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chromatin
Structural component of the nucleus, composed of nucleic acids and proteins.
Chromatin condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.
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chromosome
Threadlike structures within the nucleus composed of a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule that carries hereditary information encoded in genes.
Each sperm and each egg has 23 unpaired chromosomes. After fertilization, each cell of the embryo then has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). In each pair of chromosomes, one chromosome is inherited from the father and the other from the mother.
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cytoplasm
Jellylike substance found within the cell membrane composed of proteins, salts, water, dissolved gases, and nutrients.
All cellular structures, including the nucleus and organelles, are embedded in cytoplasm.
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deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Molecule that holds genetic information capable of replicating and producing an exact copy whenever the cell divides.
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diaphragm
Muscular wall that divides the thoracic cavity from the abdonimopelvic cavity.
Alternating contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm is essential to the breathing process.
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metabolism
Sum of all physical and chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism.
Metabolism includes the building up (anabolism) and breaking down (catabolism) of body constituents.
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organelle
Cellular structure that provides a specialized function, such as the nucleus (reproduction), ribosomes (protein synthesis), Golgi apparatus (removal of material from the cell), and lysosomes (digestion).
The membranes of many organelles act as sites of chemical reactions.
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pathology
Study of the nature of diseases, their causes, development, and consequences.
Pathology as a branch of medicine includes the use of laboratory methods rather than clinical examination of signs and symptoms to study the causes, nature, and development of diseases.
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peristalsis
Rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the walls of a tubular organ to propel its contents onward.
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Dorsal Cavity: Cranial
Brain
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Dorsal Cavity: Spinal
Spinal cord
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Ventral Cavity: Thoracic
Heart, lungs, and associated structures
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Ventral Cavity: Abdominopelvic
Digestive, excretory, and reproductive organs and structures
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Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)
Right lobe of liver, gallbladder, part of pancreas, part of small and large intestines
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Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)
Left lobe of liver, stomach, spleen, part of pancreas, part of small and large intestines
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Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)
Part of small and large intestines, appendix, right ovary, right fallopian tube, right ureter
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Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
Part of small and large intestines, left ovary, left fallopian tube, left ureter
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Left hypochondriac region
Upper left region beneath the ribs
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Epigastric region
Region above stomach
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Right hypochondriac region
Upper right region beneath the ribs
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Left lumbar region
Left middle lateral region
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Umbilical region
Region of the navel
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Right lumbar region
Right middle lateral region
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Left inguinal (iliac) region
Left lower lateral region
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Hypogastric region
Lower middle region beneath the navel
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Right inguinal (iliac) region
Right lower lateral region
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Medial
Pertaining to the midline of teh body or structure
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Lateral
Pertaining to a side
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Superior (cephalad)
Toward the head or upper portion of a structure
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Inferior (caudal)
Away from the head, or toward the tail or lower part of a structure
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Proximal
Nearer to the center (trunk of the body) or to the point of attachment to the body
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Distal
Further from the center (trunk of the body) or from the point of attachment to the body
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Anterior (ventral)
Front of the body
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Posterior (dorsal)
Back of the body
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Parietal
Pertaining to the outer wall of the body cavity
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Visceral
Pertaining to the viscera, or internal organs, especially the abdominal organs
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Prone
Lying on the abdomen, face down
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Supine
Lying horizontally on the back, face up
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Inversion
Turning inward or inside out
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Palmar
Pertaining to the palm of the hand
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Plantar
Pertaining to the sole of the foot
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Superficial
Toward the surface of the body (external)
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Deep
Away from the surface of the body (internal)
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Cytologist
Specialist in study of cells
Cytologists study the formation, structure, and function of cells.
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Histology
Study of tissues
Histology is the branch of science that investigates the microscopic structures and functions of tissues.
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Karyolysis
Destruction of the nucleus
Karyolysis results in death of the cell.
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Nuclear
Pertaining to the nucleus
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Anterior
Pertaining to the front
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Caudad
Toward the tail
Caudad is opposite of craniad.
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Cranial
Pertaining to the cranium
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Distal
Pertaining to the farthest (point of attachment)
Distal refers to the point furthest from the center (trunk) of the body or from the point of attachment to the body. Thus, the fingers are distal to the wrist.
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Dorsal
Pertaining to the back (of the body).
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Inferior
Pertaining to a lower (structure or surface)
The inferior surface is the undersurface of a structure or organ, or a place below a structure or organ.
