Human fluids commonly encountered by laypeople during medical or recreational activities that would be considered high risk for the transmission of disease include blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, and any fluid contaminated by blood, feces, and urine. Not all fluids are of equal risk, depending on the infectious agent. For instance, feces, nasal secretions, respiratory secretions, sweat, tears, urine, and vomitus do not appear to appreciably transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but it is usually very difficult to tell if these fluids are contaminated with blood. Therefore, it is safest to assume that any body fluid can transmit disease, and to avoid unprotected contact with any moist human body substance.
To minimize the transmission of infectious disease, a medical rescuer should take the following precautions:
• Be careful with sharp objects, such as knives and needles. Obtain all available useful immunizations (including hepatitis; see page 454).
• Use personal protective equipment, such as disposable latex or hypoallergenic gloves, goggles (eyeshields, glasses, ski goggles), pocket mask or barrier shield (for rescue breathing), and gown or overclothing. In cold weather, thin glove liners can be worn under disposable gloves.
• After any victim contact, even if gloves are worn, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If a glove breaks during contact with a victim, remove it and wash your hands immediately.
• Unbroken skin is very protective. However, if broken or unbroken skin is exposed to a victim’s body fluid, it should be washed immediately with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use waterless antiseptic hand cleanser, plain water, or snow.
• Carry materials contaminated by body fluids in clearly labeled nonpermeable containers, such as heavy plastic bags. Carry “sharps” (e.g., used needles) in impenetrable containers.
• If equipment (such as a litter) has been contaminated by a body fluid and must be reused, it should be cleaned by washing with soap and water, and then scrubbing with a minimum 1:10 dilution of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in water. Alternative minimum dilutions (in water) for disinfection include 0.3% hydrogen peroxide, 25% ethyl alcohol, 35% isopropyl alcohol, 0.5% Lysol, and 0.25% povidone iodine (Betadine). Wear gloves while cleaning the equipment. Eyeglasses can be washed with soap and water.
The purpose of educating you about precautions is not to discourage you from helping another in need. Rather, it is to support the notion that with just a moment of thought and the initiation of proper precautions, needless transmission of infectious diseases can be prevented, and a medical rescue can proceed without harm to the rescuer.
GLOSSARY
abdomen: the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis
abrasion: a scraped area of skin
abscess: a localized collection of pus, usually surrounded by inflamed tissue
acclimatize: to adapt to a new altitude, climate, environment, or situation
acidotic: in a state of abnormally reduced alkalinity; overwhelmed by acid; related to decreased pH
acute: sudden in onset
adrenaline: epinephrine
airway: passage for air into the lungs, including the mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi
alkaline: having the properties of a base; related to high pH
allergy: exaggerated reaction (sneezing, runny nose, itching, skin rash, difficulty in breathing) to substances that do not affect other individuals
alveoli: microscopic air spaces in the lung where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide
ambulatory: able to walk
amnesia: loss of memory
amniotic fluid: liquid that surrounds unborn child within the membranes inside the uterus
amputate: to cut from the body
analgesia: relief from pain
anaphylaxis: hypersensitivity to substances following prior exposure, resulting in a severe allergic reaction
anemia: deficiency in red blood cells
anesthesia: loss of sensation
aneurysm: abnormally dilated blood vessel
angina pectoris: episodic chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart
antibiotic: drug used to kill bacteria
antibody: body substance, produced by specialized cells, that combines with and neutralizes foreign substances or toxins
antiemetic: drug used to control nausea and vomiting
antihistamine: drug used to inactivate histamine
antiinflammatory: drug used to prevent or correct inflammation
antiseptic: substance that limits or stops the growth of microscopic germs
antivenom: drug used to inactivate the effects of animal or insect venom
anus: posterior opening from the intestine to the outside world
aorta: the large artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to be distributed to the body
