Some useful bits of medical terminology for your technobabble.

This might serve as a sort of "cheat sheet" for those who do biology and/or medical RP. PG13 due to context, more than anything.




We use affixes all the time in everyday language without even thinking about it. They change the meaning of the original word: A prefix (in front of a word) or suffix (at the end) can put an unknown word into perspective. For example, words beginning with “aden-” or “adeno-” always relate to the glands.

Here are some medical terminology prefixes:

Brachi/o – Arm
Cardi/o – Heart
Cyt/o – Cell
Derm/a, derm/o, dermat/o – Skin
Encephal/o – Brain
Gastr/o – Stomach
Hemat/o – Blood
Hist/o, histi/o – Tissue
Intestin/o – Intestine
Lapar/o – Abdomen, loin or flank
My/o – Muscle
Neur/o – Nerve
Ocul/o – Eye
Ophthalm/o – Eyes
Or/o – Mouth
Ot/o – Ear
Pulmon/o – Lungs

And for those of you who aren’t up on your Latin:

Mono/uni – One
Bi – Two
Tri – Three

Ab – Away from
Ad – Toward
Ecto/exo – Outside
Endo – Inside
Epi – Upon

Here are some examples of common medical terminology with suffixes:

Pain terms end with -algia.
Blood terms end in -emia.
Inflammation is -itis.
A breaking down is -lysis.
Relating to disease is -opathy.
Breathing terms end with -pnea.

When you understand where common medical terminology stems from, it’s far easier to know where or what a term refers to.

Basic Medical Terminology List
Now that word formation makes more sense, we can move onto specific terms and common language used in healthcare. Although this list isn’t exhaustive, it can still be used as the basis for a quickfire medical terminology test to see how you do.

Umbrella terminology

Anatomy: Parts of the body and its general structure.

Gynecology: Study and treatment of the female urinary tract and reproductive organs.

Hematology: Treatment of blood diseases and malignancies.

Microbiology: Related to bacterial and viral infections.

Neonatal: Special care for newborn babies with high dependency needs.

Neurology: Related to the disorders of the brain, spinal cord, or general nervous system.

Oncology: Chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Pathology: The names for disorders and diseases.

Pediatrics: Medical assistance of infants.

Psychiatry: The study and treatment of mental disorders.

Rheumatology: Related to musculoskeletal disorders (bones, joints, muscles, etc.).

Surgery: Physical operative procedures.

Urology: Related to problems with the bladder and kidneys.

(S'Tokkr's addition) Xenobiology: The study of 'alien' life forms and/or biology.

Locations

Abdominal – Abdomen
Cranial – Skull
Digital – Fingers and toes
Femoral – Thigh
Gluteal – Buttock
Inguinal – Groin
Lumbar – Loin
Mammary – Breast
Nasal – Nose
Pectoral – Chest
Thoracis – Chest
Ventral – Stomach

Medical Dictionary Descriptions

Here are some common descriptive words when talking about patients and circumstance:

Abatement: A reduction in severity of symptoms.

Abiotic: Not related to living organisms.

Abortive: Cutting short the course of a disease.

Abrasion: Friction wearing away of the top layer of skin.

Abruption: A sudden breaking away or breaking off.

Accessory: Extra or supplementary to the main element.

Ambulatory: Ability to walk.

Analgesia: Loss of pain where pain would normally be evident without loss of consciousness.

Benign: An abnormal growth that is not life-threatening.

Cavity: Hollow space in the body containing one organ or more.

Compression: To apply pressure to stop bleeding or prevent further injury.

Etiology: The cause of a certain condition.

Exacerbation: Deterioration of a condition.

Hematemesis: Blood in vomit.

Iatrogenic: A condition that appears as a result of treatment of another condition.

Idiopathic: Of unknown cause.

Intractable: Difficult to cure or alleviate.

Referred pain: Pain that is felt in another area to the original source of this pain.

Reflux: Going in a backward direction.

Remission: Disappearance of signs of disease.

Stimulus: Elicits a physiological response.

Subcutaneous: Just beneath the skin

Syndrome: A set of symptoms that indicate towards a certain condition, disease or abnormality.

[/b]Defining injury and trauma treatment[/b]
The following are words that healthcare professionals use in the course of providing treatment for traumatic injuries.

Anoxia - A lack of oxygen which can cause damage to the brain. This can result when blood flow is reduced.

Antibiotic - Medicine used to treat infections in the blood, urine, lungs and other areas of the body.

