Glossary of Terms

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A collection of essential terms and shorthand used in first aid to ensure clear, efficient communication during emergencies. These include medical acronyms (e.g., ABC for Airway, Breathing, Circulation), common expressions (e.g., “stabilize the patient”), and abbreviations that convey critical procedures or conditions quickly.

ABC

airway, breathing, and circulation.

abdomen

the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis.

abrasion

a scraped area of skin.

abscess

a localized collection of pus, usually surrounded by inflamed tissue.

acclimatize

to adapt to a new altitude, climate, environment, or situation.

acidotic

in a state of abnormally reduced alkalinity; overwhelmed by acid; related to decreased pH.

acute

sudden in onset.

adrenaline

epinephrine.

AED

automated external defibrillator.

airway

passage for air into the lungs, including the mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

alkaline

having the properties of a base; related to high pH.

allergy

exaggerated reaction (sneezing, runny nose, itching, skin rash, difficulty in breathing) to substances that don’t affect other individuals.

ALS

advanced life support.

alveoli

microscopic air spaces in the lung where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide.

ambulatory

able to walk.

amnesia

loss of memory.

amniotic fluid

liquid that surrounds unborn child within the membranes inside the uterus.

amputate

to cut from the body.

AMS

altered mental status.

analgesia

relief from pain.

anaphylaxis

hypersensitivity to substances following prior exposure, resulting in a severe allergic reaction.

anemia

deficiency in red blood cells.

anesthesia

loss of sensation.

aneurysm

abnormally dilated blood vessel.

angina pectoris

episodic chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart.

antibiotic

drug used to kill bacteria.

antibody

body substance, produced by specialized cells, that combines with and neutralizes foreign substances or toxins.

antiemetic

drug used to control nausea and vomiting.

antihistamine

drug used to inactivate histamine.

antiinflammatory

drug used to prevent or correct inflammation.

antiseptic

substance that limits or stops the growth of microscopic germs.

antivenom

drug used to inactivate the effects of animal or insect venom.

anus

posterior opening from the intestine to the outside world.

aorta

the large artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to be distributed to the body.

aortic

pertaining to the aorta.

appendectomy

surgical removal of the appendix.

appendicitis

inflammation of the appendix.

appendix

wormlike appendage of the bowel, located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

aqueous

mixed with or related to water.

arachnoid

middle layer of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

argasid

related to soft ticks.

arrest

sudden stop.

arterial

pertaining to an artery.

arteritis

inflammation of an artery.

artery

muscular- and elastic-walled blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

arthritis

inflammation of the joints.

arthropod

invertebrate animal with jointed limbs belonging to the phylum Arthro-poda; insect, spider, or crustacean.

aspirate

to draw by suction; to inhale into the lungs.

asthma

labored breathing caused by narrowing of the smaller air passages (past the bronchi) in the lungs, associated with shortness of breath, wheezing, cyanosis, and coughing.

atherosclerosis

hardening of the arteries.

atrial

pertaining to the atrium.

atrium

one of two smaller chambers of the heart.

aura

a sensation of lights or sounds that occurs before a migraine headache or seizure.

barotitis

disorder of the ear due to increased or decreased atmospheric pressure.

BID

twice a day.

bile

green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, where it is released into the duodenum to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.

bilirubin

a pigment formed from the destruction of red blood cells.

biopsy

the process of removing tissue from living creatures for diagnostic examination.

blister

fluid-filled elevation of the epidermis.