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Lateral
Pertaining to a side
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Postero
Back (of body), behind, posterior
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Posterior
Pertaining to the back (of the body)
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Proximal
Pertaining to the nearest (point of attachment)
Proximal refers to the point closes to the center (trunk) of the body or to the point of attachment to the body. Thus, the elbow is proximal to the wrist.
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Ventral
Pertaining to the belly side (front of the body)
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Abdominal
Pertaining to the abdomen
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Cervico
Neck; cervix uteri (neck of uterus)
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Cervical
Pertaining to the neck
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Cranial
Pertaining to the cranium
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Hypogastric
Pertaining to (the area) below the stomach
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Ilio
Ilium (lateral, flaring portion of hip bone)
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Ilial
Pertaining to the ilium
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Inguinal
Pertaining to the groin
The groin is the depression located between the thigh and trunk.
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Lumbar
Pertaining to the loins (lower back)
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Pelvimeter
Instrument for measuring the pelvis
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Pelvic
Pertaining to the pelvis
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Spinal
Pertaining to the spine
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Thoracic
Pertaining to the chest
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Umbilico
Umbilicus, navel
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Umbilical
Pertaining to the navel
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Albinism
Condition of whiteness
Ablinism is characterized by a partial or total lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
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Leukocyte
White cell
A leukocyte is a white blood cell.
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Chloropia
Green vision
Chloropia is a disorder in which viewed objects appear green. It is associated with a toxic reaction to digitalis.
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Heterochromic
Pertaining to different colors
Heterochromia is associated with the iris or sections of the iris of the eyes. Thus, the individual with heterochromia may have one brown iris and one blue iris.
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Cirrhosis
Abnormal yellowing
In cirrhosis, the skin, sclera of the eyes, and mucous membranes take on a yellow color. Cirrhosis of the liver is usually associated with alcoholism or chronic hepatitis.
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Jaundice
Yellowing
Jaundice is caused by an abnormal increase of bilirubin (a yellow compound) formed when red blood cells are destroyed) in the blood.
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Cyanotic
Pertaining to blueness
Cyanosis is associated with lack of oxygen in the blood.
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Erythrocyte
Red cell
An erythrocyte is a red blood cell.
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Melanoma
Black tumor
Melanoma is malignancy that arises from melanocytes.
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Polio
Gray; gray matter (of brain or spinal cord)
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Poliomyelitis
Inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord
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Myel
Bone marrow; spinal cord
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Acrocyanosis
Abnormal condition in which the extremities are blue
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Etiology
Study of the cause of disease
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Idiopathic
Pertaining to an unknown (cause of) disease
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Morpho
Form, shape, structure
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Morphology
Study of form, shape, or structure
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Pahologist
Specialist in teh study of disease
Pathologists examine tissues, cells, and body fluids for evidene of disease.
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Radio
Radiation, x-ray; radius (lower arm bone on thumb side)
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Radiologist
Specialist in the study of radiation
Radiologists are physicians who employ imaging techniques for diagnosing and treating disease.
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Somatic
Pertaining to the body
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Sonography
Process of recording sound; also called ultrasonography.
Sonography employs ultrasound (inaudible sound) to produce images. It is a painless, noninvasive imaging technique that does not use x-rays.
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Visceral
Pertaining to internal organs
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Xerosis
Abnormal condition of dryness
Xerosis refers to abnormal dryness of the skin, mucous membranes, or conjuctiva.
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- genesis
Forming, producing, origin
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Pathogenesis
Origin of disease
Pathogenesis refers to the origin or cause of an illness or abnormal condition.
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Prognosis
Knowing before
Prognosis is the prediction of the course and end of a disease and the estimated chance of recovery.
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Arteriogram
Record of and artery
An arteriogram is an x-ray film of an artery taken after injection of a radiopaque contrast medium.
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- graph
Instrument for recording
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Radiograph
Instrument for recording x-rays
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- graphy
Process of recording
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Arthrography
Process of recording a joint
Arthrography is an x-ray examination of a joint, such as the knee, shoulder, or elbow, usually with the use of a contract medium.
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- logist
Specialist in the study of
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Dermatologist
Specialist in the study of the skin
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Hematology
Study of blood
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- meter
Instrument for measuring
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Thermometer
Instrument for measuring heat
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Ventriculometry
Act of measuring the ventricles
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Gastropathy
Disease of the stomach
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Abduction
Act of bringing away from (midline of the body)
Abduction is the movement of a limb or body part away from the midline of the body.
