Medical Abbreviations

Angiography is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to visualize the inside of blood vessels after injecting a contrast agent. The term combines anatomy, angi- (blood vessels), and -ography (writing or recording). In practice, clinicians map arterial structures to diagnose blockages or abnormalities, typically involving specialized equipment and real-time fluoroscopy. It’s a high-stakes, technical word common in radiology and vascular contexts.

Angiosarcoma is an aggressive, malignant tumor arising from the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. It most commonly occurs in the skin, soft tissues, liver, or spleen and tends to be invasive and high-grade. Recognizing its distinct vascular origin helps differentiate it from other sarcomas and informs treatment planning.

Anisocytosis is a medical term describing a condition with unequal red blood cell sizes. It is used in hematology reports to denote variation in cell diameter. The word is chiefly encountered in clinical contexts and research communications.

Appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, typically performed to treat appendicitis. The term combines the Latin root for appendix with the surgical suffix ‘-ectomy,’ indicating a surgical removal. It is used in medical contexts and in general discussion of abdominal surgery.

Arrhythmia is a medical condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, meaning the heart's rhythm is too fast, too slow, or erratic. The term covers various disorders of the heart’s electrical system and can be benign or serious. In clinical contexts, arrhythmia is diagnosed through monitoring and treated according to severity and underlying cause.

Arteriography is a radiographic examination of the arteries using contrast material to visualize blood vessels. It involves injecting a contrast dye and taking X-ray images to identify abnormalities such as blockages or aneurysms. The term combines arterial and graphic, reflecting its imaging purpose.

arteriovenous is an anatomical term describing a connection or interaction between an artery and a vein, typically referring to a cross-vascular pathway or shunt. It is often used to describe conditions, devices, or surgical constructs that involve both arterial and venous vessels. In medical contexts, precision in pronunciation helps prevent miscommunication about location or function within the circulatory system.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries, narrowing and stiffening them. It develops over years through lipid deposition and inflammatory processes, potentially leading to cardiovascular events. The term combines Greek roots for fatty, porus, and hardening, reflecting its pathology.

Bradykinesia is a neurological term for slowness of movement, a hallmark of Parkinsonian syndromes. It describes a reduction in the speed and amplitude of voluntary movements, affecting tasks from walking to facial expressions. The term combines gr,

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by permanent dilation and damage to the bronchi, leading to persistent cough and sputum production. It results from repeated infections or inflammatory processes that weaken airway walls, causing abnormal widening and mucus retention. Recognizing the term itself helps in medical communication and patient education in clinical settings.

Bronchitis is a short- or long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It typically causes coughing, mucus production, and sometimes fever or chest discomfort. Acute bronchitis often follows a viral infection, while chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition linked to smoking or irritants.

Calcinosis is a medical condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in body tissues, often forming nodules or calcifications. It can arise in various clinical contexts and may be associated with metabolic or genetic disorders. The term is used across medical specialties and requires precise pronunciation for clear communication in exams, research, and patient interactions.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can weaken its ability to pump blood. It encompasses several subtypes characterized by structural or functional changes in the myocardium, leading to heart failure symptoms or arrhythmias. The term combines cardio- (heart) with myo- (muscle) and -pathy (disease).

Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is typically performed to treat gallstone-related pain or infection. The term combines Greek roots for bile, bladder, and surgical removal, and is used in medical contexts and formal discussions of gastroenterology.