Medical Health Resources
Canadian Medical Guide
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General Health and Medical Terms 4
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Paget's disease - 1. A type of cancer usually involving the breast's larger ducts, areola and nipples. 2. A disease characterized by weakened and deformed bones.
palate - The roof of the mouth.
palliative - Controlling symptoms without curing the disease.
pallor - Pale appearance of the skin.
palpate - To feel with the fingers.
palpebra - The eyelid.
palpitation - A sensation that the heart is beating too rapidly or strongly.
palsy - See paralysis.
panacea - A remedy for all diseases.
pancreas - A gland located below and behind the stomach and liver that produces insulin and glucagon, the hormones involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas.
pandemic - A widespread epidemic.
panic - A sudden attack of anxiety.
papilla - A small nipple-shaped projection.
papilledema - Swelling of the optic disk. May be due to an increase of pressure in the skull.
papilloma - A benign tumor of the skin or mucous membranes. A wart.
papule - A solid, raised skin lesion.
para-aminobenzoic acid - PABA, a substance used in suntan lotion and used clinically to treat rickettsial diseases.
paracentesis - Surgical removal of fluid from a cavity.
parainfluenza virus - One of a group of viruses that cause a variety of upper respiratory diseases.
paralysis - Inability to move parts of the body.
paranasal sinuses - The mucosa-lined cavities in the bones of the skull that open into the passages of the nose.
paranoia - A mental disorder characterized by a belief that others are out to get you.
paraplegia - Inability to feel or move the legs.
parasite - An organism that lives on or in the tissues of another organism and draws its nourishment from the host.
paraspadias - A developmental abnormality in which the urethra opens along one side of the penis.
parathyroid glands - Two pair of small glands situated next to or in the thyroid gland that are involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
parenteral - Inside the body, but outside the intestines.
paresis - Partial or slight loss of feeling or movement.
paresthesia - An abnormal sensation of burning or prickling on the skin, caused by a disorder of the nervous system.
Parkinson's disease - A progressive disease of the brain. Characterized by tremors and muscle stiffness.
parotid glands - The largest of the salivary glands, located near the ears.
paroxysm - A sudden attack, or raised level of intensity, of symptoms.
pasteurization - Heating milk or other substances to a temperature of 140ºF for 30 minutes to kill harmful bacteria.
patella - The kneecap.
pathogen - Any agent that causes disease.
pathology - The study of changes caused by disease.
pectoral - Having to do with the chest or breast.
pectus carinatum - An abnormally prominent sternum or breastbone. Also called pigeon breast.
pectus excavatum - A defect of the sternum that's present at birth.
pedal - Having to do with the feet.
pediatrics - The branch of medicine that deals with the development and care of infants and children.
pediculosis - Infestation with lice.
pelvis - The bony structure formed by the sacrum, coccyx, ilium, pubis and ischium.
pemphigus - A skin condition characterized by large blisters.
pepsin - A digestive enzyme found in the stomach.
peptic - Having to do with the stomach.
percutaneous - Introduced through the skin.
perforation - A hole or break through a membrane or the wall of an organ.
pericarditis - Inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart.
pericardium - The fibrous sac the heart.
perineum - The pelvic floor. In females, the region from the vagina to the anus. In males, the region from the base of the scrotum to the anus.
periodontitis - Inflammation of the tissues around the teeth.
periosteum - The connective tissue covering the bones of the body.
peripheral - At or near the surface of the body. Located away from the center structure.
peristalsis - The waves of contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
peritoneum - The membrane lining the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavity.
peritonitis - Inflammation of the peritoneum.
pernicious - Fatal.
pernicious anemia - Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
pertussis - See whooping cough.
petit mal - A mild seizure with a momentary loss of consciousness.
phagocyte - Any cell that destroys invading microorganisms.
phagomania - An obsession with eating.
pharmacist - A person licensed to mix and dispense drugs.
pharyngitis - Inflammation of the pharynx. Also called a sore throat.
