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General Health and Medical Terms 1 |
abdomen - The part of the body between the chest and pelvis.
abortion - 1. Induced abortion is a procedure done to end pregnancy. 2. Spontaneous abortion is a naturally occurring abortion (also called miscarriage). 3. Therapeutic abortion is an induced abortion required to save the life or health of the mother.
abrasion - A wound caused by scraping the skin. A "skinned knee" is a common example.
abscess - A swollen, inflamed area where pus gathers.
absorption - To take in substances through the skin or mucous membranes.
abstinence - To hold back or restrain. For example, to refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol, or from having sexual intercourse.
acclimation - The process of getting used to a new climate or altitude.
Achilles' tendon - The strong tendon at the back of the ankle that attaches the calf muscle to the heel.
acidosis - An abnormal condition in the body in which excessive acid lowers the pH of the blood and body tissues.
acne - A skin disorder usually found in adolescents and young adults.
acoustic - Having to do with sound and hearing.
acromegaly - A condition that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. In adults, this can cause overgrowth of bones that occurs in smaller bones, such as those in the jaw, hands and feet. In children or teenagers, this can cause giantism.
ACTH - Adrenocorticotropic hormone. Produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete hormones.
actinic keratoses - Scaly, pink, gray or tan patches or bumps on the face or scalp, or on the back of the hands. Occur mostly on people who have light skin that has been damaged by the sun.
acupuncture - An ancient Chinese method to relieve pain or treat disease by inserting needles into various parts of the body.
acute - 1. Of short course. 2. Severe, but of a short duration. Not chronic.
addiction - Strong dependence or habitual use of a substance or practice, despite the negative consequences of its use.
Addison's disease - An ailment characterized by underfunctioning of the adrenal glands. Characterized by anemia, weakness, low blood pressure and brownish discoloration of the skin.
adenitis - Swelling of a gland.
adenoids - Glandular tissue in the back of the throat that may swell, especially during childhood, obstruct breathing and speaking, and lead to ear infections.
adenoma - A noncancerous tumor of glandular tissue.
adenovirus - One of the viruses that cause the common cold.
ADH - Antidiuretic hormone. One of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. A shortage of this hormone causes increased loss of body fluids through the kidneys.
adhesion - The sticking of one surface to another. This can occur when scar tissue causes organs or loops of intestine to stick together. Occasionally, these adhesions may produce an intestinal obstruction or other malfunction by twisting or distorting the organ.
adipose fatty cells - Special cells in which fat is stored when a person's caloric intake is greater than that required by one's metabolism.
adrenal glands - Located on top of the kidneys, these glands produce hormones helpful in regulating the body's metabolism.
adrenaline - Epinephrine. One of several hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
aerobic - Requiring the use of oxygen. Exercise that conditions the heart and lungs by increasing the efficiency of oxygen intake by the body.
afterbirth - The placenta, which is attached to the fetus by the umbilical cord and must be delivered after the baby.
AIDS - Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A disease of the immune system caused by the HIV virus.
airway - The passage by which air enters and exits the lungs.
albinism - The absence of all normal body pigmentation at birth, a condition that can occur in all races.
albino - A person with albinism.
albumin - A water-soluble protein found in milk, egg, muscle, blood and many vegetable tissues and fluids.
aldosteronism - A condition resulting when the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone, which regulates fluids and salt in the body.
alimentary - Having to do with food or nutrition. The alimentary tract is the digestive tract.
allergen - A substance capable of producing an allergic reaction.
allergy - An exaggerated immune response to substances in the environment.
alopecia - Hair loss, especially of the head.
alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency - Congenital lack of an enzyme that leads to cirrhosis of the liver and obstructive lung disease.
altitude sickness - A potentially fatal illness caused by being at altitudes high enough to reduce the amount of oxygen available to the body.
alveoli - The sacs in the lungs at the ends of the smallest airways where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood.
amblyopia - Impaired vision without an apparent cause.
ambulatory - Able to walk. Not confined to bed.
amenorrhea - Absence of menstrual periods.
amnesia - Partial or total loss of memory, usually as the result of psychological trauma or stress, or physical damage to the brain from injury, disease, or alcohol or other chronic drug abuse.
amnion - The membrane enclosing a developing fetus; it's filled with a protective liquid called amniotic fluid.
