Audio Glossary
Glossary
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B C D E
F G H I
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T U V W
X Y Z
Click the cursor on any term to hear it pronounced.
A
A-delta fibers nerves that transmit sensations of sharp pain
absorption (ab-SORP-shun) the process of moving a drug
across body membranes
acetylcholine (ah-SEET-ul-KOH-leen) primary
neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system; also present at somatic neuromuscular
junctions and at sympathetic preganglionic nerves
acetylcholinesterase (AchE)
(AS-ee-til-KOH-lin-ES-ter-ays) an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine within the synapse, enhancing
effects of the neurotransmitter
acidosis (ah-sid-OH-sis) condition of having too many
acids; plasma pH below 7.35
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
acquired resistance when a microbe is no longer
affected by a drug following treatment with antiinfectives
action potential the change in electrical activity
across the plasma membrane of a muscle or nerve cell due to changes in membrane permeability
activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
(throm-bow-PLAS-tin) blood test used to determine how long it takes clots to form in order to regulate
heparin dosage
acute gouty arthritis (ah-CUTE GOW-ty
are-THRYE-tis) condition where uric acid crystals quickly accumulate in the joints of the big toes,
heels, ankles, wrists, fingers, knees, or elbows, resulting in red, swollen, or inflamed tissue
acute pain short-term sensation that is uncomfortable or
hurtful; a sharp and intense pain
addiction (ah-DIK-shun) the continued use of a substance
despite its negative health and social consequences
Addison's disease (ADD-iss-uns) hyposecretion of
glucocorticoids and aldosterone by the adrenal cortex
adenoma (AH-den-OH-mah) benign tumor of glandular tissue
adrenergic (add-rah-NUR-jik) a term relating to nerves
that release norepinephrine or epinephrine
adrenergic-agonist (add-rah-NUR-jik AG-un-ist)
another name for a sympathomimetic drug
adrenergic-blocker drug that blocks the actions
of the sympathetic nervous system
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
(uh-dreen-oh-kor-tik-o-TRO-pik) hormone secreted by the pituitary that stimulates the release of
glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex
aerobic (air-OH-bik) pertaining to an oxygen environment
afterload pressure that must be overcome in order for the
ventricles to eject blood from the heart
agonists (AG-on-ists) drugs that are capable of binding
with receptors in order to induce a cellular response
aldosterone (al-DOH-stair-own) hormone secreted by the
adrenal cortex that increases sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule of the kidney
alimentary canal (AL-uh-MEN-tare-ee) the hollow
tube in the digestive system that starts in the mouth and includes the esophagus, stomach, small
intestine, and large intestine
alkalosis (al-kah-LOH-sis) condition of having too many
bases; plasma pH above 7.45
alkylation (AL-kill-AYE-shun) process by which certain
chemicals attach to DNA and change its structure and function
allergic rhinitis (rye-NYE-tis) syndrome of
sneezing, itchy throat, watery eyes, and nasal congestion resulting from exposure to antigens; also
known as hay fever
alopecia (AL-oh-PEESH-ee-uh) hair loss
alpha1-receptors (AL-fah) adrenergic
receptors found in vascular smooth muscle
alpha-receptors type of subreceptors found in the
sympathetic nervous system
alternate-day therapy taking a drug every other
day in order to minimize side effects
alveoli (al-VEE-oh-lie) dilated sacs at the end of the
bronchial tree where gas exchange occurs
Alzheimer's disease (ALLZ-heye-mers) most common
dementia characterized by loss of memory, confusion, disorientation, and loss of judgment;
hallucinations and delusions may also occur
amenorrhea (ah-men-oh-REE-ah) lack of normal menstrual
periods
amide (AM-eyede) type of chemical linkage found in some local
anesthetics involving carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (-NH-CO-)
amyloid plaques (AM-i-loyd PLACKS) abnormal protein
fragments related to neuronal damage; a symptom of Alzheimer's disease observed during autopsy
anaerobic (AN-air-oh-bik) pertaining to an environment
without oxygen
analgesic (an-ul-JEE-zik) drug used to reduce or
eliminate pain
anaphylactic shock (ann-uh-fuh-LAK-tik) type of
shock caused by an acute allergic reaction
anaphylaxis (ANN-ah-fah-LAX-iss) acute allergic
response to an antigen that results in severe hypotension and may cause death if untreated
androgens (AN-droh-jens) steroid sex hormones that
promote the appearance of masculine characteristics
anemia (ah-NEE-mee-ah) shortage of functional red blood
cells
anesthesia (ANN-ess-THEE-zee-uh) medical procedure
involving drugs that block the transmission of nerve impulses and cause loss of sensation and/or
consciousness
angina pectoris (an-JEYE-nuh PEK-tore-us) acute pain
in the chest upon physical or emotional exertion due to inadequate oxygen supply to the myocardium
angiosarcoma (AN-gee-OH-sar-KOH-mah) cancer of blood
vessels
angiotensin II (AN-geo-TEN-sin) chemical released in
response to falling blood pressure that causes vasoconstriction and release of aldosterone
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
(angeo-TEN-sin) enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II
anions (an-EYE-ons) negatively charged ions
anorexia (AN-oh-REX-ee-uh) loss of appetite
anorexiant (AN-oh-REX-ee-ant) drug used to suppress
appetite
antacid (an-TASS-id) drug that neutralizes stomach acid
antagonism type of drug interaction where one drug
inhibits the effectiveness of another
antagonist (an-TAG-oh-nist) drug that blocks the
response of another drug
antepartum (an-teh-PART-um) prior to the onset of labor
antibiotic (ann-tie-bye-OT-ik) substance produced by a
microorganism that inhibits or kills other microorganisms
antibody (ANN-tee-BOD-ee) protein produced by the body in
response to an antigen; used interchangeably with the term immunoglobulin
anticholinergic drug that inhibits the action of
acetycholine at its receptor
anticoagulant (ANT-eye-co-AG-you-lent) an agent that
inhibits the formation of blood clots
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
(ANT-eye-deye-your-ET-ik) hormone produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates the kidneys to conserve
water
antiemetic (AN-tie-ee-MET-ik) drug that prevents
vomiting
antifibrinolytics (ANT-eye-feye-brin-oh-LIT-iks)
drugs used to prevent and treat excessive bleeding from surgical sites
antigen (ANN-tuh-jen) anything that is recognized as
foreign by the immune system and produces an immune reaction
antiinfective (ann-tie-in-FEK-tive) general term for
any medication effective against pathogens
anti-Parkinson's drugs drugs that attempt to
restore the balance of dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain
antipyretic (ANN-tee-peye-RETT-ik) drug that reduces
fever
antiretroviral (an-tie-RET-roh-veye-ral) type of
drug effective against retroviruses
anti-seizure drugs drugs that treat seizures
antispasmodic (ANN-tie-spaz-MOD-ik) drugs medications
that relieve symptoms of abnormal muscle tension and muscle spasticity
antithrombin III (ANT-eye-THROM-bin) protein that
prevents abnormal clotting by inhibiting thrombin
antitussive (anti-TUSS-ive) drug used to suppress cough
anxiety state of apprehension and autonomic nervous system
activation resulting from exposure to a nonspecific or unknown cause
anxiolytics (ANG-zee-oh-LIT-iks) drugs that relieve
anxiety
asthma (AZ-muh) chronic inflammatory disease of the airways
atherosclerosis (ath-ur-oh-sklur-OH-sis) condition
characterized by a build-up of fatty plaque and loss of elasticity of the walls
of the arteries
atrioventricular (AV) node
(ay-tree-oh-ven-TRIK-you-lur noad) mass of cardiac tissue that receives electrical impulses from the
SA node and conveys them to the ventricles
atrioventricular bundle
(ay-tree-oh-ven-TRIK-you-lur BUN-dul) specialized cardiac tissue that receives electrical impulses
from the AV node and sends them to the bundle branches also known as the Bundle of His
atrophy (AT-troh-fee) shrinkage or wasting away of a
tissue
attention deficit disorder (ADD) difficulty
focusing attention on a task for sufficient lengths of time
attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) disorder typically diagnosed in childhood and adolescence characterized by hyperactivity as
well as attention, organization, and behavior-control issues
aura (AUR-uh) sensory cue such as bright lights, smells, or
