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55 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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amniocentesis
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A test whereby the physician withdraws a sample of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the developing fetus inside the mother's womb) from the uterus of a pregnant woman. The fluid is then tested for genetic or other conditions that may lead to abnormal development of the fetus.
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chromosome
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A microscopic structure found within the nucleus of a plant or animal cell that carries genes responsible for the organism's characteristics.
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clone
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An organism begun asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent.
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genetics
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The science that accounts for natural differences and resemblances among organisms related by descent
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DNA
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The combination of proteins, called nucleotides, that is arranged to make up an organism's chromosomes.
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emancipated minors
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Individuals in their mid- to late teens who legally live outside of their parents' or guardians' control.
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gene
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A tiny segment of DNA found on a chromosome in a cell. Each gene holds the formula for making a specific molecule.
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genetic counselor
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An expert in human genetics who is qualified to counsel individuals who may have inherited genes for certain diseases or conditions.
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genetic discrimination
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Differential treatment of individuals based on their actual or presumed genetic differences.
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genetic engineering
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Manipulation of DNA within the cells of plants and animals, through synthesis, alteration, or repair, to ensure that certain harmful traits will be eliminated in offspring and that desirable traits will appear and be passed on.
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genome
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All the DNA in an organism, including its genes.
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heredity
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The process by which organisms pass genetic traits on to their offspring.
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heterologous artificial insemination
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The process in which donor sperm is mechanically injected into a woman's vagina to fertilize her eggs.
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homologous artificial insemination
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The process in which a husband's sperm is mechanically injected into his wife's vagina to fertilize her eggs.
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Human Genome Project
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A scientific project funded by the U.S. government, begun in 1990 and successfully completed in 2000, for the purpose of mapping all of a human's genes.
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infertility
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The failure to conceive for a period of 12 months or longer due to a deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any reproductive part, organ, or system.
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in vitro fertilization (IVF)
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Fertilization that takes place outside a woman's body, literally, "in glass," as in a test tube.
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mature minors
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Individual in their mid- to late teens, who, for health care purposes, are considered mature enough to comprehend a physician's recommendations and give informed consent.
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parens patriae
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A legal doctrine that gives the state the authority to act in a child's best interest.
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safe haven laws
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State laws that allow mothers to abandon newborns to designated safe facilities without penalty.
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stem cells
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Cells that have the potential to become any type of body cell.
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surrogate mother
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A woman who becomes pregnant, usually by artificial insemination or surgical implantation of a fertilized egg, and bears a child for another woman.
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xenotransplantation
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Transplantation of animal tissues and organs into humans.
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active euthanasia
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A conscious medical act that results in death.
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brain death
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Final cessation of bodily activity, used to determine when death actually occurs; circulatory and respiratory functions have irreversibly ceased, and the entire brain (including the brain stem) has irreversibly ceased to function.
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coma
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A condition of deep stupor from which the patient cannot be roused by external stimuli.
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curative care
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Treatment directed toward curing a patient's disease.
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durable power of attorney
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An advance directive that confers upon a designee the authority to make a variety of legal decisions on behalf of the grantor, usually including health care decisions.
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health care proxy
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A durable power of attorney issued for purposes of health care decisions only.
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hospice
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A facility or program (often carried out in a patient's home) in which teams of health care practitioners and volunteers provide a continuing environment that focuses on the emotional and psychological needs of the dying patient.
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involuntary euthanasia
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The act of ending a terminal patient's life by medical means without his or her permission.
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living will
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An advance directive that specifies an individual's end-of-life wishes.
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National Organ Transplant Act
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Passed in 1984, a statute that provides grants to qualified organ procurement organizations and established an Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.
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palliative care
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Treatment of a terminally ill patient's symptoms in order to make dying more comfortable; also called comfort care.
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passive euthanasia
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The act of allowing a patient to die naturally, without medical interference.
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Patient Self-Determination Act
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A federal law passed in 1990 that requires hospitals and other health care providers to provide written information to patients regarding their rights under state law to make medical decisions and execute advance directives.
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persistent vegetative state (PVS)
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Severe mental impairment characterized by irreversible cessation of the higher functions of the brain, most often caused by damage to the cerebral cortex.
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terminally ill
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Referring to patients who are expected to die within six months.
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thanatology
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The study of death and of the psychological methods of coping with it.
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Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
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A national statute allowing individuals to donate their bodies or body parts, after death, for use in transplant surgery, tissue banks, or medical research or education.
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Uniform Determination of Death Act
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A proposal that established uniform guidelines for determining when death has occurred.
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Uniform Rights of the Terminally Ill Act
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A federal statute passed in 1989 to guide state legislatures in constructing laws to address advance directives.
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voluntary euthanasia
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The act of ending a patient's life by medical means with his or her permission.
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access
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The availability of health care and the means to purchase health care services.
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Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
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The lead federal agency responsible for tracking and improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for Americans.
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baby boom generation
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Those individuals born between 1946 and 1964.
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cost
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In this context, the amount individuals, employers, state and federal governments, HMOs, and insurers spend on health care in the United States.
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genometrics
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The science of determining how genes cause the expression of certain traits in individuals.
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gross domestic product (GDP)
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America's total income for all goods and services.
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life expectancy
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The number of years an individual can expect to live, calculated from his or her birth.
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medical management
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The management of patient care and populations.
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pharmacogenomics
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The science that defines how individuals are genetically programmed to respond to drugs.
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quality
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The degree of excellence of health care services offered.
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stakeholders
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Those who have a vested interest in the health care industry in the United States, and in any efforts to reform the industry.
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State Children's Health Initiative Program (SCHIP)
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A program enacted by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to help low-income children under 19 who are not covered by Medicaid.
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