Glossary Terms A-F (2332.0K)

10 x lens	A magnifying lens in the ocular of a microscope that magnifies an image ten times. (See page(s) 45)
24-hour urine specimen	A urine specimen collected over a 24-hour period and used to complete a quantitative and qualitative analysis of one or more substances, such as sodium, chloride, and calcium. (See page(s) 47)
abandonment	A situation in which a health-care professional stops caring for a patient without arranging for care by an equally qualified substitute. (See page(s) 3)
ABA number	A fraction appearing in the upper right corner of all printed checks that identifies the geographic area and specific bank on which the check is drawn. (See page(s) 18)
abduction	Movement away from the body. (See page(s) 26)
abscess	A collection of pus (white blood cells, bacteria, and dead skin cells) that forms as a result of infection. (See page(s) 42)
absorption	The process by which one substance is absorbed, or taken in and incorporated, into another,as when the body converts food or drugs into a form it can use. (See page(s) 50)
access	The way patients enter and exit a medical office (See page(s) 13)
accessibility	The ease with which people can move into and out of a space. (See page(s) 22)
accounts payable	Money owed by a business; the practice's expenses. (See page(s) 17)
accounts receivable	Income or money owed to a business. (See page(s) 17)
accreditation	The documentation of official authorization or approval of a program. (See page(s) 1)
acetylcholine	A neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nerves onto organs and glands for resting and digesting. (See page(s) 26)
acetylcholinesterase	An enzyme within the nervous system that hydrolyzes acetylcholine to acetate and choline. (See page(s) 26)
acid-fast stain	A staining procedure for identifying bacteria that have a waxy cell wall. (See page(s) 46)
acids	Electrolytes that release hydrogen ions in water. (See page(s) 23)
acinar cells	Cells in the pancreas that produce pancreatic juice. (See page(s) 31)
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)	The most advanced stage of HIV infection; it severely weakens the body's immune system. (See page(s) 29)
acromegaly	A disorder in which too much growth hormone is produced in adults. (See page(s) 32)
acrosome	An enzymefilled sac covering the head of a sperm that aids in the penetration of the egg during fertilization. (See page(s) 35)
action potential	The flow of electrical current along the axon membrane. (See page(s) 27)
active file	A file used on a consistent basis. (See page(s) 10)
active listening	Part of two-way communication, such as offering feedback or asking questions; contrast with passive listening. (See page(s) 4)
active transport	The movement of a substance across a cell membrane from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. (See page(s) 23)
acupuncturist	A practitioner of acupuncture. The acupuncturist uses hollow needles inserted into the patient's skin to treat pain, discomfort, or systemic imbalances. (See page(s) 2)
acute	Having a rapid onset and progress, as acute appendicitis. (See page(s) 40)
addiction	A physical or psychological dependence on a substance, usually involving a pattern of behavior that includes obsessive or compulsive preoccupation with the substance and the security of its supply, as well as a high rate of relapse after withdrawal. (See page(s) 36)
add-on code	A code indicating procedures that are usually carried out in addition to another procedure. Add-on codes are used together with the primary code. (See page(s) 16)
adduction	Movement toward the body. (See page(s) 26)
adenoids	See pharyngeal tonsils. (See page(s) 31)
administer	To give a drug directly by injection, by mouth, or by any other route that introduces the drug into the body. (See page(s) 50)
adrenocorticotropic hormone	Hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release its hormones. (See page(s) 32)
advance scheduling	Booking an appointment several weeks or even months in advance. (See page(s) 12)
aerobes	Bacteria that grow best in the presence of oxygen. (See page(s) 46)
aerobic respiration	A process that requires large amounts of oxygen and uses glucose to make ATP. (See page(s) 26)
afebrile	Having a body temperature within one's normal range. (See page(s) 37)
afferent arterioles	Structures that deliver blood to the glomeruli of the kidneys. (See page(s) 34)
affiliation agreement	An agreement that externship participants must sign that states the expectations of the facility and the expectations of the student. (See page(s) 54)
agar	A gelatinlike substance derived from seaweed that gives a culture medium its semisolid consistency. (See page(s) 46)
age analysis	The process of clarifying and reviewing past due accounts by age from the first date of billing. (See page(s) 17)
