Nursing

Cephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain or its surrounding tissues, typically caused by infection, autoimmune processes, or toxins. It denotes a serious neurological condition and is used in medical contexts to describe various etiologies, often accompanied by symptoms like fever, headache, and altered mental status. The term is primarily encountered in clinical or academic discussions and case reports.

Cerebrospinal refers to anything relating to the brain (cerebrum) and spinal cord, typically describing fluids or membranes that surround both structures. The term combines cerebr/o- (brain) with spin/o- (spinal) and -al (pertaining to). It is used in medical contexts to describe protective barriers, fluids, or processes linking the brain and spinal column. The concept emphasizes the central nervous system as a single physiological unit.

A cholangiogram is an X-ray imaging procedure that visualizes the bile ducts by injecting contrast material, often used to identify blockages or stones. It typically involves endoscopic or percutaneous access and results in a radiographic map of the biliary tree. The term combines anatomical roots with diagnostic imaging terminology.

Cholangiopathy is a medical condition involving disease or dysfunction of the bile ducts (cholangiopathy of the biliary tree). It encompasses a range of pathologies that affect bile duct epithelium and flow, often leading to cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis. The term is used in clinical contexts to describe ductal disorders that can complicate liver health.

Colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from the colon to the abdominal wall to divert feces. The term also refers to the resulting opening or the procedure itself. It is a medical term used in clinical discussion and patient education. Understanding its pronunciation helps in accurate medical communication and patient counseling.

Cytology is the branch of biology that studies cells, their structure, function, and life processes. It involves examining cells under microscopes to understand health, disease, and cellular relationships. The term combines cyt- meaning cell with -ology meaning the study of, and is used across medical, research, and educational contexts.

Defibrillation is the medical procedure that delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during life-threatening arrhythmias. It involves defibrillator devices that synchronize or unsynchronize the shock as needed, aiming to halt abnormal electrical activity and allow the heart’s natural pacemaking to resume. In practice, it is critical in cardiac arrest management and resuscitation protocols.

Diaphoresis refers to profuse sweating, often due to fever, illness, or anxiety. It is a technical medical term used to describe excessive perspiration that may be localized or generalized. The word is chiefly found in clinical contexts and medical literature, and its pronunciation is a key marker for precise, expert communication.

Dysphonia is a medical term describing disorders of the voice, typically characterized by reduced vocal quality, pitch, or loudness due to laryngeal dysfunction or nerve, systemic, or inflammatory causes. It is not a disease itself but a symptom requiring clinical assessment. The word combines Greek roots for abnormal voice and voice production. It is used in clinical, research, and speech-language pathology contexts.

Ectodermal describes something related to the ectoderm, the outermost of the three primary germ layers in early embryonic development. The term is used mainly in biology and medicine to refer to tissues or structures arising from the ectoderm, such as skin, hair, and nervous system components. It is a technical adjective, often appearing in scholarly contexts and clinical discussions.

Embolus is a medical term for a particle—such as a blood clot, air bubble, or fat droplet—that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a remote vessel, potentially causing an obstruction. It is typically used in clinical contexts to describe the mechanism of embolic events. The word is commonly encountered in radiology, pathology, and emergency medicine discussions.

Endotracheal refers to an insertion path through the trachea, typically describing a tube placed via the mouth or nose to ventilate the lungs. It’s a technical medical term used in anesthesia and critical care. The word conveys specificity and a clinical register, often appearing in procedural descriptions and medical documentation.

Fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, typically as part of a reparative or reactive process. It often results from chronic injury or inflammation and can lead to scarring and impaired function. In medical contexts, fibrosis is used to describe pathologic tissue change that disrupts normal architecture and performance.

Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure involving partial or total removal of the stomach. It’s used to treat conditions like stomach cancer or severe ulcers. The term combines the Greek stoma- (mouth) with -ectomy (surgical removal), and is spoken with care to maintain clear distinction of the syllables in medical contexts.

Gastritis is a medical term for the inflammation of the stomach lining. It typically presents with discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The word combines Greek roots for “stomach” and “inflammation,” and is used in clinical and educational contexts to describe acute or chronic gastric mucosal irritation.

Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies blood, its disorders, and blood-forming tissues. It covers laboratory analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and clotting disorders. The term combines Greek roots for blood and study, and is used in medical education, clinical settings, and research to describe this specialized field.

A hematoma is a localized swelling filled with blood outside of a blood vessel, usually caused by injury. It forms when blood leaks from damaged capillaries and collects in surrounding tissues, producing a raised, sometimes discolored lump. The term is used in medical reporting and patient contexts to describe this collection of clotted blood beneath the skin or within organs.

Herniation is the act or process of a structure, such as an organ or tissue, protruding through its usual boundary or an opening, often due to weakness or pressure. In medicine, it commonly refers to a portion of tissue (like an intervertebral disc or abdominal organ) pushing through a surrounding membrane or fascia. The term implies displacement rather than normal position, and is frequently used to describe pathological protrusion.

Histology is the branch of biology that studies the microscopic structure of tissues. It involves preparing thin tissue sections, staining them, and examining them under a microscope to understand tissue organization, cellular relationships, and function. The word combines Greek roots related to tissue and science, and it’s a foundational tool in pathology, anatomy, and biomedical research.

Hypokalemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low level of potassium in the blood. It can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias, and may result from poor intake, diuretics, or diseases that influence potassium balance. Proper diagnosis relies on血 potassium measurements and clinical context, guiding treatment to restore potassium levels.

Hypotension is a medical condition characterized by blood pressure that's abnormally low. It can cause dizziness, fainting, or fatigue, particularly when standing. The term is commonly used in clinical contexts and research, contrasting with hypertension, and signals a potential risk requiring evaluation of heart rate, volume status, and autonomic function.

Hypothermia is a medical condition characterized by a dangerously low body temperature, typically below 35°C (95°F), caused by prolonged exposure to cold or impaired thermoregulation. It progresses through stages from mild shivering to severe hypothermia, where core temperature falls and vital functions are compromised. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent organ failure and death.

Hypoxemia is a medical condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood, typically measured as reduced arterial oxygen saturation. It can result from respiratory or circulatory dysfunction and may lead to tissue hypoxia if untreated. The term is commonly used in clinical settings and research to describe hypoxemic states.

An immunosuppressant is a drug that reduces or suppresses the body's immune response, often used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation or to treat autoimmune diseases. It acts by inhibiting immune cell activity or signaling pathways, thereby lowering the immune system's attack on foreign tissues or self-antigens. These agents require careful medical supervision due to infection risk and other side effects.