MEDICAL SPECIALTIES TERMS

MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
TERMS

Alcedo Eily
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL EXPERIMENTAL NACIONAL “FRANCISCO DE
MIRANDA”  /EXTENSION BARINAS.
Medical specialties terms

ANESTHESIOLOGY Induction. The initiation of general

Amnesia. Loss of memory and events
or sensations.
Analgesia: abolition of pain sensitivity
without loss of the remaining modes
of sensitivity.
Anesthesia. Partial or total reduction
of painful sensation. It can be induced
by different drugs or be part of a
neurological disease.
Anesthetic. Agent or substance that
produces anesthesia.
anesthesia with a drug for a specified
time.
Infusion. The gradual administration
of a drug for a specified time.
Intraoperative awareness. A rare
condition in which a patient under
general anesthesia can feel pain and
other noxious stimuli but is unable to
respond.
Intubation. The procedure consisting
of the introduction of an endotracheal
tube or artificial airway.

Antagonist. A drug that counteracts Local anesthesia. Drug that

the effects or physiological processes temporarily blocks nerve conduction
of other agents. at any level, when applied locally on
nerve tissue without modifying its
Anxiolytic. A drug that reduces anatomical structure.
anxiety.
Monitored anesthesia. It is the control
Bier’s block. A regional anesthetic of vital functions during regional
technique in which the agent is anesthesia for the patient’s safety and
injected into a vein. comfort.
Bolus injection. The dose of Regional block. Anesthesia of a
medication administered all at once specific area of the body achieved by
Continuous caudal analgesia. Method injecting an agent over a major nerve
of analgesia used in obstetrics or group of nerves.
consisting of continuous infusion of Retrograde amnesia. It is the inability
an analgesic solution into the sacral of the patient to remember events
canal. that occurred after the administration
Delirium. A state of confusion and of certain specific drugs, once the
disorientation. organism metallizes the agent, the
ability to remember returns.
General anesthesia. Anesthesia
associated with a state of Unconsciousness. A neurological state
unconsciousness. It is not a fixed state in which a person is unable to respond
of unconsciousness but a continuum to external stimuli. It can be induced
ranging from diminished by agents, trauma or disease.
responsiveness to total lack of
responsiveness.
Medical specialties terms
Sedative. An agent that induces a
state of sedation. The effects are dose
dependent.
BARIATRIC
Absorption. The process in which
digested food is absorbed by the
lower part of the small intestine into
the bloodstream.
Adipose. Tissue made up of mainly fat
cells.
Bariatric. A term having to do with
weight or weight reduction.
Body Mass Index (BMI). A method of
figuring out the degree of excess
weight, based on weight and height.
Certificate of Coverage. A document
provided by a health insurance
company that describes the details of
the plan’s policy, including
requirements for eligibility, benefits,
deductibles, maximums, and
exclusions of coverage.
Co-morbid Condition. This is a disease
or disorder related to a primary
condition.
Colon. The part of the large intestine
that starts at the end of the small
intestine and ends at the rectum.
Dumping Syndrome. An
uncomfortable episode of nausea,
lightheadedness, upset stomach,
vomiting, and/or diarrhea, related to
ingestion of high-sugar, high-fat foods
or liquids that can occur after certain
bariatric surgeries, such as gastric
bypass.
Duodenum. The first 12 inches of small
intestine immediately below the
stomach. Bile and pancreatic fluids
flow into the duodenum from the liver
and pancreas.
Excess Weight. Excess weight is the
difference between the patient’s
actual weight and a healthy weight.
Fully Insured Plan. A type of health
insurance plan in which the employer
pays a monthly premium for a
standardized health plan from an
insurance company that assumes all
risk and cost involved. The insurance
company generally makes coverage
decisions and must abide by state and
federal regulations.
Gastric. A term having to do with the
stomach.
Gastric Banding Surgery. In this
surgical procedure, a silicone band is
placed around the stomach, creating a
small pouch. The band is filled with a
nontoxic fluid, most commonly a
saline solution; adjustments are
performed by a healthcare
professional who accesses the balloon
via a subcutaneous port.
Gastric Bypass Surgery. During gastric
bypass, the operating surgeon uses
part of the stomach to form a small
stomach pouch and reroutes a part of
the small intestine. There are several
variations of gastric bypass surgery
including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,
extensive gastric bypass, and very
long-limb gastric bypass.
Gastrointestinal. This term describes
the entire digestive tract.
Hernia. A weakness in the tissue of
the abdominal wall that results in a
