Weber State University Health Sciences

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Blasts:

Immature blood cells usually found only in the bone marrow. 

                              
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Lymphoblasts                                                                Myeloblasts

                                        
In leukemias, precursor cells such as blasts are often found in the peripheral blood.  It is important to differentiate these cells to help determine the type of leukemia and treatment.  Most of the time the blast type can be accurately predicted based on morphology alone.  The key features are the chromatin pattern and the character of the cytoplasm.  Lymphoblasts and myeloblasts generally have round to oval nuclei with nucleoli; however, the chromatin of lymphoblasts is coarse with a tendency to aggregate into masses.  In contrast, myeloblasts have fine, delicate chromatin.

Blood-brain barrier

Special characteristics of the capillary walls of the brain that prevent potentially harmful substances from moving out of the bloodstream into the brain or cerebrospinal fluid.

The removal or destruction of the healthy mylin sheath   surrounding nerve tissue. 

Direct Antigen Test

The direct antigen test uses immunologic laboratory procedures to detect the prescence of an antigen (in this case a specific component of the bacterial cell), in the spinal fluid of the patient. This test method has several advantages: One, it is generally very specific as to the type of organism present. Two, it is rapid and greatly assists the physician in making a diagnosis, and hence prescribing the correct therapy. For a more detailed explanation, click here.

Endemic (as applied to diseases)

As it refers to microbiological diseases, when an organism persists in a large population in a subclinical (asymptomatic) state, it is said to be endemic to that area. As with hepatitis A, regions where food and drink may be contaminated with human feces, large numbers of people have a high potential for exposure. Some will develop symptoms and some will be carriers without symptoms.

Blood that has accumulated inside a joint due to hemorrhage from injury.

Severe bleeding, either internally or externally.

A process whereby bleeding is stopped

Hypercellularity

An increased number of cells in any location but especially in the bone marrow.

Hypervolemia
An abnormal increase in the volume of circulating blood.

An immune system unable to respond to pathogens or tissue damage.  This may be due to disease, immunosuppressive drugs, or a genetic disorder.

Infectious Disease

Although many complex factors surround the definition of infectious disease, some generalizations can be made.  An infection can be defined as a state in which microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, survive and reproduce in the host's tissues. In many instances no noticeable changes (or symptoms) are apparent. When the organism produces sufficient tissue damage through many different mechanisms, the definition of infectious disease then applies.  As in hepatitis, liver cells are invaded and damaged by the virus. Symptoms then result and the cause can be determined through clinical examination and laboratory tests.

Lymphoblasts 

Immature lymphocytes usually found only in the bone marrow. 

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The three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The membranes consist of the dura mater (external), arachnoid (middle), and pia mater (internal).

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The act of bending the knee, in contrast to the act of extending the knee.

Small, round to oval discs (2-4 um) found in the blood.   Platelets respond to injuries to the vessel wall by adhering to the injured site and forming a plug.  This platelet plug initiates the clotting process which forms a fibrin clot.

An infection that occurs when fluid and cells collect in the lungs.  Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic organisms.  It can also be caused by chemicals or other irritants.

Pus 

A thick whitish-yellow fluid which results from the accumulation of white blood cells (WBCs), liquefied tissue and cellular debris. Pus is commonly a site of infection or foreign material in the body.

Tiny red spots in the skin which do not blanch when pressed upon. They result from red blood leaking from capillaries.

Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. When this happens, the disease is said to be "in remission." A remission can be temporary or permanent.
 

In basic terms, clearance tests measure the overall effectiveness of the collective efforts of the kidney to excrete waste products.  Several substances such as creatinine and a sugar polymer called insulin can be used to measure the kidney's clearance capacity. The test measures the volume of plasma that is cleared of the test substance per unit of time, usually in milliliters per minute over a 24 hour period.  In this patient's case, the test will be performed at least twice: the first at the beginning of her hospital stay as a baseline.  Then again in the recovery period to give the nephrologist evidence the kidneys are regaining their normal functional duties. 

Upper lobe infiltrate

A penetration of infectious material in the superior (upper) division (lobe) of the lung.

The distal position of a body part that is bent outward.

The distal position of a body part that is bent inward.