Medical terms commonly used in clinical pharmacy practice

BATCH EBERS 2015 BSPh 4B

MEDICAL TERMS COMMONLY USED IN CLINICAL PHARMACY PRACTICE

A

ABSCESS -a local collection of pus in the tissue

ACIDOSIS -the depletion of alkaline reserve in the body

ACUTE -a sudden, poignant illness of short duration but with severe symptoms

ADDICTION -the state of being given up to some habit, as a drug habit

ADENITIS -inflammation of a gland

ADHESION -the normal joining of tissues by a fibrous band usually resulting from inflammation of injury

ADIPOSE -fatty

ADRENAL GLAND -a ductless gland at the upper end of the kidney

ALBUMIN -a protein substance found in animal and vegetable tissues

ALBUMINURIA -presence of albumin in the urine

ALIGNMENT -the state of being arranged in a line

ALIMENTARY CANAL -the passage leading from the mouth, the stomach and the intestines to the outer opening of the rectum

ALLERGY -an exaggerated sensitivity of an individual to a substance

ALLEVIATE -to lessen or make easier to endure

ALOPECIA -loss of hair from skin where it normally appears

ALVEOLI -air cells of the lungs

AMBULATORY -walking or able to walk

AMENORRHEA -absence or abnormal stoppage of menstruation

AMNESIA -loss of memory

AMPUTATION -cutting of an extremity or other part of the body

ANALGESIC -relieving pain

ANAPHYLAXIS -increased susceptibility or hypersensitivity to a drug following its parenteral injection

ANASTOMOSIS -the joining together of two normally distinct spaces or organs

ANEMIA -deficient quantity or quality of the blood

ANESTHETIC -a substance that produces loss of feeling or sensation

ANGINA PECTORIS -paroxysmal thoracic pain

ANKYLOSIS -abnormal consolidation of a joint which prevents motion

ANOMALY -a deviation from the normal

ANOREXIA -lack or loss of appetite

ANOXIA -a decrease of oxygen below the normal level in the body tissues

ANTHELMINTIC -an agent that destroys worms

ANTIBODY -a specific blood substance that neutralizes foreign bodies

ANTIDOTE -a remedy that will counteract or remove the effect of poison

ANTI-EMETIC -an agent that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting

ANTI-PYRETIC -an agent that relieves or reduces fever

ANTISEPTIC -a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms without necessarily destroying them

ANTISPASMODIC -an agent that relieves muscular pain

ANTITOXINS -substances found in the blood and other body fluids that counteract the harmful effect of toxins or the poisons to which they are allied with

ANURIA -total suppression of urine

APATHY -indifference

APEX -the bp. Point or end of anything

APHAGIA -inability to swallow

ABNORMAL -contrary to the usual structure, positions, or condition

ABRASION -a scraping or rubbing off the skin

APHASIA -inability to express oneself by speech or writing

APHONIA -loss of voice

APNEA -a temporary cessation of breathing

APOPLEXY -a paralysis commonly referred to as ”stroke” resulting from cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

ARRHYTHMIA -absence of rhythm particularly in relation to the abnormality in the rhythm of the heart

ARTERY -any one of the vessels through which the blood passes from the heart to all different parts of the body

ARTHRITIS -joint inflammation

ARTICULATION -the junction between two or more bones of the skeleton


ASCITES -escape of serous fluid or gas from a cavity by means of suction

ASEPTIC -free from disease or germs

ASPHYXIA -suffocation

ASPIRATION -withdrawal of fluid or gas from a cavity by means of suction

ASSIMILATION -the process of changing food into living tissue

ASTHMA -a disease marked by difficulty in breathing due to spasmodic contractions of the bronchial tubes

ATAXIA -irregularity of muscle coordination

ATONIC -lacking normal tone or strength

ATRESIA -a closing or congenital absence of a normal anatomic opening

ATROPHY -a decrease in size or wasting away of a cell, tissue, organ or part of the body

AUDIOMETER -an instrument to test the acuity of hearing

AURA -a subjective sensation experienced by a person prior to a seizure such as epileptic attack

AURAL -pertaining to the ear

AUSCULTATION -listening to sounds from within the body to determine abnormal conditions

B

BACTEREMIA -the presence of bacteria in the blood

BENIGN -doing no harm, not malignant

BILIARY -pertaining to bile, the liver, the gall bladder and the associated duct

BIOPSY -removal of a piece of a body tissue for diagnostic examination, usually microscopic

