Mid-Term Word Bank

angi/o means blood vessel

arthr/o means joint

the invasion of the body by a pathogenic (disease producing) organism; the infection can remain localized (near the point of entry) or can be systemic (affecting the entire body)

describes the specialized mucous membranes that line the body cavities

arteri/o means artery

ather/o means plaque or fatty substance

also known as stomach ache, means pain in the stomach (gastr means stomach, and -algia means pain)

an inflammation of the stomach (gastr means stomach, and -itis means inflammation)

(gas-TROH-sis) means any disease of the stomach (gastr means stomach, and -osis means abnormal condition or disease)

a male gland that lies under the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra

means the process of recording

means a picture or record

means specialist

the identification of a dis- ease (plural, diagnoses)

means situated farthest from the midline or beginning of a body structure

refers to the ongoing presence of a disease within a population, group, or area (en- means within, dem means population, and -ic means pertaining to) i.e. the common cold is endemic because it is always present within the general population

a vertical plane that divides the body into unequal left and right portions

a fused double layer of the parietal peritoneum that attaches parts of the intestine to the interior abdominal wall

describes the body assuming that the individual is standing in the standard position that includes: (1) standing up straight so that the body is erect and facing forward (2) arms at the sides with the palms turned toward the front

means the direction toward or nearer the side and away from the midline

a sudden and widespread outbreak of a disease within a specific population group or area (epi- means above, dem means population, and -ic means pertaining to) i.e. a sudden widespread outbreak of measles is an epidemic

a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions; also known as the coronal plane, it is located at right angles to the sagittal plane

which is commonly known as the belly button or navel

an unfavorable response due to prescribed medical treatment i.e. severe burns resulting from radiation therapy are iatrogenic

means the direction toward, or nearer, the midline

a flat crosswise plane, such as the horizon

located above the stomach (epi- means above, gastr means stomach, and -ic means pertaining to)

an illness without known cause (idi/o means peculiar to the individual, path means disease, and -ic means pertain- ing to)

means situated nearest the midline or beginning of a body structure

refers to an outbreak of a disease occurring over a large geographic area, possibly worldwide (pan- means entire, dem means population, and -ic means pertaining to) i.e. the worldwide spread of AIDS is pandemic

are located on the left and right sides of the body and are covered by the lower ribs (hypo- means below, chondr/i means cartilage, and -ac means pertaining to)

are unspecialized cells that are able to renew themselves for long periods of time by cell division

a group of hereditary bleeding disorders in which a blood-clotting factor is missing; this blood coagulation disorder is characterized by spontaneous hemorrhages or severe bleeding following an injury

a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions; transverse plane can be at the waist or at any other level across the body

are located on the left and right sides over the hip bones (ili means hip bone, and -ac mean pertaining to); the iliac region is named for the wide portion of the hip bone

a disease acquired in a hospital or clinical setting

contains primarily the major organs of digestion; this cavity is frequently referred to simply as the abdomen

a genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child; this degeneration eventually results in uncontrolled move- ments and the loss of some mental abilities

(1) red bone marrow is located within the spongy bone, is hemopoietic tissue that manufactures red blood cells (2) yellow bone marrow, which functions as a fat storage area, is composed chiefly of fat cells and is located in the medullary cavity

are located on the left and right sides near the inward curve of the spine (lumb means lower back, and -ar means pertaining to)

is located along the back of the body and head, contains organs of the nervous system that coordinate body functions and is divided into two portions: (1) cranial cavity (2) spinal cavity

which is commonly known as PKU, is a genetic disorder in which the essential digestive enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase is missing; without early detection and treatment, PKU causes severe mental retardation

Paget’s disease (PAJ-its), also known as osteitis deformans, is a bone disease of unknown cause

which protects internal organs and supports the lower extremities, is also known as the pelvis or hips ;the pelvis is a cup-shaped ring of bone at the lower end of the trunk that consists of the ilium, ischium, and pubis

a fatal genetic disorder in which harmful quantities of a fatty substance build up in tissues and nerve cells in the brain; relentless deterioration of mental and physical abilities results in progressive blindness, paralysis, and early death