pharynx - The cavity of the canal leading from the mouth and nasal passages to the larynx and the esophagus.
phenylalanine - An essential amino acid occurring in proteins. A small amount of phenylalanine is necessary in the diet to make the proteins that form human tissues.
phenylketonuria (PKU) - A rare inherited disorder. Causes an inability to metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid that's a common part of many proteins that form tissues in the body. Left untreated, it causes severe mental retardation in infants.
phimosis - Excessive tightness of the foreskin of the penis.
phlebitis - Inflammation of a vein.
phlebotomy - Withdrawal of blood from a vein.
phlegm - Mucus, especially mucus produced by the lungs during inflammation or infection.
phobia - Any persistent, unreasonable abnormal fear.
phonation - Making vocal sounds.
photophobia - Abnormal intolerance of light.
physician - A doctor. An authorized practitioner of medicine.
physiology - The branch of medicine that deals with the function of the various parts of the living organism.
pigeon toe - A foot condition where the toes turn in.
piles - See hemorrhoids.
pilus - Hair.
pimple - A small, elevated skin lesion.
pinguecula - A yellowish spot on the cornea of the eye that sometimes occurs in the elderly.
pink eye - Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Also called conjunctivitis.
pinna - The part of the ear that's projected outside of the head.
pinworm - A parasite, Enterobius vermicularis, that can cause intense itching around the anus.
pituitary gland - The gland that secretes hormones that influence body growth, metabolism and the function of other endocrine glands.
pityriasis - A skin condition in which the skin forms thin, dry scales.
placebo - A harmless substance that resembles a medicine; often used to test the effectiveness of medicines.
placenta - A spongy structure that grows on the uterine wall during pregnancy and provides nutrition to the fetus.
plague - 1. Any contagious epidemic disease that is deadly. 2. An infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis that can be spread from animals to humans and is normally spread to humans by fleas (called bubonic plague) or from person to person by respiratory droplets (called pnenmonic plague). Both forms have a high death rate.
plantar - Having to do with the sole of the foot.
plasma - The fluid portion of the blood.
platelet - A thrombocyte, the smallest of the formed components of blood, associated with blood clotting.
pleura - The membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the walls of the chest cavity.
pleurisy - Inflammation of the pleura.
plexus - A network of nerves or veins.
plumbism - Chronic lead poisoning.
pneumoconiosis - Any of several lung diseases caused by inhaling particles of industrial substances.
pneumonia - Acute inflammation or infection of the lungs.
pneumothorax - The buildup of air or gas in the chest cavity. May cause lung collapse.
podiatry - The branch of medicine that pertains to the foot and its ailments.
poison - A substance that causes illness or death when eaten, drunk or absorbed into the body.
poliomyelitis - An acute, infectious disease that attacks the central nervous system. Sometimes causes paralysis that can result in permanent deformities. Vaccines are available. Also called polio.
pollen - The male fertilizing element of flowering plants.
polycythemia - Abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells or hematocrit.
polydactyly - Extra fingers or toes.
polydipsia - Excessive thirst.
polyhidrosis - Excessive sweating.
polyp - A growth extending outward from a mucous membrane.
polypectomy - Surgical removal of a polyp.
polyuria - Excessive, frequent urination.
pons - A piece of connecting tissue, specifically the bridge of white matter at the base of the brain.
popliteal - Having to do with the area behind the knee.
pore - A small opening.
posterior - At or toward the back.
postoperative - After surgery.
postpartum - After childbirth.
preeclampsia - A complication of pregnancy. The development of hypertension with protein in the urine, buildup of fluid (edema) or both.
premenstrual syndrome - PMS. Headache, irritability, edema (swelling), abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain and nausea in the days before the start of the menstrual periods of some women.
prepuce - A covering fold of skin, such as the foreskin of the penis.
presbycusis - Hearing loss due to old age.
presbyopia - A form of farsightedness occurring after middle age. Caused by a loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens with age.
prescription - A physician's written direction for preparation and use of a medicine.
