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Anti-
Against, opposite of
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Dys-
Bad, abnormal, painful, difficult
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Epi-
Upon, over, above, on top
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Hyper-
Excessive, abnormally high, above
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Hypo-
Deficient, abnormally low, below
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Multi-
Many, more than once, numerous
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Para-
Alongside, abnormal
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Poly-
Excessive, over, many
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Sub-
Under, beneath, below
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Trans-
Through, across, beyond
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Abdomin/o
Abdomen, abdominal cavity
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Cutane/o
Derm
Derm/o
Dermat/o
Skin
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Scler/o
Thick, hard, sclera
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-cele
Hernia, swelling, protrusion
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-centesis
Surgical puncture
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-desis
Surgical fixation, fusion
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-ectomy
Surgical exision, removal
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-graph
Instrument for recording
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-graphy
Recording process
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-logy
Study or science of
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-oma
Abnormal swelling, tumor
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-penia
Abnormal reduction in number, deficiency
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-phagia
Eating or swallowing
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-philia
Loving, affinity for
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-rrhagia
Condition of bleeding, hemorrhage
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-rrhea
Excessive discharge
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-sclerosis
Condition of hardening
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-scope
Instrument, used for viewing
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-scopy
Process of viewing
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-tripsy
Surgical crushing
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-capnia
Condition of carbon dioxide
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-spasm
Sudden, involuntary muscle contraction
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-pexy
Surgical fixation, suspension
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Anterior (Ventral)
Toward the front or belly side
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Distal
Away from the origin of attachment to the trunk
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Posterior (Dorsal)
Toward the back
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Inferior
Away from the head end or toward the lower part of the body
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Medial
Toward the midline, which is an imaginary vertical line down the middle of the body
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Superior
Toward the head end or upper part of the body
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Coronal Plane
A vertical plan passing through the body from side to side, dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions.
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Sagittal Plane
A vertical plane dividing the body into right and left portions.
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Transverse Plane
A horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior portions.
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Thoracic
Area of the chest
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Pathology
The study of disease
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Diagnosis
Identification of an illness
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Symptom
Experiences of the patient resulting from a disease
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Sign
A finding that can be discovered by an objective examination
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Acute
A disease of short duration, often with sharp or severe effect.
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Chronic
A term frequently used to describe diseases that are of long duration
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Prognosis
Prediction of the probably course of the disease and its probably outcome
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Abrasion
A common injury to the skin caused by scraping produces a superficial wound
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Comedo
Pimple; a local elevation of the skin arising from the buildup of oil from sebaceous (oil) glands
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Contusion
Bruise; a discoloration and swelling of the skin that is symptomatic of an injury, such as a blow to the body.
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Cyst
A closed sac or pouch on the surface of the skin that is filled with liquid or semisold material
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Jaundice
- Abnormal yellow coloration of the skin and eyes.
- A sign of liver or gallbladder disease
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Nevus
- A pigmented spot that is commonly called a mole.
- A sign of a benign tumer.
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Pallor
An abnormally pale color of the skin
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Uticaria
A common allergic skin reaction to medications, foods, infection, or injury produces small fluid filled skin elevations.
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Albinism
A genetica condition characterized by the reduction of the pigment melanin in the skin.
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Alopecia
A loss or lack of scalp hair is a clinical sign known as baldness.
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Ecchymosis
A condition of the skin caused by leaking blood vessels in the dermis, producing purplish patches of purpura larger in size than petechiae.
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Tinea Pedis
Ringworm that forms on the feet and is also known as athlete's foot.
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Biopsy (Bx)
A minor surgery involving the removal of tissue for evaluation.
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Rhytidectomy
Surgical removal of wrinkles.
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Kaposi's Sacrcoma
A form of skin cancer arising from the connective tissue of the dermis.
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Ataxia
The inability to coordinate muscles during a voluntary activity.
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Atrophy
Reduced muscle size
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-trophy
Process of development
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Ankylosis
The general disorder resulting in inflammation and degeneration of a joint.
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Eczema
A chronic form of dermatitis characterized by flakiness of the epidermis.
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Edema
Swelling due to leakage of fluid from the bloodstream into the interstitial space between body cells.
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Erythema
Any redness of the skin.
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Pruritus
Symptom of itchy skin
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Anaphylaxis
A reaction to an antigen that spreads quickly to cause bodywide inflammation, which can become life-threatening.
