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

Capsule
The cell layer that surrounds an organ, e.g. the prostate gland's capsule.

Candidiasis
An infection that is caused by fungi of the genus Candida. It exists normally in the gastrointestinal tract. An infection usually occurs when the fungus suddenly overgrows because of surgery or some other changes in the body.

Cancer
Cells which divide abnormally, invading tissues nearby, or spread via the lymphatic system and blood stream to other areas in the body.

Calculi
Solid lumps or stones which for in the body, e.g., gallstones.

Cancellous Tissue
The spongy tissue within bones.

Calcium Channel Blocker
A medicinal drug used for treating heart disease.

CA-125 Test
A blood test for detecting elevated levels of CA-125, which is a protein antigen, which can be indicative of the development of ovarian cancer, and other disorders.

Bone Density Test
A test used for measuring the density and strength of bones. It is usually used for determining whether there is a risk of osteoporosis developing.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
A number which is derived by using measurements of height and weight, which is indicative of whether the weight is within a range that is considered healthy.

Body Fat Percentage
See what does body fat percentage mean.

Blood Pressure Cuff
Also known as the sphygmomanometer, this device is usually put around the upper arm for measuring blood pressure.

Blood-Brain Barrier
The membrane which separates the brain cells and the circulating blood.

Blood Plasma
The colorless watery part of the blood which contains blood cells, nutrients, proteins, glucose, enzymes, minerals, and other matter.

Blink Rate
The rate at which the eyelids blink automatically per minute (usually it is 10-30 times a minute).

Bismuth Subsalicylate
A non-prescription medication for treating diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. It is also used for treatment of ulcers that are caused by a bacterium known as the Helicobacter pylori.

Biologic Response Modifiers
Substances which boost the immune system of the body in order to combat cancer.

Binocular Vision
Vision involving the ability of using both eyes synchronously, which results in producing a single image.

Biliary Tract
Also known as the biliary tree or biliary system, it includes the bile ducts and the gallbladder.

Bilateral
Affecting two sides of the body. For instance, cancer that occurs in both breasts is known as bilateral breast cancer. It is referred to as synchronous if it occurs at the same time, and metachronous if it occurs at different times.

Biarthrodial Muscles
Muscles spanning across two joints which help in the functioning of those joints.

Beta Blocker
A drug that is used in the treatment of arrhythmia or hypertension (high blood pressure). It decreases the contraction rate of the heart by blocking the beta-andregenic receptors of the autonomic nervous system.

Behavioral Science
See definition of behavioral science.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
BMR is the measurement of the energy that is required for the body to function at rest. The measurement is made in calories. There is an increase in the metabolic rate when there is exertion, fear, stress, or illness.

Basal Body Temperature
The temperature of an individual taken early in the morning, after a night's sleep, prior to any activity such as getting off the bed, talking, eating, etc.

Barium
A chalky, chemical, metallic liquid which is used for coating the inner parts of organs so that they become visible on x-ray pictures.

Balloon Angioplasty
A procedure that is used for widening arteries which are narrowed. A catheter, which has a deflated balloon attached to its tip, is inserted in that part of the artery that is narrowed, and is then inflated. This results in dilating the artery.

Balance Disorder
A disorder in the labyrinth, or the internal organ in the ear, which controls the system of balance and lets humans know how their bodies are positioned in relation to the environment.

Amsler Grid
This is a chart containing vertical and horizontal lines. These lines form a pattern of small boxes. Patients with macular degeneration that is age-related can use this chart to self-monitor their vision.

Alternative Medicine
See definition of Alternative Medicine.

Aerobic Activity
See definition of aerobic activity.

Adenoma
A non-malignant epithelial growth or tumor in the tissues of a gland.

Adenocarcinoma
The development of cancer in the inner surface or lining of any organ.

Action Tremor
A tremor which increases if the hand is moved voluntarily.

Acquired Immunity
Immunity to certain diseases, which is not present at birth, but is acquired later in life. The immunity can occur due to the body developing antibodies because of being infected by a disease, by vaccination, or by antibodies being passed to an unborn child through the placenta.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
A disease that occurs due to being infected by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. It damages or kills the immune system's cells, which leads to the progressive impairment of the ability of the body in fighting infections or certain types of cancers. The disease is usually spread by coming into sexual contact with a partner having the infection or through contaminated hypodermic needles. When the HIV infection reaches advanced stages, it is referred to as AIDS.

Acquired Hemochromatosis
An accumulation of iron in tissues which occurs due to repeated blood transfusions, or when iron-rich foods are consumed excessively. It is characterized by the bronzing of skin, diabetes mellitus, enlargement of the liver, and abnormalcies in the joints and the pancreas.

