CBO1 - Medical Terminology Exam

Explanation

The prefix 'nephr/o' signifies something relating to the kidney. It is used in medical terms such as 'nephrology,' which is the study of the kidneys, and 'nephrectomy,' which is the surgical removal of a kidney. Understanding this prefix helps accurately interpret medical terminology involving renal anatomy and pathology.

Correct Answer:

Relating to the kidney

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Relating to the bladder

This is incorrect because the bladder is indicated by the prefix 'cyst/o,' not 'nephr/o.' Using 'nephr/o' would incorrectly suggest kidney involvement rather than the bladder.

Relating to the urethra

This is incorrect because the urethra is denoted by the prefix 'urethr/o.' 'Nephr/o' specifically refers to the kidney, not the urinary outflow tract.

Relating to the ureters

This is incorrect because the ureters are indicated by the prefix 'ureter/o.' 'Nephr/o' refers solely to the kidneys, not the connecting tubes.

Explanation:

Anuria is the medical term that describes the complete absence of urine production by the kidneys. It is a serious condition that can result from acute kidney failure, obstruction of the urinary tract, or severe dehydration. The term specifically refers to zero urine output, distinguishing it from conditions with reduced or excessive urine production or symptoms such as pain or blood in the urine.

Correct Answer:

Anuria

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Oliguria

Oliguria refers to abnormally low urine output, typically less than 400 mL per day in adults. While related to kidney dysfunction, it does not indicate a total absence of urine, making it incorrect.

Polyuria

Polyuria describes excessive urine production, often seen in conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. It is the opposite of anuria, so this option is inaccurate.

Dysuria

Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination but does not indicate the absence of urine. This option is incorrect because it describes a symptom rather than total urine output.

Hematuria

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. It does not describe the quantity of urine produced, so it is not relevant to the condition of anuria.

Explanation:

The term "pyuria" specifically refers to the presence of pus in the urine. Pus consists of white blood cells, typically indicating an infection or inflammatory process in the urinary tract. Unlike bacteriuria, which refers to bacteria in the urine, pyuria directly describes the excretion of pus, making it the precise medical term for this condition.

Correct Answer:

pyuria

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

infection

While infections can cause pus in the urine, the term "infection" is general and does not specifically indicate pus presence. Pyuria is the correct clinical term for identifying pus in urine.

ketonuria

Ketonuria refers to the presence of ketone bodies in the urine, which is unrelated to pus. This condition typically occurs in uncontrolled diabetes or starvation, making it irrelevant to the question.

bacteriuria

Bacteriuria denotes bacteria in the urine but does not necessarily indicate the presence of pus. A patient can have bacteriuria without pyuria, so this term does not specifically answer the question.

hematuria

Hematuria refers to blood in the urine, not pus. It is a completely different pathological finding, making this option incorrect.

Explanation:

The suffix '-stenosis' in medical terminology refers specifically to the narrowing of a passage or opening in the body. This can apply to blood vessels, heart valves, or other tubular structures. The term originates from the Greek word "stenos," meaning narrow. Understanding this suffix is essential in medical contexts because it describes conditions that can impede normal flow or function, such as aortic stenosis, where the aortic valve is narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart.

Correct Answer:

Narrowing of a passage or opening

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Inflammation of a structure

This is incorrect because the suffix for inflammation is '-itis,' not '-stenosis.' For example, 'appendicitis' refers to inflammation of the appendix, which is distinct from a narrowing of a passage.

Enlargement of an organ

This is incorrect because enlargement is indicated by the suffix '-megaly.' Conditions like 'cardiomegaly' describe an enlarged heart, which is unrelated to the narrowing implied by '-stenosis.'

Abnormal growth of tissue

This is incorrect because abnormal growth is indicated by the suffix '-plasia' or '-oma' for tumors. For instance, 'hyperplasia' refers to an increased number of cells, not a narrowed passage.

Explanation:

A cystocele refers to the herniation of the urinary bladder into the vaginal wall. This condition occurs when the supportive tissues between a woman’s bladder and vaginal wall weaken, allowing the bladder to protrude into the vagina. Understanding the term is essential because the suffix '-cele' indicates a hernia or swelling, and 'cysto-' refers to the urinary bladder, combining to define the condition precisely.

