| gait | The way a person walks, consisting of two phases: stance and swing. (54)
|
 |
|
|
| ganglia | Collections of neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system. (30)
|
|
|
|
| gastric juice | Secretions from the stomach lining that begin the process of digesting protein. (33)
|
|
|
|
| gastritis | Inflammation of the stomach lining. (33)
|
|
|
|
| gastroenterologist | A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, and associated digestive organs. (2)
|
|
|
|
| gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | A condition that occurs when stomach acids are pushed into the esophagus and cause heartburn. (33)
|
|
|
|
| gene | A segment of DNA that determines a body trait. (22)
|
|
|
|
| general duty clause | An OSHA clause that requires an employer to maintain a workplace free from hazards that are recognized as likely to cause death or serious injury. (6)
|
|
|
|
| general physical examination (exam) | An examination performed by a physician to confirm a patient's health or to diagnose a medical problem. (9)
|
|
|
|
| generic name | A drug's official name. (51)
|
|
|
|
| geriatrician | Specialists who care for elderly individuals, usually those over the age of 65. (41)
|
|
|
|
| gerontologist | A specialist who studies the aging process. (2)
|
|
|
|
| GH | See growth hormone.
|
|
|
|
| gigantism | A condition in which too much growth hormone is produced
in childhood, resulting in an abnormally increased stature. (34)
|
|
|
|
| glans penis | A cone-shaped structure at the end of the penis. (32)
|
|
|
|
| glaucoma | A condition in which too much pressure is created in the eye by excessive aqueous humor. This excess pressure can lead to permanent damage of the optic nerves, resulting in blindness. (35)
|
|
|
|
| global period | The period of time that is covered for follow-up care of a procedure or surgical service. (19)
|
|
|
|
| globulins | Plasma proteins that transport lipids and some vitamins. (27)
|
|
|
|
| glomerular filtrate | The fluid remaining in the glomerular capsule after glomerular filtration. (31)
|
|
|
|
| glomerular filtration | The process by which urine forms in the kidneys as blood moves through a tight ball of capillaries called the glomerulus. (31)
|
|
|
|
| glomerulonephritis | An inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney. (31)
|
|
|
|
| glomerulus | A group of capillaries in the renal corpuscle. (31)
|
|
|
|
| glottis | The opening between the vocal cords. (29)
|
|
|
|
| glucagon | A hormone that increases glucose concentrations in the blood stream and slows down protein synthesis. (34)
|
|
|
|
| gluten | The insoluble protein (prolamines) constituent of wheat and
other grains; a mixture of gliadin, glutenin, and other proteins; believed to be an agent in celiac disease. (55)
|
|
|
|
| glycogen | An excess of glucose that is stored in the liver and in skeletal
muscle. (33)
|
|
|
|
| glycosuria | The presence of significant levels of glucose in the urine. (47)
|
|
|
|
| goiter | Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which causes swelling of the neck, often related to iodine insufficiency in the diet. (34)
|
|
|
|
| Golgi apparatus | The cell's Golgi apparatus synthesizes carbohydrates and also appears to prepare and store secretions for discharge from
the cell. (22)
|
|
|
|
| gonadotropin-releasing hormone | Hormone that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). (32)
|
|
|
|
| gonads | The reproductive organs; namely, in women, the ovaries, and in men, the testes. (34)
|
|
|
|
| goniometer | A protractor device that measures range of motion. (54)
|
|
|
|
| gout (gowt) | A medical condition characterized by an elevated uric acid level and recurrent acute arthritis. (24)
|
|
|
|
| G-protein | A substance that causes enzymes in the cell to activate
