DIVING & DIVING MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
E Terms
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Definition
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Emboloism | This is the sudden blocking of an blood vessel by foreign material or a clot. In the diver it is most often a nitrogen bubble. An embolism is the cause of Decompression Sickness. |
Ear Squeeze | Ear squeeze with injury to the ear drum, is the most common diving related illness. It occurs when pressure changes during descent and ascent occur and the diver is unable to equalise the pressures. This causes the inner ear to effectively undergo a compression/squeeze and trauma is sustained. |
F Terms
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Definition
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G Terms
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Definition
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Gastropod | An animal with a muscular foot. |
Gastropoda | Class meaning stomach-foot includes, univalves, nudibranches and sea hares. |
Gill slits | Skin folds around the fills allowing water fo flow from the mouth, across the gills and out of an animal. |
I Terms
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Definition
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Intertidal | The zone between high and low tide. |
J Terms
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Definition
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K Terms
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Definition
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L Terms
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Definition
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Larva | Develpment stage between the egg and the adult of an animal. |
M Terms
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Definition
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Mantle | The fold of skin covering a mollusc's body. |
Medusa | Free moving, bell shapped form of cnidarian. |
N Terms
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Definition
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Narcosis | A state of diminished consciousness where the bodys normal reactions to stimuli and the body may become sedated or completely anaethetised. |
O Terms
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Definition
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Operculum | Horny plate that closes a shells opening. |
P Terms
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Definition
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Pectoral | On the sides of an animal near the head. |
Polyp | Attached form of cnidarian with hollow body and a mouth surrounded by tentacles. |
Porifera | Phylum meaning pore bearer, includes sponges. |
Primative | An early stage of evolutionary development. |
Pulmonary Embolism | Obstruction of the pulmonary artery by an embolus. In diving the embolus is usually a nitrogen bubble. |
Pulmonary Barotrauma | Trauma sustained due to pressure differences between the outside environment and the inside of the lungs. Usually occurs during ascent as a result of holding ones breath. |
Q Terms
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Definition
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R Terms
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Definition
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Radula | A gastropod's tounge like band of teeth. |
Regenerate | To restore or regrow a lost body part or parts. |
Reverse Block | This is caused by a blockage in an airspace (ear, sinus, lung, tooth) that prevents the expanding air on ascent from escaping. This results in an overexpansion injury if the diver is unable to equalize the pressure. Common causes include congestion or underlying pathophysiology. |
S Terms
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Definition
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Scuba | Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. |
Sea Itch | Also known as sea bathers eruption. Signs and symptoms include an intensely itchy red rash which affects the areas of skin exposed to seawater. The rash is the result of stings by the larvae of Coelenterata. The venom contains proteins which are both toxic and induce an allergic reaction in humans. |
Siphon | A tube or canal. |
Species | Group of similar animals which mate and produce fertile offspring. |
Spicule | Tiny, glass like objects that are embedded in the body mass. |
T Terms
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Definition
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Tube feet | Short, hollow limbs connected to a water canal system in echinoderms. |
U Terms
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Definition
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Unco | Term used when a diver reaches the surface in an unconscious state. |
V Terms
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Definition
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Venom | Poison of animal origin. |
Ventral | Underneath. |
W Terms
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Definition
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X Terms
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Definition
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Y Terms
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Definition
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Z Terms
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Definition
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