The A to Z of anatomical histological and medical terms

199 Pages·2010·4.187 MB·English

by  A L Neill, Aspen Pharmacare Australia

The
A to Z
of
Anatomical Histological
and Medical terms
Dr A. L. Neill
BScMScMBBSPhDFACBS
[email protected]
The
A to Z l
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of i
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Anatomical Histological
N
and Medical terms

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©
Dr A. L. Neill
BSc MSc MBBS PhD FACBS
[email protected]
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
Introduction
The following is a glossary of anatomical and histological (miclroscopic
anatomy) terms: their etymology – derivation where relavenlt, their
word roots, prefixes, suffixesand their pronunciationi. Other
common medical terminology used in health studies are also included.
e
Many of these terms will appear again and again in medical/health
related subjects.
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Why such an array of vocabularly in this living document? Because of
reader feedback!! This is a living document and it has been expanded
with suggestions from students and colleagues alike. Already it is
much changed from its first printing, due to thais feedback. Initially it
was only a glossary of anatomical terms, then as I took my students
through Anatomy and onto Histology, they dtold me these terms too
were also foreign to them in many cases and also caused them
difficulty hence some common histological and cytological terms (by
no means complete) were added. Latenr a commonality of terms were
noted by the students who asked for an inclusion of their word roots
and regular repeated prefixes anda suffixes; derivations so they could
build up and analyse the ANATOMY of the medical words themselves.
Hence a section of common prefixes, suffixes and word roots was
m
added to the beginning of the book with some included in the main
text in blue with a pronunciation guide.
With the presentation of student seminas in anatomy and histology, it
A
became obvious that some guide on how to pronounce many these
terms for the new and the non-medical student was needed and so
a pronunciation gu ide and common explanation of some terms
were also included in red.
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As you can see any contribution is greatly valued and can only make
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this and other A to Z publications more helpful for the reader, so
please send any suggestions to me directly or via Aspenpharmacare
who have graciously sponsored much of A to Z projects.

Dr Amanda© NeillBSc MSc MBBs PhD FACBS
Director of Anatomy
Anatomy @ Mac
fax [phone]
mobile [phone]
or email [email protected]
www.amandasatoz.com
1 © A. L. Neill
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
Acknowledgement and Future Plans
This is the second update of the A to Z books now numlbering 5,
including: the A to Z of Skeletal muscles, the A to lZ of the Bones
of the Skull, the A to Z of Bones, Joints and Ligaiments, the A to Z
of Peripheral Nervesand this book the A to Z of Anatomical
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Histological and Medical terms. Please see the back of the book for
ordering details and the availability of the other titles in the series. The
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A to Z of Histological and anatomical imagesis still present on the
website although yet to be turned into an A to Z book., and the further
suggestions of books such as the A to Z of Surface Anatomy, the A

to Z of Gynecological terms, The A to Z of Radiology, The A to Z of
Organs and Systems and the A to Z oaf Emergency Medicine, the
A to Z of the skin and the A to Z of Neurology and the Nervous
systemare also being discussed. Ads always we value your input and
response as to the order and the need for this works. A feedback form
at the back of the book is designed to collate any suggestions or ideas
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you may have. You are always welcome to visit our website and leave
your suggestions there. Students, doctors and others, it is hoped you
will use these guides and finad them helpful in your studies, practice or
other aspects of your healthy life.
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Dedication
I thank Aspenpharmacare for their ongoing support, in particular the
Australian CEO GreAg Lan. My family Ali, Zoe, Quentin, Jody and
Mickey are my raison d’etre,although I may not always show them
how much their support means to me.

Changesr to the second edition
Changes to this volume are as follows: inclusion of additional
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acronyms used in medical and other related health areas, particularly
in reference to students and including common abbreviations used on
most medical wards and in emergency medicine; inclusion of some

common Histological/Immunohistochemical stains and their uses;
©
additional medical facts and tables and basic anatomical concepts and
descriptions; guides to degrees diplomas and postnominals and other
qualifications and an inclusion of some helpful medical memonics.