BLS

basic life support.

borrelial

related to microorganisms of the genus Borrelia, which transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.

bowel

intestine.

blood pressure.

brainstem

part of the central nervous system between the spinal cord and brain that controls certain critical functions, such as breathing.

breech

buttocks first, as in breech birth.

bronchitis

inflammation of the bronchial tree.

bronchoconstriction

narrowing of small airways, often caused by smooth muscle contraction.

bronchodilator

drug used to relax and widen the bronchi.

bronchus

main passageway from the trachea to the smaller air passages in the lungs.

bruise

injury that does not break the skin, with rupture of small blood vessels that causes blue or purplish discoloration.

bursa

fluid-filled sac that allows smooth motion of muscles or tendons over a bone or joint.

bursitis

inflammation of a bursa.

buttocks

the seat of the body; the rump.

calorie

the amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1 C; 1 food calorie (“kilocalorie”) is equal to 1000 energy calories.

cancer

malignant tumor; uncontrolled growth of cells that invade normal body tissues for no reason and serve no purpose.

canker sore

small, painful ulcer of the mouth.

cannula

small tube for insertion of fluid or air.

capillary

microscopic blood vessel that connects an artery to a vein.

carbonaceous

rich in carbon; black like soot.

carbon dioxide

gas that combines with water to form carbonic acid; formed by the combustion and decomposition of organic substances.

cardiac

pertaining to the heart.

cardiopulmonary

pertaining to the heart and lungs.

carotid artery

chief artery that travels up the neck and carries blood to the head and brain.

carpal

relating to the wrist.

cartilage

elastic tissue that is transformed into bone.

cartilaginous

composed of cartilage.

cataract

opacity in the lens of the eye.

caustic

corrosive; capable of destroying by chemical action.

cellulitis

inflammation of tissue, such as the skin.

central nervous system

the brain and spinal cord.

cerebral

pertaining to the brain.

cervical

pertaining to the neck.

chilblain

inflammation, swelling, and blistering of the skin caused by exposure to cold.

cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder.

cholelithiasis

condition of having stones present in the gallbladder.

chronic

of long duration.

CNS

central nervous system.

carbon monoxide.

colic

acute pain caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting of a hollow organ.

colitis

inflammation of the colon.

colon

the large intestine.

coma

a state of profound unconsciousness.

comatose

in a coma.

comminuted

in multiple pieces; shattered.

compound fracture

broken bone accompanied by torn skin.

conjunctiva

membrane that covers the insides of the eyelids and extends over the whites of the eyes.

convulsion

seizure; abnormal involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles.

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, caused by scarred lung tissue.

core

center; involving the abdomen and chest organs.

cornea

the transparent covering of the eyeball over the iris and pupil that allows light to enter the eye.

corticosteroid

one of a number of hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

costochondritis

inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the sternum.

CPR

cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with artificial breathing and chest compressions.

cravat

triangular cloth bandage folded into a longitudinal strap.

crepitus

a crackling sound or feeling.

culture

to grow in a prepared laboratory medium.

cyanosis

blue or purple discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygen in the blood.

cyst

an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or solid material.

debridement

surgical removal of torn, contaminated, or devitalized tissue.

decompression

loss of pressure; contributes to diving-related bends.

DEET

active ingredient of many insect repellents; N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide.

dehydration

depletion of bodily fluids.

dermatitis

inflammation of the skin.

dermis

layer of skin just underneath the epidermis that contains sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels, and hair follicles.

diagnose

to identify a disease.

diaphragm

muscular wall that separates the chest from the abdomen.

dilation

stretching to normal or beyond normal dimensions.

dinoflagellate

marine plankton.

discharge

liquid released from an organ or tissue surface.

dislocation

displacement of bones at a joint.

disseminated

spread over a wide area.

distal

at the end of; in the area farthest from the center of the body.

diuretic

drug that promotes urination.

diverticulitis

inflammation of a diverticulum.

diverticulum

small outpouching from a hollow organ such as the large intestine).

dressing

bandage; covering for a wound.

duodenum

first part of the small intestine.

ectopic

at a remote site; in the wrong place.

edema

swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid.

electrolyte

soluble inorganic chemical (such as sodium or potassium) found in bodily fluids.

embolism

sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus.

embolus

abnormal particle (such as a blood clot or air bubble) circulating in the bloodstream.

encephalopathy

disease of the brain that often results in abnormal mentation.

encyst

to completely surround with a membrane.

endemic

native to.

