Basic Anatomy Terms
Common Diseases
General Medical Vocabulary
False Medical Cognates
Medical procedures and equipment
100

What is the difference between "proximal" and "distal" in relation to the trunk?

Proximal is closer to the trunk, while distal means farther from the trunk

100

What is the FLU ?

The flu (an abbreviation for influenza) is an infectious respiratory condition caused by

influenza viruses. It impacts the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

100

What does the term "cardiac" mean?

Related to the heart.

100

What does “constipation” indicate in a clinical setting?

Constipation refers to difficulty in bowel movements or infrequent defecation, not confusion.

100

What is a “thermometer “ used for?

It is used to measure body temperature.

250

What does the term "medial" mean?

Close to the midline.

250

What is a headache?

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head or upper neck, often caused by stress, dehydration, or illness.

250

What is the term "An anormally fast heart rate usually over 100 beats per minute" in English?

Tachycardia

250

How is the word “medicine” commonly misunderstood by non-native speakers?

“Medicine” in English refers to drugs or the field of medical science, not a “medical professional” (like “médico” in Portuguese).

250

What is a “sthethoscope” used for? 

It is used to listen to the sounds of the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. 

450

Which plane divides the body into right and left parts?

Sagittal plane

450

What is the main difference between a bacterial infection and a viral infection?

Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria and can often be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are caused by viruses and usually do not respond to antibiotics.

450

What does "prescription" mean?

Medicine recommended by a doctor

450

What does “assist” mean in a surgical setting, and why is it a false cognate?

“Assist” means to help or support, such as assisting a surgeon, and does not imply “attending” or “being present,” as its false cognate in Portuguese (“assistir”) might suggest.

450

What is a “biopsy”?

A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue for examination. 

700

What is the term that defines the movement that away from the midline of the body?

Abduction

700

How does hypertension increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases?

Hypertension puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to damage over time, which increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

700

What does "remission" mean in the context of diseases?

A period during which the symptoms of a disease decrease or temporarily disappear.

700

Why is “comprehensive examination” often misinterpreted by Portuguese speakers?

“Comprehensive examination” means a thorough and detailed examination, not a simple “understanding” as the cognate “compreensivo” might imply in Portuguese.

700

What is a desfibrillator? 

A desfibrillator delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm. 

900

Anatomical term that refers to structures or parts of the body that are located on the same side of the body

Ipsilateral

900

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, requiring insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance and is often linked to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.

900

What does "prognosis" mean?

The expected course of a disease

900

What is the proper medical context for the term “ambulatory,” and why can it cause confusion?

“Ambulatory” refers to care provided on an outpatient basis or the ability of a patient to walk, not a vehicle used for medical transport (“ambulância” in Portuguese).

900

What is a “dialysis”?

Is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are no longer functioning properly.