|
General Health and Medical Terms 3 |
iatrogenic - Resulting from medical treatment.
ichthyosis - An inherited skin disorder that produces dry, rough, scaly skin.
identical twins - Twins formed from a single egg. They are of the same gender and have the same genetic makeup. Also called monozygotic twins.
idiopathic - Without a known cause.
ileitis - Inflammation of the lower part of the small intestine.
ileum - The lower part of the small intestine.
ileus - Lack of movement of digested food and juices through the gastrointestinal tract. May be due to a blockage of the intestine.
ilium - The flared portion of the pelvis. The hip bone.
IM - Intramuscular.
immune - Resistant to a particular disease.
immunity - Resistance of the body to infection.
immunization - The process of making an individual immune by vaccination or inoculation.
immunoglobulin - A serum protein involved in immunity. An antibody.
impetigo - Skin infection characterized by erupting sores. Caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria.
impotence - Inability of a male to achieve erection and orgasm.
in situ - In its original place. Carcinoma in situ means cancer that hasn't spread to other locations.
incision - A cut.
incisor - Any of the front four teeth on either the upper or lower jaw.
incompetent - 1. Unable to make rational decisions. 2. Not functioning properly.
incontinence - Inability to hold urine or feces.
incubate - To provide the proper conditions for growth.
indigestion - Upper abdominal discomfort usually experienced after a meal due to incomplete digestion.
induration - The process of hardening. An abnormally hard spot.
infarct - An area of dead or dying tissue produced by lack of blood flow to or from that area. For example, myocardial infarction is the death of heart muscle.
infection - Causing disease, especially by the presence of foreign microorganisms in the body, including bacteria, viruses or parasites.
infectious disease - A disease that can be spread from one person to another.
infertility - Inability to produce children.
inflammation - Swelling, redness, warmth and pain. A body tissue's protective response to injury.
influenza - A contagious and infectious respiratory illness usually occurring in the winter.
ingrown nail - Edges of the nail become trapped under the skin, causing inflammation and, sometimes, infection.
injection - A fluid introduced into the body by a syringe and needle.
innate - Inborn, hereditary.
inoculation - The injection of a disease agent into the body to cause a mild form of the disease and build immunity.
inoperable - Not curable through surgery.
insanity - Any form or degree of mental disturbance or unsoundness of mind, permanent or temporary, that makes a person incapable of rational conduct or judgment.
insemination - To deposit sperm in the vagina.
insomnia - An inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep.
insulin - The hormone produced by the pancreas for regulating carbohydrate metabolism. Used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
integument - Skin.
intercourse - The exchange of communication between individuals. Sexual intercourse is the sexual joining of two people; coitus.
intestine - The tube involved in digestion and extending from the stomach to the anus. Consists of the small intestine and the large intestine.
intoxication - Poisoning, or the state of being affected by a poisonous substance. Often used to describe drunkenness.
intracellular - Within a cell.
intradermal - Within the skin.
intramuscular - Within the muscle.
intrauterine - Within the womb.
intravenous - Within a vein. Intravenous infusion means to direct fluids through a needle or catheter directly into a vein.
intussusception - Telescoping a section of the intestine into an adjoining section.
iris - The colored portion of the eye. It's a muscle that controls the amount of light entering the pupil.
iritis - Inflammation of the iris.
irrigation - Washing of a body cavity or wound with a stream of water.
ischemia - A lack of blood supply to a body part.
IUD - Intrauterine device. Used for contraception.
IV - Intravenous.
IVP - Intravenous pyelography.
jaundice - Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bile in the blood.
jejunum - The middle part of the small intestine, located between the duodenum and ileum.
joint - The joining of two or more bones. In general, joints allow flexibility and mobility. However, some joints (for example, those in the skull) can't move.
jugular - Of the neck or throat, as in jugular veins.
