Glossary: Definitions

abdomen

Detailed definition

Abdomen - swollen

A swollen abdomen is marked by increased abdominal girth. Alternative Names: Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen Considerations: Abdominal distention is a common condition, which usually results from over-eating, rather than from a serious illness. Simple weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can also cause distention. Abdominal distention is often caused by intestinal gas. This may result from eating fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables. Legumes such as beans are common sources of intestinal gas. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest dairy foods, and eating such foods may cause distention. Abdominal distention may also occasionally result from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can be a sign of serious medical problems. There are usually other symptoms in this case.

Abdominal bloating

Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and tight. It is usually caused by intestinal gas. Alternative Names: Bloating Common Causes: * Overeating * Lactose intolerance and other food intolerances * Air swallowing (a nervous habit) * Irritable bowel syndrome * Partial bowel obstruction * Constipation

abdominal bracing

technique of tensing the stomach muscles to support the spine.

Abdominal fullness prematurely after meals

Satiety is the satisfied feeling of being full after eating. Early satiety is feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual. Alternative Names: Early satiety Considerations: Early satiety can occur from numerous causes. Common Causes: * Delayed stomach emptying * Gastric outlet obstruction * Decreased stomach distensibility * Irritable bowel syndrome * Dyspepsia

abdominal hysterectomy

the uterus is removed through the abdomen via a surgical incision.

Abdominal mass

An abdominal mass is a localized swelling or enlargement in one area of the abdomen. Alternative Names: Mass in the abdomen Considerations: An abdominal mass is usually detected on routine physical examination. It may not have been detected by the affected person because most abdominal masses develop slowly. An abdominal mass can be a sign of an abscess, a problem with a blood vessel (such as an aneurysm), an enlarged organ (such as the liver, spleen, or kidney), a tumor, or an accumulation of feces. The abdomen is usually divided into 4 quadrants: right-upper quadrant, left-upper quadrant, right-lower quadrant, and left-lower quadrant. Other terms used to localize masses (or pain) in the abdomen include periumbilical, which describes the area around the navel, and epigastric, which describes the area in the center of the abdomen just below the ribcage. The location of the mass, and its firmness, texture, and other qualities can provide clues as to the cause of an abdominal mass.

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Alternative Names: Stomach pain; Pain - abdomen; Belly ache; Abdominal cramps; Acute abdomen

abdominoscopy

a type of surgery that uses a laparoscope, which is inserted into one or more small incisions, to examine the abdominal cavity. (See also endoscopy, laparoscopy, or minimally invasive surgery.)

acquired deafness

loss of hearing that occurs or develops over the course of a lifetime; deafness not present at birth.

action tremor

a tremor that increases when the hand is moving voluntarily.

adenocarcinoma

a cancer that develops in the lining or inner surface of an organ.

adenoma

benign growth starting in the glandular tissue.

adrenal cortex

the outer portion of the adrenal gland that secretes hormones that are vital to the body.

aguesia

loss of the sense of taste.

anal fistula

channel that develops between the anus and the skin. Most fistulas are the result of an abscess (infection) that spreads to the skin.

anesthesia

loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness; local or regional anesthesia causes loss of feeling only to a specified area.

antibiotic

Detailed definition

antidiarrheals

medicines that help control diarrhea.

antioxidants

compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.

aorta

blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body; it is the largest blood vessel in the body.

areola

dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the breast.

artery

a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.

Babinski's reflex

Babinski's reflex occurs when the great toe flexes toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out after the sole of the foot has been firmly stroked. This is normal in younger children, but abnormal after the age of 2. Alternative Names: Reflex - Babinski's; Extensor plantar reflex Considerations: Reflexes are specific, predictable, involuntary responses to a particular type of stimulation. Babinski's reflex is one of the infantile reflexes. It is normal in children under 2 years old, but it disappears as the child ages and the nervous system becomes more developed. In people more than 2 years old, the presence of a Babinski's reflex indicates damage to the nerve paths connecting the spinal cord and the brain (the corticospinal tract). Because this tract is right-sided and left-sided, a Babinski's reflex can occur on one side or on both sides. An abnormal Babinski's reflex can be temporary or permanent.

balloon angioplasty

a procedure used to widen narrowed arteries. The procedure uses a catheter with a deflated balloon at the tip that is inserted into the narrowed part of the artery. The balloon is then inflated, causing the artery to dilate (widen).