Correct Answer:

cystocele

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

varicocele

This is incorrect because a varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, not related to the urinary bladder. It is a vascular condition, not a herniation.

ureterocele

This is incorrect because a ureterocele is a congenital dilation of the distal ureter as it enters the bladder. Although it involves the urinary system, it is not a herniation of the bladder itself.

hiatal hernia

This is incorrect because a hiatal hernia involves the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity, which is unrelated to the urinary bladder.

Explanation:

VCUG stands for Voiding Cystourethrogram. This is a diagnostic imaging test that evaluates the bladder and urethra while the patient is voiding. It is commonly used to detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux, urethral obstruction, or structural anomalies. The test involves filling the bladder with contrast material and taking X-ray images during urination, allowing visualization of the urinary tract in motion.

Correct Answer:

Voiding Cystourethrogram

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Vascular Cystic Ultrasound

This is incorrect because VCUG is not an ultrasound study and does not assess vascular structures. It specifically involves X-ray imaging with contrast.

Visual Cystoscopy Under Guidance

This is incorrect because cystoscopy is an endoscopic procedure, not a radiographic test. VCUG evaluates urinary tract anatomy with contrast, not direct visualization.

Vaginal Cystourethral Graft

This is incorrect because VCUG is a diagnostic procedure, not a surgical graft. The term refers to imaging, not a therapeutic intervention.

Explanation:

The prefix "hydr/o" in medical terminology refers to water or fluid. It is used in terms such as "hydrocephalus," which describes the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This prefix specifically indicates the presence of water or fluid, distinguishing it from references to organs, bodies of water, or ingestion.

Correct Answer:

water

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

ear

The medical term for ear uses the prefix "ot/o," as in "otitis" (inflammation of the ear). "Hydr/o" does not relate to the ear, making this option incorrect.

lake

While "lake" is a body of water, it is not used in medical terminology. "Hydr/o" refers to fluid in the body or medical context, not geographic bodies of water, so this option is inaccurate.

eating/swallowing

Eating or swallowing is indicated by the prefix "phag/o," as in "dysphagia." "Hydr/o" does not relate to ingestion, making this option wrong.

Explanation:

The glomerulus is the site of filtration in the nephron, where blood plasma is filtered from the glomerular capillaries into Bowman's capsule. The tubules, including the proximal and distal convoluted tubules and the loop of Henle, are responsible for the selective reabsorption of water, electrolytes, and nutrients back into the bloodstream, as well as the secretion of additional wastes. This division of labor ensures the kidney can efficiently remove waste while conserving essential substances.

Correct Answer:

The glomerulus is the site of filtration; the tubules are the site of reabsorption

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

The glomerulus is the site of reabsorption; the tubules are the site of filtration

This is incorrect because filtration occurs at the glomerulus, not at the tubules. The tubules primarily handle reabsorption and secretion, not the initial filtration of plasma.

The glomerulus and the tubules are both the site of filtration

This is incorrect because only the glomerulus performs filtration. The tubules do not filter blood but rather process the filtrate through reabsorption and secretion.

The glomerulus is the site of secretion; the tubules are the site of reabsorption

This is incorrect because secretion occurs primarily in the tubules, not the glomerulus. The glomerulus is responsible for filtration, not secretion.

Explanation:

The prefixes 'nephr/o-' and 'ren/o-' both refer to the kidneys. 'Nephr/o-' originates from Greek, while 'ren/o-' originates from Latin, but both are used interchangeably in medical terminology to describe kidney-related structures, conditions, or procedures. Examples include 'nephrology' (study of the kidneys) and 'renal artery' (artery supplying the kidney).

Correct Answer:

Kidneys

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Lungs

This is incorrect because the lungs are denoted by the prefix 'pulmon/o-' or 'pneum/o-.' 'Nephr/o-' and 'ren/o-' do not refer to pulmonary structures.

Heart

This is incorrect because the heart is indicated by the prefix 'cardi/o.' The kidney-specific prefixes do not pertain to cardiac anatomy or function.

Brain

This is incorrect because the brain is referred to by the prefix 'encephal/o.' 'Nephr/o-' and 'ren/o-' are unrelated to neural structures.