aortic: pertaining to the aorta
appendectomy: surgical removal of the appendix
appendicitis: inflammation of the appendix
appendix: wormlike appendage of the bowel, located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen
aqueous: mixed with or related to water
arachnoid: middle layer of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
argasid: related to soft ticks
arrest: sudden stop
arterial: pertaining to an artery
arteritis: inflammation of an artery
artery: muscular- and elastic-walled blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body
arthritis: inflammation of the joints
arthropod: invertebrate animal with jointed limbs belonging to the phylum Arthropoda; insect, spider, or crustacean
aspirate: to draw by suction; to inhale into the lungs
asthma: labored breathing caused by narrowing of the smaller air passages (past the bronchi) in the lungs, associated with shortness of breath, wheezing, cyanosis, and coughing
atherosclerosis: hardening of the arteries
aura: a sensation of lights or sounds that occurs before a migraine headache or seizure
barotitis: disorder of the ear due to increased or decreased atmospheric pressure
bile: green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, where it is released into the duodenum to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats
bilirubin: a pigment formed from the destruction of red blood cells
biopsy: the process of removing tissue from living creatures for diagnostic examination
blister: fluid-filled elevation of the epidermis
borrelial: related to microorganisms of the genus Borrelia, which transmit diseases such as Lyme disease
bowel: intestine
brainstem: part of the central nervous system between the spinal cord and brain, which controls certain critical functions, such as breathing
breech: buttocks first, as in breech birth
bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchial tree
bronchoconstriction: narrowing of small airways, often caused by smooth muscle contraction
bronchodilator: drug used to relax and widen the bronchi
bronchus: main passageway from the trachea to the smaller air passages in the lungs
bruise: injury that does not break the skin, with rupture of small blood vessels that causes blue or purplish discoloration
bursa: fluid-filled sac that allows smooth motion of muscles or tendons over a bone or joint
bursitis: inflammation of a bursa
buttocks: the seat of the body; the rump
calorie: the amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C; 1 food calorie (“kilocalorie”) is equal to 1,000 energy calories
cancer: malignant tumor; uncontrolled growth of cells that invade normal body tissues for no reason and serve no purpose
canker sore: small, painful ulcer of the mouth
cannula: small tube for insertion of fluid or air
capillary: microscopic blood vessel that connects an artery to a vein
carbonaceous: rich in carbon; black like soot
carbon dioxide: gas that combines with water to form carbonic acid; formed by the combustion and decomposition of organic substances
cardiac: pertaining to the heart
cardiopulmonary: pertaining to the heart and lungs
carotid artery: chief artery that travels up the neck and carries blood to the head and brain
carpal: relating to the wrist
cartilage: elastic tissue that is transformed into bone
cartilaginous: composed of cartilage
cataract: opacity in the lens of the eye
caustic: corrosive; capable of destroying by chemical action
cellulitis: inflammation of tissue, such as the skin
central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord
cerebral: pertaining to the brain
cervical: pertaining to the neck
chilblain: inflammation, swelling, and blistering of the skin caused by exposure to cold
cholecystitis: inflammation of the gallbladder
cholelithiasis: condition of having stones present in the gallbladder
chronic: of long duration
colic: acute pain caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting of a hollow organ
colitis: inflammation of the colon
colon: the large intestine
coma: a state of profound unconsciousness
comatose: in a coma
comminuted: in multiple pieces; shattered
compound fracture: broken bone accompanied by torn skin
conjunctiva: membrane that covers the insides of the eyelids and extends over the whites of the eyes
convulsion: seizure; abnormal involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, caused by scarred lung tissue
core: center; involving the abdomen and chest organs
cornea: the transparent covering of the eyeball over the iris and pupil that allows light to enter the eye
corticosteroid: one of a number of hormones produced by the adrenal glands
costochondritis: inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the sternum
CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with artificial breathing and chest compressions
