Distinctive Adjectives - A Medical Twist. Quiz

Answer: Chest

"Pulmo" is a Latin word meaning lung, hence the distinctive adjective "pulmonary" pertains to the lungs. The lungs are located in the chest cavity, hence a CT of the chest can confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Answer: Brain

The Latin word "cerebrum" pertains to the brain. Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain due to an accumulation of fluid. Causes of cerebral edema include trauma and hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply to the tissues).

Answer: At night

The distinctive adjective "nocturnal" pertains to night. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) can be a manifestation of congestive heart failure. One theory which explains this feature is as follows: during the day, when the individual is in a vertical position, fluid tends to pool in the dependent body parts, the legs.

This causes swelling of the legs. When the individual assumes a horizontal position to sleep, the fluid is redistributed centrally and becomes too much for the heart to handle. Fluid pools in the lungs and the individual manifests with an acute episode of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and anxiety due to feelings of suffocation.

Answer: Tongue and lips

"Glossal" and "labial" are distinctive adjectives which pertains to the tongue and lips respectively. Zestril falls into a category of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs help to relax the blood vessels, which helps to lower the blood pressure.

Although rare, angioedema may be a side effect of ACE inhibitors. This is manifested by swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, throat and hands. There may also be hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. This is a medical emergency, for if the swelling continues unchecked the airway can become compromised and affect breathing.

Answer: The gums

If you selected gums, you're correct. Gingival is a distinctive adjective which pertains to the gums. "Gingiva" is the Latin word for gum. Pregnancy gingivitis and bleeding gums are common features in pregnancy due to hormonal and other physiological changes. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental checks are important. Pregnant women are encouraged to use a soft-bristled tooth brush and brush thoroughly but gently.

Answer: Fat

"Adipose" and "sebaceous" are distinctive adjectives for fat. The Latin "adeps" or "adipi" means fat. "Sebaceous" is also Latin in origin. It means fat or secreting a fatty substance. Not all overweight people are obese. A person can be overweight due to bulky muscles or due to an accumulation of fluid. An obese person, however, is overweight due to an excessive accumulation of fatty tissue.

Answer: Iron

"Ferrous" pertains to iron. It stems fron the Latin word "ferrum", meaning iron. Many people with chronic anemia are deficient in iron. Blood studies are done to diagnose the specific type of anemia.

Answer: The heart

"Cardiac" is a distinctive adjective which pertains to the heart. The Latin "cardiacus" and Greek "kardiakos" are both equivalent to "heart." Cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction and endocarditis are examples of diseases which affect the heart.

Answer: liver

"Hepatic" comes from the Greek word "hepar" which means "the liver." The healthy liver helps to remove harmful substances from the blood stream. Some of these harmful substances are produced from metabolic activities within the body. For example, protein metabolism gives rise to production of ammonia. Usually the liver converts ammonia into a harmless substance. If the liver is damaged, as in cirrhosis and hepatitis, harmful substances build up in the blood and affect the brain. Neurological symptoms such as forgetfulness, confusion and changes in mood occur.

As the condition worsens, the individual becomes drowsy, disoriented and comatose.

Answer: Milk

"Lacteal" and "lachrymal" are Latin in origin and refers to milk and tears respectively. The Greek prefix "hema" or "hemo" pertains to blood whereas "uro" refers to urine.