Nuclear Medicine Glossary

Nuclear Medicine Glossary Would you like to become a nuclear medicine technician? Well, you can at Ahuntsic College in Montreal. If you are looking for words related to this field, look no further. Nightryder84 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] Glossary abnormalNot normal; deviating from the usual or typical. abnormalityDeviation from the typical or usual; irregularity. absorbTo take in all or part of incident radiated energy and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted. absorptionThe process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed. administerTo put into execution; dispense: administer justice when intr, followed by to: to give or apply medicine, assistance, etc as a remedy or relief. adverseContrary to one’s interests or welfare; harmful or unfavorable. ALARA principleThe principle governing exposure to ionizing radiation; exposure must always be as low as is reasonably achievable to confirm the diagnosis. allergicOf, relating to, having, or caused by an allergy. allergyA hypersensitivity to a substance that causes the body to react to any contact with that substance. anatomyThe physical structure of an animal or plant or any of its parts. ankleThe joint connecting the leg and the foot. armEither of the upper limbs from the shoulder to the wrist. avoidTo keep out of the way of; to refrain from doing; to prevent from happening. backThe posterior part of the human body, extending from the neck to the pelvis. backpackA knapsack, often mounted on a lightweight frame, that is worn on a person’s back, as to carry camping supplies. bedA piece of furniture for reclining and sleeping, typically consisting of a flat, rectangular frame and a mattress resting on springs. bedpanA metal, glass, or plastic receptacle for the urinary and fecal discharges of persons confined to bed. belongingsThe things that a person owns or has with him; possessions; effects. beltA flexible band, as of leather or cloth, worn around the waist to support clothing, secure tools or weapons, or serve as decoration. bendTo turn or cause to turn from a particular direction. benignOf no danger to health; not recurrent or progressive; not malignant. bladderAny of various distensible membranous sacs, such as the urinary bladder or the swim bladder, that serve as receptacles for fluid or gas. bloodA reddish fluid in vertebrates that is pumped by the heart through the arteries and veins, supplies tissues with nutrients, oxygen, etc, and removes waste products. blood flowThe circulation of blood. blood pressureThe pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries, dependent on the energy of the heart action, elasticity of the arterial walls, and volume and viscosity of the blood. blood supplyThe volume of blood supplied to an organ or part during a particular time period. blood testAn analysis of a sample of blood, especially for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. boneThe dense, semirigid, porous, calcified connective tissue forming the major portion of the skeleton of most vertebrates. bone densityA measurement corresponding to the mineral density of bone, used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis; also called bone mineral density. bone fractureA break or rupture in a bone. bone marrowThe soft, fatty, vascular tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of red blood cells and many white blood cells. bootProtective footgear, as of leather or rubber, covering the foot and part or all of the leg. bowelAn intestine, especially the large intestine in humans. bowel movementThe discharge of waste matter from the large intestine; defecation. braA woman’s undergarment for supporting the breasts. braceletAn ornamental band or chain encircling the wrist or arm. brainThe portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter and white matter. brain cellA nerve cell in the brain. breastEither of two milk-secreting, glandular organs on the chest of a woman; the human mammary gland. breastfeedTo feed a baby mother’s milk from the breast; suckle. breastfeedingSuckling or nursing, giving a baby milk from the breast. breathThe air inhaled and exhaled during ventilation of the lungs. breatheTo inhale and exhale during respiration; to respire. cancerA large group of almost 100 diseases, its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites, and if the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death. cancerousPertaining to or resembling a cancer. caneAn assistive device that provides partial support and balance for ambulation and standing. capA usually soft and close-fitting head covering, either having no brim or with a visor. cellular phoneA mobile telephone using a system of radio transmitters, each covering separate areas, and computers for switching calls from one area to another. chairA piece of furniture consisting of a seat, legs, back, and often arms, designed to accommodate one person. chestThe part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs and the breastbone; the thorax. clipAny of various devices for gripping or holding things together; a clasp or fastener. clothesGarments for the body; articles of dress; wearing apparel. coatA sleeved outer garment extending from the shoulders to the waist or below. coldFeeling no warmth; uncomfortably chilled. comfortableBeing in a state of physical or mental comfort; contented and undisturbed; at ease. crutchA staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled as an aid in walking, usually designed to fit under the armpit and often used in pairs. CT-scan (computed tomography)An examination performed with a cat scanner. date of birthThe date day, month, year of one’s birth. detectTo discover or ascertain the existence, presence, or fact of. detectableCapable of being detected. detectionThe act or process of detecting; discovery. diagnoseTo distinguish or identify a disease, for example by diagnosis. diagnosisThe identification of diseases by the examination of symptoms and signs and by other investigations. diagnostic testAny kind of medical test performed to aid in the diagnosis or detection of disease. dizzinessA reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall. dizzyHaving a whirling sensation and a tendency