abduct	motion of a body part away from the midline of the body
abscess	localized pocket or collection of pus in a cavity
absorbent products	pads and garments, disposable or reusable, worn in cases of incontinence to absorb leaked urine
Achilles tendon	tendon formed by the union of two muscles,the gastrocnemius and the soleus, which join in the mid-calf area and are known as the gastroc-soleal complex; prominent at the back of the ankle
Achilles tendonitis	painful and often debilitating inflammation of the Achilles tendon
actinic keratosis	common precancerous skin growth
adduct	motion of a body part toward the midline of the body
adjuvant	assisting the primary means of therapy, e.g., coupling radiation treatment with surgical excision of tumors
AIDS	acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
allergen	substance inducing an allergic state or reaction
allergic contact dermatitis	dermatitis caused by sensitivity to an allergen
allergy	inappropriate or exaggerated reaction of the immune system to substances that cause no symptoms in most people, e.g., reactions to chemical exposure, respiratory reactions to dust, pollen or other substances, reactions to food
alopecia	hair loss; disease in which the hair falls out
alternative therapy	therapy that is not standard, including herbal medicines, acupuncture, and acupressure, as well as medicinal therapies, such as shark cartilage, maitake mushroom, etc.
Alzheimer's disease	most common form of dementia in older persons that affects many areas of cognitive function, including memory
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)	degenerative disorder affecting the motor neuron cells and the motor tracts in the brain and spinal cord; Lou Gehrig's disease
anaphylaxis	severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, such as that caused by an insect sting or exposure to a drug, like penicillin or antitetanus (horse) serum, or that caused by certain foods, like peanuts or shellfish; anaphylactic shock
anemia	deficiency in red blood cell count, in hemoglobin, or in total blood volume
angina	discomfort and pain felt when a blockage in a coronary artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart
angiogram	invasive diagnostic test whereby a dye is injected into the arteries through a catheter in order to observe the blood vessels
angioplasty	procedure for treating blockages and blood clots in which a small balloon is inflated to open clogged arteries
ankle joint	joint made by the two leg bones (the tibia and the fibula) and the most superior bone in the foot (the talus)
annular	ringlike
antiarrhythmic agents	drugs that slow or eliminate rapid contraction of the ventricle
antibody	protein produced in a controlled manner by certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) to neutralize an antigen or foreign protein and fight disease, but whose uncontrolled production can cause illness; immunoglobulin
anticholinergics	quick-relief asthma medications that work by inhibiting nerve receptors in the airways and by blocking reflex bronchoconstriction of the nervous system
antigen	substance that can trigger an immune response, resulting in production of an antibody as part of the body's defense against infection and disease; allergen
antihistamines	drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical released in body fluids during an allergic reaction, and which reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose
anti-inflammatory agents	drugs that reduce inflammation and its effects
anxiety	generalized feeling of apprehension, fear, or worry that interferes with normal life functions
aortic valve	one-way valve that allows blood to flow only out of the left ventricle and into the aorta
aphasia	acquired abnormality in the production or comprehension of language
apnea	condition in which the upper airway tends to collapse repeatedly while sleeping
appendicolith	small hard stone often seen in the appendix that is generally composed of enough calcium to be seen on x-rays and particularly on CT scans
applecore (lesion)	appearance of the typical annular-shaped cancer of the colon whose concentric growth around the tubular large bowel resembles an eaten apple
arrhythmia	irregular heartbeat that features either very rapid ventricular contractions (tachycardia), an excessively slow heartbeat (bradychardia) or, most commonly, extra or "premature" beats
arteries	blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the organs
articulate	process by which two adjacent bones form a joint and slide upon each other
artifact	various types of image distortion and interference found in x-ray film
artificial urinary sphincter (AUS)	surgically implanted device (consisting of three parts: pump, balloon reservoir, and cuff) that is used to control the involuntary release of urine associated with prostate and urinary tract surgery
assisted reproductive technologies (ART)	fertility treatments that incorporate methods of sperm retrieval and preparation: artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and sperm microinjection techniques