© A. L. Neill 2
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
Anatomical, Medical and Clinical Abbreviations
and Acronyms in common use l
l
A ARF = acute renal failure
i
AS = aortic stenosis
AA = amino acids / androgenic
AS = Alternative speelling, generally
alopecia
referring to the differences b/n
AAA = abdominal aortic aneurysm
British and American spelling
AAD = antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
ASAP = as soon aNs possible
AAO = alert, awake, and orientated
ASCVD= atherosclerotic cardiovascular
A&O = alert & orientated
disease
Ab = antibody
ASD = atrial septal defect
ABD/Abd = abdomen
ASHD = atherosclerotic heart disease
ABG = arterial blood gas
AC = before eating AST = aanal skin tag
AV = atrioventricular
ACD = acute contact dermatitis
A-V = arteriovenous
ACLS = advanced cardiac life support
ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone A-VO2d= arteriovenous oxygen
ad libitum/ad lib = take as needed / no B
restrictions
ADD = attention deficit disorder b/nn = between
BBB bundle branch block /blood brain
ADH = anti-diuretic hormone
barrier
ADHD = attention deficit hyperactivity
BCAA = branched chain amino acids
disorder a
BCC = basal cell carcinoma
adj. = adjective
bd/bid = twice a day
ADR = adverse drug reaction / acute
dystonic reaction mBD = Bowen’s disease / twice daily
BE = barium enema
AED = antiepileptic drug
BEE = basal energy expenditure
AF = atrial fibrillation / afebrile
BF = blood flow
AFB = acid-fast bacilli
BKA = below the knee amputation
AFP = alpha-fetoprotein
AFX = atypical fibroxanthomAa BLK = benign lichenoid keratosis /
benign lymphocytic keratosis
A /G = albumin/globulin ratio
BL = basal lamina
Ag = antigen
BM = bone marrow /bowel
AI = aortic insufficie ncy
movement/basement membrane
AK = actinic keratosis
AKA = above the knree amputation BMR = basal metabolic rate
BOM = bilateral otitis media
ALD = alcoholic liver disease
ALL = acute lymDphocytic leukaemia BP = blood pressure / bullous
pemphigoid
alt. = alternative
BPH = benign prostatic hypertrophy
Amb = ambulate
BPM = beats per minute
AML = acute myelogenous leukaemia
ANA = an tinuclear antibody BRBPR= bright red blood per rectum
BRP = bathroom privileges
ANS = autonomic nervous system
© BS = bowel sounds / breath sounds /
AOB = alcohol on breath
blood stream
AODM = adult onset diabetes mellitus
BUN = blood urea nitrogen
AP = anteroposterior or abdominal -
BV = blood vessels
perineal
BW = body weight
ARDS = acute respiratory distress
Bx = biopsy
syndrome
3 © A. L. Neill
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
C dermatitis
CT = connective tissue / computerized
c = with tomographyl
c.f. = as demonstrated / that means
C&S = culture and sensitivity CTCL = cutaneousl T cell lymphoma
cut. = cutaneous
CA = cancer/carcinoma i
CUT HORN = cutaneous horn
Ca = calcium /carcinoma
CAA = crystalline amino acids CVA = cereberovascular accident
/costovertebral angle
CABG = coronary artery bypass graft
CVAT = tenderness at the costovertebral
CAD = coronary artery disease
aNngle
CAT (scan) = computerized axial tomography
CVP = central venous pressure
CBC = complete blood count
CX = cicatrix
CBG = capillary blood gas
CXR/CX= chest X-ray
CC = chief complaint
CCF = chronic cardiac failure D
CCU = cardiac care unit a
DA = dermatitis artifacta
CCV = critical closing volume
DAT = diet as tolerated
CF = cystic fibrosis
CGL = chronic granulocytic leukaemia dDAW = dispense as written
DC = discontinue /discharge
CHF = congestive heart failure
D&C = dilation and curettage
CHO = carbohydrate
DDx = differential diagnosis
chol. = cholesterol n
DF = dermatofibroma
CI = cardiac index
DFSP = dermatofibrosarcoma
CIN = carcinoma in situ
protuberans
CK = creatinine kinase a
D5W = 5% dextrose in water
CML = chronic myelogenous leukaemia
DI = diabetes insipidus
CMV = cytomegalovirus
DIC = disseminated intravascular
CN = cranial nerves / commpound
coagulopathy
naevus
DIF = direct immunofluorescence
CNH = chondrodermatits nodularis
DIP = distal interphalangeal joint
helicis
DH = dermatitis herpetiformis
CNS = central nervous system
CO = cardiac outpAut DJD = degenerative joint disease
DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis
C/O = complaining of
dL/dl = decilitre
COAD = chronic obstructive airways
DM = diabetes mellitus
disease DMS = dermatomyositis
coag. = coagulation
COLD = chrornic obstructive lung disease DN = dermal naevus
DNR = do not resuscitate
COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary
DNS = did not survive processing (e.g.
