Medical Terminologies Related to the Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system composes the heart, blood vessels and blood. These organs function to provide oxygenated blood to the whole body and maintain tissue perfusion. Any defect in heart or the blood vessels will impair the optimal delivery of oxygenated blood to the different organs of the body.

The Parts of the Heart

A. Chambers of the Heart

Atrium (ai-tre-um) = is the upper chamber of the heart where the blood enters.

Ventricle (ven-tri-kl) = is the lower chamber of the heart where the blood is collected and pushed out.

B. Valves of the Heart

Tricuspid valve (trai-kus-pid valv) = is a valve consisting of three flaps. It is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. It is also called the right atrioventricular valve.

Pulmonary valve (pul-mo-ner-e valv) = is a valve consisting of three cusps. It is located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.

Mitral valve (mai-tral valv) = is a valve with two flaps. It is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It is also called bicuspid valve or left atrioventricular valve.

Aortic valve (ai-or-tik valv) = is a valve that has three leaflets. It is located between the left ventricle and the aorta.

C. Layers of the Heart

Endocardium (en-do-kar-de-um) = is the innermost layer of the heart.

Myocardium (mai-o-kar-de-um) = is the middle layer consisting of cardiac muscles.

Pericardium (per-i-kar-de-um) = is the outermost layer consisting of double layered membrane that covers the heart.

The Conduction System of the Heart

Sinoatrial node (sai-no-ae-tre-al nod) = is a tissue that generates impulses. It is located in the right atrium of the heart. It is also called the pacemaker of the heart.

Atrioventricular node (ae-tre-o-ven-trik-u-lar nod) = is a tissue that coordinate impulses between the atrium and the ventricle. It is located between the atria and ventricles         of the heart.

Bundle of His (bun-dl of his) = is tissue that transmits impulses from the atrioventricular node to the Purkinje fibers.

Purkinje fiber = is a fiber that generates electrical impulses to the ventricle. It is located in the inner ventricular walls of the heart.

The Flow of Blood Inside the Heart

The blood with a low oxygen level from the different parts of the body goes to the heart through the venae cavae. The venae cavae are the largest veins in the body. It is composed of two branches; superior and inferior vena cava. The blood from the upper part of the body flows to the superior vena cava while blood from the lower part of the body flows to the inferior vena cava. The bloods from the venae cavae enter the heart through the right atrium. Next it passes the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle. From there, the blood is pumped out. It passes the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary artery and into the lungs. This is where the low oxygen level blood obtains oxygen through the exchange of gases in the capillaries. The air sacs of the lungs are connected to these capillaries. Diffusion enables exchange of the gases carbon dioxide and oxygen. After the blood gets oxygenated, it travels back to the heart through the pulmonary vein and into the left atrium. It then passes the mitral valve to the left ventricle. From the left ventricle, the oxygenated blood is pumped to the aortic valve and into the aorta to be distributed to the different parts of the body.

The Blood Vessels

Aorta (ae-or-ta) = the largest artery in the human body. It carries oxygenated blood.

Artery (ar-te-re) = a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Arteriole (ar-te-re-ol) = is a small artery that connects to a capillary.

Capillary (kap-i-lar-e) = is the smallest of all the blood vessels, which allows movement of substances and gases through its thin walls.

Pulmonary artery (pul-mo-ner-e ar-ter-e) = is an artery that carries poorly oxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Pulmonary vein (pul-mo-ner-e vaen) = id a vein that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Vein (vaen) = is a blood vessel that carries poorly oxygenated blood from the tissues into the heart.

Vena cava (ve-na ka-va) = the largest vein in the human body. It is composed of the inferior and superior vena cavae, which carry deoxygenated blood from the different parts of the body and into the right atrium of the heart.

The Blood Pressure

Diastole (dai-as-to-le) = a period when the heart refills with blood and when the ventricles are relaxing.

Systole (sis-to-le) = is a period when the ventricle of the heart is contracting.

Vasoconstriction (vaz-o-kon-strik-shun) = is the narrowing of a blood vessel due to the contraction of its muscles.

Vasodilation (vaz-o-dai-lae-shun) = is the widening of the blood vessel due to the relaxation of its muscles.

You can find out more about these medical terminologies in my book "Medical Terminology: A Guide for Nurses, Medical Assistants, Other Healthcare Professionals and Well Informed Patients". It is available in 2 formats; paperback and kindle @ Amazon.com. Link : 
http://www.amazon.com/Medical-Terminology-Assistants-Healthcare-Professionals/dp/148206832X

**Please write a review after reading the book. Thank you.

See you next time.

Solomon Barroa,  R.N.

Home Health Nurse and Medical Author

Medical Terminologies Related to the Gastrointestinal Tract

What is the Gastrointestinal tract? 