asthma	chronic, inflammatory lung disease triggered by allergens, infection, exercise, cold air, and other factors that cause narrowing of the airways, breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing
ataxia telangiectasia (AT)	progressive, degenerative genetic disease, which causes degeneration of the nervous system, cancer, and immunodeficiency
atherosclerosis	condition in which lipids (fats) collect under the inner lining of damaged artery walls, eventually narrowing or blocking the artery and obstructing blood flow
athlete's foot	common, irritating, often persistent infection of the foot caused by a dermatophyte (microscopic moldlike fungus) that lives on dead tissues of hair, toenails, and outer skin layers
atony	lack of muscle tone, usually leading to temporary weakness
atopy	hereditary presence of antibodies associated with allergic reactions
atria (sing., atrium)	right and left upper chambers of the heart
atrial fibrillation	abnormal rhythm of the heart that can result in an increased risk of stroke due to the formation of emboli (blood clots) in the heart
atrophy	wasting of tissue, cell, or organ
aura	warning symptoms like disturbances in vision, strange smells, or hallucinations that occur prior to a particular neurological event, such as seizure or migraine
autism	lifelong developmental disability that occurs by itself or in association with other disorders that affect the function of the brain, such as viral infections, metabolic disturbances, mental retardation, epilepsy, and fragile X syndrome; characterized by severely impaired social interaction and communication skills and restrictive or repetitive movements, interests, and behaviors
autoimmune	abnormal response of the immune system that causes antibodies and immune-mediated cells to attack one's own tissues
autologous	derived from or originating in an individual
AV node (atrioventricular node)	patch of electrical-wire-like specialized heart tissue located between the atria and the ventricles that conducts contractile impulses from the atria to the ventricles
axon	inner core of peripheral nerves
BAEP	see brainstem auditory evoked potential
basal cell carcinoma	most common skin cancer, derived from the basal cell
basal cells	cells that form the bottom layer of the epidermis
basal ganglia	series of structures located deep in the brain that are responsible for motor movements
behavioral modification techniques	See biofeedback, bladder training, habit training, pelvic muscle exercises.
Bell's palsy	paralysis of the facial nerve producing distortion on one side of the face
benign prostatic hyperplasia	enlargement of the prostate associated with aging
benign	not cancerous
beta2 agonists	quick-relief medications that cause muscle relaxation and bronchoexpansion to relieve acute asthma symptoms
beta-blockers	drugs that relieve stress on the heart by "blocking" the stimulating effect of adrenaline
bifurcation	division of a single structure (usually vascular) into two paired structures, e.g., carotid bifurcation in the neck, where the common carotid arteries divide into the internal and external carotid arteries
bilateral	affecting both sides of the body or two paired organs, e.g., the kidneys
biofeedback	therapeutic training in which participants learn to control their involuntary nervous system through response to electric stimuli
biologic therapy	systemic therapy utilizing interferon or interleukin
biopsy	(v.) to remove a sample of tissue for diagnostic evaluation; (n.) tissue specimen
bladder training	behavioral modification technique used to resist or inhibit the urge to urinate unpredictably
bladder	hollow, muscular, balloon-shaped organ that stores urine until it is excreted
blanch	to make white or pale; to take color out
blepharospasm	involuntary closure of the eyes and lids
blood clot	insoluble mass of blood
blood culture	laboratory examination of a blood sample to detect the presence of disease-causing microorganisms
blood pressure measurement	measure of the force of blood flow against artery walls taken with an inflatable cuff, inflating bulb, and a pressure gauge
blood thinners	drugs that inhibit blood clotting
bone	hard type of connective tissue, primarily made up of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and collagen, that supports and protects the body
bone scan	nuclear medicine study used for detecting the presence of boney metastasis
bone survey	radiologic study used to detect fractures and/or areas of boney destruction
brachymetatarsia	condition in which one of the metatarsals (the five long bones of the foot) is abnormally short, making the toe short as well
brachytherapy	radioactive pellets applied to the body area being treated; used to treat some cancers
bradykinesia	slowing of motor movements due to dysfunction of the basal ganglia and related structures
brain attack	see stroke