endotracheal

through the trachea.

envenom

to poison with venom.

epidermis

outermost layer of the skin.

epigastrium

area lying over the stomach; central upper area of the abdomen.

epiglottis

soft tissue pillar in the throat that covers the vocal cords and keeps food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

epiglottitis

inflammation of the epiglottis.

epilepsy

disorder associated with disturbed electrical discharges in the central nervous system that cause convulsions.

epinephrine

most potent hormone that stimulates increased heart rate and force of contraction, relaxation of smooth muscle in the airways that causes bronchoconstriction (during asthma or an allergic reaction), and constriction of microscopic blood vessels.

epistaxis

nosebleed.

eruption

a breaking out, particularly the appearance of redness, rash, blisters, sores, or other lesions of the skin.

erythema

redness.

esophageal reflux

return of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus; major cause of heartburn.

esophagitis

inflammation of the esophagus.

esophagus

muscular tube from the pharynx to the stomach.

eustachian tube

a tube of bone and cartilage that connects the middle ear with the upper throat and allows equalization of pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

exhale

to breathe out.

expectoration

sputum, phlegm, or mucus; the act of spitting out saliva or mucus from the air passages via the mouth.

extend

lengthen; reach out.

extremity

arm and hand (upper extremity) or leg and foot (lower extremity).

facial

pertaining to the face.

fallopian tube

small tube that conducts the egg from the ovary to the uterus.

fascia

tough, fibrous tissue that surrounds muscle bundles.

fasciitis

inflammation of the fascia.

faeces

solid human bodily waste discharged through the anus.

feculent

pertaining to or resembling faeces.

femoral artery

large artery that carries blood to the leg.

femur

large bone of the thigh.

fetus

unborn young after it has taken form in the uterus.

fibrillation

unsynchronized quivering.

flagellate

possessing a flagellum.

flagellum

whiplike organelle (tail) for locomotion.

flail chest

series of detached ribs that cannot move properly to assist with breathing.

flatulence

the presence of excessive gas in the bowel.

flatus

gas generated in the digestive tract and discharged via the anus.

flex

bend; fold.

fluorescence

the reemission of light (usually lower frequency) following its absorption; this is usually most apparent when the absorbed light is in the (invisible) ultraviolet range and the reemitted light is in the visible range.

fluorescent

possessing fluorescence.

follicle

skin cavity in which a root of hair lies.

fracture

to break; a broken object.

frec3

first response emergency care level 3.

frec4

first response emergency care level 4.

frostbite

freezing of the tissues.

gallbladder

muscular, hollow organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

gangrene

tissue death due to loss of blood supply; may be caused by injury or infection.

gastroenteritis

inflammation or irritation of the stomach and intestine.

gastrointestinal

pertaining to the stomach and intestine; digestive system.

gauge

the diameter of a hypodermic needle expressed as a standard number.

genitals

external organs of reproduction.

gastrointestinal.

gland

a specialized group of cells that selectively removes substances from the blood, concentrates or alters substances in the blood, and/or creates and releases special substances into the blood.

glaucoma

disease of the eye associated with increased pressure within the eyeball.

glucose

type of sugar used by the body for energy.

gonorrhea

sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

graft (skin)

piece of skin taken from one area of the body to cover a defect or burn in another area.

grain

a measure of weight equal to 0.0648 g.

gram

a measure of weight equal to 15.432 grains.

grand mal seizure

convulsion manifested by violent generalized muscle contractions, clouded consciousness, and a period of confusion after the event.

Genitourinary.

HACE

high-altitude cerebral edema.

hallucinate

to see visions or experience lack of reality.

hallucination

imaginary perception.

HAPE

high-altitude pulmonary edema.

heartburn

burning discomfort behind the sternum related to irritation or spasm of the lower portion of the esophagus.