prevalence - The number of cases of a specific disease in a given population at a certain point in time.
proctitis - Inflammation of the rectum.
prodrome - Symptoms marking the onset of an illness.
progeny - Children.
progeria - Premature aging.
progesterone - A steroid produced by the ovaries to prepare the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum (egg).
prognosis - The probable outcome of a disease.
prolactin - The pituitary hormone that promotes the growth of breast tissue and encourages the production of milk.
prolapse - The falling or slipping out of place of an internal organ, such as when the uterus falls into the vagina.
prostate - A male reproductive gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra.
prosthesis - An artificial substitute for a missing body part.
protein - An organic compound composed primarily of amino acids.
proteinuria - Protein in the urine.
pruritus - Itching.
psoriasis - Chronic, recurring skin disease characterized by red, inflamed patches covered with scales.
psychiatry - The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders.
psychoanalysis - A technique developed by Sigmund Freud for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
psychology - The scientific study of mental processes and behavior.
psychopath - A person with a mental disorder characterized by the conspicuous disregard for the rights and needs of others, the lack of remorse and the lack of empathy for others.
psychosis - A mental disorder with serious derangement of the thinking process, often including delusions or hallucinations.
ptilosis - Shedding of the eyelashes.
ptosis - A prolapse or falling of some organ or structure, especially the drooping of a paralyzed upper eyelid.
puberty - The stage of life during which the secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop and sexual reproduction becomes possible.
pubis - The most forward bone of the pelvis.
puerperium - The period of time just after childbirth.
pulmonary - Having to do with the lungs.
pulse - The heartbeat as felt through the walls of an artery.
puncture - A wound produced by a pointed object.
pupil - The opening in the center of the iris.
purpura - Movement of blood into the soft tissues, producing bruises.
purulent - Containing pus.
pus - A thick fluid produced in certain infections.
pustule - A small pus-containing blister.
pyelitis - Inflammation of the urine-collecting system within the kidney.
pyelonephritis - Kidney infection.
pylorus - The junction of the stomach and the small intestine.
pyodermatitis - Skin infection producing pus.
pyridoxine - Vitamin B6, sometimes used to treat nausea in pregnancy or to manage premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
pyrogen - Something that causes fever.
quackery - Misrepresentation of a product's or person's ability to diagnose and treat disease.
quadriceps - The name applied collectively to a group of four thigh muscles that insert together into the tendon surrounding the kneecap.
quadriplegia - Loss of feeling and movement of the arms and legs.
quarantine - Any isolation or restriction placed on movement to or from a place where communicable diseases have been diagnosed.
quickening - The first perceived movements of a fetus in the uterus.
rabies - A fatal, if untreated, viral disease of mammals that's spread to humans by the bite of infected animal.
rad - Radiation absorbed dose. A unit of measurement of the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation.
radiculopathy - A disease or other problem affecting a nerve root.
radioisotope - A radioactive form of an element. Used in certain diagnostic tests.
radiology - The branch of medicine that deals with the use of x-rays.
radon - A colorless, radioactive gas produced by the decay of radium. The presence of sufficient quantities of this gas in homes is linked with the development of lung cancer.
rash - Visual marks or spots that appear on the skin.
Raynaud's phenomenon - A circulation disorder characterized by changes of blood flow, resulting in the hands and feet becoming pale, followed by redness and pain. This condition may be caused by cold, vibrations or emotions.
recrudescence - To reoccur after a temporary absence.
rectum - The last portion of the large intestine.
reflux - A return flow.
refraction - 1. The bending of a ray or wave of light from one medium to a medium of a different density. 2. The amount of error in the eye and the correction of that error with glasses to restore normal vision.
regurgitation - The return of partly digested food from the stomach to the mouth or of blood in a reverse direction through the valves of the heart.
rehabilitation - The process of restoring one's ability to live as normally as possible after an injury or illness.
Reiter's syndrome - A complex group of symptoms marked by inflammation of the urethra or cervix, conjunctiva and joints.
relapse - The return of a disease after its apparent resolution.
