Nurses’ Dictionary UN Panda
INDEX
×
Chapter Notes

Save Clear


A

Abadie's sign
1. A sign in tabes dorsalis in which there is loss of pain from squeezing the calcaneal tendon 2. Spasm of the levator palpebrae superioris muscles occurring frequently in thyrotoxicosis but also seen normally especially with tension and fatigue.
Abasia
Inability to walk because of motor incoordination; compare astasia.
Abate
To lessen in force or intensity; to moderate or subside.
Abattoir
A slaughter house or an establishment for the killing and dressing of animals.
Abdominal angina
An acute attack of severe abdominal pain, commonly occurring after eating and often associated with weight loss, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is caused by narrowing or obstruction of the mesenteric arteries, primarily atherosclerotic in origin.
Abdominal aponeurosis
The wide tendinous expanse by which the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse muscles are inserted.
Abdominal apoplexy
Infarction of an abdominal organ, usually the small intestine, resulting from vascular stenosis or occlusion.
Abdominal epilepsy
A convulsive equivalent in which abdominal pain, a sense of nausea and often headache are the most prominent symptoms.
Abdominal migraine
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea associated with migraine. See also convulsive equivalent.
Abdominal reflex
Contraction of the abdominal muscles induced by stroking the overlying skin; a superficial or cutaneous reflex.
Abdominal regions
The nine regions of the abdomen artificially delineated by two horizontal and two parasagittal lines.2
zoom view
1. Right hypochondriac; 2. epigastric; 3. left hypochondriac; 4. right lumbar; 5. umbilical; 6. left lumbar; 7. right iliac; 8. hypogastric; 9. left iliac
Regions of the Abdomen
The horizontal lines are tangent to the cartilages of the ninth ribs and iliac crests, respectively, and the parasagittal lines are drawn vertically on each side from the middle of the inguinal ligament. The regions thus formed are 1. above—the right hypochondriac, the epigastric and the left hypochondriac. 2. in the middle —the right/left lateral or lumbar, umbilical and, 3. below—the right inguinal or iliac, the pubic or hypogastric, and the left inguinal or iliac. Also called regions abdominis.
Abdominal respiration
A type of respiration caused by the contraction of the diaphragm and the elastic expansion and recoil of the abdominal walls.
Abdominal ribs
1. The floating ribs. 2. Ossifications of the intersections tendineae.
Abdominoposterior
In obstetrics, designating a fetal position in which the belly is forward.
Abdominovesical pouch
A pouch formed by the reflection of the peritoneum from the anterior abdominal wall onto the distended urinary bladder, it contains the lateral and medial inguinal fossae.
Abducent nerve
The sixth cranial nerve, whose fibres arise from the nucleus in the dorsal portion of the pons near the internal genu of the facial nerve and runs a long course to supply the lateral rectus muscle which moves the eyeball outward; also called nerves abducens.
Abducent nucleus
A nucleus lying under the floor of the fourth ventricle at the junction of the pons and medulla which 3gives origin to the abducent nerve.
Abduct
To draw away from the median line.
Abduction
1. A movement whereby one part is drawn away from the axis of the body or of an extremity. 2. In ophthalmology (a) Turning of the eyes outward beyond parallelism.
zoom view
Abduction of fingers
Abduction cap
An orthopedic appliance of canvas or leather to maintain abduction in case of subdeltoid bursitis.
Abductor
A muscle which on contraction, draws a part away from the axis of the body or of an extremity.
Abductor
A muscle found in tailed animals corresponding to the coccygeal muscle in man.
Abductor digiti minimi
The abductor muscle of the little finger or little toe. Also called musculus abductor digitiminimi.
Abductor hallucis
A muscle of the medial side of the foot inserted into the base of the first metatarsal. Also called musculus abductor hallucis.
Abductor hallucis longus
A muscle of the anterior region of the leg inserted into the base of the first metatarsal.
Abductor indicis
The first dorsal interosseous muscle of the hand.
Abductor paralysis
Paralysis of abduction especially of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and, thus of the vocal cords.
Abductor pollicis brevis
The short abductor muscle of the thumb. Also called musculus abductor pollicis.
Abductor pollicis longus
The long abductor muscle of the thumb. Also called musculus abductor pollicis longus.
Aberdeen formula
A method (developed in Aberdeen in 1974) of estimating the number of nurses needed on a ward, based on the number and dependency of the patients. The formula is W = N (B + T) + A + D + E where: W = average weekly nursing workload in hours; N = average number of patients 4in ward; B = time in hours per week required to maintain the standard of basic nursing care for a totally helpless bedfast patient; T = time required for technical nursing of the ward speciality expressed as a percentage of the time spent on basic nursing; A = time per patient per week for administrative duties; D = time per patient per week for domestic work; E = patient dependency factor for ward speciality.
Aberrant
Varying or deviating from the normal in form, structure or course.
Aberration
1. Deviation from the normal or usual. 2. Unequal refraction or focalization of a lens. Chromatic aberration: unequal refraction of light rays of different wavelengths, producing a blurred image with fringes of color. Chromosomal aberration: loss/ gain/or exchange of genetic material in the chromosomes of a cell resulting in a deletion, duplication, inversion or translocation of genes.
Abetalipoproteinemia
A disease entity due to almost total absence of β-lipoproteins, characterized by the predominating presence in blood of acanthocytes, hypocholesterolemia, the celiac syndrome in early childhood and later ataxia, peripheral neuropathy and frequent retinitis pigmentosa and muscular atrophy; an autosomal hereditary trait.
Abeyance
1. A cessation of activity or function 2. A state of suspended animation.
Abiogenesis
A theory that living organisms can originate from nonliving matter; spontaneous generation.
Abiosis
1. Absence of life 2. Nonviability.
Abiotrophy
Progressive loss of vitality of certain tissues or organs leading to disorders or loss of function applied especially to degenerative, hereditary diseases of late onset e.g., Huntington's chorea.
Abirritant
An agent such as a cream or powder, that relieves irritation.
Ablatio placentae
Abruptio placenate.
Ablation
The removal of part of a tumor by amputation, excision or other mechanical means.
Ablepsia
Loss or absence of vision.
Abluent
Detergent, Cleansing.
Abnormal
1. Not normal. 2. Deviating in form, structure or position, not conforming with the natural or general rule.5
ABO blood group
That genetically determined blood group system defined by the agglutination reaction of erythrocytes exposed to the naturally occurring antibodies anti-A and anti-B and to similar antiserums. The serum of normal individuals contains isoantibodies against the antigens lacking in their erythrocytes giving the following arrangement of antigens (isoagglutinogens) and antibodies.
Group(Land-steiner)
Erythrolyte Antigen (Agglutinogen)
Serum Antibody (Agglutinin)
0
A and B absent
Anti-A anti-B
A
A
Anti-B
B
B
Anti-A
AB
A, B
None
Sub Groups of A are recognised and designated by subscripts as A1, A2, etc.
Abort
1. To miscarry; to bring forth a nonviable fetus. 2. To terminate prematurely or stop in the early stages, as the course of a disease. 3. To check or fall short of maximal growth and development.
Aborticide
1. The killing of an unborn fetus. 2. An agent that destroys fetus and produces abortion.
Abortifacient
A drug or agent inducing expulsion of the fetus.
Abortion
1. The giving birth to an embryo or fetus prior to the stage of viability i.e., 20 weeks of gestation (fetus weighs less than 400 gm). A distinction is made between abortion and premature birth. Premature infants are those born after the stage of viability has been reached but before full term, 2. The product of such nonviable birth. 3. The arrest of any action or process before its normal completion. a. accidental Due to a fall, blow or other injury. a. complete One in which the embryo including the membranes is expelled entirely and identified. a. criminal Induced termination of pregnancy without medical or legal justification. a. habitual A condition in which a woman has had three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions. a. insipient Threatened or imminent or impending abortion in which there is copious vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions and cervical dilation. a. incomplete In which part of the product of conception has been passed but part (usually the placenta) remains 6in uterus. a inevitable One signalled by rupture of the membranes in the presence of cervical dilation that has advanced beyond any hope of preventing complete abortion. a. missed One in which the fetus dies in utero but the product of conception is retained in utero for two months or longer.
Abortive poliomyelitis
An early form of poliomyelitis, characterized clinically by relatively mild symptoms of upper respiratory infection, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, and vomiting but which does not progress to involve the central nervous system. Definite diagnosis rests upon isolation of the virus and serologic reactions.
Abrachia
Armlessness.
Abrachius
An armless individual.
Abrasion
1. A spot denuded of skin, mucous membrane or superficial epithelium by rubbing or scraping as of corneal abrasion, an excoriation. 2. The mechanical wearing down of teeth, as from incorrect brushing, appliances or bruxism. Compare attrition, erosion.
Abreaction
In psychoanalysis, the mental process by which repressed emotionally charged memories and experiences are brought to consciousness and occur in hypnosis and narcoanalysis.
Abrosia
Abstinence from food, fasting.
Abruptio
Abruption, a tearing away.
Abruptioplacentae
Premature separation of the placenta prior to delivery of the infant.
Abscess
A circumscribed collection of pus. a. amebic An abscess of the liver that contains ameba, and may follow amebic dysentery. It may occur independently also without intestinal infection. a. Bezold's A deep abscess in the neck associated with suppuration of the middle ear and purulent sinus thrombosis. a. Brodie's A chronic inflammation, sometimes tuberculus, of the head of a bone especially of the tibia. a. cold Abscess without heat or other usual signs of inflammation commonly tuberculous.
Abscissa
1. The horizontal of the two coordinates used in plotting the interrelationship of two sets of data. The vertical line is called the ordinate.7
zoom view
Abscesses of breast
2. In optics, the point where a ray of light crosses the principal axis.
Absence
1. Inattention to one's environment. 2. Temporary loss of consciousness, as in absence attacks or psycho motor seizures. 3. Fleeting loss of consciousness occurring in hysterical attacks or at the climax of completed or very intense sexual gratification (Freud).8
Absence attack or seizure
A form of epilepsy characterized by a sudden transient lapse of consciousness, by a blank stare as in a state of “Suspended animation”, sometimes accompanied by minor motor activities such as blinking of the eyes, smacking of lips, stereotyped hand movements and automatism, often there is indistinct vision.
Absolute refractory period
The refractory period in which no stimulus, however, strong can excite a response.
Absolute scotoma
Scotoma with perception of light entirely absent.
Absolute temperature
Temperature reckoned from the absolute zero estimated at approximately − 273° C or − 459° F.
Absolute threshold
The lowest intensity as measured under optimal experimental conditions. At which a stimulus is effective or perceived.
Absolute zero
A temperature of approximately −273.2° C or −459.8° F; the complete absence of heat.
Absorb
1. In physiology to suck; take, imbibe as fluids or gases through osmosis and capillarity. 2. To infiltrate into the skin as ultraviolet rays. 3. To incorporate into the body via the blood and lymph. 4. To receive radiant energy and convert it to another form often with rise of temperature.
Absorbable ligature
A ligature composed of animal tissue such as catgut which can be absorbed by the tissues.
Absorbed dose
In radiology the amount of energy imparted by ionizing particles to a unit mass of irradiated material at a place of interest.
Absorbefacient
Any agent that promote absorption.
Absorbent
1. Anything capable of absorbing or sucking up fluids, faeces or light waves. 2. A drug application or dressing that promotes absorption of diseased tissues.
Absorption
1. In physiology and pharmacology the passage by one or more processes of various body constituents or of medicinal agents through body membranes from one tissue compartment to another, e.g., products of digestion through gastrointestinal mucosa or of drugs through the skin. 2. In physics, and chemistry the taking up by one or more physical or chemical processes of a gas by a solid or liquid or of a liquid 9by a solid. 3. In physics, radiology and spectrophotometry the process where by the intensity of a beam of any electromagnetic radiation is attenuated in passing through any material by conversion of the energy of radiation to an equivalent amount of energy which appears within the medium, the radiant energy is converted to heat or some other form of molecular energy. 4. In psychology inattention to all but a single thought or activity.