tastes that precede a migraine
autoantibodies (AW-tow-ANN-ee-BAH-dees) proteins
called rheumatoid factors released by B lymphocytes; these tear down the body's own tissue
automaticity (aw-toh-muh-TISS-uh-tee) ability of
certain myocardial cells to spontaneously generate an action potential
autonomic nervous system portion of the
peripheral nervous system that gives involuntary control over smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and
glands
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B
bacilli (bah-SILL-eye) bacteria that are oblong in shape;
also called rods
bacteriocidal (bak-teer-ee-oh-SY-dall) substance that
kills bacteria
bacteriostatic (bak-teer-ee-oh-STAT-ik) substance
that inhibits the growth of bacteria
barbiturates (bar-bi-CHUR-ates) class of drugs derived
from barbituric acid; they act as CNS depressants and are used for their sedative and anti-seizure
effects
baroreceptors (BARE-oh-ree-sep-tours) nerves located
in the walls of the atria, aortic arch, vena cava, and carotid sinus that sense changes in blood
pressure
basal metabolic rate resting rate of metabolism
in the body
B-cell type of lymphocyte that is essential for the humoral
immune response
B-complex vitamin group of water-soluble vitamins,
including thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, biotin, and cyanocobalamin that are essential for
human nutrition
benign (bee-NINE) neither life-threatening nor fatal
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (bee-NINE
pross-TAT-ik heye-purr-PLAY-shah) non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland
benzodiazepines (BEN-zo-di-AZ-eh-peenz) class of
drugs used to treat anxiety and insomnia
beta1-receptors (BAY-tah) adrenergic
receptors primarily found in the heart
beta2-receptors adrenergic receptors
found in organs other than the heart
beta-lactam ring (bay-tuh LAK-tam) chemical
structure found in most penicillins and some cephalosporins
beta-lactamase/penicillinase
(bay-tuh-LAK-tam-ace / pen-uh-SILL-in-ace) enzyme present in certain bacteria that is able to
inactivate many penicillins and some cephalosporins
beta-receptor type of subreceptor found in the
sympathetic nervous system
bile acid (BEYE-ul) chemicals secreted in bile that aid in
the digestion of fats
bile acid resin: substance that binds bile acids to remove cholesterol from the body
bioavailability (BEYE-oh-VALE-ah-BILL-ih-TEE) the
ability of a drug to reach the bloodstream and its target tissues
biologic response modifiers natural substances
that are able to enhance or stimulate the immune system
biologics (beye-oh-LOJ-iks) chemical agents that produce
biological responses within the body; they are synthesized by cells of the human body, animal cells,
or microorgansims
biotransformation (BEYE-oh-trans-for-MAY-shun)
the metabolism or chemical conversion of drugs from one form to another that may result in increased
or decreased activity
biphosphonates (bye-FOSS-foh-nayts) family of drugs
that block bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity
blood volume amount of blood in the vascular system
blood-brain barrier an anatomical structure that
prevents some substances from gaining access into the brain
blood-placental (pla-SEN-tal) barrier an anatomical
structure that prevents some substances from moving into the bloodstream of the fetus
blood-testicular (tes-TIK-u-lar) barrier an
anatomical structure that prevents some substances from entering male reproductive tissue
bone deposition the opposite of bone resorption; the
process of depositing mineral components into bone
bone resorption (ree-SORP-shun) process of bone
demineralization or the breaking down of bone into mineral components
booster an additional dose of a vaccine given months or
years after the initial dose to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine
botanical (boh-TAN-ik-ul) plant extract used to treat or
prevent illness
Bowman's capsule portion of the nephron that filters
blood and receives the filtrate from the glomerulus
bradycardia (bray-dee-KAR-DEE-uh) condition of slow
heartbeat
bradykinin (BRAY-dee-KINE-in) a chemical released by
cells during inflammation that produces pain and effects similar to those of histamine
breakthrough bleeding bleeding at abnormal
times during the menstrual cycle
broad-spectrum antibiotic antiinfective that is
effective against many different gram positive and gram negative organisms
bronchi (BRON-ky) primary passageway of the bronchial tree
that contains smooth muscle
bronchioles (BRON-key-oles) very small bronchi
bronchoconstriction (BRON-koh-kun-STRIK-shun)
decrease in diameter of the airway due to contraction of bronchial smooth muscle
bronchodilation (BRON-koh-dye-LAY-shun) increase in
diameter of the airway due to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
bronchospasm (bron-koh-SPAZ-um) rapid constriction of
the airways
bundle branches (BUN-dul BRAN-chez) electrical
conduction pathway in the heart leading from the AV bundle and through the wall between the
ventricles
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C
C
fibers nerves that transmit dull, poorly localized pain
calcifediol (kal-SIF-eh-DYE-ol) intermediate form of
Vitamin D
calcitonin (kal-sih-TOH-nin) therapy treatment typically
administered to women who cannot take estrogen or biphosphonate therapy or for clients with Paget's
disease
calcitriol (kal-si-TRY-ol) substance that is transformed
in the kidneys during the second step of the conversion of Vitamin D to its active form
calcium channel blocker drug that blocks the
flow of calcium ions into myocardial cells
calcium ion channel (KAL-see-um) pathway in a
plasma membrane through which calcium ions enter and leave
cancer (KAN-sir) malignant disease characterized by rapidly
growing, invasive cells that spread to other regions of the body and eventually kill the host
capsid (CAP-sid) protein coat that surrounds a virus
carbonic anhydrase (kar-BON-ik an-HY-drase)
enzyme that forms carbonic acid by combining carbon dioxide and water
carcinogen (kar-SIN-oh-jen) any physical, chemical, or
biological factor that causes or promotes cancer
carcinoma (KAR-sin-OH-mah) a malignant tumor
cardiac output amount of blood pumped by each
ventricle in one minute
cardiogenic shock (kar-dee-oh-JEN-ik) type of
shock caused when the heart is diseased such that it cannot maintain circulation to the tissues
cardioversion / defibrillation
(kar-dee-oh-VER-shun / dee-fib-ree-LAY-shun) conversion of fibrillation to a normal heart rhythm
cathartic (kah-THAR-tik) drug that causes complete
evacuation of the bowel
catheter ablation (kath-eh-tur uh-BLAY-shun)
destruction of abnormal myocardial cells in order to restore normal cardiac rhythm
cations (KAT-eye-ons) positively charged ions
central nervous system (CNS) division of the
nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord
cerebrovascular accident / stroke / brain
attack (sir-ree-bro-VASK-u-lur) an acute condition of a blood clot or bleeding in a vessel in the
brain
chemical name strict chemical nomenclature used for
naming drugs established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
chemoprophylaxis (kee-moh-pro-fill-AX-is) use of a
drug to prevent an infection
chemoreceptors (KEE-moh-ree-sep-tors) nerves located
in the aortic arch and carotid sinus that sense changes in oxygen content, pH, or carbon dioxide
levels in the blood
chemotherapy drug treatment of cancer
cholecalciferol (KOH-lee-kal-SIF-er-ol) inactive
form of Vitamin D
cholesterol (koh-LESS-tur-ol) a natural lipid that is
an integral part of cell membranes and that contributes to atherosclerotic plaque
cholinergic (kol-in-UR-jik) a term relating to nerves
that release acetylcholine
cholinergic-agonist another name for a
parasympathomimetic drug
cholinergic-blocker drug that blocks the actions
of the parasympathetic nervous system
chronic bronchitis (KRON-ik bron-KEYE-tis)
chronic disease of the lungs characterized by excess mucous production and inflammation
chronic pain long-term sensation that is uncomfortable
or hurtful; a persistent, dull ache
chronotropic effect (kro-no-TRO-pik) change in
the heart rate
cirrhosis (sir-OH-sis) a chronic disease, often seen in
alcoholics, in which the liver fails to perform its normal functions
classic withdrawal (KLAS-ik with-DRAW-ul)
unpleasant symptoms experienced when a physically dependent client discontinues the use of an abused
drug
clinical depression disorder characterized by
depressed mood, lack of energy, abnormal eating patterns, and feelings of despair, guilt, and misery
clinical pharmacology an area of medicine