cravat: triangular cloth bandage folded into a longitudinal strap
crepitus: a crackling sound or feeling
culture: to grow in a prepared laboratory medium
cyanosis: blue or purple discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygen in the blood
cyst: an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or solid material
debridement: surgical removal of torn, contaminated, or devitalized tissue
decompression: loss of pressure; contributes to diving-related bends
DEET: active ingredient of many insect repellents; N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide
dehydration: depletion of body fluids
dermatitis: inflammation of the skin
dermis: layer of skin just underneath the epidermis that contains sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels, and hair follicles
diagnose: to identify a disease
diaphragm: muscular wall that separates the chest from the abdomen
dilation: stretching to normal or beyond normal dimensions
dinoflagellate: marine plankton
discharge: liquid released from an organ or tissue surface
dislocation: displacement of bones at a joint
disseminated: spread over a wide area
distal: at the end of; in the area farthest from the center of the body
diuretic: drug that promotes urination
diverticulitis: inflammation of a diverticulum
diverticulum: small outpouching from a hollow organ (such as the large intestine)
dressing: bandage; covering for a wound
duodenum: first part of the small intestine
ectopic: at a remote site; in the wrong place
edema: swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid
electrolyte: soluble inorganic chemical (such as sodium or potassium) found in body fluids
embolism: sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus
embolus: abnormal particle (such as a blood clot or air bubble) circulating in the bloodstream
encephalopathy: disease of the brain that often results in abnormal mentation
encyst: to completely surround with a membrane
endemic: native to
endotracheal: through the trachea
envenom: to poison with venom
epidermis: outermost layer of the skin
epigastrium: area lying over the stomach; central upper area of the abdomen
epiglottis: soft tissue pillar in the throat that covers the vocal cords and keeps food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing
epiglottitis: inflammation of the epiglottis
epilepsy: disorder associated with disturbed electrical discharges in the central nervous system that cause convulsions
epinephrine: most potent hormone that stimulates increased heart rate and force of contraction, relaxation of smooth muscle in the airways that causes bronchoconstriction (during asthma or an allergic reaction), and constriction of microscopic blood vessels
epistaxis: nosebleed
eruption: a breaking out, particularly the appearance of redness, rash, blisters, sores, or other lesions of the skin
erythema: redness
esophageal reflux: return of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus; major cause of heartburn
esophagitis: inflammation of the esophagus
esophagus: muscular tube from the pharynx to the stomach
eustachian tube: a tube of bone and cartilage that connects the middle ear with the upper throat and allows equalization of pressure on both sides of the eardrum
exhale: to breathe out
expectoration: sputum, phlegm, or mucus; the act of spitting out saliva or mucus from the air passages via the mouth
extend: lengthen; reach out
extremity: arm and hand (upper extremity) or leg and foot (lower extremity)
facial: pertaining to the face
fallopian tube: small tube that conducts the egg from the ovary to the uterus
fascia: tough, fibrous tissue that surrounds muscle bundles
fasciitis: inflammation of the fascia
feces: solid human bodily waste discharged through the anus
feculent: pertaining to or resembling feces
femoral artery: large artery that carries blood to the leg
femur: large bone of the thigh
fetus: unborn young after it has taken form in the uterus
fibrillation: unsynchronized quivering
flagellate: possessing a flagellum
flagellum: whiplike organelle (tail) for locomotion
flail chest: series of detached ribs that cannot move properly to assist with breathing
flatulence: the presence of excessive gas in the bowel
flatus: gas generated in the digestive tract and discharged via the anus
flex: bend; fold
fluorescence: the reemission of light (usually lower frequency) following its absorption; this is usually most apparent when the absorbed light is in the (invisible) ultraviolet range and the reemitted light is in the visible range
fluorescent: possessing fluorescence
follicle: skin cavity in which a root of hair lies
fracture: to break; a broken object
frostbite: freezing of the tissues
gallbladder: muscular, hollow organ that stores bile produced by the liver