following the activation of the hormone-receptor complex in the cell membrane. (34)
|
|
|
|
| Gram-negative | Referring to bacteria that lose their purple color when a decolorizer has been added during a Gram stain. (46)
|
|
|
|
| Gram-positive | Referring to bacteria that retain their purple color after a decolorizer has been added during a Gram stain. (46)
|
|
|
|
| Gram stain | A method of staining that differentiates bacteria according
to the chemical composition of their cell walls. (46)
|
|
|
|
| granular leukocyte | A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) with a segmented nucleus and granulated cytoplasm; also known as a polymorphonuclear
leukocyte. (27)
|
|
|
|
| granulocyte | See granular leukocyte. (27)
|
|
|
|
| Grave's disease | A disorder in which a person develops antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. (34)
|
|
|
|
| gray matter | The inner tissue of the brain and the spinal cord that is
darker in color than white matter. It contains all the bodies and dendrites of nerve cells. (30)
|
|
|
|
| grievance process | A mediation process through the human relations department utilized when an employee or employees feel they are treated unjustly. (56)
|
|
|
|
| gross earnings | The total amount an employee earns before deductions. (21)
|
|
|
|
| group practice | A medical management system in which a group of three or more licensed physicians share their collective income, expenses, facilities, equipment, records, and personnel. (5)
|
|
|
|
| growth hormone | A hormone that stimulates an increase in the size of the muscles and bones of the body. (34)
|
|
|
|
| growth plate | A shaft of cartilage between the epiphysis and the diaphysis; also known as the epiphyseal disk. (24)
|
|
|
|
| guarantor | The patient, caregiver, or entity responsible for payment of
the healthcare bill. (20)
|
|
|
|
| gustatory receptors | Taste receptors that are found on taste buds. (35)
|
|
|
|
| gynecologist | A specialist who performs routine physical care and examinations of the female reproductive system. (2)
|
|
|
|
| gyri | The ridges of brain matter between the sulci; also called convolutions. (30)
|
|
|
|
| hairy leukoplakia | A white lesion on the tongue associated with AIDS. (46)
|
|
|
|
| hapten | Foreign substances in the body too small to start an immune
response by themselves. (28)
|
|
|
|
| hard copy | A readable paper copy or printout of information. (8)
|
|
|
|
| hard skills | Specific technical and operational proficiencies. (3)
|
|
|
|
| hardware | The physical components of a computer system, including the
monitor, keyboard, and printer. (8)
|
|
|
|
| hazard label | A shortened version of the Material Safety Data Sheet;
permanently affixed to a hazardous substance container. (6)
|
|
|
|
| HCG | See human chorionic gonadotropin.
|
|
|
|
| HCPCS | See Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System.
|
|
|
|
| HCPCS Level II codes | Codes that cover many supplies such as sterile trays, drugs, and durable medical equipment; also referred to as national
codes. They also cover services and procedures not included in the CPT. (19)
|
|
|
|
| healthcare-associated infections | Infections acquired by a patient in a healthcare facility. (6)
|
|
|
|
| Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System | A coding system developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that is used in coding services for Medicare patients. (19)
|
|
|
|
| health fraud | A deception or trickery related to health prevention or care for profit.
|
|
|
|
| Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act | See HIPAA.
|
|
|
|
| health maintenance organization | A healthcare organization that provides specific services to individuals and their dependents who are enrolled in the plan.