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Anemia
Reduced ability of red blood cells to deliver oxygen to tissues.
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Anticoagulant
A chemical agent that reduces the clotting process in blood.
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Communicable Disease
Disease capable of transmission from one person to another.
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Autoimmune Disease
A disease caused by a person's own immune respsone attacking otherwise healthy tissue.
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Dyscrasia
Any abnormal condition of the blood
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Idiopathic Disease
Disease that develops without a known or apparent cause.
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Nosocomial Infection
An infectious disease that is contracted during a hospital stay.
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Prophylaxis
A preventative treatment
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Sepsis
A systemwide disease caused by the presence of bacteria and their toxins in the ciruclating blood; also called septicemia.
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Sickle Cell Anemia
A type of anemia in which the hemoglobin is defective within cells, resulting in misshaped red blood cells that cause obstructions in blood vessels.
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Ischemia
Abnormally low flow of blood to tissues
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Stent
An artificial, usually plastic, scaffold that is used to anchor a surgical implant or graft.
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Anoxia
The absence of oxygen
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Asphyxia
Absence of respiratory ventilation, or suffocation.
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Aspiration
A procedure that removes fluid, air, or foreign bodies with suction.
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Asthma
Condition characterized by widespread narrowing of the bronchioles and formation of mucous plugs.
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Emphysema
Chronic lung disease characterized by dyspnea, chronic cough, barrel chest, and chronic hypoxemia and hypercapnia.
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Pertussis
Acute infectious disease that causes inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi with spasmodic coughing and commonly known as whooping cough because of the noise produced.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Emotional eating disorder in which the patient avoids food due to a compulsion to become thin in appearance.
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Ascites
An accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity that produces an enlarged abdomen.
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Cirrhosis
Chronic, progressive liver disease characterized by the gradual loss of liver cells and their replacement by fat and other forms of connective tissue.
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Cleft Palate
A congenital defect in which the bones supporting the roof of the mouth, or hard palate, fail to fuse during fetal development, leaving a space between the oral cavity and nasal cavity.
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Constipation
Infrequent or incomplete bowel movements.
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Flatulence
Gas expelled through the anus.
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GERD
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Recurring reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
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Glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue often caused by exposure to allergens, toxic substances, or extreme heat or cold
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Halitosis
Condition of bad breath
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Hemorrhoid
Varicose, or swollen, condition of the veins in the anus that produces painful swellings that may break open and bleed.
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IBS
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Chronic disease characterized by periodic disturbances of large intestinal (bowel) function without clear physical damage.
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Steatorrhea
Abnormal levels of fat in the feces, literally "discharge of fat."
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Diuresis
Exessive discharge of urine.
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Epispadias
A congenital defect that results in the abnormal positioning of the urinary meatus.
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Hematuria
The abnormal presence of blood in the urine.
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Hemodialysis
A procedure that pushes a patient's blood through permeable membranes within an instrument to artificially remove nitrogenous wastes and excess ions.
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IVP
- Intravenous Pyelogram
- A pyelogram of the renal pelvis which uses iodine as the contrast medium and is injected into the bloodstream.
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Lithotripsy
A surgical technique that applies concentrated sound waves to pulverize or crush (or dissolve) kidney stones.
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Nocturia
The need to urinate frequently at night
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Oliguria
Reduced urination
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Polyuria
Chronic excessive urination
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Stricture
Condition of abnormal narrowing
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Ureters
Paired, narrow tubes that conduct urine from each kidney to the posterior part of the urinary bladder.
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Urethra
A tube that conveys urine from the urinary bladder to the exterior, through the external urethral orifice (urinary meatus).
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Urinary Retention
Abnormal accumulation (or retention) of urine within the urinary bladder.
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UTI
- Urinary Tract Infection
- An infection of urinary organs, usually the urethra and urinary bladder.
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Abruptio Placentae
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
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Azoospermia
Absence of living sperm in semen.
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C-Section (Cesarean Section)
An alternative to the nonsurigcal birth of a child through the birth canal, birthing can be accomplished surgically by making an incision through the abdomen and uterus.
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D&C (Dilation and Curettage)
A common proceudre that is used for both diagnostic and treatment purposes invovling the widening of the cervial canal and scraping of the uterus lining.
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Episiotomy
An incision through the vulva and perineum to widen the vaginal orifice to prevent tearing during child birth.
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Preeclampsia
A circulatory disorder that places a pregnant woman and her child at risk; also called pregnancy-induced hypertension.