agenda	The list of topics discussed or presented at a meeting, in order of presentation. (See page(s) 12)
agent	(legal) A person who acts on a physician's behalf while performing professional tasks; (clinical) an active principle or entity that produces a certain effect, for example, an infectious agent. (See page(s) 3)
agglutination	The clumping of red blood cells following a blood transfusion. (See page(s) 28)
aggressive	Imposing one's position on others or trying to manipulate them. (See page(s) 4)
agranular leukocyte	A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) with a solid nucleus and clear cytoplasm; includes lymphocytes and monocytes. (See page(s) 48)
agranulocyte	See agranular leukocyte. (See page(s) 28)
albumins	The smallest of the plasma proteins. Albumins are important for pulling water into the bloodstream to help maintain blood pressure. (See page(s) 28)
aldosterone	A hormone produced in the adrenal glands that acts on the kidney. It causes the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium. Its role is to maintain blood volume and pressure. (See page(s) 32)
alimentary canal	The organs of the digestive system that extend from the mouth to the anus. (See page(s) 31)
allele	Any one of a pair or series of genes that occupy a specific position on a specific chromosome. (See page(s) 23)
allergen	An antigen that induces an allergic reaction. (See page(s) 29)
allergist	A specialist who diagnoses and treats physical reactions to substances including mold, dust, fur, pollen, foods, drugs, and chemicals. (See page(s) 2)
allowed charge	The amount that is the most the payer will pay any provider for each procedure or service. (See page(s) 15)
alopecia	The clinical term for baldness. (See page(s) 24)
alphabetic filing system	A filing system in which the files are arranged in alphabetic order, with the patient's last name first, followed by the first name and middle initial. (See page(s) 10)
Alphabetic Index	One of two ways diagnoses are listed in the ICD-9-CM. They appear in alphabetic order with their corresponding diagnosis codes. (See page(s) 16)
alveolar glands	Glands that make milk under the influence of the hormone prolactin. (See page(s) 35)
alveoli	Clusters of air sacs in which the exchange of gases between air and blood takes place; located in the lungs. (See page(s) 30)
American Association of Medical Assistants	The professional organization that certifies medical assistants and works to maintain professional standards in the medical assisting profession. (See page(s) 1)
Americans With Disabilities Act	A U.S. civil rights act forbidding discrimination against people because of a physical or mental handicap. (See page(s) 13)
amblyopia	Poorvision in one eye without a detectable cause. (See page(s) 33)
amino acids	Natural organic compounds found in plant and animal foods and used by the body to create protein. (See page(s) 49)
amnion	The innermost membrane enveloping the embryo and containing amniotic fluid. (See page(s) 35)
anabolism	The stage of metabolism in which substances such as nutrients are changed into more complex substances and used to build body tissues. (See page(s) 49)
anaerobe	A bacterium that grows best in the absence of oxygen. (See page(s) 46)
anal canal	The last few centimeters of the rectum. (31) (See page(s) 31)
anaphylaxis	A severe allergic reaction with symptoms that include respiratory distress, difficulty in swallowing, pallor, and a drastic drop in blood pressure that can lead to circulatory collapse. (29) (See page(s) 29)
anatomical position	When the body is standing upright and facing forward with the arms at the side and the palms of the hands facing forward. (See page(s) 23)
anatomy	The scientific term for the study of body structure. (See page(s) 23)
anemia	A condition characterized by low red blood cell count. This condition decreases the ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. (See page(s) 28)
anergic reaction	A lack of response to skin testing that indicates the body's inability to mount a normal response to invasion by a pathogen. (See page(s) 21)
anesthesia	A loss of sensation, particularly the feeling of pain. (See page(s) 42)
anesthetic	A medication that causes anesthesia. (See page(s) 42)
anesthetist	A specialist who uses medications to cause patients to lose sensation or feeling during surgery. (See page(s) 2)
aneurysm	A serious and potentially life-threatening bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. (See page(s) 28)
angiography	An x-ray examination of a blood vessel, performed after the injection of a contrast medium, that evaluates the function and structure of one or more arteries or veins. (See page(s) 41)
angiotensin II	A hormone that raises blood pressure and causes the secretion of another hormone called aldosterone. (See page(s) 34)
