Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Digestive and Urinary
week 1
152
Medical
Not Applicable
06/08/2026

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Dys-
Definition

Painful, abnormal, difficult, labored Example: Dyspepsia – Difficult or painful digestion, often referred to as indigestion, characterized by symptoms like bloating, nausea, or heartburn.

 

Term
Endo-
Definition
Within, in Example: Endogastric – A term referring to something occurring within the stomach, such as an endogastric procedure that involves accessing the interior of the stomach for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Term
Hemi-
Definition
Half Example: Hemigastrectomy – Surgical removal of half of the stomach, typically performed to treat severe ulcers or stomach cancer.
Term
Hyper-
Definition
Excessive or above normal Example: Hypergastrinemia – A condition involving excessive levels of gastrin (a digestive hormone) in the blood, which can lead to overproduction of stomach acid and conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Term
Hypo-
Definition
Below normal or deficient Example: Hypoglycemia – A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, often causing symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and confusion, and requiring prompt treatment with glucose.
Term
Mal-
Definition

Bad or poor

Example: Malabsorption – Poor absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract, which can result from conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or chronic pancreatitis, leading to malnutrition.

Term
Para-
Definition
Beside, near, or abnormal Example: Paracolitis – Inflammation occurring near or adjacent to the colon, often associated with diverticulitis or infections.
Term
Peri-
Definition

Around or surrounding

Example: Perigastric – Pertaining to the area around the stomach, often used to describe inflammation, abscesses, or surgical observations in this region.

Term
Sub-
Definition

Under, below

Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to medications that dissolve beneath the tongue for quick absorption.

Term
Trans-
Definition

Across or through

Example: Transgastric – Referring to procedures or conditions that occur through the stomach, such as a transgastric endoscopic procedure used for accessing abdominal organs.

Term
-ac
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Celiac – Pertaining to the abdomen, often used in conditions like celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine.

Term
-al
Definition

 Pertaining to

Example: Colorectal – Pertaining to the colon and rectum, often used in the context of colorectal cancer or surgeries.

Term
-cele
Definition

Hernia, protrusion

Example: Gastrocele – A hernia of the stomach, often resulting from a weakness in the diaphragm or abdominal wall.

Term
-centesis
Definition

Surgical puncture to aspirate fluid

Example: Paracentesis – A procedure involving the surgical puncture of the abdomen to remove excess fluid, commonly performed in cases of ascites.

Term
-eal
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Esophageal – Pertaining to the esophagus, such as in esophageal reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Term
-ectomy
Definition

Excision

Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis.

Term
-gram
Definition

The record, radiographic image

Example: Cholangiogram – A radiographic image of the bile ducts obtained using contrast material, often performed during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to assess blockages or other abnormalities in the bile ducts.

Term
-graphy
Definition

Process of recording

Example: Electrogastrography – The process of recording the electrical activity of the stomach to assess its motility and function, often used to diagnose conditions like gastroparesis or dyspepsia..

Term
-ia
Definition

Condition of, diseased state, abnormal state

Example: Dyspepsia – A condition of impaired digestion, often characterized by bloating, discomfort, and nausea.

Term
-iasis
Definition

Condition

Example: Cholelithiasis – A condition involving the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder, which can cause pain and blockages.

Term
-ic
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Hepatic – Pertaining to the liver, as in hepatic function tests, which evaluate liver health.

Term
-itis
Definition

Inflammation

Example: Gastritis – Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infections, medications, or alcohol use.

Term
-logist
Definition

Specialist who studies and treats

Example: Gastroenterologist – A specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and liver.

Term
-logy
Definition

Study of

Example: Hepatology – The study of the liver, including diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Term
-malacia
Definition

Softening

Example: Esophagomalacia – Softening of the esophageal walls, often caused by chronic acid reflux (GERD), prolonged inflammation, or structural weakness, which may lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or esophageal collapse.

Term
megaly
Definition

Enlargement

Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, which can occur in conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis.

Term
-oma
Definition

Tumor

Example: Gastrinoma – A tumor that secretes gastrin, often associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, leading to excessive stomach acid production.

Term
-osis
Definition

Abnormal condition

Example: Diverticulosis – A condition where small pouches form in the colon wall, which can become inflamed (diverticulitis).

Term
-pathy
Definition

 Disease

Example: Gastropathy – A disease of the stomach, often referring to damage caused by chronic use of NSAIDs or alcohol.

