Flashcards.

The smallest chemical unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. Contains electrons, protons, and neutrons.

A chemical combination of two or more atoms. Bonds may be covalent or ionic.

The smallest and most fundamental unit of life. The basic building block of the human body.

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, nucleus).

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

A structure made up of multiple tissue types performing complex functions.

Several organs working together to carry out a specialized function (e.g., respiratory system).

From simplest to most complex: organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems.

Tissue that performs excretion, absorption, secretion, diffusion, and protection.

Tissue that provides a supporting network for organs and muscles.

Tissue that controls and coordinates body activities.

Tissue that mediates movement.

A body plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions.

A body plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

A body plane that divides the body into left and right portions.

A sagittal plane that runs through the midline, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Body cavity composed of the cranial cavity and the spinal (vertebral) cavity.

Body cavity containing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the back of the body. Opposite of anterior.

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the front of the body. Opposite of posterior.

Anatomical directional term meaning closer to the midline. Opposite of lateral.

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the side of the body. Opposite of medial.

Anatomical directional term meaning above.

Anatomical directional term meaning below.

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the front.

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the back.

A body fluid that moves through lymphatic vessels and empties into large veins.

Red blood cell. Erythr- = red, -cyte = cell.

White blood cell. Leuko- = white, -cyte = cell.

Platelet. Thrombo- = clot, -cyte = cell.

The fluid portion of blood containing proteins, hormones, nutrients, and waste.

A substance on the surface of red blood cells that determines blood group.

A protein in plasma that reacts against foreign antigens.

Antigens on the surface of some individuals' red blood cells. Rh-positive means the factor is present; Rh-negative means it is absent.

Bone marrow and thymus. Where lymphocytes mature.

Lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and lymphoid tissues in mucous membranes.

A type of lymphocyte produced in the bone marrow that matures in the thymus.

A type of lymphocyte produced in and maturing primarily in the bone marrow.

Physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes) that prevent pathogens from entering body tissues.

Immune cells that engulf pathogens. Includes dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and monocytes.

Immune cells that look like lymphocytes. Their granules contain chemicals that destroy virally infected cells.

Immune cells formed from B lymphocytes that secrete antibodies.

Chemical messengers released by T lymphocytes to coordinate immune responses.

An extra epidermal layer found only in thickened skin (palms, soles). Cells are clear ("lucid" = clear).

Outermost layer of the epidermis. First layer of defense.

Innermost layer of the epidermis where cell proliferation occurs.

A layer of the epidermis found throughout the body.

Outermost layer of the skin. Has no blood vessels; nourished by the dermis.

Middle layer of the skin containing blood vessels and glands.

Innermost skin layer that stores fat, insulates the body, and stores energy.

A type of sudoriferous (sweat) gland that functions as a scent gland.

A type of sudoriferous (sweat) gland that cools the body.

Pertaining to sweat. Sudoriferous glands include apocrine and eccrine glands.

Gland that secretes sebum, an oily waxy substance that lubricates the skin.

Modified apocrine gland that secretes ear wax (cerumen).

Suffix meaning inflammation.

Inflammation of the subcutaneous connective tissue.

Inflammation of a hair follicle.

Inflammation of the skin. Derma = skin.

Inflammation of the sweat glands causing small bumps under the skin.

Combining form meaning pertaining to the nails.

Fungal infection.

Fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. Onycho = nails, mycosis = fungal infection.

Skin infection around the nails. Para = around, onychia = nails.

Prefix meaning around, beside, or near.

Abnormally thick skin. Pachys = thick, derma = skin.

Fungal infection of the skin. Dermat = skin, mycosis = fungal infection.

Medical term for itching.

A drug that relieves itching.

Drugs that relieve pain, swelling, and redness from inflammation.

Drugs used to treat allergies.

Chemical agents that slow or stop microbial growth.

Abbreviation for tumor in situ.

Abbreviation for diagnosis.

Abbreviation for purified protein derivative.

Abbreviation for ultraviolet.

Examination of tissue from a living body to identify the presence or cause of disease.

A test using tiny needle pricks to determine allergen sensitivity.

A test using scrapings to detect conditions like herpes.

Using tissue or fluid to test for infectious agents like bacteria or fungi.

Organ where implantation, gestation, pregnancy, and menstruation take place. Plural: uteri.

Organ that houses and releases the egg (ovum). Produces estrogen and progesterone.

Structure connecting the uterus to the vagina.

Passageway for menstrual blood and for childbirth during delivery. Located between the bladder and rectum.