gangrene: tissue death due to loss of blood supply; may be caused by injury or infection
gastroenteritis: inflammation or irritation of the stomach and/or intestine
gastrointestinal: pertaining to the stomach and intestine; digestive system
gauge: the diameter of a hypodermic needle expressed as a standard number
genitals: external organs of reproduction
gland: a specialized group of cells that selectively removes substances from the blood, concentrates or alters substances in the blood, and/or creates and releases special substances into the blood
glaucoma: disease of the eye associated with increased pressure within the eyeball
glucose: type of sugar used by the body for energy
gonorrhea: sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae
graft (skin): piece of skin taken from one area of the body to cover a defect or burn in another area
grain: a measure of weight equal to 0.0648 g
gram: a measure of weight equal to 15.432 grains
grand mal seizure: convulsion manifested by violent generalized muscle contractions, clouded consciousness, and a period of confusion after the event
hallucinate: to see visions or experience lack of reality
hallucination: imaginary perception
heartburn: burning discomfort behind the sternum related to irritation or spasm of the lower portion of the esophagus
Heimlich maneuver: technique for removal of a foreign object caught in the upper airway
helminth: intestinal worm-shaped parasite
hemoglobin: iron-containing, oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells
hemorrhage: bleeding
hemorrhoid: dilated vein found at the anal margin
hepatitis: inflammation of the liver
hernia: protrusion of part or all of an organ through a wall of the space in which it is normally contained
hiatal hernia: protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm
histamine: chemical compound that plays a major role in allergic reactions
HIV: human immunodeficiency virus
hives: raised red skin wheals associated with allergic reactions
hormone: chemical substance formed in the body that is carried in the bloodstream to affect another part of the body; an example is thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, which affects growth, temperature regulation, metabolic rate, and other body functions
hydrate: to cause to take up water
hygiene: the science or practice of preserving health
hyper- (prefix): excessive
hyperbaric: pertaining to increased atmospheric pressure
hyperextension: accentuated extension or straightening of a limb
hypertension: elevated blood pressure
hyperthermia: elevated core body temperature
hypertrophy: enlargement of; excessive size
hyphema: collection of blood in the chamber of the eye between the lens and the cornea (anterior chamber)
hypo- (prefix): insufficient; underneath
hypodermic: under the skin
hypoglycemia: low blood sugar
hyponatremia: low blood sodium
hypothermia: low core body temperature
ileum: the last (and longest) segment of the small intestine
ileus: profoundly decreased physiological activity (motility) of the bowel, characterized by dilation, abdominal pain, and vomiting
iliac: pertaining to the ilium
ilium: the upper bone that forms the side of the pelvis
immobilize: to prevent freedom of movement
immune: not susceptible to
immunity: condition of being able to resist a certain entity or disease
immunization: the process of developing immunity; often refers to an injection
impetiginize: to involve with impetigo
impetigo: contagious skin disease caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria, characterized by weeping, crusting, and areas of pus formation
incarcerate: to confine; to entrap
infarction: area of tissue death caused by obstruction of blood circulation
inflammation: response to cell injury that involves dilation of small blood vessels, redness, warmth, pain, and migration of white blood (pus) cells to the region; part of the healing process that removes noxious substances and damaged tissue; can be destructive as a primary disease process
infrared: light that lies outside of the visible spectrum, with wavelengths longer than those of red light
inhale: to breathe in
inspiration: the act of breathing in
intestine: the digestive tube that passes from the stomach to the anus; the small intestine (bowel) consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; the large intestine (bowel) consists of the cecum (with attached appendix), colon (ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid), and rectum
intoxication: state of poisoning
intravenous: into a vein
irrigate: to rinse
ischemic: in a condition of lowered blood flow; lacking sufficient oxygen to sustain function
-itis (suffix): inflammation of
jaundice: yellow pigmentation of the tissues and body fluids