Absorption atelectasis
Obstructive atelectasis.
Absorption band
A region of the absorption spectrum in which the absorptivity passes through maximum or inflection.
Absorption coefficient
A constant in the law of absorption for homogeneous radiations.
Absorption curve
In radiobiology a curve showing variation in absorption of radiation as a function of wave length.
Absorption spectrum
A spectrum of radiation which has passed through some selectively absorbing substance as white light after it has passed through a vapor.
Absorptive
Absorbent.
Abstergent
1. Having cleansing or purgative properties. 2. A cleaning lotion. 3. A purgative.
Abstinence
Voluntary self denial of or forbearance from indulgence of appetites, especially from food, alcoholic drink or sex relations.
Abstinence delirium
Delirium occurring on withdrawal of alcohol or of a drug from one addicted to it.
Abulia
Loss or defect of the ability to make decisions.
Abulomania
Mental disorder characterized by lack of will power and indecisiveness.
Abuse
Misuse, maltreatment, or excessive use. Child a. The non-accidental use of physical force or the non-accidental act of omission by a parent or other custodian responsible for the care of a child. Drug a. Use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescribed drugs. Solvent a. The deliberate inhalation of volatile chemicals with the aim of inducing intoxication.
Acalcerosis
Calcium deficiency of the diet or of the body as a result of the loss of the mineral in the excreta.
Acalculia
Loss of the power to work out any mathematical problems even the simplest.10
Acanthion
The tip of the anterior nasal spine.
zoom view
Acanthion
Acanthocyte
A throny or peculiarly spiny erythrocyte characterized by multiple spiny cytoplasmic projections.
Acanthocytosis
A rare condition in which as many as 70 to 80 percent of the redblood cells are acanthocytes ‘throny erythrocytes’, i.e., peculiar spherocytes with irregularly placed broad or coarse pseudopodia like projections; the abnormal cells manifest a greatly increased mechanical fragility and content of lipolecithin A; is thought to result from a mutant recessive allele for a gene that controls normal structure of redblood cells.
zoom view
Acanthocyte
Acanthoid
Spine shaped, spinous.
Acantholysis
A term used in dermal pathology to denote dissolution of the layers of the epidermis. It is seen in such conditions as pemphigus vulgaris and keratosis follicularis.
Acanthoma
Well differentiated keratinizing cornifying squamous cell (or epidermoid) carcinoma, term sometimes used especially with reference to such neoplasms in the skin with little or no histologic evidence of invasion. Regarded by some observers as benign neoplasms. a. nigricans An eruption of warty growths and hyperpigmentation occurring in the skin of the axillae and in the groins. In adults it is indicative of abdominal malignancy. A benign type occurs in children. In the benign or juvenile type the subjects are obese and the skin condition is self limited.
Acarbia
Pronounced reduction in bicarbonate of the blood.
Acardia
Congenital absence of the heart, a condition sometimes present in the parasitic members of conjoined twins.11
Acardiacus
A conjoined twin parasitic on its mate or utilizing the placental circulation of its mate and having no heart.
Acariasis
Any disease caused by an acarid.
Acarid
A member of the order Acarina, a mite.
Acaroid
1. Resembling a mite 2. An acarus or mite.
Acarophobia
Fear of small parasites or small particles
Acatalepsia, catalepsy
1. Mental deficiency characterized by a lack of understanding 2. Uncertainty in diagnosis or prognosis.
Acataleptic
Deficient in comprehension. 2. Uncertain.
Acataphasia
A loss of the power of correctly formulating a statement.
Acataposis
Difficulty in swallowing liquids; strictly inability to do so.
Acathexia
An abnormal loss of the secretions.
Acathexis
A mental disorder in which certain objects or ideas fail to arouse an emotional response in the individual.
Accessory
Supplementary. A. nerve The 11th cranial nerve. It is made up of two portions: the cranial and the spinal.
Accident
A sudden unexpected event or injury occurring without omen or forewarning or developing in the course of a disease.
Accommodation
Adjustment of the eye for various distances specifically alteration of the covexity of the crystalline lens in order to bring light rays from an external object to a focus on the retina.
Accoucheur
Obstetrician.
Accretion
1. Increase by addition to the periphery or material of the same nature as that already present e.g., the manner of growth of crystals. 2. In dentistry foreign material collecting on the surface of a tooth or in a cavity. 3. A growing together.
ACE inhibitors
A group of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension. Their name, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, explains part of their mode of action, although it is thought that some of their other actions may also be important in reducing blood pressure.
Acebutolol
Betadrenergic blocking agent used in hypertension.12
Aceclidine
A synthetic compound resembling acecholine, used in glaucoma 0.5–4%.
Acenesthesia
Absence of the normal sensation of physical existence or of the consciousness of visceral function.
Acecainide
A metabolite of procainamide.
Acenocoumarol(NND)
An orally effective synthetic anticoagulant of the coumarin type and with similar action.
Acestoma
Exuberant granulations that are forming a cicatrix.
Acetabulum
Cup shaped cavity on lateral wall of pelvic bone in which head of femur articulates.
Acetabuloplasty
An operation performed to improve the depth and shape of the hip socket in correcting congenital dislocation of the hip or in treating osteoarthritis of the hip (see Figure).
zoom view
Acetabuloplasty
Acetal
A clear liquid made by the imperfect oxidation of alcohol. Has been used as hypnotic.
Acetal dehyde
CH3 CHO, a colourless liquid of irritating odor; it is polymerized into paraldehyde in presence of sulphuric acid. It is an intermediate in yeast fermentation of carbohydrate and in alcohol metabolism in man.
Acetamide
Acetic acid amide formed by the action of ethyl acetate on ammonia, occurs in colourless deliquescent crystals of a mousy odor.
Acetaminophen
N-Acetyl-p-aminophenol, P-acetamidophenol, a white odorless crystalline slightly bitter powder used as an antipyretic and analgesic.
Acetanilide
Made from aniline by the action upon it of acetyl chloride. Occurs in the form of white scales or crystalline powder, very slightly soluble in water but soluble in 5 parts of alcohol, used as an analgesic and antipyretic. Toxic, continued use causes cyanosis.
Acetarsone
Acetarsol(BP) acetyl amino hydroxy phenyl arsenic acid, N acetyl-4hydroxy-Marsanilic acid; stovarsol, Used in amebiasis 13and as a local application in vincents angina and in trichomonas vaginalis.
Acetate
A salt of acetic acid.
Acetazolamide
Diamox, the heterocyclic sulfonamide. 2. Acetylamino-1.3.4, thiadiazole 5 sulfonamide. It inhibits the action of carbonic anhydrase in the kidney causing an increase in the urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and bicarbonate, reduced excretion of ammonium, a rise in the pH of the urine and a fall in the pH of the blood. Has been used in respiratory acidosis for diuresis and control of fluid retention in epilepsy and in glaucoma.
Acetic
Relating to vinegar, sour.
Acid-acetic
Diacetic acid, CH3 COOH, a product of the oxidation of alcohol and of the destructive distillate of wood, the official acid is a liquid containing 36 percent (B.P. 33%) of absolute acetic acid (hydrogen acetate). Used locally as a counterirritant and occasionally internally. Used also as a reagent.
Acetoacetic acid
Diacetic acid, CH3 COCH2 COOH, one of the ketone bodies formed in excess and appearing in the urine in starvation or diabetes.
Acetobacter
A genus of the family pseudomonadaceae, containing rodshaped organisms frequently found in elongated, branched or swollen forms, polarly flagellate when motile, energy secured by oxidation of alcohol in wine cider or beer to acetic acid.
Acetohexamide
A sulfonylurea, used in diabetes.
Acetokinase
An enzyme found in Escherichia coli catalyzing the formation of acetylphosphate from acetate in the presence of ATP.
Acetolactic acid
An intermediate in pyruvic acid catabolism in yeast.
Acetolase
An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of alcohol to acetic acid.
Acetomeroctol
An organic mercurial antibacterial agent.
Acetomorphine
Heroin, see diacetylmorphine.
Acetonaphthone
Naphthylmethyl ketone occurs as yellow needles.
Acetone
A colourless volatile inflammable liquid dimethyl ketone. Extremely small amounts are found in normal urine but large quantities occur in urine and blood of 14diabetic persons, it sometimes imparts an ethereal odor to urine and breath of such patient.
Acetonuria
The excretion in the urine of large amount of acetone, an indication of incomplete oxidation of large amount of fat, commonly occurs in diabetic acidosis.
Acetophenazine maleate
Tindal maleate, phenothiazine dimaleate, a tranquilizing agent with antiemetic hypotensive, spasmolytic and antihistaminic actions.
Acetophenone
A coal tar derivative, phenylethyl ketone, a colorless liquid crystalizing to white needles at low temperatures with an odor of bitter almond. Has been used as a hypnotic or mild depressant.
Acetrizoate
A radio-opaque compound used in urography, injected intravenously.
Acetrizoic acid
A radio-opaque medium.
Acetyl-p-aminophenylsalicylate
Salicylic acid ester of acetyl-p-aminophenol, used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and intestinal antiseptic.
Acetylcholine
The acetic acid ester of choline isolated from ergot. Also liberated from preganglionic and postganglionic, endings of parasympathetic fibers and from preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic. Causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal peristalsis and other parasympathetic effects. It is hydrolized into choline and acetic acid by the enzyme cholinesterase that is present in blood and other tissue.
Acetylcholinesterase
Cholinesterase, that breaks down acetyl choline into choline and acetic acid.
Acetylcoenzyme A
Condensation product of coenzyme A and acetic acid, an intermediate in transfer of two carbon fragment notably in its entrance into the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Acetylcysteine
Mucomyst, a mucolytic agent that reduces the viscosity of mucous secretions.
Acetyldigitoxin
Acylanid, same actions and uses as digitoxin but of more rapid onset and shorter duration of action.
Acetylene
A colorless gas of a disagreeable odor that burns with an intense white flame. It is prepared commercially by the action of water on calcium carbide.15
Acetylsalycylic acid
An odorless white crystalline powder soluble in 300 part of water or 5% alcohol readily absorbed from mucous membranes and excreted in urine within 6 hours, widely used as an analgesic, antiinflammatory agent and in the treatment of rheumatism.
Achalasia
Failure to relax, referring especially to visceral openings such as the cardia or any other sphincter muscles.
zoom view
Achlasia
Acheilia
Congenital absence of the lips.
Achilles
A mythical greek warrior who was vulnerable only in the heel.
Achiria
1. Congenital absence of the hands. 2. Anesthesia with loss of the sense of possession of one or both hands, a condition sometimes noted in hysteria. 3. A form of dyschiria in which the patient is unable to tell on which side of the body a stimulus has been applied.
Achirus
A malformed individual without hands.
Achlorhydria
Absence of hydrochloric acid from the gastric juice.
Achluophobia
Fear of darkness.
Acholia
Suppressed secretion of bile.
Acholic
Without bile.
Acholuria
Absence of bile pigments from the urine in certain cases of jaundice.
Acholuric
Without bile in urine.
Achondroplasia
Chondrodystrophy, diaphysial aclasis, abnormality in conversion of cartilage into bone resulting in an asymmetrical dwarf.
Achondroplasty
Chondrodystrophy.
Achorion
A genus of parasitic fungi, proper term now Trichophyton.
Achromasia
1. Cachectic pallor, pallor associated with the Hipocratic facies of extremely severe and chronic illness often heralding the moribund state 2. Absence of the ordinary staining reaction in a cell or tissue. 3. Achromatopsia.16
Achromate
An absolutely color blind person.
Achromatic
1. Colorless. 2. Not decomposing white light. 3. Not staining readily.
Achromatopsia
Complete color blindness.