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Adduction
Act of brining toward (midline of the body)
- Adduction is the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.
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Hetermorphous
Different form or shape
Heteromorphous refers to any deviation from a normal type or shape.
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Homeoplasia
Formation of same (tissue)
Homeoplasia is the formation of new tissue similar to that already existing in a part.
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Infracostal
Pertaining to (the area) below the ribs
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Pericardial
Pertaining to (the area) around the heart
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Superior
Pertaining to the upper (area)
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Transabdominal
Pertaining to (a direction) across or through the abdomen
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Ultrasonic
- Pertaining to beyond (audible) sound
- Ultrasound includes sound frequencies too high to be perceived by the human ear.
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Adhesion
Abnormal fibrous band that holds our binds together tissues that are normally separated.
Adhesions may occur within body cavities as a result of surgery.
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Analyte
Substance analyzed or tested, gernerally by means of laboratory methods.
In a glucose tolerance test, glucose is the analyte.
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Contrast medium
Substance injected into the body, introduced via catheter, or swallowed to facilitate radiographic images of internal structures that otehrwise are difficult to visualize on x-ray films.
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Dehiscence
Bursting open of a wound, especially a surgical abdominal wound.
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Febrile
Feverish; pertaining to a fever.
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Homeostasis
Relative constancy or balance in the internal environment of the body, maintained by processes of feedback and adjustment in response to external or internal changes.
In homeostasis, such properties as temperature, acidity, and the concentrations of nutrients and wastes remain relatively constant.
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Inflammation
Body defense against injury, infection, or allergy that is marked by redness, swelling, heat, pain, and sometimes, loss of function.
Inflammation is one mechanism used by the body to protect against invasion by foreign organisms and to repair injured tissue.
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Morbid
Disease; pertaining to a disease
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Nuclear medicine
Branch of medicine concerned with the use of radioactive substances for diagnosis, treatment, and research.
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Radiology
Medical specialty concerned with the use of electromagnetci radiation, ultrasound, and imaging techniques for diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury.
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Interventional radiology
Radiological practice that employs fluoroscopy, CT, and ultrasound in nonsurgical treatment of various disorders
Examples of interventional radiology include balloon angioplasty and cardiac catheterization.
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Therapeutic radiology
Use of ionizing radiation in the treatment of cancer; alsoc called radiation oncology.
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Radionuclides
Substances that emit radiation spontaneously; also called tracers.
The quantity and duration of radioactive material used in these tests are safe for humans and should not have harmful effects.
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Radipharmaceutical
Radionuclide attached to a protein, sugar, or toehr substance used to visualize an organ or area of the body that will be scanned.
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Scan
Term used to describe a computerzied image by modality (such as CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging) or by structure (such as thyroid or bone).
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Sepsis
Pathological state, usually febrile, resulting from the presence of microorganisms or their products in the bloodstream.
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Suppurative
Producing or associated with generation of pus.
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Endoscopy
Visual examination of a body cavity or canal using a specialized lighted insturment called an endoscope.
Endoscopy is used for biopsy, surgery, aspirating fluids, and coagulating bleeding areas. The endoscope is usually named for the organ, cavity, or canal being examined, such as gastroscope sigmoidoscope. A camera and video recorder are commonly used during the procedure to provide a permanent record.
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Laparoscopy
Visual examination of the organs of the pelvis and abdomen through very smal incisions in the abdominal wall.
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Thoracoscopy
Examination of the lungs, pleura, and pleural space with a scope inserted through a small incision between the ribs.
Thoracoscopy is an endoscopic procedure usually performed for lung biopsy, repairing perforations in the lungs, and diagnosing pleural disease.
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Complete blood count (CBC)
Common blood test that enumerates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; measures hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells); estimates red cell volume; and sorts white blood cells into five subtypes with their percentages.
CBC can be performed using a manual or automated method.
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Urinalysis (UA)
Common urine screening test that evaluates the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine.
Immediate UA can be performed with a dipstick test or the urine specimen can be sent to the laboratory for a full analysis.
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Computed tomography (CT)
Imaging technique achieved by rotating an x-ray emitter around the area to be scanned and measuring the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles; formerly called computerized axial tomography.
In a CT scan, the computer generates a detailed cross-sectional image that appears as a slice. Tumor masses, bone displacement, and accumulations of fluid may be detected. This technique may be used with or without a contrast medium.
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Doppler
Ultrasound technique used to detect and measure blood-flow velocity and direction through the cardiac chambers, valves, and peripheral vessels by reflecting sound waves off moving blood cells.