dDisease
tissue sample)
CONN = congenital naevus
DOA = dead on arrival
CP = chest pain/cerebral palsy
DOE = dyspnea on exertion
CPAP = continuous positive airway
pressure DPL = diagnostic peritoneal lavage
DPT = diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus
CPDN = compound naevus
© Ds = disease
CPK = creatinine phosphokinase
DSAP = disseminated superficial actinic
CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation
porokeratosis
CRCL = creatinine clearance
DTR = deep tendon reflexes
CRF = chronic renal failure
DVT = deep venous thrombosis
CRP = C-reactive protein
DX = diagnosis
CSF = Cerebrospinal fluid
Dysp = dysplastic
CSSD = chronic superficial scaling
© A. L. Neill 4
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
E gr = grain; 1 grain = 65mg.
Therefore Vgr = 325mg
EAA = essential amino acids GSW = gun shot wound l
EAC = erythema annular centrificum
EBA = epidermolysis bullosa acquisita Gt/gtt = drops l
GTT = glucose tolerance test
EBL = estimated blood loss i
GU = genitourinary
EC = extracellular (outside the cell)
ECG = electrocardiogram GVDH = graft versus heost disease
GXT = graded exercise tolerance test
ECT = electroconvulsive therapy
(Stress test)
EED = erythema elevatum diutinum
N
EEG = electroencephalogram H
EFAD = essential fatty acid deficiency
H = hormone
e.g. = example
HA = headache
EMG = electromyogram HAA = hep atitis B surface antigen
EMS = erythema multiforma
EMV = eyes, motor, verbal response HAV = haepatitis A virus
Hb = haemoglobin
(Glasgow coma scale)
HBP = high blood pressure
ENT = ears, nose, and throat
EOM = extraocular muscles HCG d= human chorionic gonadotropin
HCT = hematocrit
ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate
HDL = high density lipoprotein
ET = endotracheal
HEENT = head, eyes, ears, nose andthroat
ETT = endotracheal tube n
Hg = haemorrage
ERCP = endoscopic retrograde
Hgb = haemoglobin
cholangio-pancreatography
H/H = haemoglobin/haematocrit
ETOH = ethanol a
HIV = human immunodeficiency virus
EUA = examination under anaesthesia
HK = solar keratosis
F HLA = histocompatibility locus antigen
m
HMF = Hutchinson’s melanotic freckle
FB = foreign body
HJR = hepatojugular reflex
FBS = fasting blood sugar
HO = history of
FDE = fixed drug eruption
HOB = head of bed
FEV = forced expiratory volume
FFP = fresh frozen plasmaA HP = high power
HPF = high power field
FFFT = fits, faints and/or funny turns
HPV = human papilloma virus
FRC = functional residual capacity
HPI = history of present illness
FTT = failure to thrive HR = heart rate
FU = follow-up
FUO = fever of unkrnown origin HS = at bedtime
HSM = hepatosplenomegaly
FVC = forced vital capacity
HSP = herpes simplex virus
Fx = fractureD
HTLV-III= human lymphotropic virus, type
G III (AIDS agent, HIV)
HSV = herpes simplex virus
GA = granuloma annulare
GC = Go norrhoea HTN = hypertension
Hx = history
GD = Grover’s disease
©
GETT = general by endotracheal tube I
GFR = glomerular filtration rate
I&D = incision and drainage
GH = growth hormone
I&O = intake and output
GI = gastrointestinal
IBR = insect bite reaction
GIT = gastrointestinal tract
IC = intracellular (inside the cell)
Gk. = Greek
ICD = irritant contact dermatitis
g/gm = gram
5 © A. L. Neill
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
ICS = intercostal space LLL = left lower lobe
ICU = intensive care unit LMM = lentigo maligna (melanoma)
ID = infectious disease/identification LMP = last menstrulal period
IDDM = insulin dependent diabetes LNMP = last normall menstrual period
mellitus LOC = loss of consciousness/level of
i
IEC = intradermal carcinoma consciousness
IG/Ig = immunoglobulin LP = lumbaer puncture / lichen planus