Achromatosis
Absence of natural pigmentation as in albinism.
Achromaturia
The passage of colorless or very pale urine.
Achylia
1. Absence of gastric juice or other digestive forment 2. Absence of chyle.
Achylous
1. Lacking in gastric juice or other digestive secretion. 2. Having no chyle.
Acid
1. A compound of an electronegative element or radical with hydrogen; it forms salts by replacing all or part of the hydrogen with electropositive elements or radical. An acid containing one displaceable atom of hydrogen in the molecule is called monobasic; one-containing two such atoms dibasic and one containing more than two-polybasic. 2. In popular language any chemical compound which has a sour taste.
Acidemia
An increase in the H-ion concentration of the blood — a fall below normal in pH not withstanding alterations in content of bicarbonate.
Acid-fast
A term denoting bacteria that are not decolorized by mineral acids after having been stained with aniline dyes; the leprosy, tubercle and hay bacilli are examples.
Acidosis
Oxysis, a condition of reduced alkali reserve (bicarbonate) of the blood and other body fluids with or without an actual decrease in pH. a. carbondioxide Acidosis resulting from retention of CO2, it is an exception to the definition in the main heading, for the bicarbonate of the body fluids is usually increased. a. compensated Reduced alkali reserve in which compensatory mechanisms maintain the pH of the body fluids at the normal value; in compensated acidosis Co2 and bicarbonate usually increases although pH remains within normal range. a. renal tubular Inability to excrete acid urine with hyperchloremia due to congenital defect in carbonic anhydrase, causing deficient formation of bicarbonate. a. respiratory Reduced alkali 17reserve of the body fluids with a fall in pH resulting from the failure of adequate compensatory mechanisms; bicarbonate may be within normal range in uncompensated acidosis from CO2 retention.
Acinus
1. One of the minute sac like secretory portions of an acinous gland. Some authorities use the terms acinus and alveolus interchangeably with reference to glands whereas other differentiate them by the constricted openings of the acinus into the excretory duct. 2. In the lung territory supplied by one terminal bronchiole (an absolute usage).
zoom view
Acini of pancreas
Acivicis
A pyrimidine analog that blocks conversion of UTP to LTP.
Aclusion
Lack of contact of opposing surface of molar and bicuspid teeth when jaws are closed.
Acne
A papular and pustular eruption due to inflammation with accumulation of secretion involving the sebaceous glands. a. atrophica Vulgaris in which the lesions leave a slight amount of scarring. a. ciliaris Follicular papules and pustules on the free edges of the eyelids. a. keratosa An eruption of papules consisting of horny plugs projecting from the hair follicles accompanied by inflammation. a. neonatorum A rare condition in infants characterized by papules and comedones on forehead and cheeks. a. rosacea Erythematosa, rosacea, acne of the cheeks and nose associated with papules, pustules, dilated blood vessels in the nasolabilal folds and dilated follicles. a. syphilitica Pustular syphilides, a rare type of secondary syphilis. a. telangiectodes An acniform eruption associated with tuberculosis. a. urticata An eruption beginning as small urticarial wheals and followed by slight scarring. a. vulgaris Acne simplex, acne disseminata, simple uncomplicated acne, an eruption of papules and pustules on an 18inflammatory base; condition occurs primarily during puberty and adolescence due to overactive sebaceous apparatus, probably affected by hormonal activity.
Acnegenic
Pertaining to substances thought to be responsible for causing acne vulgaris.
Acnemia
1. Atrophy of the calf muscles. 2. Congenital absence of legs.
Acognosia, acognosy
A knowledge of remedies.
Acology
Therapeutics.
Acomania
Servile submission to those in authority while being overdomineering at home.
Acomia
Alopecia, baldness.
Aconative
Without the desire or wish to act.
Aconite
The dried root of Aconitum napellus, Antipyretic, diuretic, diaphoretic anodyne, cardiac and respiratory depressant, externally analgesic.
Acorea
Congenital absence of the pupil of the eye.
Acoria
Absence of the feeling of satiety after eating.
Acoustic
Relating to hearing or the perception of sound.
Acoustics
The science of sounds and their perception.
Acquired
Denoting a disease predisposition, that is not congenital but has developed after birth.
Acrania
Lack of a cranium.
Acriflavine
An acridine dye, a mixture of 2:8 diamino-10 methylacaridinium chloride and 2,8 diaminacridine. A brownish red odorless powder soluble in water. A powerful antiseptic. a. hydrochloride Acid acriflavine, acid trypaflavine, used as a wound antiseptic. It has been administered intravenously in brucellosis, tularemia, blastomycosis, and trypanosomiasis.
Acrimony
The quality of being intensely irritant; biting or pungent.
Acrisorcin
Antifungal agent available as 0.2% cream.
Acrocephaly
Malformation of the head consisting in a high or pointed cranial vault due to premature closure of the sagittal, coronal and lamboid sutures.
Acrocyanosis
A circulatory disorder in which the hands and less commonly the feet are persistently cold, blue, and sweaty. Milder forms are closely allied to chillblains.19
Acrodynia
1. Peripheral neuritis of the fingers or toes 2. A condition caused in rats by a deficiency of pyridoxine (B6) characterized by redness and swelling of the tips of the ears and nose leading to necrosis of these parts.
Acromegaly
Acromegalia; Marie disease, a trophic disorder marked by progressive enlargement of the head and face, hands and feet and thorax due to excessive secretion of growth hormone by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
zoom view
Appearance in acromegaly: (A) Facial appearance; (B) Acromegalic hand (upper) and normal hand (lower)
Acromelalgia
A vasomotor neurosis marked by redness, pain and swelling of the fingers and toes, headache and vomiting, probably the same as erythromelalgia.
Acromion
Acromial process, the outer end of the spine of the scapula which projects as a broad flattened process overhanging the glenoid fosssa; it articulates with the clavicle and gives attachment to the deltoid and some fibers of the trapezius muscles.
Acropachy
Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy.
Acropathy
Simple hereditary clubbing of the digits without associated pulmonary or other progressive disease; often more severe in males, autosomal dominant inheritance.
Acrophobia
A morbid dread of elevated places.
Acrosome
The juxtanuclear body at the anterior extremity of a spermatid derived from the Golgi apparatus.
Acrotism
Absence or imperceptibility of the pulse; pulselessness.
Actin
One of the protein components into which actomyosin can be split. Can exist in a fibrous form (f-actin) or a globular form (G-actin).
Actinobacillus
A genus of the family Bricellacea, Gram negative nonmotile small rods or coccoid forms characterized 20by the tendency to form aggregates in tissues or culture which resemble the sulfur granules of actinomycosis. Pathogenic for animals, some species attack man.
Actinomyces
Ray fungus so called because it occurs in the form of aggregation of radiating clubshaped rods; a genus of the family Actinomycetaceae, containing nonmotile branching filamentous organisms forming a mycelium and fragmenting into elements of irregular sizes. They are mostly anaerobic but some are microaerophilic. A few of the species are pathogenic for man; several cause scab and other potato diseases but the greater number of them are nonpathogenic soil organisms.
Actinomycin
An antibacterial crystalline substance isolated from Actinomyces (streptomyces) antiboiticus. Active against Gram positive bacteria e.g., Bacillus subtilis; slightly active against Gram negative bacteria. It is also fungicidal and toxic to animal tissues. There are three close similar compounds termed A, B and C.
Actinomycosis
A disease of cattle and swine, sometimes communicated to man, caused by the ray fungus Actinomyces (Nocardia). It affects the jaw most commonly (lumpy jaw) but it may invade the brain, lungs or gastroenteric tract. It is characterized by the formation of granulomas of sluggish growth which eventually breakdown and discharge a viscid pus containing minute yellowish granulles; the constitutional symptoms are of a septic character.
Activation
1. The act of rendering active. 2. An increase in the energy content of an atom or molecule. 3. Techniques of altering the physiologic environment of the brain by stimulating it by light sound or electricity in order to produce hidden or latent abnormal activity in the electroencephalogram. 4. Stimulation of cell division in an ovum by fertilization or by artificial means.
Activator
1. A substance that renders another substance such as an enzyme active. 2. Internal secretion of the pancreas. 3. An apparatus for impregnating water with 21radium emanation. 4. A catalyst or accelerator for the polymerization of resins.
Active
1. Production effect; not passive. 2. More than usually likely to undergo some chemical reaction. a. transport The name given to the passage of ions or molecules across a cell membrane not by passive diffusion but by an energy consuming process. Active diffusion can take place against a concentration gradient.
Actomyosin
A protein complex composed of the globulin myosin and actin in the micellae of the muscle fiber. It is the essential contractile substance of muscle.
Acuity
Sharpness, clearness, distinctness. a. visual Acuteness of vision; it is indicated by a fraction in which numerator is a number expressing the distance in feet at which the patient sees a line or typed on the chart (usually 20 feet) and the denominator a number expressing the distance in feet at which the normal eye would see the smallest letters which the patient sees at the distance at which he is; thus if at 20 feet he sees only the letters which the normal eye would see at 50 feet the formula of his vision will be V = 20/50.
zoom view
Adenoid growth
Acupuncture
Puncture made with long fine needles for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Acyclovir
Antiviral agent used in herpes.
Acyesis
1. Sterility in the woman. 2. The nonpregnant condition.
Adamantine
Exceedingly hard specifically relating to the enamel of the teeth.
Adamantinoma
A tumor of jaw, arising from enamel cells. May be benign or of low grade malignancy. SYN— ameloblastoma.
Adams-Stokes syndrome
Black out due to sudden fall in 22cerebral circulation commonly after heartblock.
Addict
A person who finds it difficult to stop some practice especially the taking of drugs or excessive use of alcohol.
Addiction
Habituation to some practice, withdrawal from which causes symptoms.
Additive
A substance not essentially part of a material such as food, fuel etc., but which is deliberately added to fulfill some specific purpose.
Adducent
To draw toward the median line.
Adduction
1. Movement of a limb toward the central axis of the body or beyond it. 2. A position resulting from such movement.
zoom view
Adduction of fingers
Adductor
A muscle drawing a part towards the medianline.
Adenase
A deaminating enzyme in the liver, pancreas and spleen that converts adenosine into hypoxanthine.
Adenine
One of the two purines found in both ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid; found also in various nucleotides of importance to the body e.g., adenylic acid adenosine triphosphate (ATP) coenzymes I and II, Q-nitrogen.
Adenitis
Inflammation of a lymphnode or of a gland.
Adenoacanthoma
A malignant neoplasm consisting chiefly of glandular epithelium (adenocarcinoma) usually well differentiated with foci of metaplasia to squamous (or epidermoid) neoplastic cells.
Adenoblast
An embryonic cell destined to proliferate into cells that will enter into the formation of a gland.
Adenocarcinoma
A malignant neoplasm of epithelial cells in glandular or glandlike pattern; frequently with infiltration of adjacent tissue, metastases, recurrence after removal etc; a malignant adenoma.23
Adenocyst
A cystic tumor developing from glandular epithelium, adenocystoma.
Adenocystoma
Adenoma in which the neoplastic glandular epithelium forms cysts or cysts like structures.
Adenohypophysis
Anterior lobe, pars anterior or pars glandularis of the pituitary gland.
Adenoid
Gland like, adeniform, lymphoid; denoting a form of connective tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, solitary and aggregated nodules of the intestine, red bone marrow and elsewhere; it consists of a connective tissue frame work or reticulum; containing masses of round cells (lymphocytes) in its interestices.
Adenoma
A neoplasm of glandular epithelium. a. chromophobe A tumor of the chromophobe cells of the anterior pituitary body associated with hypopituitarism, the cells do not stain well with acid or basic dyes. a. eosinophilic A tumor of the eosinophilic chromophil cells of the anterior pituitary associated with gigantism and acromegaly. a. islet cell A benign neoplasm of the pancreas composed of tissue similar in structure to that of the islets of Langerhans. It may contain functioning beta cells and may cause hypoglycemia, sometimes termed insulinoma or Langerhansian a. a. racemose A benign neoplasm composed of epithelial tissue resembling racemose gland. a. sebaceum A neoplasm occurring on the face composed of a mass of sebaceous glands and appearing as an aggregation of red yellow and yellow papules; the patients are sometimes mentally retarded with seizure.
