Medical Terminology Simplified

High-energy electromagnetic waves (x-rays) pass through the body onto a photo-

graphic film to produce an image of internal structures of the body for diagnosis and

therapeutic purposes; also called radiograph

Soft body tissues, such as the stomach or liver, appear black or gray on the x-ray; dense

body tissues, such as bone, appear white, making it useful in diagnosing fractures.

Figure 2–7A is a chest radiograph showing widening of the mediastinum.

Medical and Surgical Procedures

Connection between two vessels, such as the surgical joining of two ducts, blood

vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to the other (See Fig. 2–10.)

Process of burning abnormal tissue with electricity, freezing, heat, or chemicals

(silver nitrate)

Cauterization is usually performed to destroy damaged or diseased tissues or coagulate

blood vessels.

54 CHAPTER 2• Body Structure

x-ray

cauterize

KAW-tĕr-īz

anastomosis

ă-năs-tō-MŌ-sĭs

Figure 2-9Ultrasonography of the bladder. This bladder

scan is performed at bedside and may be used instead of

catheterization after the patient urinates to determine the

amount of urine remaining in the bladder.

A. End to end anastomosis B. End to side anastomosis

C. Side to side anastomosis

Figure 2-10Anastomosis.

AB C

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t