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A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

A

acetylcholine - an important organic chemical substance present in the body which is known as a NEUROTRANSMITTER and is involved in the transmission of electrical impulses along nerves.

achalasia - means failure to relax and usually refers to a condition called achalasia of the cardia.

adactyly - describes the absence of fingers or toes (digits).

adenoids - A clump of lymphoid tissue situated at the back of the nose (in the nasopharynx). The adenoids may become swollen as a result of persistent throat infections, and obstruct breathing through the nose.

albanism - an inherited disorder in which there is a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes.

allantois - a structure which develops early in the life of an embryo and grows out from the hindgut, becoming attached to the wall of the womb. It later develops into the placenta and umbilical cord.

adipose tissue - a type of loose, fibrous, connective tissue containing a mass of fat cells.

amniocentesis – a procedure carried out to sample the amniotic fluid surrounding a foetus in order to test it in the laboratory. A fine needle is inserted through the abdominal wall of the mother and the amniotic sac is pierced so that a small quantity of fluid can be drawn off. 

aneuploidy – this describes the condition in which an abnormal number of chromosomes are present in the cells of an affected individual. 

aneurysm - a balloon-like swelling of the wall of an artery which occurs when it becomes weakened or damaged in some way.

angioma - a clump of distended blood vessels pushing onto the surface of the brain.

angioplasty – a surgical method used to widen or re-open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel or heart valve. 

aortic stenosis - a narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve resulting in the obstruction of bloodflow from the left ventricle to the aorta.

aphonia – loss of the voice which may be caused by disease or damage to the LARYNX or mouth or to nerves controlling throat muscles, or may result from HYSTERIA.   

arteriole - a small  branch of an artery leading to a capillary.

arteriectomy – the surgical removal of a part or the whole of an artery. 

asbestosis – a disease of the lungs which is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. Asbestos has been used in many industries and the dust causes scarring of the lungs. 

asepsis – a state of complete absence of harmful pathogenic micro-organisms achieved by various sterilization techniques.

asphyxia - the state of suffocation during which breathing eventually stops and oxygen fails to reach tissues and organs.

B

bile - a viscous, bitter fluid produced by the LIVER and stored in the GALL BLADDER, a small organ near the liver.

biliburin - one of the two important BILE pigments, formed primarily from the breakdown of HAEMOGLOBIN from red blood cells.

bismuth – a metal of which various salts are used in medicine. It occurs in treatments for diarrhoea, haemorrhoids and externally in the management of skin conditions. 

botulism – the most dangerous type of food poisoning, caused by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The bacterium is found in oxygen-free environments, e.g. in contaminated food in bottles or tins. 

bovine spongiform encephalopathey or (BSE) - a disease of cattle that proves fatal and which is similar to scrapies in sheep and CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE in humans.

bradykinesia – the condition in which there is abnormally slow movement of the body and limbs and slowness of speech, as may becaused by PARKINSONISM.

brachial adjective meaning 'of the upper arm', hence brachial artery etc.

breech presention - the position of a baby in the uterus whereby it would be delivered buttocks first instead of the usual head first delivery. 

buccal - generaly pertaining to the mouth, specifically the inside of the cheek or the gum next to the cheek. 

bulimia nervosa - an overwhelming desire to eat a lot of food followed by misuse of laxatives or induced vomiting to avoid weight gain. 

C

caecum –an expanded, blind-ended sac at the start of the large intestine between the small intestine and colon. The small intestine and vermiform appendix open into the caecum. 

caesium 137 - a radioactive substance produced artificially from caesium which is used in RADIO-THERAPY.

callus – material which forms around the end of a broken bone containing bone-forming cells, cartilage and connective tissue. Eventually this tissue becomes calcified. 

carbaryl - an insecticide substance which is especially used in preparations for the elimination of head lice.

carcinogen - Any substance which causes damage to tissue cells likely to result in cancer.

caul – a piece of membrane (part of the amnion) which sometimes partly covers a newborn baby.   

chiblain - a round, itchy inflammation of the skin which usually occurs on the toes or fingers during cold weather, and is caused by localized deficiency in the circulation.

