brain imaging: Technologies that allow doctors to view the structure of the brain or see how different parts of the brain function; examples include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). atrium: One of the heart's two upper chambers (the plural form is atria). abrasion: A scraping or rubbing away of the skin or other surface. The medical landscape is constantly changing, advancing and evolving. amputation: The surgical removal of a limb or other body part. contact dermatitis: A rash or skin irritation that results when skin contacts an allergen or irritating substance. balloon angioplasty: A procedure to open clogged heart arteries. OD: When referring to medication instructions, “once daily.”. anticoagulant: A substance that helps prevent blood from clotting. arthroplasty: Surgically rebuilding or replacing a joint, usually to relieve arthritis or fix an abnormality. chylomicron: A fat globule that ferries triglyceride from the intestine to the liver and fat tissue. Other Links. cortisol: One of a class of stress hormones released during the fight-or-flight stress response. carotenoids: Compounds such as lycopene and beta carotene that give red, yellow, and orange color to certain plants. chronic: Any condition that lasts a long time or recurs over time. It works to help balance movement and ward off injury. Don’t delay cancer treatment during the pandemic, Certain foods and drugs may lower risk of colon cancer, Gum disease linked to an increased risk for cancer, More daily movement may lower cancer deaths, Oral health problems may raise cancer risk. The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. apnea: A temporary pause in breathing during sleep that can be very brief or can last so long that the amount of oxygen in the blood drops dangerously low. benign: Harmless; often used to refer to a tumor that is not cancerous and does not usually spread. Stock up on sugarless gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, or other substitutes. avulsion: The tearing away of one part of the body from another—for example, a tendon tearing away from a bone. coronary care unit: A ward in a hospital that provides specialized care and monitoring for patients with heart problems. benzodiazepines: Anti-anxiety medications that work by helping to maintain levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. articular cartilage: Smooth white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. Register. This lets the atria fully contract before the ventricles contract. balance: Ability to maintain equilibrium while stationary or moving. arterial resistance: The pressure that the artery walls exert on blood flow; in general, the less elastic the arteries, the greater the arterial resistance and the higher the blood pressure. cementum: The layer of tooth material that covers the root. actinic keratosis: Scaly pink or red-brown raised spots or patches on the skin caused by overexposure to the sun. borborygmi: Stomach growling; the rumbling noises caused by gas moving through the intestine. Suffixes can modify the meaning of the word, often in very important ways. Often used to describe a form of exercise, aerobic exercise. cell-mediated immunity: A type of immune response mounted against viruses, certain types of parasites, and perhaps cancer cells. corpus luteum: The egg follicle remnant left behind after an egg has been released during ovulation. corpus cavernosum: Sponge-like tissue in the penis that fills with blood during sexual arousal, causing an erection. bilevel positive airway pressure: A machine that helps people get more air into their lungs when sleeping by increasing the pressure or force of air when breathing in; often used to treat sleep apnea. The condition appears to involve a heightened response by the hair follicle to androgen levels in the body. anterior myocardial infarction: A heart attack affecting the front of the heart. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. bunionette: A small, painful bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot, at the base of the small toe. apraxia: A brain disorder in which a person cannot perform certain actions, such as combing hair, picking up a pencil, or speaking, even though they want to and have the physical ability to do so. For example, the word “neuroblastoma” can be broken down this way: “Neuro” - … More info. corticotropin-releasing factor: A hormone made in the brain that triggers the body's fight-or-flight reaction to external threats. capillaries: The body's smallest blood vessels; they deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues. antagonist: The muscle opposing the major muscle required to do a task. Most medical terms consist of three basic components: the root word (the base of the term), prefixes (in front of the root word), and suffixes (at the end of the root word). atopic dermatitis: A long-term skin condition, most common in babies and children, in which areas of the skin are dry, itchy, red, and may crack. brachial plexus: A network of nerves that are rooted at the cervical spine and provide sensation and movement to the shoulder and arm. choroid: A thin layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the white of the eye (sclera) and the retina. blood clot: A coagulated mass that occurs when blood cells stick together and form a solid. antiemetic: A drug that prevents nausea and vomiting. Master today's medical … Arteriosclerosis occurs when cholesterol-rich plaque forms on the inner lining of arteries (atherosclerosis), when artery walls become calcified, or when high blood pressure thickens the muscular wall of arteries. anemia: Having a lower than normal amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin (an oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells), leading to low energy, weakness, and other symptoms. She understands the difference that education can make and hopes to inspire readers at every stage of their education journey. autonomic neuropathy: Damage to the nerves that control involuntary body functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and bladder and bowel function. Study the vocabulary of Hospital in Arabic and English. AMA Glossary of Medical Terms (Source: www.ama-assn.org ) A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z . bursitis: Pain and swelling of the bursa, the small fluid filled pads that act as cushions in or near the joints. calorie: The unit for measuring the amount of energy in food. Contact Us . BASIC MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY INTRODUCTION Medical terminology is the professional language of those who are directly or indirectly engaged in the art of healing. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. asthma: A disease that inflames and narrows airways, causing wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest. carcinogen: Any substance that can cause cancer. autoimmune response: When the body's immune system mistakenly views the body's own tissues and organs as foreign invaders and attacks them. alcohol abuse: Continuing consumption of alcohol despite alcohol-related social or interpersonal problems. carpal tunnel syndrome: A condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through the hand, is compressed; symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness, as well as hand weakness. bariatric surgery: One of several types of weight loss surgery performed on people who are dangerously overweight, to restrict or reduce food intake and/or absorption. binge drinking: Heavy bouts of drinking interspersed with periods of abstinence; often refers to the consumption of five or more alcoholic beverages within one day. cognitive reserve: The capacity of the brain to use alternative neural pathways or thinking strategies in response to neurological injury from conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. It also plays an important role in the fight or flight response to danger. cervical spondyloarthropathy: Inflammatory arthritis involving the neck portion of the spine. balloon dilation: A surgical procedure to open a narrowed vessel or tube, such as the urethra, esophagus, or artery. colorectal adenoma: A growth on the colon or rectal wall that may develop into cancer. BMI: Abbreviation for body-mass index, a measure of body fat estimated from a person's height and weight. A small, deflated balloon is inserted into the area and inflated to widen it. Also called epinephrine. BMI = weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. adulterant: An ingredient in a medicinal product (herb, supplement, or prescription drug), which dilutes the purity of the product and does not contribute to its therapeutic effects. angiotensin: A protein that raises blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and causing the kidneys to store more sodium and water. arthrodesis: Joining together two bones to reduce pain and provide stability to a damaged, arthritic, or painful joint. This tissue lines organs and structures in the body, protecting or enclosing them. cyclic hormone therapy: Use of estrogen and progestogen for 10–14 days of the month to relieve symptoms of menopause. choleretic: An agent that promotes bile production. BASIC MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY INTRODUCTION Medical terminology is the professional language of those who are directly or indirectly engaged in the art of healing. AIDS: abbreviation for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the most advanced stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Disclaimer: cancellous bone: One of two types of tissue that form bone; this type is commonly found at the center of long bones and makes up a large part of the hip and spine. In medical terminology, amplification refers to the selective copying of a gene or any sequence of DNA. bioavailability: How quickly and completely the body can absorb and use a nutrient. combined hormone therapy: Estrogen combined with progestogen, prescribed to augment a woman's depleted hormones during menopause. Also called a migraine without aura. Changes include faster heartbeat, more rapid breathing, greater energy, and higher blood pressure. It could mean relating to the body (for example, “she felt physically weak”) or could it could mean a yearly medical examination by a doctor. cervical radiculopathy: A pinched nerve, causing sharp pain, tingling, and numbness in the areas served by the nerve. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college. medical and scientifi c terminology. congestive heart failure: An older term for heart failure, a disorder caused by a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood. aldosterone: A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure by controlling sodium and potassium levels in the body. antithyroid drugs: Drugs used to treat an overactive thyroid. BMI = weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. chronic fatigue syndrome: A disorder of ongoing, severe tiredness that interferes with a person's ability to function well, isn't improved with rest, and isn't caused by another illness. Contact Us . 