Adenomyosis
The ectopic occurrence or diffuse implantation of adenomatous tissue in muscle (usually smooth muscle) as in benign invasion of myometrium by endometrial tissue.
Adenomyxoma
A benign neoplasm with histologic characteristics of adenoma and myxoma.
Adenosarcoma
A malignant neoplasm of mesodermal tissue with adenomatoid element, sometimes applied to sarcoma originating in connective tissue of a gland.
Adenosine
A condensation product of adenine and D-ribose a nucleoside which can 24be found among the hydrolysis products of all nucleic acids and of the various adenine nucleotides.
Adenosine diphosphate
A condensation product of adenosine with pyrophosphoric acid, ADP, formed from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group of latter compound.
Adenosis
A more or less generalized glandular disease especially one involving the lymphatic nodes.
Adenotome
An instrument for the removal of adenoids in the nasopharynx.
Adenylate cyclase
An enzyme that synthesizes c-AMP.
Adiaphoresis
Absence or deficiency of perspiration.
Adiaphoretic
A drug that causes repression of perspiration.
Adipocere
A fatty substance of waxy consistency into which dead animal tissue are sometime converted when kept from the air under certain favouring conditions of temperature; it is believed to be produced by the conversion into fat of the proteins of the tissues.
Adiposis
An excessive local or general accumulation of fat in the body, liposis. a. dolorosa Dercum's disease, an affection characterized by a deposit of symmetrical nodular or pendulous masses of fat in various regions of the body attended with more or less pain. a. tuberosa simplex Anders disease, an affection resembling A. dolorosa in which the fat occurs in small more or less circumscribed masses on the abdomen or confined to the extremities; these masses are sensitive to the touch and may be spontaneously painful.
Adipsia
Absence of thirst.
Adjuvant
That which aids or assists; denoting a remedy that is added to a prescription to assist or increase the action of the main ingredient; synergist.
Adolescence
Period of attaining complete growth and maturity.
Adolescent
Pertaining to the period or state of adolescence.
Adrenaline
Trade name for epinephrine.
Adrenalism
A condition resulting from abnormal function of the adrenal (suprarenal) glands, suprarenalism.25
Adrenergic
Relating to nerve fibers that liberate adrenaline.
Adrenochrome
The red oxidation product of epinephrine, was used therapeutically in Germany during the second world war to increase efficiency of diabetic laborers. It is said to produce psychic changes.
Adrenocorticotrophin
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone.
Adrenosterone
An androgen isolated from the adrenal cortex, also known as andrenosterone and as Reichsteins compound G.
Adriamycin
Doxorubicin, an anticancer antibiotic.
Adsorb
To attach atoms or molecules to the surface of a substance by means of unsatisfied valence bonds.
Adsorbent
A substance which adsorbs e.g., ADTE, carbon, clay, magnesia, etc.
Adult
Fully grown and mature, a fully grown individual.
Adulterant
Impurity, additive that is considered to have an undesirable effect.
Adulteration
The alteration of any substance by the deliberate addition of a component not ordinarily part of that substance, usually used to imply that the substance is debased as a result.
Adventitia
The outer most covering of any organ or structure which does not form an integral part of such organ or structure specifically the outer coat of an artery; the tunica adventitia.
Adventitious
1. Coming from without; extrinsic. 2. Accidental. 3. Relating to the adventitia of an artery or an organ.
Adynamia
Weakness, vital debility, asthenia.
Aerobacter
A genus of the tribe Escherichia, family Enterobacteriacea, containing rod shaped Gram negative organisms, found chiefly in the intestine.
Aerobe
An organism that can thrive only in presence of oxygen.
Aerodynamics
The study of air and other gases in motion, the forces that set them in motion, and the result of such motion.
Aerometer
An apparatus for determining the density of or for weighing air.
Aerophagia
Swallowing of air.
Aeropholia
Abnormal and extreme dread of fresh air or of air in motion.
Aeroscope
An instrument for the examination of air for visible impurities.
Aetinolol
Cardioselective betablocker used in hypertension.26
Afebrile
Nonfebrile, apyretic.
Affect
1. Feeling 2. The sum of an emotion.
Afferent
Bringing to or into, denoting certain arteries, veins, lymphatics and nerves.
Affinity
1. Attraction. 2. In chemistry the force that attracts certain atoms to unite with certain others to form compound 3. The selective staining of a tissue by a dye or the uptake of a dye chemical or other substance selectively by a tissue.
Affusion
The pouring of water upon the body or any of its parts for therapeutic purposes.
Afibrinogenemia
The absence of a detectable amount of fibrinogen in the blood, a relatively rare cause of hemorrhages.
Afterbirth
The placenta and membranes that are extruded after the birth of the fetus and most other mammals.
Aftercare
The care and treatment of a patient after operation, or of one convalescing from an acute or serious illness.
After discharge
The prolongation of reflex response after cessation of stimulation.
After image
1. After vision, Spectrum. 2. Ocular spectrum, the image of an object of which the subjective sensation persists after the object has disappeared. It is called positive when its colors are the same as in the original, negative when the complementary colors are perceived
After pains
Painful cramplike contractions of the uterus occurring after childbirth.
After potential
The small changes in electrical potential in a stimulated nerve which follow the main potential change. They follow the “spike” potential of the oscillographic record and consists of an initial negative deflection followed by a positive deflection in the oscillograph record.
Agalactia
Absence of milk in the breasts after child birth.
Agammaglobulinemia
A condition characterized by 1. A lack or extremely low levels of gamma globulin in the blood (and lymphoid tissue) 2. Defective formation of antibody, and 3. Frequent occurrence of suppurative and nonsuppurative infectious disease observed in 2 clinical forms, i.e., primary and secondary. a. acquired A type of primary agammaglobulinemia occurs in both sexes at 27various ages probably resulting from pathological alteration or destruction of normal lymphoid tissue. Level of gamma globulin likely to be from zero to 100 or 125 mg per 100 ml. a. congenital A type of primary agammaglobulinemia occurs chiefly in male infants more than 4 to 6 months of age probably resulting from sex linked recessive gene; level of gamma globulin likely to be from zero to 20 or 30 mg per 100 ml. a. primary As distinguished from hypogammaglubulinemia; includes transient, congenital and acquired forms, probably results from decrease synthesis of gamma globulin with levels usually less than 100 or 125 mg per ml. a. secondary Probably results from increased rate of catabolism or unusual loss of gamma globulin; levels of gamma globulin usually range from 200 to 400 mg per 100 ml. a. transient A type of primary agammaglobulinemia occurs in infants of both sexes usually during the second to sixth months of life probably resulting from immaturity of lymphoid tissue, level of gamma globulin likely to be less than 100 to 150 mg per 100 ml.
Agamogony
Asexual reproduction.
Aganglionosis
The state of being without ganglia, absence of ganglion cells from Auerbach plexus in eye, distal colon in congenital hypertrophic dilation of the colon.
Agar
A gelatinous substance prepared from seaweed in Japan and India, used in constipation to increase the bulk of the feces and in bacteriology as a base for culture media; when unqualified it is usually called agar-agar.
Agent
An active force or substance capable of producing an effect. a. antifoaming Chemicals such as ethylalcohol or 2-ethylhexanol administered with oxygen to patients in pulmonary edema to relieve the respiratory obstruction aggravated by the foam of edema fluid. a. chelating A compound such as calciumdisodium ethylene diamine tetra accetic acid which forms a complex with a metal. The medicinal use of these agents is to render poisonous metal compounds innocuous. The resulting chelate complex is unionizable, 28stable and nonpoisonous and is excreted in the urine. a. eaton A living organism of a coccobacillary type 125 to 150 µ that is grown on living cells and on official media and produces a characteristic cold agglutinin. a. reducing Any substance that has the power of initiating a reaction involving the gain of electrons. a. sclerosing A compound such as sodium ricinoleate used in the treatment of varicose veins.
Ageusia
Loss of the sense of taste.
Agglutinate
Pertaining to a specific activity of antibody in an antigen antibody reaction, as a specific hemagglutin as certain red blood cells.
Agglutination
Aggregation into clumps or masses of microorganisms or other cells upon exposure to a specific immune serum or other source of appropriate antibody. a. cold Agglutination of red blood cells by their own serum or by any other serum when the blood is cooled below body temperature but is most pronounced below 25° C. The phenomenon results from cold agglutinins. Although it is seen occasionally in the blood of apparently normal persons it is more frequent in scarlet fever, staphylococcal infections, pneumonia, certain hemolytic anemias and trypanosomiasis.
Agglutinin
Antibody that causes clumping or agglutination of the bacteria or other cells which either stimulate the formation of the agglutinaion or contain immunologically, similar reactive material. a. cold Agglutinin that agglutinates human group 0 erythrocytes at zero to 5° C but not at 37° C, found in the serum of less than half of patients with primary atypical pneumonia and also in certain other diseases especially trypanosomiasis, titer is usually at a peak relatively early during recovery.
Agglutinogen
An antigenic substance that stimulates the formation of specific agglutinin.
zoom view
(A) Bacteria in suspension;(B) Agglutinated bacteria
29
Aggregate
1. To unite or come together in mass or cluster. 2. The total of individual units making up a mass or cluster.
Agitophasia
Abnormally rapid speech in which words are imperfectly spoken or dropped out of a sentence.
Aglutition
Inability to swallow or great difficulty in swallowing, aphagia, dysphagia.
Agnosia
Lack of sensory ability to recognize objects. a. auditory Central auditory inappreciation of sound, ability to perceive sound at the end organ with inability to interpret it centrally. a. optic Inability to interpret visual images. a. tactile Inability to recognize objects by touch. a. visual spatial Disturbance in spatial orientation and in understanding of spatial relations; apractognosia.
Agonal
Relating to the process of dying or the movement of death so called because of the former erroneous notion that dying is a painful process.
Agonist
Denoting a muscle in state of contraction with reference to its opposing muscle or antagonist.
Agrammatism
Loss, through cerebral disease, of the power to construct a grammatical or intelligible sentence, words are uttered but not in proper sequence, a form of aphasia.
Agranulocytosis
Acute condition characterized by pronounced leukopenia with great reduction in the number of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, infected ulcers likely to develop in the throat, intestinal tract and other mucous membranes as well as in the skin. Termed also sepsis agranulocytica, malignant leukopenia, agranulocytic angina, mucocytis necroticans agranulocytica and schultz angina.
Agraphia
Loss of the power of writing due or to an inability to phrase thought. Acoustic agraphia is acquired inability to write from dictation. In amnemanic agraphia, letters and words can be written but not connected sentences; in verbal agraphia single letters can be written. Musical agraphia is the loss of power to write musical notation.
AHF
Antihaemophilic factor (clotting factor VIII).
AHG
Antihaemophilic globulin (clotting factor VIII).
AID
Artificial insemination of a woman with donor semen.
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is the 30extreme end of the spectrum of disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and impairs the body's cellular immune system. This may result in infection by organisms of normally no or low pathogenicity (opportunistic infections), principally Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), or the development of unusual tumours, namely Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). A. related complex (ARC) recurrent symptoms such as lymphadenopathy, night sweats, diarrhoea, weight loss, malaise and chest infections. Examination of the blood may show abnormally low platelet and neutrophil counts as well as low lymphocyte counts.
