ablation

surgical removal

axis

center

afferent

toward the center

efferent

away from the center

antidote

a remedy to treat a poison

aural

pertains to the ear

oral

pertains to the mouth

callus

hardened area of skin

cecal

pertains to the cecum

fecal

pertains to feces

humerus

long bone in upper arm

ileum

a portion of the colon

ilium

a part of the pelvic bone

lyse

to break

loupe

magnifying glass or lens

pneumonic

pertaining to the lungs

mucus

secretion of the mucous membranes

mucous

adjective form of mucus

radicle

a vessel's smallest branch

venous

pertaining to a vein

C&S

culture and sensitivity (lab test)

discrete

separate

dysphagia

difficulty eating or swallowing

dysphasia

difficulty speaking

effusion

escape of fluid into tissue

infusion

to introduce fluid into vein or tissue

ethenyl

vinyl

graft

tissue implant from one area to another

graph

diagram

jowl

flesh on the jaw

labial

lip-like

livor

discoloration of skin after death

palpitation

rapid heartbeat

perfusion

pouring over or through

profusion

abundant, much

perineal

referring to the perineum

peritoneal

referring to the peritoneum

peroneal

vein in the leg

pleuritis

inflammation of the pleura of the lung

pruritus

itching

prostatic

pertaining to the prostate gland

scleroderma

hardening of the skin

scleredema

swelling of the face

auricular region

around the ears

axillary

axillae (armpits)

buccal

cheeks of the face

clavicular

clavicles, on each side of the sternum

infraorbital

below the eyes

infrascapular

on each side of the chest, down to the last rib

interscapular

on the back, between scapulae

lumbar

below the infrascapular area

mammary

breast area

mental

region of the chin

orbital

around the eyes

pubic

above the hypogastric region

sacral

area over the sacrum

sternal

over the sternum

submental

below the chin

supraclavicular

above the clavicles

RUQ

Contains the right lobe of the liver, gallbladder, and parts of the small/large intestines.

LUQ

contains the left lobe of the liver, stomach, pancreas, spleen, and parts of the small and large intestines.

RLQ

contains parts of the small/large intestines, appendix, right ureter, right ovary, and fallopian tube.

LLQ

contains parts of the small/large intestines, left ureter, left ovary, and fallopian tube.

anatomy

means cutting apart and this studies the structure of the body and the relationships of its parts to each other

biology

study of all forms of life and living things

embryology

studies the origin and the development of an organism.

histology

studies the body microscopically

pathology

studies the changes caused by disease to the structures of the body or changes due to disease that alter the functions of the body

physiology

studies the normal activity and functions of the body

metabolism

consists of the total processes of anabolism and catabolism.

the abdominal cavity

contains the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, ureters, and kidneys.

the cranial cavity

the cavity inside the skull, contains the brain

the pelvic cavity

contains the urinary bladder, urethra, uterus and vagina in the female, part of the large intestine, and the rectum

the spinal cavity

consists of the spinal column connecting to the cranial cavity.

the thoracic or chest cavity

contains the esophagus, trachea, lungs, heart, and aorta. the two sub cavities are the pleural cavity (surrounds lungs), and the mediastinum (between the lungs and contains the heart, aorta, trachea, esophagus, and thymus gland)

bulla

large vesicle or blister

comedo (pleural is comedones)

common blackhead caused by a buildup of sebum and keratin in a skin pore

cyst

small sac or pouch containing fluid or semisolid fluid

fissure

groove or crack-like sore

macule

a discolored lesion that lies flush with the skin (freckles, tattoos, and moles).

papule

solid elevation of the skin

polyp

mushroom-like growth extending on a stalk

pustule

discrete raised area of pus on the skin

ulcer

open sore or erosion of the skin

vesicle

collection of clear fluid (blister)

wheal

smooth elevated area that is red and itchy (hives)

alopecia

hair loss. can result from normal aging or drug/illness induced

cicatrix

scar left by a healed wound

ecchymosis

purplish macular bruise, hemorrhage into the skin

keloid

abnormally raised, thickened scar

petechia

small pinpoint hemorrhage

purpura

merging ecchymoses with petechiae

urticaria

hives with localized swelling with itching

vitiligo

loss of pigment in area of skin or milk-white patch

acne

inflammatory pustular eruption of skin

decubitus ulcer

bedsore

eczema

inflammatory skin disease with reddened papular lesion; a common allergic reaction in children

gangrene

death of tissue associated with loss of blood supply

impetigo

bacterial inflammatory skin disease presenting with vesicles, pustules, and caused by bacteria

psoriasis

chronic (ongoing) skin aliment with silver-gray scales covering red patches

scleroderma

disorder affecting all CT that causes abnormal tissue thickening usually on fingers, hands, and face

tinea

infection of the skin caused by a fungus

rubella (German measles), Rubeola (measles), varicella (chickenpox)

viral diseases that result in eruptions of the skin from the infection

hemangioma

A cluster of blood vessels that makes an abnormal but benign growth, often protruding from the skin (some birthmarks).