It is a part of the body that is collectively known as digestive system. It is composed of different organs that process food. The functions are digestion and absorption. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and anus. Gastro means stomach and intestinal pertains to the intestines. Gastrointestinal is a medical terminology about the major organs of the digestive system (stomach and intestines) joined together to simplify the entire digestive system.

The Process of Digestion and Absorption

Food enters the mouth and the oral cavity (known as the buccal cavity). The food is acted upon by chewing through the action of the teeth. This process is also called mastication. Saliva is secreted together with enzymes such as amylase. The tongue helps in gustatory sensation and in moving the food through the teeth. After some time when the food is chewed into smaller sizes, it is swallowed. The process of swallowing is also called deglutition. The chewed food passes through the pharynx. The epiglottis closes over the trachea to ensure that the food does not enter the bronchial tube of the respiratory system.

After passing through the pharynx it goes to the esophagus. The typical size of an esophagus is about 20 - 30 centimeters in length and ends with cardia of the stomach. A peristaltic motion by the muscles of esophagus pushes the food down to the stomach. The stomach mixes the food with gastric acid, pepsin and other enzymes to break down protein and other nutrients. After a period of time, the food is transformed into a semi liquid form known as chyme. Peristalsis and the pyloric sphincter of the stomach enable the movement of the food from the stomach to the duodenum of the small intestine. This process is also called gastric emptying. The pyloric sphincter of the stomach is the part that is attached to the small intestines.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that receives the chyme. The chyme is mixed with bile, intestinal and pancreatic juices. Bile is a substance that is produced by the liver whereas pancreatic juices are made by the pancreas. The bile and the juices act on the chyme to break down and filter the nutrients. After some time, the chyme passes to the jejunum and ileum of the small intestine.

The villi of the small intestines and the rich blood supply enable the absorption of nutrients such as amino acids and sugar directly to the blood stream. A villus is a microscopic projection in the wall of the intestine that has capillaries that directly aid in absorption. Jejunum is the middle portion of the small intestine while the ileum is at the end. Through peristalsis, food is transported to the large intestine. The large intestine has four parts. These are the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colons. The villi of the intestines absorb the nutrients needed by the body. Water from the chyme is absorbed mainly in the sigmoid colon and stored as feces until it is eliminated. The fecal mater is stored in the rectum and is eliminated through the contraction and relaxation of the anus.

Pathological Conditions of the Digestive System

Achalasia (ak-ah-lae-ze-a) = is a condition where there is a failure of the lower muscles of the esophagus to relax resulting in the absence of peristaltic movement.

Achlorhydria (a-chlor-hai-dre-a) = is a condition where there is low or absent production of gastric acid in the stomach.

Anal fistula (ae-nal fis-tu-la) = is a condition where an abnormal passageway near the anus occurs.

Anorexia (an-o-rek-se-a) = is a condition where there is lack of appetite. It is a sign of a liver disease, cancer or emotional problems.

Aphthous stomatitis (af-thus sto-ma-tai-tis) = is a condition where there is an inflammation of the mouth that creates small ulcers. It is also called canker (kank-er) sore.

Appendicitis (ap-en-di-sai-tis) = is a condition where there is inflammation of the appendix.

Ascites (a-sai-tez) = is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. It arises from the fluid that seeps out from the blood stream and into the peritoneal cavity where it accumulates.

Borborygmus (bor-bo-rig-mus) = is a condition where there are rumbling and gurgling noises that are produced by either a gas or a fluid or even both.

Cholangiectasis (kol-anje-ek-ta-sis) = is a condition where there is dilation of the bile ducts.

Choledocholithiasis (ko-led-o-ko-li-thai-a-sis) = is a condition where there is calculus anywhere in the ducts of the biliary tract. A calculus is a stone that is made up of mineral salts.

Cholelithiasis (ko-le-li-thai-a-sis) = is a condition where there is a presence of calculus in the gallbladder.

Cirrhosis (sir-ho-sis) = is a condition where there is scarring and necrosis of the liver cells resulting in its degeneration. It is usually due to chronic alcoholism.

Colonic polyposis (ko-lon-ik pol-i-po-sis) = is a condition where there are small benign growths that protrude into the mucous membrane of the colon. The protrusions are called polyps and classified as either pedunculated or sessile. A pedunculated polyp is attached to the membrane through a stalk while a sessile is implanted directly on top of the mucous membrane.

Colorectal cancer (ko-lo-rek-tal kan-ser) = is a condition where there is an adenocarcinoma somewhere between the colon and the rectum. Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of the epithelial cells of the colorectal mucosa.

Constipation (con-sti-pae-shun) = is a condition where there is difficulty and delay in the elimination of fecal material in the colon.

Crohn disease (kron di-zez) = is a condition where there is a chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases.