chiropractor - a person who practises chiropractor which is a system of manipulation, mainly of the vertebrae of the spine, to relieve stress on nerves which might be causing pain.

choluria – bile in the urine which occurs when there is an elevated level of bile in the blood. 

chorion – one of two foetal membranes completely surrounding the embryo and forming the placenta.   

clostridium- a group of bacteria which are present in the intestine of man and animals. Some species are responsible for serious diseases such as botulism, tetanus and gas GANGRENE

clot - the term applied to a semi-solid lump of blood or other fluid in the body.

coccyx - the end of the backbone, which consists of four fused and reduced vertebrate which correspond to the tail of the other mammals.

codeine - a substance derived from morphin which is used for pain relief and to suppress a cough.

collagen – a protein substance that is widely found in large amounts in the body in connective tissue, tendons, skin, cartilage, bone and ligaments. 

commissure - a joining or connection of two similar structure on either side of a midline.

condyle – a rounded knob that is found at the ends of some bones e.g. on the femur and humerus and articulates with an adjacent bone. 

cranium - the part of the skull that encloses the brain, formed from eight fused and flattened bones that are joined by immovable suture JOINTS. 

crepitus - the grating sound heard when the ends of fractured bones rub together and also from the joints of those suffering from arthritis.  

cretinism - a syndrome caused by lack of thyroid hormone which is present before birth and is also called congenital hyperthyroidism.  

cryosurgery - the use of extreme cold to perform surgical procedure, usually on localized areas to remove unwated tissue.

curare - an extract from the bark of certain South America trees which relaxes and paralyses voluntary muscle.  

D

deafness - a partial or complete loss of hearing. The deafness may be temporary or permanent, conductive or sensory, congenital or acquired.

decidua – the soft epithelial tissue that forms a lining to the uterus during pregnancy and which is shed of birth. 

deltoid - the muscle, traingular in shape, that covers the shoulder and is attached to the collar bone, shoulder blade and humerus. 

diastole – the point at which the heart relaxes between contractions, when the ventricles fill with blood. 

dilator - an instrument employed to increase the opening of an orifice. Also, a muscle that increases the diameter of a vessel, or organ.

diplegia – paralysis on both sides of the body. 

diuretica - a substance that increases urine formation and excretion and which may work specifically within the kidney e.g. by prevention of sodium, and therefore water, reabsorption or outside the kidney.

drosophila - a fruit fly that is used a great deal in genetic research because they breed easily and quickly and have just four pairs of chromosomes that are visible under the microscope.

duct – a narrow tube-like structure joining a gland with an organ or the body surface, through which a secretion passes e.g. sweat ducts opening onto the skin.   

ductus Arteriousus - when a foetus is in the uterus, the lungs do not function and the foetal blood by passes the lungs by means of the ductus arteriosus which takes blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta.

dwarfish – an abnormal under-development of the body manifested by small stature. There are several causes including incorrect functioning of the PITUITARY or THYROID glands. 

dysarthria - poorly articulated speech which sounds weak or slurred due to impairment of the control of muscles that effect speech.

dyspepsia – (or indigestion) after eating there may be discomfort in the upper abdomen/lower chest with heartburn, nausea and flatulence accompanying a feeling of fullness.

E

ectopic - referring to something or some event that is not in its usual place or occurring at its usual time e.g. an ectopic pregnancy is one that is outside the uterus.

emetics - a substance that causes vomiting. Direct emetics such as mustard in water, copper sulphate, alum or a lot of salty water irritate the stomach, while indirect emetics such as apomorphine and ipecacauanha act on the centre og the brain that controls the act of vomiting.

emollients - substances that soften or soothe the skin whether in the form of a powder, oil or preparation, often used in the treatment of eczema.  Examples are olive oil, glycerin and French chalk.

encephaloid - the term given to a form of cancer that superficially resembles brain tissue.

encogene - any GENE directly involved in cancer, whether in viruses or in the individual

epithelioma - An epithelial tumour used formerly to describe any carcinoma.

episiotomy – the process of making an incision in the PERINEUM to enlarge a woman’s vaginal opening to facilitate delivery of a child. 

erythema – an inflammation or redness of the skin in which the tissues are congested with blood. The condition may be accompanied by pain or itching. 

excoriation – injury of the surface of the skin (or other part of the body) caused by the abrasion or scratching of the area. 

excreta - waste material discharged from the body. The term is often used specifically to denote faeces.

expectorants a group of drugs that are taken to help in the removal of secretions from the lungs, bronchi and trachea.

extasystole (or ectopic beat) - a heart beat that is outside the normal rhythm of the heart and is due to an impulse generated outside the SINOATRIAL NODE.