Heimlich maneuver

technique for removal of a foreign object caught in the upper airway.

helminth

intestinal worm-shaped parasite.

hemoglobin

iron-containing, oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells.

hemorrhage

bleeding.

hemorrhoid

dilated vein found at the anal margin.

hepatitis

inflammation of the liver.

hernia

protrusion of part or all of an organ through a wall of the space in which it is normally contained.

hiatal hernia

protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm.

histamine

chemical compound that plays a major role in allergic reactions.

HIV

human immunodeficiency virus.

hives

raised red skin wheals associated with allergic reactions.

hormone

chemical substance formed in the body that is carried in the bloodstream to affect another part of the body; an example is thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, which affects growth, temperature regulation, metabolic rate, and other body functions.

heart rate.

hydrate

to cause to take up water.

hygiene

the science or practice of preserving health.

hyper- (prefix)

excessive.

hyperbaric

pertaining to increased atmospheric pressure.

hyperextension

accentuated extension or straightening of a limb.

hypertension

elevated blood pressure.

hyperthermia

elevated core body temperature.

hypertrophy

enlargement of; excessive size.

hyphemia

collection of blood in the chamber of the eye between the lens and the cornea (anterior chamber).

hypo- (prefix)

insufficient; underneath.

hypodermic

under the skin.

hypoglycemia

low blood sugar.

hyponatremia

low blood sodium.

hypothermia

low core body temperature.

ileum

the last (and longest) segment of the small intestine.

ileus

profoundly decreased physiologic activity (motility) of the bowel, characterized by dilation, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

iliac

pertaining to the ilium.

ilium

the upper bone that forms the side of the pelvis.

intramuscular.

immobilize

to prevent freedom of movement.

immune

not susceptible to.

immunity

condition of being able to resist a certain entity or disease.

immunization

the process of developing immunity; often refers to an injection.

impetiginize

to involve with impetigo.

impetigo

contagious skin disease caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria characterized by weeping, crusting, and areas of pus formation.

incarcerate

to confine; to entrap.

infarction

area of tissue death caused by obstruction of blood circulation.

inflammation

response to cell injury that involves dilation of small blood vessels, redness, warmth, pain, and migration of white blood (pus) cells to the region; part of the healing process that removes noxious substances and damaged tissue; can be destructive as a primary disease process.

infrared

light that lies outside of the visible spectrum, with wavelengths longer than those of red light.

inhale

to breathe in.

inspiration

the act of breathing in.

intestine

the digestive tube that passes from the stomach to the anus; the small intestine (bowel) consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; the large intestine (bowel) consists of the cecum (with attached appendix), colon (ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid), and rectum.

intoxication

state of poisoning.

intravenous

into a vein.

irrigate

to rinse.

ischemic

in a condition of lowered blood flow; lacking sufficient oxygen to sustain function.

itis (suffix)

inflammation of.

Intravenous.

jaundice

yellow pigmentation of the tissues and bodily fluids.

jejunum

the segment of the small intestine that follows the duodenum and precedes the ileum.

ketoacidosis

condition of excessive ketones in the bloodstream, associated with increased systemic acidity; a life-threatening condition of diabetics.

ketone

acid by-product of metabolism.

kilogram.

kilo- (prefix)

one thousand of something.

kilocalorie

1 food calorie, or 1000 energy calories; the energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1 C.

kilogram

1000 g; 2.2 lb.

lacerate

to tear or cut roughly.

larva

wormlike form of an insect that issues from the egg; e.g., grub, maggot, or caterpillar.

larynx

the portion of the trachea that contains the vocal cords; the voice box.

lateral

away from the midline; outer.

lb (abbreviation)

pound.

lethargy

drowsiness or aversion to activity, caused by disease.

ligament

fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone.

liter

volume of water that weighs 1 kg; 1.0567 quarts.

localized

confined to a specific area.

lumbar

pertaining to the lower back.

lymph

amber nutrient fluid that contains white blood cells; it circulates in the lymphatic system and is involved with injuries, infections, and cancers.

lymphatic

related to lymph glands, cells, or fluid; small vessel that transports lymph fluid.

