Medical Terminology
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Healthcare Virtual Assistants course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Abdominal cavity #
The space within the abdomen that houses organs such as the stomach, liver, intestines, and spleen.
Acute #
Refers to a sudden onset of symptoms or a condition that is severe but short-lived.
Adverse reaction #
A harmful or unintended response to a medication or treatment.
Anatomy #
The study of the structure of the human body and its parts.
Anesthesia #
A state of controlled unconsciousness induced by drugs for medical procedures.
Antibiotic #
A medication used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Blood pressure #
The force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body.
Cardiology #
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases and disorders of the heart.
Chronic #
Refers to a long-lasting or recurrent medical condition that develops slowly over time.
Clinical trials #
Research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments or interventions.
Diagnosis #
The identification of a disease or condition based on symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic tests.
Dialysis #
A medical procedure that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) #
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect abnormalities.
Endocrinology #
The branch of medicine that deals with hormones and the endocrine system.
Gastroenterology #
The branch of medicine that deals with the digestive system and its disorders.
Genetics #
The study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms.
Health information management (HIM) #
The practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information.
Homeostasis #
The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Immune system #
The body's defense mechanism against infections, diseases, and foreign substances.
Internal medicine #
The branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases.
Interventional radiology #
The use of imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment.
Laboratory tests #
Medical tests performed on samples of blood, urine, tissue, or other bodily fluids to diagnose and monitor diseases.
Medical coding #
The process of assigning alphanumeric codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and record-keeping.
Neurology #
The branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Nutrition #
The process of obtaining and using food to maintain health and growth.
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB #
GYN): The branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health.
Oncology #
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Orthopedics #
The branch of medicine that deals with the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, and joints.
Pathology #
The study of the causes and effects of diseases, including laboratory analysis of tissues and fluids.
Pediatrics #
The branch of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
Pharmacology #
The study of drugs, their properties, uses, and effects on the body.
Physical therapy #
The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury through exercise, massage, and other modalities.
Preventive medicine #
The branch of medicine that focuses on disease prevention and health promotion.
Psychiatry #
The branch of medicine that deals with mental disorders, emotional issues, and behavioral problems.
Pulmonology #
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs.
Radiology #
The branch of medicine that uses imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to diagnose and treat diseases.
Rehabilitation #
The process of restoring function and independence after injury, illness, or surgery through therapy and exercise.
Residency #
A period of postgraduate medical training that allows doctors to specialize in a particular field of medicine.
Surgery #
The branch of medicine that uses manual or instrumental techniques to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities through operative procedures.
Telemedicine #
The use of technology to provide remote medical care, consultations, and monitoring.
Urology #
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Vaccine #
A biological preparation that stimulates the immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease.
Wellness #
The state of optimal health and well-being achieved through lifestyle choices, preventive care, and self-care practices.