amputation - The surgical removal of a limb or other appendage because of damage by trauma or as a treatment for a variety of potentially life-threatening ailments.
anaerobic exercise - Brief, intense exercise that leads to an oxygen debt in a certain area of tissue. Weight lifting is an example.
anaphylaxis - The most severe form of allergy, in which the person's heart and lungs are unable to keep working, and death occurs unless prompt medical attention is obtained.
androgen - Any substance that produces male characteristics. Testosterone and androsterone are natural androgens.
anemia - A decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen because of a reduction in either the number or quality of the red blood cells.
anesthesia - Drug-induced loss of feeling or sensation.
anesthetic - An agent used to produce anesthesia.
aneurysm - A thin sac caused by a weakened area in the walls of blood vessels or the heart. As an aneurysm increases in size, the sac tends to become thinner, and the risk of its breaking becomes greater.
angina pectoris - Chest pain caused by decreased oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
angioma - A noncancerous tumor made up of many blood vessels.
anhidrosis - Absence of sweating. An inability to sweat greatly interferes with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
ankylosis - Abnormal stiffening of a joint.
anomaly - Deviation from normal.
anorchism - Congenital absence of both testes.
anorexia nervosa - An eating disorder manifested primarily by a loss of desire or willingness to eat for a variety of psychological reasons.
anosmia - Loss of the sense of smell.
antepartum - Occurring before delivery of a baby.
antibody - A protein produced by the body to neutralize an invading foreign agent or antigen, such as a virus.
antidote - An agent used to counteract a poison.
antigen - A foreign agent capable of starting an immune response or causing the body to produce antibodies.
antiserum - A serum that contains antibodies. Serum from a person or animal with immunity to a certain disease can, in some cases, be used to prevent illness in other people.
anus - The opening of the rectum.
anxiety - A feeling of nervousness, uneasiness, apprehension or dread.
aorta - The large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of body.
apathy - Lack of emotions.
Apgar score - A scoring method from zero to 10 for describing the health of an infant at birth, based on heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, color and reflex irritability.
aphagia - Inability to swallow.
aphasia - A partial or total loss of the power to use or understand words.
aphthous ulcers - A painful sore in the mouth. Also called a canker sore.
apnea - Temporary pause in breathing.
appendectomy - Surgical removal of the appendix.
appendix - A finger-like appendage near the junction of the large intestine and the small intestine.
areola - The dark area of the breast surrounding the nipple.
arteriosclerosis - Commonly called "hardening of the arteries." An abnormal thickening and loss of elasticity of the wall of the arteries.
arteriovenous malformation - Abnormal group of dilated blood vessels, most often occurring in the brain.
artery - A vessel that carries blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.
arthralgia - Pain in a joint.
arthritis - Inflammation of a joint.
asbestos - A fibrous material used to make fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing and filters. Asbestos has been linked to a type of lung cancer.
ascites - Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that causes distention.
ascorbic acid - Vitamin C.
asthma - A chronic disorder characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness of the chest.
astigmatism - An irregularity in the curvature of the lens of the eye, resulting in a blurry or distorted image.
atelectasis - Collapsed lung. May occur following surgery or after a rib fracture.
atherosclerosis - A form of arteriosclerosis caused by fatty deposits in the arteries.
athlete's foot - A fungal infection of the skin of the feet.
atopy - A predisposition to allergy that's inherited from parents. Included disorders are asthma, hay fever and eczema.
atria - The upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins and pass it to the lower chambers of the heart.
atrophy - A decrease in the normal size of an organ. Wasting away.
aura - A peculiar sensation that occurs before other symptoms. An example is the sensation of flashing lights before a migraine headache.
autoimmune disease - A condition in which antibodies form against one's own cells.
autotransfusion - A transfusion using the patient's own blood.
axilla - The armpit.
bacteremia - The presence of bacteria in the blood.
bacteria - Single-celled microorganisms with one of three basic shapes: rod-like (bacilli), spherical (cocci) and spiral (spirilla). Bacteria are commonly thought of as disease-causing agents. But many bacteria are beneficial and don't cause disease.
bacteriuria - The presence of bacteria in the urine.
Baker's cyst - A swelling of the knee caused by an escape of fluid from a sac behind the knee.
ballism - Quick, jerking movements that occur in people with chorea.
barium - A chalky substance used in x-ray studies of the digestive tract to highlight abnormalities.
barotrauma - Injury caused by pressure differences between the atmosphere and the air-filled spaces in the body. The most common of these injuries are the ear and sinus blocks that can occur during air travel.
