Author: Glossary

Proteins in the shape of a three-leafed clover that are acid-resistant; help prevent damage to the stomach lining by gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) secreted during digestion.  

An exercise device consisting of a moving platform, on which a patient walks while having his/her heart and breathing rates monitored; it is used to determine the effect of exertion on heart function. A examination involving physical activity on a treadmill at different incline levels, while concurrently monitoring heart function.  

Involving the entire wall or thickness of a structure; a transmural myocardial infarction (heart attack) involves the entire wall of the affected portion of heart muscle (myocardium). Across the wall of an organ or structure, as in transmural myocardial infarction, in which the tissue in the entire thickness of a portion of the cardiac wall…

Temporary loss of memory that occurs in otherwise healthy persons. Memory for recent events is absent, but remote memory is retained. The spells are abrupt in onset and typically last several hours. The cause is unknown. Generally, no treatment is necessary. Short-term memory loss that occurs in otherwise healthy people; remote memory is retained.  

Response by the body to the introduction of blood that is not compatible with its own. Signs of an adverse reaction range from fever, hive formation, and headache to severe asthmatic attacks, deep chest and back pain, difficulty in breathing, vascular collapse, renal failure, shock, and death. An adverse response to a transfusion caused by…

Instrument that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Also acts as a transmitter and receiver of ultrasound information. A device activated by some type of received energy that is then converted to a signal suitable for transmission, usually over electrical circuits. A device that converts one form of energy to another. The telephone is an…

Abnormal condition in which the head leans to one side because of contraction of the neck muscles on that side; it may be congenital or result from injury. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition; it may include immobilization, pain relievers (if the muscle spasm produces severe pain), and surgical intervention.  

Surface anesthesia obtained by applying a topical agent, such as benzocaine or lidocaine, to the skin or mucous membrane. Local anesthesia induced by application of an anesthetic directly onto the surface of the area to be anesthetized.  

Mass of lymphoid tissue, especially one of the paired masses at the back of the mouth (palatine tonsils or lingual tonsils) concerned with response to infection. The adenoids or pharyngeal tonsils are posterior and superior, within the nasopharynx. A mass of lymphoid tissue on either side of the back of the mouth. It is concerned…

Normal state of balanced tension and responsiveness of the body, especially the muscles; also called tonus. That state of a body or any of its organs or parts in which the functions are healthy and normal. In a more restricted sense, the resistance of muscles to passive elongation or stretch. The usual level of tightness…