostic test utilizing dye and a catheter in the arteries to observe blood vessels and functionality
ANGIOPLASTY
Surgical procedure used to treat blockages and clots, via a small balloon designed to open clogged arteries
ANKLE JOINT
The joint formed by the tibia, fibula and talus bones
Annular: Shaped or forming a ring Antiarrhythmic Agents: Medications used to slow or reduce rapid ventricle contractions
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS
Medications used to reduce inflammation
Anxiety: General feeling of fear, worry, apprehension, that disrupts or interferes with normal life functions
ANTIBODY
Specific protein produced by lymphocytes (white blood cells), in order to neutralize antigens, foreign proteins and disease. Uncontrolled production may cause illness. Commonly called immunoglobulin
ANTICHOLINERGICS
Fast acting asthma medications which inhibit nerve receptors, and block reflex bronchoconstriction of the nervous system
ANTIGEN
A substance that may trigger an immune response, including the production of an antibody to defend the body from disease or infection
Commonly called and allergen
ANTIHISTAMINES
Medications that block the negative effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction
Typically used to reduce itching sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose
AORTIC VALVE
The one-way valve that allows blood to flow specifically out of the left ventricle and into the aorta
APHASIA
Abnormal production or comprehension of language
APNEA
Medical condition whereby the upper airway collapses repeatedly while sleeping
APPENDICOLITH
A hard stone, generally composed of calcium often seen in the appendix via x-rays and CT scans
APPLECORE (LESION)
Appearance of the typical annular (ringlike) shaped cancer of the colon
The concentric growth around the large bowel tends to resemble an eaten apple
ARRHYTHMIA
An irregular heartbeat
Typically this features rapid ventricular contractions (tachycardia), or a very slow heartbeat (bradycharia), or most commonly, additional or premature beats of the heart
ARTERIES
Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the lungs to organs of the body
ARTIFACT
Varying types of image distortion and any interference found in x-rays
ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER (AUS)
Surgically implanted device used to control involuntary release of urine typically associated with prostate and urinary tract surgery
ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (ART)
Various fertility treatments that including artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and sperm microinjection techniques
ASTHMA
Ongoing or chronic, inflammatory lung disease caused by allergens, infection, etc, which results in the narrowing of airways provoking difficulty in breathing, coughing and wheezing
ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA (AT)
Degenerative, progressive, disease, which may result in the degeneration of the nervous system, cancer, and immunodeficiency
ATHEROSCLEROSISATHEROSCLEROSIS
Medical condition in which lipids (fats) collect within damaged artery walls, narrowing or blocking the artery and obstructing proper blood flow
ATHLETE’S FOOT
Irritating and often recurring infection of the foot, caused by a mold like fungus
ATONY
Absence of muscle tone, typically leading to temporary weakness
ATOPY
The hereditary presence of certain antibodies associated with allergic reactions
ATRIA (ATRIUM)
Upper chambers, both right and left of the heart
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
An abnormal heart rhythm which may increase the risk of stroke, due to forming blood clots in the heart
ATROPHY
Wearing down or wasting away of tissue, cell, or organs
AURA
The body’s warning symptoms (blurred vision, hallucinations, olfactory alerts) that occur prior to neurological events, including migraines and seizures
AUTISM
Developmental disability occurring by itself or with other disorders affecting the function of the brain
Examples may include viral infections, metabolic disturbances, mental retardation, and epilepsy
Typical symptoms include impaired social interaction, communication skills, repetitive movements and behaviors
AUTOIMMUNE
Refers to any abnormal response of the immune system which causes antibodies and immune-mediated cells to attack one’s own tissues
AUTOLOGOUS
Medical term meaning derived from an individual Atrioventricular Node (AV Node): Patch of specialized heart tissue located between the atria and the ventricles responsible for conducting contractile impulses from the atria to the ventricles
AXON
The inner core of peripheral nerves
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
The most common type of skin cancer, stemming from basal cells
Basal cells: The cells that form the bottom layer of the epidermis
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Structures deep in the brain responsible for motor movements
BELL’S PALSY
The paralysis of the facial nerve, which produces distortion on one side of the face
BENIGN
Non-cancerous
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)
Commonly called an enlarged prostate, resulting from aging
BETA-BLOCKERS
Medications drugs that reduce stress on the heart by blocking the effect of adrenaline
BETA2 AGONISTS
Fast-acting drugs that cause muscle relaxation and bronchoexpansion to relieve asthma symptoms
BIFURCATION
The division of a single structure (usually vascular) into two paired structures
BILATERAL
Meaning, affecting both sides of the body or two paired organs, e.g., the lungs