Kaposi's sarcoma - Bluish-purple nodules of the skin that often bleed. These frequently occur in people who have AIDS.
keloid - Excessive growth of scar tissue on the skin.
keratin - The main protein of skin, hair and nails.
keratitis - Inflammation of the cornea of the eye.
keratoconus - A deformity of the cornea in which the cornea resembles the end of a football.
ketones - The initial breakdown products of fatty acid metabolism. Unavailability of carbohydrates from starvation or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus increases the production of ketones. Too high a ketone level causes the blood chemistry to become acidic, a condition that's potentially life-threatening.
kidney - A pair of organs in the upper abdominal cavity that separate the body's water and waste products from the blood and excrete them as urine through the bladder.
knee - The complex hinge joint of the upper and lower leg involving the femur, tibia and patella.
knock-knee - A deformity in which the knees rub together or touch each other in walking.
labia - Lip-shaped structures; often used to describe the outer folds of the female genitalia.
labor - The process or period of childbirth, especially the muscular contractions of giving birth.
labyrinth - The system of interconnecting canals and cavities in the inner ear. Plays an important role in hearing and in balance.
laceration - A wound caused by a cut from a sharp instrument or the tearing of body tissue.
lacrimation - Discharge of tears. "Watering" eyes.
lactase - An enzyme that converts the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose.
lactation - Secretion of milk by the breasts.
lactose - Milk sugar.
laryngitis - Inflammation of the larynx, resulting in a temporary loss of voice.
larynx - The voice box.
lateral - Toward the side, sideways.
lavage - Washing out of an organ, especially the stomach.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease - A disease in which the blood supply to the femur is reduced, causing the bone to collapse.
lens - 1. A curved glass used to bring together or spread rays of light. 2. The transparent organ lying behind the iris and pupil that focuses light on the retina of the eye.
leprosy - A progressive infectious disease that attacks the skin, flesh and nerves; characterized by nodules, ulcers, scaly scabs, deformities and the eventual loss of sensation. Also called Hansen's disease.
lesion - Any damage to a tissue. Marks, spots, moles or other problems of the skin.
lethargy - A lack of energy; sluggishness, dullness or apathy.
leukemia - Cancer of the tissues in the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes.
leukocytes - White blood cells, the blood cells responsible for fighting infection.
leukopenia - A lower than normal number of leukocytes in the blood.
leukopheresis - Selective removal of the white blood cells from a donor's blood. The other components of the blood are then returned to the donor.
leukoplakia - Thick, white patches in the mouth that may become malignant.
lichen - Any of various skin diseases characterized by sores and enlarged skin markings.
ligament - A tough band of connective tissue connecting bones or holding organs in place.
ligature - A wire or thread used to tie off blood vessels or to close incisions or wounds.
lightening - The feeling of decreased abdominal pressure during the last few weeks of pregnancy caused by the uterus dropping into the pelvis.
limbus - Margin, or border. The margin of the cornea where it contacts the sclera.
lingua - Tongue.
lipid - Cholesterol, triglycerides and related substances.
lipocyte - A fat cell.
lipolysis - The splitting up, or destruction, of fat.
lipoma - Fatty tumor.
lipoprotein - Any of a group of proteins combined with a lipid that allow lipids to be transported in the circulatory system.
liposuction - A surgical procedure that changes body shape by removing fat cells.
litholysis - Breaking up of a stone, such as a gallstone.
lithotripsy - A procedure to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces that can more easily pass out of the body.
liver - The large organ in the upper right abdomen that functions in digestion and storage of food, disposal of worn-out red blood cells and detoxification of the body.
lobe - 1. The fleshy lower part of the ear. 2. A well-defined portion of an organ.
lobectomy - Surgical removal of the lobe of an organ.
lobotomy - A surgical operation in which a lobe of the brain, especially the frontal lobe of the cerebrum, is cut into or across. This used to be a common procedure to calm selected psychotic patients before the development of modern tranquilizers.
lochia - The discharge from the vagina that occurs for several days to weeks after childbirth.
lockjaw - Tetanus infection.
loins - The portion of the back between the rib cage and pelvis.
lordosis - Forward curvature of the spine, producing a hollow in the back.
LSD - Lysergic acid diethylamide. A hallucinogenic drug.
lumbago - Pain in the lower back.
lumbar - Having to do with the lower back, the loins.
lungs - The main respiratory organs in the chest where blood is oxygenated.
lupus erythematosus - A usually chronic inflammatory disease that causes abnormalities of blood vessels and connective tissue in various parts of the body.
luteinizing hormone - A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, responsible for stimulating ovulation in the female and testosterone production in the male.