lymph node

collection of lymph cells that function as a gland; node (colloquial).

malleolus

rounded bony prominence, such as occurs on either side of the ankle.

mandible

lower bone of the jaw.

manipulate

to move mechanically, usually with the hands.

melena

dark-colored, tarry stools (feces), due to the presence of blood altered by intestinal fluids.

meningitis

inflammation of the covering of the brain and upper spinal cord.

menses

periodic hemorrhage from a woman’s uterus that occurs most commonly at 4-week intervals.

menstrual

related to menses.

menstruation

periodic discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus.

mental status

condition of alertness and comprehension.

metabolism

the energy-producing and energy-using processes that occur in the human body.

milligram.

micron

measure of length equal to one one-millionth of a meter.

microorganism

small life form that requires a microscope to be seen.

microscopic

very tiny; requires a microscope to be seen.

migraine

recurrent severe headaches generally accompanied by an aura (classic migraine), nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

milli- (prefix)

one one-thousandth.

milligram

1/1000 of a gram.

milliliter

1/1000 of a liter.

mL (abbreviation)

milliliter.

mononucleosis

infectious disease characterized by an abnormal increase in mottocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, weakness, fever, sore throat, and enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes in the neck.

mottled

covered with colored spots or blotches.

mucus

slippery secretion created by mucous glands associated with mucous membranes (such as those that line the nose, throat, and mouth) for lubrication and some protection against bacteria.

myocardial

pertaining to the heart muscle.

myoglobin

iron-containing, oxygen-carrying pigment present in muscle tissue.

myoglobinuria

condition of having myoglobin present in the urine.

nanometer

one one-billionth of a meter.

narcosis

altered mental status ranging from confusion to coma.

nebulize

to reduce to a fine spray.

neurologic

pertaining to the nervous system.

nm (abbreviation)

nanometer.

nonsteroidal

not containing steroids.

NSAID

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

organ

part of the body with a specific function.

OTC

over-the-counter.

otitis

inflammation or infection of the ear.

ounce

measure of weight equal to 28.35 g; 1/16 lb.

ovary

one of two reproductive glands in a female that produces the female sex cells (“eggs”).

ovulation

release of an egg from the ovary.

oxygen

colorless, odorless gas necessary for combustion and life.

oxygenate

to supply with oxygen.

oz (abbreviation)

ounce.

ozone

triatomic form of oxygen (03) that is formed by electric discharge through air.

pallor

pale skin color.

palpate

feel with the hands.

palpation

the act of feeling with the hands.

palpitation

abnormal beating of the heart felt by the victim.

pancreas

gland that produces and secretes digestive enzymes (juices) and the insulin hormone.

pancreatitis

inflammation of the pancreas.

parasite

an animal or vegetable that lives on or in another and that draws its nourishment from the host.

paroxysmal

sudden.

pediatric

pertaining to children.

pelvic

related to the pelvis.

pelvis

strong, basin-shaped bone structure that provides support for the spine, hips, and legs.

penile

related to the penis.

peptic

related to digestive fluids.

perineum

area of skin situated between the external genitalia and the anus; area between the thighs extending from the tailbone to the front of the pubis.

peristalsis

natural contractions of the muscular walls of the bowel that move bowel contents forward.

peritoneum

lining of the abdominal organs and cavity.

peritonitis

inflammation of the peritoneum.

petit mal seizure

form of epilepsy characterized by brief periods of confusion without major abnormal muscle activity.

pharyngitis

inflammation of the pharynx; sore throat.

pharynx

throat.

phlegm

mucus secreted in the respiratory passages.

photophobia

aversion to light.

photosensitivity

sensitivity to light, particularly to ultraviolet radiation.

pigment

coloring matter or stain.

placenta

organ implanted within the uterus that supports an unborn child, which is attached by the umbilical cord.

plankton

microscopic plant life found in natural bodies of water.

plantar

on the bottom.

platelet

cellular component of the blood that contributes to clotting.