jejunum: the segment of the small intestine that follows the duodenum and precedes the ileum
ketoacidosis: condition of excessive ketones in the bloodstream, associated with increased systemic acidity; a life-threatening condition of diabetics
ketone: acid by-product of metabolism
kg (abbreviation): kilogram
kilo- (prefix): one thousand of something
kilocalorie: 1 food calorie, or 1,000 energy calories; the energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1°C
kilogram: 1,000 g; 2.2 lb
lacerate: to tear or cut roughly
larva: wormlike form of an insect that issues from the egg; grub, maggot, or caterpillar
larynx: the portion of the trachea that contains the vocal cords; the voice box
lateral: away from the midline; outer
lb (abbreviation): pound
lethargy: drowsiness or aversion to activity, caused by disease
ligament: fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone
liter: volume of water that weighs 1 kg; 1.0567 quarts
localized: confined to a specific area
lumbar: pertaining to the lower back
lymph: amber nutrient fluid that contains white blood cells; it circulates in the lymphatic system and is involved with injuries, infections, and cancers
lymphatic: related to lymph glands, cells, or fluid; small vessel that transports lymph fluid
lymph node: collection of lymph cells that function as a gland; node (colloquial)
malleolus: rounded bony prominence, such as occurs on either side of the ankle
mandible: lower bone of the jaw
manipulate: to move mechanically, usually with the hands
melena: dark-colored, tarry stools (feces), due to the presence of blood altered by intestinal fluids
meningitis: inflammation of the covering of the brain and upper spinal cord
menses: periodic hemorrhage from a woman’s uterus that occurs most commonly at 4-week intervals
menstrual: related to menses
menstruation: periodic discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus
mental status: condition of alertness and comprehension
metabolism: the energy-producing and energy-utilizing processes that occur in the human body
mg (abbreviation): milligram
micron: measure of length equal to one one-millionth of a meter
microorganism: small life form that requires a microscope to be seen
microscopic: very tiny; requires a microscope to be seen
migraine: recurrent severe headaches generally accompanied by an aura (classic migraine), nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
milli- (prefix): one one-thousandth
milligram: 1/1,000 of a gram
milliliter: 1/1,000 of a liter
mL (abbreviation): milliliter
mononucleosis: infectious disease characterized by an abnormal increase in monocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, weakness, fever, sore throat, and enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes in the neck
mottled: covered with colored spots or blotches
mucus: slippery secretion created by mucous glands associated with mucous membranes (such as those that line the nose, throat, and mouth) for lubrication and some protection against bacteria
myocardial: pertaining to the heart muscle
myoglobin: iron-containing, oxygen-carrying pigment present in muscle tissue
myoglobinuria: condition of having myoglobin present in the urine
nanometer: one one-billionth of a meter
narcosis: altered mental status ranging from confusion to coma
nebulize: to reduce to a fine spray
neurologic: pertaining to the nervous system
nm (abbreviation): nanometer
nonsteroidal: not containing steroids
organ: part of the body with a specific function
otitis: inflammation or infection of the ear
ounce: measure of weight equal to 28.35 g; 1/16 lb
ovary: one of two reproductive glands in a female that produces the female sex cells (“eggs”)
ovulation: release of an egg from the ovary
oxygen: colorless, odorless gas necessary for combustion and life
oxygenate: to supply with oxygen
oz (abbreviation): ounce
ozone: triatomic form of oxygen (O3) that is formed by electric discharge through air
pallor: pale skin color
palpate: feel with the hands
palpation: the act of feeling with the hands
palpitation: abnormal beating of the heart felt by the victim
pancreas: gland that produces and secretes digestive enzymes (juices) and the insulin hormone
pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
parasite: an animal or vegetable that lives on or in another and that draws its nourishment from the host
paroxysmal: sudden
pediatric: pertaining to children
pelvic: related to the pelvis
pelvis: strong, basin-shaped bone structure that provides support for the spine, hips, and legs
penile: related to the penis
peptic: related to digestive fluids
perineum: area of skin situated between the external genitalia and the anus; area between the thighs extending from the tailbone to the front of the pubis
peristalsis: natural contractions of the muscular walls of the bowel that move bowel contents forward