IHSS = idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic Lt. = Latin
stenosis
M
IM/im = intramuscular N
IMV = intermittent mandatory ventilation M = margin (generally of the skin)
INF = intravenous nutritional fluid MAO = monoamine oxidase
IPPB = intermittent positive pressure MAP = mean arterial pressure
breathing MAST = medical anti-shock trousers
IRBBB = incomplete right bundle branch MBTa = maternal blood type
block MCH = mean cell haemoglobin
IRDM = insulin resistant diabetes MCHC = mean cell haemoglobin
mellitus dconcentration
IT = intrathecal MCTD = mixed connective tissue disease
ITP = idiopathic thrombocytopenic MCV = mean cell volume
purpura MI = myocardial infarction/mitral
n
IV/iv = intravenous insufficiency
IVC = intravenous mL/ml = millilitre
cholangiogram/inferior vena cava MLE = midline episiotomy
a
IVP = intravenous pyelogram MM = malignanat melanoma
MMEF = maximal mid expiratory flow
J
Mmol = millimole
m
JN = junctional naevus MMR = measles, mumps, rubella
JODM = juvenile onset diabetes mellitus MRI = magnetic resonance imaging
JVD = jugular venous distention MRSA = methicillin resistant staph aureus
MS = multiple sclerosis/mitral
K
A stenosis/morphine sulphate
KA = keratocanthoma MSSA = methicillin-sensitive staph aureus
KOR = keep open rate MVA = motor vehicle accident
KP = keratous pilaris MVI = multivitamin injection
KUB = kidney s, ureters, bladder MVV = maximum voluntary ventilation
KVO = keepr vein open N
L
NAD = no active disease/ no
D
L = left abnormality detected
LAD = left axis deviation/left anterior NAS = no added salt
descending NCV = nerve conduction velocity
LAE = left atrial enlargement NED = no evidence of recurrent disease
LAHB = left anterior hemi-block Ng = nanogram
LAP© = left atrial pressure or leukocyte NG = nasogastric
alkaline phosphatase NIDDM = non-insulin dependent diabetes
LBBB = left bundle branch block mellitus
LDH = lactate dehydrogenase NKA = no known allergies
LE = lupus erythematosus NKDA = no known drug allergies
LIH = left inguinal hernia NMR = nuclear magnetic resonance
LK = lichinoid keratosis nocte = at night
© A. L. Neill 6
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
NPO = nothing by mouth /nil by mouth PMI = point of maximal impulse
NRM = no regular medications PMN = polymorphonuclear leukocyte
NSAID = non-steroidal anti- inflammatory (neutrophil, polymorplh)
drugs PN = peripheral nerve l
NS = nervous system PND = paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
i
NSR = normal sinus rhythm PNS = peripheral nervous system
NT = nervous tissue / nasotracheal PPD = pigmented puerpuric dermatosis
PR = petechial rash
O
prn = given as required no set
OB = obstetrics treatmenNt regime
OCG = oral cholecystogram PS = pulmonic stenosis
OD = overdose / right eye PT = prothrombin time, or physical
OE / O/E = on examination therapy
OM = otitis media Pt = pat ient
OOB = out of bed PTCA = paercutaneous transluminal
OP = out patients - hospital patients coronary angioplasty
treated but not admitted PTH = parathyroid hormone
OPV = oral polio vaccine PTHC d= percutanous transhepatic
OR = operating room cholangiogram
OS = left eye PTT = partial thromboplastin time
OU = both eyes PUD = peptic ulcer disease
n
PUPP = puritic urticarial papules and
P
plaques of pregnancy
P = para PVC = premature ventricular contraction
a
PA = posteroanterior PVD = peripheral vascular disease
PAC = premature atrial contraction
Q
PAO2 = alveolar oxygen
m
PaO2 = peripheral arterial oxygen content q = every (e.g. q6h = every 6 hours)
PAP = pulmonary artery pressure qd = every day
PAS = periodic acid Schiff’s stain qh = every hour q4h, q6h.... every 4
PAT = paroxysymal atrial tachycardia hours, every 6 hours etc.
