Tag: words

Bronchi

The air passages that lead into the lungs. They carry air during breathing.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. They allow oxygen to enter the blood.

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing. It may indicate respiratory problems.

Wheezing

A high pitched sound during breathing. It often indicates narrowed airways.

Cough

A reflex that clears the airways. It may be caused by irritation or infection.

Sputum

Mucus produced by the lungs. Its color and thickness can indicate illness.

Hypoxia

Low oxygen levels in the tissues. It can cause confusion and fatigue.

Hyperventilation

Breathing too fast. It can reduce carbon dioxide levels.

Apnea

A temporary stop in breathing. It may occur during sleep.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths per minute. It helps assess breathing status.

Oxygen Therapy

The use of supplemental oxygen. It helps maintain safe oxygen levels.

Inhaler

A device that delivers medication to the lungs. It helps open airways.

Nebulizer

A machine that turns medication into mist. It helps people who cannot use inhalers.

Bronchodilator

A medication that relaxes airway muscles. It improves airflow.

Pneumonia

An infection of the lungs. It can cause fever cough and breathing problems.

COPD

A chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Asthma

A condition that causes airway inflammation. It can lead to wheezing and shortness of breath.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs. It supports gas exchange.

Chest Expansion

The movement of the chest during breathing. Reduced expansion may indicate illness.

Pulse Oximetry

A test that measures oxygen saturation. It helps monitor respiratory status.

Neuron

A nerve cell that sends signals through the body. It supports movement and sensation.

Synapse

The space where nerve cells communicate. Signals pass through chemicals.

Reflex

An automatic response to a stimulus. It helps protect the body.

Seizure

A burst of abnormal brain activity. It can cause shaking or loss of awareness.

Stroke

A condition caused by blocked or bleeding vessels in the brain. It affects function.

Paralysis

Loss of movement in part of the body. It may result from nerve damage.

Numbness

A loss of sensation. It may indicate nerve problems.

Tremor

An involuntary shaking movement. It may be caused by neurological conditions.

Cognition

Mental processes such as thinking and memory. Changes may indicate illness.

Memory

The ability to store and recall information. It can decline with age or disease.

Balance

The ability to stay upright and steady. It involves the brain and inner ear.

Coordination

The ability to move smoothly and accurately. It may be affected by brain injury.

Migraine

A severe headache often with nausea or sensitivity to light. It may last hours.

Neuropathy

Damage to nerves causing pain or numbness. It often affects the feet.

Spasm

An involuntary muscle contraction. It may be painful.

Alertness

A state of being awake and responsive. Reduced alertness may indicate illness.

Speech

The ability to communicate verbally. Problems may result from brain injury.

Motor Skills

Movements controlled by the brain. They may be fine or gross.

Sensory Function

The ability to feel touch pain or temperature. It may be reduced by nerve damage.

Rehabilitation

Therapies that help restore function after neurological injury.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that regulates body functions. It is produced by glands.

Gland

An organ that releases hormones. Examples include thyroid and pancreas.

Metabolism

The process of converting food into energy. Hormones help regulate it.

Insulin

A hormone that helps control blood sugar. Low levels cause diabetes.

Glucose

Sugar in the blood used for energy. Levels must stay within a safe range.

Thyroid

A gland that controls metabolism. It affects energy and weight.

Adrenal Gland

A gland that produces stress hormones. It helps the body respond to danger.

Cortisol

A hormone released during stress. High levels can affect health.

Estrogen

A hormone involved in reproductive health. It affects bones and mood.

Testosterone

A hormone that supports muscle and reproductive function. It is present in all genders.

Diabetes

A condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar. It requires monitoring.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar. It can cause thirst and fatigue.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar. It can cause shaking and confusion.

Growth Hormone

A hormone that supports development. Low levels affect growth.

Receptor

A structure that receives hormone signals. It helps regulate body functions.

Feedback Loop

A system that controls hormone levels. It keeps balance.

Endocrine Disorder

A condition affecting hormone production. It may require lifelong care.

Pituitary Gland

A gland that controls other glands. It is called the master gland.

Pancreas

An organ that produces insulin. It helps regulate blood sugar.

Regulation

The control of hormone levels. It maintains stability.

Kidney

An organ that filters waste from the blood. It helps maintain fluid balance.

Nephron

The basic unit of the kidney. It filters blood and forms urine.

Urine

A fluid that removes waste from the body. It is produced by the kidneys.

Dialysis

A treatment that filters blood when kidneys fail. It helps remove waste.

Dehydration

A condition where the body loses too much fluid. It affects kidney function.

Hydration

The balance of fluids in the body. Proper hydration supports kidney health.

Electrolytes

Minerals that help regulate fluid balance. They must stay within normal levels.

Creatinine

A waste product measured to assess kidney function. High levels indicate problems.