F

favism - an inherited disorder which takes the from of severe haemolytic ANAEMIA (destruction of red blood cells) brought on by eating broad beans.

femoral - describing the femur or area of the thigh e.g. femoral artery, vein, nerve and canal.

fibula - the outer, thin, long bone which articulates with the larger tibia in the lower leg.

flatulence – a build-up of gas in the stomach or bowels which is released through the mouth or anus. 

flexor - any muscle that causes a limb or other body part to bend.

fissure - a natural cleft or groove or abnormal break in the skin or mucous membrane e.g. an anal fissure.

fontanelle - openings in the skull of newborn and young infants in whom the bone is not wholly formed and the sutures are incompletely fused.

fovea – any small depression, often referring to the one which occurs in the RETINA of the EYE in which a large number of the light-sensitive cells called CONES are situated. 

fundus – the enlarged base of an organ farthest away from its opening or appoint in the RETINA of the EYE opposite the pupil.

G

gangrene – death of tissue due to loss of blood supply or bacterial infection. There are two types of gangrene dry and moist.   

gastralgia - term meaning pain in the stomach. 

gastric ulcer – an erosion of the stomach MUCOSA caused by such agents as acid and bile. It may penetrate the muscle and perforate the stomach wall.   

gauze - a material with open weave that is used for bandages and dressings.

gleet - discharge due to chronic GONORRHOEA.

glottis - the opening between the VOCAL CHORDS. Also used for the part of the LARYNX involved with sound production.

glucagon - a hormone important in maintaining the level of the body's blood sugar.

gluteal – the term given to the buttocks or the muscles forming them.   

glycosuria - the presence of sugar (glucose) in the urine which is usually due to DIABETES MELLITUS.

gonad - the reproductive organs that produce the GAMETES and some hormones. In the male and female the gonads are the testes and ovaries respectively.

gynaecology – the subdiscipline of medicine that deals with diseases of women, particularly concerning sexual and reproduction function and diseases or reproductive organs.

H

Haem - a compound containing iron, composed of a pigment which is known as a porhhyrin, which confers colour. It combines with a protein called globin in the blood  to form HAEMOGLOBIN.

haemolysis - the destruction (lysis) of red blood cells which may result from infection, poisoning or as an antibody response.

halitosis – “bad breath” which may arise for a number of reasons, including the type of food recently eaten, disease of the teeth or infections of the throat, nose and lungs. 

hallucinogen – a substance or drug which causes HALLUCINATIONS e.g. mescaline and lysergic acid diethylamide. 

haploid - the description for a cell nucleus or organism with half the normal number of chromosomes.  

haversian canal - one of the numerous small channels or cylindrical tubes which run through compact bone (the outer layer of bones) and contain blood vessels and nerves.

heimlich's manoeuvre - a procedure to dislodge a foreign body which is blocking the larynx causing CHOKING. The person carrying our the procedure encircles the patient from behind with his arms.to cover gaps in the memory.)

hepatectomy - surgical removal of the whole or part of the liver.

hernia - the protrusion of a part or whole of an organ from out of its normal position within the body cavity.  

hexachlorophane – an antiseptic, dis-infectant substance similar to phenol, the use of which is now limited in soaps and creams as it may produce toxic effects when absorbed through the skin.  

hirsutism - the growth of dark, coarse hair on the body of a female on the face, chest, abdomen and upper back. This is either due to a greater sensitivity of hair follicles to a normal level of male hormones (androgens) producing hair of a more masculine type.