BLOOD PRESSURE -the pressure of the blood on the elastic walls to the arteries

BRADYCARDIA -abnormally slow heart action

BRIGHT’S DISEASE -a kidney disease accompanied by albumin in the urine

BRONCHITIS -inflammation of the bronchial tubes

BRONCHOSCOPE -a lighted instrument used for the examination of the interior of the bronchi

BUCCAL -pertaining to the cheek or mouth

C

CACHEXIA -a state of weakness and emaciation

CALCULUS -an abnormal concretion, usually composed of mineral salts, occurring within the body

CALLOSITY -a hardening and thickening of the skin

CANCER -exceedingly harmful. Usually rapid growth of cells

CARCINOMA -a cancer

CARDIAC -pertaining the heart

CARDIOGRAPH -an instrument for recording the action of the heart

CARRIER -an individual who harbours in his body the specific organisms of a disease without manifesting its symptoms and thus act as a distributor or transmitter of the infection

CARTILAGE -the bristle or white elastic substance attached to the bone surfaces at the joints

CAST -an appliance to render immovable, displaced or injured parts

CATHARTIC -a drug that stimulates the evacuation of intestinal waste, a purgative

CAUSALGIA -burning pain that may accompany nerve injury

CAVITY -a hollow space within the body or within one of its organ

CELL -the minute protoplasmic building unit of living matter

CEPHALIC -pertaining to the head

CERUMEN -earwax

CERVICAL -pertaining to the neck or cervix of any structure

CHANCRE -the primary lesion of syphilis

CHEMOTHERAPY -the use of chemical agents to treat disease

CHOLESTASIS -stoppage of bile flow

CHOREA -“St. Vitus Dance” a nervous disease characterized by involuntary jerking muscle movements

CHYLE -a fluid consisting of lymph and emulsified fats as the result of digestion in the intestine

CHYME -a thick greyish liquid that is a result of digestion on the intestine

CILIATED -provided with fringe or hair-like structures

CIRRHOSIS -chronic inflammation and degeneration of an organ especially the liver

CLAVICLE -the collar bone

COLIC -acute abdominal pain

COLITIS -inflammation of the colon


D

DELIRIUM -a mental disturbance, usually temporary, marked by cerebral excitement, wandering speech, illusions and hallucinations

DEMENTIA -deterioration of mental capacity

DEMULCENT -a bland, soothing medication or application

DENDRON -a branch of nerve cell

DEPILATORY -a preparation for removing superfluous hair

DEPRESSION -lowered mental and physical activity

DERMATOLOGY -a branch of medicine dealing with disease of skin and skeletal muscles

DERMIS -the true skin

DESQUAMATION -the shedding or scaling of the skin or cuticle

DIAGNOSIS -the recognition of a disease by its signs and symptoms

DIAPHORESIS -profuse perspiration

DIAPHRAGM -the muscular partition between the thoracic and abdominal cavities

DIARRHEA -abnormal frequency and fluidity of discharges from the intestines

DIATHERMY -the generation of heat in the body tissues due to resistance by the tissues to high frequency electric currents forced through them

E

EMBOLUS -a clot or portion of a clot that has broken away from its site of origin and flows freely in the circulatory until it lodges in a narrow vessel

EMBOLISM -an obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot of blood

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM -a graphic tracing of an electric current produced by the contractions of the heart veins of anal region

EMBRYO -a term applied to the unborn child from conception to about the third month of pregnancy

EMESIS -the act of vomiting

EMETIC -an agent that causes vomiting

EMPYEMA -collection of pus in the body cavity

ENCEPHALITIS -inflammation of the brain

ENDOCRINE GLANDS -ductless glands, glands of internal secretion

ENTERITIS -inflammation of the intestines

ENUCLEATION -the surgical removal of the eyeball

ENURESIS -involuntary discharge of urine, usually during sleep

EPIDEMIC -widespread disease in the certain geographic region

EPIDERMIS -outermost layer of the skin

EPIGLOTTIS -a thin plate of yellow elastic cartilage that closes to protect the larynx during swallowing

EPILEPSY -a chronic disease marked by attacks of convulsions

EPINEPHRINE -the active principle of the medulla of the adrenal ***, it acts to slow heart and increase blood pressure