barium

a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray.

basal body temperature

temperature of a person's body taken first thing in the morning after several hours of sleep and before any activity, including getting out of bed or talking; often charted to determine the time of ovulation.

biarthrodial muscles

muscles that span over two joints and have a function over those joints.

bismuth subsalicylate

nonprescription medicine used to treat diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, and nausea; also part of the treatment for ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

bladder

a hollow organ that urine drains into from the kidneys.

blood plasma

the fluid part of blood that contains nutrients, glucose, proteins, minerals, enzymes, and other substances.

body mass index

Detailed definition

bone density test

a test that measures the strength and density of bones; often used to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis.

breast conservation therapy

surgery to remove a breast cancer and a small amount of benign tissue around the cancer without removing any other part of the breast. This procedure is also called lumpectomy, segmental excision, limited breast surgery, or tylectomy.

breast implant

a manufactured sac that is filled with silicone gel (a synthetic material) or saline (sterile saltwater); the sac is surgically inserted to increase breast size or restore the contour of a breast after mastectomy.

calculi

stones or solid lumps such as gallstones.

calluses

hardened areas of the skin, usually on the foot, caused by friction or pressure.

cancer

Detailed definition

candidiasis

mild infection caused by the Candida fungus, which lives naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. Infection occurs when a change in the body, such as surgery, causes the fungus to overgrow suddenly.

capillaries

tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.

carcinogen

a substance that is known to cause cancer.

cardiac

Detailed definition

cardiac arrest

the stopping of heartbeat.

cardiology

Detailed definition

Caroli's disease

An inherited condition in which bile ducts in the liver are enlarged and may cause irritation, infection, or gallstones.

carotid arteries

the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.

catheter

a flexible tube used to drain fluid from or inject fluid into the body. The most common catheter is the Foley catheter, used to drain urine from the bladder.

cerebellum

a large structure consisting of two halves (hemispheres) located in the lower part of the brain; responsible for the coordination of movement and balance.

cerebral hemorrhage

bleeding within the brain.

cerebrum

consists of two parts (lobes), left and right, which form the largest and most developed part of the brain; initiation and coordination of all voluntary movement take place within the cerebrum. The basal ganglia are located immediately below the cerebrum.

cesarean delivery

surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus.

colon

The part of the large intestine that runs from the cecum to the rectum as a long hollow tube that serves to remove water from digested food and let the remaining material, solid waste called stool, move through it to the rectum and leave the body through the anus.

colostrum

thin, white, first milk produced by the breasts during late pregnancy and for a few days after childbirth. It provides a nursing infant with essential nutrients and infection-fighting

cornea

clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.

CT

a non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.

debridement

the surgical removal of foreign material and/or dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound or burn

defecation

passage of bowel contents through the rectum and anus.

defibrillator

Detailed definition

dendrite

a thread-like extension from a nerve cell that serves as an antenna to receive messages from the axons of other nerve cells.

depression

Detailed definition

dermatopathology

the study of the skin in diagnosing skin diseases.

dilate

relax; expand

diverticulosis

condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) push outward through weak spots in the colon.

dysentery

infectious disease of the colon. Symptoms include bloody, mucus-filled diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of fluids from the body

ECG

a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.

eczema

inflammation of the skin that causes itching and, sometimes, crusting, scaling, or blisters.

encephalitis

a viral infection of the brain

endometrium

mucous membrane lining of the inner surface of the uterus that grows during each menstrual cycle and is shed in menstrual blood.

endorphins

endogenous biomechanical substances implicated in the alleviation of pain, produced as a result of body stress.

endothelium

the layer of cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, and other body cavities.

enema

liquid put into the rectum to clear out the bowel or to administer medications or food.

epicardium

the membrane that covers the outside of the heart.

fallopian tubes

two thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries, as a passageway for eggs and sperm.

femur

thighbone

fibrillation

contractions of the heart muscle

fibroadenoma

noncancerous, firm, rubbery lump in the breast that is painless and moves around easily when touched.

fibroids

noncancerous growths in, on, or within the walls of the uterus.

fibrosis

the growth of scar tissue possibly due to infection, inflammation, injury, or even healing.