Air
A mixture of gases that make up the earth's atmosphere. It consists of: non-active nitrogen 79%; oxygen 21%, which supports life and combustion; traces of neon, argon, hydrogen, etc.; and carbon dioxide 0.03%, except in expired air, when 6% is exhaled as a result of diffusion that has taken place in the lungs. Air has weight and exerts pressure, which aids in syphonage from body cavities. A. bed a rubber mattress inflated with air. Complemental a. additional air that can be inhaled with inspiratory effort. A. embolism an embolism caused by air entering the circulatory system. A. encephalography radiological examination of the brain after the injection of air into the subarachnoid space. A. hunger A form of dyspnoea in which there are deep sighing respirations, characteristic of severe haemorrhage or acidosis. Residual a. Air remaining in the lungs after deep expiration. Stationary a. That retained in the lungs after normal expiration. Supplemental a. The extra air forced out of the lungs with expiratory effort. Tidal a. That which passes in and out of the lungs in normal respiratory action.
Airway
1. The passage by which the air enters and leaves the lungs. 2. A mechanical device (tube) used for securing unobstructed respiration during general anaesthesia or on other occasions when the patient is not ventilating or exchanging gases properly. It may be passed through the mouth or nose.31
zoom view
Oropharyngeal airway
The tube prevents a flaccid tongue from resting against the posterior pharyngeal wall and causing obstruction of the airway (see Figure).
Akathisia
Motor restlessness.
Akinesia
Loss of muscle power. This may be the result of a brain or spinal cord lesion or, temporarily, to anaesthesia.
Alalia
Loss of impairment of the power of speech due to muscle paralysis or a cerebral lesion.
Albinism
A condition in which there is congenital absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. It may be partial or complete.
Albright's syndrome
F. Albright, American physician, 1900–1969. Condition in which there is abnormal development of bone, excessive pigmentation of the skin and, in females, precocious sexual development.
Albino
A person with very little or no pigment in the skin, hair or choroid. A congenital diffuse absence of melanin in the skin and hair.
Albumen
1. White of egg, egg albumin ovalbumin 2. Albumin.
Albumin
A simple protein widely distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of plants and animals, it is soluble in pure water, precipitable from a solution by mineral acids and coagulable by heat in acid or neutral solution. Varieties of it are found in blood, milk and muscles. a. native Protein existing in its natural state in the body, it is soluble in water and not precipitated by diluted acids, the two principal forms are 32serum albumin and egg albumin. a. normal human serum A sterile preparation of serum albumin obtained by obtaining blood plasma proteins from healthy persons. Used as a transfusion material and to treat edema due to hypoproteinemia.
Albuminuria
The presence of protein in urine chiefly albumin (but also globulin) usually indicates disease but sometimes results from a temporary or transient dysfunction. a. adolescent Functional albuminuria occurring at about the time of puberty, it is usually cyclic or orthostatic albuminuria. a. of athletes A form of functional albuminuria following excessive muscular exertion. a. cyclic A functional form sometimes observed intermittently in cycles of 12 to 36 hours duration chiefly in younger persons, the degree of albuminuria is usually slight. a. dietetic The excretion of protein in the urine following the ingestion of certain foods, also termed digestive albuminuria. a. functional A collective term designating any albuminuria in which there is no detectable, associated pathologic condition in the kidneys or other tissues; may be observed intermittently during pregnancy or adolescence, in athletes etc. a. orthostatic A condition characterized by the appearance of albumin in the urine when the patient is in the erect posture and its disappearance when he is recumbent.
Albuterol
A sympathomimetic drug used in bronchial asthma.
Alcaine
Proparacaine, a local anaesthetic.
Alcohol
1. One of a series of organic chemical compounds in which the hydrogen (H) in a hydrocarbon is replaced by hydroxyl (OH), the hydroxide of a hydrocarbon radical reacting with acids to form esters as a metallic hydroxide reacts to form salt. 2. Any beverage containing ethyl alcohol. 3. Ethanol a liquid containing 92.3 percent by weight corresponding to 94.9 percent by volume of C7H5OH. a. absolute With a minimum admixture of water at most 1 percent. a. dehydrogenase A pyridinoenzyme of the liver catalyzing the dehydrogenation of ethyl alcohol to acetaldehyde. a. dehydrated 33Absolute alcohol; ethyl hydroxide C2H5-OH. Containing not more than 1 percent by weight of water. a. denatured Methylated spirit, ethyl alcohol that has been made undrinkable by the addition of one ninth of its volume of methyl alcohol and a small quantity of benzine or the pyridine bases. a. dilute Eight concentration are official, 90, 80, 70, 50, 45, 25 and 20 per cent V/V.
Alcoholism
Poisoning with alcohol.
Alcoholophilia
The craving for alcohol.
Alcuronium
A neuromuscular blocking agent; non depolarizing.
Aldolase
Zymohexase, an enzyme involved in the glycolytic chain catalyzing the splitting of fructose-1, 6-disphosphate to 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde and phosphodihydroxyacetone.
Aldose
A monosaccharide containing the characterizing group of the aldehydes (CHO).
Aldosterone
A steroid principle of the adrenal cortex which is more potent than deoxycorticosterone in causing sodium retention and potassium loss. It possesses little or no antirheumatic property. Chemically it differs from corticosterone in having an aldehyde group at C-18.
Aldosteronism
Excessive production or excretion of aldosterone. Two forms are recognized 1. True or Primary, characterized by persistent hypokalemia (with alkalosis), hypertension, polyuria, exacerbation of muscular weakness and normal or elevated serum sodium 2. So-called secondary form that is characterized by conspicuous edema (in contrast to primary) and is associated with congestive cardiac failure, cirrhosis, nephrosis and so on.
Aleukia
1. Absence or extremely decreased number of leukocytes in circulating blood, sometimes also termed aleukemic myelosis. 2. Absence or extremely decreased number of blood platelets. (See also thrombopenia).
Alexia
Loss of the power to grasp the meaning of written or printed words, sentences, also called optical, sensory or visual alexia in distinction to motor alexia (aphemia or anarthria) in which there is loss of the power to read aloud although the significance of what is written or printed is 34understood; musical blindness is loss of the power to read musical notation.
Alfentanil
Newer more potent opioid analgesic with shorter duration of action.
Algesia
State of increased sensitivity, to pain some times provoked by stimuli not normally painful.
Alegesimeter, algesiometer
An instrument for measuring the degree of sensitivity to a painful stimulus.
Algesthesia
The appreciation of pain especially hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, a form of hyperesthesia.
Algid
Chilly cold.
Alimentary
Relating to food or nutrition.
Aliphatic
1. Fatty. 2. Denoting the open chain compounds most of which belong to the fatty series.
Alkalies
A strongly basic substance alkaline in reaction and capable of saponifying fats, i.e., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide.
Alkaloid
A basic substance found in the leaves, barks, seeds and other parts of plants usually constituting the active principle of crude drug. A substance of similar nature is formed in animal tissues. Alkaloids are usually bitter in taste and alkaline in reaction and unite with acids to form salts.
Alkalosis
A normally high alkali reserve (biocarbonate) of blood and other body fluids with a tendency for an increase in pH of the blood although it may remain normal. It may result from persistent vomiting, hyperventilation or excessive ingestion of sodium bicarbonate.
Alkaptonuria
Urinary excretion of alkaptone bodies (e.g., homogentisic acid) which cause a dark color if the urine is permitted to stand or is alkalinized; Represents a defect in the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine; some times associated with ochronosis.
Alkylating agents
Cell cycle nonspecific anticancer drugs.
Alkylating agents
Amsacrine
Nitrogen mustard
Cyclophosphamide
Ifosamide
Melphalan
Chlorambucil
Busulfan
Thiotepa
Carboplatin
Cisplatin
35
Alkylation
The substitution of an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical for a hydrogen atom in a cyclic or ring compound.
Allantoin
Ureidohydantoin, glyoxyidiureide, a nitrogeneous crystalline substance present in the allantoic fluid, the urine of the fetus and elsewhere. Used externally to promote wound healing. It is the oxidation product of purine metabolism in animals other than man and other primates.
Allele
Any one of a series of two or more different genes that may occupy the same position or locus on a specific chromosome. As autosomal chromosomes are paired each autosomal locus is represented twice in normal somatic cells. If the same allele occupies both loci the individual or cell is homozygous for this allele, if the two loci are different the individual or cell is heterozygous for both.
Allelism
State of two or more genes that must occupy the same position or locus on a specific chromosome.
Allergen
A substance (usually protein but may be non-protein material) that stimulates an altered cellular response in the animal or human body thereby resulting in manifestation of allergy as the protein (S) of certain foods, bacteria, pollen and so on. a. bacterial The specific protein (or other material) in the bacterial cell that may stimulate an allergic response e.g., tuberculin which is prepared from tubercle bacilli. a. pollen The material in pollen that may stimulate an allergic response.
Allergic
Relating to a recognizable condition of allergy or to any response stimulated by an allergen.
Allergy
1. Any abnormal or altered reaction to an antigen or allergen including greater (hyper) or less sensitivity, the term is now used almost invariably to indicate hyper-sensitivity of the body cells to a specific substance (antigen, allergen) that results in various types of reaction. The exciting material or antigen may be protein, lipid or carbohydrate in nature. The allergic reaction is basically an antibody reaction and includes anaphylaxis, atopic diseases, serum sickness, contact dermatitis. 2. That branch of medicine which 36embraces the study, diagnosis and treatment of allergic manifestation. 3. An acquired hypersensitivity to certain drugs and biologic preparations. a. bacterial Increased sensitivity to various substance of certain species of bacteria. Usually result from previous infection with a specific organism but under special condition may occasionally develop after injection of antigenic materials not related to antibody in circulating blood. a. bronchial Asthma and similar conditions that are allergic in origin. a. cold Physical allergy produced by exposure to cold. a. contact Cutaneous reaction caused by direct contact with an allergen to which the person is hypersensitive. a. delayed Allergic response that is not apparent until several hours or a few days have passed as in hypersensitivity to tuberculin, coccidioidin, and other extracts from microorganism. a. drug Unusual sensitivity to a drug or other chemical or to combination products of such compounds with various substances in the body.
Alloeroticism
Sexual attraction toward another person, as opposed to autoeroticism.
Allogamy
The fertilization of the ova of one individual by the spermatozoa of another; the opposite of autogamy.
Allograft
Tissue transplanted from one person to another. Non-viable a. Skin, taken from a cadaver, which cannot regenerate. Viable a. Living tissue transplanted.
Allopath
One who practises medicine according to the system of allopathy.
Allopathy
A therapeutic system in which disease is treated by producing a morbid reaction of another kind or in another part by method of substitution.
Alloploidy
The condition of a hybrid individual or cell having two or more sets of chromosomes derived from two different ancestral species.
Allopurinol
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor, used in gout and hyperuricemia.
Allosome
One of the chromosomes differing in appearance or behaviour from the ordinary chromosomes or autosomes and sometimes unequally distributed among the germ cell, heterotypical chromosome.
Allylestrenol
Progestational agent.37
Almetrine
Respiratory stimulant used in COPD.
Alopecia
Acomia, baldness. a. areata Condition of unknown etiology producing of circumscribed, noninflamed areas of baldness on the scalp, eyebrows and bearded portion of the face. a. dynamica Hair loss due to some destructive disease process affecting the hair follicles. a. follicularis A papular or postular inflammation of the hair follicles of the scalp resulting in scarring and loss of hair in the affected area.
zoom view
Androgenic alopecia
Alpha 1 antitrypsin
An inhibitor of trypsin deficient in patients of emphysema.
Alpha fetoprotein
An antigen present in fetus, increased in adults with hepatic cancer.
Alprazolam
A benzodiazepine, anxiolytic agent.
Alprostadil
Prostaglandin used in congenital heart disease esp. PDA.