EPISTAXIS -nosebleed

EQUILIBRIUM -a state of balance

ERUCTATION -forceful expulsion of air from the stomach, known as belching

ERYTHEMA -redness of the skin due to congestion of the capillaries

ERYTHROCYTES -yellowish, circular, concave disks, found in the blood which contain haemoglobin and carry oxygen

ETHMOID -sieve-like

ETIOLOGY -the sum knowledge regarding the cause of the disease

EUPHORIA -a general feeling of comfort and well-being

EUSTACHIAN TUBE -the passage from the throat to the middle ear

EUTHANASIA -an easy or painless death often referred to as “mercy killing”

EVISCERATION -the removal of abdominal organs, or the protrusion of the intestines through an abdominal wound

EXCORIATION -the removal of pieces of skin as a result of scratching or scraping

EXCRETED -thrown off, as waste matter, or by normal discharge

EXPECTORATION -spitting out mucus or other fluid from the lungs and the throat

EXPIRATION -exhaling air from the lungs, a term sometimes used to refer to death


EXUDATE -material that has escaped from the blood vessels and is deposited in the tissues or on tissue surfaces

F

FAINT -loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood in the brain

FATIGUE -weariness resulting from overexertion of the body or in the mind

FEBRILE -pertaining to fever

FECES -the residue from the digested food, which is discharged from the intestines

FESTER -to suppurate superficially (as in a festering wound)

FETIC -having disagreeable odor

FETUS -a term applied to the unborn child after the third month of pregnancy

FEVER -abnormally high body temperature

FIBROUS -composed of oil or containing fiber

FIMBRIATED -fringed

FLACCID -weak, lax, or lacking muscle tone

FLATUS -gas in the intestine or stomach

FLEX -to bend

FLUOROSCOPE -a device used for examining deep structures by means of the roentgen rays (x-ray)

FOREIGN BODY -any substance lodged in a place where it does not belong

FRACTURE -a break in the bone

FRICTION -rubbing

FUMIGATION -exposure to disinfecting fumes

FUNCTION -a normal action of a part of an organ or body

FUSION -the joining together of two adjacent parts or bodies

G

GAIT -a manner or style of walking

GALL -the bile

GANGRENE -the death of a part of a tissue

GASTRIC -pertaining to the stomach

GASTROENTOROLOGY -branch of medicine dealing with disease of the stomach or intestine

GASTROINTESTINAL -pertaining to the stomach or intestines

GAVAGE -passing food into the stomach through a tube

GENES -factors in the chromosomes that determine the hereditary characteristics

GERIATRICS -the branch of medicine that deals with old age and its related disease, including the psycho-social problems of senility

GERMICIDES -agents that kills germs

GERMS -pathogenic microorganism

GESTATION -the period of development of the individual from fertilization to birth

GLOMERULONEPHRITIS -renal disease with inflammation of the capillary loops in the glomeruli of the kidneys

GLOSSITIS -inflammation of the tongue

GLUTEAL -pertaining to the buttocks

GLYCOSURIA -presence of glucose or sugars in the urine

GOITER -an enlargement of the thyroid gland, causing a swelling in the front part of the neck

GONORRHEA -a contagious inflammatory condition of the genital mucous membrane

GRAFT -a piece of skin or other tissue from one part of the body which is implanted on another part

GRANULATION -the formation of fleshy tissue in the healing of wounds

GROIN -the lowest part of the abdominal wall where it joins the thigh

GYNECOLOGY -the science that treats diseases of women, particularly of the genital organs

H

HALLUCINATION -seeing, hearing, or feeling something when there is no objective stimulus

HELIOTHERAPY -disease by composing the body to the sun rays, particularly in the morning (between 6-7am)

HEMATEMESIS -vomiting of blood

HEMATOLOGY -the study of blood

HEMATOMA -a clot of extravasted blood

HEMATURIA -discharge of blood in the urine


HEMIPLEGIA -paralysis of side of the body

HEMACHROMATOSIS -a disorder of Iron metabolism with excessive deposits of iron in the body tissues, specially the liver, skin and pancreas (LSP*)

HEMOGLOBIN -the pigment of red blood cells that carries oxygen

HEMOPHILIA -a congenital condition characterized by delayed clotting of blood

HEMOPLYSIS -blood stained sputum or expectoration of blood

HEMORRHAGE -bleeding, an escape of blood from the arteries

HEMORRHOIDS -a distortion on the veins of the anal region

HEMOTHORAX -presence of blood in the pleural cavity

HEPATITIS -inflammation of the liver

HEREDITY -the inheritance of physical or mental characteristics from ancestors

HERNIA -the protrusion of a loop or knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening

HERPES -fever blisters, cold sores

HICCUP -an involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm caused by the irritation of the phrenic nerve, which produced a sharp, respiratory cough

HIRSUTISM -abnormal hairness particularly in women (eg, Menoxidil, (Dilantin), Phenytoin for anticonvulsant)

HORMONES -a chemical substance produced in an organ which is carried to an associated organ by the bloodstream, influencing its functional activity

HYDRONEPHROSIS -distention of the pelvis and calyces of the kidney with urine, as a result of obstruction of the ureters

HYDROTHERAPY -the use of water in the treatment of disease

HYDROTHORAX -the collection of watery fluid in the pleural cavity

HYPERALGESIA -increased sensitivity to pain

HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA -excess cholesterol in the blood

HYPEREMIA -excessive blood in the part of the body due to local or general relaxation of the arteries

HYPERGLYCEMIA -excess of glucose in the blood

HYPEROPIA -farsightedness

HYPERTENSION -chronic elevation of the blood pressure

HYPERTROPHY -a diseased enlargement of a part of the body or organ

HYPNOSIS -an artificially induced passive state resembling the trance

HYPNOTIC -an agent that produces sleep or drowsiness

HYPOCHONDRIA -a morbid anxiety about health

HYPODERMOCLYSIS -injection of fluids into the tissue under the skin

HYPOGLYCEMIA -an abnormally low amount of sugar in the blood

HYPOGONADISM -diminished activity of the testes and the ovaries

HYPOKALEMIA -a deficiency of potassium in the blood

HYPOMANIA -mania of the mild type

HYPOTENSION -chronic depression of the blood pressure

HYPOTHERMIA -a low body temperature which may be fatal

HYSTERIA -lack of emotional control or actions

HYSTERECTOMY -the surgical removal of the uterus

I

IDIOSYNCRACY -a personal peculiarity

ILEO-FEMORAL -pertaining to the ileum (last portion of the intestine) femur (thigh bone)

ILLUSION -a false impression or interpretation of sensory image

IMMOBILIZE -to prevent motion

IMMUNIZATION -protect against infection from any disease

IMPACTED -firmly wedged in place

INCISE -to cut

INCONTINENCE -the inability to control elimination of urine or feces

INCUBATION -the period of a disease between the implantation of pathogen and the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease

INDURATION -hardening of tissue

INFECTION -the invasion of the body by disease-producing agents with a resulting reaction to their presence and their toxins

INFLAMMATION -a condition resulting from the irritation in any part of the body, marked by pain, heat, redness and swelling


INHALATION -drawing air, vapors, fumes into the lungs

INHERENT -belonging to anything as a result of natural circumstance

INHIBITION -the partial or complete restraint of any process

INJECTION -forcing a liquid into a part of the body or into a body cavity

INOCULATION -introduction of virus or disease-producing microorganism into the body to give protection against certain disease

INSECTICIDE -an agent that is destructive to insects

INSIDIOUS -coming on in a stealthily manner

INSOMNIA -sleeplessness

INSULIN -substance produced by the pancreas which aids in the breakdown of carbohydrates

INTELLECT -thinking ability or understanding

INTERMITTENT -occurring at intervals

INTRAVENOUS -situated within the vein

INTUBATION -the insertion of a tube, as into the larynx (in diphtheria) to introduce air

INTUSSUSCEPTION -the telescoping or prolapsing of one part of the intestine into an adjacent part

INUNCTION -application or rubbing of an ointment on the skin

IRRIGATION -washing out by a stream of water or a solution

IRRITANT -an agent that causes stimulation or undue sensitiveness to any part of the body

ISCHEMIA -lack of blood flow to the part of the body

ISTHMUS -a narrow structure connecting two larger parts

J

JAUNDICE -a yellowish discoloration of the skin due to bile

JURISPRUDENCE -the application of study of legal principles

K

KELOID -a scar on the skin consisting of dense tissues, found often in the Negro race

KERATITIS -inflammation of the cornea

KETONURIA -presence of ketone bodies in the urine

KETOSIS -increase of ketone bodies in the body tissue and fluid

KOPLIK’S SPOTS -bright red spots in the mouth and throat in the early stages of measles

