Health and Medical
English Basic Vocabulary - Part 3 · 50 lessons
What does “Gynecology” mean?
Why A is correct:
The word "gynecology" comes from Greek: "gyne" = woman and "logos" = study. So it literally means "study of women," specifically their reproductive health and organs.
Why B is wrong:
That describes urology (or andrology for male-specific issues). Gynecology is exclusively focused on female patients and female reproductive systems, not male.
What does “Bronchitis” mean?
Why A is correct:
The suffix "-itis" means inflammation, and "bronch-" refers to the bronchial tubes in the lungs. So bronchitis literally means inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which matches option A perfectly.
Why B is wrong:
This describes a vein/circulatory problem, but bronchitis affects the *respiratory system* (lungs and airways), not the circulatory system. The bronchial tubes have nothing to do with how veins function.
What does “Antibody” mean?
Why A is correct:
Antibodies are defensive proteins your immune system makes when it detects invaders like viruses or bacteria. They stick to these harmful substances and help your body destroy them.
Why B is wrong:
That describes a toxin or poison released *by* bacteria, not a substance your body makes *against* bacteria. It's the opposite of an antibody—it's a threat, not a defense.
What does “Cellulitis” mean?
A is correct: Cellulitis is a real medical condition—a spreading bacterial infection that causes redness, warmth, and swelling in the skin and tissues beneath it. It requires antibiotics to treat.
B is wrong: This describes eczema or dermatitis, not cellulitis. Allergic reactions don't cause the acute bacterial infection that defines cellulitis.
What does “Dermatitis” mean?
Why A is correct:
"Dermatitis" literally means inflammation ("itis") of the skin ("derma"). The definition correctly describes the actual symptoms: itching, redness, swelling, and soreness that occur when skin becomes inflamed.
Why B is wrong:
This describes *healthy* skin, not dermatitis. Dermatitis is a disease/condition, so it wouldn't be characterized by clear, hydrated, and insensitive skin—it's the opposite. Inflamed skin is typically red, irritated, and sensitive, not insensitive.
What does “Eczema” mean?
Why A is correct:
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that produces exactly these symptoms—red, inflamed areas that itch intensely and develop scaly patches. This accurately describes what people with eczema actually experience.
Why B is wrong:
This describes healthy skin, the opposite of eczema. Eczema causes discomfort and visible skin problems, not smooth, clear skin.
What does “Fungal Infection” mean?
A is correct: A fungal infection happens when fungus (like yeast or mold) grows in or on your body and causes illness. Examples include athlete's foot and thrush.
B is wrong: This describes *disinfection* or *treatment*, not what a fungal infection actually is. Also, a fungal infection doesn't eliminate harmful microorganisms—it *is* caused by harmful microorganisms (the fungus itself).
What does “Genome” mean?
A is correct. A genome is all the DNA in an organism—every gene and instruction needed to build and run that organism. Think of it like a complete instruction manual.
B is wrong. This describes the opposite of what a genome is. Organisms need genetic material to exist and function, so having *no* genetic material would mean no life at all.
What does “Histamine” mean?
Why A is correct:
Histamine is a chemical messenger that cells (especially mast cells and basophils) release when triggered by injury, allergens, or immune challenges. This release causes the typical allergy and inflammation symptoms you feel—itching, swelling, redness, and congestion.
Why B is wrong:
Histamine is *released*, not depleted, during these reactions. Also, histamine doesn't decrease during healing—in fact, it drives the inflammatory response that *begins* the healing process. The opposite of what B describes is what actually happens.
What does “Insomnia” mean?
A is correct: Insomnia literally means difficulty with sleep—you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both, over an extended period.
B is wrong: This describes the opposite of insomnia. It's what healthy sleep looks like, not a sleep disorder.
What does “Jojoba” mean?
A is correct because jojoba is actually a desert shrub (not a tropical plant) found in the American Southwest and Mexico. It produces a unique liquid wax that's widely used in cosmetics and oils—this is its main commercial value.
B is wrong because it describes a tropical rainforest tree with sticky sap, which doesn't match jojoba at all. Jojoba thrives in *dry* deserts, not wet rainforests, and produces wax, not sap.
What does “Anemia” mean?
A is correct. Anemia literally means "without blood" (from Greek "an-" = without, "aemia" = blood). It occurs when you don't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively, causing fatigue and pale skin.
B is wrong because it describes the opposite condition—an *excess* of red cells is called polycythemia, not anemia. This would make someone appear flushed, not pale.
What does “Bursitis” mean?
Correct answer: A
- The suffix "-itis" always means inflammation, so bursitis = inflammation of a bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints).
- Bursae are found in high-friction areas like knees, elbows, and shoulders, making these common injury sites.
Why B is wrong:
- It claims bursitis is "non-inflammation," which contradicts the medical suffix "-itis."
