Copy of `Buzzle - Medical terms`

The wordlist doesn't exist anymore, or, the website doesn't exist anymore. On this page you can find a copy of the original information. The information may have been taken offline because it is outdated.

Buzzle - Medical terms Category: Health and Medicine > Medical Terms Date & country: 27/09/2013, USA Words: 440

Hay Fever
Also referred to as rhinitis, this is a seasonal condition that afflicts people who are allergic to pollen.

Headache, Primary
These types of headaches are not related to any underlying pathological causes. They include tension induced headache, migraine, and cluster headache.

Hamstrings
Muscles that are found in the posterior part of the thighs.

Hallux Rigidus
A condition wherein the metatarsophalangeal joint, or the joint of the big toe, loses its range of movement.

Hallucinosis
A psychological condition wherein an individual hallucinates continuously.

Halitosis (Oral Malodor)
Also known as foetor oris, or stench in the mouth, or simply bad breath. These days it is referred to as Oral Malodor.

Gonadotropins
This is a hormone that the pituitary gland secretes which stimulates the gonads where gametes, or sex cells, are produced.

Glycogen
One of the forms in which the body stores fuel. It is stored mainly in the liver and is converted into glucose when the body requires it.

Gluteus Maximus
It is the outermost among the three gluteal, or buttock, muscles.

Gluten Intolerance
A condition wherein wheat protein, or gluten, cannot be tolerated. People with this condition must avoid grains that contain gluten such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye.

Glucose
This is the body's primary source of energy. It is a sugar that is derived from metabolizing carbohydrates, and is easily converted into energy.

Genu Varum
A condition in which the legs are bowed outwards, either at the knees or below them, which is also termed as 'bowed legs'.

Genital Herpes
A disease that is transmitted sexually, which is caused by a virus called the herpes simplex.

Genu Valgum
A condition wherein the thighs slant inwards causing knock knees.

Genes
These are basic hereditary units, each having a specified place in the chromosomes of an individual. The genes determine the color of the eyes, the type of hair, the height, etc. of each person, which they inherit from their progenitors.

General Anesthetic
An anesthetic used for anesthetizing the whole body and causing unconsciousness during surgery.

Gated Blood Pool Scan
A nuclear scan made to check for the amount of blood expelled with each beat of the heart and the movement of the heart wall soon after a patient finishes walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
Also termed as digestive tract or alimentary tract, this is a tube extending from the mouth right up to the anus.

Gastroenteritis
Infection and inflammation of the digestive tract, that could be caused by parasites or bacteria from unclean water or spoiled food, or consuming food which causes irritation to the lining of the stomach, or emotional reasons like stress, fear, or anger.

Gastrocolic Reflex
An increase in the movement of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract on food entering the stomach when it is empty. This often results in the urge for bowel movement soon after consuming food.

Gastric Juices
Fluids that are secreted in the stomach, which consist mainly of mucin and hydrochloric acid, along with the enzymes rennin, pepsin, and lipase, which help in breaking down food and killing bacteria.

Gardner's Syndrome
A condition wherein there is formation of a large number of polyps in the digestive tract.

Ganglion
A collection of nerve cells which are encapsulated in a neural structure.

Ganglion Cysts
Non-cancerous cysts which are filled with fluid occur commonly as lumps, usually on the back portion of the wrist.

Frozen Shoulder
Also known as 'capsulitis', this is a condition wherein the connective tissue of the shoulder gets stiff, thus severely restricting movement of the joint. While this is sometimes caused due to injury, often it occurs spontaneously, without any obvious trigger factors.

Food Intolerance
An adverse reaction to certain foods wherein the immune system is not involved, such as lactose intolerance.

Free Skin Graft
Taking healthy skin from one area of the body to be grafted on other areas where the skin is damaged or lost.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A hormone that the pituitary gland secretes which helps in stimulating the formation and development of eggs in women and sperm in men. It also induces the production of sex hormone in both women and men.