REM - Rapid eye movement. The phase of sleep associated with dreaming and distinguished from the other stages of sleep by rapid movement of the eyes.
remedy - Anything that cures.
remission - Improvement of the symptoms of a disease.
renal - Having to do with the kidney.
reservoir - A medical term used to describe a source of organisms causing a disease.
respiration - The act or process of breathing. The process by which a living organism or cell takes in oxygen from the air or water and uses it.
resuscitation - Restoring the heartbeat and/or breathing in someone who's apparently dead. Also called artificial respiration.
retardation - Delay or halt of any process such as mental or physical development.
retina - The innermost layer of the eyeball. The retina contains the light-sensing rods and cones used for vision.
retinopathy - Degeneration of the retina.
retrobulbar - Behind the eyeball.
retrovirus - A virus that produces DNA from RNA (the opposite of the normal order). A group of viruses that includes HIV.
Rh factor - One of the antigens present on red blood cells. Used in categorizing the type of blood a person has.
rheumatism - Pain in the muscles and joints. Characterized by inflammation and stiffness. Sometimes used to describe arthritis, bursitis and sciatica.
rhinitis - Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose.
rhinoplasty - Plastic surgery of the nose.
rhinorrhea - Runny nose.
rickets - A condition resulting from a vitamin D deficiency in childhood. Characterized by the softening of the bones and associated deformities.
ringworm - A fungal infection of the skin.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever - An infectious disease spread by tick bites.
roseola infantum - A common viral infection of young children. Characterized by high fever, irritability and a faint rose-colored rash that appears on the fourth day when the fever subsides.
rubella - A mild childhood disease that causes fever and rash. Although rubella is mild in childhood, it's dangerous to pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Also called German measles.
rubeola - A type of measles that can lead to serious complications and death.
sac - Pouch; a bag-like structure.
saccharin - A compound that's hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar. Used as an artificial sweetener.
sacroiliac - Having to do with the joint formed by the sacrum and the ilium in the lower back.
saliva - An enzyme-containing thin, watery secretion of the salivary glands.
salivary gland - Any one of the three pairs of glands of the mouth (parotid, submaxillary and sublingual) that release saliva.
salmonella - A form of food poisoning characterized by fever and intestinal disorder due to Salmonella bacteria.
salve - Ointment.
sanguineous - Bloody.
scabies - An itchy, contagious skin condition caused by mites.
scapula - The shoulder blade.
scarlet fever - Fever and skin reaction caused by certain strains of streptococcus bacteria, usually following a streptococcal infection of the throat, middle ear or skin.
schizophrenia - A chronic mental disorder characterized by an inability to differentiate reality from fantasy. Often associated with hallucinations or delusions.
sciatica - Pain or inflammation going from the back to the buttock along the sciatic nerve.
sclera - The tough white covering of the eyeball.
scleritis - Inflammation of the sclera, causing pain, redness and possible loss of vision. Can be a complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
scleroderma - A chronic disease characterized by hardening or thickening of the skin due to abnormal tissue growth.
sclerosis - Hardening.
scoliosis - Abnormal curvature of the spine, usually develops during the rapid growth of puberty.
scotoma - A blind spot in an area of otherwise normal vision.
scratch test - A test for allergies in which small amounts of potential allergens are inserted in small scratches made in the skin.
scrotum - The skin-covered sac that contains the testes.
scurvy - A condition caused by vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms include loss of appetite, bleeding gums, bruising, inability to gain weight and irritability.
sebaceous cyst - A benign cyst containing oil and cells from a sebaceous gland.
sebaceous glands - Small glands in the skin that release an oily substance through the hair follicles.
seborrhea - Greasy scales or cheesy plugs resulting from overproduction of the sebaceous glands.
seborrheic keratoses - Skin growths that may be smooth or warty-looking, of varying size, and flesh-colored, brown or black. Often appear on the trunk or temples. Often occur in middle-aged and elderly people. Also called senile warts.
seizure - An attack of epilepsy.