Lyme disease - A disease spread by deer ticks characterized at first by a skin rash, headache and fever, and later by arthritis and heart damage.
lymph - Consists primarily of a clear, yellowish fluid and white blood cells. Found in the lymphatic system.
lymph node - Any of many small, compact structures lying in groups along the course of the lymphatic vessels and producing lymphocytes.
lymphadenitis - Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
lymphangitis - Inflammation of a lymphatic vessel.
lymphatic system - The vessels and structures involved in carrying lymph from the tissues to the blood.
lymphedema - Swelling of tissue because of the buildup of too much lymph fluid.
lymphocyte - A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) involved in the production of antibodies and the development of immunity.
lymphoma - A malignant tumor of the lymphoid tissues.
macrophage - A large cell that engulfs and digests foreign material.
macula - The central part of the retina with the highest density of light receptors. Responsible for detailed vision.
macule - A discolored, flat spot of skin.
malady - Illness.
malaria - An infectious disease of the tropics characterized by high fever and chills. The fever typically recurs every third day. Some forms of malaria can be fatal.
malignancy - A tendency to worsen to a more serious illness or death. Commonly used to describe cancer.
malingering - Deliberate exaggeration of the symptoms of an illness or injury for gain. For example, pretending to be ill in order to escape duty or work.
malleolus - The rounded bony prominence on either side of the ankle.
malleus - A small bone in the middle ear, often called the hammer.
malnutrition - Poor nourishment resulting from an inadequate or improper diet.
malocclusion - Improper meeting of the upper and lower teeth.
malunion - Improper healing of the pieces of a broken bone.
mammary - Having to do with the breast.
mandible - The lower jaw.
mania - A mental disorder. Characterized by extreme excitement and energy.
manic-depressive - A mental disorder marked by alternating periods of excitability and depression. Also called bipolar affective disorder.
marijuana - A drug derived from the leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. Makes the user feel euphoric.
marrow - The soft, sponge-like material inside the bones.
masculinization - Development of male sex characteristics in a female.
masochism - Pleasure from personal, psychological or physical pain.
mastectomy - Surgical removal of the breast.
mastitis - Inflammation of the breast.
mastoid - A bony, rounded projection of the skull located behind each ear.
mastoiditis - An infection of the mastoid bone that can cause redness, warmth, swelling and pain behind the ear, sometimes with drainage from the ear.
masturbation - Sexual self-stimulation.
maxillae - The pair of bones forming the upper jaw.
measles - A highly contagious viral disease occurring most frequently in childhood and characterized by small, red spots on the skin, high fever and nasal discharge.
Meckel's diverticulum - A sac that may form in the small intestine, present at birth.
meconium - The greenish fecal matter in a fetus, forming the first bowel movement of a newborn infant.
median nerve - The nerve that stimulates some of the muscles of the hand and wrist.
mediastinum - The tissues and organs located directly behind the sternum between the lungs. Contains the heart and its large vessels, the esophagus, thymus, lymph nodes and other structures and tissues.
medulla - The inner part of an organ. The adrenal medulla is the center of the adrenal gland where epinephrine (adrenaline) is produced.
medulla oblongata - The part of the brain just above the spinal cord that includes the control centers for breathing, circulation and heartbeat.
meibomian gland - A type of gland of the eyelid's inner surface. Inflammation of a meibomian gland can produce a swelling called a chalazion.
melancholia - A mental state characterized by extreme sadness. A severe form of depression.
melanin - A brownish-black pigment normally found in skin, hair and parts of the eye.
melanoma - A dark-colored tumor, especially malignant melanoma, that is a form of skin cancer that can spread from one part of the body to another.
melasma - Dark coloring of the skin often seen during pregnancy and at menopause. Also occurs in Addison's disease.
melena - Black-colored feces caused by the presence of blood.
membrane - A thin layer of tissue covering an organ.
menarche - A woman's first menstrual period.
Meniere's syndrome - A disorder of the inner ear characterized by dizziness, ringing in the ears and progressive hearing loss.
meninges - The three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
meningioma - Tumor of the meninges, usually benign and slow-growing.
meningitis - Inflammation of the meninges as the result of infection by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting. This is a life-threatening disease that must be treated promptly.
meniscus - The cartilage in the knee joint.
menopause - The time at which the menstrual cycle gradually stops. Sometimes referred to as the "change of life."
menorrhagia - Heavy bleeding during menstruation.
menstruation - The periodic discharge of blood and tissues from the uterus. This usually occurs about every four weeks in a woman who isn't pregnant. Also called "a period."
metabolism - The chemical and physical processes involved in building up, storing and using materials required for life.
metacarpal - Any of the five bones that make up the hand and join the wrist to the fingers.
metaphysis - The wider portion at the end of a long bone where growth occurs in infants and children.