BUN

A test that measures waste in the blood. It helps evaluate kidney health.

Urinalysis

A test that examines urine for abnormalities. It helps detect infection or disease.

Retention

A condition where urine cannot be fully emptied. It may cause discomfort.

Incontinence

Loss of bladder control. It affects dignity and comfort.

Kidney Stone

A hard deposit that forms in the kidney. It can cause severe pain.

UTI

An infection of the urinary tract. It may cause burning or urgency.

Filtration

The process of removing waste from the blood. It occurs in the kidneys.

Fluid Balance

The amount of fluid entering and leaving the body. It affects kidney function.

Edema

Swelling caused by fluid buildup. It may indicate kidney problems.

Catheter

A tube used to drain urine. It helps when a person cannot urinate.

Output

The amount of urine produced. It helps assess kidney function.

Renal Failure

A condition where the kidneys stop working. It requires treatment.

Esophagus

The tube that carries food to the stomach. It moves food through muscle action.

Stomach

An organ that breaks down food. It uses acid and enzymes.

Intestines

Organs that absorb nutrients and water. They include small and large sections.

Liver

An organ that processes nutrients and removes toxins. It supports digestion.

Pancreas

An organ that produces enzymes for digestion. It also helps regulate blood sugar.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores bile. It helps digest fats.

Bile

A fluid that helps break down fats. It is produced by the liver.

Constipation

Difficulty passing stool. It may cause discomfort.

Diarrhea

Frequent loose stools. It may cause dehydration.

Nausea

A feeling of sickness in the stomach. It may lead to vomiting.

Vomiting

The forceful expulsion of stomach contents. It may indicate illness.

Indigestion

Discomfort after eating. It may include bloating or heartburn.

Reflux

Stomach acid moving into the esophagus. It may cause burning.

Ulcer

A sore in the stomach or intestine. It may cause pain or bleeding.

Appetite

The desire to eat. Changes may indicate illness.

Absorption

The process of taking in nutrients. It occurs in the intestines.

Elimination

The removal of waste from the body. It includes bowel movements.

Hydration

The balance of fluids in the body. It supports digestion.

Fiber

A nutrient that helps regulate bowel movements. It supports gut health.

Enzyme

A protein that helps break down food. It supports digestion.

Immune System

The body’s defense against infection. It includes cells tissues and organs.

Antibody

A protein that helps fight infection. It recognizes harmful substances.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response. It may be a virus or bacteria.

Inflammation

The body’s reaction to injury or infection. It causes redness heat and swelling.

Vaccine

A substance that helps the body build immunity. It prevents disease.

Allergy

An immune reaction to a harmless substance. Symptoms may include sneezing or rash.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition where the immune system attacks the body. It causes inflammation.

Pathogen

A microorganism that causes disease. It may be viral bacterial or fungal.

Immunity

The body’s ability to resist infection. It may be natural or acquired.

White Blood Cells

Cells that fight infection. They increase during illness.

Lymph Nodes

Small structures that filter harmful substances. They swell during infection.

Inflammatory Response

The body’s reaction to harmful stimuli. It helps protect tissues.

Chronic Inflammation

Long lasting inflammation. It may contribute to disease.

Histamine

A chemical released during allergic reactions. It causes itching and swelling.

T Cell

A type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. It plays a role in immunity.

B Cell

A white blood cell that produces antibodies. It helps defend against infection.

Immune Deficiency

A condition where the immune system is weakened. It increases infection risk.

Exposure

Contact with a harmful substance. It may lead to infection.

Booster

An additional vaccine dose. It strengthens immunity.

Response

The body’s reaction to infection or vaccination. It varies by individual.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin. It protects the body from the environment.

Dermis

The layer beneath the epidermis. It contains nerves and blood vessels.

Subcutaneous Tissue

The deepest layer of skin. It stores fat and provides insulation.

Lesion

An abnormal change in skin. It may indicate injury or disease.

Rash

A change in skin appearance. It may cause redness or itching.

Itching

An uncomfortable sensation that causes scratching. It may indicate irritation.

Bruise

Discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin. It usually heals over time.

Blister

A fluid filled bubble on the skin. It may result from friction or burns.

Burn

Damage to skin caused by heat chemicals or electricity. Severity varies.

Dryness

A lack of moisture in the skin. It may cause flaking or cracking.

Eczema

A condition that causes dry itchy skin. It may flare up over time.

Psoriasis

A condition that causes thick scaly patches. It is chronic.

Acne

A skin condition caused by clogged pores. It may include pimples or cysts.

Hives

Raised itchy welts on the skin. They may result from allergies.

Mole

A dark spot on the skin. Changes may require evaluation.

Sunburn

Skin damage caused by ultraviolet light. It may cause redness and pain.