devoted to the evaluation of drugs used for human therapeutic benefit
closed comedomes (KOME-eh-domes) commonly called
whiteheads, this type of acne develops just beneath the surface of the skin
closed-angle glaucoma (glaw-KOH-mah) called
acute glaucoma, this type of glaucoma is caused by hindered outflow of aqueous fluid
clotting factors substances contributing to the
process of blood clotting
coagulation (co-ag-you-LAY-shun) the process of blood
clotting
coagulation cascade (koh-ag-you-LAY-shun
cass-KADE) complex series of steps by which blood flow stops
cocci (KOK-si) bacteria that are spherical in shape
colloids (KAHL-oyds) type of IV solution consisting of
large organic molecules that are unable to cross membranes
combination drug drug product with more than one
active generic ingredient
complement (KOM-pluh-ment) a series of proteins that are
involved in the non-specific defense of the body
conditioned withdrawal (kon-DISH-und
with-DRAW-ul) a theory that states that environment and social contacts contribute to relapse after
an addict is no longer abusing a substance
constipation (kon-stah-PAY-shun) infrequent passage of
abnormally hard and dry stools
contractility (kon-trak-TIL-eh-tee) the strength by
which the myocardial fibers contract
controlled substance in the U.S., this is a
drug whose use is restricted by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. In Canada, it
is a drug subject to guidelines outlined in Part III, Schedule G of the Canadian Food and Drugs Act
convulsions (kon-VULL-shuns) uncontrolled muscle
contractions or spasms that occur in the face, torso, arms, or legs
coronary arterial bypass graft (CABG)
surgical procedure performed to restore blood flow to the myocardium by using a section of the
saphenous vein or internal mammary artery to go around the obstructed coronary artery
coronary arteries (KOR-un-air-ee AR-tur-ees)
vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium
corpus cavernosum (KORP-us kav-ver-NOH-sum) tissue
in the penis that fills with blood during an erection
corpus striatum (KOR-pus stri-ATE-um) area of the
brain responsible for unconscious muscle movement; a point of contact for neurons projecting from the
substantia nigra
cretinism (KREE-ten-izm) dwarfism and mental retardation
caused by lack of thyroid hormone during infancy
Crohn's disease (KROHNS) chronic inflammatory bowel
disease affecting the ileum and sometimes the colon
crystalloids (KRIS-tall-oyds) type of IV solution
resembling blood plasma minus proteins that is capable of crossing membranes
culture and sensitivity test laboratory test
used to identify bacteria and to determine which antibiotic is most effective
Cushing's syndrome (KUSH-ings) condition caused by
excessive corticosteroid secretion by the adrenal glands or by overdosage with corticosteroid
medication
cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2)
(SEYE-kloh-OX-uh-jen-ase) key enzyme in the prostaglandin metabolic pathway that is blocked by aspirin
and other NSAIDS
cycloplegia (sy-kloh-PLEE-jee-ah) blurred vision
cycloplegic drugs (sy-kloh-PLEE-jik) drugs that
relax or temporarily paralyze ciliary muscles
cytokines (SYE-toh-kines) chemicals produced by white
blood cells, such as interleukins, leukotrienes, interferon, and tumor necrosis factor, that guide the
immune response
cytotoxic T-cell type of lymphocyte that directly
attacks and destroys antigens
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D
defecation (def-ah-KAY-shun) evacuation of the colon; bowel movement
delirium tremens (duh-LEER-ee-um TREM-ens)
sometimes called DTs; a serious and sometimes fatal condition that develops during alcohol
withdrawal that is characterized by tremors, disorientation, confusion, and an altered state of
consciousness
dementia (de-MEN-she-uh) degenerative disorder
characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, and the inability to think or communicate
effectively
depolarization (dee-po-lur-eye-ZAY-shun) condition
in which the plasma membrane charge is changed such that the inside is made less negative
depressants (de-PRESS-ahnts) drugs that lower neuronal
activity within the central nervous system
dermatitis (dur-mah-TIE-tiss) inflammatory condition of
the skin characterized by itching and scaling
dermatophytic (der-MAT-oh-FIT-ik) superficial fungal
infection
designer drugs (de-ZEYE-ner drugs) drugs that are
produced in a laboratory and are intended to mimic the effects of other psychoactive controlled
substances
diabetes insipidus (die-uh-BEE-tees
in-SIP-uh-dus) excessive urination due to lack of secretion of antidiuretic hormone
diabetes mellitus, type 1 (die-uh-BEE-tees
MEL-uh-tiss) disease characterized by absent secretion of insulin by the pancreas that usually begins
in the early teens
diabetes mellitus, type 2 disease characterized
by insufficient secretion of insulin by the pancreas or by lack of sensitivity of insulin receptors
that usually begins in middle age
diarrhea abnormal frequency and liquidity of bowel
movements
diastolic pressure (DEYE-ah-stall-ik) blood
pressure during the relaxation phase of heart activity
dietary fiber substance neither digested nor absorbed
that contributes to the fecal mass
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of
1994 (DSHEA) primary law in the United States regulating herb and dietary supplements
dietary supplement non-drug substance regulated
by the DSHEA
digestion (dye-JES-chun) process by which the body breaks
down ingested food into small molecules that can be absorbed
dissolution (di-so-LOO-shun) the dissolving process of
solid drug preparations; the longer it takes for drugs to dissolve, the more delayed their onset of
action
distal tubule portion of the nephron that collects
filtrate from the loop of Henle
distribution (dis-tree-BU-shun) the process of
transporting drugs through the body
diuresis (deye-your-EE-sis) urine flow
diuretic (dye-your-ET-ik) drug that increases urine output
dromotropic effect (dro-mo-TRO-pik) change in the
conduction speed across the myocardium
dry powder inhaler (DPI) device used to convert a
solid drug to a fine powder for the purpose of inhalation
dwarfism below normal height caused by a deficiency in
thyroid hormone or growth hormone
dysentery (DISS-en-tare-ee) severe diarrhea that may
include bleeding
dysfunctional uterine bleeding hemorrhage that
occurs at abnormal times or in abnormal quantity during the menstrual cycle
dyspnea (DISP-nee-uh) shortness of breath
dysrhythmia (diss-RITH-me-uh) abnormal cardiac rhythm
dystonia (diss-TONE-ee-ah) muscle spasm characterized by
abnormal tension starting in one area of the body and progressing to other areas
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E
eclampsia (ee-KLAMP-see-uh) condition whereby seizures and / or a coma develop in a client with
pre-eclampsia
ectopic foci/pacemakers (ek-TOP-ik FO-si)
cardiac tissue outside the normal cardiac conduction pathway that generates action potentials
eczema (ECK-zih-mah) also called atopic dermatitis, a
skin disorder with unexplained symptoms of inflammation, itching, and scaling
efficacy (EFF-ik-ah-see) the effectiveness of a drug in
producing a more intense response as its concentration is increased
electrocardiogram (ECG)
(e-lek-tro-KAR-dee-oh-gram) device that records the electrical activity of the heart
electroencephalogram (EEG)
(ee-LEK-troh-en-SEFF-uh-lo-gram) a diagnostic test that records brainwaves through electrodes attached
to the scalp
electrolytes (ee-LEK-troh-lites) charged substances in
the blood such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate
embolus (EM-boh-luss) a blood clot carried in the
bloodstream
emesis (EM-eh-sis) vomiting
emetic (ee-MET-ik) drug used to induce vomiting
emollients (ee-MOLE-ee-ents) agents used to soothe and
soften the skin
emphysema (em-fuss-EE-muh) terminal lung disease
characterized by dilation of the alveoli
endogenous opioids (en-DAHJ-eh-nuss O-pee-oyds)
chemicals produced naturally within the body that decrease or eliminate pain; they closely resemble
the actions of morphine
endometrium (en-doh-MEE-tree-um) inner lining of the
uterus
enteral (EN-tur-ul) the major route by which drugs enter
the body through the digestive tract
enterohepatic (EN-ter-oh-HEE-pah-tik) recirculation
recycling of drugs and other substances by the circulation of bile through the intestine and liver
enterohepatic recirculation
(EN-tur-oh-hep-AT-ik) the recycling of bile acids, cholesterol, and other metabolites from the liver,
to the bile, through the intestine, and back to the liver