keratosis

thickened area of the epidermis (wart, callus)

nevus

mole

seborrheic keratosis

thick, flattened beige/brown plaques that appear commonly on hands and face with age (sometimes called senile warts)

verruca

warts

debridement

removal of dirt, foreign material, or damaged tissue from a wound to prevent infection and promote healing

incision/drainage

involve cutting open a lesion such as an abscess to remove or drain contents

intradermal test

injection of reactive sub. between layers of the skin to observe for a reaction (TB skin test)

patch skin test

performed by applying a piece of gauze or paper to the skin, on which has been placed allergy-causing sub. (red and swelling indicate a positive reaction)

punch biopsy

used to obtain tissue in which complete excision is not necessary or possible. surgical instrument removes a core of tissue by rotation of its sharp edge.

sclerotherapy

used in the treatment of varicose veins. injecting the vein with a sclerosing solution irritates the tissue, causing swelling and closure of the vein

skin biopsy

removal of living tissue for microscopic examination. skin lesions that might produce malignant change are removed and sent for examination

skin scratch test

involves making several scratches in the skin and injecting a very minimal amount of test material into the scratches; a test is considered negative if there is not reaction

adenoma

glandular tumor

albinism

lack of pigment in skin, hair, and eyes

albino

person with skin deficient in pigment or melanin

anhidrosis

lack of sweat

cuticle

band of epidermis extending from nail wall to nail surface

diaphoresis

excess sweating

erythema

red discoloration of the skin

histiotoma

fatty tumor of sebaceous gland

hypodermic

under the skin

hyperhidrosis

excessive secretion of sweat

hyperkeratosis

excessive growth of the outer layer of the skin

keratin

hard protein material found in epidermis, hair and nails

lunula

the half-moon shaped white area at base of the nail

melanin

black pigment formed by melanocytes

onychomycosis

fungal infection of nail

seborrhea

increased discharge of sebum from glands

blepharoplasty

is surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids

Cryotherapy

involves destruction of tissue by freezing with liquid nitrogen

Dermabrasion

means scraping away of the top layer of skin using sandpaper or wire brushes to remove tattoos or disfigured skin.

Dermatoplasty

is surgical reconstruction of the skin. Typically, the surgical replacement of injured or diseased skin.

Electrolysis

is destruction of tissue by electricity and is used to remove unwanted body hair.

Laser therapy

involves removal of skin lesions such as papillomas and hemangiomas using an intense beam of light. This can also be used to remove tattoos or warts from around the nails or on the soles of feet.

Liposuction

is surgical removal of fat from subcutaneous tissue by means of suction.

Rhytidectomy

means removal of wrinkles by removal of excess facial skin. Also known as a facelift.

musculoskeletal system

composed of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, provides the framework for the body, supports organs, and permits movement in the body

The cervical region (abbreviation C)

is located in the neck region. There are seven cervical vertebrae, C1 to C7.

The thoracic or dorsal region (abbreviation T or D)

is located in the chest region. There are 12 thoracic or dorsal vertebrae, T1 to T12, or D1to D12. Each bone in this segment is joined to a rib

The lumbar region (abbreviation L)

is located at the loin or the flank area between the ribs and the hip bone. There are five lumbar vertebrae,L1 to L5.

The sacral region (abbreviation S)

has five bones, S1 to S5, that are fused to form one bone, the sacrum.

The coccygeal region

includes the coccyx, or tailbone, a small bone composed of four fused pieces.