brain injury	(1) closed head injury (CHI), which is caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head during which the brain bounces off the inside of the skull; (2) open head injury (OHI), caused by car accident, gunshot wound, or other external factor
brainstem auditory evoked potential	test that measures how much auditory stimulus is required to cause a response from the brainstem
breast	modified sweat gland that produces milk during pregnancy
bronchial provocation	test used to diagnose asthma; also bronchoprovocation, bronchial challenge
bronchitis	inflammation of the bronchi (lung airways) that causes a persistent cough and sputum (phlegm) production; especially common in smokers and in areas with atmospheric pollution
bronchoconstriction	constriction of the bronchial airways in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing, and wheezing
bronchodilator drugs	group of drugs that widen the airways in the lungs
bronchus (pl., bronchi)	any of the larger air passages connecting the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs
bulla (pl., bullae)	sharply circumscribed, elevated, fluid-filled lesions in the skin that are over 0.5 centimeters in diameter; blister
bunion	bulge or bump that develops on the inner side of the foot, near the base of the first toe, caused by poor alignment of the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the big toe, or hallux
bursa	sac of fluid typically found in areas where muscles or tendons tend to rub against bone, such as the hip, knee, and ankle
bursitis	condition in which a bursal sac becomes inflamed due to irritation
calcaneus	heel bone, the largest bone in the foot
calcifications	hard, dense, stonelike material that forms in numerous areas throughout the body, including arteries (plaque), veins (phleboliths), kidneys (stones), and gallbladder (gallstones)
calcium-channel blockers	drugs that limit calcium entry into the cells and stimulate contraction
callus	area of skin that grows thick in response to repeated pressure and friction
candidiasis	infection of the skin, mucous membranes, and sometimes internal organs with the yeast Candida
carbuncle	deep-seated infection involving a cluster of hair follicles, often accompanied by a large area of redness and swelling
carcinoma	type of cancer that has the ability to spread, or metastatsize, to other areas of the body
cardiac catheterization	diagnostic procedure using a flexible tube, or catheter, that is passed into the heart through a vein or an artery in order to withdraw samples of blood, measure pressures within the heart chambers or vessels, and inject x-ray contrast materials to view the heart
cardiac transplantation	replacement of a damaged or diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor who has died of other causes
carotid arteries	paired (right and left) arteries that arise from the aorta or branch of the thoracic aorta; external carotid arteries in the neck supply blood to structures in the face, internal carotid arteries supply blood to much of the front of the brain
cartilage	type of connective tissue found on the ends of bones, which protects and cushions them, and absorbs the forces transmitted throughout the body; living tissue without a direct blood supply
CAT scan (computerized axial tomography)	specialized x-ray examination that is often used to visualize the brain and spinal structures, chest, abdomen, and pelvis
cataplexy	sudden loss of postural tone, often resulting in complete collapse; common in narcolepsy or intense emotional response
catheter	tube passed through the body for draining fluids, injecting fluids into body cavities, and performing certain tests
catheterization	insertion of a catheter
cecum	beginning of the large bowel where the end of the small bowel (ileum) empties into the cecum at the ileocecal valve
central nervous system	the brain and the spinal cord
cerebral aneurysm	weakness in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain
cerebrospinal fluid	fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord
cerebrovascular disease	disorders of the blood vessels that supply the brain
chancre	hard, syphilitic, primary ulcer, usually occurring singularly; first sign of syphilis
charcot foot	severe collapse and fracturing of the foot, seen most often in diabetic patients with neurological problems
Charcot-Marie- Tooth disease	progressive debilitating neuromuscular disorder; also hereditary motor sensory neuropathy and peroneal muscular atrophy
chemolysis	destruction through the use of chemicals; chemical injection treatment to dissolve kidney stones
chest pain	see angina
cholesterol	soft, waxy type of fatty particle (lipid) that circulates in the blood; building block for all cell membranes and many sex hormones
circle of Willis	circle of arteries at the base of the brain that is fed by the two paired internal carotid arteries and the two paired vertebral arteries
clonus	increase in involuntary muscle tone and subsequent movement that results in spasm
cluster headache	one-sided severe pain around the eye that usually occurs at night; associated with nasal stuffiness and tearing of the eye
