Glossary
Swelling: Abnormal inflammation that occurs in the bodyAnemia : A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components.
Fracture: A fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage. Fractures are also named by the trauma event that caused the bone breakage.
X-ray: High energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-rays possess the properties of penetrating most substances (to varying extents), of acting on a photographic film or plate (permitting radiography), and of causing a fluorescent screen to give off light (permitting fluoroscopy). In low doses X-rays are used for making images that help to diagnose disease, and in high doses to treat cancer. Formerly called a Roentgen ray.
Ultrasound: A test that bounces sound waves off tissues and internal organs and changes the echoes into pictures (sonograms).
Bruising: A bruise or "contusion" is an traumatic injury of the soft tissues which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells. In the skin it can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration which does not blanch when pressed upon. When it fades it becomes green and brown as the body metabolizes the blood cells in the skin. It is best treated with local application of a cold pack immediately after injury.
Coma: A state of unarousable unconsciousness.
Bone: Bone is the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. It is composed chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. It also serves as a storage area for calcium, playing a large role in calcium balance in the blood.