fibrositis

a benign, intermittently recurring, and protracted disease process, with a lack of underlying pathology

ganglion

a cluster of nerve cells

ganglion cysts

non-cancerous, fluid-filled cysts are common masses or lumps in the hand and usually found on the back of the wrist

Gardner's syndrome

condition in which many polyps form throughout the digestive tract.

gastric

related to the stomach

gastric juices

liquids produced in the stomach to help break down food and kill bacteria.

gastroenteritis

infection or irritation of the stomach and intestines, which may be caused by bacteria or parasites from spoiled food or unclean water, or eating food that irritates the stomach lining and emotional upsets such as anger, fear, or stress.

gastrostomy

an artificial opening from the stomach to a hole (stoma) in the abdomen where a feeding tube is inserted.

general anesthetic

an anesthetic which causes the patient to become unconscious during surgery.

genes

basic, functional units of heredity, each occupying a specific place on a chromosome.

genital herpes

a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus

halitosis

an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath

hallux rigidus

loss of range of the movement of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the first (great) toe.

hamstrings

muscles located in the posterior compartment of the thigh

Heberden's nodes

bony swellings around the margins of joints, associated with degenerative changes of arthritis

hematopathology

the study of blood, bone marrow and the organs and tissues that use blood cells to perform their functions

hemorrhage

the medical term for bleeding

hepatitis E

virus spread mostly through unclean water. This type of hepatitis is common in developing countries and has not occurred in the United States

hepatology

field of medicine concerned with the functions and disorders of the liver.

HIV

Detailed definition

HIV Positive

Detailed definition

hormones

chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions.

hydrotherapy

use of water as a medical treatment

hyperglycemia

high levels of glucose in the blood

ileal

related to the ileum, the lowest end of the small intestine

ileostomy

operation that makes it possible for stool to leave the body, after the colon and rectum are removed, in which an opening is made in the abdomen and the bottom of the small intestine (ileum) attaches to it.

immune system

complex network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by "foreign" invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

immunology

the study of the body’s immune system - its functions and disorders.

insulin

a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin affects the amount of glucose absorbed by the liver.

interferon

a biological response modifier that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system; used to treat cancer and other diseases.

intestinal flora

bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that grow normally in the intestines

ischemia

decreased flow of oxygenated blood to an organ due to obstruction in an artery

jejunum

middle section of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum

Jordan frame

specialized stretcher developed for transport of patients with a suspected spinal injury.

jugular veins

specialized stretcher developed for transport of patients with a suspected spinal injury.

keratitis

inflammation of the cornea

ketoacidosis

high blood glucose, often caused by illness or taking too little insulin.

ketone

break down product of fat that accumulates in the blood as a result of inadequate insulin or inadequate calorie intake

labyrinth

organ of balance located in the inner ear; consists of three semicircular canals and the vestibule

lactase

enzyme in the small intestine needed to digest milk sugar (lactose)

lactose

sugar found in milk, which the body breaks down into galactose and glucose.

laminectomy

surgical procedure which includes removal of a portion of the lamina, to provide more room in the vertebral canal; usually performed to treat disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis.

Landau-Kleffner syndrome

a childhood disorder of unknown origin that can be identified by gradual or sudden loss of the ability to understand and use spoken language

laparoscope

thin tube with a tiny video camera attached, used to look inside the body and see the surface of organs.

laparotomy

a surgical procedure that involves an incision into the abdominal cavity; often used when making a diagnosis when less invasive tests are difficult or not possible

large intestine

part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to the rectum

laryngeal neoplasms

abnormal growths in the larynx (voice box) that can be cancerous or noncancerous.

larynx

valve structure between the trachea (windpipe) and the pharynx (the upper throat); the primary organ of voice production.

ligament

a flexible band of fibrous tissue that connects the bones and bind the joints together.

