Simplification Guide to Medical Terms

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B
bacteria type of germs
bacterial having to do with bacteria
bacterial analysis test used to detect and identify bacteria
bacterial endocarditis bacterial infection of the inner lining of the heart
bag of waters sack containing liquid that surrounds the unborn baby
balanitis inflammation of the end of the penis
balanorrhagia balanitis with discharge of pus from the end of the penis
balanorrhea discharge of fluid from the penis
barbiturates group of drugs that are used for different reasons, including general anesthesia, sedation, and stopping seizures
Bartholin's adentitis inflammation of the mucus-producing glands in the vagina
Bartholin's glands mucus-producing glands in the vagina
basal cell carcinoma type of skin cancer
bayonet tool that is sharp like a knife
benign not cancerous
benign prostatic hypertrophy increase in size of the prostate gland
beta blocker drug used to slow down the heart
beta-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) substance in blood that is measured to detect cancer of the testicles
bicupsid valve a valve in the heart that controls the flow of blood by opening and closing with each heart beat
bilateral having to do with both sides of the body
bile brown-yellow-green liquid made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps with digestion
bile duct tube that carries bile
bilirubim a substance found in bile- a high level of bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice
binocular having to do with both eyes
Bioavailability A measure of the amount of active drug which enters the appropriate body system and is therefore available at the target site.
Bioequivalence Study Bioavailability study to compare two products to determine whether they have the same bioavailability profile
biopsy removal of tissue so it can be looked at under a microscope
bleeding time test to measure how long it takes for a small cut to stop bleeding
blepharitis inflammation of the eyelid
blepharoplasty surgery to fix the eyelid
blepharoptosis drooping of the upper eyelid
Blinding

A procedure in which one or more parties to the trial are kept unaware of the treatment assignment(s).

Single-blinding usually refers to the subject(s) being unaware.