Fine Needle Aspiration
Using a hollow, narrow needle to extract tissue.

Flexor Muscle
Any muscle used for bending a limb or any other part of the body.

Fibrositis
A protracted process of disease which occurs intermittently and has no underlying pathological cause.

Fibrosis
The formation of scar tissue which can be caused due to injury, inflammation, infection, and even healing.

Fibroids
Benign growths that contain fibrous tissue, which usually occur in the uterus.

Fibroadenoma
Firm and movable lumps in the breast, which are noncancerous. They occur commonly in young women because of high estrogen levels.

Fibrillation
The fibers of the heart muscle contracting rapidly, in an uncoordinated manner. Unless it is stopped, this condition can be fatal.

Festination
Quickening the gait and shortening the stride involuntarily in order to maintain balance. This condition occurs due to certain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.

Fecal Occult Blood Test
A test to check for cancer of the rectum or colon by examining if there is hidden blood in the stools.

Fecal Incontinence
The inability to hold stools in the rectum or colon, which results in involuntary bowel movements occurring.

Fatty Liver
Also known as Steatosis, this is a condition wherein certain fats, like triglycerides, accumulate in the liver, which usually occurs because of alcoholic cirrhosis, or due to certain toxins, or pregnancy.

False Positive Report
A report that shows positive results, although it is actually negative.

False Negative Report
A report that shows negative results, although it is actually positive.

Fallopian Tubes
Two tubes extending from either side of the uterus, going towards the ovaries, which act as a passageway for eggs.

Extrinsic Asthma
Asthma that gets triggered due to an allergic reaction, generally because of something inhaled.

Endorphins
Neurochemicals that occur naturally in the brain, which have pain killing properties, and are usually produced when the body experiences physical stress.

Endometrium
The mucous membrane that lines the uterus' inner surface, which thickens during each cycle of menstruation, and is shed in the menstrual blood.

Endodontist
Also referred to as a Pulp Specialist, an Endodontist specializes in root canal treatment.

Endocervical Curettage (ECC)
A procedure wherein a narrow instrument, known as a curette, is used for scraping the endocervical canal's lining. This kind of biopsy usually is done along with colposcopic biopsy.

Endocardium
The membrane covering the surface inside the heart.

Endarterectomy
Surgically removing blood clots or plaque in arteries.

Encephalitis
The brain infected with a virus which results in inflammation. Some of the symptoms of this condition are headache, pain in the neck, nausea, drowsiness, and fever.

Embolus
A particle, such as a blood clot or an air bubble, in the blood stream.

Electrosurgery
Destroying cancer cells or any other tissue, such as warts, by using high-frequency current.

Electrodermal Activity (EDA)
Measuring changes in the rate of perspiration.

Electromyogram (EMG)
A test used for evaluating muscle and nerve function.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Administering a controlled amount of electric current to the brain inducing mild convulsions. This technique is used for treating psychiatric illnesses such as severe depression.

Electrocoagulation
Using high-frequency electric current, which is applied by a needle or metal instrument, to coagulate (clot) blood in order to stop bleeding.

Electrocardiogram (EKG OR ECG)
A test used for recording the heart's electrical activity. It is helpful for detecting damage of the heart muscle, and also shows abnormalities in the rhythms, also known as dysrhythmia or arrhythmia.

Elective Surgery
An operation that is not required but which an individual opts for. It is also referred to as Optional Surgery.

Ejection Fraction
Measurement of the amount of blood that is pumped out from the ventricles.

Edema
Swelling caused by the accumulation of excessive fluid in tissues, cells, or serous cavities.

Eczema
A condition wherein the skin gets inflamed causing itching and, often, even scaling, crusting, or blisters sometimes.

Durable Power of Attorney
A legal document which designates a member of the family or a friend whom you appoint as your guardian in the event of you being unable make medically related decisions for yourself.

Down Syndrome
See what is Down Syndrome.

