Summary of Comprehensive English-Spanish Medical Glossary
Comprehensive English-Spanish Medical Glossary for Students
Introduction
This material covers essential medical vocabulary and concepts grouped by body parts, common injuries, dentistry, diseases and conditions, healthcare roles, and diagnostic tests. It is designed for university students who need to organize and memorize clinical terms and relationships in Spanish.
Definition: This document presents medical terms in functional categories to facilitate learning and basic clinical application.
1. Body Parts: Muscles
Key Muscles
- Trapezius (Trapezius) — a superficial muscle of the neck and upper back involved in shoulder elevation and rotation.
- Triceps (Triceps) — an arm muscle responsible for elbow extension.
Definition: A muscle is a tissue capable of contracting to produce movement or maintain body posture.
Clinical Relevance
- Trapezius injuries can cause neck pain and limited shoulder mobility.
- Direct trauma or overuse can lead to triceps tendinopathy and weakness when extending the forearm.
2. Common Injuries
Definition: An injury is any damage to body tissue caused by trauma, overuse, infection, or pathological processes.
List of Injuries with Examples and Basic Management
- Dislocation: joint displacement. Example: shoulder dislocation. Management: reduction, immobilization, rehabilitation.
- Fracture: bone break. Example: distal radius fracture. Management: immobilization or surgery depending on the type.
- Gangrene: tissue necrosis due to ischemia or infection. Example: diabetic foot with necrosis. Management: debridement, antibiotics, vascular control.
- Injury: general term. Example: contusion from a blow.
- Pinched Nerve: nerve compression. Example: carpal tunnel syndrome. Management: rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, surgery if necessary.
- Ligament Sprain: stretching or partial tear of a ligament. Example: ankle sprain.
- Scar and Scar Tissue: fibrous repair after injury; can limit mobility.
- Herniated Disc: intervertebral disc herniation that can compress nerve roots. Management: pain relief, physical therapy, surgery in severe cases.
- Sprain: ligament injury. Example: lateral ankle sprain.
- Twisted Ankle: common term for an ankle sprain.
- Wound: break in the skin. Management: cleaning, closure depending on the type, tetanus prophylaxis.
3. Dentistry and the Oral Cavity
Definition: Dentistry is the specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the teeth and oral cavity.
- Caries / Tooth Decay: destruction of tooth enamel and dentin caused by acids produced by bacteria.
- Gums / Gingiva: mucosal tissue surrounding the teeth; related diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Molar / Back Tooth: a posterior tooth used for chewing.
- Plaque / Dental Plaque: a bacterial biofilm that forms on teeth, leading to tooth decay (caries) and periodontal disease.
- Wisdom Tooth / Third Molar: the third molar; its impaction is a common reason for oral surgery.
Comparative table: Caries vs. Plaque vs. Gum Disease
| Condition | Primary Cause | Clinical Sign | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caries | Bacterial acids | Cavity formation | Oral hygiene, fluoride, diet |
| Plaque | Bacterial biofilm | Adhesive film | Brushing, flossing |
| Gum Disease | Inflammation due to plaque | Bleeding, gum recession | Plaque control, professional cleanings |
4. Diseases and Conditions (Organized Selection)
Definition: A disease is an alteration of health that prevents the normal functioning of the body.
Respiratory and Infectious System
- Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by wheezing and dyspnea. Managem
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Basic Medical Topics
Klíčové pojmy: Distinguish trapezius and triceps by function and location, Identify initial management of dislocation: reduction and immobilization, Differentiate fracture from sprain by bone involvement vs. ligaments, Recognize signs of a pinched nerve and refer for imaging studies, Prevent cavities with hygiene, fluoride, and plaque control, Use MRI to assess soft tissues and herniated discs, Vaccination reduces viral diseases such as measles and chickenpox, Healthcare roles: key functions of the general practitioner, nurse, and pharmacist, Consider osteoporosis in fractures in the elderly and prevention with calcium/Vitamin D, Treat gangrene with debridement and vascular control, Distinguish inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid) from degenerative osteoarthritis, Evaluate radiating lower back pain as a possible herniated disc and order MRI