Aluminium
A white silvery metal of very light weight. Symbol Al. atomic no 13, atomic weight 26.97 melting point 660°, inhalation of the finely divided dust has been proposed to bind silica, to prevent silicosis. a. hydroxide Hydrated alumina a light white powder. Soluble in water, used as an astringent dusting powder. Also used internally as a mild astringent, antacid. a. oleate A yellow mass insoluble in water. Used locally, on mucous membranes as an astringent antiseptic. a. phosphate A white infusible powder insoluble in water but soluble in alkali hydroxides. Used for dental cement with calcium sulfate and sodium silicate. a. subacetate Used in solution as an astringent, and in embleming fluids. Diluted to about 0.5 percent with water it is used as an ingradient in mouth washes. a. sulfate Cake alum, a white crystaline powder soluble in water, used as an astringent, detergent in skin ulcers. a. tannate A basic salt of varying composition, a 38brownish powder insoluble in water. Used as astringent solution for local applications. a. torotannate A brownish powder. Used as an antiseptic and dusting powder. The tartarte is soluble in water, it is used as a local astringent.
Alveolitis
Inflammation of alveoli. a. allergic Diffuse granulomatous lung disease caused by hypersensitivity to organic dusts.
zoom view
Alveoli pulmonis (pulmonary alveoli), with cross-section showing the alveolar ducts and sacs
Alzheimer's cells
A. Alzheimer, German neurologist, 1864–1915. 1. Giant astrocytes with large prominent nuclei found in the brain in hepatolenticular degeneration and hepatic comas. 2. Degenerated astrocytes.
Alzheimer's disease
A disease of unknown etiology causing presenile dementia.
Amalgam
A solution of metal in mercury. In dentistry the metal consists mainly of intermetallic compound Ag3 Sn, Zinc and copper are useful but not essential.
Amanita
A genus of fungi, Agaricus. a. phallaoides deadly agaric, contains a poisonous principle that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms and is hemolytic and injurious to the kidneys.
Amantidine
An agent used in Parkinsonism, and influenza.
Amaurosis
A total loss of vision. a. fugax Temporary blindness in airplane pilots when making a circular manoeuvre with head toward the centre of the circle due to centrifugal force causing cerebral ischemia, flight blindness, blackout. a. burn's Postmarital amaurosis; blindness following sexual excess. a. toxic Blindness due to optic neuritis excited by tobacco, alcohol, wood alcohol, lead, arsenic, quinine or other poisons.
Ambenoniam
An anti-cholin-esterase agent.
Amblyoscope
An instrument resembling a stereoscope used in training the fusion sense 39and habituating an amblyopic eye to bear its share of vision.
Amebiasis
Infestation with Entamoeba histolytica or other pathogenic amoebas. a. hepatic Infection of the liver with entamoeba histolytica, may occur with or without antecedent amebic dysentery.
Amebocyte
A cell such as a neutrophil leukocyte having the power of ameboid movements.
Ameboid
1. Resembling an ameba in appearance or characteristic 2. Of irregular outline with peripheral projections.
Ameboma
An amebic granuloma, a nodular tumorlike focus of proliferative inflammation sometimes developing in chronic amebiasis especially in the wall of colon.
Ameiosis
A cell division resulting in formation of gametes without reduction in chromosome number.
Amelia
Congenital absence of a limb or limbs.
Amelioration
Improvement, moderation in the intensity of symptoms.
Amelobastoma
A neoplasm originating from epithelial tissue. Related to the enamel organ.
Amenorrhoea
Absence or abnormal cessation of the menses.
Amentia
1. Idiocy 2. A form of confusional insanity marked especially by apathy, disorientation and more or less stupor.
Amethocaine
A local anaesthetic for mucous membranes. A. pastille A lozenge that, when dissolved slowly in the mouth, will aid the passage of a bronchoscope or gastroscope.
Amethopterin
Methotrexata, a cytotoxic drug.
Amiloride
A potassium sparing diuretic.
Amikacin
An aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Aminacrine
Antibacterial, antitrichomonad agent used in vaginal preparations.
Amino acid
A chemical compound containing both NH2 and COOH groups. The end-product of protein digestion. Essential a. a. One required for replacement and growth but which cannot be synthesized in the body in sufficient amounts and must be obtained in the diet (see Table). Nonessential a. a. One necessary for proper growth but which can be synthesized 40in the body and is not specifically required in the diet.
Essential amino acids
1. Threonine
2. Lysine
3. Methionine
4. Valine
5. Phenylalanine
6. Leucine
7. Tryptophan
8. Isoleucine
9. Histidine
10. Arginine
Amino caproic acid
Antifibrinolytic agent used for vascular plugging in haemorrhage.
Aminoglutethimide
Adrenocortical suppressant used in breast cancer.
Aminopterin
4-Aminopteroyl-glutamic acid, a folic acid antagonist, yellow crystals, soluble in alkali. Used in treatment of acute leukemia and other neoplastic diseases.
Aminosalicylic acid
p-Aminosalicylic acid, 4-amino-2hydroxybenzoic acid, small crystals slightly soluble in water. Melting point 150° C. A bacteriostatic agent against tubercle bacilli, used as an adjunct to streptomycin. Abbreviated AS or PAS.
Amiodarone
Antiarrhythmic agent.
Amitryptyline hydrochloride
Chemically and pharmacologically related to imipramine hydrochloride. An antidepressant agent with mild tranquilizing properties, used in the treatment of mental depression and maniac depressive states.
Amlodipine
Calcium channel blocker for hypertension.
Ammonia
A volatile alkaline gas, NH3, very soluble in water combining with acids to form a number of salts.
Ammoniemia
The presence of ammonia or some of its compounds in the blood, thought to be formed from the decomposition of urea with weak pulse, gastroenteric symptoms and coma.
Ammonium
A group of atoms, NH4 that behaves as a univalent metal in forming ammonical compound; it has never been obtained in a free state. a. acetate White, deliquescent, crystals, soluble in water, melting point 112° C. Mild diaphoretic and refrigerant, used in preserving meat. a. carbonate A mixture of carbon dioxide and carbonate soluble in water, occurs in white masses with ammonical odor. Cardiac and respiratory stimulant and expectorant. a. chloride White 41crystallin powder soluble in water. Stimulant-expectorant and cholagogue. Used to relieve alkalosis, also promotes lead excretion. a. nitrate A white deliquescent crystalline salt, soluble in water. Used in making nitrous oxide gas in freezing mixtures and in fertilizers. a. salicylate White crystalline powder soluble in water. Used in rheumatism.
Amnesia
Loss or impairment of memory, inability to recall past experiences. a. anterogradea In reference to events occurring after the trauma or disease that cause the condition. a. retrograde In reference to events that occurred before the trauma or disease that caused the condition. a. visual Inability to recall to mind the appearance of objects that have been seen or to recognize printed words.
Amniocentesis
The withdrawal of fluid from the uterus through the abdominal wall by means of a syringe and needle (see Figure). It is primarily used in the diagnosis of chromosome disorders in the fetus and in cases of hydramnios.
Amnion
The innermost or the membranes enveloping the embryo in utero. It consists of a layer of splanchnopleure with its ectodermal components toward the embryo and its somatic mesodermal component external.
zoom view
Amniocentesis
Amobarbital
White crystalline powder of a bitter taste slightly soluble in water, melting point 156° C. A central nervous system depressant, has an intermediate duration of action.
zoom view
Amnion, chorion, and other embryonic membranes surrounding the embryo
42
Amodiaquine hydrochloride
Camoquine hydrochloride, as the dihydrochloride hemihydrate, yellow crystals soluble in water. A synthetic antimalarial drug, effective against plasmodium vivax in the erythrocytic phase of malaria, less effective against P.vivax falciparum and P. malaria infections. Also used in treatment of amebic hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis.
Amoeba
A genus of unicellular protozoan organisms of microscopic size existing in nature in large numbers, many living as parasites, some species pathogenic for man.
Amoebiasis
Infection with amoeba, particularly Entamoeba histolytica.
Amoebic
Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of an amoeba. A. abscess an abscess cavity of the liver resulting from liquefaction necrosis due to entrance of Entamoeba histolytica into the portal circulation in amoebiasis; amoebic abscesses may affect the lung, brain and spleen. A. dysentery a form of dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica and spread by contaminated food, water and flies; called also amoebiasis. Amoebic dysentery is mainly a tropical disease by many cases occur in temperate countries. Symptoms are diarrhoea, fatigue and intestinal bleeding. Complications include involvement of the liver, liver abscess and pulmonary abscess. Several drugs are available for treatment, for example, emetine hydrochloride and chloroquine, which may be used singly or in combination.
Amoxapine
Tricyclic antidepressant.
Amoxicillin
Ampicillin group of antibiotic with better GI. absorption.
Ampere
Unit of strength of an electrical current representing a current having a force of one volt and passing through a conductor with a resistance of one ohm.
Amphetamine
An acrid liquid racemic synthetic preparation slightly soluble in water, closely related in its structure and action to ephedrine and other sympathomimetic amines. Central nervous system stimulant.
Amphoric
Denoting the sound heard in precussion and 43auscultation resembling the noise made by blowing across the mouth of a bottle.
Amphoteric
Having two opposite characteristics especially the capacity of reacting as either acid or base.
Amphotericin B
An antibiotic substance derived from strains of streptomyces nodosus, used for the treatment of deep seated mycotic infections.
Ampicillin
Semisynthetic broad spectrum penicillin, acid resistant.
Ampoule
A hermetically sealed container usually made of glass containing a sterile medicinal solution or powder to be made up in solution, to be used for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection.
Ampulla
A sacular dilation of canals, is seen in the semicircular canals of the ear or the lactiferous ducts of the mammary glands.
Amputation
1. The cutting off of a limb or part of a limb, the breast or other projecting part. 2. In dentistry amputation may be of the root of a tooth or of the pulp or even of a nerve root or ganglion e.g., the Gasserian ganglion.
Amrinone
Bipyocidine derivative with positive inotropic effect, used in heart failure.
Amygdala
A nugget like mass of gray matter in the anterior portion of temporal lobe.
Amylase
A starch splitting or amyloytic enzyme that causes hydrolytic cleavage of the starch molecule.
Amylnitrate
A vasodilator used in angina and cyanide poisoning.
Amylocaine hydrochloride
Benzoyl ethyldimethyl— aminopropanyl hydrochloride, a local anaesthetic. Its action is slightly stronger than that of cocaine less toxic but more irritant. It has been used for spinal anesthesia. Side effects and after effects are frequent.
Amyloid
A protein (probably combined with chondrotin sulfuric acid) that is microscopically homogeneous hyaline and acidophilic and frequently manifests great affinity for congored; occurs characteristically as pathologic extracellular deposits beneath the endothelium of capillaries or sinusoids in the walls of arterioles and especially in association with reticulo endothelial tissue.44
Amyloidosis
Deposits of amyloid in various organs tissues. Four types of conditions are recognized i.e. primary secondary, a localized masses or nodules, and associated with multiple myeloma. a. primary A form of amyloidosis not associated with other recognized disease, tends to involve diffusely the mesenchymal tissues in the tongue, lungs, intestinal tract, skin, skeletal muscles, and myocardium, the amyloid in this condition frequently does not manifest the usual affinity for congored and sometimes provokes a foreign body type of inflammatory reaction in the adjacent tissue. a. secondary The most frequent form of amyloidosis occurs in association with another chronic disease, e.g., tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, pyelonephritis and so on; organs chiefly involved are the liver, spleen, and kidneys and the adrenal glands less frequently.
Amylopectin
A polysaccharide found in the outer layer of the starch granule, characterized by glucose residues arranged in branched chains.
Amyotrophy
Muscular wasting or atrophy.
Anabolism
The process of assimilation of nutritive matter and its conversion into living substances. This includes synthetic processes and requires energy.
Anaerobe
A microorganism that can live and thrive in the absence of free oxygen. These organisms are found in body cavities or wounds where the oxygen tension is very low. Examples are the bacilli of tetanus and gas gangrene. Facultative a. A microorganism that can live and grow with or without molecular oxygen. Obligate a. An organism that can grow only in the complete absence of molecular oxygen.