cm	centimeter
colon	tubular structure from the stomach to the anus that consists of the small intestine and the large intestine
colonoscopy	test in which a length of fiberoptic tubing is inserted into the rectum and passed into the beginning of the large bowel (cecum), allowing the physician to directly visualize the bowel walls
coma	state of unconsciousness, with the eyes closed
comedo (pl., comedones)	thickened secretion of dead skin cells and oily material plugging a follicle or pore; closed (whiteheads), open (blackheads)
computerized axial tomography	see CAT scan
congestive heart failure (CHF)	potentially lethal condition in which congestion develops in the lungs that is produced by a heart attack, poorly controlled or uncontrolled hypertension, or disease processes that weaken the heart
conscious sedation	medication that allows a patient to sustain what could be an unpleasant experience by producing "grogginess" and often complete amnesia of the event
contact dermatitis	reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance to which the body is allergic
cor pulmonale	enlargement and eventual failure of the right ventricle of the heart, caused by lung disease
core needle biopsy	used by a pathologist to detect abnormality in tissue
corns	thickened areas of skin that form in response to excessive pressure and friction, usually hard and round, with a polished or translucent center, like a kernel of corn
coronary angiography	x-ray imaging of the coronary arteries through a catheter
corpora cavernosa	two spongy tissue chambers of the penis that run the length of the organ; tissue that fills with blood during an erection
corticospinal tract	nervous system structures that begin in the brain and travel to the motor neuron cell to innervate the motor nerves
corticosteroids	group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to natural hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands
creatinine	waste product filtered from the blood by the kidneys and expelled in urine
Crohn's disease	inflammatory disease most prominent in the small bowel, which may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs, and which is associated clinically with diarrhea and irritable bowel; regional ileitis
crust	scablike coating of dried blood, pus, or drainage that covers wounds or damaged skin
cryosurgery	destruction of a skin lesion by applying liquid nitrogen
cryotherapy	therapeutic use of cold
CT KUB	computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis in which no oral or intravenous dyes are used, which is often used to detect conditions such as acute appendicitis, renal or ureteral stones, and diverticulitis
CT scan	see CAT scan
curettage and desiccation	surgical technique in which a curette is used to scrape tissue, followed by drying and burning of that tissue with electrocautery
curette	surgical instrument with a round, hollow, sharp tip that is used to scrape tissues
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)	cancer of the T cells, often confined to the skin but has the ability to spread
cutaneous	related to the skin
cyst	sac that contains semisolid or liquid contents
cystectomy	surgical removal of the bladder
cystocele	herniation of the bladder into the vagina
cystoscopy	procedure using a flexible scope inserted into the urethra and then into the bladder to determine abnormalities in the bladder and lower urinary tract
dander	minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may be allergenic
de novo	in a new manner or form
deep tendon reflexes	deep muscle stretch reflexes that are triggered by tapping on the tendons; the "knee jerk"
deltoid ligament	complex of four ligaments (anterior tibiotalar, tibionavicular, tibiocalcalcaneal, and posterior tibiotalar) that helps support the medial side of the ankle joint
dementia	acquired loss of cognitive function that may affect language, attention, memory, personality, and abstract reasoning
demyelination	destruction of myelin sheath that envelopes nervous system structures
density	densities on plain x-rays vary from black to white, depending on the composition of the material the x-rays pass through; black indicates the lowest x-ray density (air) and white, the highest (bone)
depigmentation	loss of pigment, especially melanin
dermatitis	inflammation and irritation of the skin
dermis	second layer of skin made up of a network of collagen and elastic fibers, blood vessels, and nerves
DESD	see detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia
desiccate	to dry up
detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD)	lack of coordination between the bladder and the external sphincter muscle, resulting in the inability to empty the bladder completely, which may cause severe urinary tract damage and life-threatening consequences
diabetes mellitus	common form of diabetes in which the body cannot properly store or use glucose (sugar), the body's main source of energy
diastolic pressure	arterial pressure measured while the heart rests between beats