Structure in the ovary that houses the developing ovum. After rupture, the remaining tissue forms the corpus luteum.

Structure formed from the Graafian follicle after ovulation. Produces progesterone.

Passageway for the ovum and fertilized gamete from the ovary to the uterus.

Prefix meaning bad, difficult, painful, or abnormal.

Combining form referring to menstrual flow.

Painful menstruation. Dys- = painful, menorrhea = menstrual flow.

Prefix meaning without or absent.

Absence of menstrual flow. A- = without.

Prefix meaning scanty or few.

Infrequent menstrual flow. Oligo- = scanty.

Suffix meaning excessive flow or rupture.

Excessive menstrual flow.

Hormone produced by the ovaries. During the proliferative phase, stimulates endometrial thickening.

Hormone produced by the ovaries (corpus luteum). Supports pregnancy.

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates follicle development.

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation.

Fat pad over the pubic bones in females.

Small inner folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Labia = lips, minora = smaller.

Larger outer folds of skin protecting the vulva. Labia = lips, majora = larger.

Sensitive erectile organ for sexual arousal.

External female reproductive organ. Includes vestibule, vestibular glands, clitoris, labia minora, labia majora, and mons pubis.

Vaginal opening. Part of the external vulva.

Combining form meaning female.

Combining form referring to breast.

Enlargement of male breast tissue. Gyne = female, mastia = breast.

Term referring to pregnancies. Multigravida = multiple pregnancies.

Combining form referring to the uterus.

Combining form referring to the fallopian tube.

Suffix meaning surgical removal.

Surgical removal of the uterus.

Surgical removal of the fallopian tube.

Combining form meaning origin.

Origin or formation of organs in a developing embryo.

Organ that produces gametes. Male gonad = testicle; female gonad = ovary.

The male gonad. Produces spermatozoa and testosterone.

The male gamete (sperm cell).

The male sex hormone.

Collar of skin extending to the glans penis. Removed during circumcision.

Erectile tissue forming most of the penile tissue. Plural: cavernosa.

Erectile tissue lying next to the corpus cavernosum, surrounding the urethra.

The terminal part (tip) of the penis.

Root meaning testicle.

Surgery to fix an undescended testicle into the scrotum. Orchi- = testicle, -pexy = fixation.

Suffix meaning surgical fixation.

Gland that produces a milky secretion nourishing sperm.

Tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Tube carrying sperm from the testis to the vas deferens.

Structure within the testis where spermatogenesis takes place.

Painful or difficult urination. Dys- = bad/difficult/painful, -uria = urine.

Suffix referring to urine.

Congenital defect where the urethra opens in an abnormal position on the penis.

Inflammation of the head (glans) of the penis. -itis = inflammation.

Inflammation of the epididymis.

Rotation and twisting of the spermatic cord. Torsion = twisting.

Procedure in which the vas deferens is cut to prevent sperm from reaching semen.

Tubular structure serving as a passageway for semen and urine.

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate causing urinary symptoms. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Suffix meaning production, formation, or creation.

Combining form meaning blood.

The production of blood cells. Hemato- = blood, -poiesis = production.

Suffix meaning bursting forth.

Bursting of blood, or bleeding. Hemo- = blood, -rrhage = bursting forth.

Suffix meaning study of.

The study of blood.

Means balance, stability, or to stop.

The process of stopping blood flow.

Combining form meaning red.

Suffix meaning cell.

Prefix meaning without.

Suffix meaning blood (condition of).

Literally "without blood." A deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Combining form meaning white.

White blood cell without granules. Includes monocytes and lymphocytes. A- = without.

White blood cell with granules. Includes neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils.

Large bone marrow cell from which thrombocytes (platelets) are fragments.

Suffix meaning lack or deficiency.

Low platelet count. Thrombo = platelets, cyto = cell, penia = deficiency.

Excess platelets.

Disorder of platelet function.

Combining form meaning eyelid.

Combining form meaning eye.

Combining form meaning eye.

Combining form meaning ear.

Tough outer white covering of the eyeball.

The colored portion of the eye surrounding the pupil.

Transparent fibrous covering over the front of the eyeball that protects the eye.

The central dark opening of the eye.

Abbreviation: Pupils Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light and Accommodation.

Structure behind the pupil that refracts (bends) light to focus it on the retina.

Central part of the retina. Area for central vision.

Light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye where images are focused.

Farsightedness.

Nearsightedness.

Age-related impairment in near vision.

Reduced vision from poor visual development ("lazy eye").