Doctors who enroll in an HMO agree to provide certain services in exchange for a prepaid fee. (17)
|
|
|
|
| helper T-cells | White blood cells that are a key component of the body's immune system and that work in coordination with other white blood cells to combat infection. (46)
|
|
|
|
| hematemesis | The vomiting of blood. (57)
|
|
|
|
| hematocrit | The percentage of the volume of a sample made up of red
blood cells after the sample has been spun in a centrifuge. (27)
|
|
|
|
| hematology | The study of blood. (48)
|
|
|
|
| hematoma | A swelling caused by blood under the skin. (48, 57)
|
|
|
|
| hematopoiesis | The process of new blood cell formation in the red bone marrow of cancellous bone. (24)
|
|
|
|
| hematuria | The presence of blood in the urine. (47)
|
|
|
|
| hemocytoblast | Cells of the red bone marrow that produce most red blood cells. (27)
|
|
|
|
| hemoglobin | A protein that contains iron and bonds with and carries
oxygen to cells; the main component of erythrocytes. (23)
|
|
|
|
| hemoglobinuria | The presence of free hemoglobin in the urine; a rare condition caused by transfusion reactions, malaria, drug reactions, snake bites, or severe burns. (47)
|
|
|
|
| hemolysis | The rupturing of red blood cells, which releases hemoglobin. (48)
|
|
|
|
| hemolytic anemias | Types of anemia that cause red blood cells to be destroyed faster than they can be made. (27)
|
|
|
|
| hemoptysis | The spitting up of blood from the respiratory tract. (29)
|
|
|
|
| hemorrhoids | Varicose veins of the rectum or anus. (33)
|
|
|
|
| hemostasis | The stoppage of bleeding. (27)
|
|
|
|
| hemothorax | Blood collection in the pleural cavity causing collapse of the lung. (29)
|
|
|
|
| hepatic duct | A duct that leaves the liver carrying bile and merges with the cystic duct to form the common bile duct. (33)
|
|
|
|
| hepatic lobule | Smaller divisions within the lobes of the liver. (33)
|
|
|
|
| hepatic portal system | The collection of veins carrying blood to the liver. (26)
|
|
|
|
| hepatic portal vein | A blood vessel that carries blood from the other digestive organs to the hepatic lobules. (33)
|
|
|
|
| hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver usually caused by viruses or toxins. (33)
|
|
|
|
| hepatocytes | The cells within the lobules of the liver. Hepatocytes process
nutrients in the blood and make bile. (33)
|
|
|
|
| hernia | The protrusion of an organ through the wall that usually
contains it, such as a hiatal or inguinal hernia. (33)
|
|
|
|
| herpes simplex | A medical condition characterized by an eruption of one or more groups of vesicles on the lips or genitalia. (23)
|
|
|
|
| herpes zoster | A medical condition characterized by an eruption of a group of vesicles on one side of the body following a nerve root. (23)
|
|
|
|
| hierarchy | A term that pertains to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. This hierarchy states that human beings are motivated by unsatisfied needs and that certain lower needs must be satisfied before higher needs can be met. (4)
|
|
|
|
| hilum | The indented side of a lymph node. (23) The entrance of the renal sinus that contains the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter. (31)
|
|
|
|
| HIPAA | A set of regulations whose goals include the following: (1) improving the portability and continuity of healthcare coverage in group and individual markets; (2) combating waste, fraud,
and abuse in healthcare insurance and healthcare delivery; (3) promoting the use of a medical savings account; (4) improving
access to long-term care services and coverage; and (5) simplifying the administration of health insurance. (1)
|
|
|
|
| HIV | See human immunodeficiency virus.
|
|
|
|
| HMO | See health maintenance organization.
|
|
|
|
| Holter monitor | An electrocardiography device that includes a small portable cassette recorder worn around a patient's waist or on a shoulder strap to record the heart's electrical activity. (49)
|
|
|
|
| homeopathic medicine | A system of medicine that uses remedies in an attempt to stimulate the body to recover itself.
|
|
|
|
| homeostasis | A balanced, stable state within the body. (4)
|
|
|
|
| homologous chromosome | Members in each pair of chromosomes. (22)
|
|
|
|
| hormone | A chemical secreted by a cell that affects the functions of other
cells. (34)
|
|
|
|
| hospice | Volunteers who work with terminally ill patients and their families. (4)
|
|
|
|
| human chorionic gonadotropin | A hormone secreted by cells of the embryo after implantation. It maintains the corpus luteum in the ovary so it will continue to secrete estrogen and progesterone. (32)
|
|
|
|
| human immunodeficiency virus | A retrovirus that gradually destroys the body's immune system and causes AIDS. (46)
|
|
|
|
| humerus | The bone of the upper arm. (24)
|
|
|
|
| humors | Fluids of the body. (28)
|
|
|
|
| hydrotherapy | The therapeutic use of water to treat physical problems. (54)
|
|
|
|
| hydrothorax | Fluid collection in the pleural cavity causing collapse of the lung. (29)
|
|
|
|
| hyoid | The bone that anchors the tongue. (24)
|
|
|
|
| hyperextension | Extension of a body part past the normal anatomic position. (25)
|
|
|
|
| hyperglycemia | High blood sugar. (57)
|
|
|
|
| hyperopia | A condition that occurs when light entering the eye is focused behind the retina; commonly called farsightedness. (43)
|
|
|
|
| hyperpnea | Abnormally deep, rapid breathing. (37)
|
|
|
|
| hyperpyrexia | An exceptionally high fever. (37)
|
|
|
|
| hyperreflexia | Reflexes that are stronger than normal reflexes.