metastasis - The spread of a disease from its primary site in the body to another location in the body. Usually refers to cancer, but can be used to refer to infection.
metatarsal - Any of the five bones of the foot directly jointed to each of the toes.
metra - Uterus.
metritis - Inflammation of the uterus.
metrorrhagia - Uterine bleeding, usually of normal amount occurring at irregular intervals.
microbe - A microorganism, such as bacterium.
microbiology - The study of living microbes, including bacteria, protozoa and molds.
microencephaly - Having an abnormally small brain.
microorganism - A microscopic plant or animal.
midwife - A person who helps women at childbirth, but who isn't a nurse or physician.
migraine - A group of symptoms that includes a severe headache, usually on one side of the head, and often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, irritability and other symptoms.
milia - Pinhead-sized whitish skin lesions found on the face or trunk of some newborn infants.
miliaria - "Prickly heat" or "heat rash" as a result of inflammation of the sweat glands and characterized by small, white or red skin eruptions.
miscarriage - Natural loss of a fetus from the womb before it is sufficiently developed to survive. Also called spontaneous abortion.
mitral valve - The valve of the heart between the left atrium and left ventricle that prevents the flow of blood back into the atrium when the heart muscle is contracting.
mittelschmerz - Pelvic pain between periods, corresponding to the release of an ovum (egg) by an ovary.
mole - 1. A fleshy, pigmented skin blemish. 2. A mass of uterine tissue formed by a failure of the normal fertilization process during conception.
molluscum contagiosum - A viral infection of the skin characterized by lesions with depressed centers containing a curd-like substance.
mongolism - A condition present at birth characterized by mental deficiency, a broad face and slanting eyes. Also called Down syndrome.
monocyte - A large white blood cell leukocyte.
mononucleosis - An infection with Epstein-Barr virus. Also called "mono."
morbid - 1. Pathologic or abnormal. 2. Having to do with, or characterized by, disease.
morning sickness - Nausea and vomiting occurring during pregnancy.
MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging.
mucosa - The membrane covering canals and cavities that open on the outside of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract. Also called mucous membrane.
mumps - A viral disease of childhood characterized by swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands and fever.
murmur - An extra heart sound that may be normal or abnormal.
muscle - Tissue made up of bundles of long, slender cells that contract when stimulated.
mutation - A damaged gene that may produce a disease or deficiency.
mute - An inability or unwillingness to speak.
myalgia - Muscle pain.
myasthenia gravis - A chronic disease characterized by muscular weakness and fatigue.
myelin - The fat-like substance that insulates certain nerve fibers.
myocarditis - Inflammation of the heart muscle.
myoma - A tumor of muscle cells.
myopia - Nearsightedness.
myositis - Inflammation of a muscle.
myringotomy - An incision in the eardrum to relieve pressure or release fluid.
narcissistic - Self-centered, being "in love" with oneself.
narcolepsy - Frequent and uncontrolled desire for sleep.
nausea - A feeling of sickness in the stomach, sometimes followed by the urge to vomit.
nebulizer - A device that produces a very fine vapor to be inhaled.
necrosis - Death of a cell or tissue.
nematode - A roundworm that may infest the digestive tract of humans.
neoplasm - A new growth, tumor.
nephrectomy - Surgical removal of a kidney.
nephritis - Inflammation of a kidney.
nephropathy - Disease of the kidneys. Swelling or breakdown of the kidney.
nephrosis - A disease of the kidney that causes malfunction but no inflammation. Also called nephrotic syndrome.
nerve - A cord-like structure made up of special tissue for carrying electrical impulses from one part of the body to another.
neuralgia - Pain along the course of a nerve.
neuritis - Inflammation of a nerve.
neurofibromatosis - An inherited disorder that causes dark spots on the skin and tumors of the skin, peripheral, optic and acoustic nerves.
neurology - The branch of medicine that pertains to the nervous system.
neuroma - A benign but sometimes painful tumor growing on a nerve.
neuron - A nerve cell.
neuropathy - Disease of the nervous system or of an individual nerve.
neurosis - An emotional disorder that can interfere with a person's ability to lead a normal life.
neutrophil - A mature white blood cell with a three- to five-lobed nucleus.
nevus - A mole or other colored spot on the skin.
nicotine - A highly toxic and addictive component of tobacco. While the amounts obtained from smoking may not be enough to be immediately fatal, there's a cause-and-effect relationship to heart disease.