epidural (EH-pee-DUR-ul) method of parenteral drug
delivery where drugs are injected into the space overlying the dura mater
epidural anesthesia (ep-ee-DUR-ul) type of
regional anesthesia where drugs are injected into the epidural space of the spinal cord
epilepsy (EPP-ih-LEPP-see) disorder of the CNS
characterized by seizures and/or convulsions
erythema (ear-ih-THEE-mah) redness associated with skin
irritation
ester (ES-tur) type of chemical linkage found in some local
anesthetics involving carbon and oxygen (-CO-O-)
estrogen (ES-troh-jen) class of steroid sex hormones
produced by the ovary
estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
(ESS-troh-jen) course of treatment involving the administration of reproductive hormones to
postmenopausal women
excretion (eks-KREE-shun) the process of removing
substances from the body
expectorant (eks-PEK-tor-ent) drug used to increase
bronchial secretions
expiration (ex-purr-AY-shun) movement of air out of the
lungs
external otitis (oh-TYE-tiss) commonly called
swimmer's ear, this is inflammation of the outer ear
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) symptoms where
muscles become very rigid because of over-medication with anti-psychotics or by lack of dopamine
function in the corpus striatium
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F
false neurotransmitter (NYUR-oh-TRANS-mitt-ur)
chemical that simulates a natural neurotransmitter but does not produce the same physiologic effect
fibrillation (fi-bruh-LAY-shun) type of dysrhythmia in
which the chambers beat in a highly disorganized manner
fibrin (FEYE-brin) an insoluble protein formed from
fibrinogen by the action of thrombin in the blood-clotting process
fibrinogen (feye-BRIN-oh-jen) blood protein converted to
fibrin by the action of thrombin in the blood-clotting process
fibrinolysis (feye-brin-OL-oh-sis) removal of a blood
clot
fight-or-flight response signs and symptoms
produced when the sympathetic nervous system is activated
filtrate (FIL-trate) fluid in the nephron that is filtered
at Bowman's capsule
first-pass effect a mechanism whereby drugs are
absorbed across the intestinal wall and enter into the hepatic portal circulation
flutter (FLUH-tur) type of dysrhythmia in which the
contractions become extremely rapid
folic acid (foh-lik) B vitamin that is a coenzyme in
protein and nucleic acid metabolism; also known as folate
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) hormone
secreted by the pituitary gland that regulates sperm or egg production
follicular cells (fo-LIK-yu-lur) cells in the
thyroid gland that secrete thyroid hormone
formulary (FOR-mew-LEH-ree) lists of drugs and drug
recipes commonly used by pharmacists
Frank-Starling Law the greater the degree of
stretch on the myocardial fibers, the greater will be the force by which they contract
fungi (FUN-jeye) kingdom of organisms that includes
mushrooms, yeasts, and molds
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G
ganglion (GANG-lee-on) a collection of neuron cell bodies located outside the CNS
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
(GAS-troh-ee-SOF-ah-JEEL REE-flux) the regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus
general anesthesia medical procedure that
produces loss of sensation throughout the entire body and unconsciousness
generalized seizures seizures that travel
throughout the entire brain on both sides
generic (je-NARE-ik) name nonproprietary name of a drug
assigned by the government
glioma (glee-OH-muh) malignant tumor of the brain
glucocorticoid (glu-ko-KORT-ik-oyd) type of hormone
secreted by the outer portion of the adrenal gland that includes cortisol
glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GLEYE-koh-proh-teen) enzyme
responsible for platelet aggregation
gout (GOWT) metabolic disorder characterized by the
accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream or joint cavities
gram-negative bacteria that do not retain a purple
stain because they have an outer envelope
gram-positive bacteria that stain purple because they
have no outer envelope
Grave's disease syndrome caused by hypersecretion of
thyroid hormone
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H
H+, K+-ATPase enzyme responsible
for pumping acid onto the mucosal surface of the stomach
H1-receptor antagonist drug that
blocks the effects of histamine in smooth muscle in the bronchial tree
H1-receptor site located on smooth muscle
cells in the bronchial tree that is stimulated by histamine
H2-receptor antagonist drug that
inhibits the effects of histamine at its receptors in the GI tract
H2-receptor site located on cells of the
digestive system that is stimulated by histamine
HAART highly active antiretroviral therapy; type of drug
therapy for HIV infection that includes high doses of multiple medications that are given concurrently
half-life (t1/2) the length of time required
for a drug to decrease its concentration in the plasma by one-half of the original amount
heart failure (HF) disease in which the heart muscle
cannot contract with sufficient force to meet the body's metabolic needs
Helicobacter pylori (Hee-lick-oh-BAK-tur
py-LOR-eye) bacterium associated with a large percentage of peptic ulcer disease
helminth (HELL-minth) type of flat, round, or segmented
worm
helper T-cell type of lymphocyte that coordinates both
the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and that is the target of the human immunodeficiency
virus
hemoglobin (HEE-moh-glow-bin) substance in a red blood
cell that contains iron and transports oxygen and CO2
hemorrhagic stroke (hee-moh-RAJ-ik) type of
stroke caused by bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain
hemostasis (hee-moh-STAY-sis) the slowing or stopping of
blood flow
hepatocellular carcinoma cancer of the liver
herb plant with a soft stem that is used for healing or as a
seasoning
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) lipid-carrying
particle in the blood that contains high amounts of protein and lower amounts of cholesterol;
considered to be “good” cholesterol
hippocampus (HIP-po-campus) region of the brain
responsible for learning and memory; a part of the limbic system
histamine (HISS-tuh-meen) chemical released by mast cells
in response to an antigen that causes dilation of blood vessels, smooth muscle constriction, tissue
swelling, and itching
HMG CoA reductase (ree-DUCK-tase) primary enzyme in
the biochemical pathway for the synthesis of cholesterol
hormones chemicals secreted by endocrine glands that act
as chemical messengers to affect homeostasis
host flora (host FLOR-uh) normal microorganisms found in
or on a client
host an organism that is being infected by a microbe
humoral immunity (HYOU-mor-ul eh-MEWN-uh-tee) a
specific body defense mechanism involving the production and release of antibodies
hypercholesterolemia
(HEYE-purr-koh-LESS-tur-ol-EEM-ee-uh) high levels of cholesterol in the blood
hyperemia (HYE-purr-EEM-ee-uh) increase in blood supply
to a part or tissue space causing swelling, redness, and pain
hyperglycemia (hi-pur-gli-SEEM-ee-uh) abnormally high
level of glucose in the blood
hyperkalemia (heye-pur-kay-LEE-mee-ah) high amounts of
potassium in the blood
hyperlipidemia (HEYE-purr-LIP-id-EEM-ee-uh) excess
amounts of lipids in the blood
hypertension (heye-purr-TEN-shun) high blood pressure
hypervitaminosis excess intake of vitamins
hypnotic (hip-NOT-ik) a drug that causes sleep
hypoglycemia (hi-po-gli-SEEM-ee-uh) abnormally low
level of glucose in the blood
hypogonadism (hy-poh-GO-nad-izm) below normal
secretion of the steroid sex hormones
hypokalemia (heye-poh-kay-LEE-mee-ah) low amounts of
potassium in the blood
hypothalamus (hi-po-THAL-ih-mus) region of the brain
that affects emotions and drives, and that secretes releasing factors that affect the pituitary gland
hypovolemic shock (high-poh-voh-LEEM-ik) type of
shock caused by loss of fluids such as occurs during hemorrhaging, extensive burns, or severe vomiting
or diarrhea
hysterectomy (hiss-ter-EK-toh-mee) surgical removal of
the uterus
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I
immunoglobulin (ih-MEW-noh-GLOB-you-lin) proteins
produced by the body in response to an antigen; used interchangeably with the term antibody
immunosuppressant (ih-MEW-noh-suh-PRESS-ent) any
drug, chemical, or physical agent that lowers the natural immune defense mechanisms of the body
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
(im-PLANT-uh-bul kar-dee-oh-VER-tur dee-FIB-ree-lay-tur) device placed in the patient to detect and
correct dysrhythmias as they occur