Long bones

found in arms (the humerus is the upper arm) and legs (the femur is your thigh) are strong, broad at the ends where they join with other bones, and have large surface areas for muscle attachment

Short bones

found in the wrists and ankles and have small, irregular shapes

Flat bones

found covering soft body parts. The shoulder blades, ribs, and pelvic bones are examples of flat bones

irregular bones

vertebra

sesamoid bones

small, rounded bones found near joints. The knee-cap is an example of a sesamoid bone

ankylosis

stiffness of a joint

arthralgia

pain in joint

articulation

joint

bradykinesia

slow movement

bursa

sac of fluid at or around a joint

calcium

one of the mineral constituents of bone

cancellous bone

spongy porous bone tissue

chiropodist

specialist in diagnosing and treating foot disorders

chiropractics

System of therapy that consists of manipulation of the vertebral column

chiropractor

Specialist in chiropractics

chondromalacia

Softening of cartilage

compact bone

Hard, dense bone tissue

condyle

Knuckle-like process at the end of a bone – near a joint

diaphysis

Shaft or midportion of a long bone

dyskinesia

Difficult movement

dystrophy

abnormal development

epiphysis

End of a long bone

fissure

Narrow slit-like opening between bones

fontanelle

Soft spot, incomplete closure of infant’s skull sutures

fossa

Depression or cavity in a bone

hematopoiesis

Development of blood cells in bone marrow

hyperkinesia

Excessive movement or overactivity

mastoid process

Round projection on the temporal bone behind the ear

orthopedics

Branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of diseases and abnormalities of the skeletal system

orthopedist

Physician specializing in orthopedics

orthotics

Making and fitting of orthopedic appliances such as arch supports, used to support, align, or correct deformities

ossification

process of bone formation

osteopath

Physician who specializes in osteopathy

osteopathy

Branch of medicine using the usual forms of diagnosis of treatment but with emphasis on the role of the relationship between the body organs and the skeletal system, and per-forming manipulations in order to decrease pain and help body function

podiatrist

Specialist in diagnosing and treating foot disorders such as corns and ingrown toenails; some also perform foot surgery

red bone marrow

Found in cancellous bone, the site of hematopoiesis

trabeculae

Supporting bundles of bony fibers in cancellous or sponge bone

trochanter

Large process behind the neck of the femur

tubercle

Small rounded process on a bone

tuberosity

Large rounded process on a bone

yellow bone marrow

The fatty tissue found in the diaphyses of long bones

bunion

abnormal prominence with bursal swelling at the metatarsophalangeal joint near the base of the big toe.

bursitis

inflammation of a bursa. Tennis elbow is an example of bursitis of the olecranon bursa

sprain

trauma or injury to a joint with pain, swelling, and injury to ligaments.

ankylosing spondylitis

chronic arthritis with stiffening of joints, particularly the spine. This condition responds to corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory therapy

gouty arthritis (gout)

inflammation of joints caused by excessive uric acid in the body. An inherited defect in metabolism causes excessive uric acid to accumulate in the blood, joints, and soft tissues near the joints. Gout commonly occurs in the big (great) toe.

osteoarthritis

chronic inflammation of bones and joints due to degenerative changes in the cartilage. This occurs mainly in the hips and legs. Drug therapy reduces the inflammation and pain, and physical therapy loosens impaired joints

arthrocentesis

Surgical puncture of a joint to aspirate fluid for diagnostic purposes

bone scan (nuclear medicine test)

Detects presence of metastatic disease of the bone and monitors degenerative bone disease

Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)

A very sensitive nuclear method for detecting bone abnormalities

osteoclasis

surgical breaking of a bone to correct a deformity

meniscectomy

excision of a meniscus for a torn cartilage in the knee

fibromyalgia

Pain in fibrous tissues of muscles, tendons, or ligaments

tennis elbow

The tendon that connects the arm muscle to elbow becomes inflamed due to the repetitive use of the arm

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Movement disorder or muscle atrophy with degeneration of nerves in the spinal cord and lower region of the brain, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

Dupuytren’s contracture

Disease affecting the palmar fascia of the hand, causing the ring finger and little finger to contract towards the palm

Myasthenia gravis

Lack of muscle strength with paralysis, characterized by weakness of muscles of the face and jaw, with difficulty swallowing

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Muscle pain, common in shoulder or pelvis, without arthritis or signs of muscle distress

Rotator cuff disease

Inflammation of tendons, and if they fuse you have a larger problem, a condition called frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis

Torticollis

Acute myositis of the cervical muscles (wryneck)

myoclonus

Muscle relaxation and contraction in rapid succession

kinesiology

The study of movement

arm muscles

upper arm muscles, biceps brachii and triceps brachii. In the forearm (lower arm) are the flexor and extensor muscles of the hands and fingers

head and face muscle

include the frontalis, temporalis, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, occipitalis, mentalis, buccinator, zygomatic major and minor, and the masseter muscle.