KYPHOSIS -an abnormal increase in the thoracic curvature of the spine giving a “hunchback” appearance

L

LACTEALS -lymph vessels in the intestines

LARYNGITIS -inflammation of the larynx

LATENT -a condition that is concealed or not manifested

LATERAL -pertaining to a side

LAVAGE -washing out of an organ, such as the stomach or bowel

LAXATIVE -mild cathartic that promotes evacuation of the intestines

LENS -a transparent crystalline structure in the eye that converges or scatters light rays to focus images on the retina

LENTIGO -small brownish pigmented areas on the skin due to an increase amount of melanin, commonly known as “freckles”

LESION -a break in the body tissue such as a swore or wound

LETHARGY -a state of stupor, dullness, indifference, lack of feeling

LEUKEMIA -a disease of the blood-forming organs characterized by uncontrolled increase in the number of leukocytes

LEUKOCYTOSIS -increase in the number of leukocytes

LEUKORRHEA -a whitish or yellowish viscid discharge from the vagina

LIGAMENT -a tough, fibrous band binding together bones supporting internal organs

LIGATE -to bind or tie with a ligature

LINIMENT -an oily preparation for rubbing on the skin

LIPOMA -a benign tumor composed of fatty tissues

LOCAL -limited to one part or place, not a general area

LOCHIA -vaginal discharge following childbirth

LORDOSIS -an abnormal increase in lumbar curvature of the spine, sometimes known as “swayback”


LUBRICANT -an oily substance that relieves irritation

LUMBAR REGION -that part of the back between the pelvis and the thorax

LUMEN -the cavity or channel within a tube or tubular region

LUPUS ERYTHOMATOSUS

-a skin disease with inflammation and red scaly patches that induces atrophy, superficial scar formation and follicular plugging

LYMPH -clear, colorless fluid carried by vessels that return fluid from the body tissues of the heart

LYMPHOCYTES -lymph cells, a variety of leukocytes

LYMPHOMA -any malignant condition of the lymphoid tissues

M

MALAISE -a vague feeling of bodily discomfort

MALIGNANT -deadly, tending to go from bad to worse

MALINGERING -a deliberate feigning or exaggeration of the symptoms of illness or injury, usually to arouse sympathy

MALPRACTICE -injurious or faulty treatment that results in injury loss or damage

MANIA -a disordered mental state of extreme excitement

MASTICATE -to chew food.

MASTITIS -inflammation of the breast

MASTOIDITIS -inflammation of the mastoid bone

MATURATION -the process of ripening or becoming fully developed

MEATUS -an opening to some passageway in the body

MECONIUM -a dark green or black fecal substances in the intestine of the full green fetus or new born infant

MEDIAL -midline of the body or nearest to that midline

MEMBRANE -a thin layer of tissues covering a part or lining a body cavity

MENARCHE -the establishment of menstruation

MENINGES -the membranes that covers the brain and the spinal cord

MENINGITIS -inflammation of the meninges

N

NECROSIS -mental or psychic disorder characterized by fears, anxiety and compulsion

NEVUS -a congenital circumscribed discolored area of the skin, either vascular or nonvascular

NOCTURIA -excessive urination at night

NUTRITION -the process of using food for growth and development

O

OBESE -extremely fat

OBSTETRICS -branch of medicine dealing with pregnancy, labor and the puerperium

OINTMENT -a greasy semi-solid preparation for external use on the body

OLIGURIA -scanty secretion of urine

ONSET -the beginning of an illness when the first symptoms of disease appear

OOPHORECTOMY -the surgical removal an ovary or the ovaries

OPTHALMOLOGIST -a physician who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the eye

OPIATE -a drug containing or derivd from opium

OPTICIAN -one who grinds lenses and fits eyeglasses

OPTOMETRIST -one who measures vision and prescribesglasses for visual defects

ORAL -pertaining to the mouth

ORCHITIS -inflammaion of th testicles

ORGAN -a group of body tissues having a particular function

ORIFICE -the entrance or outlet of any body cavity

ORTHOPEDICS -branch of surgery that deals with the correction of deformities and chronic diseases of the bones and joints

ORTHOPNEA -difficulty in breathing relieved only by sitting or standing erect

ORTHOSIS -straightening of a deformity

OSSEUS -bone-like structure; pertaining to the bone

OSTEOARTHRITIS -a degenerative joint disease

OSTEOMALACIA -bone degradation due to lack of calcium


OSTEOPOROSIS -a bone disorder caused by loss of minerals

OSTEOSCLEROSIS -a spongy bone formation in the labyrinth of the ear

P

PALLOR -paleness, absence of skin pigments

PALPITATION -unduly rapid or throbbing heartbeat that can be sensed by the patient