- This is the opposite of what the condition actually is.
What does “Cancer” mean?
Why A is correct:
Cancer happens when cells start dividing rapidly without stopping and become abnormal. These out-of-control cells can damage healthy tissue and spread throughout the body.
Why B is wrong:
This describes the opposite of cancer. Normal cells dividing in a controlled way is actually healthy—that's how your body grows and repairs itself. Cancer is the problem when this process goes *wrong* and becomes uncontrolled.
What does “Diabetes” mean?
Correct Answer (A): Diabetes occurs when the pancreas either doesn't make enough insulin or the body can't use insulin properly. This causes blood sugar to build up dangerously in the bloodstream, leading to serious health problems.
Why B is wrong: "Optimal" means working perfectly—that's the *opposite* of what happens in diabetes. If insulin production and response were optimal, there would be no disease at all.
What does “Embolism” mean?
Correct Answer (A):
An embolism is a blockage in a blood vessel caused by a clot, air bubble, or other material traveling through the bloodstream. This obstruction can be dangerous because it cuts off blood flow to tissues beyond the blockage.
Why B is wrong:
"Unobstruction" means removing a blockage, which is the opposite of what an embolism is. An embolism *creates* an obstruction, not removes one. (The process of removing an embolism would be called an embolectomy.)
What does “Frostbite” mean?
A is correct because frostbite literally means tissue damage from freezing due to extreme cold exposure. The name itself hints at "frost"—ice crystals form in cells, destroying them. Gangrene (tissue death) can result if severe.
B is wrong because that describes a burn injury from heat, not frostbite. Frostbite is the opposite problem—too cold, not too hot. Burns and frostbite are different conditions with opposite causes.
What does “Genetics” mean?
A is correct: Genetics is the science of how traits pass from parents to offspring through DNA. It focuses on understanding heredity—why children inherit certain characteristics from their parents.
B is wrong: This contradicts the definition. Genetics *specifically* studies hereditary (inherited) traits, not non-hereditary ones. Non-inherited characteristics are studied in other fields like environmental science or developmental biology.
What does “Hernia” mean?
A is correct. A hernia is exactly this—when internal tissue pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue wall. Common examples include belly hernias where intestines bulge through the abdominal wall.
B is wrong because it describes a *normal* organ position, not a hernia. A hernia specifically requires abnormal displacement and protrusion, which is what makes it a medical problem needing attention.
What does “Intensive Care” mean?
Correct Answer (A):
Intensive Care Units (ICUs) provide specialized, high-level medical care for critically ill or severely injured patients with close monitoring and advanced equipment. This definition accurately captures what "intensive" means—concentrated, focused care.
Why B is wrong:
- It contradicts the actual meaning by saying patients are "ignored," when intensive care is defined by constant attention and monitoring.
- "Non-special" is the opposite of what intensive care is—it's highly specialized care.
- This is factually incorrect about how hospitals operate.
What does “Lung Disease” mean?
A is correct. Lung disease by definition refers to any condition that *damages* or *impairs* lung function—preventing them from working as they should. Examples include asthma, pneumonia, and emphysema.
B is wrong. This describes the opposite of disease. Conditions that *help* lungs work properly are treatments or healthy states, not diseases.
What does “Neuralgia” mean?
Correct Answer (A): "Neuralgia" breaks down into "neuro-" (nerve) + "-algia" (pain). It describes intense pain following a nerve's path, like shingles or trigeminal neuralgia.
Why B is wrong: The suffix "-algia" always means *pain*, not soothing sensations. A soothing sensation would need a different term entirely.
What does “Osteoporosis” mean?
Correct Answer: A
"Osteo-" means bone and "-porosis" means porous or full of holes. Osteoporosis literally describes bones that have become porous—they lose density and become fragile, making them prone to fractures even from minor falls.
Why B is wrong:
Option B describes the *opposite* of osteoporosis. Bones with osteoporosis are weak, not strong. Strong, dense bones would be healthy bones, not osteoporotic ones.
What does “Paralysis” mean?
Correct Answer: A
Paralysis means you cannot move part or all of your body due to nerve or muscle damage. The prefix "para-" means beside/abnormal, and "-lysis" means breakdown or loss of function.
Why B is wrong: It says "gain of ability," which is the opposite of what paralysis is. Paralysis is a loss, not a gain.
What does “Quarantine” mean?
Correct Answer (A): Quarantine means keeping sick or potentially sick people separated from others so they can't spread disease. It's a protective measure used during outbreaks.
Why B is wrong: This is the opposite of what quarantine does. Quarantine prevents spread, not promotes it. Gathering people together would actually help diseases spread faster.
What does “Rickets” mean?