impotence (IM-poh-tense) inability to obtain or sustain
an erection; also called erectile dysfunction
infiltration anesthesia (in-fill-TRAY-shun)
type of local anesthesia performed in preparation for a dental or medical procedure; local anesthetics
are injected and infiltrate into the skin
inflammation (IN-flah-MAY-shun) non-specific body
defense that occurs in response to an injury or antigen
influenza (in-flew-EN-zah) common viral infection; often
called flu
inotropic agent (eye-noh-TROW-pik) drug or chemical
that changes the force of contraction of the heart
inotropic effect (in-oh-TRO-pik) change in the
strength or contractility of the heart
insomnia (in-SOM-nee-uh) the inability to fall asleep or
stay asleep
inspiration (in-spurr-AY-shun) movement of air into the
lungs
intra-arterial (IN-trah-ar-TEAR-ee-ul) method of
parenteral drug delivery where drugs are injected into the arterial circulation
intracellular parasite an infectious microbe
that lives inside host cells
intradermal (IN-trah-DERM-ul) method of parenteral drug
delivery where drugs are injected into the dermis of the skin; also called an intracutaneous
injection
intramuscular (IN-trah-MUSK-you-lar) method of
parenteral drug delivery where drugs are injected into layers of muscle beneath the skin
intraperitoneal (IN-trah-per-it-oh-NEE-ul) method
of parenteral drug delivery where drugs are injected into the abdominal cavity
intrathecal (IN-trah-THEE-kul) method of parenteral
drug delivery where drugs are injected into the spinal subarachnoid space
intravenous (IN-tra-VEE-nus) method of parenteral drug
delivery where drugs are injected into the venous circulation
intrinsic factor chemical secreted by the stomach
that is required for absorption of vitamin B12
islets of Langerhans (EYE-lits of LANG-gur-hans)
clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for the secretion of insulin and glucagon; also called
the pancreatic islets
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K
Kaposi's sarcoma (kah-POH-sees) vascular cancer that
first appears on the skin and then invades internal organs; frequently occurs in AIDS clients
kappa (CAP-uh) type of opioid receptor
keratinization (keh-RAT-en-eye-zay-shun) development
of the stratum corneum or horny layer of epithelial tissue
keratolytic agents (keh-RAT-oh-lih-tik) drugs
used to promote shedding of old skin
ketoacids (KEY-to-ass-ids) waste products of lipid
metabolism that lower the pH of the blood
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L
lecithin (LESS-ih-thin) phospholipid that is an important part of cell membranes
leukemia (lew-KEE-mee-ah) cancer of the blood
characterized by overproduction of white blood cells
leukopenia (lew-koh-PEE-nee-ah) abnormally low number of
white blood cells
leukotriene (LEW-koh-TRY-een) chemical released by
cells during inflammation that produces effects similar to those of histamine
leutinizing hormone (LH) (LEW-ten-iz-ing)
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation in the female and stimulates sperm
production in the male
levodopa (lee-voh-DOH-pah) drug that is administered for
treatment of Parkinson's symptoms; natural enzymes within nerve terminals convert levodopa into
dopamine
libido (lih-BEE-do) interest in sexual activity
limbic (LIM-bik) system area in the brain responsible for
emotion, learning, memory, motivation, and mood
lipoma (lip-OH-mah) benign tumor of fat tissue
lipoprotein (a) a specific lipid-carrying protein that
is associated with a high risk of atherosclerosis
lipoprotein (LIP-oh-PROH-teen) substance carrying
lipids in the bloodstream
liposomes (LIP-oh-sohms) small sacs of lipids designed to
carry drugs inside them
local anesthesia loss of sensation to a relatively
small part of the body without loss of consciousness
loop of Henle (HEN-lee) portion of the nephron between
the proximal and distal tubules
low molecular weight heparins (LMWH)
heparin-like drugs that inhibit blood clotting
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) lipid-carrying
particle that contains lower amounts of protein and high amounts of cholesterol; considered to be
“bad” cholesterol
lumen (LOO-men) the inside diameter of a hollow tube such as
a blood vessel
lymphocyte (LIM-foh-site) type of white blood cell
formed in lymphoid tissue
lymphoma (lim-FOH-mah) cancer of lymphatic tissue
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M
major depression disorder characterized by at least five
symptoms of clinical depression
major mineral (macromineral) inorganic compound needed
by the body in amounts of 100 mg or more daily
malaria (mah-LARE-ee-ah) tropical disease characterized by
severe fever and chills caused by the protozoan Plasmodium
malignant (mah-LIG-nent) life-threatening or fatal
malignant melanoma type of skin cancer that
metastasizes very quickly
mania (MAY-nee-uh) disorder characterized by an expressive,
impulsive, excitable, and over-reactive nature
manic (MAN-ik) depression disorder characterized by extreme
and opposite feelings, such as euphoria and depression or calmness and rage; also called bipolar
disorder
mast cell connective tissue cell located in tissue spaces
that releases histamine following injury
mastoiditis (mass-toy-DYE-tuss) inflammation of the
mastoid sinus
mechanism of action how a drug exerts its
effects
memory B-cell type of B-lymphocyte that remembers
previous exposure to an antigen
memory T-cell type of T-lymphocyte that remembers
previous exposure to an antigen
menopause (MEN-oh-paws) period of time when females stop
secreting estrogen and menstrual cycles cease
menorrhea (men-oh-REE-uh) prolonged or excessive
menstruation
metabolism (meh-TAHB-oh-liz-ehm) the sum total of all
chemical reactions in the body
metastasis (mah-TAS-tah-sis) travel of cancer cells from
their original site to a distant tissue
metered dose inhaler (MDIS) device used to
deliver a precise amount of drug to the respiratory system
migraine (MYE-grayne) severe headache preceded by auras
that may include nausea and vomiting
miosis (my-OH-sis) constriction of the pupil
miotics (my-AH-tiks) drugs that cause pupil constriction
monoamine oxidase (mon-oh-AHM-een OK-see-daze) inhibitors (MAO inhibitors): drugs inhibiting
monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that terminates the actions of neurotransmitters such as dopamine,
norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin
mood disorders (affective disorders) (af-FEK-tiv)
disorders involving a change in behavior such as clinical depression, emotional swings, or
manic-depression
mood enhancers (anti-depressants) drugs that combat
depression by enhancing mood
mood stabilizers drugs that level mood to treat
bipolar disorder and mania
mu (MYOO) type of opioid receptor
mucolytic drug used to loosen thick mucous
multiple-infarct dementia (IN-farkt) (vascular
dementia) dementia caused by multiple strokes
muscarinic (MUS-kah-RIN-ik) type of cholinergic receptor
found in smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands
mutations (myou-TAY-shuns) permanent, inheritable changes
to DNA
myasthenia gravis (MEYE-ahs-THEE-nee-uh GRAV-us)
disease characterized by a destruction of nicotinic receptors on skeletal muscles
mycoses (my-KOH-sees) diseases caused by fungi
mydriasis (mih-DRY-uh-siss) dilation of the pupil
mydriatic drugs (my-DRY-at-tik) drugs that cause
pupil dilation
myelin (MYE-ul-in) fatty substance surrounding nerves that
speeds up impulse transmission
myocardial infarction (meye-oh-KAR-dee-ul
in-FARK-shun) medical emergency of having a blood clot blocking a portion of a coronary artery
myocardial ischemia (meye-oh-KAR-dee-ul
ik-SKEE-mee-uh) condition in which there is a lack of blood supply to the myocardium due to a
constriction or obstruction of a blood vessel
myxedema (mix-uh-DEEM-uh) condition caused by insufficient
secretion of thyroid hormone
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N
narcolepsy (NAR-ko-lep-see)
disorder characterized by uncontrolled attacks of sleep
narcotic (nar-KOT-ik) natural or synthetic drug related to
morphine; may be used as a broader legal term referring to hallucinogens (LSD), CNS stimulants,
marijuana, and other illegal drugs
narrow-spectrum antibiotic antiinfective that
is effective against only one or a small number of organisms
natural alternative therapies: herbs, natural extracts, vitamins, minerals, or dietary supplements
nebulizer (NEB-you-lyes-ur) device used to convert liquid
drugs into a fine mist for the purpose of inhalation
negative feedback in homeostasis, when the first
hormone in a pathway is shut off by the last hormone or product in the pathway