Term
-phagia
Definition

Eating or swallowing

Example: Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing, which can result from conditions affecting the esophagus or nervous system.

Term
-plasty
Definition

Surgical repair

Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair or widening of the pyloric sphincter to improve the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

Term
-ptosis
Definition

Prolapse, drooping

Example: Gastroptosis – Prolapse or downward displacement of the stomach, often caused by weakened abdominal muscles.

Term
-rraphy
Definition

Suturing, repairing

Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia, often performed to reinforce the abdominal wall.

Term
-rrhea
Definition

Flow, discharge

Example: Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, medications, or food intolerances.

Term
-scope
Definition

Instrument used for visualization

Example: Colonoscope – An instrument used to visualize the interior of the colon during a colonoscopy.

Term
-scopy
Definition

Process of viewing, visualization

Example: Endoscopy – The process of visualizing the digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera.

Term
-stomy
Definition

Creation of an artificial opening

Example: Colostomy – A surgical procedure to create an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface for waste elimination.

Term
-tomy
Definition

 Incision, cut into

Example: Laparotomy – A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to diagnose or treat abdominal conditions.

Term
abdomin/o
Definition

Abdomen, abdominal

Example: Abdominoplasty – Surgical repair or reconstruction of the abdomen, often referred to as a "tummy tuck."

Term
an/o
Definition

Anus

Example: Anoplasty – Surgical repair of the anus, often performed to treat congenital defects or damage caused by trauma.

Term
append/o
Definition

Appendix

Example: Appendectomy – Surgical removal of the appendix, typically performed in cases of appendicitis.

Term
appendic/o
Definition
Appendix Example: Appendicitis – Inflammation of the appendix, often causing abdominal pain and requiring surgical intervention.
Term
cec/o
Definition

Cecum

Example: Cecopexy – Surgical fixation of the cecum, often performed to correct volvulus (twisting of the bowel).

Term
celi/o
Definition

Abdomen, abdominal cavity

Example: Celiotomy – Surgical incision into the abdominal cavity, often performed to explore or treat abdominal conditions.

Term
cheil/o
Definition

Lip

Example: Cheilitis – Inflammation of the lips, often caused by irritation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies.

Term
chol/e
Definition

Gall, bile

Example: Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.

Term
choledoch/o
Definition

Common bile duct

Example: Choledocholithiasis – The presence of stones in the common bile duct, often requiring removal to restore bile flow.

Term
choledoch/o
Definition

Colon

Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.

Term
col/o, colon/o
Definition

Colon

Example: Colitis – Inflammation of the colon, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.

Term
enter/o
Definition

Intestine

Example: Enteritis – Inflammation of the intestines, often caused by infection or irritants.

Term
esophag/o
Definition

Esophagus

Example: Esophagitis – Inflammation of the esophagus, often resulting from acid reflux or infections.

Term
gastr/o
Definition

Stomach

Example: Gastrectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically to treat ulcers, cancer, or severe obesity.

Term
gingiv/o
Definition

Gum

Example: Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene or bacterial infection.

Term
gloss/o
Definition

Tongue

Example: Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. It is often caused by infections or nutritional deficiencies.

Term
hepat/o
Definition

Liver

Example: Hepatomegaly – Enlargement of the liver, often caused by infections, fatty liver disease, or cancer.

Term
herni/o
Definition
  • Hernia, protrusion of an organ through a membrane or cavity wall
  • Example: Herniorrhaphy – Surgical repair of a hernia to reposition the protruding organ and strengthen the surrounding tissue.
Term
lapar/o
Definition

Abdomen, abdominal cavity

Example: Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to view and treat abdominal or pelvic conditions.

Term
lingu/o
Definition

Tongue

Example: Sublingual – Situated under the tongue, often referring to the administration of medications for rapid absorption.

Term
or/o
Definition

Mouth

Example: Oral – Pertaining to the mouth, such as in oral hygiene practices.

Term
palat/o
Definition

Palate

Example: Palatoplasty – Surgical repair of the palate, often performed to correct cleft palate deformities.

Term
pancreat/o
Definition

Pancreas

Example: Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption.

Term
peritone/o
Definition

Peritoneum

Example: Peritonitis – Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, often caused by infection or perforation.

Term
polyp/o
Definition

Polyp, small growth

Example: Polypectomy – Surgical removal of a polyp, often performed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer development.