annotate	To underline or highlight key points of a document or to write reminders, make comments, and suggest actions in the margins. (See page(s) 7)
anorexia nervosa	An eating disorder in which people starve themselves because they fear that if they lose control of eating they will become grossly overweight. (See page(s) 49)
antagonist	A muscle that produces the opposite movement of the prime mover. (See page(s) 26)
antecubital space	The inner side or bend of the elbow;the site at which the brachial artery is felt or heard when a pulse or blood pressure is taken. (See page(s) 37)
anterior	Anatomical term meaning toward the front of the body;also called ventral. (See page(s) 23)
antibodies	Highly specific proteins that attach themselves to foreign substances in an initial step in destroying such substances, as part of the body's defenses. (See page(s) 19)
antidiuretic hormone	A hormone that increases water reabsorption, which decreases urine production and helps to maintain blood pressure. (See page(s) 32)
antigen	A foreign substance that stimulates white blood cells to create antibodies when it enters the body. (See page(s) 19)
antihistamines	Medications used to treat allergies. (See page(s) 29)
antimicrobial	An agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their growth. (See page(s) 46)
antioxidants	Chemical agents that fight cell-destroying chemical substances called free radicals. (See page(s) 49)
antiseptic	A cleaning product used on human tissue as an anti-infection agent. (See page(s) 20)
anuria	The absence of urine production. (See page(s) 47)
aortic valve	Heart valve that is a semilunar valve and that is situated between the left ventricle and the aorta. (See page(s) 28)
apex	The left lower corner of the heart, where the strongest heart sounds can be heard. (See page(s) 37)
apical	Located at the apex of the heart. (See page(s) 37)
apocrine gland	A type of sweat gland. It produces a thicker type of sweat than other sweat glands and contains more proteins. (See page(s) 24)
aponeurosis	A tough, sheet-like structure that is made of fibrous connective tissue. It typically attaches muscles to other muscles. (See page(s) 26)
appendicitis	Inflammation of the appendix. (See page(s) 31)
appendicular	The division of the skeletal system that consists of the bones of the arms, legs, pectoral girdle, and pelvic girdle. (See page(s) 25)
approximation	The process of bringing the edges of a wound together, so the tissue surfaces are close, to protect the area from further contamination and to minimize scar and scab formation. (See page(s) 42)
aqueous humor	A liquid produced by the eye's ciliary body that fills the space between the cornea and the lens. (See page(s) 33)
arbitration	A process in which opposing sides choose a person or persons outside the court system,often someone with special knowledge in the field, to hear and decide a dispute. (See page(s) 3)
areflexia	The absence of reflexes. (See page(s) (27))
areola	The pigmented area that surrounds the nipple. (See page(s) 35)
arrector pili	Muscles attached to most hair follicles and found in the dermis. (See page(s) 24)
arrhythmia	Irregularity in heart rhythm. (See page(s) 28)
arterial blood gases	A test that measures the amount of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, dissolved in arterial blood. (See page(s) 40)
arthrography	A radiologic procedure performed by a radiologist, who uses a contrast medium and fluoroscopy to help diagnose abnormalities or injuries in the cartilage, tendons, or ligaments of the joints—usually the knee or shoulder. (See page(s) 53)
arthroscopy	A procedure in which an orthopedist examines a joint, usually the knee or shoulder, with a tubular instrument called an arthroscope; also used to guide surgical procedures. (See page(s) 41)
articular cartilage	The cartilage that covers the epiphysis of long bones. (See page(s) 25)
artifact	Any irrelevant object or mark observed when examining specimens or graphic records that is not related to the object being examined; for example, a foreign object visible through a microscope or an erroneous mark on an ECG strip. (See page(s) 45)
ascending colon	The segment of the large intestine that runs up the right side of the abdominal cavity. (See page(s) 31)
ascending tracts	The tracts of the spinal cord that carry sensory information to the brain. (See page(s) 27)
asepsis	The condition in which pathogens are absent or controlled. (See page(s) 19)
assault	The open threat of bodily harm to another. (See page(s) 3)
assertive	Being firm and standing up for oneself while showing respect for others. (See page(s) 4)
asset	An item owned by the practice that has a dollar value, such as the medical practice building, office,equipment, or accounts receivable. (See page(s) 18)
