Talking about Medicine: English Vocabulary List

the process of removing and analyzing tissue from the body of a sick person to learn more about their condition

"The doctor took a biopsy to check for cancer."

"A biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is surgically removed from the body for pathological examination under a microscope to diagnose disease."

a flexible tube inserted into one's bladder, to drain and collect urine

"The nurse inserted a catheter to drain the patient's bladder."

"The doctor inserted a catheter into the patient's bladder to help drain the accumulated urine."

the process of treating a disease, particularly cancer, using chemicals

"She lost her hair during the chemotherapy treatment."

"Chemotherapy is a systemic cancer treatment using powerful cytotoxic drugs that circulate throughout the body to destroy rapidly dividing malignant cells."

the branch of medical science particularly concerned with the joints, soft tissues, and autoimmune diseases

"Rheumatology deals with joint pain and arthritis."

"Rheumatology is the medical specialty focusing on autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the joints"

a surgical seam made to close a wound or incision

"The doctor used a suture to close the deep cut."

"The doctor used a fine curved needle and thread to place several sutures in the deep cut on the patient's hand."

the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the urinary system

"Urology is the medical field that treats bladder problems."

"Urology is a surgical specialty dealing with diseases of the urinary tract system in both sexes and the male reproductive organs"

the branch of medical science dealing with the eye, its functions, and diseases

"Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine about eye health."

"Ophthalmology is the specialized medical field concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye"

a branch of medicine that primarily focuses on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat

"He studied otorhinolaryngology."

"The patient was referred to an otorhinolaryngology specialist for his persistent sinus and throat issues."

the scientific study of the skin, its structure, diseases, and functions

"She visited the dermatology clinic for her skin rash."

"Dermatology is the medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating skin hair and nail disorders."

a branch of medical science that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer

"Oncology is the study and treatment of cancer."

"Oncology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis"

a medical instrument used in auscultation for detecting sounds generated inside the body, such as heartbeat and breathing

"The doctor used a stethoscope to listen to my heart."

"A stethoscope is an acoustic medical device with a chest piece and two earpieces"

a substance that counteracts or controls the effects of a poison

"The doctor gave him an antidote for the snake bite."

"An antidote is a specific therapeutic substance that counteracts the toxic effects of a particular poison or drug"

a medical system that treats the disease by administering substances that mimic the symptoms of those diseases in healthy persons

"Homeopathy uses tiny amounts of natural substances to treat illness."

"Homeopathy is based on the controversial idea that a substance causing symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person."

a system of noninvasive therapy that involves pressing and moving a person's joints or spine

"Chiropractic treatment focuses on the spine and back pain."

"Chiropractic is a hands-on healthcare profession that diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders through manual spinal adjustments and manipulation to improve function and alleviate pain."

a tube with a long hollow needle at the end that is used to inject or withdraw fluids

"The nurse filled the syringe with medicine for the injection."

"The doctor prepared the syringe carefully before giving the patient the necessary vaccination."

a substance, usually smooth and oily, rubbed on the skin for medical purposes

"Apply the ointment to the burn twice a day."

"The pharmacist recommended a special ointment to help heal the rash on her arm."

a substance or medication that inhibits the clotting of blood

"The patient takes an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots."

"The patient was prescribed an anticoagulant to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming after his surgery."

a type of medicine used when someone has a cold and a blocked nose to help them breathe more easily

"I took a decongestant to clear my stuffy nose."

"A decongestant is a medication that relieves nasal congestion by constricting swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages"

any medicinal ointment that accelerates the recovery of the skin barrier or protects it

"She put a healing salve on the small cut on her finger."

"A salve is a soothing medicinal ointment applied to wounds or skin irritations to promote healing and provide a protective barrier against infection."