Medical Terminology Chapter 12 Flashcards

Medical Terminology and Definitions

• Auscultation: Technique for listening to internal body sounds, crucial in diagnosing respiratory conditions.

• Percussion: Diagnostic method involving tapping on a surface to assess the density of underlying tissues or organs.

• Pleural Rub: A scratchy sound detected when pleural surfaces rub together, often indicating pleural inflammation.

• Rales (Crackles): Fine crackling noises heard during inhalation, typically associated with fluid accumulation in the alveoli.

• Rhonchi: Loud rumbling sounds resulting from airway obstructions, commonly due to mucus accumulation in the bronchi.

• Sputum: Mucous discharge expelled from the respiratory system, used to diagnose various conditions.

• Stridor: High-pitched, strained sound during inhalation caused by blockage in the upper airway (pharynx or larynx).

• Wheezes: Continuous high-pitched whistling noises during breathing, often indicative of airway obstruction.

Respiratory Conditions

• Croup: Viral infection prevalent in children, leading to laryngeal obstruction, characterized by a barking cough and stridor.

• Diphtheria: Acute infection of the throat caused by diphtheria bacteria, affecting upper respiratory pathways.

• Epistaxis: Commonly known as a nosebleed, can occur due to various factors including trauma or dry air.

• Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, a contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by Bordetella pertussis.

• Asthma: Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by bronchial inflammation, obstruction, and increased mucus production.

• Bronchiectasis: Permanent dilation of bronchial tubes due to underlying infections, leading to chronic respiratory issues.

Chronic Lung Conditions

• Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation of the bronchi, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Genetic disorder affecting exocrine glands, leading to thick mucus that obstructs airways and promotes lung infections.

• Atelectasis: Refers to lung collapse or incomplete expansion of alveoli, impacts breathing efficiency.

• Emphysema: Condition involving over-inflated alveolar sacs, destroying alveolar walls and reducing gas exchange capability.

• Lung Cancer: Malignant growths sourced from lung tissue, significantly impacting respiratory function.

• Pneumoconiosis: Lung disease caused by inhalation of dust or particulate matter, resulting in chronic inflammation and infection.

Infections and Inflammation

• Pneumonia: Inflammation and infection of alveoli, leading to pus accumulation, significantly impairing respiratory function.

• Pulmonary Abscess: Collection of pus in the lungs, usually due to bacterial infection.

• Pulmonary Edema: Condition involving fluid accumulation in alveoli and bronchioles, impairing gas exchange.

• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Occurs when a clot or foreign material blocks lung vessels, potentially leading to serious complications.

• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring in lung tissue, hindering normal respiratory function.

• Sarcoidosis: Chronic inflammatory disease marked by granulation tissue (granulomas) formation in the lungs and other organs.

• Tuberculosis (TB): Infectious disease caused by the bacteria (bacilli) which leads to the formation of small lesions in the lungs.

Other Respiratory Issues

• Mesothelioma: Rare malignant tumor in the pleura, often associated with asbestos exposure.

• Pleural Effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, can compromise lung function.

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Inflammation of the pleura, causing pain and difficulty in breathing.

• Pneumothorax: Presence of air in the pleural space that can cause lung collapse and acute respiratory distress.