BIOFEEDBACK
Therapeutic training where participants learn to control their involuntary nervous system through response to electric stimuli
BIOLOGIC THERAPY
Systemic therapy using interferon or interleukin Biopsy: Meaning either: to remove a sample of tissue for diagnostic evaluation; or the tissue specimen itself
BLADDER
The hollow, muscular organ that stores urine until it is excreted
BLADDER TRAINING
The involuntary closure of the eyelids
BLOOD CLOT
Mass of insoluble blood
BLOOD CULTURE
Examination of a blood sample in a lab to detect any presence of disease- causing microorganisms
BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
Measure of the force of blood flow against artery walls taken using an inflatable cuff, inflating bulb, and a pressure gauge
BLOOD THINNERS
Medications used to prevent blood clotting
BONE
Hard connective tissue made primarily of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and collagen, which support and protect the body
BONE SCAN
Study used for detecting the presence of boney metastasis
BONE SURVEY
Radiologic study used to detect fractures and/or boney destruction
BRACHYMETATARSIA
Medical condition in which one of the five long bones of the foot is abnormally short, making the correlating toe short
BRACHYTHERAPY
Radioactive pellets applied to the body used to treat some cancers
BRADYKINESIA
The slowing down of motor movements due to dysfunction of the basal ganglia and related structures
BRAIN INJURY
Meaning either a closed head injury (CHI) or an open head injury (OHI)
BRAINSTEM AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIAL
A test which measures how much auditory stimulus is needed to cause a brainstem response
BRONCHI/BRONCHUS
The larger air passages that connect the trachea to the lungs
BRONCHIAL PROVOCATION
Any test used to diagnose asthma
BRONCHITIS
An inflammation of the bronchi that causes a persistent cough and phlegm production
BRONCHOCONSTRICTION
The constriction of the bronchial airways, resulting in shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing, and/or wheezing
BRONCHODILATOR DRUGS
Group of medications that that widen the airways in the lungs
BULLA/BULLAE
Commonly called blisters, these are sharply circumscribed, elevated, fluid- filled lesions in the skin that are over 0.5 centimeters in diameter
BUNION
A bulge or bump on the inner side of the foot, near the base of the first toe, caused by poor alignment of the joint of the big toe
BURSA
Fluid filled sac, generally found in areas where muscles or tendons rub against the bone
BURSITIS
Condition occurring once a bursal sac has become inflamed as a result of injury
CALCANEUS
The largest bone in the foot, aka the heel bone
CALCIFICATIONS
Dense, stonelike formations that appear in the arteries, veins, kidneys and gallbladder
CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKERS
Medications that drugs that restrict calcium entry into the cells and stimulate contraction
CALLUS
An area of skin that grows thick as a result of repeated pressure and friction
CANDIDIASIS
Any infection of the skin, including mucous membranes, and sometimes internal organs with the yeast Candida
CARBUNCLE
Infection involving a cluster of hair follicles, resulting in a large area of redness and swelling
CARCINOMA
A type of cancer that has the ability to spread (metastasize) to other areas
CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION
A diagnostic procedure using a catheter, which is passed into the heart through a vein or an artery to withdraw samples of blood, measure pressures, and inject x-ray contrast materials
CARDIAC TRANSPLANTATION
The replacement of a damaged or diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor
CAROTID ARTERIES
Pairs of arteries that arise from the aorta or branch of the thoracic aorta
CARTILAGE
Specific type of connective tissue found on the ends of bones used to protect and cushion them, and absorb the forces transmitted throughout the body
CAT SCAN
A computerized axial tomography is a specialized x-ray, providing images of the brain, spinal structures, chest, abdomen and pelvis
CATAPLEXY
The sudden loss of postural tone, resulting in complete collapse
CATHETER
A tube passed through the body used to drain fluids, inject fluids into body cavities, and perform specific tests
CATHETERIZATION
The insertion of a catheter
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Comprising the brain and the spinal cord
CEREBRAL ANEURYSM
Any weakness in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord
CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE
Disorder in the blood vessel that supply the brain
CHANCRE
Syphilitic primary ulcers
CHARCOT FOOT
Collapse and fracture of the foot, often seen in diabetic patients suffering from neurological problems
CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE
A progressive debilitating neuromuscular disorder; also known as hereditary motor sensory neuropathy and peroneal muscular atrophy Chemolysis destruction via chemicals
CHOLESTEROL
Waxy, soft type of fatty lipid that circulates in the blood, and is also the building block for many sex hormones and all cell membranes
CIRCLE OF WILLIS
Articles in a circle at the base of the brain that is fed by carotid arteries and vertebral arteries
CLONUS
An increase in involuntary muscle tone and following movement that results in spasm
CLUSTER HEADACHE
Severe pain around the eye that usually occurs at night and on one side only
COLON
The tubular structure spanning from the stomach to the anus made up of the small and large intestine