detectable bulge
Medical specialties terms
Ileum. The 10 feet of small intestine
responsible for absorption.
CARDIOLOGY
Aneurysm. A sac-like protrusion from
a blood vessel or the heart, resulting
from a weakening of the vessel wall or
heart muscle.
Angina. The medical term for chest
pain due to coronary heart disease, a
condition in which the heart muscle
doesn't receive enough blood,
resulting in pain in the chest.
Arrhythmia. (Dysrhythmia) An
abnormal rhythm of the heart.
Artery. Any one of a series of vessels
that carry blood from the heart to the
various parts of the body.
Blood Pressure The force or pressure
exerted by the heart in pumping
blood; pressure of the blood in the
arteries.
Bradycardia. Abnormally slow
heartbeat.
Bypass. Surgery that can improve
blood flow to the heart (or other
organs and tissues) by providing a
new route, or "bypass," around a
section of clogged or diseased artery.
Cardiac. Pertaining to the heart.
Cardiac Arrest. When the heart stops
beating.
Cardiac Catheterization. The process
of examining the heart by introducing
a thin tube (catheter) into a vein or
artery and passing it into the heart.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass. The process
by which a machine is used to do the
work of the heart and lungs so the
heart can be stopped during surgery.
Cardiovascular. Pertaining to the
heart and blood vessels.
Diastolic Blood Pressure. The blood
pressure inside the arteries when the
heart muscle is relaxed.
Diastolic Heart Failure. This occurs
when the heart has a problem
relaxing. The heart cannot properly fill
with blood because the muscle has
become stiff, losing its ability to relax.
This form may lead to fluid
accumulation, especially in the feet,
ankles, and legs
Echocardiography. A diagnostic
method in which pulses of sound are
transmitted into the body. The echoes
returning from the surfaces of the
heart and other structures are plotted
and recorded on electronic
equipment.
Edema. Abnormal fluid accumulation
in body tissues.
Endocarditis. An inflammation of the
inner lining of the heart or heart
valves.
Fibrillation. Rapid, uncoordinated
contractions of individual heart
muscle fibers. The heart chamber
involved can't contract all at once and
pumps blood ineffectively, if at all.
Heart Attack. Death of, or damage to,
part of the heart muscle due to an
insufficient blood supply.
Heart Failure. Loss of blood-pumping
ability by the heart.
High Blood Pressure. A chronic
increase in blood pressure above the
Medical specialties terms
normal range. The increase persists
over two or more measurements.
DERMATOLOGY
Abscess. A pus-containing skin
infection that occurs from bacteria or
parasites. Contact Dr. Miller for this
type of dermatological treatment.
Acanthosis. Involves thickening of the
skin, which results in papules and
plaques forming. Commonly treated
by a dermatologist.
Acanthosis Nigricans. A breakout of
hyperpigmented plaques and warty
papules in the axillae, groin, neck,
and/or anogenital region. Please visit
Dr. Miller’s dermatology office for this
kind of treatment.
Acne. A skin condition characterized
by blackheads, pimple outbreaks,
cysts, infected abscesses, and scarring
that is most commonly found on the
face, back, shoulders and chest.
Acne Vulgaris. A skin condition
resulting in whiteheads, blackheads,
and inflamed red pimples. Consult a
dermatologist for this type of skin
care treatment.
Bulla. A skin blister that is raised more
than .5 cm that contains serous fluid
above the dermis. Bulla is a condition
that can be treated by a certified
dermatologist or skin care
professional.
Bullous Pemphigoid. A skin disorder
producing large blisters. Bullous
Pemphigoid often occurs in the
elderly and is often chronic.
Basal Cell Carcinoma. The most
common, slow-growing form of skin
cancer where small bumps form on
the skin and may bleed.
Basal Cell Carcinoma. is derived from
cells in the basal cell layer of the lower
epidermis. A dermatologist will have
treatment options for this type of skin
disease.
Carbuncle/Furuncle. Also called
Furuncle, an acute, round, firm, and
tender boil on the skin. To treat this
type of skin condition please contact
Dr. Miller or your preferred
dermatologist of choice.
Cavernous Hemangioma. A raised, red
to purple sore on the skin due to a
buildup of blood vessels that can be
treated by a dermatologist or skin
care professional.
Cellulitis. A common deep skin
infection caused by bacteria resulting
in localized area inflammation.
Dermabrasion. A dermatological
procedure, performed by a
dermatologist to remove acne scars
or the like by abrading.
Dermatitis. A skin condition that is
inflammation of the skin from a
variety of skin conditions.
Dermatofibroma. A small, non-
cancerous red or brown bump in the
skin normally found on the legs
Ecchymosis: A non-blanching skin
discoloration due to the escape of
blood from ruptured blood vessels.
Consult a dermatologist for this type
of skin care treatment.