digoxin or digitalis	drug used to treat congestive heart failure by increasing the force of contraction; used to treat atrial fibrillation by slowing transmission of atrial electrical impulses (i.e., slowing the heart rate) and restoring normal heart rate
disease-free survival	percentage of disease survivors still alive after a specified period of time
diuretic	drug used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention by increasing the elimination of salt and water by the kidneys
diverticulum	small outpouching of the lining of various tubular structures in the body
DNA	deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic blueprint in all of our cells
dorsiflex	upward motion of a body part
duodenum	first segment of the small bowel
dust mites	microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin, whose feces are a common environmental allergen that can trigger asthma
echocardiogram	record produced by echocardiography
echocardiography	noninvasive cardiac imaging procedure used to diagnose heart disease, valve disorders (valvular heart disease), weakened heart muscle, fluid around the heart (pericarditis), and other abnormalities or defects by reflecting sound waves off the heart
eczema	disorder of the skin characterized by inflammation, itching, blisters, and scales
edema	swelling as a result of fluid retention
EEG (electroencephalogram)	test used to study brain wave activity, often used to evaluate seizure disorders
ejaculation	ejection of semen during male orgasm
ejection fraction	percentage of blood that is ejected out of the left ventricle into the aorta with each heart beat
electrocardiography/ electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)	graphical recording of the electrical currents that pass through the heart muscle during each heartbeat; commonly called an EKG because the procedure was developed in the Netherlands, where it was spelled "electrokardiogram"
electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL)	technique that uses small shock waves to break up small kidney stones
electron-beam radiation	radiation therapy in which the beams penetrate the skin only, thus limiting internal side effects
EMG/NCV (electromyography/ nerve conduction study)	test to study the nerves and muscles for diagnosis of disorder, with electrical conduction studied in the NCV
encephalitis	inflammation or infection of the brain
endocarditis	inflammation and infection of a heart valve or the lining of the heart's chambers
endothelium	layer of epithelial cells that lines the cavities of the heart, blood vessels, and the serous cavities of the body
enterocele	herniation of the small bowel into the vagina
epidermis	top layer of skin, composed mainly of squamous cells, as well as basal cells, melanocytes, and other types of cells
epididymis (pl., epididymes)	coiled tube that extends the length of each testis and connects with the vas deferens
epilepsy	episodic disorder resulting from temporary brain dysfunction which produces convulsive or nonconvulsive seizures
erosion	moist, slightly depressed area of skin where the top layer (epidermis) has been removed
erythema	redness and warming of the skin, typically due to inflammation caused by trauma or infection
erythroderma	diffuse reddening of the skin, caused by one of many disorders including psoriasis, eczema, drug sensitivities, and lymphoma
esophagus	muscular tube that begins at the back of the throat, passes through the neck and chest, and enters the stomach at the gastroesophageal junction just below the diaphragm
esphagogastric- duodenoscopy (EGD)	test to observe the esophagus, stomach, and portion of the small intestine
estrogen	hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics
eversion	motion of a body part as it tilts away from the midline
evoked potentials	series of electrophysiological tests to evaluate the function of specific nervous system elements associated with multiple sclerosis
exacerbation	worsening of symptoms
excise	to cut out
excisional biopsy	surgical removal of tissue for pathological analysis
exfoliation	shedding of the top layers of the epidermis
external-beam radiation therapy	treatment that utilizes external-beam radiation
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)	highly focused electrical impulses that are projected from outside the body to pulverize kidney stones
extrinsic asthma	asthma triggered by an allergic reaction, usually something that is inhaled
fasciculation	twitching of the muscles that is seen in diseases of the peripheral nervous system
fibrillation	uncontrolled rapid contraction of the fibers in the heart that occurs in the atrial, or upper, chambers (atrial fibrillation) and in the ventricular, or lower, chambers (ventricular fibrillation)
fibrosis	formation of fibrous (scar) tissue after an injury
fine needle aspirate (FNA)	insertion of small gauge needle into an area of abnormality with an attempt to suck out small amounts of tumor for review by a pathologist
