Category: A

  • Aortic buld

    The dilated portion of the truncus arteriosus in the embryo that gives rise to the roots of the aorta and pulmonary arteries.  

  • Assassin bug

    A member of the family Reduviidae. Many are predaceous; others are blood-sucking. Panstrongylus, Triatoma, and Rhodnius are vectors of trypanosome diseases (Chagas disease) in humans.  

  • Autofluorescence bronchoscopy

    Bronchoscopy in which tissues are illuminated with pure blue laser light. The wavelength of blue light enhances the difference in appearance between normal and malignant tissues, since malignant and premalignant surfaces glow (fluoresce) when compared with healthy tissues.  

  • Acute bronchitis

    A n infection of the bronchi that may be indistinguishable from the common cold, often associated with repetitive coughing or sputum production. It is usually caused by viruses (especially rhinoviruses, influenza A or B, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, or respiratory syncytial virus) or less often by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia, streptococci, Haemophilus spp, Moraxella lacunata, Bordetella pertussis, staphylococci.…

  • Ataxic breathing

    An irregular, uncoordinated breathing pattern common in infants.  

  • Asthmatic breathing

    Harsh breathing with prolonged wheezing heard throughout expiration.  

  • Assisted breathing

    Any technique that improves respiration. Examples include: the provision of supplemental oxygen; bag-valve-mask ventilation; BiPAP; mechanical ventilation; and mouth-to mouth ventilation.  

  • Apneustic breathing

    The act of inhaling and exhaling air. An abnormal breathing pattern marked by prolonged inspiratory pauses. This is usually associated with brainstem injuries.  

  • Arm board

    A board placed under and attached to the arm for stabilization during intravenous administration.  

  • Augmented diastolic blood pressure

    An increase in diastolic pressure, usually by an artificial device, such as an intra-aortic balloon pump.