COLONOSCOPY
Test using fiber optic tubing inserted into the rectum and passed into the beginning of the large bowel which allows the physician to view the bowel walls
COMA
A state of unconsciousness, in which the eyes are closed
COMEDO/COMEDONES
A thickened secretion of dead skin cells and oily material clogging a follicle or pore
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
A potentially life-threatening condition condition whereby congestion develops in the lungs as a result of a heart attack, uncontrolled hypertension, or disease processes that have weakened the heart
CONSCIOUS SEDATION
Drugs that produce grogginess and amnesia of a medical procedure
CONTACT DERMATITIS
The reaction that occurs skin comes into contact with a substance that the body is allergic to
COR PULMONALE
Enlargement followed by failure of the right ventricle of the heart brought about by lung disease
CORE NEEDLE BIOPSY
Biopsy used by a pathologist to detect tissue abnormality
CORNS
Typically hard and round with a translucent center, these are thickened areas of skin that form in response to excessive pressure and friction
CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY
X-ray imaging of coronary arteries via a catheter
CORPORA CAVERNOSA
Sponge-like tissue chambers of the penis that fills with blood during an erection
CORTICOSPINAL TRACT
Nervous system structures beginning in the brain, traveling to motor neuron cells in order to innervate the motor nerves
CORTICOSTEROIDS
Anti-inflammatory medications similar to natural hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands
CREATININE
The waste products which are filtered from the blood via the kidneys and expelled in urine
CROHN’S DISEASE
An inflammatory disease most prominent in the small bowel, but which may involve any part of the G.I
tract and other organs, typically associated with diarrhea and irritable bowel
CRUST
Any scab-like coating of dried blood, pus, or drained fluids that cover wounds or damaged skin
CRYOSURGERY
Application of liquid nitrogen to destroy a skin lesion
CRYOTHERAPY
The therapeutic use of cold, such as ice
CT KUB
Computerized tomography of the pelvis and abdomen, whereby no oral or intravenous dyes are used, typically used to detect conditions such as acute appendicitis, or kidney stones
CURETTAGE AND DESICCATION
Surgical technique by which a curette is utilized for scraping tissue, followed by drying and burning of the tissue with electrocautery
CURETTE
Surgical tool with a round, hollow, sharp tip often used to scrape tissues
CUTANEOUS
Related or pertaining to the skin
CUTANEOUS T-CELL LYMPHOMA (CTCL)
Cancer of the T cells, which has the ability to spread but is often confined to the skin
CYST
A sac that contains semisolid or liquid contents
CYSTECTOMY
The surgical removal of the bladder
CYSTOCELE
Abnormal herniation of the bladder into the vagina
CYSTOSCOPY
Medical procedure where a flexible scope is inserted into the bladder via the urethra to determine abnormalities in the bladder or urinary tract
DANDER
Microscopic scales coming from hair feathers or skin that may cause allergies
DE NOVO
Meaning, “in a new manner or form
DEEP TENDON REFLEXES
Muscle stretch reflexes trigged by tapping or lightly hitting the tendons
DELTOID LIGAMENT
The complex of four ligaments which assist in supporting the medial side of the ankle joint
DEMENTIA
Loss of cognitive function which may affect language, memory, personality, abstract reasoning
DEMYELINATION
The destruction of the myelin sheath that envelopes the nervous system’s structures
DEPIGMENTATION
The loss of pigment typically in skin, and most often melanin
DERMATITIS
Any inflammation and/or irritation of the skin
DERMIS
The second layer of skin, which is comprised of a network of collagen and elastic fibers, blood vessels, and nerves
DESICCATE
Meaning “to dry up”
DETRUSOR-EXTERNAL SPHINCTER DYSSYNERGIA
The lack of coordination between the external sphincter muscle and the bladder, resulting in an inability to empty the bladder
May cause severe urinary tract damage and fatal infections
DIABETES MELLITUS
A common form of diabetes in which the body cannot properly store or use glucose which is the body’s main source of energy
DIASTOLIC PRESSURE
The arterial pressure measured when the heart is resting between beats
DIGOXIN OR DIGITALIS
Medications used to treat congestive heart failure via increasing the force of contraction; conversely, they may be used to treat atrial fibrillation by slowing down the transmission of atrial electrical impulses
DISEASE-FREE SURVIVAL
The percentage of disease survivors who are still alive after a specified period of time
DIURETIC
Medication used to treat high blood pressure and reduce fluid retention by increasing the elimination of salt and water by the kidneys
DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID)
Genetic blueprint found in all cells
DORSIFLEX
Any upward motion of a body part
DUODENUM
The first segment of the small bowel
DUST MITES
Microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin, whose feces are environmental allergens often triggering asthma
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
The record produced by echocardiography
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
A noninvasive cardiac imaging procedure which is used to diagnose heart disease, valve disorders weakened heart muscle, fluid around the heart, and other problems by reflecting sound waves off the heart
ECZEMA