to fall. doctorA person licensed to practise medicine. dosageThe administration of a drug or agent in prescribed amounts and at prescribed intervals. doseA specific quantity of a therapeutic drug or agent taken at any one time or at specified intervals. dosimeterAn instrument for measuring the dose of x-rays or other radiation absorbed by matter or the intensity of a source of radiation. durationThe length of time that something lasts or continues. earringAn ornament for the ear, usually clipped onto the lobe or fastened through a hole pierced in the lobe. elbowThe joint between the upper arm and the forearm, formed by the junction of the radius and ulna with the humerus. electrodeA conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte, an electric arc, or an electronic valve or tube. empty stomachStomach void of food. epilepsyA disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions. examPhysical inspection of a patient or parts of his body, in order to verify health or diagnose disease. exhaleTo breathe out. exposeTo subject a photographic film or plate to light, x-rays, or some other type of actinic radiation. exposureThe act of exposing a photographic film or plate to light, x-rays, etc. family nameA name shared in common to identify the members of a family, as distinguished from each member’s given name, also called surname, last name. fastTo abstain from eating food. first nameA name given to a person at birth, as opposed to a surname, also called christian name, forename and given name. fluidA substance, such as a liquid, that can flow, has no fixed shape, and offers little resistance to an external stress. flushTo flow or flood or cause to flow or flood with or as if with water. follow-up examThe act or an instance of following up, as to further an end or review new developments. footThe lower extremity of the vertebrate leg that is in direct contact with the ground in standing or walking. forearmThe part of the arm from the elbow to the wrist. fusion imagingA combination of two images from different modalities, such as computed tomography and positron emission tomography. gall bladderA small, pear-shaped muscular sac, located under the right lobe of the liver, in which bile secreted by the liver is stored until needed by the body for digestion. gamma cameraA camera, somewhat like an x-ray machine, used to photograph internal organs after the patient has been injected with a radioactive material. gamma radiationA very-high-frequency form of electromagnetic radiation consisting of photons emitted by radioactive elements in the course of nuclear transition. glassesSpectacles; lenses arranged in a frame holding them in the proper position before the eyes, as an aid to vision. gownThe protective garment worn by health care provider designed to prevent the spread of infection between the health care provider and the patient. hairclipA hair pin or hairpin is a long device used to hold a person’s hair in place. half-lifeThe time required for the radioactivity of material taken in by a living organism to be reduced to half its initial value by a combination of biological elimination processes and radioactive decay. handThe terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm, used for grasping and holding and consisting of the wrist, palm, four fingers, and an opposable thumb. healTo restore or be restored to health. healthSoundness, especially of body or mind; freedom from disease or abnormality. health insurance cardA card giving access to insured healthcare services. healthyPossessing good health. heartThe chambered muscular organ in vertebrates that pumps blood received from the veins into the arteries, thereby maintaining the flow of blood through the entire circulatory system. heart attackSudden interruption or insufficiency of the supply of blood to the heart, typically resulting from occlusion or obstruction of a coronary artery and often characterized by severe chest pain; also called myocardial infarction. hormoneA substance, usually a peptide or steroid, produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect physiological activity, such as growth or metabolism. hyperthyroidismThe condition resulting from excessive activity of the thyroid gland, characterized by increased basal metabolism. illnessPoor health resulting from disease of body or mind; sickness. inhaleTo draw air or smoke, for example into the lungs by breathing; inspire. injectTo introduce a drug or vaccine, for example into a body part, especially by means of a syringe. injectionSomething that is injected, especially a dose of liquid medicine injected into the body. intestineThe portion of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consisting of two segments. iodineA bluish-black element of the halogen group that sublimates into a violet irritating gas. isotopeOne of two or more atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. jacketA short coat usually extending to the hips. jewelry, jewelleryOrnaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, or rings, made of precious metals set with gems or imitation gems. jointA point of articulation between two or more bones, especially such a connection that allows motion. kidneyEither of two bean-shaped organs at the back of the abdominal cavity in man, one on each side of the spinal column. kidney basin, kidney dish, kidney trayA shallow kidney-shaped basin used especially for the collection of bodily discharges. kneeThe joint of the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella. leftOf, belonging to, located on, or being the side of the body to the north when the subject is facing east. legOne of the lower or hind limbs in humans and primates. liverA large, reddish-brown, glandular vertebrate organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity that secretes bile and is active in the formation of certain blood proteins and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. lungEither of two spongy, saclike respiratory organs in most vertebrates, occupying the chest cavity together with the heart and functioning to remove carbon dioxide from the blood and provide it with oxygen. lymph node, lymph glandAny of numerous bean-shaped masses of tissue, situated along the course of lymphatic vessels, that help to protect against infection by killing bacteria and neutralizing toxins and are the source of lymphocytes. lymphomaAny of various usually malignant tumors that arise in the lymph nodes or in other lymphoid tissue. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Used in medicine to diagnose disorders of body structures that do not show up well on x-rays. make an appointmentTo schedule a meeting with someone. malignantGrowing worse and resisting treatment; used as a synonym for cancerous and connotes a harmful condition that generally is life-threatening. medicationA medicine; a medicament. molecular imagingImaging technology based on the molecular nature of biologic changes caused by a particular disease. mouthpieceA device protecting the teeth from injury, also known as mouthguard. myocardial perfusionThe flow of blood to the heart muscle. nauseaThe sensation that precedes vomiting. nauseousCausing nausea. neckThe part of an organism connecting the head with the rest of the body. necklaceA chain, band, or cord, worn around the neck as an ornament, especially by women. noninvasiveNot involving the making of a relatively large incision in the body or the insertion of instruments into the patient. nuclideA type of atom specified by its atomic number, atomic mass, and energy state, such as carbon 14. organA fully differentiated structural and functional unit, such as a kidney or a root, in an animal or plant. painAn unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury, disease, or emotional disorder. painlessFree from complication or pain. parathyroidSmall body in the region of the thyroid gland, occurring in a variable number of pairs, commonly two, containing two types of cell: chief cells and oxyphils. patientA person who is receiving medical care. personal belongingsThe things that a person owns or has with him or her. positron emission tomography (PET)A device that produces cross-sectional x-rays of metabolic processes by means of positron emission tomography. physicianA person licensed to practice medicine; a medical doctor. positronOne of the small particles that make up an atom; a positron has the same mass and amount of charge as an electron, but the positron has a positive charge. premedicationAny drugs administered to sedate and otherwise prepare a patient for general anaesthesia. procedureA way of acting or progressing in a course of action, esp an established method. prognosisA prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease. prosthesisAn artificial substitute for a missing body part, such as an arm, leg, eye, or tooth; used for functional or cosmetic reasons or both. radioactiveOf, exhibiting, or caused by radioactivity. radioactivityThe radiation, including alpha particles, nucleons, electrons, and gamma rays, emitted by a radioactive substance. radioisotopeA radioactive isotope; one having an unstable nucleus and emitting characteristic radiation during its decay to a stable form. radionuclideA nuclide that has artificial or natural origin and that exhibits radioactivity. radiopharmaceuticalA radioactive compound used in radiotherapy or diagnosis. radiotracerA radioactive isotope used as tracer. scanTo examine a body or body part with a cat scanner or similar scanning apparatus. seizureA sudden manifestation or recurrence of a disease, such as an epileptic convulsion. side effectA peripheral or secondary effect, especially an undesirable secondary effect of a drug or therapy. sit upTo rest with the torso vertical and the body supported on the buttocks, especially meaning not slouching. single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)An imaging technique using gamma rays. slouchTo be in a lazy, drooping posture spleenA spongy highly vascular organ situated near the stomach in people, which forms lymphocytes, produces antibodies, aids in destroying worn-out red blood cells, and filters bacteria and foreign particles from the blood. standTo rise to an upright position on the feet. stomachThe musculomembranous expansion of the alimentary canal between the esophagus and duodenum, consisting of a cardiac part, a fundus, a body, and a pyloric part. straightNot curved or crooked; continuing in the same direction without deviating. surgeonA medical practioner who specializes in surgery. surgeryThe branch of medicine that treats diseases, injuries, and deformities by manual or operative methods. surgicalOf, relating to, involving, or used in surgery. suspendersA pair of straps worn over the shoulders by men for holding up the trousers. swallowTo take through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach . sweaterA jacket or pullover made especially of knit, crocheted, or woven wool, cotton, or synthetic yarn. therapyRemedial treatment of mental or bodily disorder . thyroid glandA large bilobed endocrine gland at the base of the neck and produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. tissueAn aggregation of morphologically similar cells of which there are four basic types: muscle, nerve, epidermal, and connective. treatTo give medical aid to counteract a disease or condition. treatmentAdministration or application of remedies to a patient or for a disease or injury; medicinal or surgical management; therapy. tumour, tumorAn abnormal benign or malignant new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation. ultrasoundUltrasonic waves at frequencies above the audible range (above about 20 khz, used in cleaning metallic parts, echo sounding, medical diagnosis and therapy. underwearClothing worn under the outer garments, usually next to the skin. urinateTo discharge urine. urineThe pale yellow slightly acid fluid excreted by the kidneys, stored in the urinary bladder and discharged through the urethra. veinAny of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart. vitaminAny of a group of substances that are essential, in small quantities, for the normal functioning of metabolism in the body. vomitTo eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth as the result of involuntary muscular spasms of the stomach and oesophagus. watchA small portable timepiece, usually worn strapped to the wrist. x-rayElectromagnetic radiation emitted when matter is bombarded with fast electrons. Please follow and like us: