medical definitions 50-100

A covering; the skin, consisting of the corium, or dermis, and epidermis.

A condition marked by yellow staining of body tissues and fluids, as a result of excessive levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Acidosis due to an excess of ketone bodies. It occurs in individuals who do not produce adequate insulin to sustain normal fat metabolism.

1. An exaggeration or angulation of the posterior curve of the thoracic spine, giving rise to the condition commonly known as humpback, hunchback, or Pott's curvature.

An increase in the number of leukocytes (usually above 10,000/mm3) in the blood.

Formation of white spots or patches on the mucous membrane of the tongue or cheek. The spots are smooth, irregular in size and shape, hard, and occasionally fissured.

The incision of a duct or organ, esp. of the bladder, for removal of a stone.

Abnormal anterior convexity of the lumbar spine.

Disordered or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, esp. the small intestine. The syndrome may be associated with or due to a number of diseases, including those affecting the intestinal mucosa, such as infections, tropical sprue, celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, or lactase deficiency.

A malignant tumor of darkly pigmented cells (melanocytes) that often arises in a brown or black mole. The tumor can spread aggressively throughout the body (e.g., to the brain and other internal organs).

The period that marks the permanent cessation of menstrual activity, normally occurring in the U.S. between the ages of 40 and 58.

All energy and material transformations that occur within living cells; the sum of all physical and chemical changes that take place within an organism.

The five metacarpal bones of the palm of the hand.

An abnormal sound heard when listening to the heart or neighboring large blood vessels.

Immunity that is genetically determined in specific species, populations, or families.

A chemical (e.g., acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin) that is released when the axon of a presynaptic neuron is excited and acts by inhibiting or exciting a target cell.

Pert. to or occurring in a health care setting, such as a hospital or nursing home.

Relating to or descriptive of death of a portion of tissue.

Microorganisms including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi that are found on or in specific areas of the body.

Involuntary back-and-forth or cyclical movements of the eyes. The movements may be rotatory, horizontal, or vertical and often are most noticeable when the patient gazes at objects moving by rapidly or at fixed objects in the peripheral field of view.

The horizontal structure separating the mouth and the nasal cavity; the roof of the mouth, supported anteriorly by the maxillae and palatine bones.

Examination by application of the hands or fingers to the external surface of the body to detect evidence of disease or abnormalities in the internal organs.

Immunity acquired by the introduction of preformed antibodies into an unprotected individual. This can occur through intravenous infusion of immune globulin or, in utero, from antibodies that pass from the mother to the fetus through the placenta. Newborns also may acquire immunity through breastfeeding.

A microorganism capable of producing a disease.

1. The circulation of blood through tissues. 2. Passing of a fluid through spaces. 3. Pouring of a fluid. 4. Supplying of an organ or tissue with nutrients and oxygen by injecting blood or a suitable fluid into an artery.

A progressive wavelike movement that occurs involuntarily in hollow tubes of the body, esp. the alimentary canal.

Inflammation of the serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and its viscera.

1. Small, purplish, hemorrhagic spots on the skin that appear in patients with platelet deficiencies (thrombocytopenias) and in many febrile illnesses.

The difference between the heart rate and the palpable pulse, as is often seen in atrial fibrillation.

Coloration caused by deposition of pigments.

A swelling or excrescence (tumor) emanating from a mucous membrane; commonly found in vascular organs such as the nose, uterus, colon, and rectum.

1. In quadrupeds, pert. to or located at or toward the rear of the body; caudal; opposite of anterior. 2. In human anatomy, pert. to or located at or toward the back; dorsal. In human anatomy, “caudal,” “dorsal,” and “(TERM)” mean the same thing. 3. Situated behind; coming after.

Progressive loss of hearing with aging, typically resulting from sensorineural hearing loss. It is the third most common disease of the elderly, after hypertension and arthritis, and can cause significant social isolation.

The permanent loss of accommodation of the crystalline lens of the eye that occurs when people are in their 40s, marked by the inability to maintain focus on objects held near to the eye (i.e., at reading distance).

Prediction of the course and end of a disease, and the estimate of chance for recovery.

A projection or protrusion.

Suppurative; forming or containing pus.

1. Bloody; relating to blood. 2. Having an abundance of blood.

A lateral curvature of the spine.

1. Having the nature of serum. 2. Thin or watery, rather than syrupy, thick, or viscous.

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood.

A semiprone position with the patient on the left side, right knee and thigh drawn well up, the left arm along the patient's back, and the chest inclined forward so that the patient rests on it.

The constriction or narrowing of a passage or orifice.

A line or band elevated above or depressed below surrounding tissue, or differing in color and texture.

Transient (and usually sudden) loss of consciousness, accompanied by an inability to maintain an upright posture.

An abnormally rapid heart rate, greater than 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults.

1. Normal tension in a cell. 2. Distention, swelling.

1. Condition of being varicose. A tortuous (having many twists or turns) dilatation of a vein.

The movement of air into and out of the lungs. Circulation of fresh air in a room and withdrawal of foul air. 3. In physiology, the amount of air inhaled per day. This can be estimated by spirometry, multiplying the tidal air by the number of respirations per day.

The relative power and degree of pathogenicity possessed by organisms.