histamine – a substance derived from histidine which is an amino acid. It is widely found throughout all the body tissues and is responsible for the dilation of blood vessels (arterioles and capillaries) and the contraction of smooth muscle, including that of the bronchi of the lungs.   

histology - the scientific study of tissues, involving such techniques as light and electron microscopy and the use of dyes and stains.

hives - a common name for urticaria or nettle rash.

holistic - relating to "wholeness."  A holistic approach to patient care does not just concentrate on the physical disease or condition but takes note of all the factors in that person's life.

hydrocortisone- a STEROID glucocorticoid hormone, produced and released by the cortex of the ADRENAL GLANDS (a CORTICOSTEROID). It is closely related to cortisone being released in response to stress and playing a significant part in carbohydrates metabolism.

hyperglycaemia – the presence of excess sugar (glucose) in the blood, as in DIABETES MELLITUS caused by insufficient INSULIN to cope with carbohydrate intake. The condition can lead to a diabetic coma. 

hyperplasia – increased growth in size and number of the normal cells of a tissue so that the affected part enlarges e.g. the breast during pregnancy. 

hypochondria - an abnormal preoccupation by an individual with the state of his or her health. In its severest form the person wrongly believes that he or she is suffering from a number of illnesses and is extremely anxious and depressed.

hypothermia - describes the bodily state when the core temperature falls below 35ΊC due to prolonged exposure to cold.  

I

incisor - the tooth with a chisel edge to it, used for biting. They form the four front teeth in each jaw.  

ileostomy – a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the abdominal wall, to which the ileum is joined. This creates an artificial anus through which the waste contents of the intestines are collected in a special bag. 

iliac arteries – those arteries supplying blood to the lower limbs and pelvic region.

infarction - the formation of an infarct or dead area of tissue in an organ or vessel due to the obstruction of the artery supplying blood.

intuvation - the insertion of a tube into the body through a natural opening.  It is commonly, though not exclusively, used to keep an airway open by insertion into the mouth or nose into the larynx.

isotopes - atoms that differ from other atoms of the same element due to a different number of neutrons in the nucleus.

J

jaundice – a conditions characterized by the unusual presence of the bile pigment (BILIRUMIN) in the blood. 

jejunum - the part of the small intestine lying before the ILEUM and after the DUODENUM. Its main function is the absorption of digested food and its lining has numerous finger-like projections (villi) that increase the surface area for absorption.

jugular - a general term for structures in the neck.

jugular vein – any of the veins in the neck, particular the anterior, internal and external. The anterior jugular vein is an offshoot of the external jugular and runs down the front of the neck.

K

kaolin – (or China clay) a white powder form of aluminum silicate used in cases of skin irritation.  

keloid <96> (also cheloid) scar tissue which forms due to the growth of fibrous tissue over a burn or injury creating a hard, often raised patch with ragged edges. 

keratosis – a condition of the skin whereby there is a thickening and overgrowth of the horny layer (or stratum corneum) of the SKIN. 

klinefelter's syndrome - a genetic imbalance in males in which there are 47 rather than 46 CHROMOSOMES, the extra one being an X chromosome producing a genetic make-up of XXY instead of the usual XY.

korsakoff's syndrome - a neurological disorder described by the Russian neuropsychiatrist Sergie Korsakoff (1854-1900) characterized by short-term memory loss, disorientation and confabulation (the invention and detailed description of events, situations and experiences to cover gaps in the memory.)

kwashiorkor – a type of malnutrition seen especially among children in Africa. It is due to a deficiency in dietary protein and foods normally eaten for energy. 

kyphosis – an abnormal outward curvature of the spine causing the back to be hunched. There is an increased curvature of the spine which may be caused by weak musculature or bad posture (mobile kyphosis) or it may be due to collapsed vertebrae (fixed kyphosis) as in OSTEOPOROSIS of the aged.