PALSY -loss of motion (paralysis) in a part of the body

PANCYTOPENIA -deficiency of all cell elements of the blood

PAPULE -a small, circumscribed elevation of the skin

PARACENTESIS -the surgical puncture of a body cavity for the aspiration of body fluids

PARALYSIS -loss of motion or impairment of sensation in a part of a body

PARAPLEGIA -paralysis of the lower part of the body

PARASITES -plants or animals that lives upon or within another organism

PARENTERAL -not through the alimentary canal i.e., by intravenous injection or IV route

PARESIS -slight or incomplete paralysis

PARIETAL -pertaining to the walls of a cavity

PAROXYSM -a sudden periodic attack or recurrence of symptoms of a diseases

PARTURITION -the act of giving birth to a child

PASSIVE -submissive or not produced by active birth

PATELLA -the kneecap

PATENCY -the condition of being freely open PEDIATRICS -the branch of medicine that is concerned with children’s diseases PELLAGRA -a deficiency disease or syndrome caused by lack of Niacin

PERCUSSION -tapping a part of the body with short, sharp blows to elicit sounds or vibrations that aid in diagnosis

PERICARDIUM -the double membrane that envelops the heart PERIOSTEUM -a tough, fibrous membrane surrounding the bone PERIPHERAL -pertaining to the outward part of the bone PHYSICAL -pertaining to the body

PLACEBO -an inactive or non-medicinal substance given in place of a medication to gratify a patient without his knowledge of its actual physiologic, therapeutic value

PLACENTA -organ developed in the uterus to which the embryo is attached via the umbilical cord and from which it receives its nourishment

PODIATRIST -one who diagnosis and treats foot disorders

POLIOMYELITIS -an acute viral disease involving the spinal cord, commonly known as “infantile paralysis”

POLLINOSIS -an allergic body reaction due to air-borne pollen POLYCYTHEMIA -abnormal increase in the number of erythrocytes in the blood “Erythrocytosis” POLYDEPSIA -excessive thirst

POLYMENORRHEA -abnormally frequent menstruation

POLYP -a small protruding growth on a pedicle extending from a mucous membrane

POLYPHAGIA -an abnormal craving for all kinds of food

POLYURIA -excessive urination

POSTPARTUM -after childbirth or delivery

POULTICE -a soft, moist hot mass applied to the skin

PRESBYOPIA -farsightedness associated with the impairment of vision due to the aging process

PRENATAL -existing or occurring before birth

PROCESS -a prominence or projection, as of the end of a bone

PROTOSCOPE -an instrument used for inspecting the rectum

PROGNOSIS -judging in advance the probable duration , course and termination of a disease

PROPHYLAXIS -prevention of a disease

PROSTHESIS -the replacement of a missing part of a body by an artificial substitute

PROSTRATION -extreme exhaustion

PROTHROMBIN -a substance thought to exist in the blood, which can changed to thrombin

PRURITIS -intense itching

PSYCHIATRIST -a physician who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the psyche or mind

PSYCHOLOGY -the science that deals with the mental process and their affects upon behavior


PSYCHOSIS -a mental disturbance in which there is personality disintegration and an escape into reality

PLOSIS -a drooping or sagging of an organ or part from the normal position

PUNCTURE -a small elevation of the skin filled with pus or lymph

PURULENT -consisting of or secreting pus

PUS -a yellowish secretion formed in certain kinds of inflammation, consisting of albuminous substance, a thin fluid, and leukocytes or their remains

PUSTULE -a small elevation of the skin filled with pus or lymph

PYELITIS -inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney

PYEMIA -the presence of pus forming organisms in the blood

PYLORUS -the opening of the stomach into the duodenal portion of the intestines

PYOGENIC -producing pus

PYROSIS -a burning sensation in the stomach and the esophagus commonly known as “heartburn”

PYURIA -the presence of pus in the urine

Q

QUADRIPLEGIA -paralysis of all four extremities

QUARANTINE -a period of detention or isolation as a result of suspected contagion of a communicable disease

QUICKENING -the first movements of the fetus felt in pregnancy usually occurring from the 16th to the 16th week