pleura

lining that covers the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity.

pleural space

a small space between the pleura that covers the lung and that lines the inside of the chest wall; normally, this space is minuscule (cannot be seen) because it is filled with negative pressure, which allows the lung to expand with the chest wall.

pleuritis

inflammation of the pleura.

pneumonia

infection of the lung characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, and the production of purulent or bloody sputum.

pneumothorax

collapsed lung with air in the pleural space.

by mouth.

potable

drinkable (preferably, disinfected).

prognosis

projected outcome.

prolapse

to fall or sink down.

prone

lying flat with the face down.

prophylactic

for the purpose of prophylaxis.

prophylaxis

measures designed to maintain health and to prevent disease.

protozoan

microscopic unicellular or acellular animal.

proximal

closer to starting point or center; nearest to central part of the body.

pubic

pertaining to the region of the pubis.

pubis

the lowermost and anterior bone of the pelvis.

pulmonary

pertaining to the lungs.

punctate

like a dot or small mark.

pupil

contractile round opening in the center of the iris of the eye through which light is transmitted to the lens.

purulent

foul.

pus

white, yellow-green, or beige creamy fluid that is formed by decomposing tissue, white blood cells, and tissue fluids.

pyelonephritis

inflammation of the kidney due to a bacterial infection.

every day (daily).

four times a day.

quadrant

one of the four quarters into which a region can be divided.

radial artery

the main artery that travels through the wrist to supply the hand.

radiation

emission of energy in the form of waves or particles.

radiation of pain

pain that travels from one region to another, such as from the hand to the shoulder.

rebound tenderness

pain in the abdomen that is worse on release of pressure than it is on creation of pressure (compression); often indicates peritonitis.

recompression

the method whereby increased atmospheric pressure is used to treat victims of air embolism or decompression sickness (diving-related disorders).

reflux

backward flow.

reflux esophagitis (heartburn)

inflammation of the esophagus caused by backward flow of acid from the stomach.

relapse

return of a disease after it has spent its course.

renal

related to the kidney.

respiratory

pertaining to the organs of breathing or the act of breathing.

resuscitate

to revive from death or unconsciousness.

retina

the posterior inside surface of the eye, which receives a light image refracted through the cornea and lens, and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve.

rigor mortis

stiffening of the body that begins a few hours after death and that disappears from 1 to 5 days later, when decomposition begins.

respiratory rate.

saline

salty (solution); normal saline (liquid compatible with most human tissues) is 0.9% sodium chloride in water.

saturate

to soak; to dissolve to the highest possible concentration.

sedate

to bring under the influence of a sedative.

sedation

the act of calming.

sedative

calming or quieting; a drug or other substances that decreases nervous excitement.

seizure

epileptic convulsion.

serum

the fluid component of blood after the cells are removed.

shock

a clinical state manifested by profound depression of all body functions, caused by insufficient blood and nutrient supply to the tissues; signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, cool and clammy skin, altered mental status, and collapse.

silica

silicon dioxide.

sublingual (under the tongue).

soft tissue

body tissue that is not composed of bone or cartilage; generally refers to skin, muscle, and fat; generally excludes internal organs.

spasm

involuntary muscular contraction.

sphincter

muscular ring that serves as a junction between two tubes, such as the esophageal sphincter (between the esophagus and stomach).

spirochete

curled or spiraled microorganism capable of causing infectious disease.

sprain

incomplete stretching or tearing of ligaments.

sputum

phlegm composed of saliva and discharges from the respiratory passages.

subcutaneous (under the skin).

status

unchanging situation, such as status asthmaticus (severe, unchanging asthma), or status epilepticus (nonceasing convulsions).