800-538-5038 Weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. carotid bruit: An abnormal sound heard with a stethoscope in the carotid artery; people who have carotid bruits have a greater risk of having a stroke. When combined, you can define a specific medical term. analytic variability: Differences in how a test is done, for example how a sample is prepared, which can affect test outcomes. alpha blockers: A group of drugs that lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline or adrenaline-like substances on cells' alpha receptors. Member Login. Also known as cardiorespiratory fitness. It widens the blocked artery then expands a small wire mesh tube to keep the artery open. bisphosphonate: Medications, including alendronate and etidronate, used to prevent and treat osteoporosis by slowing the breakdown of bone. Bernstein test: A test to try to reproduce heartburn symptoms; used by doctors to diagnose GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). aerobic exercise: Physical activity that speeds breathing, improves heart and lung function, and offers many other health benefits. AMD: Abbreviation for age-related macular degeneration, a potentially blinding condition that destroys sharp central vision. aerobic: Any process that requires oxygen. alpha hydroxy acids: Fruit-derived acids used in creams and lotions to act as exfoliants. Cheyne-Stokes respiration: Abnormal breathing where cycles of deep, labored breathing where cycles of deep, labored breathing are followed by cycles of weak breathing that can result in a total, temporary lack of airflow. central nervous system: The brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. albumin: A protein made by the liver. CT angiography: Use of a CT scan and an injectable dye to show arteries and blood vessels in detail. cathartic: An agent with a strong laxative effect. annulus: Term used to describe ring or circle shaped objects or body parts. A surgeon inserts and inflates a tiny balloon. adhesion: A band of scar-like tissue that forms between two surfaces inside the body, connecting tissues or organs which are not normally connected. blood alcohol concentration: A measure of the amount of alcohol in the blood. ambulatory: Able to walk; not confined to a bed. corpus spongiosum: A cylinder of soft tissue surrounding a man's urethra and running the length of the penis. Usually abbreviated as APP. body mass index: A measure of body fat estimated from a person's height and weight. Sometimes called hardening of the arteries. A healthy BMI is defined as 18.5 to 24.9. cancer: A group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way, sometimes forming tumors. Please select another program of interest. angiotensin-converting enzyme: An enzyme that converts the inactive form of the protein angiotensin (angiotensin I) to its active form—angiotensin II. cones: Cells in the retina that are sensitive to color and light. A healthy BMI is defined as 18.5 to 24.9. audiologist: A health professional who assesses hearing and fits hearing aids. 09.14.2020, Kirsten Slyter | Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. complement system: Proteins that kill viruses, bacteria, and other microbes directly or flag them for destruction by white blood cells. Circulate, helping with any problems. common migraine: A migraine headache without any visual symptoms, such as not a blind spot, beforehand. Below are a few rules to remember when changing the singular form of medical terms to the plural form of medical terms. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. Cardiac arrest usually occurs as a result of a rapid ventricular rhythm (ventricular tachycardia) or a chaotic one (ventricular fibrillation). You only need to activate your account once. Cardioversion can be external, using pads applied to the chest, or internal, from a pacemaker-like device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Medical Terminology Rule #1: Words Ending in -a. Member Login. Also called sudden cardiac arrest. This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and … classic migraine: A migraine headache preceded by visual disturbances; also known as a migraine with aura. atrioventricular node: Also known as the AV node. cystoid macular edema: An eye condition in which the retina (the macula) becomes swollen with fluid. bile: A thick, yellow-green fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion. cervicogenic headache: Headache related to neck problems. Both articles and products will be searched. Acute. Congestive heart failure referred specifically to the type of heart failure associated with the accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs or extremities. cardiopulmonary: Pertaining to the heart and lungs. asystole: The absence of electrical activity in the heart. aura: Sensations such as chills, flashes of light, or a blind spot that come just before the occurrence of medical problems such as migraines or seizures. Celiac disease can interfere with the proper absorption of nutrients from food. Medical terms may begin with a prefix. aspiration: Breathing in a foreign object. They also improve survival after a heart attack. BMD: Abbreviation for bone mineral density, the amount of mineralized bone tissue in a given area. coenzyme: A small organic molecule, often made from B vitamins, that helps enzymes function in the body. The AV node delays the signal before it is passed to the ventricles. 800-538-5038. advance care directive (or advance medical directive): A legal document that describes the kind of medical care a person want if an accident or illness leaves him or her unable to make or communicate decisions. blood vessels: Hollow tubes that transport blood throughout the body; includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. Sometimes called carotid artery stenosis. Also, the process of suctioning fluid, tissue, or other substances from the body. contractile proteins: Proteins that help shorten the length of muscle cells, enabling them to contract. Also used to treat some prostate gland problems. age-related macular degeneration: A potentially blinding condition that destroys sharp central vision. Also known as a computed tomography (CT) scan. aspirin: A drug that relieves pain, fever, and swelling, and inhibits the formation of blood clots. We'll ask some follow-up questions. Causes include an enlarged prostate gland (in men) or bladder muscle problems. bunion: A bump of bone or tissue that forms at the big toe joint, causing inflammation and considerable pain. catastrophic reaction: A strong emotional reaction to a minor event. bladder neck: Where the bladder and urethra meet. You will need to know medical terms in order to read a medical record, to complete forms, to decipher a physician's handwriting, and to