Eczema. is a chronic inflammatory skin
condition that results in itching,
scaling, and thickening of the skin,
Medical specialties terms
often associated with pruritus or
burning.
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Acromegaly. is a hormonal disorder
where the pituitary gland produces
excess amounts of growth hormone.
Adrenal Cortex. The adrenal cortex is
the outer portion of the adrenal gland
and it produces steroid hormones,
which regulate carbohydrate and fat
metabolism, and mineralocorticoid
hormones, which regulate salt and
water balance in the body.
Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). is a
hormone produced by the anterior
pituitary gland that stimulates the
adrenal cortex.
Amenorrhe. is the term used when a
woman or adolescent girl is not
having menstrual periods.
Androgens. are hormones that help
to develop sex organs in men. They
also contribute to sexual function in
men and women.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
(Enlarged Prostate). is non-cancerous
enlargement of the prostate gland, a
common occurrence in older men
Bioavailable testosterone. represents
the fraction of circulating
testosterone that readily enters cells
and better reflects the bioactivity of
testosterone than does the simple
measurement of serum total
testosterone.
Calcitonin. is a protein hormone
secreted by cells in the thyroid gland.
It inhibits cells that break down bone
and helps to regulate the blood’s
calcium and phosphate levels.
Cholecystokinin. Other wise known as
CCK or CCK-PZ, is able to improve
digestion and affects appetite
Diabetes. Is a disease in which blood
glucose levels are above normal. The
body of a person with diabetes either
doesn't make enough insulin or can't
use its own insulin as well as it should.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Is
the highest circulating steroid present
in the human body. It is a precursor
hormone that can be converted into
hormones such as testosterone and
estradiol.
Erectile dysfunction. Is the inability to
achieve penile erection or to maintain
an erection until ejaculation.
Erythropoietin Is a hormone directly
connected to red blood cell
production and maintenance. Low
levels of this hormone occur when
someone has chronic kidney diseases.
Free testosterone. is testosterone in
the body that is biologically active and
unbound to other molecules in the
body, such as sex hormone binding
globulin.
Gastrin. is a hormone the stomach
produces. When you eat, gastrin
stimulates the release of gastric acid,
an important part of the digestive
process.
Gonads. is an organ that produces
sperm and egg cells known as
gametes. The gonads in males are the
Medical specialties terms
testes, and the gonads in females are
the ovaries.
GENERAL SURGERY
Appendectomy. Is the surgical
removal of the appendix, a small tube
that branches off the large intestine,
to treat acute appendicitis.
Appendicitis is the acute inflammation
of this tube due to infection.
Breast biopsy. Is a diagnostic test
involving the removal of tissue or cells
for examination under a microscope.
This procedure is also used to remove
abnormal breast tissue..
Carotid endarterectomy. Is a surgical
procedure to remove blockage from
carotid arteries, the arteries located in
the neck that supply blood to the
brain. Left untreated, a blocked
carotid artery can lead to a stroke.
Cataract surgery. Cataracts cloud the
normally clear lens of the eyes.
Cataract surgery involves the removal
of the cloudy contents with
ultrasound waves. In some cases, the
entire lens is removed.
Cesarean section. (Also called a c-
section) is the surgical delivery of a
baby by an incision through the
mother's abdomen and uterus.
Dilation and curettage (also called D
& C). is a minor operation in which the
cervix is dilated (expanded) so that
the cervical canal and uterine lining
can be scraped with a curette (spoon-
shaped instrument).
Free skin graft. involves detaching
healthy skin from one part of the body
to repair areas of lost or damaged skin
in another part of the body. Skin
grafts are often performed as a result
of burns, injury, or surgical removal of
diseased skin
Hemorrhoidectomy. is the surgical
removal of hemorrhoids, distended
veins in the lower rectum or anus.
Hysterectomy. Is he surgical removal
of a woman's uterus. This may be
performed either through an
abdominal incision or vaginally.
Inguinal hernia repairs. are
protrusions of part of the intestine
into the muscles of the groin. Surgical
repair pulls the intestine back to its
original location.
Low back pain surgery. Can have
various causes, including abnormal
development of the backbone, stress
on the back, injury, or a physical
disorder that affects the bones of the
spine.
Mastectomy. Is the removal of all or
part of the breast.
Partial colectomy. Is the removal of
part of the large intestine (colon)
which may be performed to treat
cancer of the colon or long-term
ulcerative colitis.