assignment of benefits	An authorization for an insurance carrier to pay a physician or practice directly. (See page(s) 15)
astigmatism	A condition in which the cornea has an abnormal shape, which causes blurred images during near or distant vision. (See page(s) 33)
atherosclerosis	The accumulation of fatty deposits along the inner walls of arteries. (See page(s) 28)
atlas	The first cervical vertebra. (See page(s) 25)
atoms	The simplest units of all matter. (See page(s) 23)
atria	Singular: atrium Chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins and circulate it to the ventricles. (See page(s) 28)
atrial natriuretic peptide	A hormone secreted by the heart that regulates blood pressure. (See page(s) 32)
atrioventricular bundle	A structure that is located between the ventricles of the heart and that sends the electrical impulse to the Purkinje fibers. (See page(s) 28)
atrioventricular node	A node that is located between the atria of the heart. After the electrical impulse reaches the atrioventricular node, the atria contract and the impulse is sent to the ventricles. (See page(s) 28)
audiologist	A health-care specialist who focuses on evaluating and correcting hearing problems. (See page(s) 39)
audiometer	An electronic device that measures hearing acuity by producing sounds in specific frequencies and intensities. (39) (See page(s) 39)
auditory tube	A structure that connects the middle ear to the throat. Also called the Eustachian tube. (See page(s) 33)
auricle	The outside part of the ear, made of cartilage and covered with skin. (See page(s) 33)
auscultated blood pressure	Blood pressure as measured by listening with a stethoscope. (See page(s) 37)
auscultation	The process of listening to body sounds. (See page(s) 38)
authorization	A form that explains in detail the standards for the use and disclosure of patient information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. (See page(s) 3)
autoclave	A device that uses pressurized steam to sterilize instruments and equipment. (See page(s) 20)
automated external defibrillator	A computerized defibrillator programmed to recognize lethal heart rhythms and deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal rhythm. (See page(s) 44)
autonomic	A division of the peripheral nervous system that connects the central nervous system to viscera such as the heart, stomach, intestines, glands, blood vessels, and bladder. (See page(s) 27)
autosome	A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. (See page(s) 23)
axial	The division of the skeletal system that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. (See page(s) 25)
axilla	Armpit; one of the four locations for temperature readings. (See page(s) 37)
axis	The second vertebra of the neck on which the head turns. (See page(s) 25)
axon	A type of nerve fiber that is typically long and branches far from the cell body. Its function is to send information away from the cell body. (See page(s) 27)
bacillus	A rod-shaped bacterium. (See page(s) 46)
bacterial spore	A primitive, thick-walled reproductive body capable of developing into a new individual; resistant to killing through disinfection. (See page(s) 19)
balance billing	Billing a patient for the difference between a higher usual fee and a lower allowed charge. (See page(s) 15)
barium enema	A radiologic procedure performed by a radiologist who administers barium sulfate through the anus, into the rectum, and then into the colon to help diagnose and evaluate obstructions, ulcers, polyps, diverticulosis, tumors, or motility problems of the colon or rectum; also called a lower GI (gastrointestinal) series. (See page(s) 53)
barium swallow	A radiologic procedure that involves oral administration of a barium sulfate drink to help diagnose and evaluate obstructions, ulcers, polyps, diverticulosis, tumors, or motility problems of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and small intestine; also called an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series. (See page(s) 53)
baroreceptors	Structures, located in the aorta and carotid arteries, that help regulate blood pressure. (See page(s) 28)
bases	Electrolytes that releasehydroxyl ions in water. (See page(s) 23)
basophil	A type of granular leukocyte that produces the chemical histamine, which aids the body in controlling allergic reactions and other exaggerated immunologic responses. (See page(s) 28)
battery	An action that causes bodily harm to another. (See page(s) 3)
behavior modification	The altering of personal habits to promote a healthier lifestyle. (See page(s) 49)
benefits	Payments for medical services. (See page(s) 15)
bicarbonate ions	Elements formed when carbon dioxide gets into the bloodstream and reacts with water. In the alimentary canal, these ions neutralize acidic chyme arriving from the stomach. (See page(s) 30)