Visual disturbance resulting from an irregular cornea shape.

Ringing sensation in the ears.

Suffix referring to hearing.

Age-related hearing impairment.

Prefix meaning ear.

Instrument for examining the ears. Oto- = ear, -scope = instrument for viewing.

Medical term for ear wax. Produced by glands in the ear canal.

One of the three ossicles (small bones) of the middle ear.

One of the three ossicles (small bones) of the middle ear.

One of the three ossicles (small bones) of the middle ear.

Structure in the cochlea containing hearing-sensitive receptors.

Spiral, coiled tube in the inner ear that contains the organ of Corti.

Chamber in the inner ear connecting the cochlea and semicircular canals. Responsible for balance.

Structures in the inner ear involved in balance.

The fleshy external part of the outer ear.

Membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear.

Hardening.

Hardening of the ossicles in the ear. Oto- = ear, sclerosis = hardening.

Combining form meaning to hear.

Suffix meaning to measure.

Test to measure the sense of hearing.

Feeling of being off balance or that the environment is spinning.

Combining form meaning bone.

Combining form meaning muscle.

Combining form meaning joint.

Combining form meaning cartilage.

Bone cell that resorbs (breaks down) bone.

Bone-forming cell. Differentiates from osteogenic cells.

Bone stem cell that undergoes mitosis.

Mature bone cell.

Combining form meaning bone marrow (also spinal cord).

Prefix meaning around.

Combining form meaning ribs.

Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum.

Combining form for sternum (breastbone).

Combining form for clavicle (collarbone).

Combining form for scapula (shoulder blade).

One of the three bones of the pelvis.

One of the three bones of the pelvis.

One of the three bones of the pelvis.

The kneecap. Located in the lower limb.

Bones of the foot, in the lower limb.

Connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Found over the articular surfaces of bones.

Connective tissue covering muscles, bones, nerves, and organs.

Muscle that abducts the upper arm.

Muscle that extends the head and neck.

Muscle that flexes the elbow.

Muscle that extends the elbow.

Position or movement where the palm faces upward.

Position or movement where the palm faces downward.

Suffix meaning softening.

Softening of the bone. Osteo- = bone, malacia = softening.

Condition in which bones become brittle.

Infection of the bone and bone marrow. Osteo = bone, myelo = marrow, -itis = inflammation.

Bone cancer.

Suffix meaning pain.

Widespread musculoskeletal pain. Myo = muscle, -algia = pain.

A muscular disorder involving muscle weakness.

Inflammatory muscle disease.

Group of genetic muscle diseases causing progressive weakness.

Autoimmune condition with joint inflammation. Arthro = joint.

Inflammation of cartilage. Chondro- = cartilage.

Combining form meaning carbon dioxide.

Low carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

High carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Combining form meaning oxygen.

Low oxygen levels.

High oxygen levels.

Combining form meaning throat (pharynx).

Combining form meaning voice box (larynx).

Combining form meaning nose.

Combining form meaning nose.

Airway tube that continues from the larynx and divides into the right and left bronchi.

Voice box. Passes air from the pharynx to the trachea.

Tube beginning behind the nose. Passes air to the larynx and food to the esophagus.

The two branches that the trachea divides into (right and left).

Small branches of the bronchi leading to alveoli.

Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles. Terminal portion of the bronchial tree.

Combining form meaning breath or respiration.

Prefix meaning erect or upright.

Breathlessness when lying down that improves in an upright position.

Prefix meaning swift or fast.

Rapid breathing.

Absence of breathing. A- = absent.

Difficult breathing. Dys- = difficult.

High-pitched whistling sound heard when the airway is blocked.

Crackling sounds heard with a stethoscope on inspiration when there is fluid in the alveoli.

Low-pitched rumbling sounds heard when there are secretions in the airway.

Device that measures blood oxygen saturation.

Device measuring the volume and flow of air in and out of the lungs. Used to diagnose asthma and COPD.

Device used to visualize the lungs and airways.

Device used to visualize the larynx.

Medical term for whooping cough.

Viral infection causing a barking cough, mostly in children.

Lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Bacterial lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space.

An incision through the trachea to create an airway.

Procedure to visualize the lungs.

Procedure to place a tube in the trachea through the mouth.

Obstructive lung disease with destruction of alveolar walls.

Obstructive lung disease with reversible airway narrowing.

Obstructive lung disease with chronic inflammation of the bronchi.

The intake of food.

Breakdown of food into small particles that can be absorbed.