Lump in the abdomen

A lump in the abdomen is a soft bulge of tissue or a small, localized swelling on the abdomen. See also abdominal mass (a solid block of tissue that can be felt inside the abdomen). Alternative Names: Abdominal hernia; Hernia - abdominal; Abdominal wall defects Considerations: Most often, a lump in the abdomen is caused by a hernia. An abdominal hernia occurs when there is an area where the muscles are weak, and this allows the internal organs to bulge through the abdominal wall. Common Causes: A common type of hernia is an umbilical hernia (located around the belly button). This is caused by failure of the muscular ring around the navel to close completely. Umbilical hernias are more common in babies with a low birth weight, including premature babies. See also gastroschisis. Incisions (from a previous surgery, for example) can leave the muscles weak in an area, and a hernia can form at the incision site. Incisional hernias may not appear until after straining, heavy lifting, or a prolonged period of coughing

lumpectomy

a surgical procedure in which only the tumor and a small area of surrounding tissue are removed

lymph nodes

small glands clustered in the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin that supply infection-fighting cells to the bloodstream and filter out bacteria and other antigens.

lymphocyte

any one of a group of white blood cells of crucial importance to the adaptive part of the body's immune system

malabsorption syndromes

conditions that happen when the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from foods.

malignant tumor

a mass of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body

mammogram

a low-dose x-ray of the breast

Meige syndrome

a movement disorder that can involve excessive eye blinking (blepharospasm) with involuntary movements of the jaw muscles, lips, and tongue.

melanocytes

cells in the skin that produce and contain the pigment called melanin

MRI

magnetic resonance imaging, a non-invasive procedure that produces two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord.

myelogram

a specific x-ray study that uses an injection of a dye or contrast material into the spinal canal to allow careful evaluation of the spinal canal and nerve roots

myocardial infarction

Also called heart attack, occurs when one of more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged decrease in oxygen supply caused by a blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.

myopia

nearsightedness

neoadjuvant therapy

chemotherapy given before surgery or radiation therapy.

nephrectomy

surgical removal of the kidney

nephropathy

Detailed definition

neuralgia

a painful condition caused by disorders of the nervous system

neuritis

inflammation of a nerve or nerves

norepinephrine

a neurotransmitter found mainly in areas of the brain that are involved in governing autonomic nervous system activity, especially blood pressure and heart rate

occluded artery

an artery that is narrowed by plaque that impedes blood flow.

oncologist

Detailed definition

oophorectomy

surgery to remove one or both ovaries

oropharynx

the part of the throat at the back of the mouth

orthodontics

orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaw

orthokeratology

the use of contact lenses to change the shape of the cornea in order to correct refractive error

osteocyte

cell found within the bone; its function is to help maintain bone as living tissue

ovulation

release of a mature egg from an ovary

oxytocin

hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor and release of milk during breastfeeding

pacemaker

an electronic device that is surgically implanted into the patient's heart and chest to regulate heartbeat

palliative treatment

therapy that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but does not alter the course of the disease; its primary purpose is to improve the quality of life.

pallidotomy

a surgical procedure in which a part of the brain, called the globus pallidus, is lesioned in order to improve symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

palming

an imaging technique involving the visualization of color

palpitation

sensation of rapid heartbeats

palsy

paralysis of a muscle or group of muscles

pancreas

long gland that lies behind the stomach; manufactures insulin and digestive enzymes.

papillary stenosis

condition in which the openings of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts narrow.

parietal cells

cells in the stomach wall that make hydrochloric acid

parkinsonism

the name given to a group of disorders with similar features including four primary symptoms: tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and bradykinesia, that are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.

parosmia

any disease or perversion of the sense of smell, especially the subjective perception of odors that do not exist

pathologist

physician who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.

peptic ulcer

sore in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, usually caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. An ulcer in the stomach is a gastric ulcer; an ulcer in the duodenum is a duodenal ulcer.

perilymph fistula

leakage of inner ear fluid to the middle ear that occurs without apparent cause or is associated with head trauma, physical exertion, or barotrauma

PET

positron emission tomography, a nuclear scanning procedure that gives a three-dimensional picture of the heart to provide information about the flow of blood through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle.

placenta

Detailed definition

placental abruption

premature detachment of the placenta from the wall of the uterus causing severe bleeding that is life threatening to both a pregnant woman and fetus.

plasma

the watery, straw-colored fluid which carries the cellular elements of the blood through circulation

portal vein

large vein that carries blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver

presbycusis

loss of hearing that gradually occurs because of changes in the inner or middle ear in individuals as they grow older.

prognosis

a prediction of the course of the disease

prostatalgia

pain in the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease in which the cells of the prostate become abnormal. They start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. A tumor is a mass or lump of tissue made of abnormal cells. Tumors may be malignant or benign. A malignant tumor can spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors cannot spread to other parts of the body.