semen - The ejaculate of the male consisting of sperm and secretions from the prostate, seminal glands and other glands.
semicircular canals - The three loop-shaped tubular passages of the inner ear that control the sense of balance.
seminiferous - Carrying or producing semen.
sensorium - The state of a person's mental awareness.
sepsis - When disease-causing bacteria from an area of infection spread into the bloodstream and tissues.
septum - A wall dividing an organ or cavity, as in the nose.
serology - The study of the antigen-antibody reaction.
serotonin - A chemical used to transmit information from one nerve cell to another.
serum - The clear, yellowish-colored liquid portion of blood.
shigellosis - A diarrheal disease caused by Shigella bacteria.
shingles - A viral infection of certain sensory nerves that causes pain and blisters on the skin along the course of the infected nerve. Also called herpes zoster.
shock - A disorder resulting from disruption of the circulation of the blood that can upset all body functions.
shoulder - The ball-and-socket joint connecting the arm with the body.
shunt - To surgically divert the flow (such as of blood) from one organ or pathway to another.
Siamese twins - Identical twins born joined together.
sickle cell anemia - A genetic condition characterized by abnormal red blood cells containing a defective form of hemoglobin. Sickle cell anemia occurs in people who inherit the gene from both parents. Found chiefly in black populations and causes anemia, jaundice and recurring attacks of fever and pain in the arms, legs and abdomen.
sickle cell trait - Inheriting the gene for sickle cell anemia from only one parent. It causes no symptoms.
sigmoid - S-shaped.
sinew - A tendon or fibrous cord.
sinus - A cavity in a bone or other tissue. Commonly used to describe the cavities in the skull that open into the nasal cavity.
sinusitis - Inflammation and infection of the sinuses.
sitz bath - A bath in which only the hips and buttocks are immersed in water for relief of rectal or vaginal discomfort.
skeleton - The hard bony framework of the human body that supports the tissues and protects the organs.
skull - The bony framework of the head.
smallpox - A viral disease that was once highly contagious. Characterized by high fever, vomiting, and blisters and sores on the skin. Vaccination has eliminated this disease.
smooth muscle - A type of muscle tissue controlled by the involuntary nervous system, occurring in the walls of the uterus, intestines or blood vessels.
sneeze - To exhale breath from the nose and mouth in a sudden, involuntary action as a result of irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose.
Snellen's chart - A chart of block letters used to test distant vision.
snoring - Harsh breathing sounds during sleep caused by the vibration of the soft palate during inhalation.
soft palate - The soft part of the roof of the mouth in the back, toward the throat.
soft tissue - The substance of an organic body or organ consisting of cells and intercellular materials. The muscles and other nonbony tissues of the body.
solar plexus - The network of nerves in the center of the abdomen.
spasm - A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
specimen - A sample taken to study the nature of the whole.
speculum - An instrument for opening a body cavity to permit visual inspection.
sperm - The male germ cell. Also called spermatozoon.
sphincter - A ring-shaped muscle that surrounds a natural opening in the body and can open or close it by relaxing or contracting.
sphygmomanometer - An instrument for measuring blood pressure. An inflatable blood-pressure cuff.
spina bifida - A birth defect caused by imperfect closure of part of the spinal column, exposing some of the nervous system.
spirochete - Spiral-shaped bacteria.
spleen - The blood-forming and -storing organ located under the ribs in the upper left portion of the abdomen.
splenomegaly - Enlargement of the spleen.
splint - A device for holding broken or injured parts in place.
spondylitis - Inflammation of the vertebrae.
spondylosis - Narrowing of the spinal column resulting in reduction of the spaces between the vertebrae which may cause compression of the nerve roots.
sprain - A twisting or stretching injury of a ligament or muscle of a joint, with or without dislocating a bone.
spur - A projecting body. For example, from a bone.
sputum - Mucus secreted by the lungs, bronchi and trachea that's ejected by coughing or clearing the throat.
stapedectomy - Surgical removal of the stapes.
stapedioplasty - Replacement of the stapes with other materials (wire, bone, plastic).
stapes - A small bone of the middle ear. Also called the stirrup.
stenosis - Narrowing of a body passage or opening.
sterile - 1. Free from living microorganisms. 2. Unable to have children.
sternum - The breastbone.