Releasing of peritoneal adhesions.
The peritoneum is a two-layered
membrane that lines the wall of the
abdominal cavity and covers
abdominal organs. Sometimes, organs
begin to adhere to the peritoneum,
requiring surgery to detach them
Medical specialties terms
Tonsillectomy. is the surgical removal
of one or both tonsils. Tonsils are
located at the back of the mouth and
help fight infections.
GYNECOLOGY
Amenorrhea. This term references a
lack of or end to menstrual periods.
Anovulation. Medical professionals
use this word when a woman's
ovaries stop producing or releasing
eggs that are mature.
Atrophy, vaginal. This is when the
vaginal tissues shrink or thin due to a
lack of estrogen following
menopause, a condition that results in
painful intercourse.
Bartholin's cyst. This is a buildup of
mucus or an infection in one of the
major mucus producing glands close
to the opening of the vagina. The
condition causes swelling or pain and
is usually treated with surgical
draining.
Benign. This term refers to cell
growth that medical specialists deem
non-cancerous. Benign cell growth
does not make its way into nearby
tissue nor will it spread to other body
parts.
Cerclage. A cerclage is a round row of
stitches set inside the cervix to stop
dilation and ejection of a preterm
fetus.
Dysplasia. When dysplasia occurs,
abnormal cells have been detected on
the cervix or another area of the
genitals.
Endometriosis. This is a condition
involving tissue that resembles
endometrium. It develops outside of
the uterus. The tissue grows on or
close to the fallopian tubes, ovaries or
other parts of the pelvic region.
Fibroid. A common term that refers to
“leiomyoma,” which is a uterine
tumor that is benign. This type of
tumor is formed from uterine muscle
tissue. Fibroids can be painful, and
they may cause heavy bleeding
Genital herpes. This is a sexually
transmitted disease involving bumps
and sores. It is caused by the human
papillomavirus
Human papillomaviruses. A set of
viruses that cause warts. Some of
these kinds of viruses are transmitted
sexually. The virus is associated with
some cancers
Infertility. When a woman is infertile,
she is unable to have children.
Lymph nodes. These are small organs
that store bacteria trapping cells.
Lymph node clusters are located in
the groin, underarms, neck, abdomen
and chest.
Menopause. The time when
menstruation has ended.
Menses. This is the menstrual flow.
Ovaries. The ovaries are a woman's
reproductive organs. They are in the
pelvis.
Ovulation. This is when a woman's
body releases a mature egg from one
of the ovaries.
Sexually transmitted infection. This is
an infection that spreads via sexual
Medical specialties terms
intercourse as well as through other
sexual contact.
Uterus. The uterus is the organ
required to support the growth of a
baby. It is between the rectum and
the bladder.
HEMATOLOGY
Anisocytosis. Unequal size of red
cells. Reflected in increased red cell
distribution width (RDW).
Bands. The stage of neutrophil
maturation just before full
maturation. Named after the shape of
the nucleus. Increased numbers of
bands appear in infections.
Blasts. The earliest committed
marrow precursor of red and white
blood cells. This cell accumulates in
the bone marrow and blood in acute
leukemia.
CBC. Complete blood count. The most
commonly ordered laboratory test in
the hospital. Includes red cell number
and size, white blood cell and platelet
numbers.
CD34. This refers to an antigen
expressed on the surface of
hematopoietic stem cells. CD34
positive cells are capable of
reconstituting hematopoiesis.
DIC. Disseminated intravascular
coagulation. This condition is just like
it sounds and results in depletion of
coagulation factors and platelets.
Ferritin. A multimeric protein which
binds and stores iron within cells.
Hemolysis. This term refers to
processes which shorten red cell life
span.
Hypersegmentation. A descriptive
term referring to the number of
segments in a neutrophil nucleus.
Hypersegmentation is typically seen in
megaloblastic disorders.
Leukoerythroblastic .The presence of
nucleated red cells and early white cell
precursors in peripheral blood. This
picture suggests an infiltrative
(myelophthisic) process in the bone
marrow.
Macrocytosis.Large red cells.
MCV.Mean cell volume. Red cell
volume is measured in femtoliters, fl,
(10–15 liters).
MCH.Mean cell hemoglobin. The
quantity of hemoglobin contained in
the average red cell. This is measured
in picograms.
Pancytopenia. Decreased numbers of
all cell lines.
Philadelphia chromosome. A 9:22
chromosome translocation which is
found in chronic myelogenous
leukemia.
Poikilocytosis. Altered shape of cells.
Can be any shape.
Sickle cell. When sickle hemoglobin is
deoxygenated, it polymerizes and
forms a gel. This deforms the red cell
causing it to assume the characteristic
sickle shape.
Stem cell. These are the
hematopoietic precursor cells which
can differentiate into various cell
elements. These are the cells which
can reconstitute hematopoiesis.
WBC. White blood cell count
Medical specialties terms
Wright's stain. You've heard of the
Gram stain for bacteria? This is the
standard stain for peripheral blood
smears.
INFECTOLOGY
AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome). Disease caused by the HIV
virus. Results in a severely
compromised immune system, leaving
the host susceptible to even typically
harmless infections.
Airborne transmission. Transmission
of a pathogen through the air via
attachment to dust or tiny respiratory
droplets. Can remain in the air for
potentially long times and distances.
Antigen. Any molecule (usually
foreign to the host) that binds to the
antigen recepter site of antibodies,
stimulating the immune system.
Bacteriophage. Virus that infects
bacteria.
Botulism. Disease caused by the
botulinum toxin produced by the
bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Prevents muscle contraction.
Bubonic plague. Disease caused by
Yersinia pestis infection of the
lymphatic system. Causes lymph
nodes to swell resulting in ‘buboes’,
hence the name.
Cholera. A diarrheal disease caused by
the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Enters
via the mouth, affects the digestive
system, and is shed via faeces.
Cleaning. Removal of obvious stains
such as soil and organic matter.
Cohorting. Grouping contagious
patients together when single rooms
are unavailable.
Disinfection. Inactivation of non-
sporing infectious agents via heat or
chemical means.
Endemic. Infectious disease present at
a constant level within a region.
Epidemic. The increased incidence or
the emergence of a disease in a
region.
Epidemiology. The study of disease
patterns in populations.
Fomite. Non-living object that can be
contaminated and transfer
pathogens. E.g. tissues
Genome. A complete set of DNA or
RNA
Healthcare associated infection (HAI).
Infection acquired from a healthcare
setting such as a hospital.
Helminth. Parasitic worm. Is
multicellular and eukaryotic.
Infection. Disease caused by an
infectious agent (pathogen).
Pathogen invades the host and
replicates, causing an immune
response.
Infectious agent. An agent that can
cause infection. There are 6 classes:
viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa,
helminths, and prions.
Legionnaire’s Disease. Disease caused
by any type of Legionella bacteria.
Lysogenic viru. Viruses that disrupt
the host cell’s normal functioning.
Lytic virus. Viruses that kill the host
cell.
Medical specialties terms
Microorganisms. Tiny organisms that
cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Includes bacteria and protozoa.
Mould. The multicellular form of
fungi.
NEUROLOGY
Abduct. Move away from the saggittal
plane of the body
Abulia. Loss of will, impulse, and
decision-making ability
Acalculia. "inability to calculate" or
difficulty with arithmetic; may be the
result of damage to the angular gyrus
in the hemisphere dominant for
speech and language
Ataxia. Incoordination of movement
usually due to disease of cerebellar or
sensory pathways
Athetosis. involuntary, slow, writhing
movements
Atonía. Loss of muscle tone
Borderzone infarct. See watershed
infarct
Brachial. Relating to the arm
Brachium. anatomical structure
comprising a collection of axons that
resemble an arm
Caudal. toward the tail
Caudate. Portion of the basal ganglia
that lies in the floor of the lateral
ventricle
Cavernoma (cavernous malformation)
vascular malformations composed
primarily of large venous channels
without a clear-cut arterial component
Delirium. Anormal mental state
characterized by disorientation,
inattention, confusion, fear,
irritability, perceptual disturbance,
and fluctuating level of consciousness;
common with toxic and metabolic
disorders and acute febrile systemic
infections
Dementia. Acquired and sustained
loss of memory and other intellectual
functions that is of sufficient severity
to interfere with daily functioning
dementia pugilistica chronic traumatic
encephalopathy caused by cumulative
and repetitive head trauma and
manifesting as dementia and
parkinsonism
Encephalitis. Inflammation of brain
tissue
Encephalocele. Failure of bone fusion
in the posterior midline of the skull
resulting in a bony cleft through which
meninges and/or brain parenchyma
protrude encephalomalacia focal
softening of the brain in areas of
tissue death following cerebral
infarction, infection, trauma, etc
Fasciculation. Spontaneous firing of
an axon resulting in a visible twitch of
all the muscle fibers it contacts;
indicative of denervation
Festination. An involuntary tendency
to take short accelerating steps in
walking that can occur in Parkinson
disease
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Most
widely used scoring system to
quantify level of consciousness
following traumatic brain injury;
scores range from 3 to 15, based on
the sum of the best eye opening
response, the best verbal response,
and the best motor response
Medical specialties terms