Analgesia
Loss of sensibility to pain.
Analgia
Freedom from pain.
Analogous
Resembling functionally but having a different origin or structure.
Analogue
1. One of two organs or parts in different species of animals or plants which differ in structure or development but are similar in function. 2. In chemistry one of two or more compounds with similar structure but different atoms e.g., nitrogen and carbon monoxide.45
Analysis
1. The breaking up of a chemical compound into its simpler elements, a process by which the composition of a substance is determined. 2. The separation of any compound substance into the parts composing it. 3. Applied in electroencephalography to the estimation or recording of the components of a complex wave form in terms of their frequency and amplitude. a. gastric Analysis of the contents of the stomach after the ingestion of a test meal. The gastric contents are aspirated through a specially designed stomach tube, and the free and total acidities, the pH and the peptic activity are determined. They may also be examined for food residue, bile, blood, mucus etc.
Anamnesis
1. The act of remembering. 2. The medical history of a patient.
Anandria
Absence of masculinity.
Anaphase
The stage of mitosis or meiosis in which the chromosomes move from the equatorial plate toward the poles of the cell. In mitosis a full set of daughter chromosomes (46 in man) moves towards each pole. In the first division of meiosis one member of each homologous pair (23 in man) now consisting of two chromatids united at the centromere, moves towards each pole. In the second division of meiosis the centromere has divided and the two chromatids separate one moving to each pole.
Anaphylactoid
Resembling anaphylaxis. A shock may result from intravenous injection of 1. serum that is pretreated with kaolin or starch 2. Trypsin 3. organic colloids. 4. peptone or 5. several other materials. The pathologic changes in a shock are different from those of true anaphylaxis.
Anaphylatoxin
According to the humoral hypothesis of the mechanism of anaphylaxis, anaphylaxis results from the in vivo combination of specific antibody (anaphylactin) and the specific. Sensitizing material, when the latter is injected at a shock dose in a sensitized animal.
Anaphylaxis
The antithesis of prophylaxis; anaphylaxis is an exaggerated or extreme hypersensitivity that may be induced in various animal species as a result of the injection 46of even a small dose of foreign material (anaphylactogen) this is usually termed the sensitizing dose. Anaphylaxis develops during an incubation period of 10 to 14 days and then the injection of a second larger dose of the same material (usually termed the shocking dose) promptly results in anaphylatic shock.
Anaplasia
1. A reversion in the case of a cell to a more primitive embryonic type, i.e., to one in which reproductive activity is marked. 2. Loss of structural differentiation.
Anastomosis
1. A natural communication direct or indirect between two blood vessels or tubular structures. 2. An operative union between of two hollow or tubular structures.
zoom view
Anastomosis arteriovenosa simplex
Anatomy
1. The structure of an organism; morpholgy. 2. The science of the morphology or structure of organisms. 3. Dissection. 4. A work describing the form and structure of an organism and its various parts. a. applied Anatomical knowledge utilized in the diagnosis of disease and in treatment especially surgical treatment. a. comparative 1. Anatomy of the lower animals 2. The comparative study of the human body with those of other animals and observation of analogous and homologous parts. a. surface The study of the configuration of the surface of the body especially in its relation to deeper parts.
Ancylostoma
A genus of Nematoda, the old world hookworm the members of which are parasitic in the duodenum where they attach themselves to the mucous membrane sucking the blood and causing a state of anemia and mental and physical inertia. The eggs are passed with the feces and the larvae develop in moist soil, they enter the body of man through the skin of the feet and ankles, possibly also in the drinking water and reach maturity in the intestine.47
zoom view
Ancylostoma duodenale, (A) Larval form; (B) mouth of adult, showing two pairs of teeth
a. caninum A species with three pairs of ventral teeth in the oral cavity infesting dogs, cause of kennel anemia, it occurs also although rarely in man. a. duodenale A reddish worm with two pairs of hooklike teeth on the ventral surface and one rudimentary minor pair. These species and A. braziliense (with only one pair of ventral teeth) are found in man, the latter in dogs and cats also.
Androgen
A generic term for an agent usually a hormone, e.g., testosterone or androsterone that stimulates the activity of the accessory sex organs of the male; encourages the development of the male sex characteristics.
Androgynoid
A man with hermaphroditic sexual characteristics who is mistaken for a woman, a pseudohermaphrodite. Possession of masculine characteristics by a genetically pure female.
Androgynus
Female pseudohermaphrodite.
Andropathy
Any disease such as prostatitis peculiar to the male sex.
Androstenedione
A testosterone precursor.
Anemia (Anaemia)
Qualitative or quantitative in reduction in red blood cells. a. elliptocytic Anemia characterized by elliptical erythrocytes (ovalocytes) resembling those observed normally in camels; 1 to 15 percent of erythrocytes in nonanemic persons may be oval but greater proportions are observed in certain patients with microcytic anemia, latter conditions frequently termed symptomatic ovalocytosis. a. hyperchromic Characterized by an increase in the ratio of the weight of hemoglobin to the volume of the erythrocyte, i.e., the mean 48corpuscular hemoglobin concentration is greater than normal with the exception of some instances of hereditary spherocytosis such “supersaturation” does not occur although the weight of hemoglobin per cell may be greater in the macrocytes of pernicious anemia, the increase is proportional to larger volume and such cells are not truly hyperchromic. a. hypochromic Characterized by a decrease in the ratio of the weight of haemoglobin to the volume of the erythrocyte, i.e., the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is less than normal; the individual cells contains less hemoglobin than they could have under optimal conditions. a. hypochromic microcytic A type of anaemia caused by a deficiency of iron; the amount of haemoglobin is reduced to a greater degree than the blood red cell count as a result of 1. less than the normal percentage of haemoglobin per cell and 2. the smaller than the normal size of most of the erythrocytes. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) are less than normal. a. Iron deficiency Any hypochromic microcytic anemia with the exception of that occurring in thalassemia and anemia produced in certain experimental animals that are deficient, in vitamin B6 or copper. a. macrocytic Any anaemia in which the average size of circulating erythrocytes is greater than normal, i.e., the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 94 cu or more (normal range 82 to 92 cu) includes such syndromes as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, anaemia of pregnancy etc. a. megaloblastic Any anaemia in which there is a predominant number of megaloblasts and relatively few normoblasts among the hyperplastic erythroid cells in the bone marrow (as in pernicious) a. normochromic Anemia in which the concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocytes is within the normal range, i.e., the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is around 32 to 36 percent.
Anergia
Lack of activity.49
Anergy
Impaired ability to react with antigens.
Aneroid
Equipment that does not utilize liquid medium for measurement of pressure, e.g., aneroid barometer.
Anesthesia
Partial or complete loss of sensation with or without loss of consciousness (depending upon stage of anaesthesia) induced by administration of an anaesthetic agent. a. caudal Injection of anaesthetic agent into caudal epidural space. a. dissociative A type of anaesthesia characterized by amnesia, analgesia and cataplexy. The patient is dissociated from environment. a. infiltration Local anaesthesia produced by injecting the local anaesthetic solution directly into tissue. a. inhalational General anesthesia produced by inhalation of vapor or gas anaesthetic like ether, nitrous oxide, halothane, trilene etc. a. pudendal The pudendal nerve near the spinous process of ischium is blocked; used in perineal and obstetric surgery. a. spinal Anaesthesia produced by injection of anaesthetic agent into subarachnoid space. a. surgical Depth of anaesthesia of which relaxation of muscles and loss of sensation and consciousness are adequate for performance of surgery. a. twilight State of light anaesthesia.
Anesthesiologist
Physician specializing in anaesthesiology.
Anesthetize
To induce anesthesia.
Aneuploidy
Possession of abnormal number of chromosomes.
Aneurysm
Localized abnormal dilatation of a blood vessel due to congenital weakness or defect in the wall. a. atherosclerotic Aneurysm due to degeneration of arterial wall by atherosclerosis. a. berry Small saccular congenital aneurysm of cerebral vessel. a. cirsoid A dilatation of network of vessels, forming a pulsating subcutaneous tumor, usually on the scalp. a. compound Aneurysm in which some of the layers of vessel wall are ruptured and others dilated.
zoom view
Types of aneurysm
50
a. dissecting Aneurysm in which following interruption of wall of a blood vessel, blood enters in between the walls separating them for variable distance and often obstructing the vessel lumen. a. fusiform Aneurysm in which all the walls of blood vessel dilate more or less equally, forming a tubular swelling. a. mycotic Aneurysm due to bacterial infection of vessel wall. a. saccular The dilatation does not involve the entire circumference of vessel.
Angel dust
Phencyclidine, a psychodelic.
Angel's trumpet
A flowering shrub producing alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine and hyoscine.
Angel's wing
Posterior projection of scapula caused by paralysis of serratus anterior.
Anger
The emotion of extreme displeasure to a person, a situation or an object.
Angiectasia
Dilatation of blood and lymph vessel.
Angina
Severe pain. a. abdominis Abdominal pain due to ischaemia of gut. a. cruris Leg pain due to vascular obstruction. a. decubitus Attacks of angina pectoris occurring in recumbent position. a. Ludwig Deep infection of tissues in the floor of the mouth. a. pectoris Ischemic pain of cardiac origin manifesting as constriction around heart, faintness; radiation of pain occurring to jaw, neck, left shoulder, upper abdomen and along inner border of left arm. a. prinzmetal's Angina pectoris with ST elevation due to coronary spasm. a. unstable Angina of recent onset, abrupt progression; occurring at rest; is due to superadded coronary thrombosis, a fore runner of impending infarction. a. variant Angina occurring at rest in absence of cardiac acceleration.
Angioblast
The mesenchymal cell derivative which ultimately develops into blood vessels.
Angioblastoma
Tumor involving blood vessels of brain and meninges.
Angiocardiogram
Serial X-rays of heart after intraventricular injection of radio opaque dye.
Angioedema
An allergic condition characterized by urticaria and edematous areas of skin and mucus membrane or viscera. The reaction is IgE 51dependent, but is often complement mediated as in hereditary angioedema.
Angioendothelioma
A tumor with endothelial cells predominance occurring in bone.
Angiogenesis
Development of blood vessels.
Angiogenic factors
A group of polypeptides that either stimulate vascular endothelium to proliferate or stimulate macrophages to secrete endothelial growth factors.
Angiography
X-ray of blood vessels after injection of radio opaque material. a. cerebral X-ray picture of cerebral circulation to evaluate stroke, tumor, AV malformation, aneurysm or abnormal vascular pattern. a. coronary X-ray of coronary circulation to evaluate ischaemic disease. a. digital subtraction A computer aided “subtraction” technique that subtracts images of surrounding tissue from the contrast image to give better resolution and minor details.
Angioid streaks
Dark wavy anastomosing striae lying beneath the retinal vessels.
Angiokeratoma
Thickening of epidermis of feet with telangiectases warty growths.
Angiolipoma
A mixed tumor containing blood vessels and fatty tissue.
Angiolith
Calcareous deposits in walls of blood vessels.
Angiology
Science of blood vessels and lymphatics.
Angioma
A tumor containing blood vessels (hemangioma) or lymph vessels (lymphangioma), considered to be misplaced fetal tissue undergoing abnormal development. a. capillary Congenital superficial hemangioma appearing as irregular red discolouration due to overgrowth of capillaries. a. cavernous Elevated dark red tumor consisting of blood filled vascular spaces; involves submucous and subcutaneous tissue and is pulsatile. a. senile Hemangioma in elderly due to capillary wall degeneration, producing a compressible mass. a. serpiginous A skin disorder characterized by appearance of small, red vascular dots arranged in rings due to proliferation of capillaries. a. stellate Hemangioma in which telangiectatic blood vessels radiate from a central point SYN — spider nevus.52
Angiomalacia
Softening of wall of blood vessels.
Angiomatosis
Multiple angiomas.
