100th GLOSSARY OF COMMON MEDICAL TERMS

AND DEFINITION
By : YULITA LOBO (NURSE C)
1. ABDOMEN: (adjective ABDOMINAL): the area of the body between the chest and
pelvis.
2. ABSORPTION: the passage of nutrients, drugs, or water from the intestines into the
bloodstream.
3. ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME: (AIDS): a syndrome characterized
by suppression of the immune system, rendering the body susceptible to various
illnesses; the late, symptomatic stage of HIV disease.
4. ACTIVE INFECTION: an infection in which a disease-causing microorganism is
actively replicating and infecting new cells.
5. ACUTE: rapid-onset, short-term initial stage of a disease. Contrast with chronic.
6. ALBUMIN: a blood protein produced by the liver that plays a role in maintaining normal
blood volume. A low albumin level is associated with liver cirrhosis. A normal level is
3.2 to 5.0g.
7. ALCOHOLISM: a disorder characterized by excessive consumption of and
dependence on
8. ALLERGY: an abnormal immune response to an antigen (allergen) that does not
normally cause an adverse reaction (e.g., animal dander, pollen). Allergic reactions are
caused by the release of histamine by mast cells, a type of white blood cell. Allergic
symptoms may include runny nose (rhinitis), skin rash, asthma, and anaphylactic
shock.
9. ALOPECIA: hair loss.
10. AMENORRHEA: absence of menstrual periods.
11. AMMONIA: a toxic metabolic byproduct that is normally excreted in the urine.
12. AMNESIA: memory loss.
13. ANALGESIC: a drug or therapy that reduces pain.
14. ANEMIA: (adjective ANEMIC): reduced number of red blood cells or reduced ability of
blood to carry oxygen. There are several types of anemia, all with different causes.
Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and difficulty breathing.
15. ANESTHESIA: (adjective ANESTHETIC): an agent that controls pain. Localized
anesthesia

blocks

pain

in

given

area;

general

anesthesia

produces

unconsciousness.
16. ANEURYSM: an abnormally stretched, dilated section of a blood vessel that is prone
to bursting.
17. ANGINA PECTORIS: chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle receives
inadequate oxygen.
18. ANOREXIA: loss of appetite for food.
19. ANTIBIOTIC: an agent that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria.

20. ANTIBODY: (IMMUNOGLOBULIN): a protein produced by plasma cells (a type of

immune system white blood cell) when they encounter foreign invaders. Specific
antibodies bind to specific invaders, or antigens, and target them for destruction. The
presence of antibodies indicates current infection with or past exposure to a pathogen.
21. ANTIBODY POSITIVE: (SEROPOSITIVE): the presence in the blood of antibodies
against a specific pathogen such as HCV.
22. ANTIBODY TEST: an assay that detects the presence of antibodies in a blood sample;
ELISA and RIBA tests are used to detect HCV antibodies.
23. ANTICOAGULANT: a drug that reduces or delays blood coagulation or clotting.
24. ANTICONVULSANT: a drug that prevents or reduces convulsions or seizures.
25. ANTIDEPRESSANT: a drug that elevates the mood and alleviates mental depression.
There are several types, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's),
MAO inhibitors, and tricyclics.
26. ANTIEMETIC: a drug that relieves nausea and vomiting.
27. ANTIGEN: any agent or substance that stimulates an immune response. Antigens are
often foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses.
28. ANTIHISTAMINE: a drug that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical messenger in
the body. Antihistamines are used to prevent or alleviate allergic reactions and to
reduce stomach acid production.
29. ANTIOXIDANT: a substance that reduces oxidation by binding with and neutralizing
free radicals. The body produces natural antioxidants, and they are also available in
foods and dietary supplements (e.g., vitamin E, selenium).
30. ANTIRETROVIRAL: a drug that suppresses the activity or replication of retroviruses.
Different types of antiretroviral drugs (e.g., reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease
inhibitors) interfere with various stages of the virus life cycle.
31. ANTIVIRAL: a drug that suppresses the activity or replication of viruses.
32. ANXIOLYTIC: a drug that helps relieve mental anxiety.
33. APLASTIC ANEMIA: anemia due to a reduced level of red blood cells caused by the
inability of stem cells in the bone marrow to produce new cells. Certain drugs suppress
the bone marrow and can lead to aplastic anemia as a side effect.
34. ARTERIOGRAPHY :(ANGIOGRAPHY): examination of arteries (after injection of a
dye) to look for damage and blockages.
35. ARTHRALGIA: joint pain.
36. ARTHRITIS: joint inflammation.
37. ASCITES: accumulation of fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. Ascites may be a
symptom of advanced liver disease with decompensated cirrhosis.
38. ASYMPTOMATIC: not feeling or showing outward symptoms or signs of a disease.
39. ATHEROSCLEROSIS: a condition in which blood vessels harden and lose their
elasticity due to the build-up of fatty material (plaques).
40. AUTOANTIBODY: an antibody that targets the body's own tissues.
41. AUTOIMMUNE RESPONSE :(AUTOIMMUNITY): a condition in which a person's
immune system produces antibodies that attack the body's own tissues. Several
conditions associated with hepatitis C (e.g., lichen planus, Sjgren's syndrome) appear
to have an autoimmune aspect.