|
|
|
|
| hypertension | High blood pressure. (37)
|
|
|
|
| hyperventilation | The condition of breathing rapidly and deeply. Hyperventilating
decreases the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. (29)
|
|
|
|
| hypnosis | A trance-like state usually induced by another person to access the subconscious mind and promote healing.
|
|
|
|
| hypodermis | The subcutaneous layer of the skin that is largely made of adipose tissue. (23)
|
|
|
|
| hypoglycemia | Low blood sugar. (57)
|
|
|
|
| hyporeflexia | A condition of decreased reflexes. (30)
|
|
|
|
| hypotension | Low blood pressure. (37)
|
|
|
|
| hypothalamus | A region of the diencephalon. It maintains homeostasis by regulating many vital activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. (30)
|
|
|
|
| hypovolemic shock | A state of shock resulting from insufficient blood volume in the circulatory system. (57)
|
|
|
|
| hypoxemia | Subnormal oxygenation of arterial blood, short of anoxia. (49)
|
|
|
|
| hypoxia | Inadequate oxygenation of the cells of the body. (29)
|
|
|
|
| hysterectomy | Surgical removal of the uterus. (32)
|
|
|
|
| ICD-9 | See International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification.
|
|
|
|
| icons | Pictorial images; on a computer screen, graphic symbols that identify menu choices. (8)
|
|
|
|
| identification line | A line at the bottom of a letter containing the letter writer's initials and the typist's initials. (10)
|
|
|
|
| idiopathic | A disease or condition of unknown cause. (33)
|
|
|
|
| IFFA | See immunofluorescent antibody test.
|
|
|
|
| ileocecal sphincter | A structure that controls the movement of chime from the ileum to the cecum. (33)
|
|
|
|
| ileum | The last portion of the small intestine. It is directly attached to the large intestine. (33)
|
|
|
|
| ilium | The most superior part of the hip bone. It is broad and flaring. (24)
|
|
|
|
| immunity | The condition of being resistant or not susceptible to pathogens and the diseases they cause. (28)
|
|
|
|
| immunization | The administration of a vaccine or toxoid to protect susceptible individuals from communicable diseases. (40)
|
|
|
|
| immunocompromised | Having an impaired or weakened immune system.
|
|
|
|
| immunofluorescent antibody | A blood test used to confirm enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test results for HIV infection. (46)
|
|
|
|
| immunoglobulins | A class of structurally related proteins that include IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE; also called antibodies. (28)
|
|
|
|
| impetigo | A contagious skin infection usually caused by germs commonly
called staph and strep. (23)
|
|
|
|
| implied consent | A form of consent that is not expressly granted by a person, but rather inferred from a person's actions and the facts and circumstances of a particular situation (or in some cases by a
person's silence or inaction). (5)
|
|
|
|
| implied contract | A contract that is created by the acceptance or conduct of the parties rather than the written word. (5)
|
|
|
|
| impotence | A disorder in which a male cannot maintain an erect penis to complete sexual intercourse; also called erectile dysfunction. (32)
|
|
|
|
| inactive file | A file used infrequently. (15)
|
|
|
|
| incident report | A special form required by a facility when an adverse outcome or event with risk of liability occurs. (56)
|
|
|
|
| incision | A surgical wound made by cutting into body tissue. (44)
|
|
|
|
| incisors | The most medial teeth. They act as chisels to bite off food. (33)
|
|
|
|
| incomplete proteins | Proteins that lack one or more of the essential amino acids. (55)
|
|
|
|
| incontinence | The involuntary leakage of urine. (41)
|
|
|
|
| incus | A small bone in the middle ear, located between the malleus and the stapes; also called the anvil. (35)
|
|
|
|
| indexing | The naming of a file. (15)
|
|
|
|
| indexing rules | Rules used as guidelines for the sequencing of files based on current business practice. (15)
|
|
|
|
| indication | The purpose or reason for using a drug, as approved by the
FDA. (51)
|
|
|
|
| individual identifiable health information | Any part of an individual's health information, including demographic information, collected from an individual that is received by a covered entity (e.g., a healthcare provider).