Diarrhea (dai-ah-re-a) = is a condition where the feces is eliminated frequently and is loose  and watery in consistency. It is usually a sign of infection and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Diverticula (dai-ver-tik-u-la) = is a condition where there are outpouchings and side pockets in the intestinal wall. It usually occurs in the sigmoid colon.

Dysentery (dis-en-ter-e) = is a condition where the intestines are swollen and painful. This is due to bacteria, viruses or a protozoas.

Dyspepsia (dis-pep-se-a) = is a condition where there is an impairment in digestion. It is characterized by chronic recurrent pain and abdominal fullness in the upper abdomen. It is also called indigestion.

Dysphagia (dis-phae-je-a) = is a condition where there is difficulty in swallowing due to obstruction and motor disorder.

Enterocolitis (en-ter-o-ko-lai-tis) = is a condition where there is inflammation of the digestive tract due to infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Esophageal varices (e-sof-ah-je-al var-i-sez) = is a condition where there are swollen and tortuous veins in the lower part of the esophagus. Portal vein hypertension and liver diseases usually cause this.

Flatus (fla-tus) = is the gas that is expelled out from the intestine and into the anus.

In certain conditions, a gas from the stomach is expelled to the mouth. This is known as eructation or belching.

Gastric carcinoma (gas-trik kar-si-no-ma) = is a condition where there is a malignant tumor at any point in the stomach.

Gastroenteritis (gas-tro-en-te-rai-tis) = is a condition where there is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (gas-tro-e-sof-a-je-al re-flux di-zez) = is a condition where food materials and fluid substances regurgitates to the oral cavity from the stomach. This condition produces heartburn; a burning sensation in the esophagus due to the regurgitation of hydrochloric acid from the stomach.

You can find out more about these medical terminologies in my book "Medical Terminology: A Guide for Nurses, Medical Assistants, Other Healthcare Professionals and Well Informed Patients". It is available in 2 formats; paperback and kindle @ Amazon.com. Link : http://www.amazon.com/Medical-Terminology-Assistants-Healthcare-Professionals/dp/148206832X

Please write a review after reading the book. Thank you.

See you next time.

Solomon Barroa  R.N.

Home Health Nurse and Medical Author

Medical Terminologies About The Human Body

Have you ever wondered how healthcare professionals talk to each other? They used medical terminologies. These are words that are unique and had been acquired through classroom training. During a health consultation, these terms are often used and it makes a client or a patient more confused. Sometimes anxiety prevails because of misunderstanding.

A person who is prepared for a doctor's appointment have the basic knowledge about medical terminologies referring to a bodily condition. This person is ready to ask questions and participate in the care plan. Being in a state of illness is hard, it impairs some mental abilities. Depending on healthcare professionals may not work all the time.

Let us look at some of the medical terminologies that are used in relation to the body.

The Regions of the Abdomen and Pelvis (Abdominopelvic)

The abdomen is located between the chest and the pelvis, while the pelvis is located between the abdomen and the beginning of the lower limbs. This is known as the abdominopelvic region. It comprises the right and left hypochondriac (hai-po-kon-dre-ak) regions, epigastric (ep-i-gas-trik) region, right and left lumbar (lum-bar) regions, umbilical (um-bil-i-kal) region, right and left inguinal (ing-gwi-nal) regions and hypogastric (hai-po-gas-trik) region. To illustrate, divide the abdomen into 9 parts. The first 3 upper parts are right and left hypochondriac regions and epigastric in between. The next 3 parts (middle area) are right and left lumbar regions and umbilical in between. The last 3 lower parts are right and left inguinal regions and hypogastric in between.

The Quadrants of the Abdominopelvic Area

There are four quadrants that divide the abdominopelvic area of the body. These are right upper and lower quadrants and the left upper and lower quadrants. The right upper quadrant contains the right lobe of the liver, the gallbladder, part of the pancreas and parts of the small and large intestines. The left upper quadrant contains the left lobe of the liver, stomach, spleen, part of the pancreas and parts of the small and large intestines. The right lower quadrant contains parts of the small and large intestines, appendix, right ureter, right ovary and fallopian tube for women. Finally, the left lower quadrant contains the left ovary and fallopian tube for women, parts of the small and large intestines and left ureter.

You can find out more about these medical terminologies in my book "Medical Terminology: A Guide for Nurses, Medical Assistants, Other Healthcare Professionals and Well Informed Patients". It is available in 2 formats; paperback and kindle @ Amazon.com. Link : http://www.amazon.com/Medical-Terminology-Assistants-Healthcare-Professionals/dp/148206832X

Please post your reviews after reading the book. Thank you.

See you next time.

Solomon Barroa  R.N.

Home Health Nurse and Medical Author