L

labia - (singular labium) meaning lips as in the folds of skin enclosing the VULVA (the labia majora and minora).

lanugo – a fine downy hair that covers the foetus between the fifth and ninth months. It is lost in the ninth month and is thus seen only on babies born prematurely. 

laparotomy – a general term for any incision into the abdominal cavity. Types of laparotomy include COLOSTOMY, APPENDICECTOMY etc. 

leishmaniasis - a common tropical and sub-tropical disease (in Africa, asia, South America and the Mediterranean) caused by the parasitic Protozoa Leishmania which are transmitted by the bites of sandflies.

lesion - a wound or injury to body tissues. Also an area of tissue which because of damage due to disease or wounding does not function fully.

lignocaine – a commonly used local anaesthetic. It is given by injection for minor surgery and dental treatment and it can be applied directly to the eyes, throat etc. because it is absorbed directly through mucous membranes. 

leucocytosis -except for pregnancy, menstruation and during exercise an abnormal and temporary increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood.

Little’s desease – CEREBRAL PALSY on both sides of the body but where the legs are affected more than the arms. 

M

macrocephaly – an abnormal enlargement of the head when compared with the rest of the body. 

macrocyte –a red blood cell (erythrocyte) which is abnormally large. Macrocytes are characteristic of PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA. 

mammary gland – a gland present in the female breast which produces milk after childbirth. 

mantoux test - a test for the presence of a measure of immunity to tuberculosis. A protein called tuberculin, extracted from the tubercle bacilli (bateria) is injected in a small quantity beneath the skin of the forearm.

marasmus - a wasting condition in infants usually due to defective feeding. The child has a low body weight (less than 75% of normal), lacks skin fat and is pale and apathetic.

mastalgia - pain in the breast.

mastectomy – surgical removal of the breast usually performed because of the presence of a tumour. Mastectomy may be simple leaving the skin (and possibly the nipple) so that an artificial breast (prosthesis) can be inserted.  

meatus - a passage or opening, e.g. the external auditory meatus linking the pinna of the outer ear to the eardrum.

meconium - the first stools of a newborn baby which are dark green and slimy and contain bile pigments, mucus and debris from cells passed during the first two days after birth.

mediastinum - the space in the chest cavity between the two lungs which contains the heart, aorta, oesophagus, trachea, thymus gland and phrenic nerves.

medulla - refers to the inner portion of a tissue or organ when there are two distinct parts.

megaloblast - an abnormally large form of any of the cells that go on to produce erythrocytes (red blood cells).

meiosis -  a type of cell division which occurs in the maturation process of the gametes (sperm and ova) so that the sex cells eventually contain only half the number of chromosomes of the parent cells from which they are derived.

meniere's disease - a disease first described by the Frenchman, Prosper Meniere in 1861, which affects the inner ear causing deafness and TINNITUS (ringing in the ears), vertigo, vomiting and sweating

mercaptopurine - a type of ANTIMETABOLITE, CYTOTOXIC drug which prevents the proliferation of malignant cancer cells and is used in the treatment of certain kinds of LEUKAEMIA, and Crohn's disease (a disease of the digestive tract.)

mesothelioma - a malignant tumour of the PLEURA of the chest cavity and also of the PERICARDIUM or PERTONEUM. It is usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust but may  arise independently with no known cause.

mitochondrion - a tiny rod-like structure, numbers of which are present in the CYTOPLASM of every CELL. MITOCHONDRIA contain enzymes and ATP involved in cell METABOLISHM

mucus - a slimy substance secreted by MUCOUS MEMBRANES as a lubricant, and composed mainly of glycoproteins of which the chief one is mucin.

mustism - the refusal or inability to speak which may result  from brain damage or psychological factors. Speechless is most common in those who have been born deaf (deaf-mutism).

mutagen - any substance or agent which increases the rate of mutation in body cells, examples being various chemicals, viruses and radiation. Mutagens increase number rather than the range of mutations beyond that which might be expected.

myelography - a specialized X-ray technique involving the injection of a radio-opaque dye into the central canal of the spinal cord in order to distinguish the presence of disease.

myeloid - means like or relating to bone marrow or, like a myelocyte. This is a cell which is an immature type of granulocyte responsible for the production of white blood cells.

myocarditis - Inflammation of the muscle in the wall of the heart.

myxoedema - a disease caused  by under-activity of the thyroid gland (HYPOTHYROIDISM).  There is a characteristic development of a dry, coarse skin and swelling of subcutaneous tissue.