peritoneum: lining of the abdominal organs and cavity
peritonitis: inflammation of the peritoneum
petit mal seizure: form of epilepsy characterized by brief periods of confusion without major abnormal muscle activity
pharyngitis: inflammation of the pharynx; sore throat
pharynx: throat
phlegm: mucus secreted in the respiratory passages
photophobia: aversion to light
photosensitivity: sensitivity to light, particularly to ultraviolet radiation
pigment: coloring matter or stain
placenta: organ implanted within the uterus that supports an unborn child, which is attached by the umbilical cord
plankton: microscopic plant life found in natural bodies of water
plantar: on the bottom
platelet: cellular component of the blood that contributes to clotting
pleura: lining that covers the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity
pleural space: a small space between the pleura that covers the lung and that lines the inside of the chest wall; normally, this space is minuscule (cannot be seen) because it is filled with negative pressure, which allows the lung to expand with the chest wall
pleuritis: inflammation of the pleura
pneumonia: infection of the lung characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, and the production of purulent or bloody sputum
pneumothorax: collapsed lung with air in the pleural space
potable: drinkable (preferably, disinfected)
prognosis: projected outcome
prolapse: to fall or sink down
prone: lying flat with the face down
prophylactic: for the purpose of prophylaxis
prophylaxis: measures designed to maintain health and to prevent disease
protozoan: microscopic unicellular or acellular animal
proximal: closer to starting point or center; nearest to central part of the body
pubic: pertaining to the region of the pubis
pubis: the lowermost and anterior bone of the pelvis
pulmonary: pertaining to the lungs
punctate: like a dot or small mark
pupil: contractile round opening in the center of the iris of the eye through which light is transmitted to the lens
purulent: foul
pus: white, yellow-green, or beige creamy fluid that is formed by decomposing tissue, white blood cells, and tissue fluids
pyelonephritis: inflammation of the kidney due to a bacterial infection
quadrant: one of the four quarters into which a region can be divided
radial artery: the main artery that travels through the wrist to supply the hand
radiation: emission of energy in the form of waves or particles
radiation of pain: pain that travels from one region to another, such as from the hand to the shoulder
rebound tenderness: pain in the abdomen that is worse on release of pressure than it is on creation of pressure (compression); often indicates peritonitis
recompression: the method whereby increased atmospheric pressure is used to treat victims of air embolism or decompression sickness (diving-related disorders)
reflux: backward flow
reflux esophagitis (heartburn): inflammation of the esophagus caused by backward flow of acid from the stomach
relapse: return of a disease after it has spent its course
renal: related to the kidney
respiratory: pertaining to the organs of breathing or the act of breathing
resuscitate: to revive from death or unconsciousness
retina: the posterior inside surface of the eye, which receives a light image refracted through the cornea and lens, and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve
rigor mortis: stiffening of the body that begins a few hours after death and that disappears from 1 to 5 days later, when decomposition begins
saline: salty (solution); normal saline (liquid compatible with most human tissues) is 0.9% sodium chloride in water
saturate: to soak; to dissolve to the highest possible concentration
sedate: to bring under the influence of a sedative
sedation: the act of calming
sedative: calming or quieting; a drug or other substances that decreases nervous excitement
seizure: epileptic convulsion
serum: the fluid component of blood after the cells are removed
shock: a clinical state manifested by profound depression of all body functions, caused by insufficient blood and nutrient supply to the tissues; signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, cool and clammy skin, altered mental status, and collapse
silica: silicon dioxide
soft tissue: body tissue that is not composed of bone or cartilage; generally refers to skin, muscle, and fat; generally excludes internal organs
spasm: involuntary muscular contraction
sphincter: muscular ring that serves as a junction between two tubes, such as the esophageal sphincter (between the esophagus and stomach)
spirochete: curled or spiraled microorganism capable of causing infectious disease
sprain: incomplete stretching or tearing of ligaments