bicuspids	Teeth with two cusps. There are two in front of each set of molars. (See page(s) 31)
bicuspid valve	Heart valve that has two cusps and that is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Also known as the mitral valve. (See page(s) 28)
bile	A substance created in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is a bitter yellow-green fluid that is used in the digestion of fats. (See page(s) 31)
bilirubin	A bile pigment formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin in the liver. (See page(s) 28)
bilirubinuria	The presence of bilirubin in the urine; one of the first signs of liver disease or conditions that involve the liver. (See page(s) 47)
birthday rule	A rule that states that the insurance policy of a policyholder whose birthday comes first in the year is the primary payer for all dependents. (See page(s) 15)
biliverdin	A pigment released when a red blood cell is destroyed. (See page(s) 28)
biochemistry	The study of matter and chemical reactions in the body. (See page(s) 23)
bioethics	Principles of right and wrong in issues that arise from medical advances. (See page(s) 3)
biohazard symbol	A symbol that must appear on all containers used to store waste products, blood, blood products, or other specimens that may be infectious. (See page(s) 45)
biohazardous materials	Biological agents that can spread disease to living things. (See page(s) 19)
biohazardous waste container	A leakproof, puncture-resistant container,color-coded red or labeled with a special biohazard symbol, that is used to store and dispose of contaminated supplies and equipment. (See page(s) 19)
biopsy	The process of removing and examining tissues and cells from the body. (See page(s) 29)
biopsy specimen	A small amount of tissue removed from the body for examination under a microscope to diagnose an illness. (See page(s) 42)
bioterrorism	The intentional release of a biologic agent with the intent to harm individuals. (See page(s) 44)
blastocyst	A morula that travels down the uterine tube to the uterus and is invaded with fluid. It then implants into the wall of the uterus. (See page(s) 35)
blood-borne pathogen	A disease-causing microorganism carried in a host's blood and transmitted through contact with infected blood, tissue, or body fluids. (See page(s) 21)
blood-brain barrier	A structure that is formed from tight capillaries to protect the tissues of the central nervous system from certain substances. (See page(s) 27)
B lymphocyte	A type of nongranular leukocyte that produces antibodies to combat specific pathogens. (See page(s) 48)
body language	Nonverbal communication, including facial expressions, eye contact, posture, touch, and attention to personal space. (See page(s) 4)
bookkeeping	The systematic recording of business transactions. (See page(s) 18)
bone conduction	The process by which sound waves pass through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ears. (See page(s) 39)
botulism	A lifethreatening type of food poisoning that results from eating improperly canned or preserved foods that have been contaminated with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. (See page(s) 26)
brachial artery	An artery that provides a palpable pulse and audible vascular sounds in the antecubital space (the bend of the elbow). (See page(s) 37)
brachytherapy	A radiation therapy technique in which a radiologist places temporary radioactive implants close to or directly into cancerous tissue; used for treating localized cancers. (53) (See page(s) 53)
brain stem	A structure that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord. (See page(s) 27)
breach of contract	The violation of or failure to live up to a contract's terms. (See page(s) 3)
bronchi	The two branches of the trachea that enter the lungs. (See page(s) 30)
bronchial tree	A series of tubes that begins where the distal end of the trachea branches. (See page(s) 30)
bronchioles	A part of the respiratory tract that branches from the tertiary bronchi. (See page(s) 30)
buccal	Between the cheek and gum. (See page(s) 51)
bulbourethral glands	Glands that lie beneath the prostate and empty their fluid into the urethra. Their fluid aids in sperm movement. (See page(s) 35)
buffy coat	The layer between the packed red blood cells and plasma in a centrifuged blood sample; this layer contains the white blood cells and platelets. (See page(s) 48)
bulimia	An eating disorder in which people eat a large quantity of food in a short period of time (bingeing) and then attempt to counter the effects of bingeing by self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, and/or excessive exercise. (See page(s) 49)
burnout	The end result of prolonged periods of stress without relief. Burnout is an energy-depleting condition that can affect one's health and career. It can be common for those who work in health care. (See page(s) 4)