|
|
|
|
| induction | The pregnant patient is admitted to the delivering healthcare
facility then given medication to start uterine contractions. (39)
|
|
|
|
| induration | The process of hardening or of becoming hard.
|
|
|
|
| infection | The presence of a pathogen in or on the body. (28)
|
|
|
|
| infectious waste | Waste that can be dangerous to those who handle it or to the environment; includes human waste, human tissue, and body fluids as well as potentially hazardous waste, such as used needles, scalpels, and dressings, and cultures of human cells. (7)
|
|
|
|
| inferior | Anatomic term meaning below or closer to the feet; also
called caudal. (22)
|
|
|
|
| infertility | Diminished ability to produce offspring; does not imply sterility. (39)
|
|
|
|
| inflammation | The body's reaction when tissue becomes injured or infected. The four cardinal signs are redness, heat, pain, and swelling. (28)
|
|
|
|
| inflammatory phase | The initial phase of wound healing in which bleeding is reduced as blood vessels in the affected area constrict. (44)
|
|
|
|
| informed consent | The patient's right to receive all information relative to his or her
condition and then make a decision regarding treatment based upon that knowledge. (5)
|
|
|
|
| informed consent form | A form that verifies that a patient understands the offered treatment and its possible outcomes or side effects. (11)
|
|
|
|
| infundibulum | The funnel-like end of the uterine tube near an ovary. It catches the secondary oocyte as it leaves the ovary. (32)
|
|
|
|
| infusion | A slow drip, as of an intravenous solution into a vein. (53)
|
|
|
|
| ink-jet printer | A nonimpact printer that forms characters by using a series of dots created by tiny drops of ink. (8)
|
|
|
|
| innate immunity | The body's mechanisms to protect itself against pathogens in general; also called nonspecific defenses. (28)
|
|
|
|
| inner cell mass | A group of cells in a blastocyte that gives rise to an embryo. (32)
|
|
|
|
| inorganic | Matter that generally does not contain carbon and hydrogen.
(22)
|
|
|
|
| insertion | An attachment site of a skeletal muscle that moves when a
muscle contracts. (25)
|
|
|
|
| inside address | The name and address of the person to whom the letter is being sent. It appears on a business letter two to four spaces down from the date. It should be two, three, or four lines in length. (10)
|
|
|
|
| inspection | The visual examination of the patient's entire body and overall appearance. (38)
|
|
|
|
| inspiration | The act of breathing in; also called inhalation. (29)
|
|
|
|
| instruction set | Includes the groups of instructions from installed programming that a CPU can implement. (8)
|
|
|
|
| insulin | A hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood by
facilitating its entry into the cells. (34)
|
|
|
|
| integrative medicine | The combination of components of conventional medicine with
complementary and alternative medicine modalities.