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PSA
- Prostate-Specific Antigen
- A clinical test that measures levels of the protein, prostate-specific antigen, in the blood.
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ADHD
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- A neurological disorder characterized by short attention span, poor concentration, and hyperactivity; usually associated with school-age children but can aslo affect adults and makes learning very difficult.
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Analgesics
A common form of pain management; includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.
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Astigmatism (Ast.)
A condition in which the curvature of the eye is defective, producing blurred vision.
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Bipolar Disease
A mental disorder characterized by alternating periods of high energy and mental confusion with low energy and mental depression.
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Cataracts
A condition in which the eye lens transparency is reduced.
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Concussion
An injury to soft tissue that results from a blow or violent shaking
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Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjuctiva
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CVA
- Cerebrovascular Accident
- Irreversible death of brain cells caused by inadequate blood supply to the brain.
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Diplopia
A condition of double vision
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EEG
- Electroencephalography
- A diagnostic procedure that records electrical impulses of the brain to measure brain activity.
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Glaucoma
A loss of vision caused by an increase in the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball.
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MRI
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses margnetics and computer enhancement to reveal details of internal structure and function.
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Myelitis
Inflammation of the spinal cord
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Otalgia
The symptom of pain in the ear.
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Otitis Media
A form of otitis in which the middle ear is involved to cause pain and a temporary loss of hearing
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Paresthesia
The abnormal sensation of numbness and tingling.
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Presbyopia
A reduction in vision due to age.
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Schizophrenia
A mental condition characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and extensive withdrawal.
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Syncope
A temporary loss of consciousness.
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Vertigo
A sensation of whirling motion
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Cretinism
A condition in which the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal levels of growth hormone.
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Diabetes Insipidus
A disease characterized by polydipsia and polyuria.
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Hirsutism
Excessive body hair
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Angina Pectoris
Chest pain that is a primary symptom of an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart.
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CHF
- Congestive Heart Failure
- A chronic form of heart disease characterized by the failure of the left ventricle to pump enough blood to supply systemic tissues and lungs.
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EKG
- Electrocardiogram
- Recorded data resulting from electrocardiography, a procedure in which electrodes are pasted to the skin of the chest to detect and measure the electrical events of the heart conduction system.
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MI
- Myocardial Infarction
- Death of a portion of the myocardium.
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ABG
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Clinical test to identify levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood.
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COPD
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- General term for several different forms of pulmonary obstruction, including chronic bronchitis, bronchospasm, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema.
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CABG
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
- A srugical procedure that involves removal of a blodd vessel from another part of the body and inserting it into the coronary circulation.
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Phlebotomist
A healthcare professional who performs a phlebotomy.
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-rhythmia
Condition of rhythm
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-tension
Process of pressure
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Alveol/o
Air sac, alveolus
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Laryng/o
Voice box, larynx
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Pharyng/o
Throat, pharynx
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Pneum/o, Pneumon/o
Air, lung
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Trache/o
Windpipe, trachea
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--rrhexia
Condition of a rupture
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An-
Without or absence of
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-spasm
Sudden involuntary muscle contraction
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-coniosis
Condition of dust
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Ventilation-Perfusion Scanning
A diagnostic tool that uses nuclear medicine, or the use of radioactive material, to evaluate pulmonary function.
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Esophag/o
Gullet, esophagus
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Pancreat/o
Sweetbread, pancreas
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-pepsia
Condition of digestion
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Polyp
- Any abnormal mass of tissue that projects inward from the wall of a hollow organ.
- "Small growth"
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Gingival
Pertaining to the gums
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Nasogastric Tube
Tube inserted into a patient's nose that extends through the esophagus to enter the stomach.
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Acute Renal Failure
A condition in which kidney function ceases
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Glomerul/o
Little ball, glomerulus
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-stenosis
Condition of narrowing
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Men/o
Mouth, menstruation
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Salping/o
Trumpet tube, fallopian tube
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Pap Smear
- Papanicolaou Smear
- A common diagnostic procedure that screeen fro precancerous cervical dysplasia and cervial cancer.
- It involves the gentle scraping of cells from the cervix and vagina followed by their microscopic examination.
- Named after Dr. George Papanicolaou
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Vaginal Speculum
- An instrument used during a gynecological exam.
- Used to open the vaginal orifice wide enough to permit visual examinatino of the vagina and cervix.
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Tubal Ligation
- The most common form of female sterilization as a contraceptive measure.
