Medical Terminology Practice Test: Essential Healthcare Terms

Cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. Cardiologists specialize in conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disorders.

An oncologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. Oncologists use various methods to treat cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They also provide supportive care to help patients manage the side effects of cancer and its treatment. There are different types of oncologists, such as medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, each with specific expertise in cancer treatment.

The skull is a complex bony structure that forms the head in vertebrates. It supports the structures of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain. The skull is composed 4 of two parts: the cranium and the mandible. 5 The cranium is the bony case that encloses the brain and consists of eight bones. The mandible is the lower jawbone.

An appendectomy is a common surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendectomy is typically performed in cases of appendicitis, which is the inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to a ruptured appendix, which is a serious medical emergency.

An appendectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the appendix, typically performed when a person has appendicitis, which is the inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis is often caused by an infection or blockage in the appendix, leading to pain, swelling, and potentially dangerous rupture if untreated. This surgery is commonly done as an emergency procedure to prevent complications.

A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. Fractures can be caused by various factors, including trauma, overuse, and osteoporosis. There are different types of fractures, such as closed fractures (where the skin is not broken), open fractures (where the bone protrudes through the skin), and stress fractures (tiny cracks in the bone).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4+ T cells, which help fight off infections. Over time, HIV can weaken the immune system to the point where it can no longer fight off opportunistic infections, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Immunology is the branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity. It studies the components and function of the immune system, including its response to pathogens, allergens, and other foreign substances.

Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of diseases. It involves examining tissues, organs, and bodily fluids to diagnose diseases and understand their progression.

A herniorrhaphy is a surgical procedure to repair a hernia, which is a bulge of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place.

Hypertension is when the blood pressure in your arteries is consistently elevated. It's often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no noticeable symptoms. High blood pressure increases the risk of serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. It is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) with two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests).

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. It is not just a cosmetic concern but a medical problem that 2 increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain 3 cancers.

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube with a camera attached to its end is inserted into the rectum to examine the inside of the colon (large intestine). It is used to detect abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, and inflammation.

Deafness refers to the partial or complete inability to hear. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, infections, injuries, and exposure to loud noise.

Dermatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the skin. It is a general term used to describe conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, red, itchy, and irritated. Common causes include allergic reactions, irritants, or infections. The term "dermatitis" can refer to various types of skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes results from the body's immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body doesn't use insulin properly, and relative insulin deficiency, where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. Both types lead to high blood sugar, which can cause damage to various organs over time.

Neurology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists treat a wide range of conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's 8 disease, and headaches.

Arthritis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the joints, which causes symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. It can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), wear and tear of cartilage (as seen in osteoarthritis), or infections that affect the joints. The condition can affect any joint in the body, with the most common being the knees, hands, and hips. It can range from mild to severe and can impact daily functioning. Osteoporosis is a separate condition that weakens bones, making them more fragile, while bursitis refers to the inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joints. Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Pathology is the study of disease. It involves the examination and analysis of bodily tissues and fluids to diagnose and understand the nature and causes of diseases. Pathologists study the changes that occur in cells, tissues, and organs as a result of disease, and they play a crucial role in identifying and treating various medical conditions. By studying the patterns and characteristics of diseases, pathologists contribute to the development of effective treatments and prevention strategies.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. It occurs in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate 7 cancer often grows slowly and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages. However, advanced prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and may be performed for a variety of medical reasons, including uterine cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, or chronic pelvic pain. The procedure can be done through several methods, including abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic approaches, depending on the reason for the surgery and the patient's condition. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during a hysterectomy. Appendectomy refers to the surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed when a person has appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). Mastectomy is the removal of one or both breasts, commonly due to breast cancer. Colectomy involves the surgical removal of all or part of the colon, often to treat conditions like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Neuropathy is a nerve disorder. It involves damage or dysfunction of the nerves, which can lead to various symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Neuropathy can result from a variety of causes, including diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to certain medications or toxins. It is important to identify the underlying cause of neuropathy for proper diagnosis and management. The term does not specifically refer to disorders of the legs, hands, or brain, although neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body. 

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, 5 and gout.

The term "cardiomegaly" refers to an enlarged heart. It can be caused by various factors, including heart disease or a heart attack. Therefore, "enlarged heart" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the condition of cardiomegaly.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the removal of old bone. This leads to a decrease in bone density and quality, making bones more susceptible to breaking. Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because it usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Osteogenic means originating in the bone. The term is commonly used in the context of cells or processes associated with bone formation or development. For example, osteogenic cells are those involved in the production of bone tissue. The term is derived from the Greek words "osteon," meaning bone, and "genesis," meaning origin or creation. It is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe things related to bones or bone formation.

Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate. It is a condition where the heart beats faster than the normal resting rate. Tachycardia can be caused by various factors, including stress, fever, anemia, heart-related issues, or other medical conditions. It is characterized by a heart rate that exceeds the typical range for a specific age group or health condition. Tachycardia stands in contrast to bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. Irregular heart rate and heart murmur are separate cardiac conditions with distinct characteristics.

Quadriplegia refers to paralysis of the four limbs and typically includes the trunk as well, affecting all four extremities and, in some cases, parts of the torso. It is often associated with spinal cord injuries or certain neurological conditions that impact the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord. Quadriplegia is also known as tetraplegia. The term accurately describes the extent of paralysis, encompassing both the upper and lower extremities, and distinguishes it from other terms like paraplegia (paralysis of the lower extremities).