(blood forming) tissue of the donor’s bone marrow

the tissue that lines the medullary cavity (end- means within, oste means bone, and -um is a noun ending)

which is located along the front of the body, contains the body organs that maintain homeostasis; homeostasis (hoh-mee-oh-STAY-sis) is the processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment

this condition is characterized by the excessive breakdown of bone tissue, followed by abnormal bone formation; the new bone is structurally enlarged, but weakened and filled with new blood vessels

a diagnostic test that may be necessary after abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells are found in a complete blood count test

the tough, fibrous tissue that forms the outermost covering of bone (peri- means surrounding, oste means bone, and -um is a noun ending)

or incomplete fracture, is one in which the bone is bent and only partially broken; this type of fracture occurs primarily in children

the 12 pairs of ribs, which are also known as costals, attach posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae (cost means rib, and -al means pertaining to)

the surgical removal of a bursa (burs means the bursa, and -ectomy means surgical removal)

forms as a bulging deposit around the area of the break. This tissue eventually becomes bone; callus is also a thickening of the skin caused by repeated rubbing

also known as manipulation, is the attempted realignment of the bone involved in a fracture or joint dislocation

the smooth, rubbery, blue-white connective tissue that acts as a shock absorber between bones

a marked loss of bone density and an increase in bone porosity that is frequently associated with aging (oste/o means bone, por means small opening, and -osis means abnormal condition or disease)

an inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone; the bacterial infection that causes osteomyelitis often originates in another part of the body and spreads to the bone via the blood

also known as stabilization, is the act of holding, suturing, or fastening the bone in a fixed position with strapping or a cast

means pertaining to the relationship between nerve and muscle (neur/o means nerve, muscul means muscle, and -ar means pertaining to)

also known as hyperactivity, is abnormally increased muscle function or activity (hyper- means excessive, kines means movement, and -ia means condition)

also known as immobilization, is the act of holding, suturing, or fastening the bone in a fixed position with strapping or a cast

an inflammation of the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot; this condition causes foot or heel pain when walking or running

also known as a tenonectomy, is the surgical resection of a portion of a tendon or tendon sheath (ten means tendon, and -ectomy means surgical removal); the term resection describes the removal of tissue or part or all of an organ by surgery

slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body (hemi- means half, and -paresis means partial or incomplete paralysis)

referred to as muscular dystrophies; this general term describes a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement, without affecting the nervous system

means lacking normal muscle tone or strength (a- means without, ton means tone, and -ic means pertaining to)

the surgical suturing of the end of a tendon to a bone (ten/o means tendon, and -desis means to bind or tie together)

total paralysis affecting only one side of the body (hemi- means half, and -plegia means paralysis)

also known as a tenonectomy, is the surgical resection of a portion of a tendon or tendon sheath (ten means tendon, and -ectomy means surgical removal)

also known as partial ataxia, is a mild form of ataxia (dys- means bad, tax means coordination, and -ia means condition)

also known as tendolysis, is the release of a tendon from adhesions (ten/o means tendon, and -lysis means to set free)

hemiplegia is known as a hemiplegic. Contrast with hemiparesis.

n Paraplegia (par-ah-PLEE-jee-ah) is

also known as an anticholingeric, is administered to suppress smooth muscle contrac- tions of the stomach, intestine, or bladder

is an involuntary response to a stimulus

a condition of abnormal muscle tone that causes the impairment of voluntary muscle movement (dys- means bad, ton means tone, and -ia means condition)

also known as tendi- noplasty, is the surgical repair of a tendon (ten/o means tendon, and -plasty means surgical repair)

paralysis of all four extremities (quadr/i means four, and -plegia means paralysis)

are tested with a reflex hammer that is used to strike a tendon

which occurs when the ventricles are relaxed, is the lowest pressure against the walls of an artery; the term diastole means relaxation of the heart, and diastolic means pertaining to this relaxation phase

a neuromuscular disorder characterized by the slow relaxation of the muscles after a voluntary contraction (my/o means muscle, ton means tone, and -ia means condition)