N

necrosis - death of tissue in a localized area or organ, caused by disease, injury or loss of blood supply.

neonatal - term meaning relating to the first 28 days of life.

nephritis – inflammation of the KIDNEY, which may be due to one of several causes. Types of nephritis include glomerulonephritis (when the glomerulus is affected), acute nephritis, hereditary nephritis, etc. 

neuroglia - the fine web of tissues that support nerve fibres.

neuropathy - any disease that affects the peripheral nerves, whether singly (mononeuropathy) or more generally (polyneuropathy). The symptoms depend upon the type and the nerves affected.

neuritis - inflammation of a nerve or nerves which may be due to inflammation from nearby tissues, or more general condition in which the nerve fibres degenerate.

night blindness (nyctalopia) - poor vision in dim light or at night due to a deficiency within the cells responsible for such vision.

notifiable disease - diseases that must be reported to the health authorities to enable rapid control and monitoring to be undertaken.

nucleotide - the basic molecular building block of the necleic acids RNA and DNA.

O

oedema - an accumulation of fluid in the body, possibly beneath the skin or on cavities or organs. With an injury the swelling may be localized or more general as in cases of kidney or heart failure.

oestradiol  - the major female sex hormone. It is produced by the ovary and is responsible for development of the breasts, sexual characteristics and premenstrual uterine changes.

opium - a milky liquid extracted from the unripe seed capsules of the poppy, Papaver somniferum which has almost 10% of anhydrous morphine.

optic chiasma (optic commissure) - the cross-shaped structure formed from a crossing over of the optic nerves running back from the eye-balls to meet beneath the brain in the midline.

orchidectomy - removal of one or both (castration) testes, usually to treat a malignant growth.

orthopnoea – a severe difficulty in breathing that is so bad that a patient cannot lie and has to sleep in a sitting position.

ossicle - the trem for a small bone, often applied to those of the middle ear, the auditory ossicle, that transmit sound to the inner ear from the eardrum.

osmosis - the process whereby solvent molecules (usually water) move through a semi-permeable membrane to the more concentrated solution.

otology - the subdiscipline of medicine concerned with the ear, its disorders, diseases and their treatment.

ovarian cyst - a sac filled with fluid that develops in the ovary. Most are benign but their size may cause swelling and pressure on other organs.

ovum - (plural ova) the mature, unfertilized female reproductive cell which is roughly spherical with an outer membrane and a single nucleus.

oxytocin - a hormone from the PITUITARY GLAND that causes the uterus to contract during LABOUR and prompts lactation due to contraction of muscle fibres in the milk products of the breasts.

P

pallor -an abnormal paleness ok skin because of a reduced blood flow, or a lack of the normal pigments. It may be due directly to ANEMIA or SHOCK to spending an excessive amount of time indoors.   

palliative - a medicine or treatment that is given to effect some relief from symptoms, if only temporarily, but does not cure the ailment.

papilloma – usually benign growths on the skin surface or mucous membrane e.g. WARTS. 

paracentesis – the procedure of tapping or taking off (excess) fluid from the body by means of a hollow needle or CANNULA.   

paraglegia - PARALYSIS of the legs. It may be caused by injury or disease of the spinal cord and often bladder and rectum are also affected.

peptide - an organic compound made up of two or more amino acids and collectively named by the number of amino acids.

peritoneum - the SEROUS MEMBRANE that lines the abdominal cavity. That lining the abdomen walls is the parietal peritoneum while the visceral peritoneum covers the organs.

phial - a small glass bottle-like receptacle for storing medicines.

phlebothrombosis - the obstruction of a vein by a blood clot, common in the deep veins of the leg (in particular the calf) and resulting from heart failure, pregnancy, injury, and surgery, which may change the clotting factors in the blood.

phonation - the production of speech sounds.

pilus - a hair or structure like a hair.

plaster of paris - a type of calcium sulphate (gypsum) used to make plaster models in dentistry and plaster casts in orthopaedics.

pock – a small eruption on the skin, which may contain pus, typical of chickenpox and smallpox.   