shoulder and neck muscles

include the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius muscle, leading to the deltoid muscle of the shoulder

major chest muscles

consist of the diaphragm, pectoralis major, the rectus abdominis, and the external oblique. Also associated with this region is the linea alba. The linea alba (meaning “white line”) is a vertical band of connective muscular tissue that begins at the xiphoid process(sternum) and ends at the symphysis pubis (where hip bones meet)

major muscles of the back

include the seventh cervical vertebra, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, and the rhomboid major muscle

pelvis and anterior thigh muscles

include the tensor fascia lata, the adductors of the thigh, the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, the rectus femoris, and the quadriceps

the lower leg muscles

from the knee to the ankle includes the gastrocnemius, which makes up a large portion of the calf muscles, the tibialis anterior, soleus, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis. By the way, things aren’t always what they seem: The Achilles tendon is technically classified as a muscle

back or buttock

composed of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius. In the thigh, the adductor magnus, vastus lateralis, gracilis, whereas the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus combined comprise the hamstrings

condyle

A rounded projection at the ends of long bone

crest

A long, narrow elevated aspect of a bone

head

Rounded end of a long bone

neck

A narrower area of bone between the head and the diaphysis

process

Raised area on a bone where tendons attach

sulcus

A depression or groove on a bone

closed/simple fracture

A fracture that does not break the skin

comminuted fracture

A fracture resulting in a shattered bone in many pieces

compound/open fracture

A fracture that pierces the skin or an underlying organ

compression/impacted fracture

Injured aspect of the bone collapses on itself

greenstick fracture

A fracture that is bent; most common in very young children

hairline/stress fracture

A fracture that does not extend across the whole bone

linear fracture

A fracture in the length (parallel) of a long bone

oblique fracture

A fracture diagonally across the bone

spiral fracture

A fracture that wraps around the bone

transverse fracture

A fracture across the bone, usually at right angles to the bone

ball and socket joint

ROM all planes

condyloid joint

Permits flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction (together called circumduction), but not rotation

gliding joint

Limited to gliding between the two articulating bones

hinge joint

Motion in a single plane—usually flexion and extension

pivot joint

limited to rotation

saddle joint

Permits flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, but not rotation

aponeurosis

Broad, flat sheets of tissue that act as tendons and attach to bones

apophysitis

inflammation where a tendon attaches to a bone

avulsion

tearing away from a structure

crepitus

Crackling or crunching sound heard or felt; often associated with a fracture or tendinitis

deviation

Turning from a straight path; ulnar deviation is to move the hand toward the pinky side

retinaculum

Broad, flat tissue that holds tendons close to the bone, such as in the wrist and ankle

fasciae

Fibrous connective tissue; often separated from other organized tissues

arthroclasia

Surgical breaking of a joint fused due to scar tissue

enchondroma

A benign but slowly growing cartilage cell tumor; usually found in long bones, as well as hands and feet

exostosis

Bone spur (extra bone mass) outside of a normal bone

malunion

Bony break that is not aligned correctly

nonunion

Fracture that is not healing

osteomyelitis

Infection of the bone marrow

spondylolisthesis

Forward slippage of one vertebra on another due to bilateral fractures in the vertebra bony ring

spondylosis

Abnormal condition of the vertebra where the joints stiffen

subluxation

partial dislocation

syndactyly

fused digits (fingers or toes)

clonic

Pertaining to (a muscle spasm) alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles

dactylospasm

Cramp (spasm) in a finger or toe

dermatomyositis

Chronic systemic immunological disease involving inflammation of the skin, connective tissue, and muscles

insertion

Pertaining to muscles, point of attachment (usually distal) where the tendon of the muscle attaches to a bone and causes movement

origin

Pertaining to muscles, point of origin of attachment (usually proximal) where the tendon of the muscle attaches to a bone and causes movement

rhabdomyolysis

Breakdown of striated (skeletal) muscle; potentially fatal condition associated with strenuous exercise, crush injury, and medications

torticollis

Muscular spasms in the neck causing neck stiffness

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Osteochondrosis of the femoral head in children

myasthenia gravis (MG)

Chronic autoimmune disorder where one lacks muscle strength; the primary symptom is increasing weakness with activity, and improvement with rest

Osgood-Schlatter disease

Apophysitis (inflammation of where a tendon meets a bone) in the tibial tuberosity

Paget’s disease

Skeletal disease of middle-aged and older adults, characterized by excessive bone destruction and unorganized repair

Sever’s disease

Apophysitis at the attachment of the Achilles tendon on the calcaneus

Sinding-Larsen–Johansson

Apophysitis at the distal pole of the patella (and the patella tendon)

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation in many systems of the body

spondylosyndesis

Fusion of the spine; done by surgical device (plate/screw), bone graft, or body cast