first metatarsal phalangeal joint (1st MTJ)	where the big toe connects to the foot; common site for the development of osteoarthritis
fissure	linear split or crack, usually in areas of chronic inflammation and skin thickening such as calluses on hands and feet
flexible sigmoidoscopy	insertion of a small-sized tube into the rectum to visualize the rectum and a portion of the colon
follicle (hair follicle)	tiny tubular structure in the skin, contiguous with the top skin layer, or epidermis, that includes the canal, the hair shaft, the sebaceous (oil) gland, and the muscle anchored to the follicle's side wall
folliculitis	inflammation with or without infection of the hair follicle
fungus (p., fungi)	member of a group of simple plantlike organisms that do not have leaves or flowers and that live off organic matter such as hair, skin, and nail cells of humans, animals, and plants
furuncle	deep inflammation and infection of the hair follicle
gadolinium	contrast agent that is given intravenously during MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to increase visualization of specific abnormalities
gait	manner of walking
gallium scan	nuclear medicine study used to monitor gallium-avid lymphomas
gamma-knife radiation	radiosurgery used most often to treat brain tumors and vascular lesions
gantry	the doughnut- or bagel-shaped device used for CT or MRI
gastroesophageal (GE) junction	important junction between the esophagus and the stomach that normally permits one-way ingestion to the stomach
GI	gastrointestinal
gout	systemic disease caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints of the body, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain
grade	system used to classify the aggressiveness of a tumor
granulocytes	infection-fighting white blood cells (also called polymorphonuclear cells, PMNs, or polys)
Guillain-Barr� syndrome	inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by rapid onset of weakness and often paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face.; acute idiopathic polyneuritis
habit training	behavioral modification technique that establishes scheduled toileting at regular intervals
hallux	proximal phalanx (end bone) of the first, big toe; site of many muscle attachments that, when imbalanced, contribute to the formation of a bunion
hammertoes	common deformity caused by a muscle imbalance in the foot
hay fever	See rhinitis.
heart attack	See myocardial infarction.
heart failure	See congestive heart failure.
heart murmur	whooshing sound caused by the turbulent flow of blood from the left ventricle across the mitral valve and back into the left atrium
heart transplant	See cardiac transplantation.
heel spur	condition in which a small piece of bone is pulled away from the calcaneus
hematemesis	act of vomiting blood
hematuria	blood in the urine, visible or microscopic
hemiparesis	weakness that affects one side of the body
hemoptysis	act of coughing up blood
hemorrhage	bleeding
heparin	drug that inhibits blood clotting
her2-neu	protein that indicates aggressive cancer, which is found in 30% of breast cancer patients
histamine	chemical present in cells throughout the body, which is released during an allergic reaction
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)	virus that affects the immune system and causes the disease known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency disorder)
homograft valve	aortic valve that has been taken from a human organ donor and used to replace a diseased heart valve
hormonal therapy	systemic therapy to block the action of specific hormones; use of antiandrogens to deprive cancer cells of the testosterone they need for growth
hospice	home-based health care and support for terminally ill patients and their families
hydrocele	painless swelling of the scrotum caused by a collection of fluid around the testicle; common in middle-aged men
hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol	excessive or disproportionate amounts of lipids (fats) in the circulating blood, including low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and tryglicerides
hypermobility	inability of the pelvic floor muscles to provide the necessary support for the urethra and bladder neck, causing the bladder neck to drop when any downward pressure is applied, and leading to involuntary leakage
hyperpigmented	accentuation or increase of pigment
hyperplasia	excessive growth of normal cells of an organ
hypertension, or high blood pressure	increased resistance to blood flow through small blood vessels (arterioles), which forces the heart to work harder
hypopigmented	lessening or lightening of pigment
idiopathic	without a known cause
idiopathic pericarditis	inflammation of the tissues of the pericardium, with no known or detectable cause
immune cells	cells produced in our bodies that protect us from disease-causing agents by producing antibodies
immune system	collection of cells, proteins, and lymphatic tissues that help protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms
immunity	insusceptibility that usually results from previous exposure to an infectious agent, either naturally or by vaccination
immunoglobulins	proteins found in blood and in tissue fluids that are produced by B-lymphocyte cells in the immune system and which bind to foreign substances in the body in order to destroy them; antibodies
immunotherapy	preventive, incrementally progressive, anti-inflammatory treatment for allergies to substances such as pollens, dust mites, fungi, and insect venom; allergy shots
incisional biopsy	surgical removal of tumor tissue through a small incision
inflammation	redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a tissue caused by injury, infection, or hypersensitivity to an allergen
insemination	deposition of semen into the uterus, cervix, or vagina
in-situ	confined to the top layer or epidermis; cancer that has not spread to deeper tissues and has minimal propensity to metastasize
interstim continence control therapy	therapy used to treat urge incontinence
interstitial laser	laser probe used to destroy prostatic tissue and to allow easier urination
intrinsic asthma	asthma that has no apparent external cause
intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD)	weakening of the urethra sphincter muscles
intussusception	when one section of intestine slips over the next, like a sheath
invasive procedure	medical examination that invades the body either by incision or by insertion of an instrument through the skin
inversion	motion of a body part as it tilts toward the midline
irritable bladder	involuntary contractions of muscles in the bladder that cause uncontrolled urination
irritant contact dermatitis	dermatitis caused by irritating chemicals that come into contact with the skin
ischemia	lack of blood flow to a part, often caused by constriction or obstruction of a blood vessel
isolated systolic hypertension	condition usually found in the elderly in which only the systolic blood pressure is elevated
Kegel exercises	exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor in order to control urination and prevent leakage
keratoacanthoma	mostly benign, rapidly growing skin tumor that regresses spontaneously
kidney	one of a pair of organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity that makes urine through blood filtration
kidney stone	hard mass composed of urine elements that form in the kidneys
KOH	potassium hydroxide
KUB	kidney, ureter, bladder
lacunar	subtype of stroke that affects the deeper parts of the brain and involves the tiny perforating arteries
laparoscopic lymph node dissection (LLND)	procedure using a laparoscope to obtain a tissue sample of a lymph node(s)
laparoscopy	generally less invasive surgery that uses a laparoscope to visualize internal organs through a small incision
large bowel	three-foot section of the gastrointestinal tract beginning in the lower right side of the abdomen; the colon
laser	light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; device that produces light in a coherent, intense beam
lateral	describes the plane or movement that inclines away from the center or midline; opposite of medial
lateral collateral ligaments	complex of three ligaments that helps support the lateral side of the ankle joint; consisting of the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and the posterior talofibular ligaments
left ventricular assist device (LVAD)	complex pump that is implanted in the body to assist the left ventricle in pumping blood
ligament	substance made of fibrous tissue that helps connect and stabilize joints, strengthening the gap between two or more bones, cartilage, and/or muscles
liquid nitrogen	liquid form of nitrogen gas (-195 degrees Celsius) that is used to treat various skin lesions in cryosurgery
lithotripsy	procedure that uses ultrasonic shock waves to break up stones in the urinary tract so their fragments can be passed
lumbar puncture (spinal tap)	removal and analysis of some of the cerebrospinal fluid from the base of the spine, used to diagnose meningitis or nervous system syphilis
lung	organ (pair) of the thorax whose contractions and expansions during respiration deliver oxygen to the blood
Lyme disease	disease that affects the joints, nervous system, and heart that is transmitted by the deer tick and is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi
macule	small area of skin different in color to the majority of the body, but flush with the surrounding skin
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
malignant	cancerous tumor or other disease state that has a debilitating, unremitting course
medial	inclining toward the center or midline of the body; opposite of lateral
melanocytes	cells intermingled with the basal cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis that produce pigment globules known as melanin
melanoma	skin cancer that originates in a melanocyte
melena	blood in the stool, typically loosely formed or liquid
meningitis	inflammation or infection of the meninges, the three laminated ultrathin membranes surrounding the brain