Term
proct/o
Definition

Rectum

Example: Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, which can cause discomfort, bleeding, and urgency.

Term
pylor/o
Definition

Pylorus, pyloric sphincter

Example: Pyloroplasty – Surgical repair of the pyloric sphincter to improve food passage from the stomach to the small intestine.

Term
rect/o
Definition

Rectum

Example: Rectocele – A bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles.

Term
sial/o
Definition

Saliva, salivary gland

Example: Sialadenitis – Inflammation of a salivary gland, often caused by bacterial infections or blockages.

Term
steat/o
Definition

Fat

Example: Steatorrhea – Excess fat in stool, often a sign of malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

Term
stomat/o
Definition

Mouth

Example: Stomatitis – Inflammation of the mouth, which can result from infections, irritants, or systemic diseases.

Term
uvul/o
Definition

Uvula

Example: Uvulectomy – Surgical removal of the uvula, often performed to treat snoring or sleep apnea.

Term
xer/o
Definition

Dryness

Example: Xerostomia – Dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production, often associated with certain medications or medical conditions.

Term

BMI = Body Mass Index

Definition
  • A measurement of body fat based on height and weight, used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Term

EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Definition
  • A diagnostic procedure in which a flexible endoscope is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Term

FTT = Failure to Thrive

Definition
  • A condition in infants or children characterized by insufficient weight gain or growth, often caused by inadequate nutrition or underlying medical conditions.
Term

GERD = Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Definition
  • A chronic condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Term

GI = Gastrointestinal

Definition
  • Referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and associated organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Term

IH = Inguinal Hernia

Definition
  • A condition in which a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, causing a bulge in the groin.
Term

IBD = Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Definition
  • A group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Term

IBS = Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Definition
  • A common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both).
Term

NG Tube = Nasogastric Tube

Definition
  • A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, used for feeding, administering medications, or draining stomach contents.
Term

NAFLD = Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Definition
  • A condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Term

PUD = Peptic Ulcer Disease

Definition
  • A condition characterized by open sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of NSAIDs.
Term

PN = Parenteral Nutrition

Definition
  • A method of providing nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive tract, often used in patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions or after surgery.
Term

UC = Ulcerative Colitis

Definition
  • A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.
Term

Brunner’s Glands

Definition
  • Named After: Johann Conrad Brunner, a Swiss anatomist. Glands in the duodenum that secrete alkaline mucus to protect the intestinal lining. These glands help neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine, playing a key role in preventing damage to the intestinal mucosa.
Term

 

Crohn’s Disease

 

Definition
  • Named After: Burrill Crohn, an American gastroenterologist.
  • A chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, often affecting the ileum and colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Term

Gilbert’s Syndrome

Definition
  • Named After: Augustin Nicolas Gilbert, a French physician.
  • A hereditary liver disorder resulting in mildly elevated bilirubin levels, typically without significant symptoms. It is often detected incidentally during routine blood tests and is usually benign.
Term
Whipple Procedure
Definition
  • Named After: Allen Whipple, an American surgeon.
  • A complex surgical procedure that involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and the bile duct. It is performed primarily to treat pancreatic cancer or other diseases affecting the pancreas and nearby organs. The full name of this procedure is pancreaticoduodenectomy (pancreatic/o = pancreas, duoden/o = duodenum (first part of the small intestine), -ectomy = surgical removal).
Term
An- / A-
Definition

Without, lack of

Example: Anuria – The absence of urine production, often indicating kidney failure or severe dehydration, requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

Term
Dia-
Definition
Through, complete
Example: Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function properly.
Term
Dys-
Definition

Difficult, painful, or abnormal

Example: Dysuria – Painful or difficult urination, often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or other underlying conditions.

Term
Hyper-
Definition

Excessive, above normal

Example: Hyperuricemia – Excessive levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to conditions such as gout or kidney stones if untreated.

Term
Hypo-
Definition
Below normal, deficient Example: Hyposthenuria – The excretion of excessively dilute urine due to the kidneys' inability to concentrate it properly, often associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus or chronic kidney disease.
Term
Poly-
Definition
Many, excessive
Example: Polyuria – Excessive urine output, commonly associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, often leading to dehydration if untreated.
Term
Noct-
Definition

Night

Example: Nocturia – Frequent urination at night, which can disrupt sleep and may result from conditions like overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, or heart failure.