Stevens-Johnson reaction - An inflammatory disease characterized by rapid attack of fever, skin blisters and sores on the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passage and genitals.
stoma - 1. Mouth-like opening. 2. An opening used for drainage.
stomatitis - Inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.
stool - Feces, or bowel movement.
strabismus - A deviation in which both eyes aren't trained on the same spot. Also called crossed eyes or lazy eye.
strain - 1. To filter. 2. Excessive effort. 3. Overstretching a portion of a muscle. 4. Within a species, a group of organisms characterized by a particular trait or quality.
stress - 1. Pressure; strain. 2. Any condition that causes mental or physical strain or tension.
stridor - A harsh or squeaky sound in breathing, often associated with a blocked larynx.
stroke - Deprivation of the blood supply to the brain due to blockage of a blood vessel. Results in unconsciousness, paralysis or other neurologic symptoms.
stye - Infection of one of the sebaceous glands of the edge of the eyelid.
subcutaneous - Just beneath the skin.
subdural - Beneath the dura mater, the covering of the brain.
subliminal - Below the threshold of conscious awareness.
subluxation - Partial dislocation.
subungual - Beneath a nail.
sucrose - A natural sugar obtained from sugar cane and sugar beets used as a sweetening agent. Also called table sugar.
suicide - Taking one's own life.
sunburn - A skin inflammation caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, tanning beds or other sources.
sunstroke - A serious failure of the body's heat-regulating mechanism resulting from excessive exposure to intense heat. Also called heat stroke.
superinfection - Sudden growth of a different type of bacteria than the type originally diagnosed and treated. This is a common cause of treatment failure because the new type of bacteria is often resistant to first-line antibiotics.
suppository - A cone-shaped solid mass of medication designed to be placed in the rectum or vagina.
surfactant - A substance produced in the lungs that reduces surface tension and helps keep the small air sacs open.
surrogate - A substitute.
suture - 1. The joining together of certain vertebrate bones, especially of the skull. 2. A stitch or stitches made to close a wound. 3. The material used in closing a wound with stitches.
synapse - The tiny space between two nerve cells that allows the transmission of a nerve impulse.
syncope - Fainting.
synergism - The working together of different organs or parts of the body so that their combined action is greater than their individual effects.
synovia - The clear lubricating fluid produced in joints, bursae and tendon sheaths.
syphilis - A sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum.
systole - The cardiac contraction of a heartbeat.
tachycardia - An abnormally rapid heartbeat.
tachypnea - Rapid breathing.
talus - A bone of the ankle.
Tanner staging - A growth chart used to assess the stage of puberty based on pubic hair growth, the development of genitalia in boys and breasts in girls.
telogen effluvium - Thinning hair. Rarely results in actual baldness.
temporal - Having to do with the side of the head.
temporomandibular joint - TMJ. The joint between the lower jaw and the side of the head, located just in front of the ear.
tendinitis - Inflammation of a tendon.
tendon - A cord of strong white fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone.
teratogen - An agent that causes physical defects in a developing embryo.
testis - The male gonad or reproductive organ.
testosterone - One of the male sex hormones.
tetanus - An infectious disease, often fatal, caused by a Clostridium tetani bacteria. The bacteria usually enters the body through wounds. Characterized by muscle spasms and convulsions. Also called lockjaw.
tetany - A continuous muscle spasm.
thalassemia - An inherited type of chronic anemia.
therapeutic - A substance or treatment that's effective in treating disease.
thoracentesis - A surgical puncture and drainage of the chest cavity.
thoracic - Having to do with the chest.
thorax - The chest.
thrombocyte - A platelet.
thromboembolism - Blockage of a blood vessel by the piece of a blood clot that has broken loose from its original site.
