Medical Terminology: Aspiration Defined

Medical Terminology Flashcards

• Aspiration: In medical terms, aspiration signifies both the act of inhaling a foreign object into the airway and a procedure to remove substances like fluids or tissue samples from the body using suction.
• Hypoxia vs. Hypoxemia: Hypoxia indicates inadequate oxygen supply to a part of the body, while hypoxemia specifically refers to low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream, particularly in arterial blood.
• Hypercapnia: Refers to an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, indicating potential respiratory issues.
• Atelectasis: Describes the partial collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung, affecting gas exchange efficiency.
• Blood Viscosity: Defines the thickness and stickiness of blood, directly impacting the blood's flow through blood vessels.
• Thrombosis: Characterizes the local clotting or coagulation of blood in a specific region of the circulatory system, potentially leading to vascular complications.
• Embolism: Involves the blockage of a blood vessel due to an embolus (e.g., blood clot, fat globule, or gas bubble), affecting areas of the body distant from the original site and can result in serious conditions such as stroke or pulmonary embolism.
• Thromboembolism: Refers to the obstruction of a blood vessel caused by a blood clot that has dislodged from another site within the circulatory system, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
• Nocturia: A condition characterized by waking up during the night to urinate, which tends to increase with age and can have various underlying causes in men and women.
• Uremia: Indicates elevated levels of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the bloodstream, typically due to kidney dysfunction.
• Hyperthermia vs. Hyperpyrexia: Hyperpyrexia is defined as a body temperature exceeding 41.5 °C (106.7 °F), caused by the body’s own mechanisms, while hyperthermia occurs when external factors raise the body temperature above its normal set point.
• Infarction: Describes tissue death due to insufficient oxygen, resulting from an obstruction in blood supply; the affected area is known as an infarct.
• Lesion: Refers to a damaged area in an organ or tissue caused by injury or disease, including types such as wounds, ulcers, abscesses, or tumors.
• Cardiac Arrhythmia: Encompasses conditions marked by irregularities in heartbeat rhythms, which can be either excessively fast or slow.
• Pulmonary Oedema: Involves fluid accumulation in the lungs’ air sacs, which can impair breathing and oxygen exchange.

Explore the meaning of the term 'aspiration' in medical terminology. This quiz covers its dual meanings: the act of drawing in a foreign object and the medical procedure of removing substances from the body. Perfect for those studying health sciences and medical terminology.