Fluke Biomedical ProSim 4 - Manual (Page 41)

A-1
Appendix A
Glossary
Introduction
The words in this glossary are common words used in this manual that may need
further explanation. Words in italics are words that are defined in this glossary.
AAMI
Acronym for the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. A
group of physicians, biomedical and clinical engineers, nurses, manufacturers,
and government representatives who set industry guidelines for the performance
and safety of biomedical instrumentation.
AC component
The pulse factors of the blood measured by oximetry.
Ampere
A unit of steady electrical current which, when flowing in straight parallel wires of
infinite length and negligible cross section, separated by a distance of one meter
in free space, produces a force between the wires of 2 × 10 -7 newtons per meter
of length.
Aorta
The main trunk of the systemic arteries, carrying blood from the left side of the
heart to the arteries of all limbs and organs except the lungs.
Apnea
Apnea is described as the cessation of breathing. In general there are three
types of apnea: central (often seen in infants, when there is no diaphragm
movement and no air flow); obstructive (where an object, such as food, is lodged
in the trachea); and mixed (where central apnea is followed immediately by
obstructive apnea).
Artery
Any of a branching system of muscular tubes that carry blood away from the
heart.