negative symptoms symptoms that subtract from
normal behavior; signs that are used to assist with the diagnosis of schizophrenia
neoplasm (NEE-oh-PLAZ-um) same as tumor; an
abnormal swelling or mass
nephron (NEF-ron) functional unit of the kidney
nephrotoxicity (NEF-row-toks-ISS-ih-tee) an adverse
effect on the kidneys
nerve block anesthesia technique for
anesthetizing an area by injecting a blocking agent directly around a nerve
neurofibrillary tangles (nu-ro-FIB-ri-lary)
bundles of nerve fibers found in the brain of clients with Alzheimer's disease on autopsy
neurogenic shock (nyoor-oh-JEN-ik) type of shock
resulting from brain or spinal cord injury
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (noo-roh-LEP-tik) a
potentially fatal condition caused by some anti-psychotic medications; symptoms include an extremely
high body temperature, drowsiness, changing blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and muscle rigidity
neuroleptics (noo-roh-LEP-ticks) drugs used to treat
psychoses
neuron (NYOUR-on) cell that is the functional unit of the
nervous system
neurotransmitter (NYOUR-oh-TRANS-mitt-ur) a
chemical mediator that is released by nerves at synapses and neuromuscular junctions
nicotinic (NIK-oh-TIN-ik) type of cholinergic receptor
found in ganglia of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
nitrogen mustards class of chemicals that are
alkylating agents
nociceptors (no-si-SEPP-ters) receptors connected with
nerves that receive and transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain
non-REM sleep (non-rapid eye movement) sleep
characterized by little or no movement of the eyes
norepinephrine (nor-EH-pin-NEF-rin) primary
neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system
nosocomial infections (noh-soh-KOH-mee-ul)
infection acquired in a healthcare setting such as a hospital, physician's office, or nursing home
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O
oligomenorrhea (ol-ego-men-oh-REE-uh) infrequent
menstruation
omega-3 fatty acids (oh-MAY-gah) lipid found in
high concentrations in certain fish that is associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis
oncogenes (ON-koh-jeans) genes responsible for the
conversion of normal cells into cancer cells
open comedomes type of acne where sebum has plugged
the oil gland; commonly called blackheads
open-angle glaucoma (glaw-KOH-mah) also called
chronic simple glaucoma; this type of glaucoma is caused by hindered outflow of aqueous fluid
opiate (OH-pee-aht) morphine-like substance extracted from
the poppy plant
opioid (OH-pee-oyd) natural or synthetic morphine-like
substance
oral (OR-ul) method of enteral drug delivery in which drugs
are swallowed, chewed, or allowed to slowly dissolve in the mouth
orthostatic hypotension (or-tho-STAT-ik)
fall in blood pressure that occurs when someone changes position from recumbent to upright
osmotic pressure (oz-MOT-ik) force exerted when
there is an imbalance of solutes on each side of a semipermeable membrane
osteoarthritis (OSS-tee-oh-are-THRYE-tis) disorder
characterized by degeneration of joints such as the fingers, spine, hips, and knees
osteogenic sarcoma (OS-tee-oh-JEN-ik) cancer of
bone
osteomalacia (OSS-tee-oh-muh-LAY-shee-uh) rickets in
children; disease characterized by softening of the bones without alteration of basic bone structure
osteoporosis (OSS-tee-oh-poh-ROH-sis) condition where
bones become brittle and susceptible to fracture
otitis media (oh-TYE-tuss MEE-dee-ah) inflammation of
the middle ear
ototoxicity (OH-toh-toks-ISS-ih-tee) an adverse effect
on hearing
ovulation (ov-you-LAY-shun) release of an egg by the
ovary
oxytocin (ox-ee-TOH-sin) hormone secreted by the pituitary
gland that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection
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P
Paget's disease (PAH-jets) disorder characterized by weak,
enlarged, and abnormal bones
palliation (PAL-ee-AYE-shun) form of chemotherapy
intended to alleviate symptoms rather than cure the disease
papules (PAP-yools) inflammatory bumps without pus that
swell, thicken, and become painful
parafollicular cells (pair-uh-fo-LIK-u-lur)
cells in the thyroid gland that secrete calcitonin
parasympathetic nervous system
(PAIR-ah-SIM-pah-THET-ik) portion of the autonomic system that is active during periods of rest and
which produces the rest or relaxation response
parasympathomimetics
(PAIR-ah-SIM-path-oh-mah-MET-iks) drugs that mimic the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system
parenteral (pah-REN-tur-ul) the major route by which
drugs enter the body by a way other than the digestive tract, usually by injection
parietal cells (par-EYE-it-al) cells in the stomach
mucosa that secrete hydrochloric acid
Parkinson's disease degenerative disorder of the
nervous system caused by a deficiency of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine; this deficiency results
in disturbances of muscle movement
partial seizures seizures that start on one side of
the brain and travel a short distance before stopping
pathogen (PATH-oh-jen) organism that is capable of causing
disease
pathogenicity (path-oh-jen-ISS-ih-tee) ability of an
organism to cause disease in humans
pathophysiology (PATH-oh-fiz-ee-OL-oh-jee) the
study of diseases and the functional changes occurring in the body as a result of diseases
pediculicides (puh-DIK-you-lih-sides) medications
that kill lice
peptic ulcer erosion of the mucosa in the alimentary
canal, most commonly in the stomach and duodenum
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
(PTCA) (per-cue-TAIN-ee-us trans-LOO-min-ul KOR-un-air-ee ANN-gee-oh-plas-tee) procedure by which
a balloon-shaped catheter is used to compress fatty plaque against an arterial wall for the purpose of
restoring normal blood flow
perfusion (purr-FEW-shun) blood flow through a tissue or
organ
peripheral edema (purr-IF-ur-ul eh-DEE-mah)
swelling in the limbs, particularly the feet and ankles due to an accumulation of interstitial fluid
peripheral nervous system (per-IF-urr-ul)
division of the nervous system containing all nervous tissue outside the CNS, including the autonomic
nervous system
peripheral resistance (per-IF-ur-ul) the
amount of friction encountered by blood as it travels through the vessels
peristalsis (pair-ih-STAL-sis) involuntary wave-like
contraction that occurs in the alimentary canal
pernicious anemia (megaloblastic) (pur-NISH-us
ah-NEE-mee-ah) type of anemia usually caused by lack of secretion of intrinsic factor
pH a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution
pharmaceutics (far-mah-SOO-tiks) the science of
preparing and dispensing drugs
pharmacodynamics (FAR-mah-koh-deye-NAM-iks) the
study of how the body responds to drugs and natural substances
pharmacokinetics (FAR-mah-koh-kee-NET-iks) the
study of how drugs are handled by the body
pharmacological classification
(FAR-mah-koh-LOJ-ik-ul) method for organizing drugs on the basis of their mechanism of action
pharmacology (far-mah-KOL-oh-jee) the study of
medicines; the discipline pertaining to how drugs improve the health of the human body
pharmacopoeia (far-mah-KO-pee-ah) medical reference
summary indicating standards of drug purity, strength, and directions for synthesis
pharmacotherapeutics
(far-mah-ko-THER-ah-PEW-tiks) treatment of diseases by the use of drugs
pharynx (FAIR-inks) passageway for food from the mouth to
the esophagus and for air from the nose to the larynx
phlebitis (flee-BITE-iss) inflammation of veins
phosphodiesterase (fos-fo-die-ES-tur-ase) enzyme
in muscle cells that cleaves phosphodiester bonds; its inhibition increases myocardial contractility
phospholipid (FOS-foh-LIP-id) type of lipid that
contains two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a chemical backbone of glycerol
photosensitivity condition that occurs when the
skin is very sensitive to sunlight
physical dependence (FIZ-ee-kul dee-PEN-dens)
the condition of experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when a substance is discontinued
pituitary gland (pit-TOO-it-air-ee) endocrine gland
in the brain responsible for controlling many other endocrine glands
plaque (plak) fatty material that builds up in the lining of
blood vessels and may lead to hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, or angina
plasma cell type of cell derived from B-cells that
produces antibodies
plasmid (PLAZ-mid) small piece of circular DNA found in
some bacteria that is able to transfer resistance from one bacterium to another
plasmin (PLAZ-min) enzyme formed from plasminogen that
dissolves blood clots
