Physiology · Multiple Systems · Easy

Vital

Meaning: Essential to life; vital signs measure key physiological functions like heart rate and blood pressure.

In practice: Monitoring vital signs is the first step in assessing any patient.

Quick check

Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: A chemical messenger secreted by a gland that travels in the blood to target organs.

Which word means: Iron storage protein measured in blood to assess body iron stores.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.