sputum: phlegm composed of saliva and discharges from the respiratory passages
status: unchanging situation, such as status asthmaticus (severe, unchanging asthma), or status epilepticus (nonceasing convulsions)
sterile: uncontaminated by infectious agents
sternocleidomastoid: prominent neck muscle that connects the mandible to the collarbone and sternum
sternum: breastbone
steroids: hormones, vitamins, body constituents, and drugs with a specific chemical structure
strain: incomplete stretching or tearing of tendons or muscles
stridor: harsh vibrating noise heard in the upper airway during breathing; commonly associated with an outflow obstruction during exhalation; may be inspiratory
stroke: cerebral hemorrhage, thrombosis, vasospasm, or embolism characterized by some degree of paralysis; also called apoplexy
sub- (prefix): underneath
subarachnoid: under the arachnoid
subconjunctival: under the conjunctivae
subcutaneous: under the skin
sublingual: under the tongue
supine: lying flat with the face up
supraventricular: above the level of the ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart
suture: to sew with surgical thread or nylon; the thread or nylon used to sew a wound closed
symphysis: a barely movable junction of two bone surfaces connected by a fibrous cartilage pad
syndrome: a collection of signs and symptoms that, taken together, constitute a particular disease or abnormality
synthesize: to create or compose
syringe: device used to inject fluids into or remove them from the body
systemic: affecting the entire body
tachycardia: rapid heart rate (beat)
tendon: fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone
tension pneumothorax: collapsed lung under pressure from air in the pleural space
testis: one of two male reproductive glands located in the scrotum
testicle: testis
tetanus: an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, characterized by severe muscle contractions and inability to open the mouth (lockjaw); the bacterium that causes tetanus
thermal: pertaining to heat
thermoregulatory: in control of temperature
thrombophilia: increased number of platelets
thrombophlebitis: an inflammation of the veins that causes the formation of blood clots
thrombosis: formation of a thrombus
thrombus: clot formed in a blood vessel or in one of the cavities of the heart
tinnitus: noises, such as ringing, in the ears
tissue: a group of cells that combine in the body to serve a specific function
tourniquet: a device used to control blood flow by impeding or preventing circulation
toxin: poisonous substance
trachea: main passageway for air from the pharynx to the bronchi
tracheostomy: surgical opening created in the neck into the trachea to allow breathing when the upper airway is obstructed
trauma: mechanical injury
traumatic: related to mechanical injury
triage: sorting of patients by priority
tubal: related to a tube
tumor: abnormal growth of tissue that arises in the body without purpose; may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
tympanic membrane: eardrum
ulcer: erosion; open sore
ultrasonic: beyond the normal range of sound waves
ultraviolet: light outside of the violet end of the visible spectrum with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light
umbilical: relating to the umbilicus
umbilicus: navel; belly button; pit in the center of the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus before birth
unconscious: unaware; unarousable
ureter: muscular tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder
urethra: passage that carries urine from the bladder to the external opening in the genital region
urogenital: genitourinary; pertaining to the urinary tract and genitalia
urticaria: itchy, patchy, raised, and red skin rash, often associated with allergy
uterus: muscular reproductive female organ in which a child develops; womb
vaccinate: to inject a special preparation for the purpose of achieving immunity from disease
vaginitis: irritation of the vagina
varicose: abnormally swollen or dilated
vascular: pertaining to the blood vessels
vasospasm: contraction of a blood vessel, often caused by microscopic muscle contraction
vein: blood vessel that carries blood from the body back to the heart
venom: poison secreted from venom glands in animals and insects; usually introduced into the victim with a bite or sting
venous: pertaining to the veins
ventricle: one of two large chambers of the heart
vertebra: one of the bony segments that form the spinal column (backbone)
vertigo: dizziness; sensation of whirling motion
vessel: container; a blood vessel may be an artery, vein, or capillary
vitreous: gelatinous fluid within the eye
wheezing: labored breathing, usually noted on expiration, associated with lung disorders characterized by airway narrowing, such as asthma