Gemistocyte. Reactive astrocyte
having increased glial filaments and
glassy eosinophilic cytoplasm
ONCOLOGY
Adjuvant treatment. A treatment that
is given in addition to the primary
treatment to enhance its
effectiveness and reduce the chance
of the tumor recurring.
Applicator. A device used to hold a
radioactive source in place during
brachytherapy.
Beam films. Another term for port
films, beam films are pictures of the
position of the radiation beams used
to treat cancer. They are used to
verify the position of the beams and
confirm that treatment is delivered to
the right place.
Blocks. Pieces of metal alloy that can
be used to shape the radiation beam.
Brachytherapy. Internal radiation
therapy that involves placing
radioactive sources inside or adjacent
to the tumor. Learn more about
brachytherapy
Cancer. A group of diseases in which
abnormal cells divide uncontrollably,
forming a tumor or mass.
Catheter. A tube inserted into the
body that can be used to deliver
radiation during brachytherapy.
Clinical trials. Studies that test new
cancer therapies.
High-dose-rate remote afterloading
machine. A medical device that allows
radiation to be delivered into a
patient’s body through catheters
during brachytherapy.
Hyperfractionated radiation therapy.
A type of radiation therapy in which
the radiation doses are divided into
smaller amounts (hyperfractionation)
and patients undergo radiation
treatment more than once a day.
Hypofractionated radiation therapy.
A type of radiation therapy in which
patients undergo one or just a few
treatments
Immobilization device. A device that
is used to help a patient remain in the
same position during every treatment.
Implants. Another term for
brachytherapy, internal radiation
therapy involves placing radioactive
sources inside the patient close to or
in the tumor.
Intensity modulated radiation
therapy or IMRT. IMRT is a specialized
form of external beam therapy that
allows radiation to be shaped to fit
your tumor.
Metastases. Cancer that has spread
from one part of the body to another,
such as from the breast to the lymph
nodes or bones.
Monoclonal antibody. A type of
antibody that is created in the
laboratory.
MR or MRI scan. A magnetic
resonance imaging scan is a
procedure that uses a magnetic field
to create detailed pictures of the
body.
Medical specialties terms
Neutron beam therapy, A specialized
type of external beam radiation
therapy similar to proton therapy.
Palliative care/palliation. Treatment
that is intended to relieve symptoms,
but not cure disease.
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Amblyopia.also known as “lazy eye.”
Due to decreased function in one or
both eyes.
Anterior chamber. The fluid-filled
space between the cornea and iris.
Aqueous humor. The clear, watery
fluid between the cornea and the
front of the vitreous. The aqueous
humor bathes and nourishes the lens
and maintains pressure within the eye.
Cataract. A cloudy or opaque portion
of the eye’s crystalline lens that can
block vision.
Choroid. The thin layer of major blood
vessels that lies between the retina
and sclera. The choroid supplies the
retina with vital oxygen and nutrients.
It thickens at the front of the eye to
form the ciliary body.
Ciliary body. The ring of muscle fibers
that holds the lens of the eye. It also
helps control intraocular pressur
Diopter. A unit of measurement—
abbreviated as “D” on medical charts.
It measures the degree to which light
converges or diverges within the eye
or through a lens, such as an eyeglass
lens or contact lens.
Drusen. White or yellowish deposits
within the retina that commonly occur
after age 60.
Emmetropia (the normal eye). Light
focuses precisely on the retina, and
near and far objects are seen clearly.
Gene therapy. A therapy to replace
defective genes responsible for retinal
degenerations, such as macular
degeneration. This therapy currently is
under investigation in the laboratories
at the Emory Eye Center.
Glaucoma. A group of diseases that
result from increased intraocular
pressure, which can result in damage
to the optic nerve.
Intracorneal ring. A tiny, transparent
ring that can be inserted into the
periphery of the cornea to change its
shape and correct nearsightedness.
Intraocular lens. a plastic implant that
is used to replace the natural lens of
the eye
Lens. The almond-shaped, elastic
structure within the eye that focuses
images onto the retina. It is curved on
both its front and back surfaces; the
lens narrows or thickens to focus on
images at different distances.
Lensectomy. Surgical removal of the
lens. Often used to remove a cataract.
Presbyopia. Results when the lens
loses its elasticity due to aging.
Reading glasses are needed to discern
close-up objects and fine detail, such
as print.
Ptosis. A drooping of the upper eyelid.
Strabismus. Eye misalignment caused
by an imbalance in the muscles
holding the eyeball.
Trabecular meshwork. The series of
canals or tubes behind the iris that
Medical specialties terms

