images during diagnostic or therapeutic proce-
dures such as cardiac catheterization.
fundusThe base or body of a hollow organ.
graftTissue, including whole organs, that a sur-
geon places within a person’s body to treat a dis-
ease, defect, or deformity.
hematocritA blood test to determine the per-
centage of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a blood
sample drawn from a vein.
hemorrhageRapid and significant loss of blood.
home health care Medical providers such as
nurses and physical therapists who provide treat-
ment and care at the person’s home.
hospiceCare and support for a person who is ter-
minally ill. Hospice providers may care for the
person at home or in a hospice center.
humorFluid within the body (from Latin, mean-
ing “wet”).
illnessThe perception of being unwell; the expe-
rience of symptoms.
in situIn the natural position or surroundings (in
the body as opposed to in a test tube, for example).
in utero Contained within the uterus during
pregnancy.
inferiorBelow or beneath.
integumentaryA covering or cloak; refers to the
skin.
ischemiaDeprived of oxygen, usually as a conse-
quence of restricted blood flow.
lap choly Medical shorthand for “laparoscopic
cholecystectomy” (surgical removal of the gall-
bladder).
latentDelayed.
lateralSide.
lavageTo rinse, wash, or flush with fluid.
lesionAn abnormal growth of cells that are simi-
lar to, though altered from, the tissue from which
they arise. Some injuries are also called lesions.
lifestyleHabits and practices in which a person
chooses to engage that influence health and dis-
ease.
lobeA distinctive, defined section of an organ or
gland.
localizedConfined to a distinct area.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)A diagnos-
tic imaging procedure that uses very powerful
magnets to provide images of internal structures
and organs. The MRI machine first emits a pulse
of radiofrequency energy that causes the hydro-
gen atoms in the body to align in a uniform pat-
tern. When the hydrogen atoms return to their
normal alignment they send out electromagnetic
signals that the MRI machine’s magnets detect. A
computer translates the signals into visual images.
malignantCapable of causing harm.
medically necessary A product, device, sub-
stance, or treatment that a person needs to
recover from, accommodate to, or prevent injury
or disease.
membraneA thin layer of tissue that covers or
lines a structure or organ.
mucus A somewhat thick (viscous) fluid that
glands or membranes produce.
occlusionBlockage.
organA distinctive structure of tissues that per-
forms a complex function within the body.
positron emission tomography (PET) scanA
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radionu-
clides, also called radioisotopes, to “see” cellular
metabolism. The radionuclides (radioactive parti-
cles that rapidly disintegrate) enter cells attached
to glucose molecules, which the cells use for
energy. The rate at which the cells use the glucose,
measured by tracking the rate of radionuclide dis-
integration, indicates whether the cells’ function is
normal; abnormal function may indicate disease
such as cancer.
postAfter (in the context of time, as in postoper-
ative).
primaryOccurring without underlying cause.
prognosisThe anticipated course of a health con-
dition, disorder, or disease.
proneThe position of lying with the chest and
belly on the surface, with arms at the sides and
legs outstretched.
recipientA person who receives a structure or
substance (blood, tissue, organ) from another per-
son, the donor.
resection The surgical removal of part of an
organ or structure.
risk factorA circumstance that contributes to the
likelihood for developing a disease.
Schirmer’s test A procedure to assess the
amount of tears the tear glands produce. The test
involves placing tiny pieces of special paper at the
edges of the eyelids, with the eyes closed, for five392 Appendix III