Rash-like disorder of the skin typically marked by inflammation, itching, blisters, and scales
EDEMA
Swelling due to fluid retention
EJACULATION
The ejection of semen via the penis during male orgasm
EJECTION FRACTION
(EF) is a measurement, expressed as a percentage, of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY/ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG, EKG)
The percentage of blood ejected out of the left ventricle into the aorta with each heart beat
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG)
A test used to study brain wave activity, commonly used to evaluate seizure disorders
ELECTROHYDRAULIC LITHOTRIPSY (EHL)
A technique which utilizes small shock waves to break up kidney stones
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY/ NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY (EMG/NCV)
Tests used to study nerves and muscles for diagnosis of disorder, with electrical conduction studied in the NCV
ELECTRON-BEAM RADIATION
For of radiation therapy whereby beams penetrate the skin only, therefore reducing internal side effects
ENCEPHALITIS
The inflammation or infection of the brain
ENDOCARDITIS
An inflammation and infection of a heart valve or lining of the heart’s chambers
ENDOTHELIUM
The layer of epithelial cells lining the cavities of the heart, blood vessels, and the serous cavities of the body
ENTEROCELE
Abnormal herniation of the small bowel into the vagina
EPIDERMIS
The top layer of skin composed of squamous cells, basal cells, melanocytes, and other cells
EPIDIDYMIS
The coiled tube that extends the length of each testis to connect with the vas deferens
EPILEPSY
Disorder resulting from temporary brain dysfunction which produces convulsive or nonconvulsive seizures
EROSION
Any moist, slightly depressed area of skin where epidermis has been removed
ERYTHEMA
Noticeable redness and warming of the skin, often caused by inflammation due to trauma or infection
ERYTHRODERMA
Diffuse reddening of the skin, resulting from one of many disorders including psoriasis, eczema, drug sensitivities, or lymphoma
ESOPHAGUS
The muscular tube beginning at the back of the throat, which passes through the neck and chest, and enters the stomach
ESPHAGOGASTRIC-EUODENOSCOPY (EGD)
A test used to observe the esophagus, stomach, and a portion of the small intestine
ESTROGEN
The hormone produced in the ovaries that are responsible for the development of female sex characteristics
EVERSION
Any motion of a body part as it tilts away from the midline
EVOKED POTENTIALS
A series of electrophysiological tests used to evaluate the function of specific nervous system elements associated with multiple sclerosis
EXACERBATION
Meaning a “worsening of symptoms.
EXCISE
Meaning “to cut out.
EXCISIONAL BIOPSY
The surgical removal of tissue for pathological analysis
EXFOLIATION
The shedding of top layers of the epidermis
EXTERNAL-BEAM RADIATION THERAPY
Treatment which uses external-beam radiation
EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY (ESWL)
Highly targeted electrical impulses that are projected from outside the body to destroy kidney stones
EXTRINSIC ASTHMA
Form of asthma triggered by an allergic reaction, typically via inhaling something
FASCICULATION
Twitching of the muscles that are commonly seen in diseases of the peripheral nervous system
FIBRILLATION
Uncontrolled rapid contraction of the fibers in the heart occurring in the atrial, or upper, chambers (atrial fibrillation) and in the ventricular, or lower, chambers (ventricular fibrillation)
FIBROSIS
The formation of fibrous tissue after an injury
Commonly called scar tissue
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATE (FNA)
The insertion of small gauge needle into an area of abnormality with an attempt to pull out small amounts of tumor for review by a pathologist
FIRST METATARSAL PHALANGEAL JOINT (1ST MTJ)
Place where the big toe connects to the foot
FISSURE
A linear split or crack, typically in areas of chronic inflammation and skin thickening such as calluses on hands and feet
FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
The insertion of a small-sized tube into the rectum to visualize the rectum and a portion of the colon
FOLLICLE
A tiny tubular structure in the skin, contiguous with the top skin layer that includes the canal, the hair shaft, the sebaceous gland, and the muscle anchored to the follicle’s side wall
FOLLICULITIS
inflammation and/or infection of the hair follicle
FUNGUS
A member of the group of plantlike organisms that do not have leaves or flowers and live off organic matter such as hair, skin, and nail cells
FURUNCLE
Inflammation and infection of the hair follicle
GADOLINIUM
Contrast agent used intravenously during an MRI
GAIT
The manner of walking
GALLIUM SCAN
A nuclear medicine study used to monitor gallium-avid lymphomas
GAMMA-KNIFE RADIATION
Type of radiosurgery used to treat brain tumors and vascular lesions
GANTRY
Doughnut – shaped device used for CT or MRI
GASTROESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION
Junction between the esophagus and stomach providing for one way ingestion to the stomach
GI
Referring to gastrointestinal
GOUT
Systemic disease caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints causing inflammation, swelling, and pain
GOUT
Systemic disease caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints causing inflammation, swelling, and pain
GRADE
The system used to classify the aggressiveness of a tumor
GRANULOCYTES
White blood cells used for fighting infection
HABIT TRAINING
