Terminology
What does the prefix "hypo" refer to? What does the prefix "hyper" refer to?
Hypo- refers to deficiency. Hyper- refers to excessiveness.
Example: Hypothermia, having a low body temperature (deficient heat) / Hyperadrenalism, the adrenal glands secrete excess hormones.
What is the monomer of proteins?
Amino acids.
Name a body part that is located distal to the shoulder.
*Hint: distal is the opposite of proximal
Elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, etc.
Which physician specialty deals with the spinal cord?
Neuro-- neurosurgeons, nuerologists.
If a patient presents with a sudden, severe headache, double vision, and difficulty speaking, what might be the cause?
A stroke.
- Ischaemic stroke, blockage cutting off blood (and thus, oxygen) supply to the brain
- Haemorrhagic stroke, bleeding in or around the brain
What does the suffix "itis" refer to?
-itis refers to inflammation.
Example: appendicitis, when the appendix is inflamed
What are the three main types of carbohydrates? How do they differ?
Sugar (quickly digested and turned into energy, eg: apple), starch (takes longer to digest, eg: potato), and fiber (cannot be or is only partially digested, eg: broccoli).
Sugar is a simple carb and is a monosaccharide (cannot be hydrolyzed to give a simpler sugar) or disaccharide (composed of two monosaccharides).
Starch and fiber are complex carbs and are polysaccharides (3+ monosaccharides linked together).
What is adipose tissue?
Body fat.
Why?: energy storing reservoir
Where?: Under the skin (subcutaneous), around internal organs (visceral), between muscles, within bone marrow (a spongy substance found in the center of bones, manufactures bone marrow stem cells and other substances, which produce blood cells), and in breast tissue.
Which physician specialty deals with elderly patients?
Gerontology/Geriatrics.
If a patient is experiencing severe chest pain, what is the appropriate course of action for a healthcare provider?
Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for cardiac issues and consider immediate intervention.
What does "gastr (o)" refer to?
The stomach.
Example: Gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines
What are the four major classes of macromolecules?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
What is the largest endocrine gland in the body?
Thyroid.
Reminder: The endocrine system regulates hormones and helps maintain homeostasis. The thyroid is located at the front of the neck.
What does OB/GYN reference? What is the difference between "OB" and "GYN?"
OB - Obstetrician, treats women during pregnancy and childbirth
GYN - Gynecologist, treats diseases of the female reproductive system and genital tract
If a patient presents with confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with daily tasks, what neurological disorder should be evaluated?
Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia.
Treatment: There is no cure, but there are courses that may slow progression and preventative measures (for those with genetic probability).
What does "myel/o" refer to?
The spinal cord OR bone marrow.
Example: Myelopathy, spinal injury due to severe compression (often caused by inflammation, spinal degeneration, arthritis, etc.).
What are the major elements of life? (At least 3)
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen.
What is a nephrolith?
Kidney stone.
What?: A hard mass formed in the kidneys composed of insoluble calcium compounds
Cause?: Urine contains more crystal-forming substances (calcium, oxalate, uric acid) than it can dilute.
Where?: In the kidney, which is just below the rib cage. There is one on each side of the spine.
Treatment: Medication, ureteroscopic removal, IV fluids
What does a pulmonary medicine physician do?
Diagnoses and treats lung disorders.
If a patient presents with abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, what gastrointestinal disorder should be considered?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What does "leuk (o)" refer to?
White.
Example: Leukocyte, white blood cell (responsible for immune system function and defence against infections).
Why are proteins considered polymers, but lipids are not?
Lipids lack a monomer unit. Lipids are formed by the combination of glycerol and fatty acids.
What is the name of the small, triangular bone located at the base of the spine, typically comprising four fused vertebrae?
Coccyx or tailbone.
Function: Provide a point of attachment for various muscles and ligaments and support the body in a sitting position.
What type of medical specialist is dedicated to the study and treatment of diseases and conditions of the throat, ear, and nose?
Otorhinolaryngologist or ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat).
Think: OTO - relating to ears
RHINO - relating to the nose
LARYN - relating to the throat
If the appendix ruptures and infects the lining of the abdominal cavity, what condition might occur?
Peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum, the abdominal lining. Caused by burst appendix or infection.
Periton- refers to the peritoneum, -itis refers to inflammation.