Anticoagulation - Preventing or delaying the clotting of the blood.

Aphasia - An abnormal neurologic condition in which language function is defective or absent relating to an injury to the cerebral cortex of the brain. The deficiency may be receptive, in which language is not understood. It may be expressive, in which words cannot be formed or expressed. It is sometimes transient, as when the swelling in the brain subsides. Intensive speech therapy by the patient and the patient's family has many times been successful in restoring language function.

Arterial blood gas (ABGs or gases) - A blood test that determines how well a patient is breathing and how well the lungs are working by measuring the oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH of the blood.

Arterial line (art line) - A very small tube (catheter) put into an artery so that blood pressure can be measured at all times. Blood can be removed from this catheter for lab testing.

Arteriogram(angiogram) - An X-ray of an artery injected with radiopaque contrast (dye) through a catheter.

Basilar skull fracture - Fracture or break at the base of the skull.

Brain death - Death caused by complete and irreversible loss of function of the entire brain, including the brain stem. The heart may continue as long as the breathing machine (ventilator) is in place, but without the breathing machine, the brain no longer signals the body to breath and the heart soon stops from lack of oxygen.

Cast - A stiff, solid dressing formed with plaster of Paris or fiberglass around a limb or other body part to keep it from moving during healing.

Catheter - A hollow, flexible tube that can be inserted into a vessel or cavity of the body to withdraw or instill fluids.

Cervical collar (C-collar) - Firm brace worn to support the neck. The main reason your doctor wants you to wear this collar is to limit the movement of the bones in your neck, either to prevent injury or to allow an injury to heal.

Chest tube - A catheter inserted through the chest wall into the chest cavity for removing air or fluid. It is used following chest surgery or lung collapse.

Colostomy - A surgical creation of an opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall by cutting the colon and bringing it out to the surface.

Coma - A state of profound unconsciousness in which a person cannot open eyes, obey commands or speak words that can be understood.

Computerized axial tomography (CAT) or computed tomography (CT) scan - A radiology technique in which a scanner is used to take a series of detailed visualizations of tissues, body organs and bones. The procedure is painless, non-invasive and requires no special preparation.

Concussion - A mild brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent motion that causes the brain to bump up against the skull. Also called a traumatic brain injury or closed head injury.

Contusion - A bruise.

Cultures - Lab tests to check blood or other body fluids for bacteria and to determine which antibiotics are best for fighting the infection.

Drain - A small catheter to remove extra blood/fluid from inside the body.

Edema - Swelling that happens when too much fluid collects in the body's tissues or organs.

EEG (Electroencephalogram) - An evaluation of electrical activity of the brain.

EKG (Electrocardiogram) - Recordings of the electrical activity of the heart used to diagnose specific cardiac abnormalities.

Endotracheal tube (ET tube) - A plastic tube that is passed through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea). The tube can be used to deliver extra oxygen to the lungs, help make breathing easier and help remove fluid from the lungs. The patient cannot talk while this tube is in place.

Extubate - Removing the endotracheal tube from the windpipe (trachea).

FAST - Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is a limited ultrasound examination directed solely at identifying the presence of free intraperitoneal or pericardial fluid. In the context of traumatic injury, free fluid is usually due to hemorrhage and contributes to the assessment of the circulation.

Feeding tube - Small plastic tube that goes into the nose to the stomach or intestine to give liquid food to a patient who cannot eat or drink.

Foley catheter - Soft rubber catheter that has been placed in the bladder for continuous drainage of urine from the bladder.

Hypertension - High blood pressure.

Hypotension - Low blood pressure.

Intercranial pressure line (ICP) - A small tube that is placed in specific areas of the brain to measure the pressure inside the skull.

Intraosseous - is a needle inserted directly into bone marrow when percutaneous peripheral venous cannulation has failed on two attempts.

Intravenous puncture - A very small tube put into a vein to deliver fluids and medicines to the bloodstream.

Intubate - Passing a tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea) to make sure the patient gets enough oxygen.

Nasogastic tube / gastric tube - A tube that goes through the nose or mouth down into the stomach to remove air or fluids. Liquid medicines and liquid food formulas can also be given through the tube.

Neurological - Having to do with the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

NPO - Nothing by mouth.

Paralysis - The inability to move a group of muscles.

Pneumonia - A lung infection often caused by bacteria (germs). It causes a patient to have severe chills, a high fever, headache, cough with phlegm and chest pain.

