CAT (computerized axial tomography) A
method of getting a three-dimensional
image of the inside of the body. CAT scans
are most useful in seeing hard substances
such as bones.- computer application Instructions that computer
hardware (a computer’s physical
parts) uses to let us perform specific tasks. - computer database A collection of related
records stored in a computer. - embedded system A computer that is contained
within another device.
- fMRI (functional magnetic resonance
imaging) A method of getting a picture of
the inside of the body that shows chemical
changes or the flow of fluids in a body
part as it works. It is used on soft tissue
such as the brain. - imaging device A piece of equipment used
to get a picture (image) of something that
is not normally visible, such as a person’s
heart. Examples include CAT, MRI, and
PET scanners. - laparoscope A thin, lighted tube that is
inserted into the abdomen during laparoscopic
surgery. It contains a tiny camera
that projects images onto a monitor.
laparoscopic surgery A method of operating
in which the surgeon makes a tiny cut
to insert a lighted tube (a laparoscope)
into the abdomen. The laparoscope projects
an image onto a monitor. The doctor
watches this image while operating. - MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) A
method of getting a picture of the inside
of the body. MRIs are mainly used to
examine soft tissue, such as the brain. - PET (positron emission tomography) A
method of getting a picture of organs that
shows them while they are working. - record (database) A collection of related
data stored in a database. An example of a
record would be all of the information on
a single hospital patient.
vital sign A piece of information about a
person’s body, such as his or her heart rate
or blood pressure. - vital signs monitor A device that keeps
track of a person’s vital signs, such as
blood pressure and breathing rate. This
information is displayed on a screen.
virtual reality An artificial environment
created to place a person in an alternate
world.