Term
Oligo-
Definition

Few or scanty

Example: Oliguria – Scanty urine output, often a sign of kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or shock, requiring urgent medical attention.

Term
-al
Definition

Pertaining to

Example: Renal – Pertaining to the kidneys, as in renal function, which refers to how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

Term
-ary
Definition

 Pertaining to

Example: Urinary – Pertaining to urine or the urinary system, such as in urinary tract infection (UTI), which affects the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

Term
-cele
Definition

Hernia, protrusion

Example: Cystocele – A herniation of the bladder into the vaginal wall, often caused by weakened pelvic muscles.

Term
-emia
Definition

In the blood

Example: Uremia – A buildup of urea and other waste products in the blood due to kidney dysfunction, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Term
-esis
Definition

Condition

Example: Diuresis – A condition of increased or excessive production of urine, often induced by medications like diuretics.

Term
-gram
Definition

The recorded radiographic image

Example: Urogram – A radiographic image of the urinary tract, used to identify blockages, stones, or other abnormalities.

Term
-graph
Definition

Instrument used to record

Example: Cystograph – An instrument used to record images of the bladder, often during a cystography procedure.

Term
-graphy
Definition

Process of recording, radiographic imaging

Example: Pyelography – The process of obtaining X-ray images of the renal pelvis and ureters, often using contrast dye.

Term
-iasis
Definition

Condition

Example: Nephrolithiasis – A condition characterized by the presence of kidney stones, which can cause pain and urinary obstruction.

Term
-itis
Definition

Inflammation

Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the bladder, often caused by bacterial infections and characterized by pain and frequent urination.

Term
-lith
Definition

Stone

Example: Urolith – A stone in the urinary tract, which may form in the kidneys, bladder, or ureters.

Term
-lysis
Definition

Loosening, dissolution, separating

Example: Hemodialysis – A procedure that separates waste products from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function.

Term
-megaly
Definition

Enlarged, enlargement

Example: Nephromegaly – Enlargement of the kidneys, which may occur due to hydronephrosis or other conditions affecting the renal system.

Term
-oma
Definition

Tumor, swelling

Example: Nephroma – A tumor of the kidney, which may be benign or malignant.

Term
-osis
Definition

Abnormal condition

Example: Hydronephrosis – An abnormal condition characterized by the swelling of the kidney due to a buildup of urine.

Term
-pexy
Definition

Surgical fixation, suspension

Example: Nephropexy – Surgical fixation of a floating or mobile kidney to its normal anatomical position.

Term
-ptosis
Definition

Drooping, sagging, prolapse

Example: Nephroptosis – Drooping or displacement of the kidney, which may cause urinary obstruction or pain.

Term
-rraphy
Definition

Suturing, repairing

Example: Cystorrhaphy – Surgical suturing of the bladder, often performed to repair tears or injuries.

Term
-scope
Definition

Instrument used for visual examination

Example: Cystoscope – An instrument used to visually examine the bladder and urethra during a cystoscopy.

Term
-scopy
Definition

Pertaining to visual examination

Example: Urethroscopic – Pertaining to the visual examination of the urethra, often to diagnose strictures or obstructions.

Term
-scopic
Definition

Visual examination

Example: Cystoscopy – The visual examination of the bladder and urethra using a cystoscope to identify abnormalities or perform treatments.

Term
-stomy
Definition

Creation of an artificial opening

Example: Urostomy – A surgical procedure creating an artificial opening in the abdominal wall to divert urine from the bladder.

Term
-tomy
Definition

Cut into, incision

Example: Nephrotomy – A surgical incision into the kidney, often performed to remove kidney stones or treat other abnormalities.

Term
-tripsy
Definition

Surgical crushing

Example: Lithotripsy – A procedure that uses shock waves to crush kidney stones into smaller pieces for easier passage through the urinary tract.

Term
-uria
Definition

Urine, urination

Example: Hematuria – The presence of blood in the urine, often indicating infections, stones, or more serious conditions like bladder cancer.

Term
albumin/o
Definition

Albumin

Example: Albuminuria – The presence of albumin (a type of protein) in the urine, often a sign of kidney damage or disease, such as nephrotic syndrome.

Term
azot/o
Definition

Urea, nitrogen

Example: Azotemia – An elevated level of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood, typically resulting from kidney dysfunction.

