| A | B |
|---|
| ablation | destruction of abnormal or excessive tissue by melting, vaporizing or eroding |
| abortion | termination of pregnancy by expulsion from uterus of an embryo |
| abruptio placentae | premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall |
| acquired immune deficiency syndrome | A disease caused by HIV and interferes with cellular immunity lowering resistance to infection and malignancy. |
| acute coronary syndrome | sudden symptoms of insufficient blood supply to the heart indicating unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction |
| aneurysm | ballooning of weakened portion of arterial wall |
| aneurysmectomy | surgical excision of an aneurysm |
| angina pectoris | chest pain, frequently radiating to left arm and jaw due to ischemia |
| anovulation | absence of ovulation |
| Apgar score | system for rapid neonatal assessment at a 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth |
| apical pulse | using a stethoscope to auscultate the pulse rate at the heart |
| arrhythmia | any disturbances or abnormality in the normal heart’s rhythm |
| artificial cardiac pacemaker | battery-powered apparatus implanted under the skin with leads placed on the heart |
| artificial insemination | introduction of semen into the vagina by artificial means |
| atrial fibrillation | a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid electrical impulses in atria |
| atrial fibrillation ablation | procedure in which abnormal cells that trigger atrial fibrillation are destroyed by using a device that heats or freezes the cells |
| auscultation | listening to body sounds with the use of a stethoscope |
| azoospermia | lack of live sperm in the semen |
| benign prostatic hyperplasia | non-cancerous excessive development of the prostate gland |
| blood pressure | pressure exerted by blood against the blood vessel walls |
| blood urea nitrogen | test that measures amount of urea in blood used to determine kidney function; when increased indicates kidney failure |
| breast cancer | malignant tumor of the breast |
| breech presentation | parturition in which the buttocks, feet, or knees emerge first |
| calculus | stone |
| cardiac arrest | sudden cessation of cardiac output & effective circulation which requires CPR |
| cardiac catheterization | catheter into heart via a blood vessel to determine cardiac disease |
| cardiac tamponade | acute compression of the heart caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity |
| cardiopulmonary resuscitation | emergency procedure consisting of artificial ventilation & external cardiac massage |
| catheter | flexible, tube-like device for withdrawing or instilling fluids |
| cephalic presentation | parturition in which any part of the head emerges first |
| cervical cancer | malignant tumor of the cervix |
| cesarean section | the birth of a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus |
| circumcision | surgical removal of the prepuce(foreskin) |
| clean catch specimen | urine sample obtained after cleaning off the meatus and collecting a urine sample midstream |
| cleft lip or palate | congenital split of the lip or roof of the mouth |
| coarctation of the aorta | congenital cardiac condition characterized by a narrowing of the aorta |
| coital | pertaining to sexual intercourse between a male and female (copulation) |
| coitus | sexual intercourse betw. male and female (copulation) |
| colostrum | thin milky fluid secreted by the breast during pregnancy and during the first days after birth |
| condom | cover for the penis worn during coitus |
| congenital anomaly | abnormality present at birth |
| congenital heart disease | heart abnormality present at birth (birth defect) |
| conization | surgical removal of a cone-shaped area of the cervix |
| contraception | intentional prevention of conception may also be referred to as birth control |
| coronary artery bypass graft | surgery technique to bring new blood supply to heart muscle by detouring blocked artery |
| coronary artery disease | a condition of decreased blood supply through the coronary arteries to the myocardium |
| coronary stent | support scaffolding device implanted in artery used to prevent closure of artery after angioplasty or atherectomy |
| creatinine | waste product |
| deep vein thrombosis | condition of a thrombus is a deep vein [usually iliac and femoral] |
| defibrillation | giving electric shock to the heart to restore cardiac rhythm |
| diastole | phase in cardiac cycle in which ventricles relax betw. contraction |
| diastolic | pertaining to diastole |
| digital rectal examination | Insertion of a gloved finger in the rectum to examine the size and shape of the prostate |
| dilation & curettage | dilation of cervix & scraping of endometrium with a curette |
| distended | stretched out |
| diuresis | condition of increase urine passing through |
| diuretic | agent that increases the amount of urine |
| Down syndrome | genetic condition caused by a chromosomal abnormality characterized by varying degrees of intelligence, developmental and physical disorders |
| dyspareunia | difficult or painful intercourse |
| dystocia | difficult labor |
| eclampsia | severe complication and progression of preeclampsia characterized by convulsion. |
| ectopic pregnancy | pregnancy occurring outside uterus, commonly in fallopian tube (salpingocyesis) |
| effacement | thinning of the cervix for childbirth preparation |
| ejaculation | ejection of semen from the male urethra |
| electrolytes | minerals in the body, such as sodium and potassium that carry an electrolyte charge |
| embolectomy | surgical removal of an embolus or clot |
| embolus | a moving blood clot |
| endometrial ablation | a procedure to destroy or remove the endometrium by use of laser or thermal energy |