Double-blinding usually refers to the subject(s), investigator(s), monitor, and, in some cases, data analyst(s) being unaware of the treatment assignment(s).
blood red liquid pumped by the heart
blood pressure (BP) the pressure of blood flowing through blood vessels
blood urea nitrogen (BUN) substance in blood that is measured to check kidney function
blood vessels tubes that carry blood through the body
bone marrow soft tissue inside bones that makes blood cells
bone marrow biopsy use of a needle to remove bone marrow so that it can be looked at under a microscope
bone marrow transplant putting normal bone marrow from one person into another person
bowel the intestine
bradycardia slow heart beat
bradykinesia moving slow
bradypepsia slow digestion
brain main part of the central nervous system
brain stem joins the brain to the spinal column
brand name commercial name or trade name for a drug
breasts milk-producing glands of women
breech birth when feet, buttocks, or knees come out before head at birth
bronchi more than one bronchus
bronchitis inflammation of the bronchi
brochoconstrictor drug used to make the bronchi tighten up and become narrower
bronchodilator drug used to make the bronchi open up and become bigger
bronchogenic beginning in the bronchus
bronchogram x-ray of the bronchi
bronchoplasty surgery to fix the bronchi
bronchopneumonia inflammation of the bronchi and lungs
bronchoscope tool used to look into the bronchi
bronchospasm sudden, uncontrolled narrowing of airways in lungs
bronchus tube that carries air from the bronchi
bulimia an eating disorder in which a person cannot stop eating and often vomits to make room for more food
bunion bone growth inside the base of the big toe
bursa small sack filled with liquid that cushions moving parts, such as two bones in a joint
bursitis inflammation of the bursa
bursolith stone in a bursa
bursotomy surgery to cut into a bursa
bypass an artificial passageway from one blood vessel to another to get around a blood clot
C
caffeine drug found in coffee and colas that speeds up the central nervous system, heart rate, and blood pressure
calcaneus heel bone
calcipenia low in calcium
cancellous bone a type of bone that looks like a sponge
cancer abnormal tissue that grows and spreads in the body until it kills
cancer chemotherapy treatment of cancer using drugs
cancer radiotherapy treatment of cancer using x-rays
cancerous having to do with cancer
capillary tiny blood vessel that connects arterioles to venules
carbohydrates type of fuel for the body that includes sugars and starches
carbuncle group of boils on the skin
carcinoembryonic antigen substance in blood that is measured to detect tumors of stomach or intestines
carcinogenic causing cancer
carcinoma type of cancer
cardiac having to do with the heart
cardiac arrest stopping of the heart
cardiac catheterization putting a catheter into the heart to test for or treat a heart problem
cardiac pacemaker battery-powered tool put under the skin to control the heart rate
cardiac scan ultrasonographic test to view the structure of the heart
cardiac tamponade squeezing of the heart caused by fluid or blood build-up in the sac around the heart
cardiodynia pain in the heart
cardiogenic beginning in the heart
cardiologist doctor who treats disorders of the heart
cardiology increase in the size of the heart
cardiomegaly disorder of the heart muscle
cardiomyopathy disorder of the heart muscle
cardiopulmonary bypass artificial passageway through which blood goes around the heart during open-heart surgery
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) giving artificial respiration and heart massage to try to save a person whose breathing or heart has stopped
cardiotonic drug used to strengthen the pumping action of the heart
cardiovalvulitis inflammation of the heart valves
cardioversion use of electric shock to make the heart beat with normal rhythm
Carryover Effect Any effect of a drug which lasts beyond the period of treatment
carpal having to do with the wrist
carpal bones wrist bones
carpal tunnel syndrome painful disorder caused by a pinch nerve in the wrist
carpectomy surgery to remove a wrist bone
carpoptosis drooping wrist
Case Report Form (CRF) A printed, optical, or electronic document designed to record all of the protocol required information to be reported to the sponsor on each trial subject.
cartilage a rubbery type of tissue that pads the joints and keeps the shape of the nose and outside ear flaps
cataract clouding of the lens of the eye
Categorical Data Data which are evaluated by sorting the values into various categories (eg low, medium, high) or data that is only available in categories (eg ethnic origin, gender)
cathartic drug used to stop constipation
catheter flexible, tube-like tool used to take fluids out or put fluids into the body
caudal toward the lower side of an organ or structure
Causality The relationship of an adverse event to the use of study medication. The likelihood of the event being caused by the study drug is often classified as: unknown, not related, possible, probably, definite
cecum the first part of the large intestine, which is shaped like a pouch
celiotomy surgery to cut into the abdominal cavity
cell the basic building block of all living things
cell membrane layer that surrounds a cell
cellulitis inflammation of connective tissue
Central Laboratory A single laboratory (often a contract laboratory) which is contracted to perform laboratory testing for some or all sites in a multi-center clinical trial
central nervous system (CNS) the brain and spinal cord
central nervous system drugs drugs that speed up or slow down the central nervous system
cephalagia headache
cephalic related to the head or the head end of the body
cephalosporin type of antibiotic
cerebellitis .inflammation of the cerebellum
cerebellum the part of the brain that controls the movement of the muscles and helps maintain balance
cerebral having to do with the cerebrum
cerebral aneurysm aneurysm in the brain
cerebral angiography x-ray of the blood vessels in the brain
cerebral palsy (CP) birth disorder of the brain that results in difficulty moving
cerebral thrombosis blood clot in the brain
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) the liquid around and in the brain and spinal cord
cerebrovascular accident (CVA) stroke
cerebrum largest part of the brain, divided into right and left side
cerumen ear wax
ceruminoma growth inside the gland that discharges ear wax
cervical vertebrae bones of the neck
cervicectomy surgery to remove the cervix
cervicitis inflammation of the cervix
chalazion pimple on the eyelid caused by an inflamed gland
cheilorrhaphy surgery to stitch a lip
chemical name chemical formula for a drug (generic)
chemotherapeutic agent anticancer drug
chemotherapy treatment of disease using drugs
chest cavity space where the heart, lungs, esophagus, traches, bronchi, and thymus are located
chiropodist doctor who treats disorders of the feet
chiroproctor doctor who treats disorders of the spine and nerves
chisel wedge-like tool with a blade that is used for cutting or chipping
chlamydia type of germ that usually infects the eyes, lungs, or sex organs
chloasma a tumor arising from the skin and other organs
cholangiogram x-ray of the gallbladder and bile ducts
cholangioma cancer of a bile duct
cholecystectomy surgery to remove the gallbladder
cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder
choledocholithiasis gallstones in a bile duct
choledocholithotripsy surgery to crush gallstones in a bile duct
cholelithiasis gallstones
cholinergic type of nerve or a drug used to change its action
chondrectomy surgery to remove cartilage
chondromalacia softening of joint cartilage, usually inside the knee
chorioamnionitis inflammation of the tissue that covers the unborn baby
chorion outside layer of the tissue that covers the unborn baby
choroid middle layer of the eyeball
chromosomes structures that hold the genes
chronic lasting a long time
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lung disorder in which the flow of air to the lungs is blocked (e.g., emphysema)
cicatrix scar
circumcision surgery to remove the foreskin
cirrhosis serious liver disorder in which connective tissue replaces normal liver tissue, and liver failure often occurs
clavicle collarbone
cleft lip and plate birth defect in which there is a split in the lip and the roof of the mouth
clinical trial research study usually involving a drug or device
clip metal fastener used to join or close the edges pf a wound
clitoris sensitive female sex tissue located above the opening for urination
coagulation time measure of how long it takes for blood to clot in a test tube
coarctation of the aorta birth disorder in which an area of the aorta is very narrow
coccyx tailbone
cochlea the organ of hearing inside the ear
Cohort A group of subjects in a research study who all fulfil the prespecified criteria for entry to a trial.
Cohort Study A group of subjects are followed over a period of time for a specific reason, e.g. to assess their experiences in a period of time.
coitus sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
colectomy surgery to remove part or all of the colon
colonoscope tool used to look into the colon
colostomy an opening, or the surgery to make an opening, between the colon and the outside of the body
colpitis inflammation of the vagina
colporrhaphy stitching of the vagina
colposcope tool with magnifying glass used to look into the vagina and at the cervix
coma varying degrees of unconsciousness from which a person may not awaken
compact bone hard layers of the bone
compensation payment, money
Compliance