Post-concussive syndrome - Group of symptoms that occur after a blow to the head. Symptoms can be vague and last for days or months. These may include headache, dizziness, change in emotion, memory, thinking and personality.

Pulmonary - Having to do with the lungs and breathing.

Rapid warmer infuser - When lives are at stake from significant blood loss due to trauma or major surgery, the Level 1 machine provides a rapid flow of normothermic blood and I.V. fluids to the patient.

Reflex - The way the body reacts to light, noise or touch, which a person cannot control.

Rehabilitation - Process of restoring a person to the best possible level of functioning after a disabling event.

Respirator - A machine that helps the patient breathe (also called a ventilator or breathing machine).

Seizure - Jerky movements that a person cannot control.

Septic / sepsis - Infection due to germs in patient's blood.

Spasm / spasticity - State of continuous muscle contraction that a person cannot control.

Splint - Metal or plaster brace to position a body part.

TEDS - Elastic stockings applied to the legs to help prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs.

Thoracotomy - is an incision into the pleural space of the chest. It is performed by surgeons (or emergency physicians under certain circumstances) to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the heart, the lungs, or the esophagus, or for access to the thoracic aorta or the anterior spine

Tracheotomy tube (trach) - A tube that goes through a hole made in the front of the neck, into the windpipe (trachea). This tube is used for the same reason as the endotracheal tube (ET tube). The patient cannot talk with this tube in place.

Traction - Heavy weights that help pull the ends of broken bones together in a straight normal position. Traction is used until the broken bone is repaired with a cast or an operation.

Ventilator - A machine that helps the patient breathe (also called a breathing machine or respirator).

Vital Signs - Measurement of blood pressure, heart rate (pulse), breathing and temperature.

Some Star Trek medical bobbins
Okudagraph/Okudagram - Anything projecting an image onto a screen with some detailled schematic of some sort.
Hypospray - Used to administer compounds without breaking the skin.
Syringes - Also hypo-syringes. Much the same as the Hypospray, but a little cruder. Good for those that want to get gory and show some blood.
Biobed - Sick Bay use these to monitor the patient as well as keep the area sterile. "Surgery mode" may also be implemented to assist a doctor in some procedures and these have been seen with additional functions in some episodes.
Scalpel - Also Exo- and Laser-scalpel - Used to cut open things.
Dermal regenerator - Heals cuts, bruises and similar.

References:
https://www.aimseducation.edu/blog/all-essential-medical-terms/
https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Trauma-Program/Glossary-of-Trauma-Terms.aspx
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Medical_equipment
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Unnamed_medical_tools

Additional reading:
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Unnamed_medical_tools
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Snagged from Brex’s ‘Medical Help’ document; source unknown. Everything is put into drop-down boxes for the sake of space.

Care and Treatment

For flesh: Dermal Regenerator > Cellular regenerator > Autosuture
Broken Bones: Osteo-regenerator
Sleep: Alpha-Wave Inducer
Monitor Sleeping Patient: Bi-spectral Monitor
Unconsciousness/Coma: Cortical Stimulator
Cardiac arrest: Cardio-stimulator
CNS Failure: Neurostimulator

Advanced Info: http://boi.alt-starfleet-rpg.com/SFMED-_Star_Fleet_Medical_Terms
Advanced Tech Info: http://boi.alt-starfleet-rpg.com/SFMED-_Medical_Equipment

Codes
Code White - Dead
Code Black - They /will/ die
Code Red - They will die unless medical care is given within thirty minutes
Code Yellow - Emergency care is needed within 1.5 hours
Code Green - Wounded but non-concern (Fractures, burns, lacerations, simple ophthalmic injuries, etc)

Resuscitation
Step 1. Administer a 2cc dose of Leporazine and apply cardio-stimulators starting at 200 joules. If there is no response:
Step 2. Apply cardio-stimulators at 300 joules. If there is no response:
Step 3. Apply cardio-stimulators at 360 joules. If there is no response:
Step 4. Utilise a cortical-stimulator only as a last resort. The use of direct cortical stimulation in a severely injured patient with any form of head trauma is an extreme medical procedure and stands a chance of worsening injuries by causing renewed swelling and bleeding of the brain.