| endometrial cancer | malignant tumor of the endometrium |
| endometriosis | abnormal condition where endometrial tissue occurs in various areas in pelvic cavity |
| enuresis | involuntary urination; synonym for incontinence |
| epispadias | congenital defect in which the urinary meatus is located on the upper surface of the penis |
| erectile dysfunction | inability of the male to attain or maintain an erection sufficient to perform sexual intercourse |
| erythroblastosis fetalis | condition of the newborn characterized by hemolysis of the erythrocytes (also called hemolytic disease of a newborn) |
| exercise stress test | study that evaluates cardiac function during physical stress by riding a bike or walking on a treadmill |
| extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy | noninvasive surgical procedure to crush stones in the kidney or ureter by administration of repeated shockwaves |
| fetal alcohol syndrome | condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy |
| fibrillation | rapid, non-coordinated contractions of the atria or ventricles [not functional cardiac output] |
| fibrocystic breast disease | disorder characterized by benign cysts in one or both breasts |
| fistula | abnormal passage between 2 organs or between internal organ & body surface |
| Foley Catheter | tube placed in the bladder to drain urine |
| fulguration | destruction of living tissue with an electric spark |
| genitalia (genitals) | reproductive organs (male or female) |
| gonads | male and female sex glands |
| heart failure | inability of heart pump enough blood thru body to supply tissue and organs causing fluid to build up in lungs and extremities |
| hemodialysis | procedure for removing impurities from the blood with use of filter |
| hormone replacement therapy | replacement of hormones, estrogen and or progesterone to treat symptoms associated with menopause |
| human immunodeficiency virus | sexually transmitted disease caused by a retrovirus that attacks the immune system |
| human papillomavirus | sexually transmitted disease caused by viral infection |
| hydrocele | scrotal swelling caused by collection of fluid along the tubes within the testes |
| hydrocelectomy | surgical removal of a hydrocele |
| hypertension | blood pressure that is above normal [BP over 130/80] |
| hypertensive heart disease | disorder of the heart caused by persistent high blood pressure |
| hypospadias | congenital defect in which the urinary meatus is located on the underside of the penis |
| hypotension | blood pressure that is below normal [BP that is below 90/60] |
| implantable cardiac defibrillator | device implanted in the body that continuously monitors the heart rhythm |
| in vitro fertilization | method of fertilizing human ova outside the body and placing the zygote into the uterus |
| incontinence | inability to control bladder and /or bowels |
| infarction | necrosis |
| infertility | reduced or absent ability to produce off spring |
| kidneys, ureters, bladder | simple radiographic image of the abdomen to view the kidneys, ureters, and bladder |
| lactation | the secretion of milk |
| laser surgery | surgery using the cutting power of a laser beam to clot, cut or vaporize tissue |
| lochia | vaginal discharge following childbirth for 1-2 weeks |
| meconium | first stool of the newborn (greenish-black in color) |
| menopause | cessation of menstruation usually around the ages of 48 - 50 |
| micturate | to urinate or void |
| micturition | n. act of passing urine |
| midwife | an individual who practices midwifery |
| midwifery | the practice of assisting in childbirth |
| mitral valve stenosis | narrowing of mitral valves from scarring [most common cause in rheumatic fever] |
| murmur | abnormal cardiac sound heard through auscultation, caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart |
| myocardial infarction | death of a portion of the myocardial muscle caused by interrupted blood supply |
| myomectomy | excision of a fibroid tumor (myoma) from the uterus |
| neonate | an infant from birth to four weeks of age |
| nocturnal enuresis | involuntary urination at night |
| obstetrician | physician who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth& puerperium |
| obstetrics | medical specialty dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium |
| occlude | to close tightly |
| oligoovulation | infrequent ovulation |
| orgasm | climax of sexual stimulation |
| ovarian | pertaining to the ovaries |
| ovarian carcinoma | malignant tumor of the ovary |
| ovulation | release of an ovum from a mature Graafian follicle |
| palpation | using the fingertips to assess [for example a radial pulse is palpated] |
| palpitations | patient’s awareness of an abnormal rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia) |
| Pap test (smear) | method or exam. Stained exfoliative cells. Used to detect cancers of cervix |
| para | birth ( a woman who has given birth to a viable offspring) |
| parturition | giving birth |
| pelvic inflammatory disease | inflammation of the female pelvic organs (PID) |
| pelvic sonography | pertaining to the pelvis, process of recording sound |
| percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty | procedure in which a balloon is passed through a blood vessel into a coronary artery to the area where plaque is formed |
| peritoneal dialysis | procedure for removing toxic wastes when the kidney is unable to do so |
| phimosis | tightness of prepuce that prevents its retraction over the glans penis |
| placenta previa | abnormally low implantation of placenta on uterine wall completely or partially covering the cervix |
| polycystic kidney disease | condition in which the kidney contains many cysts and is enlarged |
| polycystic ovary syndrome | condition typically characterized by hormonal imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, and multiple ovarian cysts |