|
|
|
|
| integrity | Adhering to the appropriate code of law and ethics and being
honest and trustworthy. (3)
|
|
|
|
| interactive pager | A pager designed for two-way communication. The pager screen displays a printed message and allows the physician to respond
by way of a mini keyboard. (13)
|
|
|
|
| interatrial septum | The wall separating the right and left atria from each other. (26)
|
|
|
|
| intercalated disc | A disk that connects groups of cardiac muscles. This disc allows the fibers in that group to contract and relax together. (25)
|
|
|
|
| interferon | A protein that blocks viruses from infecting cells. (28)
|
|
|
|
| interim room | A room off the patient reception area and away from the examination rooms for occasions when patients require privacy. (7)
|
|
|
|
| International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification | Code set that is based on a system maintained by the
World Health Organization of the United Nations. The use of the ICD-9 codes in the healthcare industry is mandated by
HIPAA for reporting patients' diseases, conditions, and signs and symptoms. (18)
|
|
|
|
| Internet | A global network of computers. (8)
|
|
|
|
| interneuron | A structure found only in the central nervous system
that functions to link sensory and motor neurons together. (30)
|
|
|
|
| internist | A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems
related to the internal organs. (2)
|
|
|
|
| interpersonal skills | Attitudes, qualities, and abilities that influence the level of success and satisfaction achieved in interacting with other people. (4)
|
|
|
|
| interphalangeal | Pertaining to the joints between the phalangeal bones. (24)
|
|
|
|
| interphase | The state of a cell carrying out its normal daily functions and not dividing. (22)
|
|
|
|
| interstitial cell | A cell located between the seminiferous tubules that is responsible for making testosterone. (32)
|
|
|
|
| interstitial fluid | Fluid found between tissue cells that is absorbed by lymph capillaries to become lymph. (28)
|
|
|
|
| interventricular septum | The wall separating the right and left ventricles from each other. (26)
|
|
|
|
| intestinal lipase | An enzyme that digests fat. (33)
|
|
|
|
| intradermal | Within the upper layers of the skin. (53)
|
|
|
|
| intradermal test | An allergy test in which dilute solutions of allergens are introduced into the skin of the inner forearm or upper back with a fine gauge needle. (42)
|
|
|
|
| intramembranous | A type of ossification in which bones begin as tough fibrous membranes. (24)
|
|
|
|
| intramuscular | Within muscle; an IM injection allows administration of a larger amount of a drug than a subcutaneous injection allows. (53)
|
|
|
|
| intraoperative | Taking place during surgery. (44)
|
|
|
|
| intravenous | Injected directly into a vein. (53)
|
|
|
|
| intravenous pyelography | A radiologic procedure in which the doctor injects a contrast medium into a vein and takes a series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to evaluate urinary system abnormalities
or trauma to the urinary system; also known as excretory urography. (50)
|
|
|
|
| intrinsic factor | A substance secreted by parietal cells in the lining of the stomach. It is necessary for vitamin B 12 absorption. (33)
|
|
|
|
| invasive | Referring to a procedure in which a catheter, wire, or other
foreign object is introduced into a blood vessel or organ through the skin or a body orifice. Surgical asepsis is required during all invasive tests. (50)
|
|
|
|
| inventory | A list of supplies used regularly and the quantities in stock. (8)
|
|
|
|
| inversion | Turning the sole of the foot medially. (25)
|
|
|
|
| invoice | A bill for materials or services received by or services performed
by the practice. (8)
|
|
|
|
| ions | Positively or negatively charged particles. (22)
|
|
|
|
| iris | The colored part of the eye, made of muscular tissue that contracts and relaxes, altering the size of the pupil. (35)
|
|
|
|
| ischium | A structure that forms the lower part of the hip bone. (24)
|
|
|
|
| islets of Langerhans | Structures in the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. (34)
|
|
|
|
| itinerary | A detailed travel plan listing dates and times for specific
transportation arrangements and events, the location of meetings and lodgings, and phone numbers. (16)
|
|
|
|
| IV | See intravenous.
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| IVP | See intravenous pyelography.
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| jaundice | A condition characterized by yellowness of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and excretions; occurs during the second stage of hepatitis infection. (40)
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| jejunum | The mid-portion and the majority of the small intestine. (33)
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| journalizing | The process of logging charges and receipts in a chronological
list each day; used in the singleentry system of bookkeeping. (21)
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| juxtaglomerular apparatus | A structure contained in the nephron and made up of the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells.