A behavioral modification technique that establishes set toileting at regular intervals
HAMMERTOES
Common deformity resulting from a muscle imbalance in the foot
HEART MURMUR
Sound caused by the turbulent flow of blood from the left ventricle across the mitral valve and back into the left atrium
HEEL SPUR
The condition in which a small piece of bone has pulled away from the calcaneus
HEMATEMESIS
Vomiting blood
HEMATURIA
The presence of blood in the urine, visible or microscopic
HEMIPARESIS
Weakness affecting one side of the body
HEMOPTYSIS
Coughing up blood
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)
Virus affecting the immune system and causes AIDS
HEMORRHAGE
Bleeding
HEPARIN
Medication that inhibits blood clotting
HER2-NEU
A protein indicative of aggressive cancer
HISTAMINE
A chemical present in cells, which is released during an allergic reaction
HOMOGRAFT VALVE
An aortic valve that has been taken from a donor and used to replace a diseased heart valve
HORMONAL THERAPY
Systemic therapy to block actions of specific hormones; use of antiandrogens to deprive cancer cells of testosterone needed for growth
HOSPICE
Home-based support and health care for terminally ill patients and their families
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)
Virus affecting the immune system and causes AIDS
HYDROCELE
Common, painless swelling of the scrotum caused by a collection of fluid around the testicle
HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA (HIGH CHOLESTEROL)
Disproportionate amounts of lipids (fats) in the blood, including low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides
HYPERMOBILITY
The inability of the pelvic floor muscles to provide support for the urethra and bladder neck, causing the bladder neck to drop, and leading to involuntary leakage
HYPERPIGMENTED
Increase of pigment
HYPERPLASIA
Excessive growth of the normal cells of a specific organ
HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)
The increased resistance to blood flow through small blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder
HYPOPIGMENTED
Lightening or decreasing of pigment
IDIOPATHIC
Meaning “without a known cause.
IDIOPATHIC PERICARDITIS
The inflammation of tissues of the pericardium, without a known cause
IMMUNE CELLS
All of the cells produced in our bodies that protect us from disease-causing agents by producing antibodies
IMMUNE SYSTEM
The collection of cells, proteins, and lymphatic tissues that protect the body from harmful, infectious microorganisms
IMMUNITY
Insusceptibility as a result of previous exposure to an infectious agent, either naturally or by vaccination
IMMUNOGLOBULINS
Proteins found in blood and tissue fluids produced by B-lymphocyte cells in the immune system, which bind to foreign substances in order to destroy them; also called antibodies
IMMUNOTHERAPY
The preventive, progressive, anti-inflammatory treatment for allergies to substances such as pollens, dust mites, fungi, and insect venom; also called allergy shots
IN-SITU
Confined only to the top layer or epidermis
INCISIONAL BIOPSY
The surgical removal of tumor tissue through an incision
INFLAMMATION
Redness, swelling, heat, and/or pain in a tissue caused by injury, infection, or sensitivity to an allergen
INSEMINATION
The deposit of semen into the uterus, cervix, or vagina
INTERSTIM CONTINENCE CONTROL THERAPY
Type of therapy used to treat urge incontinence
INTERSTITIAL LASER
A laser probe used to destroy prostatic tissue and to allow easier urination
INTRINSIC ASTHMA
Asthma with no obvious external cause
INTRINSIC SPHINCTER DEFICIENCY (ISD)
The weakening of the urethra sphincter muscles
INTUSSUSCEPTIONS
Occurs when one section of intestine slips over the next, like a sheath
INVASIVE PROCEDURE
A medical examination that invades the body by incision or by insertion of an instrument through the skin
INVERSION
Any motion of a body part as it tilts toward the midline
IRRITABLE BLADDER
Involuntary contractions of muscles in the bladder resulting in uncontrolled urination
IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS
Type of dermatitis caused by irritating chemicals that come into contact with the skin
ISOLATED SYSTOLIC HYPERTENSION
A condition usually found in the elderly in which the systolic blood pressure is exclusively elevated
ISCHEMIA
Lack of blood flow often caused by constriction or obstruction of a blood vessel
KEGEL EXERCISES
Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor in order to control urination and prevent leakage
KERATOACANTHOMA
Typically benign, rapidly growing skin tumor that regresses spontaneously
KIDNEY
One of a pair of organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity responsible for urine through blood filtration
KIDNEY STONE
A hard mass composed of urine elements that form in the kidneys
LACUNAR
A subtype of stroke affecting the deeper parts of the brain involving the tiny perforating arteries
LAPAROSCOPIC LYMPH NODE DISSECTION (LLND)
A procedure using a laparoscope to obtain a tissue sample from a lymph node
LAPAROSCOPY
Typically a less invasive surgery, utilizing a laparoscope to visualize internal organs via a small incision
LARGE BOWEL
3- foot section of the gastrointestinal tract beginning in the lower right side of the abdomen; aka the colon
LASER
Device that produces light in a coherent, intense beam, used in surgeries
LATERAL
Referring to any plane or movement that inclines away from the center or midline
LATERAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS
Complex of three ligaments that helps support the lateral side of the ankle joint
LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE (LVAD)
A complex, synthetic pump that is implanted in the body to assist the left ventricle in pumping blood
LIGAMENT
A substance made of fibrous tissue that helps connect and stabilize joints, strengthening any gap between two or more bones, cartilage, or muscles
LIQUID NITROGEN
The liquid form of nitrogen gas (-195 degrees Celsius) used to treat various skin lesions in cryosurgery
LITHOTRIPSY
The liquid form A procedure utilizing ultrasonic shock waves to break up stones in the urinary tract
LUMBAR PUNCTURE (SPINAL TAP)
The removal and analysis of some of the cerebrospinal fluid from the base of the spine commonly used to diagnose meningitis or nervous system syphilis
LUNG
One of a pair of an organ of the thorax whose contractions and expansions during respiration deliver oxygen to the blood
LYME DISEASE
A disease affecting the joints, nervous system, and heart which is transmitted by the deer tick
MACULE
A small area of skin different in color to the majority of the body, but even with surrounding skin
MALIGNANT
A cancerous tumor or other disease state that has a debilitating course
MEDIAL
Means inclining toward the center or midline of the body
MELANOCYTES
The cells which are intermingled with the basal cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis which produces pigment globules known as melanin
MELANOMA
Skin cancer originating in a melanocyte
MELENA
Blood appearing in the stool, typically loosely formed or liquid
MENINGITIS
Inflammation or infection of the meninges, the three thin membranes surrounding the brain
METATARSALS
The five bones that run from the center of the foot to the beginning of the toes
METASTASIZE
Meaning “to spread from one part of the body to another.
METASTASIS
The spread of disease from one organ or part to another
MENOPAUSE
The time period that marks the permanent cessation of menstrual activity
METERED-DOSE INHALER (MDI)
The most common device for administering quick-relief asthma medications
MIDLINE
An invisible reference line that runs longitudinally and divides a body or object in half
MIGRAINE
A headache characterized by throbbing, one-sided pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and aura
MITRAL VALVE
A one-way valve allowing blood to pass from the left atrium into the left ventricle and normally prohibiting its reentry
MIXED INCONTINENCE
Stress and urge incontinence occurring at the same time
MOTOR NEURON CELLS
Any cells located in the spinal cord that give rise to nerves that supply the muscles
MULTI-INFARCT DEMENTIA
Form of dementia brought on by the cumulative effect of multiple strokes
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
A chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
A congenital disorder resulting in muscular weakness and dysfunction
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
A disorder affecting the space between the nerve and the muscle resulting in transient motor weakness of the face and limbs
MYELIN
Outer lipid layer that covers nerves and nervous system pathways in the brain and spinal cord
MYELOSUPPRESSIVE
Therapy that diminishes white blood cell count
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
A medical emergency occurring when a blood clot forms suddenly in a coronary artery, blocking blood flow to an area of the heart, also called a heart attack
MYOPATHY
A disease of muscular dysfunction, generally causing weakness and atrophy of muscles
NADIR
The lowest white blood cell count measured between chemotherapy treatments
NARCOLEPSY
Asleep disorder characterized by sudden and repeated attacks of sleep
NEBULIZER
A device used to deliver inhaled medications, using an air compressor to blow an atomized medication through a mouthpiece or mask
NEEDLE LOCALIZATION BIOPSY
Procedure where a needle marker is inserted to define an abnormal area prior to biopsy
NEPHRECTOMY
The surgical removal of the kidney
NEPHROTOMOGRAPHY
Conventional tomograms of the kidneys, particularly in small sections of the kidneys
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS
A genetic disorder causing skin lesions, cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors, and tumors on internal organs
NEURONS
The nerve cells of the brain responsible for neurological function
NEUROPATHY
A condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in weakness, sensory loss and pain in the extremities
NEUTROPENIA
Indicating a low level of neutrophils in the blood
NEUTROPENIC FEVERS
A fever associated with low white blood cell count and low granulocyte count
NEUTROPHIL
The body’s most abundant type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, which is active in immune responses and inflammatory reactions
NEVUS
A congenital skin lesion, also called a mole or birthmark
NODULE
An elevated, solid mass or lump that can be located in the epidermis, dermis, or the subcutaneous fat
NONINVASIVE PROCEDURE
Medical examination or procedure that does not penetrate the skin or invade the body, with the exception of minor needle sticks
NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS)
Medications that act against inflammation, reduce fever, relieve muscle pain, and prevent blood clots
NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS (NPH)
An increase in pressure within the ventricles of the brain, often causing dementia, gait difficulties, and urinary incontinence
NYSTAGMUS
A jerking movement of the eyes associated with a neurological disorder
OCCLUSION
Meaning “closure”.