| preeclampsia | abnormal condition encountered during pregnancy or shortly after delivery characterized by high blood pressure, edema and proteinuria with no convulsions |
| premature infant | infant born before completing 37 weeks of gestation |
| premenstrual syndrome | syndrome involving physical and emotional symptoms occurring in the 10 days before menstruation |
| priapism | persistent abnormal erection of the penis accompanied by pain and tenderness |
| prolapse | displacement of an organ or anatomic structure from its normal position |
| prostate cancer | cancer of the prostate gland |
| prostate-specific antigen | blood test for prostate cancer that measures the level of an enzyme released by the prostate |
| puberty | period when secondary sexual characteristics develop and ability to reproduce sexually begins |
| puerperium | period from delivery until the reproductive organs return to normal |
| pulse | number of times per minute the heart beat is felt on the arterial wall |
| quickening | first feeling of movement of the fetus in utero by the pregnant woman |
| renal calculi | stones in the kidney |
| renal failure | loss of kidney function resulting in its inability to remove waste products from the body and maintain electrolyte balance |
| renal hypertension | elevated blood pressure resulting from kidney disease |
| renal transplant | surgical implantation of a donor kidney to replace a nonfunctioning kidney |
| resectoscope | specialized endoscope used for removing a piece of the prostate gland |
| respiratory distress syndrome | respiratory complication in the newborn, especially in premature infants |
| retrograde urogram | x-ray image of the urinary tract (retrograde - opp direction) contrast medium instilled through urethral catheters by a cystoscope |
| robotic surgery | Minimally invasive surgery using small instruments attached to a robotic arm controlled by the surgeon with a computer. |
| semen analysis | microscopic observation of ejaculated semen, revealing the size, structure, and movement of sperm |
| sentinel lymph node biopsy | injection of blue dye and/ or radioactive isotope used to identify the sentinel lymph node and most likely to contain metastasis of breast cancer |
| sexually transmitted infection | infection spread through sexual contact |
| specific gravity | test performed on a urine specimen to measure the concentrating or diluting ability of the kidneys |
| speculum | instrument for opening body cavity to allow visual inspection |
| spermatocele | an epididymal cyst filled with fluid and sperm cells that causes scrotal swelling |
| sphygmomanometer | device used for measuring arterial blood pressure |
| spina bifida | congenital defect in the vertebral column caused by the failure of the vertebral arch to close |
| spontaneous abortion | Pregnancy that ends on its own prior to fetal viability (20 weeks); otherwise known as a miscarriage |
| sterilization | process that renders an individual unable to produce offspring |
| stillborn | born dead |
| stricture | abnormal narrowing, such as a urethral stricture; stenosis |
| systole | phase in cardiac cycle in which the ventricles contract |
| systolic | pertaining to systole |
| testicular carcinoma | cancer of the testicles |
| testicular torsion | twisting of the spermatic cord causing decreased blood flow to the testis |
| thrombus | blood clot that is attached to a wall of artery or vein |
| toxic shock syndrome | severe illness characterized by high fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea and myalgia followed by hypotension and in severe cases shock and death |
| transesophageal echocardiogram | ultrasound test that examines cardiac function and structure by using an ultrasound probe placed in the esophagus |
| transrectal ultrasound | a probe placed in the rectum uses sound waves to create an image |
| transurethral resection of the prostate gland | successive pieces of the prostate gland tissue are resected by using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra |
| transvaginal sonography | ultrasound procedure that uses a transducer placed in the vagina to obtain images of ovaries, uterus, cervix, uterine tubes and surrounding structures |
| tubal ligation | closure of the fallopian tubes for sterilization |
| urea | waste product |
| urinal | receptacle for urine |
| urinalysis | multiple routine tests done on a urine specimen |
| urinary catheterization | passage of a catheter into the urinary bladder to withdraw urine |
| urinary retention | abnormal accumulation of urine in the bladder because of an inability to urinate |
| urinary tract infection | infection of one or more organs of the urinary tract |
| urodynamics | pertaining to the force and flow of urine within the urinary tract |
| uterine | pertaining to the uterus |
| uterine fibroid | benign tumor of the uterine muscle (also called myoma of the uterus or leiomyoma) |
| vaginal fistula | abnormal opening between the vagina and another organ |
| varicocele | enlarged veins of the spermatic cord |
| varicose veins | enlarged twisted veins [usually found in lower extremities] |
| vasoconstrictor | agent or nerve that narrows the blood vessels |
| vasodilator | agent or nerve that enlarges the blood vessels |
| venipuncture | puncture of vein to remove blood, instill medication, or start IV |
| vesicourethral suspension | surgical suspension pertaining to the bladder and urethra |
| vesicovaginal fistula | opening between the bladder and the vagina |
| vital sign | group of tests including temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure |
| void | to empty or evacuate waste material, especially urine |
| voiding cystourethrography | radiographic imaging of the bladder and the urethra while voiding |