night blindness - A reduced ability to see in dim light. May be caused by a vitamin-A deficiency or glaucoma.
nit - The egg of a louse.
nocturia - Excessive urination at night.
node - A swelling, knot or knob.
nonunion - Failure of the ends of a broken bone to mend.
norepinephrine - A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla and certain sympathetic nerve fibers.
nosocomial - Having to do with the hospital. For example, an nosocomial infection is one that's acquired during hospitalization.
obesity - Having too much body fat. A weight more than 20% above the normal range.
obsession - An ongoing preoccupation with an idea.
obsessive-compulsive - Marked by a need to repeatedly perform certain behaviors or rituals.
obstetrics - The branch of medicine that deals with the care and treatment of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
occiput - The back of the head.
occult - Hidden from view.
occupational illness - Any illness caused or aggravated by a person's job.
occupational therapy - Teaching useful skills to sick or handicapped people to promote rehabilitation and healing.
ocular - Having to do with the eye.
odontalgia - Toothache.
olecranon - The projection of the ulna (the larger of the two bones in the forearm) at the elbow.
olfactory - Having to do with the sense of smell.
oligomenorrhea - Light menstrual flow.
oligospermia - A low number of sperm in the semen.
oliguria - A condition characterized by an abnormally small output of urine.
oncology - The study of tumors.
oophorectomy - The surgical removal of an ovary.
ophthalmology - The branch of medicine that pertains to the eye and its diseases.
optic neuritis - Inflammation of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Symptoms include pain with eye movement, blurred vision and sometimes temporary blindness.
optical - Having to do with vision.
optometry - The practice of eye and vision care.
orbit - The bony cavity containing the eyeball. Eye socket.
orchiectomy - The surgical removal of one or both testicles. Also called castration.
organ - A structural unit of an animal or plant that serves a specific function.
organic - Having to do with substances derived from living organisms.
orgasm - Sexual climax.
orifice - The entrance or outlet of a body cavity.
oropharynx - The part of the pharynx behind the mouth and tongue.
orthodontics - The branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of irregularities of the teeth and related facial problems.
orthopedics - The branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of deformities, diseases and injuries of the bones, joints and muscles.
orthopnea - Difficulty breathing when lying flat.
oscillation - A back-and-forth motion; vibration.
Osgood-Schlatter disease - Inflammation of the bone and cartilage of the shin bone, just below the knee.
ossicle - A small bone.
osteoarthritis - A slowly progressive form of arthritis, usually found in older people. Characterized by deterioration of bone cartilage.
osteoma - A bony tumor.
osteomalacia - Softening of the bones resulting from deficient bone calcium.
osteomyelitis - Infection of a bone.
osteopathy - A system of therapy emphasizing primary medical care and the importance of body mechanics and manipulation to correct abnormalities.
osteoporosis - A bone disorder characterized by a reduction in bone density, chiefly found in women who have passed menopause and the elderly.
ostomy - A procedure done to make a passageway for waste. A colostomy is an example.
otic - Having to do with the ear.
otitis - Inflammation of the ear. Otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal) is also called swimmer's ear, while otitis media is a middle-ear infection.
ovary - The female sex gland that contains ova, or eggs.
ovulation - The process in which an ovum is released from the ovary.
ovum - Egg; the female reproductive element.
oximeter - A device for determining the oxygen saturation level of the blood.
oxygen - A chemical element essential for sustaining life.
oxytocin - A pituitary hormone that encourages the pregnant uterus to contract and is sometimes used to induce labor. It also encourages milk to be expressed during breastfeeding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Halifax Health Guide for today's lifestyles. |
Thank you for visiting Halifax Health Guide!
Health Guides Online:
Abbotsford, Barrie, Belleville,Brantford, Calgary, Cape Breton,
Chatham-Kent,
Chilliwack, Drummondville,
Edmonton,
Fredericton, Grande Prairie,
Guelph,
Halifax,
Hamilton,
Kamloops,
Kelowna, Kingston,
Kitchener,
Lethbridge,
Medicine Hat,
Moncton,
Montreal,
Nanaimo,
Oshawa, Ottawa, Peterborough,
Prince George, Quebec City,
Red Deer, Regina, Saguenay,
Saint John, Saskatoon,
Sarnia,
Sherbrooke, St Catharines,
St John's, Toronto, Trois-Rivieres, Vancouver,
Victoria,
Windsor, Winnipeg
|
| | | | |
Halifax Health Guide HOME