R

RADIALE -to diverge or spread from a common central point

RADIUM -a metallic element that gives off rays used in treating malignancies

RASH -a superficial eruption of the skin

REACTION -action in response to some influence or force

RECTUM -the distal portion of the large intestine between the sigmoid colon and the anal canal

RECUMBENT -lying down

RECUPERATE -to recover health or gain strength after an illness

RECURRENCE -the return of symptoms after their remission

REFLEX -an automatic response to a given stimulus

REGURGITATION -the return of food from the stomach soon after eating, without ordinary efforts of vomiting

REHABILITATION -the restoration of an ill or injures patient to self-sufficiency or to gainful employment at his

highest attainable skill in the shortest possible time

RELAPSE -recurrence of former symptoms during convalescence

REMISSION -the lessening in severity or subsiding the symptoms of an illness

RESECTION -excision of a portion of an organ or structure such as bones

RESISTANCE -the power of the body to overcome the ill effects of injurious agents, such as pathogenic

microorganisms, poisons, or irritants

RETENTION -the holding or keeping within the body matters that are usually expelled, such as urine, as in

retention of urine

RHEUMATOLOGY -the study of diseases of muscle, tendon, joint, bones or nerves (rheumatic disease)

RHINITIS -inflammation of the mucus membrane lining the nasal cavity

RICKETTS -a disease due to vitamin D deficiency in the diet

RIGOR MORTIS -the stiffening of the muscles after death

RUBEOLA -measles

S

SAC -a bag-like organ or structure; a pouch

SACRUM -triangular bone of the lower spine

SARCOMA -a type of tumor, often malignant, composed of a substance like embryonic connective tissues

SATURATED -pertaining to a solution in which no more of a substance can be dissolved

SCOLIOSIS -lateral curvature of the normally straight vertical line of the spine

SCURVY -a nutritional disease caused by an insufficient amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet

SEBACEOUS -pertaining to sebum

SEBORRHEA -an increase in the secretion of the sebaceous glands

SEBUM -an oily, fatty secretion from the sebaceous glands


SEDATIVE -agent that allay activity and excitement

SEGMENTATION -the division into smaller parts, such as that which occurs in the zygote

SENILITY -a progressive feebleness of the body and mind generally associated with aging

SEPTICEMIA -a systemic disease produced by pathogenic bacteria in the blood

SEPTUM -a dividing wall between two cavities

SERA -the clear portion of the blood; the clear liquid that separates from the blood after clotting; serum (plural)

SHOCK -depression of the body functions due to the failure of the circulation

SINUS -a cavity

SMEAR -a specimen for microscopic study made by spreading infected material on the glass slide

SOMATIC -pertaining to the body

SOMNABULISM -sleep-walking

SORDES -the foul, dark matter that collects around the teeth and lips in low fevers

SPASM -a sudden muscular contraction

SPECIMEN -a sample

SPHINCTER -a circular muscle that closes a natural entrance or outlet to a cavity

SPLINT -an appliance for fixation of displaced or movable parts

SPUTUM -matter ejected from the respiratory tract through the mouth

STASIS -a stoppage or stagnation of the flow of fluid in any art of the body

STERILE -the absence of microorganisms

STETHOSCOPE -an instrument used to listen to internal body sounds

STIMULANT -any agent that produces an increase in the activity in the body or one of its parts

STOMA -small opening on a free surface, such as pore; an artificially created opening between a body cavity and the surface of the body

STOOL -feces; solid to semi-solid waste matter

STRABISMUS -a squint; cross-eyed

STRICTURE -an abnormal narrowing of a passage

STROKE -a sudden paralysis of one or more parts of the body, also known as “apoplexy” or “cerebral vascular accident (CVA)”

STUPOR -reduced responsiveness or partial consciousness

SUB-ACUTE -between an acute or chronic state, with some acute features

SUBCUTANEOUS -beneath the skin

SUPPRESSION -a sudden stoppage of a secretion

SUPPURATION -the formation of pus

SUSCEPTIBLE -having little resistance

SUTURE -a surgical stitch or seam; also the line junction of the cranial bones

SYMPATHECTOMY -an excision of a portion of a sympathetic nerve

SYMPTOM -functional evidence of a disease or of the patient’s condition

SYNCOPE -a temporary state of unconscious, commonly known as “fainting”

