Med Terms Chapter 6: Spleen and More

Key Medical Terms and Definitions

• splen/o: Refers to the spleen, an organ involved in filtering blood and supporting the immune system.
• onc/o: Denotes tumor, indicating abnormal tissue growth.
• anti-: A prefix meaning against, commonly used in medical terminology to describe opposing actions or treatments.
• varicella: Highly contagious herpes virus causing chickenpox, characterized by fever and a rash.
• toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection primarily transmitted through contact with infected pet feces.
• teletherapy: Precision radiation therapy administered from a distance using advanced imaging technology.
• systemic reaction: Also known as anaphylaxis, a severe allergic response affecting the whole body.
• streptococci: Chains of bacteria often responsible for infections like strep throat.
• staphylococci: Cluster-forming bacteria resembling grapes; can cause skin infections and other diseases.
• splenomegaly: Abnormal enlargement of the spleen, often indicating underlying health issues.
• spirochetes: Long, spiral-shaped bacteria known for flexibility and mobility, associated with diseases like Lyme disease.
• sarcoma: A type of malignant tumor arising from connective tissues, with plural forms being sarcomas or sarcomata.
• rubella: Viral infection presenting with low-grade fever and rash, also known as German measles.
• rickettsia: Tiny bacteria transmitted by vectors like ticks and fleas, causing infections in humans.
• rabies: Acute viral infection from animal bites, leading to severe neurological symptoms.
• parasite: An organism that lives on or within another, deriving benefit at the host's expense.
• osteosarcoma: A malignant bone tumor typically found in the long bones or pelvis.
• opportunistic infection: Illness caused by pathogens that typically do not harm healthy individuals but exploit weakened immune systems.
• non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Refers to all lymphomas distinct from Hodgkin's lymphoma, involving various malignancies affecting lymphoid tissue.
• myosarcoma: Malignant tumor arising from muscle tissue.
• myoma: Benign tumor formed from muscle tissue.
• metastasize: The process by which cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body.
• metastasis: The result of metastasizing, indicating cancerous spread to new sites.
• mammography: A specialized X-ray imaging technique for detecting breast tumors.
• malignant: Refers to conditions that worsen over time, potentially life-threatening.
• malaria: Disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
• macrophage: A type of immune cell that engulfs and destroys invading pathogens.
• lymphoscintigraphy: Imaging test assessing lymphatic vessel integrity and function.
• lymphoma: General term for cancers affecting lymphoid tissues, often requiring specific treatment approaches.
• lymphocytes: Specialized white blood cells formed in bone marrow vital for immune response.
• lymphedema: Condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation.
• lymphangioma: Benign tumor formed by abnormal lymphatic vessels, often congenital.
• lymphadenopathy: Enlargement or disease of lymph nodes, indicating possible infection or malignancy.
• interferons: Proteins produced in response to pathogens that activate immune defenses.
• infiltrating ductal carcinoma: Most common type of breast cancer that invades surrounding tissue from the milk duct.
• infectious mononucleosis: Often caused by Epstein-Barr virus, presenting with fever and swollen lymph nodes.
• immunotherapy: Treatment modality aimed at enhancing or suppressing parts of the immune system.
• immunosuppressant: Agents that inhibit the immune system's response.
• immunoglobulins: Antibodies binding specifically to antigens to initiate immune response.
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Virus leading to severe immune system degradation.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma: A distinct type of lymphoma marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
• herpes zoster: Viral infection leading to painful skin rashes, known as shingles.
• hemolytic: Relating to the breakdown of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin.
• ductal carcinoma in situ: Early-stage breast cancer confined to the milk duct without invasion.
• cytotoxic drug: Medications used to kill or inhibit growth of cells.
• cytomegalovirus: A common virus with the potential to cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals.
• cytokines: Signaling proteins crucial for initiating and regulating immune responses.
• complement system: Group of proteins enhancing the ability of antibodies to eliminate pathogens.
• carcinoma in situ: Early-stage malignant tumor not invading surrounding tissues.
• carcinoma: A malignant tumor originating from epithelial tissue.
• candidiasis: Fungal infection caused by yeast, often affecting mucosal surfaces.
• benign: Non-life-threatening condition.
• bacteria: Microscopic one-celled organisms, some pathogenic, which can cause diseases.
• bacilli: Rod-shaped bacteria that may form spores.
• autoimmune disorder: Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues.
• antigen-antibody reaction: The interaction between antigens and antibodies leading to an immune response.
• antigen: Any foreign substance that triggers an immune response.
• antifungal: Agents that impede the growth of fungi.
• antibody: Proteins produced by the immune system targeting specific antigens.
• antibiotics: Medications designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
• anaphylaxis: Life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• allergen: A substance capable of inducing an allergic reaction.
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): The most advanced stage of HIV infection marked by severe immune dysfunction.
• tox/o: Refers to poison, often associated with harm from pathogens.
• -tic: Suffix meaning pertaining to, commonly used in describing medical conditions.
• sarc/o: Relates to flesh or connective tissue.
• -plasm: Indicates formative material of cells.
• phag/o: Prefix meaning to eat or swallow, relevant in immune processes.
• -oma: Suffix indicating a tumor or neoplasm.
• ne/o: Prefix meaning new or strange.
• neo-: Similar prefix indicating newness or strangeness.
• lymphangi/o: Refers to lymphatic vessels.
• lymphaden/o: Indicates lymph nodes or glands.
• lymph/o: Pertains to lymph or lymphatic tissue.
• immun/o: Denotes immune, protective, or safe.
• carcin/o: Prefix indicating cancerous origins.

Test your knowledge with this quiz on medical terminology, specifically focusing on Chapter 6. You'll explore terms related to the spleen, tumors, and infectious diseases. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in healthcare terminology.