filters the aqueous humor and allows

it to drain into the bloodstream.
Vitrectomy. Surgical removal of the
vitreous, blood, and/or membranes
from the eye.
Medical specialties terms
PSYCHIATRY
Affect illusion. Illusions, or
misperceptions associated with or
based on changes with mood; for
example, at midnight a person may
take a shadow as a ghost, but in the
early part of night this may not be the
case.
Akataphasia. Refers to a syntactic
disturbance of speech resulting from
dissolution of logical ordering of
thoughts. It manifests as rambling
speech. Compare Derailment.
Akathisia. Akathisia refers to a
subjective feeling of restlessness in
the lower limbs that is related to
abnormal activity in the
extrapyramidal system in the brain,
often due to antipsychotic
medication.
Alexithymia. Alexithymia refers to an
inability to identify and describe
emotions in the self
Brain fag síndrome. Is an example of
a culture-bound syndrome. "Brain
fag" was once a common term for
mental exhaustion.
Bruxism. Refers to teeth grinding
behavior that is usually seen in
children.
Catalepsy. Is the term for catatonic
rigidity of the limbs which often
results in abnormal posturing for long
intervals.
Cataplexy. Involves a sudden loss of
muscle tone, and is generally
precipitated by a sudden emotional
response.
Defenestration. Normally means
being thrown out of a window. In
psychiatry, it refers to voluntarily
jumping out of a window, usually in
the context of attempted or
completed suicide.
Fantasy. Is imagining that expresses
desires and aims.
Fatuous affect. The moods of an
individual with fatuous affect
resemble the moods of a child. This
condition is seen in hebephrenic
schizophrenia.
Hyposchemazia. is characterized by
the reduced awareness of one's body
image and aschemazia by the absence
of it. These disorders can have many
varied causes such as physical injuries,
mental disorders, or mental or
physical states
Illusion. Is a false perception of a
detectable stimulus
Mania. is often mirrored as a minor
image of depression. Mania is a state
abnormally elevated arousal, affected,
and energy level.
Mitgehen. Is an extreme form of
mitmachen in which very slight
pressure leads to movement in any
direction, also called the "anglepoise"
effect or "anglepoise lamp sign"
Moria. Is the condition characterized
by euphoric behavior, such as frivolity
and the inability to act seriously. In
addition, there is a lack of foresight
and a general indifference.
Negativism. Resistance to attempts to
move the subject, who then does the
opposite of what is asked.
Medical specialties terms
TRAUMATOLOGY
Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS).
Injuries are ranked on a scale of 1 to 6,
with 1 being minor, 5 severe and 6 an
unsurvivable injury. This represents
the ‘threat to life’ associated with an
injury and is not meant to represent a
comprehensive measure of severity.
Advanced Trauma Life Support
(ATLS).A training program for medical
professionals in the management of
acute trauma cases, developed by the
American College of Surgeons.
Ambulation. Walking with braces
and/or crutches.
Angular deformity. Deformity of
limbs by angulation at joints or in the
bones themselves
Ankle brachial pressure index
(ABPI).The ratio of the blood pressure
in the lower legs to the blood
pressure in the arms. It is used for
decision-making in leg ulcer
assessment
Blunt trauma . A traumatic injury
caused by the application of
mechanical force to the body by a
blunt force, object or instrument or an
injury in which the body strikes a
surface such as a wall or the ground,
in which the skin was not penetrated.
Comminuted fracture. A fracture
in which the bone shatters into three
or more pieces.
Compound Fracture. A fracture in
which broken bone fragments
lacerate soft tissue and protrude
through an open wound in the skin.
This term is synonymous with ‘open
fracture
Crush injury. An injury by an object
that causes compression of the limb
or body.
Dislocation. Displacement of one or
more bones at a joint.
High-energy fracture. A fracture
resulting from a direct impact of
sufficient energy to cause disruption
of bone in anyone regardless of their
health or comorbidities. Examples are
a motor vehicle accident, a high-
height fall, or an industrial accident
Immobilised. The process of holding a
joint or bone in place with a splint,
cast or brace. This is done to prevent
an injured area from moving while it
heals.
Low energy fracture. A fracture
resulting from mechanical forces that
would not ordinarily lead to the bone
to fracture, for example, a fall from a
standing height. Low-energy fractures
may be more common in individuals
with bone fragility
Major trauma. Is defined as a
potentially life threatening injury or
injuries with the potential to cause the
loss of a major limb
Malunion. Consolidation of a
fracture in a position of deformity.
Muscle/joint contracture. A
permanent shortening of a muscle or
joint.
Oblique fracture. A fracture with
an angled pattern.
Medical specialties terms
THE METRIC SYSTEM.
MEASURES AND
ENGLISH.
UNITS OF LENGTH IN THE
U.S. SYSTEM
1 foot (ft) = 12 inches (in)
1 yard (yd) = 3 feet (ft)
1 yard (yd) = 36 inches (in)
1 mile (mi) = 5,280 feet (ft)
UNITS OF WEIGHT IN THE
U.S. SYSTEM
1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces (oz)
1 ton (T) = 2,000 pounds (lb)
UNITS OF VOLUME IN THE
U.S. SYSTEM
1 cubic foot (ft3 ) = 1,728
cubic inches (in3 )
1 cubic yard (yd3 ) = 27 cubic
feet (ft3 )
1 cord = 128 cubic feet (ft3 )
UNITS OF TEMPERATURE IN
THE U.S. SYSTEM
Kelvins (k)
Degrees Celsius (° c)
Degrees fahrenheit (° f)
METRIC. EQUIVALENTS.
UNITS OF LENGTH IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR
LENGTH
1,000 millimeters (mm) = 1 meter
100 centimeters (cm) = 1 meter 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
10 decimeters (dm) = 1 meter 1 meter = 3.28 feet
1 dekameter (dam) = 10 meters 1 mile = 1.61 km
1 hectometer (hm) = 100 meters 1 foot = 0.30 meters (m)
1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters 1 yard= 0.91 meters
1 km = 0.62 mi
UNITS OF WEIGHT IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR
WEIGHT
1 gram = the weight of a paper clip
1 gram = the weight of a raisin 1 ounce = 28.3 grams
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams (mg) 1 pound = 0.45 kg.
1 gram = 100 centigrams (cg)
1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams
1 metric ton (t) = 1,000 kilograms
UNITS OF VOLUME IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR
VOLUME
1 cc = 1 cm3
1 milliliter (mL) = 1 cm3 1 in3 = 16.39 mL
1 liter (L) = 1,000 millimeters (mL) 1 liter = 1.06 qt
1 hectoliter (hL) = 100 liters (mL) 1 gallon = 3.79 liters
1 kiloliter (kL) = 1,000 liters (L) 1 m3 = 35.31 ft3
1 quart = 0.95 L
UNITS OF TEMPERATURE IN THE SYSTEM TO SYSTEM
METRIC SYSTEM CONVERSIONS FOR
TEMPERATURE
Kelvins (k).
Kelvin / Celsius.
 Boiling point of wáter=
373.15 - Kelvins = degrees
Celsius + 273.15
 Melting point of ice=
273.15
Medical specialties terms