SYNDROME -a group of symptoms that occur together

SYNTHESIS -an artificial production of a compound

T

TABES DORSALIS -a progressive nervous disorder resulting from degeneration of the posterior spinal cord column

TACHYCARDIA -a rapid heartbeat

TACTILE -pertaining to touch

TAUT -tightly drawn

TENDON -fibrous tissue that attaches muscle of bone

TENSION -a stretch or strained condition

TEPID -moderately warm

TERMINAL -at the end

TETANUS -“lockjaw”; an acute infectious disease producing a toxin that causes persistent spasm due to disturbed calcium metabolism

TETANY -a condition of muscular spasm due to disturbed calcium metabolism

THERAPY -the treatment of disease

THORACOTOMY -a surgical incision of the wall of the thoracic cavity

THORAX -the chest


THROMBIN -the fibrin ferment of the blood; an enzyme present in shed blood but not circulating blood, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin

THROMBOEMBOLISM -obstruction of a blood vessel with a thrombus that has broken off from its site of origin

THROMBOLYTIC -pertaining to or responsible for the breaking up of a clot (thrombus)

THROMBOPHLEBITIS -inflammation of a vein prior to development of a thrombus

THROMBUS -a clot in the blood vessel or in a cavity of the heart

TINNITUS -a ringing noise in the ear

TISSUE -a group of similar specialized cells united to perform a special function

TOLERANCE -the ability to endure the continued use of the drug

TONE -a normal vigor or lension

TONUS -the slight, continuous contraction of muscle; in skeletal muscle, tonus aid in maintaining posture and returning blood to the heart

TOPICAL -pertaining to an external or local spot

TOURNIQUET -a device such as bandage, used to stop hemorrhage from an external wound by the compression of one or more blood vessels

TOXEMIA -general intoxication or poisoning due to absorptionof bacterial products (toxins) formed by some local infection

TOXIC -pertaining to poison

TOXIN -any poisonous substance of microbe, vegetable, mineral, or animal origin

TRACHEOSTOMY -incision into the trachea, often for insertion of a tube to facilitate respiration

TRANSECTION -a cross-section made by cutting across a long axis

TRANSFUSION -the introduction of whole blood, plasma substitute, or other injectable solutions directly into the bloodstream

TRANSMIT -to pass on

TRAUMA -a wound or injury

TUMOR -an abnormal new growth of tissue having no physiologic use which grows independently on its surrounding structures

TYMPANITIS -distension of the abdomen due to accumulation of gas

U

ULCER -an open sore on that external or internal surface of the body that causes the gradual disintegration of the tissue

UMBILICUS

-a small soar on the abdomen that makes the former attachment of the umbilical cord to the fetus

UNCONSCIOUS -a lack of awareness of the environment with an incapability to react to sensory stimuli

UREA -the end product of protein metabolism on the body and the chief nitrogenous substance found in urine

UREMIA -an accumulation in the blood of substance that should have been eliminated in the urine

URINALYSIS -analysis of urine

UROLOGY -the branch of medicine that deals with the urinary system in the female and genitourinary tract

URTICARIA -hives; an allergic reaction of the skin characterized by weals, which are often accompanied by severe itching

V

VACCINATION -the injection of killed or modified living organism for the purpose of treating or producing immunity to certain infectious disease

VALVE -a membranous structure in an orifice of passage that allows passage of contents on one direction only

VARICOSE VEIN -enlarge and twisted veins, usually occurring in the legs

VENIPUNCTURE -a puncture of the vein

VENISECTION -an incision of a vein

VERTIGO -a whirling sensation of oneself or of objects in the environment

VISCERA -the internal body organs, particularly referring to those in the abdominal cavity

VOID -to empty or cast out as waste matter

VOLATILE -tending to vaporize easily

VOLUNTARY -controlled by the will

VOMITUS -matter forcible expelled from the stomach through the mouth


W

WON -a sebaceous cyst

WEAL -a smooth, slightly elevated area on the skin, usually pale with a maddened periphery, which is often attended by severe itching

WOUND -an injury to any body structure caused by physical means

X

XANTHOSIS -a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, often the result of the ingestion of excessive carotene rich foods such as carrots and egg yolks

XEROSIS -abnormal dryness of the skin, conjunctive or mucous membranes

X-RAY -a ray that is able to penetrate most substances, used to make photographic plates of parts of the body and to treat diseases as well

Health & Medicine

Medical terms commonly used in clinical pharmacy practice