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| juxtaglomerular cells | Enlarged smooth muscle cells in the walls of either the afferent or efferent arterioles.
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| Kaposi's sarcoma | Abnormal tissue occurring in the skin, and sometimes in the lymph nodes and organs, manifested by reddish-purple to dark
blue patches or spots on the skin. (46)
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| keratin | A tough, hard protein contained in skin, hair, and nails. (23)
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| keratinocyte | The most common cell type in the epidermis of the skin. (23)
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| key | The act of inputting or entering information into a computer. (10)
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| KOH mount | A type of mount used when a physician suspects a patient has a fungal infection of the skin, nails, or hair and to which potassium hydroxide is added to dissolve the keratin in cell walls. (46)
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| Krebs cycle | Also called the citric acid cycle. This cycle generates ATP for muscle cells. (25)
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| KUB radiography | The process of x-raying the abdomen to help assess the size, shape, and position of the urinary organs; evaluate urinary
system diseases or disorders; or determine the presence of kidney stones. It can also be helpful in determining the position of an intrauterine device (IUD) or in locating foreign bodies in the digestive tract; also called a flat plate of the abdomen. (50)
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| kyphosis | A deformity of the spine characterized by a bent-over position;
more commonly called humpback. (38, 41)
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| labeling | Information provided with a drug, including FDA-approved indications and the form of the drug. (51)
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| labia majora | The rounded folds of adipose tissue and skin that serve to protect the other female reproductive organs. (32)
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| labia minora | The folds of skin between the labia majora. (32)
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| labor relations | An HR role that refers to issues that arise between employees and management. (56)
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| labyrinth | The inner ear. (35)
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| laceration | A jagged, open wound in the skin that can extend down into the underlying tissue. (44)
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| lacrimal apparatus | A structure that consists of the lacrimal glands and nasolacrimal ducts. (35)
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| lacrimal gland | A gland in the eye that produces tears. (35)
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| lactase | An enzyme that digests sugars. (33)
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| lactic acid | A waste product that must be released from the cell. It is
produced when a cell is low on oxygen and converts pyruvic acid. (25)
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| lactiferous | Pertaining to producing milk. (32)
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| lactogen | Substance secreted by the placenta that stimulates the enlargement of the mammary glands. (32)
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| lacunae | Holes in the matrix of bone that hold osteocytes. (24)
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| lamella | Layers of bone surrounding the canals of osteons. (24)
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| LAN | See local area network. (8)
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| lancet | A small, disposable instrument with a sharp point used to puncture the skin and make a shallow incision; used for capillary puncture. (48)
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| laryngopharynx | The portion of the pharynx behind the larynx. (33)
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| larynx | The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the
trachea that is responsible for voice production; also called the voice box. (29)
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| laser printer | A highresolution printer that uses a technology similar to that of a photocopier. It is the fastest type of computer printer and produces the highest-quality output. (8)
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| last menstrual period | The date of the first day of the last menstruation; used to
determine an estimated expected delivery date for a pregnant patient. (39)
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| lateral | A directional term that means farther away from the midline of
the body. (22)
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| lateral file | A horizontal filing cabinet that features doors that flip up and
a pull-out drawer, where files are arranged with sides facing out. (15)
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| law | A rule of conduct established and enforced by an authority or governing body, such as the federal government. (5)
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| law of agency | A law stating that an employee is considered to be acting
on the physician's behalf while performing professional duties. (5)
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| lead | A view of a specific area of the heart on an electrocardiogram. (49)
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| lease | To rent an item or piece of equipment.
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| legal custody | The court decreed right to have control over a child's
upbringing and to take responsibility for the child's care, including healthcare. (20)
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| lens | A clear, circular disc located in the eye, just posterior to the iris, that can change shape to help the eye focus images of objects that are near or far away. (35)
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| lentigo | A brown macule resembling a freckle except that the border
is usually regular and microscopic proliferation of rete ridges is present; scattered melanocytes are seen in the basal cell layer.