Dopamine
A chemical, which is a neurotransmitter, in the brain which regulates balance, movement, and walking.

Diverticulosis
A condition wherein small bulging pouches, or diverticula, form in the weak areas of the colon, which can become infected and inflamed, and can even lead to certain kinds cancer.

Diuretic
A medication that increases the formation of urine so that the body can get rid of excessive fluids. The term 'diuretic' is derived from the Greek 'dia', which means 'thoroughly', and 'ourein', which means 'to urinate'. Diuretics are also used to reduce blood pressure because of this reason.

Distention
Swelling or bloating of any part of the body like the abdomen.

Diplopia
An impairment of the vision which results in a single object appearing as double objects.

Dilation And Curettage (D & C)
A gynecological surgical procedure wherein the cervical canal is widened with the help of a dilator and a curette is used to scrape the uterine cavity.

Digestants
Medicines which stimulate or aid digestion.

Diastolic Blood Pressure
The lowest measure of blood pressure in the arteries, occurring between heartbeats.

Dermatopathology
Making a diagnosis of skin diseases by studying the skin.

Depth Perception
The ability of distinguishing physical objects in a field of vision.

Dental Fluorosis
A condition caused by drinking water that has too much fluoride in it. It results in teeth becoming discolored, with the enamel getting stained, pitted, or spotted.

Dental Amalgams
Also known as silver fillings, this is a mixture of 45-50 percent of mercury and 50-55 percent of an alloy made of tin, copper, and silver, which is used for repairing teeth that are decayed.

Delusions
A condition wherein the patient loses his/her ability to discern reality, experiencing mis-perceptions and hallucinations.

Deja Vu
See what is Deja Vu.

Defibrillator
An electronic machine used for administering an electric shock, of a voltage that is preset, on the chest, for restoring the normal rhythmic beating of the heart.

Deciduous Teeth
Also referred to as primary or baby teeth.

Decibel
The unit for measuring the loudness or intensity of sound.

Debridement
Surgically removing damaged, infected, or infected tissue and/or foreign matter from a burn or wound.

Complementary Therapy
See definition of complementary therapy (alternative medicine).

Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
See what is Chronic Depression (Dysthymia).

Chorea
The body moving in a rapid, dance-like, jerky manner because of a degenerative nervous disorder.

Cholethiasis
The gallbladder having gallstones inside it.

Cholecystitis
The inflammation of the wall of the gallbladder.

Chlorhydria
Excessive hydrochloric acid inside the stomach.

Chelation Therapy
See what is Chelation Therapy.

Chemosensory Disorders
Diseases or disorders of taste and/or smell.

Cerebral Thrombosis
A blood clot forming in an artery which carries blood to the brain.

Cerebral Embolism
A blood clot that is carried by the blood stream from some other area of the body to the brain where it causes blockage of an artery.

Cerebral Hemorrhage
Bleeding inside the brain.

Cellular Pathology
Also known as cytopathology, it is the study of the alteration of cells in disease.

Cecostomy
A catheter that is inserted through the abdomen into the cecum, or the beginning of the large intestine in order to remove feces or gas. This is particularly useful as a short term method of protecting a portion of the colon while healing after surgery. It is also used by patients suffering from fecal incontinence by administering a small amount of phosphate enema, and then a saline enema, in order to evacuate feces from the large intestine completely.

Catheter
A flexible tube utilized for draining fluids from the body, or injecting them into the body. For example, the Foley catheter is used for draining urine out of the bladder.

Cathartics
Purgative medicines, also called laxatives, which stimulate the emptying of the bowels.

Caroli's Disease
This is a congenital condition wherein there is an enlargement of the liver's bile ducts, which can cause infection, irritation, or gallstones.

Cardiology
The branch of medical study and practice dealing with the heart and its maladies.

Cardiac
Anything that pertains to the heart, e.g. cardiac arrest, which means the cessation of heartbeat.

Carcinogen
A cancer causing substance.