Medical Terminology Simplified

ABBREVIATIONS

This section introduces endocrine and nervous system–related abbreviations and their meanings.

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 9 429

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning

Endocrine System

ADH antidiuretic hormone GTT glucose tolerance test

ACTH adenocorticotropic hormone HRT hormone replacement therapy

ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis LH luteinizing hormone

BMI body mass index OGTT oral glucose tolerance test

BG blood glucose PGH pituitary growth hormone

DM diabetes mellitus PTH parathyroid hormone

FBG fasting blood glucose RAIU radioactive iodine uptake

GH growth hormone TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone

Nervous System

C1, C2, and so on first cervical vertebra, second L1, L2, and so on first lumbar vertebra, second lumbar

cervical vertebra, and so on vertebra, and so on

CNS central nervous system LP lumbar puncture

CP cerebral palsy MS mitral stenosis; musculoskeletal;

multiple sclerosis; mental status;

magnesium sulfate

CSF cerebrospinal fluid S1, S2, and so on first sacral vertebra, second sacral

vertebra, and so on

CVA cerebrovascular accident; T1, T2, and so on first thoracic vertebra, second

costovertebral angle thoracic vertebra, and so on

EEG electroencephalogram TIA transient ischemic attack

Radiographic Procedures

AP anteroposterior MRI magnetic resonance imaging

CT computed tomography MSI magnetic source imaging

IV intravenous PA posteroanterior

MEG magnetoencephalography PET positron emission tomography

Addison disease

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ADDITIONAL MEDICAL TERMS

The following are additional terms related to the endocrine and nervous systems. Recognizing and learning these terms
will help you understand the connection between a pathological condition, its diagnosis, and the rationale behind the
method of treatment selected for a particular disorder.

Diseases and Conditions

Endocrine System

Rare chronic disorder caused by a deficiency of cortical hormones that results when

the adrenal cortex is damaged or atrophied and can be life threatening

Atrophy of adrenal glands is usually the result of an autoimmune process in which circu-

lating adrenal antibodies slowly destroy the gland.

Cluster of symptoms caused by excessive amounts of cortisol or adrenocorticotropic

hormone (ACTH) circulating in the blood

Most cases of Cushing syndrome are caused by administration of glucocorticoids in the treat-

ment of immune disorders, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus.

Cushing syndrome

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