Acquired Deafness
Hearing Loss which develops later in life.

Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter which is derived from choline. It helps in transmitting signals from the nerves.

Accommodation
The eye's ability to focus by automatically adjusting the focal length of its lens.

Accessory Movement
Movements of the joints which patients cannot perform in isolation or voluntarily.

Accessory Digestive Organs
Organs, such as salivary glands, tongue, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, which aid the digestion process, although they do not belong to the digestive tract.

Absorption
The process wherein nutrients are absorbed by the body from food after digestion.

Abortion
See definition of abortion.

Ablative Therapy
A kind of treatment wherein an organ's function is either removed or destroyed. For example, the ovaries being surgically removed, or administering some kinds of chemotherapy which results in stopping the ovaries from functioning.

Ablation
Surgically removing a part of the body or tissue

Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia
A condition wherein sudden spasms in the muscle results in causing the vocal cords to remain open. This causes a break in the voice, or the voice having a strained, tight, or strangled quality.

Abdominoscopy
A surgical procedure using a laparoscope. This is inserted into the abdomen, through a small incision, in order to carry out an examination of the area. The procedure is also known as laparoscopy or endoscopy. It helps to keep the surgical procedure minimally invasive.

Abdominoplasty
Also referred to as Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure which tightens the abdominal skin, smoothening out wrinkles .

Abdominocentesis
Puncturing the abdomen with a hollow needle in order to draw fluid to carry out diagnosis.

Abdominal Hysterectomy
A surgical procedure wherein an incision is made in the abdomen to remove the uterus.

Abdominal Cavity
The cavity in the abdomen which contains all the internal organs and entrails. The diaphragm separates this area from the thorax in mammals.

Abdominal Bracing
A technique wherein the muscles of the stomach are tensed in order to provide spinal support.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurism
A widening and ballooning of the aorta as it runs through the abdomen. At the point of the aneurysm, which can measure up to 3 cm in diameter, or even more, the wall of the aorta becomes weak and can even rupture, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Abdominal Actinomycosis
This is a type of actinomycosis affecting the abdomen. Actinomycosis is a disease that cattle get and can be communicated to humans.

Aarskog Syndrome
Also known as Aarskog-Scott syndrome, this is a genetic condition characterized by ocular hypertelorism, or eyes that are spaced abnormally wide, anteverted nostrils, or nostrils that are front facing, a malformation of the scrotum which is referred to as saddle-bag scrotum, a broadening of the upper lip, a backward bending of the knees due to a laxity in the ligaments, abnormally extensible fingers, and flat feet.

H2-Blockers
Medications that block histamine2 in order to inhibit the production of acid in the stomach.

Q Fever
It is an acute type of zoonotic (transmitted from animals) disease caused by the Coxiella burnetti bacteria. Besides the onset of sudden fever, the other symptoms nclude malaise, pneumonia, and headache.

Zygomycosis
A dangerous disease which is spread by a waterborne fungus.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
This is a condition that is caused by a gastrinoma, which is a tumor, that usually occurs in the pancreas. The hormone gastrin is secreted by this tumor, which results in an increase in the production of gastric acid. This leads to recurrent and severe ulcers forming in the upper parts of the small intestine (the duodenum as well as the jejunum), the esophagus, and the stomach.

Zolmitriptan
A drug, which belongs to the tryptamine group of drugs, used for treating migraine.

Zoonosis
A disease that occurs in animals which humans can get infected with. Some of these diseases are

Zinsser Disease
Also referred to a Brill-Zinsser disease, it is a recrudescence of the epidemic form of typhus long after the first attack. Rickettsia prowazekii, which is the bacteria that causes typhus, can remain dormant for a number of years, and get reactivated when the host's defenses are low, causing a recurrence of typhus.

Zellweger Syndrome
Also referred to as Cerebrohepatorenal Syndrome, this is a hereditary disorder wherein there is an absence or reduction of peroxisomes - cell structures that help the body to get rid of toxic matter - in the cells of the brain, liver, and kidneys.

Zenker's Diverticulum
Sacs that form in the esophagus due to an increase in pressure either inside it or around it.

Zidovudine
Formerly known as Azidothymidine, or AZT, this is a drug used for treating AIDS.

Zaleplon
A hypnotic sedative, closely related to benzodiazepines, which affects the central nervous system.

Yaws
A chronic disease, caused by a spirochete organism, that occurs commonly in humid, tropical regions. It is characterized by small protrusions on the face, feet, hands, and genital region.

Yeast Infection
Yeast overgrowth can result in yeast rash of the skin, thrush in the mouth, esophagus, digestive tract, vagina, and elsewhere in the body. Infections caused by yeast usually occur in moist parts of the body.