Arachnophobia is a specific phobia, which is an intense and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. People with arachnophobia experience extreme anxiety and fear at the sight or thought of spiders. This can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding places where spiders might be present.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses (such as hepatitis A, B, and C), alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. It can have various causes, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to certain toxins. Inflammation of the liver can lead to liver damage and may contribute to conditions such as scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) or chronic liver disease. It is essential to identify the underlying cause of hepatitis for proper treatment and management. Kidney stones are unrelated to hepatitis; they involve the formation of solid particles in the kidneys.

The tuberculin skin test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test, is a common test used to determine if someone has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB).

A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage or death. Angina pectoris refers to chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, but it doesn't involve permanent damage like a heart attack. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm, and cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle.

Polydipsia refers to excessive thirst, which can be caused by a number of medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, dehydration, or kidney problems. In diabetes, for instance, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to increased excretion of glucose in the urine, which draws water along with it, causing the body to become dehydrated and resulting in excessive thirst. It is often seen as a compensatory mechanism to replenish lost fluids. Polyuria, on the other hand, is the medical term for excessive urination, which is often linked to polydipsia, as the body tries to rid itself of excess sugar or waste. Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar, and hypoglycemia is low blood sugar; both of these conditions can also lead to symptoms of excessive thirst, but polydipsia specifically refers to the sensation of thirst itself.

Polydipsia is the term for excessive thirst and is often a symptom of underlying medical conditions like diabetes, where high blood sugar levels lead to increased urination and subsequent dehydration, triggering excessive thirst.

Anosmia refers to the loss of the sense of smell. This condition can be temporary or permanent and can result from various causes, including respiratory infections, head trauma, exposure to toxic chemicals, or neurological disorders. Anosmia can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their ability to taste foods and detect hazards like smoke or gas leaks. Diagnosis often involves a medical history review and olfactory tests. While some cases may resolve on their own, others might require treatment of the underlying cause. Recognizing anosmia is important for addressing potential health risks and improving patient care.

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It refers to the sensation of difficulty or discomfort while swallowing food, liquids, or saliva. Dysphagia can result from various causes, including neurological conditions, muscular disorders, or structural abnormalities in the throat or esophagus. It is distinct from swelling of the vocal cords, difficulty in breathing, or impaired speech, although these conditions may be associated with or contribute to dysphagia in certain cases.

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, which can occur when there are problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. It may result from various conditions, such as a stroke, neurological disorders (like Parkinson’s disease), muscle disorders, or a physical blockage (like tumors or strictures) in the throat or esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia include pain while swallowing, feeling like food is stuck in the throat, or a sensation of choking. Dysphagia can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not addressed, and it often requires medical treatment to determine the underlying cause and the appropriate therapy.

A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It's a common test used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. There are different types of blood glucose tests, including fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, and oral glucose tolerance test.

Tumor resection is the surgical removal of a tumor. The specific type of resection depends on the location and type of tumor.

Hemorrhage refers to the loss of blood from damaged blood vessels. It can occur internally or externally and may result from injuries, trauma, or various medical conditions. In the context of medical terminology, hemorrhage typically implies significant and often uncontrolled bleeding. This can manifest externally, such as from a wound, or internally, involving organs or tissues. Hemorrhages can vary in severity, and prompt medical attention is crucial to address the underlying cause and manage the bleeding to prevent complications. The term does not specifically refer to vomiting blood due to a stomach ulcer, blood in the stool, or blood in the urine, although those conditions may involve bleeding.

Nephrectomy refers to the surgical removal of a kidney. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, or kidney donation. During a nephrectomy, the entire kidney is removed from the body, either through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. This helps to alleviate symptoms, improve kidney function, or prevent the spread of cancer. It is important to note that nephrectomy is a major surgical procedure and should only be performed when necessary and under the guidance of a medical professional.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that triggers an immune response when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In people with celiac disease, gluten damages the small intestine, specifically the villi, which are small finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. This damage can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, causing various symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss.

The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs. They play a crucial role in the process of breathing by aiding in the expansion and contraction of the ribcage. These muscles help in elevating the ribs during inhalation and lowering them during exhalation, allowing for the expansion and compression of the chest cavity. By being situated between the ribs, the intercostal muscles are able to facilitate these movements and contribute to the overall mechanics of breathing.

Encephalitis is a condition characterized by inflammation within the head, specifically the brain. This inflammation can be caused by viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus or the West Nile virus. It can also be caused by bacterial infections or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of encephalitis include fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. Treatment usually involves antiviral or antibiotic medications, depending on the cause of the inflammation, as well as supportive care to manage symptoms.

Thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. It affects many bodily functions, including heart rate, body temperature, and how quickly your body uses energy. The two main types of thyroid hormone are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). An imbalance in thyroid hormone levels can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ that stores bile. This is often done to treat gallstones or other gallbladder diseases.

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for the body, but high levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries. It is a condition in which the walls of arteries become thickened and narrowed due to the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances. This process can restrict blood flow and, over time, may lead to various cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerosis primarily affects arteries, not veins. The term distinguishes itself from conditions related to swelling within the head or inflammation of the joints, which are unrelated to the specific process of arterial hardening seen in atherosclerosis.

Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that helps to maintain healthy tissues, including skin, bones, blood vessels, and gums. Symptoms of scurvy can include fatigue, weakness, joint pain, bleeding gums, and slow wound healing. In severe cases, scurvy can be fatal.