menopause	period that marks the permanent cessation of menstrual activity, usually occurring between the ages of 40 and 58
metastasis	spread of disease from one organ or part to another
metastasize	to spread from one part of the body to another, as in cancer
metastatic	pertaining to metastasis; cancer that has spread to either the lymph nodes (regionally metastatic) or organs, e.g., lung, liver, adrenal glands, bone, or brain (distant metastasis)
metatarsals	five bones that run from the center of the foot to the beginning of the toes
metered-dose inhaler (MDI)	most common device for administering quick-relief asthma medications, consisting of a tube-shaped mouthpiece connected to a canister that projects a measured amount of medication when actuated by the user
mg	milligram
midline	invisible reference line that runs longitudinally and divides any body or object in half
migraine	headache characterized by throbbing, one-sided pain, that may be associated with nausea, vomiting, and aura (sensory disturbances)
mitral valve	one-way valve that allows blood to pass from the left atrium into the left ventricle and normally prohibits its reentry
mixed incontinence	stress and urge incontinence occurring simultaneously
mL	milliliter
motor neuron cells	cells located in the spinal cord that give rise to nerves that supply the muscles
MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)	test in which an MRI scanner is used to focus on structures within which blood flows, such as the arteries in the neck, brain, and lungs
multi-infarct dementia	dementia that is caused by the cumulative affect of multiple strokes
multiple sclerosis (MS)	chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, i.e., the brain and spinal cord
muscular dystrophy	congenital (hereditary) disorder resulting in muscular weakness and dysfunction
myasthenia gravis	disorder affecting the space between the nerve and the muscle (neuromuscular junction) that results in transient motor weakness of the face and limbs
myelin	outer lipid (fatty) layer that covers nerves and nervous system pathways in the brain and spinal cord
myelosuppressive	therapy that diminishes white blood cell count
myocardial infarction	medical emergency that occurs when a blood clot forms suddenly in a coronary artery and blocks blood flow to an area of the heart; heart attack
myopathy	disease of muscular dysfunction, usually causing weakness and atrophy
nadir	lowest white blood cell count measured between chemotherapy treatments
narcolepsy	sleep disorder characterized by sudden and repeated attacks of sleep, usually accompanied by cataplexy, hypnogogic hallucination, and sleep paralysis
nebulizer	device used to deliver inhaled medications, in which an air compressor is used to blow an atomized medication through a mouthpiece or face mask
needle localization biopsy	needle marker is inserted to define abnormal area prior to biopsy
nephrectomy	removal of the kidney
nephrotomography	conventional tomograms of the kidneys, especially in small sections of the kidneys
neurofibromatosis	genetic disorder which causes skin lesions, cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors, and tumors on internal organs
neurons	nerve cells of the brain responsible for neurological function
neuropathy	condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves that results in weakness or sensory loss and pain in the arms, hand, legs, and feet
neutropenia	low level of neutrophils in the blood
neutropenic fevers	fever associated with low white blood cell count and low granulocyte count
neutrophil	most abundant type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, that is active in immune responses and inflammatory reactions
nevus (pl., nevi)	congenital skin lesion, e.g., mole, birthmark, etc.
nodule	elevated, solid mass or lump (up to 2 cm in diameter) that can be located in the epidermis, dermis, or the subcutaneous fat
noninvasive procedure	medical examination that does not penetrate the skin or invade the body, except for minor needle sticks
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)	drugs that act against inflammation, reduce fever, relieve muscle pain, and prevent blood clots
normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)	increase in pressure within the ventricles of the brain, causing dementia, gait difficulties, and urinary incontinence
nystagmus	jerking movement of the eyes associated with neurological disorder
occlusion	closure; in sleep apnea, closing of the airway at the back of the mouth or top of the throat
oncologist	physician specializing in cancer treatment
onychomycosis	fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails that causes thickened, discolored, and often brittle nails
open nephrolithotomy	surgical excision of kidney stones via the back or abdomen in which the kidney may be opened
orchiectomy	surgical removal of one or both of the testicles
orchitis	inflammation of the testicle
osteoarthritis	deterioration of cartilage in the joints