any pathologic condition of the cellular elements of the blood (dys- means bad, and -crasia means a mixture or blending)

which is the more moveable attachment, is the place where the muscle ends by attaching to a bone or tendon

commonly known as high blood pressure, is the elevation of arterial blood pressure to a level that is likely to cause damage to the cardiovascular system

a localized weak spot, or balloon-like enlargement, of the wall of an artery; the rupture of an aneurysm can be fatal because of the rapid loss of blood

a type of cancer charac- terized by a progressive increase in the number of abnormal leukocytes (white blood cells) found in blood forming tissues, other organs, and in the circulating blood (leuk means white, and -emia means blood condition)

which is the less moveable attachment, is the place where the muscle begins; the origin is located nearest the midline of the body or on a less moveable part of the skeleton

ather means plaque

also known as digoxin, strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle, slows the heart rate, and helps eliminate fluid from body tissues; it is often used to treat heart failure or certain types of arrhythmias

is the act of rotating the arm or leg so that the palm of the hand or sole of the foot is turned downward or backward

is a weakness or slight muscular paralysis (my/o means muscle, and -paresis means partial or incomplete paralysis)

which occurs when the ventricles contract, is the highest pressure against the walls of an artery; the term systole means contraction of the heart, and systolic means pertain- ing to this contraction phase

the abnormal condition of having a thrombus (thromb means clot, and -osis means abnormal condition or disease) (plural, thromboses)

an inherited blood disorder that causes mild or severe anemia due to reduced hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells than normal; Cooley’s anemia is used to refer to any type of thalassemia that requires treatment with regular blood transfusions

a circular movement around an axis such as the shoulder joint (an axis is an imaginary line that runs lengthwise through the center of the body)

angina (an-JIH-nuh), also known as angina pectoris, is a condition of episodes of severe chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium; these episodes are due to ischemia of the heart muscle

a blood disorder characterized by anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal. This condition usually results from a deficiency of folic acid or of vitamin B12

a group of fibers located within the interventricular septum. These fibers carry an electrical impulse to ensure the sequence of the heart contractions; these electrical impulses travel onward to the right and left ventricles and the Purkinje fibers

hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries (ather/o means plaque or fatty substance, and -sclerosis means abnormal hardening)

a group of cardiac disabilities resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the heart (these diseases are usually associated with coronary artery disease); ischemic means pertaining to the disruption of the blood supply

a deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part; perfusion is the flow of blood through the vessels of an organ

also known as a heart attack, is the occlusion of one or more coronary arteries caused by plaque buildup; as used here, occlusion means total blockage

a small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites (plural, rickettsiae)

means in the place where the cancer first occurred

are spiral-shaped bacte- ria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement

a new cancer site that results from the spreading process (meta- means beyond, and -stasis means stopping)

unction of destroying worn-out red blood cells and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse (hem/o means blood, and -lytic means to destroy)

also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells

a group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes (singular, staphylococcus)

any change in vocal quality, including hoarseness, weakness, or the cracking of a boy’s voice during puberty (dys- means bad, phon means voice or sound, and -ia means abnormal condi- tion)

Hodgkin’s disease, is distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells

are bacteria that form a chain (singular, streptococcus)

the surgical puncture of the chest wall with a needle to obtain fluid from the pleural cavity (thor/a means chest, and -centesis means surgical puncture to remove fluid)

an inflammation of the larynx (laryng means larynx, and -itis means inflammation)

affects the intestines, ileum, or the colon

formerly known as moniliasis, is now also known as a yeast infection or thrush

a member of the herpesvirus family that cause a variety of diseases (cyt/o means cell, megal/o means large, vir means virus, and -us is a singular noun ending)

an acute respiratory syndrome in children and infants characterized by obstruction of the larynx, hoarseness, and a barking cough

paralysis of the larynx (laryng/o means larynx, and -plegia means paralysis)

affects the thyroid gland

used after the primary treatments have been completed to decrease the chance that a cancer will recur

which is also known as shingles, is an acute viral infection charact- erized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve; occurs when the dormant varicella (chicken- pox) virus is reactivated later in life

