I put this list together as a student, so you will see some things in here that are quite simple. You will also see some words with *s/l* beside them. These are sound-alikes. I put them in the list, the way it sounded to me, then in the right column I entered the word the way it should be, or entered a possible alternative. There are prefixes, suffixes, drugs, abbreviations,etc. Some words have definitions, some do not. Please let me know if you run across any errors and I will correct them.
Word or Root | Definition | |
L | left *L circled* | |
L | liter | |
L.C.D. | liquor carbonis detergens | |
L1,2; L2,3; L5,S1 dictated | typed L1-2, L2-3, L5-S1 | |
labia | folds of tissue on either side of the vaginal opening known as the labia majora and labia minora | |
labia minus *s/l* | labium minus | |
labile hypertension | fluctuating high blood pressure | |
labinema LAB-EN-EMA *s/l* | lipedema = an accumulation of excess fat and fluid in subcutaneous tissues OR lymphedema - chronic unilateral or bilateral edema of the accumulation of interstitial fluid as a result of stasis of secondary to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes | |
labium minus | ||
labral tear | ||
labrum | ||
labtyrinthitis | inflammation of the labyrinth | |
labyrinth | maze; inner ear consisting of bony and membranous labyrinths | |
Lachman test | check for knee injury | |
lacrim- | tear | |
lacrimal ducts | tubes that carry tears to the lacrimal sac | |
lacrimal gland | gland located in the upper outer region above the eyeball that secretes tears | |
lacrimal sac | structures that collect tears before emptying into masolacrimal duct | |
lacrimation | secretion of tears | |
lact- | milk | |
lactiferous ducts | carry milk within the breast | |
lacto- | milk | |
Lactobacillus | any one of a group of nonpathogenic gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria that produce lactic acid from carbohydrates | |
lactogenic hormone *prolactin* | stimulates breast development and milk production during pregnancy | |
LAD | lymphadenopathy | |
LAD | left anterior descending | |
LAD lesion | ||
lady’s slippler root | herbal medicine | |
Laennec | name for which a chronic disorder of the liver characterized by inflammation of secretory cells followed by nodular regeneration and fibrosis was named | |
LAM | Lymphangioleiomyomatosis *LAM* - rare lung disease that affects only women; abnormal muscle cells invade the lung and airways, as well as blood and lymph vessels, causing them to become obstructed.[LAM Foundation] | |
lamb's quarters | allergen | |
lamina | platelike structure | |
laminae, vertebral | flattened posterior portion of the vertebral arch | |
laminaria | ||
laminectomy | excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae to approach the spinal cord | |
LAN | lymphadenopathy | |
Lanoxicap | drug | |
Lanoxin | drug | |
lapar | abdomen | |
laparoscopic cholecystectomy | excision of the gallbladder through a laparoscope | |
laparoscopic surgery | abdominal surgery using a laparoscope | |
laparoscopy | examination of the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope-often including interventional surgery procedures | |
laparotomy | incision into the abdomen | |
large intestine | larger tubular structure that receives the liquid waste products of digestion; reabsorbs water and minerals, and forms and stores feces for defecation | |
large loop excision of the transformation zone *LLETZ* | use of electrosurgical or radio waves transformed through a loop-configured electrosurgical device to treat precancerous lesions by simultaneous excisional biopsy and treatment of affected tissue | |
laryng- | larynx *voice box* | |
laryngeal | laryngeal | |
laryngeal-tracheal bronchitis | not laryngotracheal bronchitis | |
laryngitis | inflammation of the larynx | |
laryngopharynx | lower part of the pharynx just below the oropharynx opening into the larynx and esophagus | |
laryngoscopy | laryngoscopy | |
laryngospasm | spasm of laryngeal muscles causing constriction | |
laryngotracheal | larynx and trachea | |
laryngotracheobronchitis | laryngotracheobronchitis | |
laryngotracheobronchitis *LTB* | inflammation of the upper airways and swelling that creates a funnel-shaped elongation of the tissue causing a distinct "seal bark" cough - also called croup | |
larynx | voice box | |
larynx | voice box; passageway for air moving from pharynx to trachea; contains vocal cords | |
Laseque's test | ortho test | |
laser-assisted uvuloplasty | LAUP | surgery using a laser in various dermatological prcedures to remove lesions, scars, tattoos, etc |
Lasix | drug | |
lat | side | |
LAT | wound care *4% lidocaine, 0.1% epinephrine *adrenalin*, 0.5% tetracaine* | |
lateral | toward the side | |
lateral decubitus position | to lie down; on the side | |
lateral rectus ressection | a portion of the eye muscle is excised and the severed end is reattached at the original point | |