Why A is correct:
Rickets is caused by vitamin D or calcium deficiency, which prevents bones from mineralizing properly. This makes bones soft and weak, causing them to bend under the child's weight—especially in the legs.
Why B is wrong:
Rickets does the opposite—it softens bones rather than hardening them. Hardened, straightened bones would describe healthy bone development, not a disease.
What does “Scurvy” mean?
Why A is correct:
Scurvy is a real disease that develops when the body doesn't get enough vitamin C over a long time. Sailors on long voyages historically got scurvy because they couldn't eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin, gums, and wound healing, so without it, people develop this serious condition.
Why B is wrong:
You can't get scurvy from *too much* vitamin C—in fact, vitamin C is water-soluble, so your body just gets rid of excess amounts in urine. Scurvy is specifically a *deficiency* disease, not an excess disease.
What does “Tetanus” mean?
Why A is correct:
Tetanus (lockjaw) is caused by a bacterium that produces a toxin affecting nerves, leading to uncontrollable muscle contractions and rigidity—the hallmark symptom is severe, painful muscle stiffness, especially in the jaw and neck.
Why B is wrong:
Tetanus causes the opposite of muscle looseness—it causes extreme *tightness* and spasms. "Muscle looseness" describes a different condition entirely (like flaccid paralysis).
What does “Ulcer” mean?
A is correct. An ulcer is an open sore or wound on the skin or mucous membranes (like inside your mouth or stomach). It's raw, painful, and doesn't heal normally.
B is wrong. This says "healing" instead of "sore"—the opposite of what an ulcer is. An ulcer is a problem that needs healing, not the healing itself.
What does “Vertigo” mean?
A is correct. Vertigo is a medical term for dizziness where you or your surroundings feel like they're spinning—it's a loss of balance, not a gain in it.
B is wrong. This describes the opposite of vertigo. Feeling perfectly balanced and steady is normal equilibrium, not vertigo.
What does “Whooping Cough” mean?
Correct Answer (A): Whooping cough (pertussis) is caused by bacteria and spreads easily between people. The "whooping" sound comes from the severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that define the disease—these can last for weeks and make breathing difficult.
Why B is wrong: While whooping cough is bacterial and contagious, it's definitely *not* mild. The coughing is severe and can be dangerous, especially in infants, which is why it's a serious public health concern requiring vaccination.
What does “Respiration” mean?
Correct answer (A): This is the accurate definition of cellular respiration. Organisms break down food (like glucose) using oxygen, which releases energy the cells can use, plus waste products (CO₂ and water).
Why B is wrong:
- Says organisms combine CO₂ with food—that's backwards; respiration *uses* oxygen and *produces* CO₂
- Says it "prevents energy"—respiration actually *releases* energy, which is its whole purpose
- Confuses respiration with photosynthesis (which uses CO₂ and produces oxygen)
What does “Vitamin Deficiency” mean?
Correct Answer (A): A vitamin deficiency means you don't have *enough* of a vitamin—your body lacks the quantity needed to function properly and stay healthy. Without sufficient vitamins, your body can't perform essential tasks like fighting infection, building bones, or producing energy.
Why B is wrong: Having *too much* of a vitamin is called a toxicity or overdose, not a deficiency. Deficiency is the opposite problem—it's about having too little, not too much.
What does “Cardiac Arrest” mean?
A is correct: "Cardiac arrest" means the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, so it can't pump blood to the brain and body. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate CPR and defibrillation.
B is wrong: This describes the opposite—an improvement in heart function. "Cessation" means stopping, not boosting, so this contradicts the definition.
What does “Hyperglycemia” mean?
Correct Answer: A
The prefix "hyper-" means "above" or "excessively high," so hyperglycemia literally means high blood sugar. This is the medical term for when glucose levels exceed normal ranges, often seen in diabetes.
Why B is wrong:
"Hypo-" means "below" or "low," not "hyper." Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia, which is the opposite condition.
What does “Hypoglycemia” mean?
Correct Answer: A
The prefix "hypo-" means low, so hypoglycemia literally means low blood sugar. This is the medical term for when your blood glucose drops below normal levels, which can cause shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
Why B is wrong: That describes hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. The prefix "hyper-" means high, so hyperglycemia is when blood sugar is too high (as in diabetes).
What does “Migraine” mean?
A is correct: Migraines are intense headaches that typically come with nausea and make people sensitive to light and sound. These are the defining symptoms doctors use to diagnose migraines.
B is wrong: This option uses "fullness" (which isn't a migraine symptom) and "immunity to light or sound" (the opposite of what actually happens—migraines make people *sensitive* to these things, not immune).
What does “Osteoarthritis” mean?
Correct answer (A): Osteoarthritis literally means "bone-joint disease" and occurs when cartilage *degrades* over time—the cushioning material breaks down, causing bone-on-bone contact, pain, and stiffness. This is a degenerative condition common in aging.