the sudden spasmodic closure of the larynx (laryng/o means larynx, and -spasm means a sudden involuntary contraction)

also known as mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); this condition is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes (swelling of the spleen or liver involvement can also develop)

also known as German measles or 3-day measles, is a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash

also known as the flu, is an acute, highly contagious viral respiratory infection that is spread by respiratory droplets and occurs most commonly in epidemics during the colder months

bleeding from the mucous membranes of the trachea (trache/o means trachea, and -rrhagia means bleeding)

affects the brain and spinal cord

which is the third division, is also shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems (laryng/o means larynx, and -pharynx means throat)

also known as chickenpox, is caused by the herpes virus Varicella zoster and is highly contagious

also known as whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that is characterized by recurrent bouts of a paroxysmal cough, followed by breathlessness, and a noisy inhale (paroxysmal means sudden or spasm-like)

also known as a sleep apnea study, measures physiological activity during sleep and is most often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea

the absence of oxygen from the body’s gases, blood, or tissues (an- means without, ox means oxygen, and -ia means abnormal condition)

also known as SIDS or crib death, is the sudden and unexplainable death of an apparently healthy sleeping infant between the ages of 2 weeks and 1 year

a contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles that tighten and squeeze the airway shut (bronch/o means bronchi, and -spasm means invol- untary contraction)

a genetic disorder in which the lungs and pancreas are clogged with large quantities of abnormally thick mucus

also known as suffocation, is any interruption of normal breathing resulting in asphyxia

the process by which completely digested nutrients are transported to the cells throughout the body

the surgical removal of the rectum (proct means rectum, and -ectomy means surgical removal)

which is the pigment produced from the destruction of hemoglobin, is released by the liver in bile

the protrusion of a small loop of bowel through a weak place in the lower abdominal wall or groin; this condition can be caused by obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or straining to pass a stool

the building up of body cells and substances from nutrients

the surgical fixation of a prolapsed rectum to an adjacent tissue or organ (proct/o means rectum, and -pexy means surgical fixation)

the rumbling noise caused by the movement of gas in the intestine

the telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part; this is a rare condition sometimes found in infants and young children

the breaking down of body cells or substances, releasing energy and carbon dioxide; catabolism is the opposite of anabolism

the surgical repair of the rectum (proct/o means rectum, and -plasty means surgical repair)

occurs when a portion of the intestine is constricted inside the hernia and its blood supply is cut off

the passage of black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools (melan means black or dark, and -a is a noun ending)

includes all of the processes involved in the body’s use of nutrients (metabol means change, and -ism means condition); it consists of two parts: anabolism and catabolism

an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications (the term bulimia means continuous, excessive hunger)

the twisting of the intestine on itself that causes an obstruction; volvulus is a condition that usually occurs in infancy

a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body into the stomach; this tube, which is placed permanently, provides nutrition for patients who cannot swallow or take sufficient nutrients by mouth

also known as cheilitis, is a disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth (cheil means lips, and -osis means abnormal condition or disease)

refers to the natural teeth arranged in the upper and lower jaws

the protrusion of a part or structure through the tissues that normally contain it

a condi- tion in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm (hiat means opening, and -al means pertaining to)

enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus (singular, varix); severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures

also known as cold sores or fever blisters, are blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue that are caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)

a surgical con- nection between two hollow or tubular structures (plural, anastomoses)

any disease of the mouth due to a fungus (stomat/o means mouth or oral cavity, myc means fungus, and -osis means abnormal condition or disease)

describes bleeding from any part of the mouth (stomat/o means mouth or oral cavity, and -rrhagia means bursting forth of blood)

the endoscopic examination of the interior of the rectum, sigmoid colon, and possibly a portion of the descending colon (sigmoid/o means sigmoid colon, and -scopy is the visual examination)

surgically makes the stomach smaller and causes food to bypass the first part of the small intestine; this procedure is not reversible

a surgical procedure to create an artificial opening between an organ and the body surface; this opening is called a stoma (ostomy can be used alone as a noun to describe a procedure or as a suffix with the word part that describes the organ involved)