Monthly Medical Examination

  1. Review Records
  2. Cardiovascular - Heart rate/blood pressure, 2% tolerance
  3. Pulmonary - Respiratory rate, 3% tolerance
  4. Gastroenterological - Stomach acid levels, 0.5% tolerance
  5. Neurological - Engramatic stability, cerebral activity, neurotransmitter levels, 0.1% tolerance
  6. Hormonal - 5-10% difference requires monitoring over a week, 10% calls for immediate study
  7. Ocular - Scan the eyes
  8. Auditory - Constitution, Red, October, Two
  9. Psych - Send them to the psych
Medicine

Analgesic
• Asinolyathin: muscle spasm pain. 2 cc dose
• Morphenolog: strong pain relief. 2.5 cc dose
Anesthetics
• Anetrizine: local anesthetic. 10 cc dose
• Melanex: short acting general anesthetic. 10 cc dose
• Neurozine: general anesthetic, can be fatal. 5 cc dose
Burns
• Dermaline: injectable drug prevention. 2 cc
• Dermaline gel: burn prevention
• Kelotane: treat burns. 3 cc dose
Cardiovascular
• Lectrazine: stabilizes cardiac and renal systems of humanoids. 10 cc dose.anti-bacterial
Gastroenterology
• Antacid: relief of dyspepsia. 2 tablet dose.
• Scopolamine: relief of nausea and motion sickness. 2cc dose.
Hormonal
• Serotonin: increases sense of wellbeing. 5 cc dose
• Tryptophan: increases sense of wellbeing. 5 cc dose
Neurological
• Alkysine: neuro damage. 5 cc dose.
• Trianoline: concussion. 4 cc dose
Preventative
• Dermaline: Protection against burns. 5 cc dose.
• L-Hyronalin: Radiation poisoning vaccine. 7cc dose.
• Synthetic antigen: Anti-viral and anti-bacterial vaccine. 10 cc dose.
• Synthetic antibodies: Anti-viral and anti-bacterial vaccine. 5 cc dose.
Pulmonary
• Pulmozine: oxygen deprivation, stimulates breathing, asthma. 2.5 cc dose
• Tryptophan-lysine distillate: respiratory infections. 5 cc dose
Radiation
• Hyronalin: counters effects radiation poisoning. 5 cc dose.
• L-Hyronalin: protect against radiation poisoning. 7 cc dose.
• Arithrazine: Theta radiation poisoning. 2 cc dose
Resuscitative
• Cortolin: resuscitate stopped breathing. 10 cc dose
• Leporazine: used in extreme cases. 2 cc dose
Sedative
• Sonambutril: unconsciousness for a long time. 2 cc dose
• Kayolane: unconsciousness for few hours. 5 cc dose
Stimulant
• Cordrazine: cardiac arrest. 2 cc dose
• Polyadrenaline: revival of a patient who has died or is near death. 20 cc dose

Basic Illnesses and treatments

Acute functional dyspepsia (Heartburn)
• Morphenolog – 2 cc,
• Antacid - 2 Tablets
Allergic reaction with breathing difficulties
• Leporazine – 2 cc
Allergic reaction with rash
• Dermaline gel - 2 cc
Breathing difficulties - Mild
• Pulmozine – 5 cc,
• Cortolin – 10 cc
Breathing difficulties - Severe/Extreme
• Leporazine – 2 cc
Burns - First degree
• Kelotane – 3 cc
Burns - Second degree
• Kelotane - 3 cc,
• Dermaline Gel applied to the damaged tissues
Burns - Third degree
• Kelotane - 3 cc,
• Dermaline Gel course applied to the damaged tissues repeatedly
Cardiac arrest
• Cordrazine – 2 cc,
• Polyadrenaline – 20 cc,
• Lectrazine – 20 cc
Concussion
• Trianoline – .4 cc
Cough - Mild/Tickly/Dry
• Pulmozine – 2 cc
Damaged neurological tissue resulting from concussion
• Alkysine – 5 cc
Headache - Mild/Severe
• Morphenolog – 2/5 cc
Hormonal imbalance
• Serotonin – 5 cc,
• Tryptophan – 5 cc
Levodian flu
• Tryptophan-lysine distillate – 5 cc
Motion sickness
• Scopolamine - 2 cc
Muscle spasms - Acute
• Asinolyathin – 2 cc
Nausea
• Scopolamine - 2 cc
Respiratory virus
• Tryptophan-lysine distillate – 5 cc
Theta radiation poisoning
• Arithrazine – 10 cc

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Lessons in Tactical Combat Care and Wound Treatment

Looks like a good site on how to treat a number of injuries that could happen in the field or during work. Insert relevant treknobabble where needed.

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