Doppler ultrasound is used to identify irregularities in blood flow cause by blood clots, venous insufficiancy, and arterial blockage.
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Fluoroscopy
Radiographic technique in which x-rays are directed through the body to a fluorescent screen that displays continuous motion images of internal structures.
Fluoroscopy is used to view the motion of organs, such as the digestive tract, heart, and joints, or to aid in the placement of catheters or other devices.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Noninvasive imaging technique that uses radiowaves and a strong magnetic field rather than an x-ray beam to produce multiplanar cross-sectional images.
MRI is used to diagnose a growing number of diseases because it provides superior soft tissue contrast, allows multiple plane views, and avoids the hazards of ionizing radiation. MRI commonly proves superior to CT scan for most central nervous system images, particularly those of the brainstem and spinal cord as well as the musculoskeletal and pevic areas. The procedure usually does not require a contrast medium.
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Positron emission tomography (PET)
Scanning technique using computed tomography to record the positrons (positive charged particles) emitted from a radiopharmaceutical, that produces a cross-sectional image of metabolic activity in body tissues to determine the presence of disease.
PET is particularly useful in scanning the brain and nervous system to diagnose disorders that involve abnormal tissue metabolism, such as schizophrenia, brain tumors, epilepsy, stroke, and Alzheimer disease as well as cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
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Radiography
Imaging technique that uses x-rays passed thoruhg the body or area and captured on a film; also called x-ray.
On the radiograph, dense material, such as bone, appears white, and softer meaterial, such as the stomach and liver, appears in shades of gray.
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Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
Radiological technique that integrates computed tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer) injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood flow to tissues and organs.
SPECT differs from a PET scan in that the tracer remains in teh blood stream rather than being absorbed by surrounding tissue. It is especially useful to visualize blood flow through arteries and veins in the brain.
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Tomography
Radiographic technique that produces an image representing a detailed cross-section, or slice, of an area, tissue, or organ at a predetermined depth.
Types of tomography include computed tomography (CT), poitron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
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Ultrasonography (US)
Imaging procedure using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that display the reflected "echoes" on a monitor; aloc called ultrasound, sonography, echo, and echography.
US, unlike most other imaging methods, creates real-time moving images to view organs and function of organs in motion. A computer analyzes the reflected echoes and converts them into an image on a video monitor. Because this procedure does not use ionizing radiation (x-ray), it is used for visualizing fetuses as well as the neck, abdomen, pelvis, brain, and heart.
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Biopsy (bx)
Representative tissue sample removed from a body site for microscopic examination, usually to establish a diagnosis.
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Frozen section biopsy (FS)
Ultra-thin slice of tissue cut from a frozen specimen for immediate pathological examination
- FS is used primarily in oncological cases while the patient is still in the operating room. The evaluation by the pathologst helps determine if and how aggressively the surgeon will treat the patient.
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Needle biopsy
Removal of a small tissue sample for examination using a hollow needle, usually attached to a syringe.
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Punch biopsy
Removal of a small core of tissue using a hollow instrument (punch).
An anesthetic and suturing are usually required for a punch bx, and minimal scarring is expected.
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Shave biopsy
Removal of tissue using a surgical blade to shave elevated lesions.
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Ablation
Removal of a part, pathway, or function by surgery, chemical destruction, electrocautery, freezing, or raido frequenc (RF).
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Anastomosis
Surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to another.
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Cauterize
Destroy tissue by electricity, freezing, heat, or corrosive chemicals.
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Curettage
Scraping of a body cavity with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curet).
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Incision and drainage (I&D)
Incision made to allow the free flow or withdrawal of fluids from a wound or cavity.
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Laser surgery
Surgical technique empling a devise that emits intense heat and power at close range to cut, burn, vaporize, or destroy tissues.
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Radical dissection
Surgical removal of tissue in an extensive area surrounding the surgical site in an attempt to excise all tissue that may be malignant and decrease the chance of recurrence.
- An example of a radical dissection procedure is radical mastectomy, in which the entire breast, surrounding lymph nodes, and sometimes adjacent muscles are removed.
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Resection
Partial excision of a bone, organ, or other structure.
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DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
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DSA
digital subtraction angiography
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I&D
incision and drainage
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MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
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PET
positron emission tomography
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RF
rheumatoid factor, radio frequency
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SPECT
single photon emission computed tomography
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US
ultrasound ultrasonography
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