Dictionary of Medical Terms
By Students’ Academy
Copyright@2011Students’ Academy
Smashwords Edition
Chapter 1
Introduction
You might not be an expert but you do understand certain medical terms but when it comes to understanding the medical terms like Kawasaki Disease, or Watermelon Stomach, you could be in a situation very confusing and hard to explain. This dictionary can be helpful in many ways.
You can find those medical terms which your doctor may have used at the time of your meeting with him or her. It is also possible that you may not have fully understood what you doctor said at the time of the appointment. This will not only help you in learning more about the ailment you have, but also serve to understand any medical terminology that may be unfamiliar to you, which you may come across while researching your options for treatment. Or you could simply browse through this medical terminology list just to gain knowledge on different medical terms and what the words stand for.
Just scroll down the pages and you will find many words which you may have heard but the meanings or definitions of which you have no idea about. This dictionary can be a great help to the students of medicine as well.
A
Aarskog Syndrome
Aarskog Syndrome is also known as Aarskog-Scott syndrome; this genetic disorder is presented through ocular hypertelorism, or eyes that are spaced abnormally wide, anteverted nostrils, or nostrils that are front facing, a malformation of the scrotum which is referred to as saddle-bag scrotum, a broadening of the upper lip, a backward bending of the knees due to a laxity in the ligaments, abnormally extensible fingers, and flat feet.
Abdominal Actinomycosis
Abdominal Actinomycosis, as the name suggests, is a type of Actinomycosis affecting the abdomen. It is a disease that cattle get. This disease can easily be communicated to humans.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurism
Abdominal Aortic Aneurism refers to the widening and ballooning of the aorta as it runs through the abdomen. In this case, generally, the wall of the aorta becomes weak and can even rupture, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Abdominal Bracing
Abdominal Bracing is a medicinal technique in which the muscles of the stomach are tensed in order to provide spinal support.
Abdominal Cavity
Abdominal Cavity refers to the cavity in the abdomen which contains all the internal organs and entrails. This part of the abdomen is separated by the diaphragm from the thorax in mammals.
Abdominocentesis
When the abdomen is punctured with the help of a hollow needle in order to draw fluid to carry out diagnosis, it is called Abdominocentesis.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a kind of cosmetic surgery; it is also referred to as Tummy Tuck; it is a kind of cosmetic surgical procedure which tightens the abdominal skin, smoothening out wrinkles.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
Abdominal Hysterectomy is a highly technical surgical procedure wherein an incision is made in the abdomen to remove the uterus.
Abdominoscopy
Abdominoscopy is performed with a laparoscope. A small incision is made in the abdomen and the laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through that incision in order to carry out an examination of the area. The procedure is also known as laparoscopy or endoscopy. It helps to keep the surgical procedure minimally invasive.
Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia
Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia refers to a particular condition wherein sudden spasms in the muscle results in causing the vocal cords to remain open. This causes a break in the voice, or the voice having a strained, tight, or strangled quality.
Ablation
Removing a part of the body or tissue through surgery is called Ablation.
Ablative Therapy
Ablative Therapy is a particular kind of medical treatment through which an organ's function is either removed or destroyed. For example, the ovaries being surgically removed, or administering some kinds of chemotherapy which results in stopping the ovaries from functioning.
Abortion
A deliberate termination of pregnancy is named as Abortion.
Absorption
Absorption is a kind of process in which nutrients are absorbed by the body from food after digestion.
Accessory Digestive Organs
Accessory Digestive Organs help in the process of digestion. These organs are salivary glands, tongue, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder; these organs do not belong to the digestive tract.
Accessory Movement
Accessory Movement refers to the movements of the joints which patients cannot perform in isolation or voluntarily.
Accommodation
Accommodation, in medical terms, is generally defined as the eye's ability to focus by automatically adjusting the focal length of its lens.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is a scientific neurotransmitter which is derived from choline. This neurotransmitter helps in transmitting signals from the nerves.
Acquired Deafness
Acquired Deafness is a physical disability pertaining to ears. It is the loss of hearing which develops later in life.
Acquired Hemochromatosis
Acquired Hemochromatosis refers to an accumulation of iron in tissues. This kind of accumulation generally occurs due to repeated blood transfusions, or when iron-rich foods are consumed excessively. The symptoms of this disease are the bronzing of skin, diabetes mellitus, enlargement of the liver, and abnormalcies in the joints and the pancreas.
AIDS
The full form of Aids is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a very fatal disease that occurs due to being infected by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. It damages or kills the immune system's cells, which leads to the progressive impairment of the ability of the body in fighting infections or certain types of cancers. The disease is usually spread by coming into sexual contact with a partner having the infection or through contaminated hypodermic needles. Aids is the final stage of HIV.
Acquired Immunity
Acquired Immunity refers to the immunity to certain diseases. This immunity is not present at birth; it is gradually acquired later in life. The immunity can occur due to the body developing antibodies because of being infected by a disease, by vaccination, or by antibodies being passed to an unborn child through the placenta.
Action Tremor
Action Tremor refers to the tremor which is generally enhanced if the hand is moved voluntarily.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer; it is the development of cancer in the inner surface or lining of any organ.
Adenoma
Adenoma is a non-malignant epithelial growth or tumor in the tissues of a gland.
Aerobic Activity
Aerobic Activity is ased on or using the principles of aerobics; enhancing respiratory and circulatory efficiency.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative Medicine refers to the practice of medicine without the use of drugs; it may involve herbal medicines, self-awareness, biofeedback or acupuncture.
Amsler Grid
Amsler Grid is a chart used by doctors; this chart contains vertical and horizontal lines. These lines form a pattern of small boxes. Patients with macular degeneration that is age-related can use this chart to self-monitor their vision.
Chapter 2
B
Balance Disorder
Balance Disorder refers to a kind of deficiency in ears. It is a disorder in the labyrinth, or the internal organ in the ear, which controls the system of balance and lets humans know how their bodies are positioned in relation to the environment.
Balloon Angioplasty
Balloon Angioplasty is a technical and specialized procedure in medical science; it is used for widening arteries which are narrowed. A catheter, which has a deflated balloon attached to its tip, is inserted in that part of the artery that is narrowed, and is then inflated. This results in dilating the artery.
Barium
Barium is a chalk-like, chemical, metallic liquid; it is used for coating the inner parts of organs so that they become visible on x-ray pictures.