STD

sexually transmitted disease.

sterile

uncontaminated by infectious agents.

stemocleidomastoid

prominent neck muscle that connects the mandible to the collarbone and sternum.

sternum

breastbone.

steroids

hormones, vitamins, body constituents, and drugs with a specific chemical structure.

strain

incomplete stretching or tearing of tendons or muscles.

stridor

harsh vibrating noise heard in the upper airway during breathing; commonly associated with an outflow obstruction during exhalation; may be inspiratory.

stroke

cerebral hemorrhage, thrombosis, vasospasm, or embolism characterized by some degree of paralysis; also called apoplexy.

sub- (prefix)

underneath.

subarachnoid

under the arachnoid.

subconjunctival

under the conjunctivae.

subcutaneous

under the skin.

sublingual

under the tongue.

supine

lying flat with the face up.

supraventricular

above the level of the ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart.

suture

to sew with surgical thread or nylon; the thread or nylon used to sew a wound closed.

symphysis

a barely movable junction of two bone surfaces connected by a fibrous cartilage pad.

syndrome

a collection of signs and symptoms that, taken together, constitute a particular disease or abnormality.

synthesize

to create or compose.

syringe

device used to inject fluids into or remove them from the body.

systemic

affecting the entire body.

tachycardia

rapid heart rate (beat).

TBI

traumatic brain injury.

tendon

fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

tension pneumothorax

collapsed lung under pressure from air in the pleural space.

testicle

testis.

testis

one of two male reproductive glands located in the scrotum.

tetanus

an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and characterized by severe muscle contractions and inability to open the mouth (lockjaw); the bacterium that causes tetanus.

thermal

pertaining to heat.

thermoregulatory

in control of temperature.

thrombophilia

increased number of platelets.

thrombophlebitis

an inflammation of the veins that causes the formation of blood clots.

thrombosis

formation of a thrombus.

thrombus

clot formed in a blood vessel or in one of the cavities of the heart.

TID

three times a day.

thmitus

noises, such as ringing, in the ears.

tissue

a group of cells that combine in the body to serve a specific function.

tourniquet

a device used to control blood flow by impeding or preventing circulation.

toxin

poisonous substance.

trachea

main passageway for air from the pharynx to the bronchi.

tracheostomy

surgical opening created in the neck into the trachea to allow breathing when the upper airway is obstructed.

trauma

mechanical injury.

traumatic

related to mechanical injury.

triage

sorting of patients by priority.

tubal

related to a tube.

tumor

abnormal growth of tissue that arises in the body without purpose; may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

tympanic membrane

eardrum.

ulcer

erosion; open sore.

ultrasonic

beyond the normal range of sound waves.

ultraviolet

light outside of the violet end of the visible spectrum with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light.

umbilical

relating to the umbilicus.

umbilicus

navel; belly button; pit in the center of the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus before birth.

unconscious

unaware; unarousable.

ureter

muscular tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

urethra

passage that carries urine from the bladder to the external opening in the genital region.

URI

upper respiratory infection.

urogenital

genitourinary; pertaining to the urinary tract and genitalia.

urticaria

itchy, patchy, raised, and red skin rash, often associated with allergy.

uterus

muscular reproductive female organ in which a child develops; womb.

UTI

urinary tract infection.

ultraviolet.

UVR

ultraviolet radiation.

vaccinate

to inject a special preparation for the purpose of achieving immunity from disease.

vaginitis

irritation of the vagina.

varicose

abnormally swollen or dilated.

vascular

pertaining to the blood vessels.

vasospasm

contraction of a blood vessel, often caused by microscopic muscle contraction.

vein

blood vessel that carries blood from the body back to the heart.

venom

poison secreted from venom glands in animals and insects; usually introduced into the victim with a bite or sting.

venous

pertaining to the veins.

ventricle

one of two large chambers of the heart.

ventricular

pertaining to the ventricle.

vertebra

one of the bony segments that form the spinal column (backbone).

vertigo

dizziness; sensation of whirling motion.

vessel

container; a blood vessel may be an artery, vein, or capillary.

ventricular fibrillation.

vitreous

gelatinous fluid within the eye.

wheezing

labored breathing, usually noted on expiration, associated with lung disorders characterized by airway narrowing, such as asthma.

Glossary of Terms

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