polyp - a growth from a mucous membrane and attached to it by a stalk. Most are benign but may cause obstructions or infections.

polyuria - the passing of a larger than normal quantity of urine which is also usually pale in colour. It may be due merely to a large fluid intake, or to a condition such as a DIABETES, or a kidney disorder.

prima gravida – the technical term for a woman in her first pregnancy.   

prolapse - a moving down of an organ or tissue from its normal position due to the supporting tissues weakening.

prophylactic - some treatment or action that is taken to avoid disease or a condition, e.g. taking a medication to prevent angina.

pubis - one of three bones, and the most anterior, that makes up each half of the pelvic girdle.

pus - the liquid found at an infected site (abscess, ulcer, ect.).

putrid fever - a former name for Typus Fever.

pyelitis - inflammation of part of the kidney, the pelvis. (This is the area from which urine drains into the ureter).

pyrexia - Another term for FEVER.

Q

auartan fever - the recurrent fever, which usually occurs every fourth day, associated with Malaria.

quinsy – the medical name for this condition is pentonsillar abscess and it is a complication of TONSILLITIS.   

R

regurgitation – the bringing up of swallowed undigested food from the stomach to the mouth.   

Retractor - one of a number of different surgical instruments designed to pull apart the cut edges of an incision to allow greater operating access. 

rhinoplasty – any one of a large number of RNA – containing viruses which cause upper respiratory tract infections including the common cold.   

rickettsiae - a group of microorganisms, which share characteristics in common with both bacteria and viruses and are parasites which occur in lice, fleas and ticks and other arthropods.

rickets - this is a disease affecting children which involves a deficiency of VITAMIN D.

rift valley fever - a disease caused by a virus which formerly mainly affected domestic animals and rarely human beings in sub-Saharan Africa.

rod - one of the two types of light sensitive cell present in the RETINA of the EYE. The rods enable vision in dim light to a pigment called rhodopsin (visual purple).

rosacea - a disease of the skin of the face characterized by a red, flushed appearance and enlargement of the SEBACEOUS GLANDS in the skin.

roseola - any rose-coloured rash such as accompanies various infectious diseases e.g. measles.

roughage - dietary fibre which is necessary to maintain the healthy functioning of the bowels and helps to prevent constipation and DIVERTICULOSIS

S

salpingostomy –the clearing of a blocked FALLOPIAN TUBE, which the blocked part is removed surgically. 

salpingitis - inflammation of a tube, usually the fallopian tube by bacterial infection.  

sanguineous - containing blood, covered or stained with blood.  

scab - a crust that forms over an injury (scratch, sore etc) during the body's healing processes. The scab consists of FIBRIN, dried blood, SERUM or pus and epithelial cells.

sessile - in description of a tumour or growth, one having no stalk.

septum – a planar dividing feature within a structure of the body; a partition. 

silicosis – a type of PHEUMOCONIOSIS caused by the inhalation of silica as particles of dust. The silica promotes FIBROSIS of the lung tissue resulting in breathlessness and a greater likelihood to contract tuberculosis.   

sinoatrial node - the natural heart PACEMAKER which consists of specialized muscle cells in the right atrium. These cells generate electrica impulses, contract and initiate contractions in the muscles of the heart.

scrofula - TUBERCULOSIS of the LYMPH NODES in the neck which form sores and scars after healing. It is now an uncommon conditions, but drug treatment is effective.

scrotum - the sac that contains the testicles and holds them outside the body, to permit production and storage of sperm at a temperature lower than that of the abdomen.

sjogren's syndrome - dryness of the mouth and eyes associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) - a parasitic disease found in tropical Africa which is spread through the bite of tsetse flies.

sling - a bandage so arranged as to support an injured limb, usually an arm.

smallpox - a highly infectious viral disease that has nonetheless been eradicated. Infection results, after about two weeks, in a high fever head and body aches and vomitting.

spermatozoon - (plural spermatoa) the mature male reproductive cell, or gamete. It has a head with the HAPLOID nucleus containing half the CHROMOSOME, number, and an acrosome (a structure that aids penetration of the egg).