Yttrium
An uncommon elemental metal, the radioactive form of which is used in some kinds of immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Yama
Also referred to as Caspase 3, this is an enzyme that has an important function in the programmed death of cells.

Xerostomia
A condition that causes dry mouth, which can be caused by various factors such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, drugs used for treating depression, radiation therapy for the cancer of the throat or mouth, HIV infection, and kidney failure.

Xiphoid Process
Also referred to as the ensiform cartilage, it is the cartilaginous attachment found in the lower part of the sternum or breastbone. It usually becomes bony, or ossified, in adults.

YAG Laser Surgery
Using YAG, or Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet, laser to perform surgery.

Xanthoma
Firm, yellowish nodules that occur in skin, which is usually indicative of an underlying illness, like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and so on.

Xanthopsia
A type of defect in the vision wherein objects appear to be unnaturally over-painted. Yellow is the color associated with xanthopsia.

Xenobiotic
Any substance present in an organism that is not produced normally by it, or is not expected to be found in it.

Xeroderma
A condition wherein the skin is abnormally dry, usually due to a lack of vitamin A, overexposure to the sun, systemic illness, or certain types of medications.

Xanthine
A substance present in caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. It is found in coffee, tea, and cola beverages.

Xanthelasma
Tiny, yellowish growths on the eyelids, which are caused by small fat deposits under the skin, due to hyperlipidemia, or abnormally elevated levels of fat in the blood.

Whiplash Injury
An overextension or hyperextension injury of the neck, usually caused due to the neck suddenly snapping when a fast-moving vehicle brakes suddenly, or is involved in a crash.

Whole Blood
Blood that contains all its elements, e.g. white and red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and so on. Whole blood is usually used for blood transfusions.

Xanax
Also referred to as Alprazolam, this is a sedative used for treating panic attacks, anxiety, muscle spasms, and insomnia.

Wet Brain
Also referred to as Cerebral Edema, it is a condition wherein excessive fluid accumulates in the brain.

Wedge Resection of the Lung
Surgically removing a small section of the lung, usually performed in order to carry out a biopsy of the lung.

Weaver Syndrome
This is a genetic condition wherein growth is accelerated and the age of the bone is abnormally advanced which is manifested at birth, abnormal increase in the tone of the muscles, or hypertonia, unusual appearance of the face and cranium, low-pitched hoarse cry, the inability to open the fingers fully, or camptodactyly.

Watermelon Stomach
Red sores that occur in parallel lines in the stomach which resemble the stripes on the surface of the watermelon.

Walking Pneumonia
See what is Walking Pneumonia.

Walleye
A condition wherein there is leukoma, or white opacity, of the cornea, exotropia, or divergent strabismus, wherein the eyes are directed outward, or away from the nose, and staring, large eyes.

Warfarin
An anticoagulant medication used for preventing clotting of blood, and treating overly thickening of blood and blood clots. It is prescribed for reducing the risk of clots causing heart attacks or stroke.

Volvulus
A condition wherein the stomach or the intestines are twisted abnormally, resulting in the blood supply being cut off to the area, or in obstruction in the intestines.

Waardenburg Syndrome
A hereditary disorder characterized by deafness, a white shock of hair in the front of the head, different coloring of the iris of each eye, white colored eyelashes, and the inner corners of the eyes being wide-set.

Wagner Syndrome
Also called Stickler syndrome, this is a fairly common hereditary disorder typified by extreme flexibility of the joints, distinctive facial features like flattened cheekbones and bridge of the nose, loss of hearing, and nearsightedness.

Vitrectomy
A surgical procedure to remove blood that accumulates sometimes behind the eyes of people afflicted with eye disease.

Vitreous Body
The jelly-like, clear substance which the center of the eye is filled with.

Vestibular System
The part of the internal ear, containing the semicircular canals, saccule, and utricle, which enables the body to maintain its balance, posture, and orientation. It also helps in regulating locomotion and other bodily movements.

Vibrotactile Aids
Mechanical devices that help people afflicted with deafness in detecting and interpreting sound via the sense of touch.

Villi
Very small, hair-like structures that line the small intestine which help in absorbing nutrients from food.

Viral Hepatitis
A condition wherein the liver becomes inflamed due to being infected by any of five viruses, known as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, D and E.

Ventricular Fibrillation
A condition wherein there is unsynchronized and rapid contractions of the ventricles of the heart, which results in an impairment of the ability of pumping blood into the body.

Vestibular Neuronitis
A condition wherein the vestibular nerve is infected. This the nerve connecting the internal ear to the brain.