For the study team: Adherence to all the trial-related requirements, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements, and the applicable regulatory requirements

For the subject: Completing all study related activities exactly as described in the informed consent. Examples include: taking a study medication as prescribed or attendance at all study visits.
complications difficulties, problems
computerized tomography (CT) x-ray machine that uses a computer to make pictures of the organs of the body
computerized axial tomography (CAT) x-ray machine that uses a computer to make pictures of the body
conception the beginning of pregnancy when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus
concomitant given at the same time
concussion uncnsciousness resulting from a blow to the head affecting the brain
Confidentiality Prevention of disclosure, to other than authorized individuals, of a sponsor's proprietary information or of a subject's identity.
condom cover worn over the penis during sexual intercourse to prevent infecion or pregnancy
congenital anomaly birth defect
congenital heart disease (CHD) heart disease present at birth
congenital heart failure (CHF) failure of the heart resulting in fluid build-up in the lungs, other body tissues, or both
conjunctiva tissue that lines the eyelids and covers part of the eye inside its sockets
conjunctivitis inflammation of the conjunctiva
connective tissue type of tissue that connects, supports, touches, and surrounds variuos body parts
conscious awake and aware
consequences outcomes, results
constipation decreased number of or difficulty making bowel movements
contraindications medical reasons that prevent a person from using a certain drig or treatment
contusion bruise
convulsion seizure
Coombs' test blood test to detect antibodies against red blood cells that is used in analyzing blood problems and crossmatching blood for transfusions
cor pulmonale heart disease or heart failure caused by a disorder of the lungs
cornea clear tissue covering the front part of the eye
corneoiritis inflammation of the cornea and iris
coronary artery atery that supplies blood to the heart
coronary artery byass graft (CABG) surgery to make a new passgaeway for blood to the heart
coronary ischemia not enough blood going to the heart
coronary thrombosis blood clot in a coronary artery
corpus main portion of a body part or organ
cortex outer layer of an organ or other structure in the body
cortical having to do with a cortex
corticotropin hormone made by the brain that activates the adrenal glands
cortisol important hormone made by the adrenal gland that affects metabolism and mineral balance
costectomy surgery to remove a rib
cough sudden, loud flow if air from the lungs
CPR see cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
cranial related to the head or top of the body
cranial cavity space inside the skull that holds the brain
cranioplasty surgery to fix the skull
craniotomy surgery on the skull or to make an opening in the skull
cranium bifidum birth defect in which there is a crack in the skull
creatinine clearance test blood test used to see if the kidneys can effctively remove creatinine from the blood
cretinism a birth defect in which lack of thyroid hormone results in stopping of physical and mental development
Crohn's disease serious inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract
crossmatch blood test to check if it is safe to give blood transfusion to a person
croup children's breathing disorder resulting in coughing and harsh breathing
cryoextraction of the lens surgery using low temperatures to remove a cataract
cryoretinopexy surgery of the innermost layer of the eye
culdocentesis removal of fluid from the pouch between the vagina and the rectum
culdoscope tool used to look into the pouch between the vagina and the rectum
cumulation increased action of a drug when given over a period of time
curt (curette) spoon shaped tool used for scraping or cutting
curved having a curved handle or a curved blade
Cushing's syndrome disorder caused by too much of the adrenal hormones or long-time use of cortisone-type drugs in which there are many symptoms, including a fat, round face and weakness
cyanosis blue color of tissues such as the skin or gums caused by too little oxygen
cyesiology the study of pregnancy
cyesis pregnancy
cyst any closed sac in the body, especially one that contains fluid or semisolid material
cystectomy surgery to remove the urinary bladder or gallbladder, also, removal of a cyst
cystic fibrosis (CF) genetic disorder of glands resulting in lung and digestive problems
cystitis inflammation of the urinary bladder
cystocele type of hernia in which the urinary bladder bulges into the vagina
cystogram x-ray of the urinary bladder
cystolith stone in the urinary bladder
cystolithotomy surgery to remove a stone from the urinary bladder
cystoscope tool used to look into the urinary bladder
cystostomy surgery to make an opening into the urinary bladder
cystotrachelotomy surgical cut into the neck of the urinary bladder
cystoureterogram x-ray of the urinary bladder and ureters
cytogenic making cells
cytoid like a cell
cytology the study of cells
cytomegalovirus (CMV) type of herpes virus
cytoplasm material inside a cell

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Created 4/18/2012