Glossary of Terms
On this page, you'll be able to find some of the medical terminology used in this course.
A - F
AMIDE
An ammonia-derived organic compound formed through the displacement of a hydrogen atom by an acyl radical.
ANAPHYLAXIA
Hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion or injection of a substance (a protein or drug) resulting from prior contact with the same or a related substance.
APPOSITION
The placing of things side by side, together or in proximity.
ATRAUMATIC
Not producing injury or damage.
BRAIDED
Another word for multifilament. Several strands made into a single structure by twisting them together.
DEHISCENCE
The splitting open of the two sides of a sutured wound. This can be caused by inadequate undermining (cutting the skin away from the underlying tissues) of the wound during closure, excessive tension on the wound edges, or the wound being located on a highly mobile or high tension area such as the back, shoulders or legs. It can also be the result of poor healing, infection or haematoma.
ENZYMIC REACTION
Process whereby a structure is attacked and broken down by enzymes.
ESTER
A chemical compound formed by condensing an acid with an alcohol.
EVERSION
The position of being turned outward. When suturing the edges of a wound together, it is important to evert the skin edges—that is, to get the underlying dermis from both sides of the wound to touch. The dermal elements must meet and heal together.
The opposite of eversion is inversion. If the edges are inverted (the epidermis turns in and touches the epidermis of the other side), the wound will not heal as quickly and a depressed and ugly scar may form.
FASCIA
A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body.
FLORA
The population of healthy microorganisms inhabiting the body's internal and external surfaces.
G - L
HAEMATOMA
A localized collection of blood, usually clotted, in a tissue.
HYDROLYSIS
A chemical process of decomposition involving the splitting of a bond and addition of the elements of water.
HYPERTROPHY
Enlargement of tissue as a result of an increase in the size of constituent cells.
INVERSION
The process of turning inwards (the opposite of eversion). When suturing the edges of a wound together, if the edges are inverted (the epidermis turns in and touches the epidermis of the other side), the wound will not heal as quickly as you would like and a depressed and ugly scar may form.
ISCHAEMIA
A decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or body part caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels.
ISCHAEMIC NECROSIS
Death and disintegration of a tissue resulting from interference with its blood supply.
KELOID SCARRING
Thick scar resulting from excessive growth of fibrous tissue.
LIGATURE/LIGATION
A filament that is used for tying in surgery. Ligation is the process of making a tie.
M - R
MONOFILAMENT
Single untwisted strand of material.
NECROSIS
The localized death of living cells from infection or the interruption of blood supply.
PRONATION
Turning or rotation (of the hand or forearm) so that the palm faces down or back.
S - Z
SUBCUTANEOUS
Being, living, used or made under the skin.
SUBCUTICULAR
Beneath the epidermis or cuticle.
SUPINATION
Turning or rotation (of the hand or forearm) so that the palm faces up or forward.
SWAGED
Strand of suture fused onto the end of a surgical needle.
VASOSPASM
Sharp and often persistent contraction of a blood vessel, reducing its internal diameter and blood flow.
VASOVAGAL
Relating to or involving blood vessels and the vagus nerve. Vasovagal attacks are simple faints which are often precipitated by unpleasant physical or emotional stress such as pain, fear or the sight of blood.