Process by which food particles pass from the gut into the bloodstream.

Evacuation of waste from the body as feces.

Combining form meaning cheek. From Latin "bucca."

Combining form meaning lips.

Combining form meaning tongue.

Combining form meaning tongue.

Combining form meaning stomach.

Inflammation of the stomach.

Combining forms meaning mouth.

Combining form meaning esophagus.

Combining form meaning intestine (specifically small intestine).

First part of the small intestine.

Second part of the small intestine.

Third part of the small intestine.

Projections in the small intestine that help absorb nutrients.

Combining form meaning gallbladder.

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Combining form meaning liver.

Inflammation of the liver.

Combining form meaning pancreas.

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Combining form meaning colon.

Inflammation of the colon.

Suffix meaning eating or swallowing.

Difficulty swallowing. Dys- = difficulty, -phagia = swallowing.

Lack of appetite.

Difficulty with defecation, usually with hard feces.

Black stool containing digested blood.

Stomach acid backing into the esophagus causing pain.

Reduced or absent intestinal movement.

Erosion of the stomach lining causing pain.

Chronic inflammation of the gut causing pain and diarrhea.

Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin from elevated bilirubin.

Excessive gas in the stomach and intestines.

Pain in the upper abdomen.

Vomiting.

Combining form meaning starch.

Suffix meaning enzyme.

Enzyme that digests starch.

Combining form meaning fat or lipid.

Enzyme that digests fat.

Combining form meaning protein.

Enzyme that digests protein.

Enzyme that digests nucleotides.

Inflammation of the small intestines.

Combining form meaning rectum.

Combining form meaning anus.

Combining form meaning anus and rectum combined.

Procedure for visualizing the gut using a scope.

Abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina.

Device used to visualize the anus and lower rectum.

Combining form meaning brain.

Inflammation of the brain.

Combining form meaning spinal cord (also bone marrow).

Inflammation of the spinal cord.

Combining form meaning nerve or neuron.

Inflammation of a nerve.

The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Part of a neuron where impulses begin.

Central part of a neuron containing the nucleus.

Part of a neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body.

Chemical messenger released into the synapse to transmit signals between neurons.

Glial cell that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Glial cell that provides nutrients to neurons.

Glial phagocytes that engulf debris in the nervous system.

Part of the brainstem connecting the brain and spinal cord. Contains centers regulating heart rate and respiration.

Brain structure deep within the brain. Acts as a control center for many biological processes. Produces oxytocin and ADH.

Brain structure at the back of the brain that coordinates movement.

Endocrine gland at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. Secretes numerous hormones.

Protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Three layers: dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

Outermost layer of the meninges.

Middle layer of the meninges.

Innermost layer of the meninges.

12th cranial nerve. Controls tongue movement. Glosso = tongue.

3rd cranial nerve. Controls eye movement.

8th cranial nerve. Involved in hearing.

5th cranial nerve. Handles facial sensations.

Procedure inserting a needle between lumbar vertebrae to collect cerebrospinal fluid.

An imaging procedure of the brain or body.

Recording of the electrical activity of the brain.

Nerve pain. -algia = pain.

Weakness.

Paralysis.

Prefix meaning half.

Weakness of one side of the body. Hemi = half, paresis = weakness.

Complete paralysis of one side of the body.

Paralysis of both legs.

Weakness of both legs.

A stroke. Brain injury from a vascular cause (blockage or rupture of a blood vessel).

Disease caused by damage to the myelin sheath covering nerves.

Traumatic brain injury; bruising of the brain.

Movement disorder caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons.

Protective covering around nerves that aids signal transmission.

Chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) produced by certain neurons.

Ductless gland that releases hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Gland that secretes products through ducts (e.g., sweat glands, salivary glands).

Small brain gland that produces melatonin, regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

Hormone produced by the pineal gland. Regulates sleep-wake cycle.

Gland with an outer cortex and inner medulla sitting on top of each kidney.

Outer portion of the adrenal gland. Produces cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones.

Inner portion of the adrenal gland. Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Regulates stress response and metabolism.

Hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Regulates sodium and potassium balance.

Hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. Fight-or-flight response.

Hormone produced by the adrenal medulla alongside epinephrine.

TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, prolactin, growth hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Stores and releases oxytocin and ADH (produced by the hypothalamus).

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus, stored and released by the posterior pituitary. Involved in labor and lactation.

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus, stored and released by the posterior pituitary. Promotes water reabsorption.

Gland producing thyroid hormone and calcitonin.