sphincter - a circular muscle around an opening. The opening is closed totally or partially by contraction of the muscle, e.g. the anal sphincter around the anus.

sphygmomanometer - the instrument used to measure arterial blood pressure. An inflatable rubber tube is out around the arm and inflated until the blood flow in a large artery stops.

spina bifida - a CONGENITAL malformation in new born babies in which part of the spinal cord is exposed by a gap in the backbone.

spleen - a roughly ovoid organ, coloured a deep purple, which is situated on the left of the body, behind and below the stomach.

splenomegaly - an abnornal enlargement of the SPLEEN which occurs commonly with blood disorders and parasitic infections.

spondylitis - inflammation of the spinal vertebrae - arthritis of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is a rheumatic disease of the spine and sacroiliac joins (i.e. those of the sacrum and ilium), causing pain and stiffness in the hip and shoulder.

spondylosis - degeneration of joints and the intervertebral discs of the spine, producing pain in the neck and LUMBAR region where the joints may actually restrict movement.

spongiform encephalopahty - a neurological disease caused by a SLOW VIRUS and resulting in a spongy degeneration of the brain with progressive dementia.

sputum - saliva and mucus from the respiratory tract.

sprue (psilosis) - essentially a composite deficiency disease due to lack of food being absorbed because of disease of the intestine, or a metabolic disorder which means fats cannot be absorbed.

stenosis - the abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel, heart valve or similar sructure.

stertor - noisy breathing, similar to snoring, often heard in patients who are deeply unconscious.

stiffness - a condition wit numerous causes, that results in a reduced movement in joints and muscles. The cause may be quite straight-forward, e.g. physical injury, or it may be due to disease such as RHEUMATISM, MENINGITIS or central nervous system disease.

suture - the means whereby a wound or incision is closed in surgery, using threads of silk or catgut. There are several types os suture types of suture to deal with diverse situations.

syringe - an instrument used for injecting fluids into the body or the removal of body fluids for examination. In such cases, it comprises a hollow needle connected to a piston within a tube.

T

tachycardia – increased rate of heart beat which may be caused naturally as with exercise or be symptomatic of disease. 

tamoxifen – a drug used in the treatment of certain breast cancers. 

tarsus - a part of the foot in the region of the instep consisting of seven bones, chiefly the TALUS and the calcaneus (heel bone) and also the cuboid, navicular and three cuneiform bones

taxis - the returning to their normal position of displaced organs, parts of organs or bones by manipulation.(see HERNIA)

tendinitis - inflammation of a tendon which often results from excessive or unaccustomed exercise but may also result from infection. Treatment involves rest, possible splinting of an affected joint and corticosteroid injections, and the taking ANALGESIC drugs.  

teratogen - a substance or disease or any other factor which causes the production of abnormalities in foetus.

teratogenesis - the processes which result in the development of physical abnormalities in a foetus.

thalamus - one of a pair of masss of grey matter located within each side of the forebrain. Each is a centre for co-ordinating and relaying sensory information concerned with all senses apart from that of smell.

thalassaemia - also known as Cooley's anaemia, this is an inherited form of ANAEMIA in which there is an abnormality in the HAEMOGLOBIN.

thrombosis - the process of clotting within a blood vessel producing a THROMBUS.

toxaemia - blood poisoning resulting from the toxins produced by rapidly multiplying bacteria at a localized site of infection such as an abscess.

trance- a sleep-like state in which a person ceases to react normally to the environment and loses the power of voluntary movement, but remains aware. It can be induced by HYPNOSIS, mediation, HYSTERIA, CATATONIA and drug abuse.

trichorrhoea - the medical name for the falling out of hair which may be due to disease such as typhoid fever or scarlet fever or have no apparent cause.

truss - a device consisting of a pag attached to a belt with spring straps to maintain its position, which is worn under clothing to support a HERNIA.

trypsin –an important enzyme involved in the digestion of proteins. Its inactive precursor, trypsinogen, is secreted by the PANCREAS and converted to trypsin in the DUODENUM by the action of another enzyme called enteropeptidase.   

tubercle