 Absolute zero= 0

- Degrees Celsius
Celsius (° c). kelvins – 273.15

 Boiling point of wáter=

Kelvins (k)
Degrees Celsius (° c)
Degrees fahrenheit (° f)
Fahrenheit (° f).
100
Fahrenheit / Celsius.
 Melting point of ice= 0
- Degrees Fahrenheit
 Absolute zero= -273.15 = degrees Celsius ×
1.8 + 32
- Degrees Celsius =
 Boiling point of wáter= (degrees
212 Fahrenheit – 32) /
1.8
 Melting point of ice= 32

 Absolute zero= -459.67

ENGLISH BRITISH VS. AMERICAN

DIFFERENCES BRITISH AMERICAN

- Our. - Or
Colour Color.
Humour Humor.
Flavour. Flavor.
- Tre. - ter

ENDINGS OF Theatre. Theater.

Centre. Center.
WORDS AND Metre. Meter.
VERBS - Nce - Nse
Defence. Defense.
Offence. Offense.
Licence. License.
- Elled, elling - Eled, eling

Travelled, travelling. Traveled, traveling.

Cancelled, cancelling. Canceled, canceling.
Labelled, labelling. Labeled, labeling.
Medical specialties terms

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PHRASES

BRITISH AMERICAN
I’m going to drink I’m going to drink some wine
some wine and have and have a chat with Patty
a chinwag with Patty

I’m knackered! It’s -I am very exhausted!

been a long day. -I am very tired!

I need the lood I need the restroom

I’m going to buy I’m going to buy some new

some new trainers shoes.

I like your jumper. I like your sweater. Where did

Where did you get it? you get it?

Would you like some Would you like some blood

black pudding with sausage with your eggs?
your eggs?

Let’s go shopping on Let’s go shopping on the Main

the High Street. Street.
Medical specialties terms

SUBSTANTIVE MEANING IN MEANING IN AMERICAN

S BRITISH

Bonnet Gorro, sombrero y Gorro, sombrero. Para ellos,

capó del coche capó seria  HOOD.
Billion Billón: un millón de Mil millones. La tendencia
millones actual es usar el término en
este sentido
Biscuit Galleta Tipo de bollo, la galleta seria
COOKIE
First floor Primer piso elevado,
por encima de una Planta baja
planta baja (ground
floor)
Gas Gas Gas y gasolina
Día de fiesta (public Día festivo conmemorativo
Holiday holiday, bank (Thanksgiving,
holiday). Holidays so Christmas). Vacation son las
n las vacaciones vacaciones
Overtime Horas extra En deportes, tiempo extra o
prórroga
Pants Calzoncillos Pantalones. Los calzoncillos
son UNDERPANTS O SHORT
S
Public school Colegio privado Escuela pública, estatal y
gratuita
Rubber Goma de borrar Preservativo o condón, en
lenguaje coloquial. Para
fines escolares, sería
ERASER
Subway Paso subterráneo Metro
para peatones
Truck Vagón o contenedor, Camión
especialmente de
tren. Camión es lorry
Tube Metro de Londres, Televisión
más coloquial
Yard Patio de una casa Jardín
 Medical specialties terms

IDIOMS.
AMERICAN MEANING BRITISH MEANING.
Beat Andarse con rodeos Stop waffling “Deja de
around the o tener más vueltas fanfarronear”
bush que la oreja
Better late Más vale tarde que Nosy parker “chismoso”.
than never nunca

When pigs Cuando los cerdos It´s not my cup “No es santo de
fly vuelen of tea mi devoción”.
Break a ¡Buena suerte! To go down a “va de
leg! treat maravillas”

See eye to Estar de acuerdo Take the biscuit “se lleva la

eye con alguien galleta”

Once in a Una vez a cada A few Tiene como

blue moon muerte de obispo sandwiches objetivo describir
short of a picnic a alguien que no
parece tener
sentido común o
plena conciencia
de lo que está
haciendo
To kill two Matar dos pájaros Full of beans Hace referencia a
birds with de un tiro una persona
one stone apasionada o
enérgica.

 It’s a piece ¡Es pan comido! Easy peasy “Es pan

of cake! comido” Ó
“está papaya”
“all or Todo o nada In for a penny, "Si ya llegamos
nothing” in for a pound. hasta aquí,
vayamos hasta el
final”. Ó “De
Medical specialties terms

perdidos, al río”.

DIFFERENCES AMERICAN BRITISH

The patient has a The patient has a
STI STD
Take him to the ER Take him to the
A&E
MEDICAL I am allergic to I am allergic to
EXPRESSIONS. paracetamol. Tylenol.

She has a mouth She has a canker

ulcer. sore.

Julio needs a band- Julio needs a

aid. sticking plaster.