lateral view | ||
lateralizing | ||
latissimus dorsi muscle | rotates the humerus and moves the arm | |
LAUP | laser-assisted uvuloplasty | |
lavage | to wash | |
lavender flower | herbal medicine | |
laxity | ||
lb or # | pound | |
LDA | left descending coronary artery | |
LDH | LDH: lactic dehydrogenase | |
LDL | Low Density Lipoproteins | |
lecithin | herbal medicine | |
lecrinon bursa *s/l* | olecranon bursa | |
LEEP | loop electrosurgical excision procedure - use of electrosurgical or radio waves transformed through a loop-configured electrosurgical device to treat precancerous lesions by simultaneous excisional biopsy and treatment of affected tissue | |
LeFort classification | classification system for maxillary fracture | |
left heart catheterization | x-ray of the left ventricular cavity and coronary arteries | |
left shift | ||
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease | avascular necrosis | |
lei- | smooth | |
Leiden factor | found during lab test; if patient has *Leiden* factor they have increased chance of developing thrombosis | |
leiomyoma | smooth muscle tumor | |
leiomyosarcoma | malignant smooth muscle tumor | |
lemon balm | herbal medicine | |
lens | transparent structure behind the pupil that bends and focuses light rays on the retina | |
lens capsule | capsule that encloses the lens | |
lensectomy | ||
lenses | not lens' | |
Lentinan-Ajinomoto *lentinan* | ||
lepsy | seizure | |
leptomeningeal | ||
lesion | an area of pathologically altered tissue | |
LET | wound care *4% lidocaine, 0.5% epinephrine, 0.5% tetracaine* | |
lethargy | ||
Leucomax *molgramostim* | ||
leucovorin | folinic acid; active form of B complex vitamin, folate; used as an antidote to drugs that decrease levels of folic acid such as with chemotherapy | |
leucovorin calcium | ||
leuk | white *blood cells* | |
Leukine *sargramostim* | ||
leukocyte | ||
leukocyte esterase | sounds like estrace | |
leukopenia | abnormal reduction of white blood cells | |
leukoplakia, oral | white patches on oral mucosa | |
leukorrhea | abnormal white or yellow vaginal discharge | |
levalbuterol HCI *Xopenex* | drug for bronchospasm | |
Levbid | drug for diarrhea/cramps | |
Levine sign | a classic sign of angina pectoris, when a patient clenches the fist and places it over the sternum to describe the sense of constriction felt in the chest | |
levonogestrel | Brand=Plan B *to prevent pregnancy* | |
LFTs | liver function tests | |
LHRH | luteinizing hormone-releasing hormon | |
license of adhesions *s/l* | Lysis of adhesions | |
lichen simplex chronicus | a form of dermatitis characterized by a patch of pruritic confluent papules | |
lichenification | thickening, coarsening, and pigment change of the skin | |
licorice root | herbal medicine | |
lidocaine patch 5% *Lidoderm* | drug for pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia* | |
Lidoderm *lidocaine patch 5%* | drug for pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia* | |
ligament | a flexible band of fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone | |
ligament laxity | ||
ligamentous | ligamentously *ex: he is ligamentously stable* | |
ligamentum flavum | connects each vertebra to the next | |
light touch sensation | ||
lightheadedness | one word | |
limbus | near the cornea | |
linear opacities | ||
lingu- | tongue | |
lingu *lingua* | tongue | |
lingual airway dysfunction | ||
Linomide *roquinimex* | ||
lip | fat | |
LIP | Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonia *LIP* - a low grade malignant lymphoma of the lung | |
lipids | fats | |
lipoid | resembling fat | |
liposclerosing | ||
liposuction | fat, plastic surgery procedure | |
lipping | ||
lips | fleshy structures surrounding the mouth | |
liquefaction | ||
LIS | lung injury score | |
lispro | insulin | |
listhesis | slipping | |
liter | L | |
liters | abbreviate L | |
lith- | stone | |
lithiasis | formation or presence of stones | |
lithotomy position | ||
lithotripsy | crushing of stone | |
lithotrite | stone crusher | |
liver | organ in the upper right quandrant that peoduces bile, which is secreted into the duodenum during digestion | |
liver tonic tea | herbal medicine | |
lixis *s/l* | lysis | |
LKS | could be liver, kidney, spleen | |
LLETZ | large loop excision of the transformation zone *LLETZ* | |
Lloyd's sign | symptom of renal calculus consisting of pain in the loin on deep percussion over the kidney | |
LLQ | left lower quandrant | |
lob- | lobe *a portion* | |
lobe | a portion | |
lobe, frontal | anterior section of each cerebral hemisphere responsible for voluntary muscle movement and personality | |
lobe, occipital | portion of the central nervous system posterior to the parietal and temporal lobes, responsible for vision | |
