Medical Glossary

ophthalmology

The branch of medicine concerned with the study of the physiology, anatomy, and pathology of the eye and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye.

ophthalmoscope

A device used to examine the retina and interior structures of the eye. This instrument includes a mirror that reflects light into the eye and a central hole through which the eye is examined.

oral and maxillofacial surgery

Surgery to correct a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

oscillometric blood pressure monitoring

Commonly known as Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP). This oscillometric equipment uses an electronic pressure sensor (a calibrated electronic device with a numerical readout of blood pressure) to detect blood flow, instead of relying on the stethoscope and ear as is used in the traditional auscultatory method.

otoscope

Also known as an auriscope, an otoscope is a hand-held instrument whch includes a magnification lens and light which is used to examine the ear canal and eardrum. An ear speculum (a funnel shaped attachment) is attached to the otoscope to allow the physcian to direct the light at a particular point.

oximeter

A device that monitors the amount of oxygen carried by the hemoglobin in red blood cells. In bloodless medicine, any blood a patient loses is not replaced by transfusion, so it is extremely important to monitor how much oxygen the patient's body is receiving from the remaining blood.

Visit the Pulse Oximeter Category

oxygen concentrator

A device used to provide oxygen therapy to a patient at substantially higher concentrations than available in ambient air.

oxygen monitor

A medical equipment device which provides continuous oxygen monitoring for anesthesia delivery equipment, as well as hospital and home ventilators.