Bartholin cyst - A cyst caused by an infection of the glands on the vaginal wall.
BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine - A vaccine that offers some protection against tuberculosis. It's now rarely used in the U.S. because it doesn't give total protection.
bedsore - An ulcer caused by chafing or by the pressure of the body against the bed.
Bell's palsy - A usually temporary loss of feeling or movement of the face, usually on one side, causing an inability to close the eye or mouth on that side.
bends - A condition that results from rapidly decreasing atmospheric pressure on the body. Symptoms include joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath and coma. The condition may be fatal.
benign - A nonlife-threatening condition. Not malignant. Not cancerous.
benign familial tremor - An inherited disorder that causes a slow tremor in the hands, head and voice. It may affect only one side of the body, be worse when moving than when resting and worsen with age.
beriberi - A deficiency disease caused by dietary insufficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Symptoms include general weakness and painful rigidity.
biceps - A muscle having two heads. The most familiar is the large muscle in the front of the upper arm responsible for flexing the forearm.
bicuspid - A tooth named for the two-pointed projections on the crown.
bifocals - Eyeglasses with divided lenses. The two parts of each lens have different strengths, allowing the wearer to focus the eye for either near or distant vision.
bile - A clear yellow fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Aids in digestion.
bilirubin - A pigment produced in the liver by the breakdown of hemoglobin from old red blood cells. Bilirubin is normally eliminated in the bile. A variety of diseases may cause bilirubin to collect in the body, resulting in a yellow discoloration of the skin known as jaundice.
binocular - Using both eyes at the same time. Binocular vision is the most important element of depth perception.
biopsy - Removal and exam of a tissue sample taken from a living body. This procedure helps determine if the tissue is cancerous.
bipolar affective disorder - A psychiatric disorder in which the affected person has both depressed and happy, energetic (manic) episodes. This is a newer term for manic-depressive disorder.
blackhead - A dark-topped plug of fatty material in the opening of a hair follicle. The color is the result of exposure of the fat to the air.
blackout - 1. Short-term loss of vision and consciousness. 2. In an alcoholic person, loss of memory for a period of time.
bladder - The organ that temporarily stores a substance. Commonly used in reference to the urinary bladder, which holds urine until it's eliminated.
blepharitis - Inflammation of the eyelid.
blepharoplasty - Plastic surgery on the eyelid.
blindness - Loss of vision. Legally, visual acuity less than 20/200 with glasses.
blister - Buildup of watery or bloody fluid under the skin.
blood - The fluid circulating through the heart, arteries and veins. Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues, carrying waste products away from the tissues and delivering a wide variety of biochemical substances throughout the body to main
blood poisoning - Infection within the circulatory system. A potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
blood pressure - The pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.
boil - A skin infection characterized by a localized buildup of pus.
bone marrow - The tissue within the cavity of the bones where new blood cells are made.
Borrelia - A class of disease-causing bacteria that includes the organisms that cause relapsing fever and Lyme disease.
botulism - An extremely dangerous form of food poisoning caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum.
bovine - Having to do with cattle. For example, bovine insulin is insulin obtained from cattle.
bowel - See intestine.
Bowen's disease - A precancerous skin condition that first appears as psoriasis-like scaling.
bowleg - A deformity of the legs in which the space between the knees is greater than normal.
brace - A device used to support a body part, correct or prevent deformities, or control movement.
bradycardia - Slow heart rate and pulse, usually slower than 60 beats per minute.
Braxton Hicks contractions - Contractions of the uterus during pregnancy that are sometimes mistaken for labor. Also called false labor.
breasts - Milk-secreting glands protruding from the upper front part of a woman's body.
breech birth - A birth in which the feet or buttocks of the baby appear first through the birth canal.
bridge - A structure that joins two parts. For example, a dental bridge contains artificial teeth and joins the natural teeth at either end.
