Medical Glossary

A comprehensive guide to medical terms and abbreviations you may encounter during your medical journey.

A

ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

One of the major ligaments in the knee that provides stability.

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.

Anesthesia

A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical purposes.

B

Biopsy

The removal of a sample of tissue from the body for examination to diagnose disease.

Bypass Surgery

A surgical procedure that redirects blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery.

C

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

Chemotherapy

A treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth.

Coronary Artery

An artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle.

D

Dental Implant

A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis.

Diagnosis

The identification of the nature and cause of a disease or condition.

F

Fracture

A break in the continuity of a bone.

I

Implant

An artificial device placed inside the body to replace a missing body part or support a damaged structure.

Inpatient

A patient who stays in a hospital for treatment, usually overnight or longer.

J

JCI (Joint Commission International)

An international organization that accredits healthcare facilities based on quality and safety standards.

L

LASIK

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis - a type of laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems.

Laparoscopy

A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions and a camera to visualize the inside of the abdomen or pelvis.

M

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A diagnostic imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Surgical techniques that use small incisions and specialized instruments to minimize trauma and recovery time.

O

Orthopedics

The branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures.

Outpatient

A patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.

P

Prosthesis

An artificial device that replaces a missing body part.

Plastic Surgery

Surgical procedures performed to reconstruct or alter the form of the body.

R

Radiation Therapy

A cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.

Rehabilitation

The process of restoring physical function and quality of life after illness or injury.

Root Canal

A dental procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth.

S

Spinal Fusion

A surgical procedure to join two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.

Stent

A small mesh tube placed inside a blood vessel to keep it open and prevent blockages.

T

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

A holistic system of medicine that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other traditional practices.

Total Joint Replacement

A surgical procedure to replace a damaged joint with an artificial implant.

U

Ultrasound

A diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of internal body structures.

V

Veneer

A thin layer of material (usually porcelain) placed over the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.