ONCOLOGIST
Physician specializing in cancer treatment(s)
ONYCHOMYCOSIS
A fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails resulting in thickened, discolored, brittle nails
OPEN NEPHROLITHOTOMY
The surgical excision of kidney stones from the back or abdomen whereby the kidney may be opened
ORCHIECTOMY
The surgical removal of one or both of the testicles
ORCHITIS
An inflammation of the testicle
OSTEOARTHRITIS
The deterioration of cartilage in the joints
OSTEOMYELITIS
An infection in a bone
OVERACTIVE BLADDER
A condition marked by involuntary, uncontrollable bladder muscle contractions during bladder filling
OVERALL SURVIVAL
The percentage of disease survivors, both disease and free of disease, after a specified period of time
OVERFLOW UI
The leakage of small amounts of urine from a bladder that is always full
PACEMAKER
A battery-powered implanted device that electrically stimulates the heart to contract and pump blood throughout the body
PALLIATION
The process of relieving symptoms and maintaining comfort through either the use of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
PALLIATIVE
Anything that helps manage symptoms of, but does not cure, a disease
PAPULE
A small elevated skin lesion that is pointed, flat topped, dome shaped, smooth, or eroded
PARANEOPLASTIC
Disorders that occur due to the remote effects of cancer
PARESTHESIAS
Unusual sensory symptoms including tingling and numbness
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
A condition whereby cells that produce dopamine degenerate, causing tremors, muscle stiffness, and loss of motor function
PATHOLOGY
Medical field concerned with examination of tissues removed for the purposes of diagnosis and guiding patient care
PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW
Ameasurement of the ability to blow air out of the lungs used to diagnose asthma
PELVIC MUSCLE EXERCISES
Exercises intended to improve pelvic muscle tone to prevent leakage caused by incontinence
PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY (PCN)
The manual extraction of kidney stones
PERICARDIAL EFFUSION
The accumulation of fluid between the pericardium and the heart
PERICARDIOCENTESIS
A surgical puncture of the pericardial space in effort to drain fluid
PERICARDITIS
An inflammation of the tissues of the pericardium
PERICARDIUM
The thin membranous covering of the outer surfaces of the heart
PERINEAL PROSTATECTOMY
Surgicalprocedure to remove the prostate using a perineal incision
PERIPHERAL NERVES
Nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
The peripheral nerves and muscular structures
PERIURETHRAL BULKING INJECTIONS
Surgical procedure in which injected implants are used to build up the area around the neck of the bladder, to prevent leakage
PES CAVUS
Medical term for highly arched feet
PES PLANUS
Medical term for flat feet
PHALANX
The small bones of the foot that make up the toes
PHLEBOLITHS
Small stones, or calcium deposits that form within veins and cause congestion
PHLEBOTOMY
An incision or needle puncture of a vein in order to draw blood
PHOTOPHOBIA
A visual aversion to light, as commonly experienced with migraine headache
PLANTAR FASCIA
A band of connective tissue that anchors the calcaneus to the front of the foot to support the arch
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
An inflammation of the plantar fascia, commonly with or caused by a heel spur
PLANTAR WARTS
Warts that occur on the bottom or plantar surface of the foot
PLANTAR WARTS
Warts that occur on the bottom or plantar surface of the foot
PLANTARFLEX
Any downward motion of a body part
PLATELETS
Coagulating blood cells
POLYPS
Small outgrowths of tissue from the linings of various tubular organs
POLYSOMNOGRAPHY
A sleep study, in which numerous physiological monitors are attached to record breathing, brain activity, and physical activity
PORCINE VALVE
A valve made of tissue from a pig used to replace a diseased heart valve
POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE
A technique for treating obstructive sleep apnea in which forced air is pumped into the nose and mouth, keeping the airway open during sleep
POST-VOID RESIDUAL VOLUME
A diagnostic test measuring how much urine remains in the bladder after urination
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP)
The large subset of physicians who do not provide specialized care, including general practitioners
PROPHYLACTIC
Preventative medications or treatments
PROSTATE
The muscular, walnut-sized gland that surrounds part of the urethra and secretes seminal fluid
PROSTATECTOMY
The surgical removal of the prostate
PROSTATIC STENT
A wire device that expands after placement, pushing prostate tissue away from passageway resulting in easier urination
PROSTATITIS
An inflammation of the prostate
PROSTATRON/TRANSURETHRAL MICROWAVE THERMOTHERAPY (TUMT)
Microwave treatment used to open passageways, allowing for easier urination
PUBOVAGINAL SLING
A surgical procedure where tissue or synthetic material is placed under the bladder neck to support and immobilize it to improve sphincter function and continence
PULMONARY EMBOLUS
A blockage in the lung caused by a blood clot
