Medical Vocabulary

The outer layer of the skin.

A band of scar-like tissue that forms between two surfaces inside the body, connecting tissues or organs which are not normally connected.

An arterial blockage, often caused by a blood clot.

Of, relating to, or near the armpit.

Stitches used to hold tissues together as they heal.

A forecast of the likely progression and outcome of a disease or condition, based on multiple factors, e.g., the severity of the condition, the patient’s age and overall health and the effectiveness of available treatments.

The post-recovery return of symptoms or disease.

High blood pressure.

Containing cancerous cells.

Beginning abruptly, but of short duration.

Recurring or persistent.

Not cancerous.

The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.

A drug that prevents nausea and vomiting.

A device that uses electric shocks to restore normal heartbeat.

Broken bone or cartilage.

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation.

Delivered via a vein.

A substance that stimulates antibody production to provide immunity against disease.

A bruise.

A tender, fluid-filled pocket that forms in tissue, usually due to infection.

Fainting or loss of consciousness caused by a temporary shortage of oxygen in the brain.

A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

The removal of a tissue sample or cells for examination and diagnosis.