42. BACTERIUM (plural BACTERIA): a simple single-celled microorganism. Bacteria are

classified by their shape (e.g., rod, spirochete), staining properties (Gram positive or
Gram negative) and habitat (aerobic, anaerobic).
43. BENIGN: a mild, non-lethal illness, especially a non-cancerous tumor. Contrast with
malignant.
44. BILIRUBIN: a yellowish pigment released when red blood cells are broken down.
Normally bilirubin is processed and excreted by the liver. An excess level of bilirubin in
the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) may indicate liver damage, and can lead to jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), pale-colored stools, and dark urine. A
normal bilirubin level is below 1.3mg.
45. BIOPSY (BX): a procedure in which a sample of cells or tissue is taken for laboratory
examination. Liver biopsies are used to monitor liver disease progression in people
with HCV.
46. BLOOD TRANSFUSION: the infusion of blood or blood components into an individual
for the treatment of a medical condition. Transfusions may be homologous (from a
donor) or autologous (previously stored blood from the recipient).
47. BODY MASS INDEX (BMI): a measurement of body fat determined by dividing a
person's weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters squared).
48. BODYWORK: healing techniques (e.g., massage therapy, reflexology) that involve
manipulating or applying pressure to the body.
49. BUN: (Blood urea nitrogen): a test that measures the amount of a certain waste
product (nitrogen) excreted by the kidneys.
50. CANCER: a malignant neoplasm or tumor characterized by abnormal cell proliferation.
Types include carcinoma (which affects epithelial cells), sarcoma (which affects soft
tissues), lymphoma and leukemia (which affect lymphoid tissue), and glioma (which
affects brain tissue).
51. CAPILLARIES: tiny blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to and remove
waste products from cells.
52. CARBOHYDRATE: an organic molecule composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen atoms. Carbohydrates constitutes a major class of nutrients, and are present in
foods such as bread and pasta.
53. CARCINOGEN: an agent that promotes the development of cancer.
54. CARCINOMA: a malignant tumor of the epithelial cells that line body surfaces and
cavities. Carcinoma in situ refers to an early stage of cancer that has not invaded
surrounding tissues.
55. CARDIOVASCULAR: having to do with the circulatory system (the heart and blood
vessels).
56. CARRIER: a person who does not show symptoms or have active disease, but who
carries an infectious organism and can transmit it to others.
57. CD4 CELL: (CD4 LYMPHOCYTE, T-HELPER CELL): a type of white blood cell that
helps the body fight infection.

58. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION: (CDC): the U.S. federal
government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that
monitors the occurrence of diseases and develops policies for preventing disease and
maintaining the health of the population.
59. CESAREAN SECTION (C-SECTION): a delivery procedure that involves making an
incision through the abdominal wall to remove an infant from the uterus (womb).
60. CHEMOTHERAPY: the use of drugs to treat disease.
61. CHOLAGOGUE: an agent (especially an herb) that improves bile flow.
62. CHOLESTASIS: obstruction of the flow of bile between the liver, the gall bladder, and
the small intestine.
63. CHOLESTEROL: a fatty substance in animal tissue that is an essential component of
cell membranes, certain hormones, and nerve fiber insulation. Cholesterol is
manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. There are two primary
types of cholesterol in the blood, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is considered a
risk factor for heart disease; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered
protective.
64. CHRONIC: a long-term or persistent disease. Contrast with acute.
65. COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION: reduction in mental functioning and ability to carry out
tasks that require thinking, planning, and memory.
66. COLOSTRUM: breast fluid produced during the first few days after a baby's birth (prior
to milk production) that contains proteins, immunoglobulins, and immune cells.
67. COMA: a state of deep unconsciousness; a vegetative state.
68. COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): an inventory of the cellular components of the
blood, including red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin, white blood cell
count, and platelet count.
69. COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN: (CT SCAN): a method of viewing the soft tissues
of the body using X-rays.
70. CONGENITAL: present from birth.
71. CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE: heart dysfunction that leads to a build-up of fluids in
the body.
72. CONJUNCTIVITIS: inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane that covers the eye
and lines the eyelid.
73. CONTRACEPTION: birth control; a device or method that prevents conception
(fertilization), implantation, or successful gestation.
74. CONTRAINDICATION: any circumstance or condition that makes a drug or other
method of treatment inadvisable in a particular case.
75. CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: damage to or blockage of the arteries that provide
blood to the heart muscle.
76. CORTICOSTEROID: a steroid hormone (e.g., prednisone, cortisone) produced by the
cortex of the adrenal gland or manufactured synthetically. Corticosteroids have antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and are used to treat a variety of
conditions.

77. CREATININE: a metabolic byproduct produced by muscles; high levels in the blood
may indicate kidney dysfunction.
78. CULTURE: a method of growing a microorganism in a laboratory.
79. CUTANEOUS: relating to the skin.
80. CYTOPENIA: low levels of blood cells.
81. CYTOPLASM: the material that makes up the interior of a cell.
82. CYTOPROTECTIVE: an agent that protects cells from damage.
83. CYTOTOXIC T-LYMPHOCYTE (CTL, KILLER T-CELL): a type of CD8 white blood cell
that targets and kills cells infected with viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other
microorganisms.
84. DEHYDRATION: loss or lack of water in the body. Dehydration may result from
prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and may disrupt many bodily processes.
85. DELIRIUM: a state of mental confusion, typically acute and rapid in onset that may be
caused by factors including disease, drug use, or high fever.
86. DEMENTIA: chronic loss of mental capacity. Dementia may involve progressive
deterioration of thinking, memory, and motor function, and may also be associated with
personality changes and psychological symptoms such as depression.
87. DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA): a double-stranded nucleic acid that encodes
genetic information. DNA is made up of four chemical building blocks (nucleotides):
adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
88. DEPRESSION (DYSTHYMIA): a mood disorder characterized by prolonged sadness
or grief.
89. DETOXIFICATION: removal of toxic (poisonous) substances. Detoxification of the
blood is an important function of the liver.
90. DIABETES MELLITUS (DM): a disease caused by insufficient insulin production or
lack of responsiveness to insulin. Type 1 (insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset) diabetes
results from an inability of the body to produce insulin. Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent
or adult-onset) diabetes occurs later is life and is associated with decreased insulin
production or insulin resistance.
91. DIAGNOSIS: the determination of the existence of a disease or condition. Diagnosis
generally involves an evaluation of a person's medical history, clinical symptoms, and
laboratory test results.
92. DIALYSIS: a method for filtering waste from the blood that replaces the function of the
kidneys that are not working properly.
93. DIARRHEA: frequent, loose bowel movements. Diarrhea may be caused by a variety
of factors, including microorganisms and as a side effect of certain drugs. Persistent
diarrhea can lead to dehydration and inadequate nutrient absorption.
94. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: the organs (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small
intestine, large intestine, and anus) associated with ingestion and digestion of food.
95. DISCORDANT: not having the same serostatus, for example a couple in which one
partner is HCV positive and the other is HCV negative.
96. DIURETIC: an agent that increases loss of water from the body through urination.
97. DOSAGE: the amount of a drug that is given at one time.

98. EMBOLISM: a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in
a blood vessel, causing a blockage.
99. ETIOLOGY: the cause of a disease.
100. FATIGUE: unusual, prolonged, or excessive tiredness.