bursitis	Inflammation of a bursa. (See page(s) 25)
calcaneus	The largest tarsal bone; also called the heel bone. (See page(s) 25)
calcitonin	A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by activating osteoblasts. (See page(s) 32)
calibrate	to determine the caliber of (See page(s) 37)
calibration syringe	A standardized measuring instrument used to check and adjust the volume indicator on a spirometer. (See page(s) 52)
calorie	A unit used to measure the amount of energy food produces;the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1°C. (See page(s) 49)
calyces	Small cavities of the renal pelvis of the kidney. (See page(s) 34)
canaliculi	Tiny canals that connect lacunae to each other. (See page(s) 25)
capillary	Branches of arterioles and the smallest type of blood vessel. (See page(s) 28)
capillary puncture	A blood-drawing technique that requires a superficial puncture of the skin with a sharp point. (See page(s) 48)
capitation	A payment structure in which a health maintenance organization prepays an annual set fee per patient to a physician. (See page(s) 15)
carboxypeptidase	A pancreatic enzyme that digests proteins. (See page(s) 31)
carcinogen	) A factor that is known to cause the formation of cancer. (See page(s) 29)
cardiac catheterization	A diagnostic method in which a catheter is inserted into a vein or artery in the arm or leg and passed through blood vessels into the heart. (See page(s) 41)
cardiac cycle	The sequence of contraction and relaxation that makes up a complete heartbeat. (See page(s) 52)
cardiologist	A specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular diseases). (See page(s) 2)
carditis	Inflammation of the heart. (See page(s) 28)
carpal	Bones of the wrist. (See page(s) 25)
carpal tunnel syndrome	A painful disorder caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. (See page(s) 25)
carrier	A reservoir host who is unaware of the presence of a pathogen and so spreads the disease while exhibiting no symptoms of infection. (See page(s) 19)
cast	A rigid, external dressing, usually made of plaster or fiberglass, that is molded to the contours of the body part to which it is applied; used to immobilize a fractured or dislocated bone. (44) Cylinder-shaped elements with flat or rounded ends, differing in composition and size, that form when protein from the breakdown of cells accumulates and precipitates in the kidney tubules and is washed into the urine. (See page(s) 47)
catabolism	The stage of metabolism in which complex substances, including utrients and body tissues, are broken down into simpler substances and converted into energy. (See page(s) 49)
cataracts	Cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye that prevent light from reaching visual receptors. (See page(s) 33)
cash flow statement	A statement that shows the cash on hand at the beginning of a period, the income and disbursements made during the period, and the new amount of cash on hand at the end of the period. (See page(s) 18)
cashier's check	A bank check issued by a bank on bank paper and signed by a bank representative; usually purchased by individuals who do not have checking accounts. (See page(s) 18)
catheterization	The procedure during which a catheter is inserted into a vessel, an organ, or a body cavity. (See page(s) 47)
caudal	See inferior (See page(s) 23)
CD-ROM	A compact disc that contains software programs; an abbreviation for “compact disc— read-only memory.” (See page(s) 6)
cecum	The first section of the large intestine. (See page(s) 31)
cell body	The portion of the neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles. (See page(s) 27)
cell membrane	The outer limit of a cell that is thin and selectively permeable. It controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell. (See page(s) 23)
cells	The smallest living units of structure and function. (See page(s) 23)
cellulitis	Inflammation of cellular or connective tissue. (See page(s) 24)
cellulose	A type of carbohydrate that is found in vegetables and cannot be digested by humans; commonly called fiber. (See page(s) 31)
Celsius	One of two common scales for measuring temperature; measured in degrees Celsius, or °C. (See page(s) 37)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services	A congressional agency designed to handle Medicare and Medicaid insurance claims. It was formerly known as the Health Care Financing Administration. (See page(s) 15)
central nervous system	A system that consists of the brain and the spinal cord. (See page(s) 27)
central processing unit	A microprocessor, the primary computer chip responsible for interpreting and executing programs. (See page(s) 6)
centrifuge	A device used to spin a specimen at high speed until it separates into its compon