PYELONEPHRITIS
An inflammation of the kidney, generally due to a bacterial infection
PYURIA
The presence of pus in the urine, typically indicating a kidney infection or urinary tract infection
RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY
Complete removal of the entire prostate through an abdominal incision that allows the surgeon to spare nerve tissue and analyze lymph nodes
RECTOCELE
Abnormal herniation of the rectum into the vagina
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
A group of organs responsible for carrying oxygen from the air to the bloodstream, and simultaneously expelling carbon dioxide as a waste product
RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME (RLS)
A common neurological disorder resulting in pulling, tearing, and jerking sensations in the legs while at rest
RETROGRADE EJACULATION
The discharge of semen into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out of the body
RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY
A surgical procedure using an abdominal incision to remove obstructing tissue
SEIZURE
An abnormal electrical discharge of brain cells resulting in a transient disturbance in brain function
SEROTONIN
An important neurotransmitter involved in pain sensation and emotional perceptions
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (STD)
An infection spread through sexual intercourse genital contact or the exchange of bodily fluids
SLING PROCEDURES
Surgical methods for treating urinary incontinence involving the placement of a sling
SMALL BOWEL
14-foot section of the gastrointestinal tract which empties into the beginning of the large bowel
SPHINCTER
The ring of muscle fibers located around an opening in the body that regulates the passage of substances through the opening
STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE
The involuntary loss of urine during periods of increased abdominal pressure, such as when laughing, sneezing, coughing, or lifting
SUPRAPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY
Incising of the bladder to remove obstructing prostatic tissue through a suprapubic incision below the nave
SUPRAPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY
Incising of the bladder to remove obstructing prostatic tissue through a suprapubic incision below the nave
TESTOSTERONE
The sex hormone that stimulates development of male sex characteristics and bone and muscle growth; produced by the testicles and in small amounts, by the ov
THROMBOCYTOPENIA
A decreased number of platelets in the blood
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH)
A hormone that stimulates hormonal secretion of the thyroid gland
TINNITUS
A ringing in the ears
TRANSIENT URINARY INCONTINENCE
Includes temporary episodes of urinary incontinence that are alleviated after the cause of the episode is identified and treated, such as a bladder infection
TRANSURETHRAL NEEDLE ABLATION (TUNA)
The destruction of prostate tissue with thermal energy that is passed through a needle
TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE (TURP)
A common treatment for benign prostate hypertrophy, wherein the inside of the prostate (urethra) is cored out to make the passage of urine easier
TUMOR
An abnormal mass of tissue resulting from excessive cell division
ULTRASONIC LITHOTRIPSY
The use of high-frequency ultrasound waves to destroy kidney stones gradually, so they can then be passed naturally by the patient or removed by grasping forceps
UNDERACTIVE BLADDER
Inadequate contraction of the bladder that prevents the bladder from emptying normally
URETEROSCOPY
A flexible, fiber optic instrument that is inserted through the urethra and bladder up to the ureter for observation and often for retrieval of kidney stones
URGE UI
The involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden and strong urge to void
URINALYSIS
A group of physical and chemical tests done on a urine sample to check for various disorders, including those of the kidneys and urinary tract
URINARY INCONTINENCE (UI)
The involuntary loss of urine sufficient enough to be disruptive
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIS)
Infections caused by bacteria that invade the urinary system, multiplying and leading to infection
URODYNAMIC TESTS
Diagnostic tests used to examine the bladder and urethral sphincter functionality
VAPORTRODE
Specific type of cautery electrode that vaporizes prostatic tissue in order to expand the prostatic channel, making urination easier
VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION
An outpatient procedure in which the varicocele is closed off by means of a balloon catheter, steel coil, and/or vessel-hardening solution
VARICOCELECTOMY
The cutting away of a varicocele
VAS DEFERENS
The tubes that connect the epididymes to the prostate gland
VASCULAR
Meaning “related to blood vessels
VASOEPIDIDYMOSTOMY
Microsurgery that removes blockage in the epididymis and reattaches the epididymis to the vas deferens
VASOVASOSTOMY
Medical reconnection of the severed ends of the vas deferens, which restores the flow of sperm through the vas deferens; also called a reverse vasectomy. Vasectomy reversal.