plasminogen (plaz-MIN-oh-jen) protein that prevents
fibrin clot formation
platelet (PLAY-tuh-let) cell involved in the
blood-clotting process
polarized (POLE-uh-rized) condition in which the inside
of a cell is more negatively charged than the outside of the cell
positive symptoms symptoms that add on to normal
behavior; signs that are used to assist with the diagnosis of schizophrenia
postpartum (post-PART-um) occurring after childbirth
postsynaptic nerve (POST-sin-AP-tik) nerve in the
synapse that has receptors for the neurotransmitter
potassium ion channel (po-TASS-ee-um) pathway
in a plasma membrane through which potassium ions enter and leave
potency (POH-ten-see) the power or strength of a drug at a
specified concentration or dose
pre-eclampsia (pree-ee-KLAMP-see-uh) condition where
hypertension develops because of pregnancy or recent pregnancy. Hypertension is accompanied by
proteinuria and/or edema
pregnancy category system for grouping drugs
based upon how safe they are for the unborn
preload degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers just
before they contract
presynaptic nerve (PRE-sin-AP-tik) nerve that
releases the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft
prodrugs drugs that become more active after they are
metabolized
progesterone (pro-JESS-ter-own) hormone responsible
for building up the uterine lining in the second half of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy
prolactin (pro-LAK-tin) hormone secreted by the pituitary
gland that stimulates milk production in the mammary glands
prostaglandins (PROSS-tuh-GLAN-dins) a class of
chemicals that promotes inflammation and produces pain when released by cells
in the body
prothrombin (PRO-throm-bin) blood protein converted to
thrombin in the blood-clotting process
prothrombin activator enzyme in the coagulation
cascade that coverts prothrombin to thrombin; also called prothrombinase
prothrombin time (PRO-throm-bin) blood test used to
determine the time needed for plasma to clot to regulate warfarin dosage
proton-pump inhibitors drugs that inhibit the
enzyme H+, K+-ATPase
prototype (PRO-Toh-type) drug an original,
well-understood model drug from which other drugs in a pharmacological class have been developed
protozoan (PRO-toh-ZOH-en) single-celled microorganism
provitamins an inactive chemical that is converted to a
vitamin in the body
proximal tubule (PROX-im-al) portion of the nephron
that collects filtrate from Bowman's capsule
pruritus (proo-RYE-tus) itching symptom associated with
dry, scaly skin
psoralen (SORE-uh-len) drug used along with phototherapy
for the treatment of psoriasis and other severe skin disorders
psychodelics (seye-koh-DEL-iks) substances that alter
perception and reality
psychological dependence (seye-koh-LOJ-ee-kul
dee-PEN-dens) an unpleasant, intense craving for a drug after it has been withdrawn
purine (PYUR-een) building block of DNA and RNA, either
adenine or guanine
Purkinje fibers (purr-KEN-gee FI-burrs) electrical
conduction pathway leading from the bundle branches to all portions of the ventricles
pustules (PUSS-chools) inflammatory bumps with pus
pyrimidine (peer-IM-uh-deen) building block of DNA and
RNA, either thymine or cytosine in DNA and cytosine and uracil in RNA
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R
radiation therapy the delivery of high-dose radiation
with the intent of killing tumor cells
rate of elimination (ee-lim-in-NAY-shun) the
amount of drug removed from the body during a specified period of time
reabsorption movement of substances from the kidney
tubule back into the blood
rebound congestion a condition of hypersecretion
of mucous following use of intranasal sympathomimetics
rebound insomnia increased sleeplessness that
occurs when long-term anti-anxiety or hypnotic medication is discontinued
receptor (ree-SEP-tor) the structural component of a cell
to which a drug binds in a dose-related manner in order to produce a response
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) amount
of vitamin or mineral needed daily to avoid a deficiency in a healthy adult
rectal (REK-tul) method of enteral drug delivery where drugs
are administered by way of the rectum
red-man syndrome rash on the upper body caused by
certain antiinfectives
reflex tachycardia (tak-ee-KAR-dee-ah) temporary
speeding up of heart rate that occurs when blood pressure falls
refractory period (ree-FRAK-tore-ee) time during
which the myocardial cells rest and are not able to contract
releasing factors hormones secreted by the
hypothalamus that affect secretions in the pituitary gland
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep sleep characterized by
quick, scanning movements of the eyes
renin-angiotensin system (REN-in –
an-geo-TEN-sin) series of enzymatic steps by which the body raises blood pressure
respiration (res-purr-AY-shun) exchange of oxygen and
carbon dioxide
rest-or-relaxation response signs and symptoms
produced when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated
restricted drug in Canada, a drug not intended for
human use, covered in Part IV, Schedule H of the Canadian Food and Drugs
Act
reticular activating system (RAS) the brain
structure that projects from the brainstem and thalamus to the cerebral cortex; responsible for
sleeping and wakefulness, and performs an alerting function
reticular formation (re-TIK-you-lurr) a network of neurons found along the entire length of the
brain stem connected with the reticular activating system
retinoids (RETT-ih-noydz) vitamin A-like compounds used
in the treatment of severe acne and psoriasis
retinol (RETT-ih-nall) chemical name for vitamin A
reverse transcriptase (ree-VERS
trans-CRIP-tace) viral enzyme that converts RNA to DNA
rheumatoid arthritis (ROO-mah-toyd
are-THRYE-tis) systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of multiple joints
rosacea (roh-ZAY-shee-uh) skin disorder characterized by
clusters of papules
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S
salicylism (sal-IH-sill-izm) poisoning due to aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
sarcoma (sar-KOH-mah) cancer of connective tissue such as
bone, muscle, or cartilage
scabicides (SKAY-bih-sides) drugs that kill scabies
mites
scabies (SKAY-beez) skin disorder caused by the female mite
burrowing into the skin and laying eggs
scheduled drug in the U.S., a term describing a drug
placed into one of five categories (I through V) based on its potential for misuse or abuse
schizoaffective (SKIT-soh-ah-FEK-tiv) disorder
disorder with symptoms similar to schizophrenia and mood disorders
schizophrenia (SKIT-soh-FREN-ee-uh) type of psychosis
characterized by abnormal thoughts and thought processes, withdrawal from other people and the outside
environment, and apparent preoccupation with one's own mental state
seborrhea (seb-oh-REE-ah) condition characterized by
overactivity of oil glands
secretion movement of substances from the blood into the
kidney tubule after filtration has occurred
sedative-hypnotic (SED-ah-tiv hip-NOT-ik) drug
that, when given in lower doses, produces a calming effect and, when given in higher doses, produces
sleep
sedatives (SED-ah-tivs) drugs that relax or calm the
client
seizures (SEE-zhurrs) symptom of epilepsy charcterized by
abnormal neuronal discharges within the brain
selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
drugs that directly produce an action similar to estrogen in body tissues; used for the treatment of
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
(sair-oh-TOE-nin) drugs that selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin into nerve terminals
septic shock (SEP-tik) type of shock caused by severe
infection in the bloodstream
serotonin syndrome set of signs and symptoms
associated with overmedication with antidepressants
shock condition in which there is inadequate blood flow to
meet the body's needs
sinoatrial (SA) node (si-no-AYE-tree-ul noad)
pacemaker of the heart located in the wall of the right atrium
sinus rhythm (SI-nuss) number of beats per minute
normally generated by the SA node
sleep debt sleep deficit that may be accompanied by
unfavorable effects, such as impaired judgment, depression, and slowed reaction time
sodium ion channel (SO-dee-um) pathway in a plasma
membrane through which sodium ions enter and leave
solubility (sol-yew-BIL-uh-tee) the ability to dissolve
or mix
somatic nervous system (soh-MAT-ik) consists
of nerves that provide voluntary control over skeletal muscle
somatotropin (so-mat-oh-TROH-pin) another name for
growth hormone
spasticity (spas-TISS-ih-tee) inability of opposing