P&PD = percussion and postAural drainage qid = four times a day
Pb = prothrombin time / lead QNS = quantity not sufficient
PC = after eating Qod = every other day
PCWP = pulmonary capillary wedge Qs/Qt = shunt fraction
pressure Qt = total cardiac output
PD = pathologicalr diagnosis R
PDA = patent ductus arteriosus
PDR = physicians desk reference R = right
D
PDx = provisional diagnosis RA = rheumatoid arthritis or rightatrium
PE = pulmonary embolus /physical RAD = right atrial axis deviation
exam / pleural effusion RAE = right atrial enlargement
PEEP = po sitive end expiratory pressure RAP = right atrial pressure
PFT = pulmonary function tests RBBB = right bundle branch block
Pg/pg = ©pictogram RBC = red blood cell
PHx = past history RBP = retinol-binding protein
PI = pulmonic insufficeny disease / RBS = random blood sugar
pulmonary index RBT = random breath test
PKU = phenylketonuria RDA = recommended daily allowance
pl. = plural RDW = red cell distribution width
PMH = previous medical history RIA = radioimmunoassay
7 © A. L. Neill
The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
RIH = right inguinal hernia SLE = systemic lupus erythematous
RLL = right lower lobe SMO = slips made out
RLQ = right lower quadrant SN = spinal nerve l
RML = right middle lobe SO = standing olrders
RNA = ribonucleic acid SOAP = Subjective, Objective,
i
R/O = rule out Assessment, Plan
ROM = range of motion SOB = shortneess of breath
ROS = review of systems SQ = subcutaneous
RPG = retrograde pyelogram ss = one-half /same side /signs and
RRR = regular rate and rhythm sNymptoms
RT = respiratory therapy / radiation SSM = superficial spreading melanoma
therapy SSMM = superficial spreading malignant
RTA = renal tubular acidosis melanoma
RTC = return to clinic STAT = immediately
RU = resin uptake STDa = sexually transmitted disease
RUG = retrograde urethogram sup. = superior
RUL = right upper lobe supf. = superficial
RUQ = right upper quadrant dSVD = spontaneous vaginal delivery
RV = residual volume Sx = symptoms
RVH = right ventricular hyperthrophy
T
Rx = treatment / regime
n
T&C = type and cross
S
TAH = total abdominal hysterectomy
s = without T&H = type and hold (blood or serum
a
SA = sinoatrial products)
SAA = synthetic amino acid TB = tuberculosis
S&E = sugar and acetone TBG = total binding globulin
m
SBE = subacute bacterial endocarditis Td = tetanus-diphtheria toxoid
SBFT = small bowel follow through tds = three times daily
SBS = short bowel syndrome TIA = transient ischemic attack
SC = spinal cord / subcutaneously TIBC = total iron binding capacity
sc = subcutaneouAsly Tid/td = three times a day
SCC = squamous cell carcinoma TIG = tetanus immune globulin
SCr = serum creatinine TKO = to keep open
SEB K = seborraeic keratosis TLC = total lung capacity
SEM = systolic ejection murmur TMJ = temporo-mandibular joint
SG = Swarn-Ganz (catheter) TNTC = too numerous to count
SGA = small for gestational age TO = telephone order
SGGT = serum gamma- glutamyl TOPV = trivalent oral polio vaccine
D
transpeptidase TPN = total parenteral nutrition
SGOT = serum glutamic- oxaloacetic TSH = thyroid stimulating hormone
transaminase TT = thrombin time
SGPT = serum glutamic- pyruvic TTP = thrombotic thrombocytopenic
transaminase purpura
SIA©DH = syndrome of inappropriate TU = tuberculin units / transurethral
antidiuretic hormone TUR = transurethral resection
Sig = write on label TURBT = TUR bladder tumors
SIMV = synchronous intermittent TURP = transurethral resection of prostate
mandatory ventilation TV = tidal volume
sing. = singular TVH = total vaginal hysterectomy
SK = solar keratosis Tw = twice a week
sl = sublingual Tx = treatment, transplant
© A. L. Neill 8