It is usually caused by sun exposure in someone of middle age or older. (41)
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| letterhead | Formal business stationery, with the doctor's (or office's) name and address printed at the top, used for correspondence with patients, colleagues, and vendors. (10)
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| leukemia | A medical condition in which bone marrow produces a large
number of white blood cells that are not normal. (27)
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| leukocyte | White blood cells. (27)
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| leukocytosis | A white blood cell count that is above normal. (27)
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| leukopenia | A white blood cell count that is below normal. (27)
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| LH | See luteinizing hormone.
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| liability insurance | A type of insurance that covers injuries caused by the insured or injuries that occurred on the insured's property. (17)
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| liable | Legally responsible. (5)
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| libel | A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation. (5)
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| lifetime maximum benefit | The total sum that a health plan will pay out over the patient's
life. (17)
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| ligament | A tough, fibrous band of tissue that connects bone to bone. (24)
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| ligature | Suture material. (44)
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| limbus | The corneal-scleral junction, which is the area where the sclera
(the white of the eye) gives way to the clear covering of the iris (cornea). (35)
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| limited check | A check that is void after a certain time limit; commonly used for payroll. (21)
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| lingual frenulum | A flap of mucosa that holds the body of the tongue to the floor of the oral cavity. (33)
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| lingual tonsils | Two lumps of lymphatic tissue at the back of the tongue that act to destroy bacteria and viruses. (33)
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| linoleic acid | An essential fatty acid found in corn and sunflower oils. (33)
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| lipid | "Fat-soluble," an operational term describing a solubility characteristic, not a chemical substance, denoting substances
extracted from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents; included in the heterogeneous collection of materials thus extractable are fatty acids, glycerides, glyceryl ethers, phospholipids, sphingolipids, long-chain alcohols, waxes, terpenes, steroids, and “fat-soluble” vitamins such as A, D, and E. (33)
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| lipoproteins | Large molecules that are fat-soluble on the inside and water-soluble on the outside and carry lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. (27)
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| lithotripsy | The crushing of a stone in the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder
by mechanical force or sound waves. (31)
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| living will | A legal document addressed to a patient's family and healthcare providers stating what type of treatment the patient wishes or does not wish to receive if he becomes terminally ill, unconscious, or permanently comatose; sometimes called an advance directive. (5)
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| lobe | The frontal, parietal, temporal, or occipital regions of the cerebral hemisphere. (30)
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| local area network | A network that connects computers in one building or a group of
buildings. (8)
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| locum tenens | A substitute physician hired to see patients while the regular
physician is away from the office. (16)
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| loop electrosurgical excision procedure | A diagnostic and therapeutic gynecologic surgical technique
for removing dysplastic cells from the cervix with a small wire loop. (39)
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| loop of Henle | The portion of the renal tubule that curves back toward the renal corpuscle and twists again to become the distal convoluted tubule. (31)
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| lubricant | A water-soluble gel used during examination of the rectum or vaginal cavity. (9)
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| lumbar enlargement | The thickening of the spinal cord in the low back region. (30)
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| lunula | The white half-moon– shaped area at the base of a nail. (23)
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| luteinizing hormone | Hormone that in females stimulates ovulation and the production of estrogen; in males, it stimulates the production
of testosterone. (32)
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| lymph (limf) | The fluid found inside of the lymphatic vessels. (28)
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| lymphedema | The blockage of lymphatic vessels that results in the swelling of tissue from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid. (28)
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| lymphocyte | An agranular leukocyte formed in lymphatic tissue. Lymphocytes are generally small. See T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte. (27, 28)
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| lymphokines | A type of cytokine secreted by T cells that increases T-cell production and directly kills cells with antigens.(28)
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| lysosomes | Structures that are known to perform the digestive function of
the cells. (22)
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| lysozyme | An enzyme in tears that destroys pathogens on the surface of
the eye. (28)
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