thrombosis - Formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel or the heart.
thrush - Infection of the mouth by yeast. Characterized by milky-white lesions on the mouth, lips and throat.
thymus - A ductless gland located behind the upper portion of the breastbone.
thyroid gland - A large endocrine gland located in the front and sides of the neck and below the Adam's apple. Essential for the regulation of growth and metabolism.
thyroxine - The hormone from the thyroid gland that's essential in metabolism.
tibia - The larger of two bones in the lower leg.
tic - An involuntary spasm or twitching of a muscle.
tinea - A general term for fungal infections of the skin, usually combined with a description of the site or cause. Examples include tinea cruris or "jock itch," and tinea pedis or "athlete's foot."
tinnitus - Ringing in the ears. Sensation of a high-pitched sound that's not actually present.
tissue - A group of similar cells that together perform certain specialized functions.
tongue - The muscular organ attached to the floor of the mouth. Used to speak, chew, swallow and taste.
tonsillectomy - A procedure to remove the tonsils.
tonsils - A pair of oval masses of lymphoid tissue, one on each side of the throat at the back of the mouth.
toxemia - The presence of toxic substances in the blood from bacteria or body cells.
toxic - Poisonous.
toxin - A poisonous substance produced by a living organism.
trachea - The air passage extending from the throat to the bronchi. Also called the windpipe.
tracheostomy - A surgical incision in the trachea (the windpipe) through which a rigid tube is inserted to allow air to enter.
trachoma - A chronic infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydia infection of the eye. A leading cause of blindness worldwide.
transfusion - Introduction of blood or blood products through a vein into the body's circulation.
transplantation - The transfer of living organs or tissue from a donor to another person or from one area in the body to another.
trauma - Injury produced by an external force.
trench mouth - An acute, severe bacterial infection of the gums and lining of the mouth.
triage - A system of assigning priorities of medical treatment based on urgency, severity of injury and chance for survival.
triceps - A muscle of the arm used to extend the forearm.
trichinosis - Infection with a roundworm caused by consumption of larvae in undercooked pork or other infected meat.
trichomoniasis - Infection with Trichomonas protozoa. Frequently causes vaginal itching and discharge in women. It's usually acquired by sexual contact with an infected partner.
tricuspid valve - The heart valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
trisomy - The presence of an extra chromosome in addition to the usual pair. Down syndrome is an example of a condition caused by trisomy.
truss - A device to keep a hernia in its proper place.
TSH - Thyroid-stimulating hormone. A pituitary hormone that stimulates thyroid hormone production.
tuberculin - A protein injected into the skin to test for tuberculosis infection.
tuberculosis - An infectious disease caused by bacteria and characterized by the formation of tubercles in various tissues of the body, especially of the lungs.
tumor - Overgrowth of tissue.
tussis - Cough.
tympanic membrane - The eardrum.
typhoid fever - A bacterial infection with Salmonella typhi transmitted by contaminated water, milk or other foods. Proper sanitation and hygiene prevent the spread of disease.
typhus - An infectious disease spread to people by the bite of ticks, mites, fleas and lice. Typhus is characterized by high fever, headache and a rash.
ulcer - A localized sore in the skin or mucosal surfaces.
ulcerative colitis - A chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine characterized by bloody diarrhea.
ulna - The larger of the two bones of the forearm.
umbilical cord - A tough, cord-like structure connecting the fetus to the placenta for nourishment.
umbilicus - The scar at the site of attachment of the umbilical cord. The navel or belly button.
ungual - Having to do with the nails.
uremia - The buildup in the blood of substances normally eliminated in the urine.
ureter - A narrow tube that transfers urine from the kidney to the bladder.
urethra - The tube that allows the bladder to empty outside the body.
urethral stricture - A narrow area of the urethra that blocks the flow of urine.
urethritis - Inflammation or infection of the urethra.
urinary bladder - The organ that serves as a temporary storage place for urine. Also called the bladder.
urine - The fluid composed of water and waste products that's secreted by the kidneys.