Bright's disease - Nephritis. A group of kidney diseases manifested by albumin in the urine and edema (swelling).
bronchi - The tubular passages, also called bronchial tubes, that carry air into the lungs.
bronchiectasis - A chronic enlargement of the bronchi accompanied by coughing and production of large amounts of phlegm-containing pus.
bronchiolitis - An infection of the bronchioles, the tiny air tubes in the lungs.
bronchitis - Inflammation of the bronchi.
bronchospasm - Contraction of the muscle in the walls of the bronchi.
bronze diabetes - A disorder of iron metabolism resulting in iron pigment deposits in the skin and other body tissues that causes a change in skin color.
brucellosis - An infection characterized by fluctuating fever, headache, anemia and vague physical discomfort that's transmitted to humans from domesticated goats, pigs and cattle.
bruise - Discoloration of the skin due to a buildup of blood in the underlying soft tissues. Also called a contusion.
bruxism - Grinding of the teeth.
bubo - A swollen, infected lymph node (especially in the groin). The node may enlarge enough that it begins to drain through the skin.
Buerger's disease - Blockage of medium-sized blood vessels in the hands and feet by clotting and inflammation. This process causes severe pain and may lead to gangrene.
bulimia - An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by vomiting or use of laxatives. Usually caused by a variety of psychological reasons.
bunion - Localized swelling of the big toe at its joint with the foot.
bursa - A small, fluid-filled sac that allows one part of a joint to move freely over another part.
bursitis - Inflammation of a bursa.
cachexia - A generally weakened, emaciated condition of the body.
caffeine - A bitter-tasting, water-soluble compound that acts as a central nervous system stimulant and has a mild diuretic (increasing urination) effect.
calciferol - Vitamin D.
calcification - Calcium salt deposits in soft tissues.
calculus - A small, hard mass or stone formed in the body, as in a kidney or gallbladder, or a hard coating on the surface of the teeth.
callus - 1. Localized thickening of the skin. 2. A fibrous band formed around the site of a fracture that seals the ends of the bone together and is then gradually replaced by mature bone.
calorie - The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree. Commonly used to express the amount of energy-producing value in food.
Calve-Perthes - A disease in children affecting the growth plate of the head of the thigh, caused by interference in the blood supply.
camphor - An agent derived from a cinnamon tree that's used to relieve pain and itching.
cancer - Abnormal cells with uncontrolled cell growth.
Candida - The class of yeast that causes thrush and vaginal yeast infections.
canker - An open sore on the lip or skin inside the mouth.
Cannabis - The class of plants that includes marijuana and other hemps.
capillary - A small, blood-containing vessel connecting the veins and arteries.
carbohydrates - A group of energy-storage molecules that includes sugars and starches. Carbohydrates contain four calories per gram.
carbon dioxide - An odorless, colorless gas produced as the end product of aerobic respiration.
carbon monoxide - An odorless, colorless, poisonous gas produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon. Prevents the blood from carrying oxygen.
carbuncle - A hard, painful, pus-filled infection of the skin. Carbuncles are larger than boils and frequently have more than one opening.
carcinogen - A cancer-causing substance.
carcinoma - A cancerous tumor.
cardiac - Having to do with the heart or, less commonly, the upper portion of the stomach.
cardiomegaly - Enlargement of the heart.
cardiomyopathy - A disorder of the heart muscle.
cardiovascular - Having to do with the heart and blood vessels.
caries - Decay of the teeth or bone.
carotene - The fat-soluble pigment in carrots, tomatoes and other vegetables, egg yolks, milk fat and other substances that can be converted in the body to vitamin A.
carotid - The main artery in the neck.
carpal - Having to do with the wrist.
carpal tunnel syndrome - Pain, numbness and tingling of the fingers caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
carrier - Someone who's capable of transmitting a disease (especially an infectious or genetic disorder) to another person but who usually has no symptoms of the disease.
cartilage - Elastic connective tissue on the joint surfaces of bone and some parts of the skeleton, including the nose and ears.
castor oil - An oil extracted from the castor bean plant that's irritating to the intestine and promotes bowel movements.
castration - To remove the gonads, such as the testicles, making the male unable to have children.
cat-scratch fever - A bacterial infection acquired through the scratch of a cat or other animal.
catalepsy - A condition in which the body and limbs stay in the position in which they're placed.
cataract - An opaque area in the lens of the eye.
catheter - A tube used to drain or inject fluids.
cauliflower ear - A trauma-induced deformity of the ear caused by repeated cartilage and soft-tissue injury.
caustic - A chemical that can cause burns.
cauterize - To purposely burn with a hot instrument or caustic substance to destroy tissue, such as a wart.
cavity - A hollow place or hole within the body.