lobe, parietal | portion of the central nervous system posterior to the frontal lobe, responsible for sensations such as pain, temperature, touch | |
lobe, temporal | portion of the central nervous system that lies below the frontal lobe, reponsible for hearing, taste, smell | |
lobectomy | removal of a lobe of a lung | |
lobelia | herbal medicine | |
lobes | subdivisions of the lung, two on the left and three on the right | |
local rigidity *s/l* | nuchal rigidity | |
locat | place | |
lochia rubra | ||
locoregional | ||
lofarin *s/l* | warfarin | |
loin | lower back | |
long track sign | OK - refers to pyramidal tract | |
longated *s/l* | elongated | |
loop colostomy | temporary diversion of the colon | |
loop electrosurgical excision procedure *LEEP* | use of electrosurgical or radio waves transformed through a loop-configured electrosurgical device to treat precancerous lesions by simultaneous excisional biopsy and treatment of affected tissue | |
lord- | bent | |
lordosis | abnormal anterior curvature | |
lordosis | abnormal inward curvature of the spine | |
lorfarin *s/l* | Warfarin | |
loss of circulation in the limbs | loss of circulation in the limbs | |
Lou Gehrig disease | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | |
low forceps | ||
low transverse cervical cesarean section | ||
lower GI series | x-ray of the colon after administration of an enema containing a contrast medium | |
lower lobe | ||
LP | lumbar puncture | |
LP | lyphomatous polyposis | |
LS spine | lumbar spine | |
lumb- | loin *lower back* | |
lumbar puncture *LP* | test/procedure for nervous system | |
lumbar region | middle lateral regions | |
lumbarization | condition in which the first segment of the sacrum is not fused with the second and produces an additional articulated vertebra | |
lumbosacral | ||
lumpectomy | excision of a breast tumor without removing any other tissue or lymph nodes | |
lun | moon | |
lung | Lung - one of a a pair of breathing organs located within the chest which remove carbon dioxide from and bring oxygen to the blood. | |
lung biopsy | removal of a small piece of lung tissue for patholigical examination | |
lung fields | ||
lung scan | nuclear scan of the lung to detect abnormalities of perfusion *blood flow* or ventilation *respiration* commonly called V/Q *ventilation/perfusion* scan | |
Lung Transplant *TX or XP* | Lung Transplant *TX or XP* - surgery to replace one or both diseased lungs with healthy ones from a human donor. [Lung Transplantation] | |
lung volume reduction surgery *LVRS* | Lung Volume Reduction Surgery *LVRS* - Reduction Pneumoplasty is performed on patients with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease *COPD*. Varied surgical procedures allow the compressed lung to expand, thus establishing improved respiratory function. LVRS is also referred to as lung shaving, lung contouring, thoracoscopic bullectomy or simply lung reduction. [Pre/Post chest x-rays] | |
lungs | two spongy organs, located in the thoracic cavity enclosed by the diaphragm and rib cage; responsible for respiration | |
lungs are well expanded and clear | ||
lunula | white, moon-shaped cresent on the actively gowing fingernail or toenail | |
lupus | a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of various parts of the body *lupus=wolf* | |
Lupus | spelled lupus *small L* | |
lupus, cutaneous | limited to the skin; evidenced by a rash especially on the face, neck & scalp | |
lupus, systemic erythematosus | *SLE* more severe form of lupus involving the skin, joints and often vital organs *lungs, kidneys* | |
LUQ | left upper quandrant | |
luteinizing hormone | causes ovulation; stimulates secretion of progesterone by corpus luteum; causes secretion of testosterone in testes | |
luteum, corpus | part of the follicle that remains behind in the ovary after the ovum ruptures | |
luviitis *s/l* | uveitis | |
luxation | ||
LVRS | Lung Volume Reduction Surgery | |
Lycopenes | re: plays part in health of prostate | |
Lyme antigen | ||
Lyme disease | arthritic disease from tick bite | |
lymphadenopathy | any disorder characterized by a localized or generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes or lymph vessels | |
lymphadenopathy *see LAP, LAD,LAN* | abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes | |
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis *LAM* | Lymphangioleiomyomatosis *LAM* - rare lung disease that affects only women; abnormal muscle cells invade the lung and airways, as well as blood and lymph vessels, causing them to become obstructed.[LAM Foundation] | |
lymphasure and blue injection *s/l* | Lymphazurin dye *isosulfan blue* | |
lymphocyte | ||
Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonia *LIP* | Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonia *LIP* - a low grade malignant lymphoma of the lung | |
lymphoid hyperplasia | ||
lymphokines | ||
lysis of adhesions |