urogenital - Having to do with the urinary system and genitals.
urology - The branch of medicine that deals with the urinary system in women and the urogenital system in men.
uterus - A hollow muscular organ in women where the ovum (egg) is deposited and the embryo and fetus are developed.
uvula - The fleshy mass hanging down from the soft palate above the back of the tongue.
vaccination - Inoculation with weakened or dead microorganisms to develop immunity and prevent disease caused by the regular strain of that microorganism.
vaccine - A preparation of killed or weakened microorganisms, given to treat or prevent disease.
vaginismus - Painful spasm of the vagina.
varicocele - Dilated veins in the spermatic cord above or around the testis that can cause decreased sperm production on the affected side.
varicose veins - Swollen, distended veins especially visible in the legs.
vas deferens - The duct through which sperm travels from the testicle to the urethra of the penis.
vascular - Of or having vessels, particularly the blood vessels.
vasculitis - Inflammation of the walls of the small blood vessels.
vasectomy - Surgical removal or tying of the vas deferens to prevent the passing of sperm. Used as a form of birth control.
vasoconstriction - Causing the narrowing or closing (constriction) of blood vessels.
vasodilation - Causing the widening or opening (dilation) of blood vessels.
vector - An animal that spreads an infectious agent from one host to another. Also called a carrier.
vein - A vessel that carries blood from the various parts of the body to the heart.
venom - A toxin secreted by an animal.
venous - Having to do with a vein.
ventricle - 1. Either of the two chambers that contract to pump blood from the heart. 2. Any of several small fluid-filled cavities in the brain.
verruca - See wart.
vertebrae - The bones that make up the spine.
vertigo - A spinning sensation often accompanied by mild to severe nausea.
vesicle - 1. A small, sac-like cavity. 2. A blister.
vesicourethral reflux - An abnormal condition that allows urine to flow from the bladder back into a ureter.
virus - The agent of an infectious disease, smaller than bacteria, that must have a living host in order to grow or reproduce.
viscera - The large internal organs.
vision - The sense of sight.
vitamin - An organic substance found in food and essential in small quantities for good health.
vitiligo - A skin condition characterized by sharply defined white patches that contain no skin color (pigment).
vitreous humor - The jelly-like material that fills the eyeball between the lens and retina.
vomiting - Ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
vulva - The external parts of the female reproductive tract surrounding the opening to the vagina.
wart - A small, hard, abnormal growth of the skin or mucous membranes caused by a virus.
wheal - A pimple or small itchy elevation of the skin caused by an allergen.
wheeze - A whistling or squeaky breathing sound caused by the narrowing (constriction) or blocking of the airway.
whiplash - An injury of the neck or spine due to a sudden, severe bending of the neck.
whooping cough - A serious infectious respiratory disease of children. Named for the distinctive whooping sound made by the patient after a coughing spasm. Also called pertussis.
Wilms' tumor - A rapidly growing tumor of the kidney found in children.
Wilson's disease - A rare, inherited disorder that occurs when copper pools in the red blood cells. May cause tremors, muscle rigidity, speech problems and dementia.
withdrawal - The act or process of giving up the use of a drug to which one has become addicted or dependent.
wrist - The joint or part of the arm between the hand and the forearm.
xanthelasma - Fatty deposits that appear as yellowish patches, or plaques, under the skin, often appearing in or near the eyelids.
xanthoma - A tumor-like deposit of fatty substances in the skin.
xenograft - Transplantation of tissue or organs from an individual of one species to another unrelated species, such as a pig's heart valve implanted in a human.
xeroderma - Dryness of the skin.
yeast - A single-celled fungus that reproduces by budding and may lead to infections of the skin or other moist areas.
yellow fever - An acute viral illness spread by mosquito bites. Characterized by fever and jaundice.
zoonosis - A disease that can be spread to people by animals.
zoster - A viral infection of certain sensory nerves that causes pain and an eruption of blisters on the skin along the course of the infected nerve.
zygote - A fertilized ovum (egg).
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