Term
blast/o
Definition

Developing cell, germ cell

Example: Nephroblastoma – A cancerous tumor of the kidney that arises from immature kidney cells, also known as Wilms tumor, commonly found in children.

Term
cyst/o
Definition

Bladder, sac

Example: Cystitis – Inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by bacterial infection, leading to frequent and painful urination.

Term
glomerul/o
Definition

Glomerulus

Example: Glomerulonephritis – Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney dysfunction or failure.

Term
glyc/o, glycos/o
Definition

Sugar

Example: Hyperglycosuria – Excess sugar in the urine, commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes or kidney filtration issues.

Term
hydr/o
Definition

Water

Example: Hydronephrosis – The swelling of a kidney due to a buildup of urine caused by obstruction in the urinary tract.

Term
lith/o
Definition

Stone, calculus

Example: Nephrolithiasis – The formation or presence of kidney stones, often causing severe pain and urinary obstruction.

Term
nephr/o
Definition

Kidney

Example: Nephrectomy – Surgical removal of a kidney, often performed due to cancer, trauma, or severe infection.

Term
noct/o
Definition

Night

Example: Nocturnal Enuresis – Involuntary urination during sleep, commonly known as bedwetting. This condition is most often seen in children, but it can also occur in adults due to medical issues such as diabetes, bladder dysfunction, or neurological disorders.

Term
py/o
Definition

Pus

Example: Pyuria – The presence of pus in the urine, indicating a urinary tract infection or kidney infection.

Term
pyel/o
Definition

Renal pelvis

Example: Pyelitis – Inflammation of the renal pelvis, often caused by bacterial infections ascending from the bladder.

Term
ren/o
Definition

Kidney

Example: Renal failure – The inability of the kidneys to filter waste products and balance fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Term
ur/o, urin/o
Definition
  • Urine, urinary tract Example: Urology – The branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of urinary tract diseases and disorders.
Term
ureter/o
Definition

Ureter

Example: Ureteroplasty – Surgical repair of a ureter to correct blockages or structural abnormalities.

Term
urethr/o
Definition

Urethra

Example: Urethritis – Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infections.

Term
vesic/o
Definition

Bladder, sac

Example: Vesicoureteral reflux – A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters, increasing the risk of kidney infections and damage.

Term
ARF
Definition

Acute Renal Failure

A sudden loss of kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood and an imbalance of electrolytes. It is often reversible with prompt treatment. 

Term
BPH
Definition

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, that can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream.

Term
Cath
Definition

Catheterization

The insertion of a catheter, a thin flexible tube, into the bladder to drain urine, monitor output, or deliver medications directly to the urinary tract.

Term
CKD
Definition

Chronic Kidney Disease

A long-term condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease if untreated

Term
Cysto
Definition
  • Cystoscopy
  • A diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra for abnormalities
Term
DRE
Definition
  • Digital Rectal Examination
  • A manual exam where a healthcare provider inserts a finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the prostate gland or rectal area
Term
ESRD
Definition
  • End-Stage Renal Disease
  • The final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys can no longer support the body's needs, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Term
ESWL
Definition
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
  • A non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass through the urinary tract
Term
PKD
Definition
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease
  • A genetic disorder characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney enlargement and impaired function
Term
TURP
Definition
  • ransurethral Resection of the Prostate
  • A surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH).
Term
UTI
Definition
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • An infection affecting any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys, commonly causing symptoms like painful urination and frequent urges to urinate.
Term
Bartter Syndrome
Definition
  • Named After: Frederic Bartter, an American endocrinologist.
  • A rare genetic condition affecting the kidneys' ability to reabsorb sodium, leading to hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and dehydration. Symptoms include muscle weakness, growth delays, and excessive urination, typically diagnosed in childhood
Term
Bowman’s Capsule
Definition
  • Named After: Sir William Bowman, an English surgeon.
  • A cup-shaped structure in the nephron of the kidney that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate from blood plasma. They are integral to the filtration process in the kidneys, initiating urine formation. 
Term
Henle’s Loop
Definition
  • Named After: Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle, a German anatomist.
  • The U-shaped portion of the nephron, crucial for concentrating urine by creating a gradient in the kidney's medulla. It plays a key role in water and salt reabsorption, maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance.
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