Hydration

The moisture level of the skin. Proper hydration improves appearance.

Exfoliation

The removal of dead skin cells. It helps improve texture.

Scar

A mark left after healing. It may fade over time.

Irritation

Redness or discomfort caused by friction or chemicals. It may require treatment.

Cornea

The clear front surface of the eye. It helps focus light.

Retina

The layer at the back of the eye that senses light. It sends signals to the brain.

Lens

A clear structure that focuses light onto the retina. It changes shape to adjust vision.

Pupil

The opening in the center of the eye. It controls how much light enters.

Iris

The colored part of the eye. It adjusts the pupil size.

Optic Nerve

The nerve that carries visual signals to the brain. Damage can affect vision.

Cataract

A clouding of the lens. It can cause blurry vision.

Glaucoma

A condition where pressure damages the optic nerve. It can lead to vision loss.

Macula

The central part of the retina. It provides sharp detailed vision.

Floaters

Small spots seen in vision. They are usually harmless but can indicate issues.

Visual Acuity

A measure of clarity of vision. It is often tested with an eye chart.

Peripheral Vision

Side vision outside the central focus. Loss may indicate eye disease.

Refraction

The bending of light as it enters the eye. It determines the need for glasses.

Astigmatism

A condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped. It causes blurred vision.

Nearsightedness

A condition where close objects are clear but distant ones are blurry. It is also called myopia.

Farsightedness

A condition where distant objects are clear but close ones are blurry. It is also called hyperopia.

Dry Eye

A condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears. It can cause irritation.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the eye lining. It can cause redness and discharge.

Ophthalmoscope

A tool used to examine the inside of the eye. It helps detect disease.

Field Test

A test that measures peripheral vision. It helps diagnose glaucoma.

Medication

A substance used to treat or prevent illness. It must be taken as directed.

Dose

The amount of medication given at one time. Correct dosing ensures safety.

Side Effect

An unwanted reaction to a medication. Some side effects are mild while others require attention.

Contraindication

A reason a medication should not be used. It helps prevent harm.

Absorption

The process of medication entering the bloodstream. It affects how quickly a drug works.

Distribution

The movement of medication through the body. It determines where the drug has an effect.

Metabolism

The breakdown of medication in the body. The liver plays a major role.

Excretion

The removal of medication from the body. The kidneys are often involved.

Therapeutic Effect

The desired action of a medication. It shows the drug is working.

Toxicity

A harmful effect caused by too much medication. It requires immediate attention.

Half Life

The time it takes for half of a drug to leave the body. It affects dosing schedules.

Interaction

A reaction between two medications. It can increase or decrease effectiveness.

Generic Name

The standard name of a medication. It is not brand specific.

Brand Name

The name given by a manufacturer. It may differ from the generic name.

Route

The way a medication enters the body. Examples include oral topical and intravenous.

Compliance

Taking medication as prescribed. Good compliance improves outcomes.

Allergy

An immune reaction to a medication. It can cause rash swelling or breathing problems.

Therapeutic Range

The concentration where a medication is effective but not harmful. Levels outside this range can cause issues.

Overdose

Taking too much medication. It can be accidental or intentional.

Titration

Adjusting medication dose gradually. It helps find the most effective amount.

Aging Process

The natural changes that occur over time. It affects physical cognitive and emotional health.

Frailty

A condition of reduced strength and resilience. It increases vulnerability to illness.

Mobility

A persons ability to move independently. Reduced mobility affects daily activities.

Fall Risk

The likelihood of falling due to weakness or imbalance. Identifying risks helps prevent injury.

Cognitive Decline

A decrease in memory or thinking skills. It may occur gradually.

Dementia

A condition that affects memory thinking and behavior. It interferes with daily life.

Delirium

A sudden change in mental status. It often results from illness or medication.

Activities of Daily Living

Basic tasks such as bathing dressing and eating. They help measure independence.

Instrumental Activities

More complex tasks such as shopping or managing money. They require higher cognitive function.

Caregiver Burden

Stress experienced by those providing care. It can affect health and well being.

Polypharmacy

The use of multiple medications. It increases the risk of side effects.

Incontinence

Loss of bladder or bowel control. It can affect dignity and comfort.

Nutrition Status

A measure of dietary intake and health. Poor nutrition increases health risks.

Skin Integrity

The condition of the skin. Older adults are more prone to breakdown.

Social Isolation

A lack of social contact. It can affect mental and physical health.

Advanced Age

A stage of life where health needs increase. It requires specialized care.

Chronic Condition

A long term health issue. Many older adults manage multiple conditions.

Support Network

People who help with emotional or physical needs. Strong networks improve outcomes.

Functional Assessment

An evaluation of a persons abilities. It helps plan care.

Quality of Life

A measure of well being and satisfaction. It includes physical emotional and social factors.