Why B is wrong: Cartilage doesn't strengthen in osteoarthritis; it deteriorates. If cartilage strengthened, it would actually protect joints better, which is the opposite of what happens in this disease.
What does “Rheumatism” mean?
A is correct because "rheumatism" literally refers to conditions causing inflammation and pain—the prefix "rheum-" relates to flow/discharge, and these diseases inflame joints and soft tissues.
B is wrong because it describes the opposite of what rheumatism actually is. Rheumatism causes weakness and discomfort, not strengthening and comfort. This option reverses the key symptoms.
What does “Tuberculosis” mean?
Why A is correct:
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria that *grow* nodules (small lumps) in lung tissue. These nodules are the disease's hallmark feature, and the name literally means "small tubercles" (tubercles = nodules).
Why B is wrong:
- TB is not "protective"—it's a serious disease that damages your lungs and can be deadly.
- The nodules *grow*, they don't decay. TB causes tissue damage through growth and inflammation, not decay.
What does “Zoonotic Diseases” mean?
A is correct. Zoonotic comes from "zoo" (animals) and describes diseases that jump from animals to humans. Examples include rabies, bird flu, and COVID-19.
B is wrong because it reverses the direction—that would be diseases going *from* humans *to* animals, which is the opposite of zoonotic transmission.
What does “Lymphatic System” mean?
Correct answer (A): The lymphatic system is a one-way drainage network that collects excess fluid (lymph) from body tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. This prevents fluid buildup and helps fight infections.
Why B is wrong: It says the lymphatic system *prevents* drainage, which is backwards. The system's job is to *enable* drainage, not block it. If lymph couldn't drain, tissues would swell up painfully.
What does “Myocardial Infarction” mean?
A is correct. "Myocardial infarction" is the medical term for a heart attack—it means the heart muscle (myocardium) is damaged due to blocked blood flow, causing tissue death (infarction).
B is wrong. "Heart health" is a general wellness concept, not a medical emergency. Myocardial infarction is a serious condition, not a positive health state.
What does “Thyroid Gland” mean?
Why A is correct:
The thyroid is a ductless (endocrine) gland located in your neck that produces hormones like T3 and T4, which control metabolism, growth, and development. It's relatively large compared to other endocrine glands.
Why B is wrong:
- Says "small" — the thyroid is actually one of the larger endocrine glands
- Says hormones "inhibit" growth — thyroid hormones actually *promote* growth and development, not suppress them
What does “Benign Tumor” mean?
Why A is correct:
"Benign" means harmless or non-cancerous. These tumors stay localized, don't invade nearby tissues, and don't metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, so they're generally less dangerous.
Why B is wrong:
That describes a malignant (cancerous) tumor, which is the opposite of benign. Malignant tumors are aggressive and spread throughout the body.
What does “Wound Care” mean?
Correct Answer: A. Management of a wound to promote healing.
Wound care means actively treating an injury to help it heal properly—this includes cleaning, dressing, monitoring, and preventing infection. The term describes the *positive actions* taken to support recovery.
Why B is wrong: Neglect and deterioration are the *opposite* of wound care. If you ignore a wound, that's failing to provide care, not providing care itself.
What does “Thrombosis” mean?
Correct Answer (A): Thrombosis means a blood clot forms *inside* a blood vessel or the heart—the blood actually coagulates (thickens and solidifies) in that location. The prefix "thrombo-" refers to clots, and "-osis" means a condition or process.
Why B is wrong: This describes the *opposite* of thrombosis. Option B describes anticoagulation or prevention of clotting, which is what doctors try to do *to treat* thrombosis, not what thrombosis itself is.
What does “Neurotransmitter” mean?
A is correct: Neurotransmitters are messenger chemicals that neurons release to *send* signals across the gap (synapse) to other neurons. The word "transmit" means to send or pass along—that's exactly what they do.
B is wrong: While some neurotransmitters can have *inhibitory* effects (slowing signals down), they still transmit information—they don't prevent transmission. Also, the core definition of a neurotransmitter is about active signal-sending, not blocking.
What does “Palliative Care” mean?
Correct Answer (A):
Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life—managing pain, symptoms, and emotional needs for people with serious illnesses. It's about making life better, not curing the disease, but supporting the whole person.
Why B is wrong:
This is the opposite of what palliative care does. It would be harmful and unethical to intentionally worsen someone's quality of life—that contradicts the entire purpose of healthcare.
What does “Hypothermia” mean?
A is correct: "Hypo-" is a prefix meaning "below" or "under," so hypothermia literally means abnormally *low* body temperature. This is a dangerous medical condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
B is wrong: This describes hyperthermia (or fever), which uses the prefix "hyper-" meaning "above" or "over." That's the opposite condition—dangerously *high* body temperature.
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