Alveoli
The plural of alveolus. Tiny air sacs within the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive surgical operation to repair a damaged joint.
Bronchi
The plural of bronchus. The major air passage ways of the lungs, especially the two main branches of the trachea.
Cannula
A narrow tube inserted into a body cavity, used to drain fluid or administer medication.
Cannulation
The insertion of a cannula into a body cavity, such as a blood vessel.
Cryopreservation
Preserving cells, tissues, organs, or embryos by freezing.
Cryosurgery
Freezing (usually with liquid nitrogen) to destroy unwanted or diseased tissue.
Cryotherapy
Freezing (usually with liquid nitrogen) to destroy unwanted or diseased tissue
Diaphragm
This muscle at the base of the lungs that contracts during inhalation and relaxes during exhalation.
Endoscopy
Visual examination of the interior of the body using an endoscope, a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing at one end. A type of minimally invasive surgery.
Endotracheal tube
A tube to aid breathing, placed through the patient’s nose or mouth, into the trachea.
Hypoxia
Life-threatening inadequate oxygen supply to the cells and tissues of the body.
Hypoxaemia
Insufficient oxygen supply to the cells and tissues of the body. Not immediately life threatening.
Insufflation gas
A gas that is blown into a body cavity to enlarge it, for example to enable minimally invasive surgery.
Laparoscopy
Visual examination of the interior of the abdomen using a laparoscope, a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing at one end. A type of minimally invasive surgery.
MACawake
Minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhaled anaesthetic at first eye opening in response to a verbal command during recovery from anaesthesia.
MACincision
Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhaled anaesthetic that prevents movement during initial surgical incision.
Trachea
The ‘windpipe’ that connects the base of the throat with the lungs.