prosthodontist

a dental specialist who has undergone additional training and certification in the restoration and replacement of broken teeth with crowns, bridges, or removable prosthetics (dentures).

pulmonary

pertains to lungs and respiratory system

pulmonary artery

blood vessel delivering oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

pulmonary vein

the vessel that carries newly oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs

pupil

the dark center in the middle of the iris through which light passes to the back of the eye.

quadriceps

large muscles located on the front of each thigh

radiation

use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors

radiculopathy

pinched nerve usually from a herniated, or slipped, disk; can cause a shooting pain often described as an electrical feeling

radioisotope

a radioactive material injected into the body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.

rectum

lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.

saliva

mixture of water, protein, and salts that makes food easy to swallow; begins digestion

scapula

commonly known as the shoulder blade

sciatica

traditionally defined as pain in the sciatic nerve, or its branches, that is caused by direct pressure or irritation.

sclerotherapy

method of stopping upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A needle is inserted through an endoscope to bring hardening agents to the place that is bleeding

septal defect

a hole in the wall of the heart

Shwachman's syndrome

digestive and respiratory disorder of children in which certain digestive enzymes are missing and white blood cells are few

sinus

Also called paranasal sinuses, air cavities within the facial bones, lined by mucous membranes similar to those in other parts of the airways.

small bowel enema

x-rays of the small intestine taken as barium liquid passes through the organ

small intestine

organ where most digestion occurs; measures about 20 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

somatosensory

refers to sensory signals from all tissues of the body including skin, viscera, muscles, and joints

spleen

organ lying between the stomach and diaphragm that stores red blood cells and filters blood

spondylosis

a condition of the spine involving a degenerative process

sputum

Also called phlegm; mucous from the lungs

STD

sexually transmitted disease; infection spread through sexual intercourse and other intimate sexual contact.

stenosis

the narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel or valve in the heart

sternum

the breastbone

systolic blood pressure

the highest pressure to which blood pressure rises with the contraction of the heart.

tachycardia

rapid heart beat

tamoxifen

an anticancer drug used in hormone therapy to block the effects of estrogen

temporal arteries

vessels located over the temples on each side of the head that supply blood to part of the head.

tendonitis

inflammation of a tendon or of the tendon covering; usually caused by not just a single injury, but a series of small stresses that repeatedly aggravate the tendon.

thrombolysis

the breaking up of a blood clot

thrombosis

an abnormal condition in which a blood clot develops in the blood vessel or in the heart.

tomography

from the Greek words "to cut or section" (tomos) and "to write" (graphein); in nuclear medicine, it is a method of separating interference from the area of interest by imaging a cut section of the object

tricuspid valve

the heart valve that controls blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle.

type 1 diabetes

Also called insulin dependent diabetes; a condition in which the pancreas produces so little insulin that the body cannot use blood glucose as energy; which must be controlled with daily insulin injections.

type 2 diabetes

Detailed definition

umbilical cord

The flexible cordlike structure connecting a fetus at the abdomen with the placenta and containing two umbilical arteries and one vein that transport nourishment to the fetus and remove its wastes.

ureters

two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

urethra

narrow channel through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body.

urge incontinence

the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a restroom

Usher’s syndrome

a hereditary disease that affects hearing and vision

uterus

Also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum, that sheds its lining each month during menstruation and in which a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus.

vaginal hysterectomy

the uterus is removed through the vaginal opening

vagotomy

operation to cut the vagus nerve, which causes the stomach to produce less acid

valvuloplasty

repairing a heart valve

vascular

pertaining to blood vessels

vein

a blood vessel that carries blood from the body back into the heart

ventilation

movement of air (gases) in and out of the lungs

ventricle

one of the two pumping chambers of the heart; the right ventricle receives oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary artery; the left ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it.

vestibule

bony cavity of the inner ear

xerostomia

a dry mouth condition; can be caused by a number of things, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, kidney failure, infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), drugs used to treat depression, and radiation treatment for mouth or throat cancer.

Zenker's diverticulum

pouches in the esophagus from increased pressure in and around the esophagus.

ZIFT

zygote intrafallopian transfer; method of treating infertility by removing eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing them in the laboratory with sperm from her partner or a donor, and inserting one or more of the fertilized eggs into one of her fallopian tubes.