Hormone from the thyroid gland that lowers calcium levels.

Gland that produces parathyroid hormone, which increases calcium levels.

Increases blood calcium levels. Produced by the parathyroid gland.

Pancreatic hormone produced by beta cells. Lowers blood glucose.

Pancreatic hormone produced by alpha cells. Raises blood glucose.

Pancreatic hormone produced by delta cells. Regulates other pancreatic hormones.

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas containing alpha, beta, and delta cells.

Combining form meaning thirst.

Prefix meaning many or excessive.

Excessive thirst. Poly- = excessive, dips/o = thirst.

Excessive eating. Poly- = excessive, phagia = eating.

Excessive urination. Poly- = excessive, -uria = urine.

Combining form meaning sweating.

Excessive sweating. Hyper- = excessive, hidrosis = sweating.

Condition from excess growth hormone in adulthood. Causes enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

Condition from excess growth hormone in childhood. Causes excessive height.

Adrenal insufficiency involving deficiency of both cortisol and aldosterone.

Condition caused by excess cortisol.

Condition caused by deficient insulin, resulting in high blood sugar.

Condition caused by low ADH. Patient produces large volumes of dilute urine. Distinct from diabetes mellitus.

Condition caused by thyroid hormone deficiency in adults.

Condition caused by low thyroid hormone in a newborn.

Combining form meaning potassium (chemical symbol K).

Low blood potassium levels.

Combining form meaning sugar.

Low blood sugar levels.

Combining form meaning calcium.

Low blood calcium levels.

Combining form meaning sodium (chemical symbol Na).

Low blood sodium levels.

Prefix meaning above, excessive, or high.

Prefix meaning below, deficient, or low.

Local hormone produced in the gut that stimulates gastric acid secretion.

Hormone produced by the heart. Released into the bloodstream.

Plasma protein produced by the liver.

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs. Hem/o = blood, -globin = protein. Low hemoglobin indicates anemia.

A condition caused by excessive thyroid hormones in the body. Thyr/o = thyroid, -toxic = poison, -osis = condition. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, weight loss, tremors, and heat intolerance. Also called thyroid storm in severe cases.

The absence of menstruation. A- = without, men/o = menstruation, -rrhea = flow. Can be primary (never started) or secondary (stopped after previously occurring). Causes include pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, stress, and extreme weight loss.

Painful menstruation. Dys- = painful/difficult, men/o = menstruation, -rrhea = flow. Common symptom treated with NSAIDs, heat application, and exercise. Severe cases may indicate endometriosis.

A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Endo- = within, metr/o = uterus, -osis = condition. Causes pain, heavy periods, and can lead to infertility. Tissue commonly found on ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining.

An X-ray imaging technique used to examine breast tissue for tumors or abnormalities. Mamm/o = breast, -graphy = process of recording. A screening mammogram is recommended annually for women starting at age 40 to 50 (varies by guideline).

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of gestation. Pre- = before, eclampsia = a convulsive condition. Can progress to eclampsia (seizures) if untreated. Delivery is the definitive treatment.

A procedure using a magnifying instrument (colposcope) to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormal cells. Colp/o = vagina, -scopy = visual examination. Often follows an abnormal Pap smear.

A pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Ec- = out, top/o = place, -ic = pertaining to. A medical emergency if the tube ruptures. Symptoms include sharp pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding.

Surgical removal of one or both testes. Orchid/o = testis, -ectomy = surgical removal. Also called orchiectomy. May be performed for testicular cancer or as part of treatment for prostate cancer.

A condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Crypt/o = hidden, orchid/o = testis, -ism = condition. Common in premature infants. May resolve on its own within the first year, otherwise surgical correction (orchiopexy) is needed.

Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind each testis that stores and carries sperm. Epididym/o = epididymis, -itis = inflammation. Often caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include scrotal pain, swelling, and fever.

An enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins. Varic/o = varicose veins, -cele = hernia or swelling. Most common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality. Usually found on the left side.

A surgical procedure to remove portions of the prostate gland through the urethra. Trans- = through, urethr/o = urethra. Used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) when the enlarged prostate blocks urine flow. No external incision needed.

Inflammation of a fallopian tube. Salping/o = fallopian tube, -itis = inflammation. Usually caused by bacterial infection, often from sexually transmitted infections. Can lead to scarring and infertility if untreated.

Inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostat/o = prostate, -itis = inflammation. Can be acute (bacterial) or chronic. Symptoms include pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and painful ejaculation. Treated with antibiotics for bacterial forms.