- The fallopian tubes are severed and closed to prevent the migration of sperm upward into the tube.
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Priapism
- An abnormally persistent erection of the penis, often accompanied by pain and tenderenss.
- Most common cause is drug overdose.
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Chlamydia
- The most common bacterial STI in North America
- Symptoms include urethral or vaginal discharge and pelvic pain among women, urethritis and proctitis in men, and inflammatin of the eye's conjunctiva in newborns that can lead to blindness.
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Gonorrhea
- An STI that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- It produces ulcerlike lesions on the mucous membranes and skin of the genital region and is characterized by urethral discharge.
- Term means "a flow of seed."
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Para-
Alongside or abnormal
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Schiz/o
To divide or split
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Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears
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-thyroidism
Condition of the thyroid
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Acromegaly
- Enlargement of bone structure.
- The enlargement causes disfigurement, especially in the hands and face, and is a sign of hypersecretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland during adulthood.
- Literally means "abnormally large extremity"
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Goiter
- A common symptom of thyroid gland disease is a swelling on the anterior side of the neck in the location of the thyroid gland.
- Its an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by a tumor; lack of iodine in the diet, or an infection.
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-calcemia
Condition of calcium in the blood
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Diabetes Mellitus
- The chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism.
- Has very little in common with diabetes insipidus.
- A result of resistance of body cells to insulin, or a deficiency or complete lack of insulin production by cells of the pancreas.
- Type 1 (less common, usually requires hormone replacement therapy with insulin and appears during childhood or adolescence)
- Type 2 (Usually be managed with dietary restrictions and regular exercise, and it can be controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs.
- Symptoms (polyuria, polydipsia, glycosuria)
- Type 2
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-dipsia
Condition of being thirsty
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-glycemia
Condition of sugar in the blood
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-gonadism
Condition of the gonads
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Glucose Tolerance Test
- A test that may be used to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus examines a patient's tolerance of glucose.
- The patient is given glucose either orally or intravenously, then at timed intervals blood samples are taken and glucose levels measured and recorded. Large fluctuations of blood sugar confirm the diagnosis of diabete mellitus.
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Postprandial
After a meal
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Grave's Disease
- Believed to be an autoimmune disease.
- Also known as hyperthyroidism.
- Excessive activity of the thyroid gland produces abnormally high levels of thyroid hormone.
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
A hormonal disturbance characterized by lack of ovulation (called anovulation), amenorrhhea, and infertility. Numerous ovarian cysts may develop, sometimes increasing the size of the ovary dramatically.
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Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
If unmanaged causes large fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to circulatory deficiencies that result in kidney damage called diabetic nephropathy, peripheral nerve damage as diabetic neuropathy, and a form of potentially sight-threatening damage to the eye called diabetic retinopathy.
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Constructed Terms
Made up of multiple word parts that are combined to form a new word.
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Nonconstructed Terms
Terms that are not formed from individual word parts.
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Prefix
- A word part that is affixed to the beginning of a word.
- Its purpose is to expand or enhance the meaning of the word
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Word Root
A word part that provides the primary meaning of the term.
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Suffix
- A word part that is affixed to the end of a word.
- Often indicates the word's part of speech or modifies the word's meaning.
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Combining Vowel
- Used when a word root requires a connecting vowel to add a suffix that begins with a consonant or another word root when forming a term.
- Does not add to or alter the meaning of the word root; it simply assists us in pronouncing a term.
- In most cases, the combining vowel is the letter "o", and in some cases it is the letter "i" or "e."
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Cardiovascular
Transport substances to and from body cells
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Lymphatic
Remove unwatned substances and recycle fluid to the blood.
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Respiratory
Exchange gases between the external environment and blood.
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Digestive
Prepare foods for absorption into the bloodstream, and eliminate solid wastes from the body
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Urinary
Remove nitrogenous wastes and excess water and salts from the bloodstream.
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Female Reproductive
Provide for creation of new individuals
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Male Reproductive
Provide for creation of new individuals
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Nervous
Control homeostasis by sensing changes in the environment, processing information, and intiating body responses.
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Endocrine
Control homeostasis by releasing hormones into the bloodstream, which alter body functions.
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Musculoskeletal
Muscles allow movement of body parts; bones and joints support and protect soft body parts, allow movement by forming attachments to muscles, store minerals, and form blood cells.
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Integumentary
Protect body from fluid loss and injury.
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