AHS 102 Medical Terminology Ch. 9

Key Terms in Medical Terminology - Chapter 9

• Nephron: Microscopic functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

• Nephrolith: Refers to kidney stones, solid masses formed from minerals in the urine.

• Nephrolysis: Surgical procedure that involves freeing a kidney from adhesions which may hinder its function.

• Nephroptosis: A condition where a kidney is displaced or "floats" due to a lack of supporting tissue.

• Nephropyosis: Results from the accumulation of pus in the kidney, indicating infection or inflammation.

• Hydroureter: A condition characterized by the swelling of the ureter due to urine retention caused by blockage.

• Ureterectasis: Describes the enlargement or dilation of the ureter, often due to obstruction.

• Ureterorrhagia: Refers to the presence of bleeding from the ureter.

• Ureterorrhaphy: Surgical procedure involving the suturing of a ureter.

• Urethropexy: Surgical fixation to stabilize the urethra.

• Pyelonephritis: Inflammation affecting both the renal pelvis and the kidney, often due to infection.

• Urge Incontinence: Related to an overactive bladder leading to involuntary urination.

• Renal Cortex: The outer layer of the kidney where filtering begins.

• Dysuria: Condition characterized by painful or difficult urination.

• Foley Catheter: A type of indwelling catheter secured in place by a balloon filled with sterile water, used for urinary drainage.

• Ureteral Orifices: Openings where urine exits the ureters into the bladder.

• Urinary Hesitancy: The struggle in initiating a urinary stream, often associated with obstruction or nerve issues.

• Urethral Meatus: The external terminal of the urethra where urine exits the body.

• Neobladder: A surgical construct using a section of small intestine to replace a missing bladder.

• Nephropexy: A surgical procedure to stabilize a floating kidney in its normal position.

• Urinalysis: A diagnostic test involving the examination of urine for various components and signs of disease.

• Renal Colic: Acute and severe pain often linked to kidney stones obstructing the urinary tract.

• Bladder Retraining: A behavioral therapy focused on scheduling urination to improve control and reduce accidents.

• Cystography: Imaging method used to examine the bladder after introducing a contrast media to enhance visibility.

• Meatotomy: Surgical expansion of the urethral meatus to alleviate strictures or obstructions.

• Glomerulus: A network of capillaries within each nephron, crucial for filtration in the kidneys.

• Transurethral Prostatectomy: A minimally invasive surgery that removes excess tissue from an enlarged prostate using a resectoscope to relieve urinary obstruction.