muscle groups to move in a coordinated manner
spinal anesthesia regional anesthesia where drugs
are injected into the spinal subarachnoid space
spirilla (speer-ILL-ah) bacteria that have a spiral shape
stable angina type of angina that occurs in a
predictable pattern, usually relieved by rest
status asthmaticus (STAT-us az-MAT-ik-us) acute
form of asthma requiring immediate medical attention
status epilepticus (EP-ih-LEP-tih-kus) condition
characterized by repeated seizures or one prolonged seizure attack that continues for at least 30
minutes
stepped care a systematic approach to treatment of
hypertension
steroid (STAIR-oyd) type of lipid that consists of four
rings that comprises certain hormones and drugs
sterol nucleus (STAIR-ol NUK-lee-us) ring structure
common to all steroids
stroke volume volume of blood pumped out by a
ventricle in a single beat
subcutaneous (sub-kew-TAY-nee-us) method of parenteral
drug delivery where drugs are injected into the hypodermis of the skin
sublingual (sub-LIN-gwal) method of enteral drug
delivery where drugs are placed under the tongue
substance abuse the use, by self-administration, of
a drug that does not conform to the medical or social norms within the client's given culture or
society
substance P a neurotransmitter within the spinal cord
involved in the neural transmission of pain
substantia nigra (sub-STAN-shea NEYE-grah) place in
the brain where dopamine is synthesized; neurons from this area project to other areas in the brain
responsible for regulation of muscle movement
superficial mycoses fungal diseases of the hair,
skin, nails, and mucous membranes
superinfection condition caused when a microorganism
grows rapidly as a result of having less competition in its environment
supraventricular (sue-prah-ven-TRIK-you-lur) lying
above the ventricles or in the atria
surface (topical) anesthesia (TOP-ik-ul) procedure where
local anesthetics are applied to the surface of the body in order to numb the skin and mucous
membranes
sympathetic nervous system (SIM-pah-THET-ik)
portion of the autonomic system that is active during periods of stress and which produces the
fight-or-flight response
sympathomimetic (sim-PATH-oh-mih-MET-ik) drug that
stimulates or mimics the sympathetic nervous system
synapse (SIN-aps) junction between two neurons consisting
of a presynaptic nerve, a synaptic cleft, and a postsynaptic nerve
synaptic cleft (sin-AP-tik kleft) physical space
between two neurons that must be crossed by the neurotransmitter
systemic mycoses fungal diseases affecting internal
organs
systolic pressure (SIS-tol-ik) blood pressure
during the contraction phase of heart activity
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T
tachycardia (tack-ee-KAR-dee-uh) condition of fast heartbeat
tardive dyskinesia (TAR-div dis-ki-NEE-zee-uh)
involuntary movements of facial muscles and the tongue that occur due to long-term anti-psychotic
therapy
taxoids (TAKS-oids) antineoplastic drugs obtained from the
Pacific Yew tree
T-cell type of lymphocyte that is essential for the
cell-mediated immune response
tension headache common type of head pain caused by
stress and relieved by non-narcotic analgesics
teratogen (TER-ah-toh-jen) a chemical substance that
harms a developing fetus or embryo
tetany (TET-ah-nee) disorder characterized by prolonged
muscle spasms, cramps, and twitches
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
(TEH-trah-HEYE-droh-cah-NAB-in-ol) the active chemical in marijuana
therapeutic (ther-a-PEW-tik) classification method for
organizing drugs on the basis of their therapeutic usefulness
therapeutics (ther-ah-PEW-tiks) the branch of medicine
concerned with the treatment of disease and suffering
thrombin (THROM-bin) enzyme that causes clotting by
forming thrombin
thrombocytopenia (THROM-boh-SEYE-toh-PEE-nee-ah)
deficiency of platelets
thromboembolic disease
(throm-bow-em-bow-LIT-ik) disorders where clients have blood clots
thrombolytics (thom-bow-LIT-iks) drugs used to
dissolve existing blood clots
thrombotic stroke (throm-BOT-ik) type of stroke
caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain
thrombus (THROM-bus) blood clot
tinnitus (tin-EYE-tis) ringing in the ears
tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) a natural
enzyme and a drug that dissolves blood clots
titer (TIE-ter) measurement of the amount of a substance in
the blood
tocolytic (toh-koh-LIT-ik) drug used to inhibit uterine
contractions
tolerance (TOL-er-anse) the process of adapting to a drug
over a period of time, and subsequently requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect
tonometry (toh-NAHM-uh-tree) technique for measuring eye
tension and pressure
topical (TOP-ik-ul) the route by which drugs are placed
directly onto the skin and mucous membranes
topoisomerase (TOH-poh-eye-SOM-er-ase) enzyme that
assists in the repair of DNA damage
toxin (TOX-in) chemical produced by a microorganism that is
able to cause injury to its host
toxoid (TOX-oid) substance that has been chemically modified
to remove its harmful nature but is still able to elicit an immune response in the body
trace mineral inorganic compound needed by the body in
amounts of 20 mg or less daily
trachea (TRAY-kee-ah) passageway for air from the pharynx
to the bronchi
trade name proprietary name of a drug assigned by the
manufacturer; also called the brand name or product name
tranquilizer (TRANG-kwi-leye-zer) drug that produces a
calm or tranquil feeling
transdermal (trans-DER-mul) method of drug delivery,
usually by a patch, where drugs are absorbed across the layers of the skin for the purpose of entering
the bloodstream
transmucosal (trans-mew-KO-sul) method of topical drug
delivery where drugs are applied directly to mucosal membranes, including the nasal and respiratory
pathways and reproductive openings
transplant rejection when the immune system
recognizes a transplanted tissue as being foreign and attacks it
tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (treye-SICK-lick) drugs
with a three-ring chemical structure that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin into
nerve terminals
triglyceride (tri-GLISS-ur-ide) type of lipid that
contains three fatty acids and a chemical backbone of glycerol
tubercles (TOO-burr-kyouls) cavity-like lesions in the
lung characteristic of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
tumor (TOO-more) abnormal swelling or mass
tumor suppressor genes genes that inhibit the
transformation of normal cells into cancer cells
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U
ulcerative colitis (UL-sir-ah-tiv koh-LIE-tuss)
inflammatory bowel disease of the colon
unstable angina type of angina that occurs
frequently, with severe symptoms, and which is not relieved by rest
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V
vaccination/immunization (VAK-sin-AYE-shun /
IH-mewn-ize-AYE-shun) receiving a vaccine or toxoid in order to prevent disease
vaccine (vaks-EEN) preparation of microorganism particles
that is injected into a client to stimulate the immune system, with the intention of preventing
disease
variant angina chest pain that is caused by acute
spasm of the coronary arteries rather than by physical or emotional exertion
vasomotor center (VAZO-mo-tor) area of the medulla
that controls baseline blood pressure
vasopressin (vaz-oh-PRESS-in) another name for
antidiuretic hormone
ventilation (ven-tah-LAY-shun) process by which air is
moved into and out of the lungs
very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
lipid-carrying particle that is converted to LDL in the liver
vestibular apparatus (vest-IB-you-lar) portion
of the inner ear responsible for the sense of position
vinca alkaloids (VIN-ka AL-kah-loids) chemicals
obtained from the periwinkle plant
virulence (VEER-you-lens) the severity of disease that an
organism is able to cause
virulization (veer-you-lih-ZAY-shun) appearance of
masculine secondary sex characteristics
virus non-living particle containing nucleic acid that is
able to cause disease
viscosity (vis-KOS-uh-tee) the thickness of a liquid
vitamins organic compounds required by the body in small
amounts
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W
withdrawal physical signs of discomfort associated with drug abuse
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Y
yeast (YEEST) type of fungus that is unicellular and divides by budding
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Z
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZOLL-in-jer
ELL-ih-sun) disorder of having excess acid secretion in the stomach