CBC - Complete blood cell count.
cecum - The first part of the large intestine just below the small intestine or ileum.
celiac - Having to do with the abdomen.
cell - The basic unit of organization of all living organisms.
cellulitis - Infection of the skin.
cellulose - A complex carbohydrate. Cellulose is a source of dietary fiber because it can't be digested.
cephalalgia - Headache.
cerebellum - The part of the brain that coordinates muscular movements.
cerebrum - The main part of the brain.
cerumen - Earwax.
cervical - Having to do with the neck (cervical spine) or the cervix of the uterus.
cervix - The neck-like portion of an organ, especially the part of the uterus that extends into the vagina.
cesarean section - Delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus.
chalazion - A chronic, small swelling on the rim of the eyelid.
chancre - The painless ulcer of primary syphilis that appears on the genitals.
chancroid - A sexually transmitted disease that causes soft, painful open sores in the genital area. Not syphilis. Characterized by swelling of the sebaceous glands, resulting in pimples on the face, back and chest.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease - Progressive, generally painless weakness of the legs, along with foot deformity.
charley horse - Painful stiffness from muscular strain in an arm or leg.
cheilosis - A condition in which cracks or sores occur at the corners of the mouth.
chickenpox - A viral disease that usually begins with fever and cough, followed by a rash that progresses from red bumps to blisters to scabs. A vaccine is available to prevent this disease. Also called varicella or varicella zoster.
chilblain - Painful redness of the fingers, toes or ears caused by exposure to cold.
childbed fever - This is a severe illness marked by fever that's caused by an infection in mothers after giving birth. Also called puerperal sepsis.
chill - A cold sensation with shivering that sometimes occurs before a fever.
chiropractic - An approach to health care based on the assumption that most diseases are caused by pressure on the nerves. This pressure is thought to be caused by faulty alignment of the bones that prevents the nerves from functioning properly.
Chlamydia - A microorganism, Chlamydia trachomatis, that's a frequent cause of sexually transmitted disease. It can also cause pneumonia and eye infections.
chloasma - See melasma.
chlorination - The addition of chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms in water or sewage.
cholecystitis - Inflammation of the gallbladder.
cholera - Watery diarrhea caused by drinking water or eating food that's con-taminated with Vibrio cholere. The disease is spread through the stools of infected persons.
cholesteatoma - A tumor-like mass that sometimes forms as a result of a chronic middle ear infection.
cholesterol - A fat-like substance that, if present in the blood in large amounts, is associated with the development of heart disease.
chondritis - Inflammation of the cartilage.
chondromalacia - Softening of cartilage.
chorea - A nervous system disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the limbs or facial muscles. A hereditary form is called Huntington's chorea.
chromosomes - The DNA-containing cellular structures that carry genetic information.
chronic - Persistent. Ongoing. Lasting a long time.
cilia - Short, hair-like structures extending from certain cells.
circadian - A repetitive pattern or fluctuation with a 24-hour cycle.
circulation - The flow of blood through the body. Includes the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
circumcision - Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
cirrhosis - Inflammatory disease of the liver characterized by scarring and shrinkage.
claudication - Pain in the legs while walking that's caused by blockage of the arteries.
claustrophobia - Fear of closed spaces.
clavicle - Collarbone.
clawhand - A condition of the hand causing distorted fingers resulting from nerve injury.
cleft lip or palate - A congenital split of the upper lip or roof of the mouth.
clitoris - A small, sensitive erectile organ located in the female at the top of the vulva.
Clostridium - A genus of bacteria that includes the agents capable of causing food poisoning and tetanus.
clot - A jelly-like mass of blood.
clubfoot - A deformity in which the foot is turned inward from its normal position.
coal tar - A by-product of coal used in the treatment of some skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
cobalamin - Vitamin B12.
cocaine - A drug that is made from coca leaves. It can be used by a doctor as a topical anesthetic. It's often abused for its euphoric affects. It's highly addictive.
coccyx - The tailbone.
cochlea - The portion of the inner ear that senses sound.
coitus - Sexual intercourse.
cold - An upper respiratory infection.
cold sore - Herpes simplex infection of the lip.
colic - 1. A sudden, spasmodic abdominal pain. 2. In infants, a pattern of excessive crying, apparent abdominal pain and irritability.
colitis - Inflammation of the colon.
collagen - A protein formed in the connective tissue of the body.
colon - The large intestine.
Colorado tick fever - A viral illness spread by ticks. Characterized by headache, backache and fever that begins to break and then returns midway through the course of the illness.
colostomy - Surgery that makes an opening to the intestine through the surface of the abdomen. The opening empties the bowels.
colostrum - An antibody-rich fluid released by the breasts for a short time after the birth of a baby, before the true milk is produced.
comedo - See blackhead.
communicable disease - A disease spread through direct contact with an infected person or substance.
compress - A dressing used to apply pressure or medicine to an area. Useful in applying heat or cold.
compulsion - An overwhelming urge to perform an act. Often used to describe ritual or repetitive behaviors.
conception - Fertilization. The union of sperm and egg.
concussion - A loss of consciousness because of a head injury.
condom - A sheath worn over the penis or inside the vagina (female condom) during intercourse to protect against pregnancy and disease.
cone - The light-sensing structure on the retina of the eye capable of detecting color.
congenital - Present at birth.
conjunctiva - The membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball.
conjunctivitis - Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Also called pink eye.
connective tissue - Fibrous tissue with a wide variety of connecting and supporting functions within and between body organs.
conscious - Mentally awake and aware. Knowing what one is doing and why.
constipation - A condition in which the stool becomes too hard for easy elimination.
consumption - 1. Using up. 2. Wasting of the body; especially used in reference to advanced tuberculosis.
contagious - Easily transmitted by direct or indirect contact.
contraception - The intentional prevention of conception or impregnation. Also called birth control.
contraction - A shortening or increase in tension.
contracture - Deformity caused by abnormal shortening of the muscles.
contrast medium - A substance used in x-ray studies to aid in showing internal structures.
contusion - Bruise.
convulsion - A seizure.
cor pulmonale - Increased blood pressure in the lungs, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and fluid in the lungs.
corn - A hardened area of skin on the foot caused by persistent friction or pressure.
cornea - The clear, external part of the eye.
coronary arteries - The blood vessels encircling the heart that provide the heart muscle with oxygen.
corticosteroid hormones - Hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
coryza - Runny nose.
costochondritis - Inflammation of the cartilage-containing joints where the ribs join the breastbone (sternum).
coxsackievirus - A virus that can cause inflammation of the heart, brain or eye, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
cramp - A painful muscle spasm.
craniotomy - A surgical opening of the skull.
cranium - The skull, or bony structure of the head, that protects the brain.
creatinine - A substance formed from the making of creatine, an important nitrogen compound made in the body. Common in blood, urine and muscle tissue.
cretinism - Physical and mental retardation due to congenital lack of thyroid hormone.
Crohn's disease - Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, especially of the lower small intestine and colon.
croup - Obstruction of the upper respiratory tract at or below the larynx (voice box), resulting in a hoarse, barking cough.
crowning - The first appearance of a baby's scalp during the birth process.
cryosurgery - Destruction of tissue using extreme cold. A procedure used to treat skin lesions.
CT - Computed tomographic scan.
culdocentesis - A procedure to remove pus or blood from the abdomen through the vagina.
Cushing's syndrome - A disorder caused by overactivity of the pituitary gland.
cuspid - A tooth with one point, or "canine" tooth.
cutaneous - Having to do with the skin.
cyanosis - Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen in the blood.
cyst - A sac or pocket in the body containing fluid or semisolid material.
cystitis - Inflammation of the bladder.
cytology - The study of cells.
cytomegalovirus - A virus that infects cells and causes them to become enlarged. Babies infected with the virus develop mental and sensory disorders.
D and C - Dilatation and curettage. A surgical procedure in which the uterine lining is removed by scraping.
dacryocystitis - Inflammation of the sac that collects tears for drainage from the eye.
dandruff - Little scales or flakes of dead skin on the scalp. Also called seborrheic dermatitis.
debridement - Removal of foreign material or dead tissue.
decalcification - Loss of calcium from the bones or teeth.
decidua - The mucus lining of the uterus that's passed after childbirth or during the menstrual period.
decubitus - A skin ulcer or bedsore.
defibrillator - A machine that delivers an electrical shock to an irregularly beating heart to restore normal rhythm.
degenerative joint disease - A common form of arthritis in which tissue changes occur in one or more joints, such as swelling, lumps or cysts, or small pieces of loose bone and cartilage, which cause stiffness and pain. Also called osteoarthritis.
dehydration - Excessive loss of body water resulting in weakness, dizziness and other symptoms. It can be life-threatening if not treated, especially in young children and babies.
delirium - An abnormal mental state characterized by excitement and hallucinations.
deltoid - The triangular muscle of the shoulder.
delusion - A false belief.
dementia - Progressive mental deterioration.
dentition - Arrangement of the teeth.
dependence - A state of absolute need, both physical and psychological.
depilatory - A substance that temporarily removes hair from the skin.
depression - Decreased functional activity. Sinking of spirits. Intense sadness, beyond what's normally expected.
dermabrasion - A procedure that removes scars, tattoos or other skin defects with fine sandpaper or a high-speed brush.
dermatitis - Inflammation of the skin.
dermatology - A medical specialty that deals with the skin.
desensitization - Reducing or eliminating sensitivity to a particular substance.
desquamation - The shedding of cells from the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.
devascularization - Interruption of blood circulation to part of the body.
dextrose - A simple sugar. Glucose.
diabetes insipidus - Loss of water through the kidneys as a result of decreased production of the pituitary hormone vasopressin (an antidiuretic hormone).
diabetes mellitus - A disorder of carbohydrate metabolism resulting from insulin deficiency. Characterized by high blood sugar levels that result in weakness, frequent urination and increased thirst and hunger.
diagnose - To identify a disease.
diagnosis - The process of identifying a disease or medical condition.
dialysis - A treatment to remove certain molecules from the blood, particularly in people with kidney failure.
diaphoresis - Excessive sweating.
diaphragm - 1. The dome-shaped respiratory muscle separating the chest from the abdomen. 2. A barrier contraceptive device molded to fit over the cervix.
diarrhea - Production of feces in increased volume and with greater fluidity than normal.
diastole - The relaxation phase of the heartbeat.
diet - The total food consumed by an individual. A therapeutic diet is a prescription of required or restricted foods.
dietitian - An expert who is trained in the use of diet and nutrition to maintain or restore health.
digestion - The mechanical and chemical conversion of food into simpler compounds that can be absorbed by the body.
digit - A finger or toe.
dilation - The process of expanding or enlarging.
diphtheria - An infectious disease of childhood characterized by fever, sore throat and the presence of "dirty" (white, gray, brown) membranes in the throat.
diplopia - Double vision.
discoid lupus erythematosus - A round, red, scaling rash on the nose, forehead, cheeks, scalp or other areas of the body. It may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
disinfectant - A chemical agent used to destroy microorganisms on inanimate objects.
disk - A round, flat structure, particularly the fibrous cartilage layer between two vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine). Also called intervertebral disk.
diskectomy - Removal of an intervertebral disk of the spine.
dislocation - Displacement of a bone from a joint.
disorientation - Mental confusion, especially of time, place or person.
distal - A location farther from a point of reference. For example, the foot is distal to the knee, relative to the center of the body.
diuresis - Increased elimination of urine.
diverticula - Pouches or sacs opening out from a main cavity or tubular organ of the body.
diverticulitis - Inflammation of small pouches that may form on the wall of the colon.
diverticulosis - A condition in which pouches form on the wall of the colon.
dorsal - Toward the back.
douche - A flow of liquid or vapor directed onto or into a part of the body.
Down syndrome - A genetic disorder characterized by some degree of mental retardation and by various physical malformations, such as slanted eyes and a broad face.
DPT - A vaccine containing antigens from diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.
dressing - A bandage for an external wound.
dropsy - Abnormal buildup of fluid in tissues or a body cavity.
duct - A channel or passage through which fluids move.
duodenal - Having to do with the duodenum.
duodenum - The first part of the small intestine that begins at the stomach and is the entry point for the pancreatic and common bile duct.
Dupuytren's contracture - Scarring of the palmar ligament in the hand, causing progressive curling of one or more fingers and a thickening of the palm.
dwarfism - A deficiency of growth hormone resulting in short stature.
dysentery - Infection of the intestine resulting in severe diarrhea and cramps, frequently associated with blood or mucus in the stools.
dysmenorrhea - Painful menstruation.
dyspepsia - Indigestion.
dysphagia - Difficulty swallowing.
dyspnea - Labored breathing.
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