Angiomyolipoma
A benign growth containing vascular, muscular and fatty elements.
Angiopathy
Any disease of blood or lymph vessel.
Angioplasty
Dilatation of obstructed vessel by an angiographic procedure.
zoom view
Balloon angioplasty— the expanded balloon pressing against a stenotic site in an artery
Angiotensin
A vasopressor substance formed by interaction of renin on a serum globulin called angiotensinogen. a. I Physiologically inactive form of angiotensin. a. II Physiologically active form of angiotensin; a potent vasopressor and stimulant of aldosterone secretion.
Angiotensinogen
A serum globulin fraction formed in the liver; hydrolyzed to angiotensin by renin.
Angle
The space outlined by two diverging lines from a common point or by the meeting of two planes. a. acromial Angle formed by junction of lateral and posterior borders of acromion. a. alpha Angle formed by intersection of visual line with optic axis. a. alveolar Angle between the horizontal plane and a line drawn through the base of nasal spine and the midpoint of alveolus of upper jaw. a. cardiophrenic The angle formed by diaphragm and heart outline. a. carrying Angle made at the elbow by extending the long axis of fore arm and the upper arm. Normally it is around 15° in male and 18° female. a. costophrenic Angle formed by lateral end of diaphragm with the rib cage. a. facial Angle made by the lines from the nasal spine and external auditory meatus meeting between upper middle incisor teeth. a. gamma Angle between line of vision and visual axis. a. of Treitz Sharp curve at duodeno jejunal junction. a. sphenoid Angle formed at the top of sella turcica by intersection of lines drawn from nasal point and tip of rostrum of sphenoid bone. a. visual Angle formed by the line drawn from nodal 53point of eye to the edges of the object being viewed.
Angor animi
The feeling that one is dying as in angina pectoris.
Angstrom unit
Unit for measurement of wavelength equal to 10−10 meter.
Angular artery
Artery at inner canthus of eye.
Anhedonia
Lack of pleasure in normally pleasurable acts.
Anhidrosis
Absence of sweat secretion.
Anhydrase
Enzyme that helps in removal of water from a chemical compound.
Anhydride
Compound formed by removal of water from a substance, especially an acid.
Anhydrous
Lacking water.
Anicteric
Without jaundice.
Aniline
The simplest aromatic amine, an oily liquid derived from benzene, used for dyes.
Anilism
Chronic aniline poisoning manifesting with vertigo, cardiac conduction defects, muscular weakness.
Anima
Soul, individual's innerself.
Animal
A living organism. a. cold blooded An animal whose body temperature changes with that of environment. a. warmblooded Animals that maintain constant body temperature irrespective of change in environmental temperature.
Animation
State of being alive. a. suspended State of apparent death.
Anion
An ion carrying negative charge being attracted to positive pole, anode.
Anion gap
It is calculated from subtracting HCO3 + Cl from plasma sodium. Normal value is 8–12 mEq/L.
Aniridia
Congenital absence of a part of iris.
Anisindione
Anticoagulant agent.
Anisocoria
Inequality in size of pupils.
Anisocytosis
Marked inequality in size of cells.
Anisogamy
Sexual fusion of two gametes of different form and size.
Anisometropia
Condition in which refractive powers of each eye are different.
Anisophoria
Muscular imbalance in eye so that horizontal visual plane of one eye is different from other.
Anisotropine
A belladona alkaloid derivative, spasmolytic.
Ankle
The hinge joint formed by articulation of tibia, fibula and talus. a. clonus Repeated contraction and relaxation of leg muscles following mild 54extension of ankle in patients of corticospinal disease, an evidence of increased muscle tone.
Ankle jerk
Plantar flexion of foot due to contraction of calf musculature following a brisk tap to tendo achilis tendon.
Ankyloblepharon
Adhesion of upper and lower eyelids at lid margin.
Ankylocolpos
Imperforated or atretic vaginal canal.
Ankyloglossia
Poor tongue protrusion due to abnormally short frenulum.
Ankylosis
Immobility of a joint, due to fibrous tissue growth or bony fusion within joint. a. dental Fusion of root cementum with adjacent alveolar bone.
Annular
Circular.
Annuloraphy
Closure of hernial ring by suture.
Annulus
A ring shaped structure.
Anococcygeal body
The muscle and fibrous tissue lying in between anus and coccyx; giving attachment to.
Anococcygeal ligament
A band of fibrous tissue joining coccyx to external sphincter ani.
Anode
The positive pole.
Anodontia
Absence of teeth.
Anomaloscope
Device for detection of color blindness.
Anomaly
Deviation from normal, irregularity.
Anomia
Inability in naming objects.
Anopheles
A genus of mosquito, vector for plasmodia, the causative agent of malaria.
zoom view
Ebstein's anomaly
55
Anorchism
Congenital absence of one or both testes.
Anorexia
Loss of appetite. a. nervosa A psychological malade of young girls who are anorexic for fear of becoming obese.
Anorexigenic
Causing loss of appetite
Anoscope
Speculum for examining anus and lower rectum.
Anosmia
Loss of sense of smell.
Anovulatory
Not associated with ovulation.
Anovulatory cycle
Menstrual cycle not preceded by ovulation.
Anoxemia
Insufficient oxygenation of blood.
Anoxia
Reduced oxygenation of tissues from various causes. a. altitude Insufficient oxygen content of inspired air in high altitude causing anoxia. a. anemic Anoxia due to decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood. a. anoxic Anoxia due to defective pulmonary mechanism of oxygenation, i.e., pulmonary fibrosis, edema, bronchial obstruction, emphysema etc. a. stagnant Tissue anoxia due to stagnant peripheral circulation as in cardiac failure, shock.
Ansa
Any structure in the form of a loop or arc. a. cervicalis A nerve loop in the neck formed by fibres from first three cervical nerves. a. lenticularis Fibre tract from globus pallidus to ventral nucleus of thalamus that winds round in internal capsule. a. peduncularis Fibre tract from anterior temporal lobe to medio dorsal nucleus of thalamus, extending around internal capsule. a. sacralis Nerveloop connecting sympathetic trunk with coccygeal ganglion.
Ansamycin
A rifamycin derivative, used in tuberculosis.
Ansiform
Shaped like a loop.
Antabuse
Disulfiram, used to cause aversion in alcoholics by increasing acetaldehyde concentration.
Antacid
Agent that neutralizes gastric HCl.
Antagonism
Mutual opposite or contradictory action.
Antagonist
Agent or any other thing that counteracts the action of something else. a. narcotic A drug that reverses action of a narcotic hence producing withdrawal symptoms in some.56
zoom view
Antagonist—The triceps rachii extends the forearm at the elbow while the biceps brachii and its antagonist— flexes the elbow
Antalgesic
SYN — analgesic, i.e., pain reliever.
Antaphrodisiac
Agent that suppresses sexual desire.
Antasthenic
Invigorating, strengthening, relieving weakness.
Antazoline
An antihistamine used for allergic conjunctivitis.
Ante
Prefix meaning before.
Antecedent
Some thing coming before; precursor.
Antecibum
Before meals.
Ante cubital
At the bend of elbow.
Ante cubital fossa
Triangular area lying anterior to and below the elbow, bounded medially by pronator teres and laterally by brachio-radialis.
Anteflexion
Abnormal bending forward, e.g., especially of uterine body at its neck.
zoom view
Anteflexion of uterus
Antegrade
Moving forward or in the direction of flow.
Ante mortem
Before death.
Antenatal
Occurring before birth.
Antenatal diagnosis
Diagnostic procedures done to determine the health and genetic status of foetus, e.g., ultrasound, amiocentesis, chorionic villi sampling, biophysical profile, non-stress test.
Antepar
Piperazine citrate.
Antepartum
Before onset of labor.
Anterior
In anatomy refers to ventral portion of body.
Anterior chamber
The front chamber of eye bounded infront by cornea, behind by iris and lens; contains aqueous humor.
Anterior horn cell
The nerve cells in anterior horn of spinal cord whose axons form the efferent fibres innervating the muscles.
Anterograde
Moving frontward.57
Anteroinferior
Infront and below.
Anterolateral
Infront and to one side.
Anteromedian
Infront and towards midline.
Anteroposterior
Passing from front to rear.
Anterosuperior
In front and above.
Anteversion
A tipping forward of an organ as a whole, without bending.
zoom view
Antiversion of uterus
Anthelmintic
Agents against intestinal worms.
Anthracosis
SYN — black lung; accumulation of carbon deposits in lungs due to smoking or coal dust.
Anthralin
A synthetic hydrocarbon used as ointment to treat fungal infections and eczema.
Anthrax
Disease caused by bacillus anthracis, a disease primarily of animals. In man it may occur as cutaneus pustule with black eschar, or a pulmonary form (wool sorter's disease) with pulmonary edema, necrotizing mediastinal lymph adenitis, pleural effusion etc.
Anthropogeny
Origin and development of man.
Anthropology
The study of man; physical, cultural, linguistic and archaeologic.
Anthropometry
Science of measuring human body, including craniometry, osteometry, skin fold thickness, height and weight measurement.
Anthropomorphism
Attributing human qualities to nonhumans.
Anthropophilic
Parasites that prefer human host rather than other animals.
Anti
Prefix meaning against.
Antiadrenergic
Counter acting or preventing adrenergic actions.
Antiagglutinin
A specific antibody opposing the action of agglutinin.
Antiamebic
A medicine used to treat amebiasis.
Antiandrogen
Substances antagonizing action of androgen, e.g., ciproterone acetate.
Antibiosis
Relationship between two organisms where one is harmful to the other.58
Antibiotic
Substances that inhibit or destroy micro organisms; can be bactericidal or bacteriostatic (only inhibit growth).
Antibody
A protein substance developed on challenge by an antigen. Antibodies may be present due to previous infection, vaccination, transplacental transfer (IgG only) or unknown idiopathic antigenic stimulation. a. acetylcholine receptor present in 85% cases of myasthenia gravis. a.anticardiolipin present in SLE causing vessel thrombosis. a. antiglindin present in celiac disease; non-specific a. antimicrosomal directed against a thyroid microsomal antigen in patients of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. a. antimitochondrial directed against inner mitochondrial antigen seen in primary biliary cirrhosis. a. antimyosin (Indium III tagged) binds to irreversibly damaged myocardium; used in infarct avid scintigraphy. a. antinuclear antibodies against nuclear antigens present in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. a. blocking Antibody that reacts with other antigens and blocks its effects. a. cross-reacting Antibody that reacts with other antigens functionally similar to its specific antigen. a. anti SSA, anti SSB antinuclear antibodies present in SLE and Sjogren's syndrome. a. antithyroglobulin present in 50–75% cases of Hashimoto's disease. a. Donath Landsteiner IgG antibody directed against P blood group antigen, responsible for haemolysis in paroxysmal haemoglobinuria. a. fluorescent Antigen antibody reaction made visible by incorporating a fluorescent material into the reaction and their examination under fluorescent microscopy. a. OKT3 mouse monoclonal antibody against T3 lymphocytes, used to treat transplant rejection. a. phospholipid include anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants. a. Prausnitz Kustner's IgE antibodies causing cutaneous anaphylaxis. a. warm IgG antibody that reacts with antigen at 37°C.
Antibody coated bacteria
Bacteria coated with antibody present in urine. Analysis of antibody pattern can localize the site of invasion of bacteria in urinary tract. a. warm. IgG antibody that reacts with antigen at 37°C.
Antibromic
Deodorant.
Antiburn scar garment
A garment made of stretchable 59filaments worn to provide uniform pressure over burn graft sites inorder to reduce scarring during healing.
Anticholinergic
Agents that prevent parasympathetic transmission e.g., belladona, tricyclic antidepressants, thereby causing dryness of mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurring of vision and tachycardia.
Anticholinesterase
Substance opposing action of choline sterate which causes breakdown of acetylcholine.
Anticoagulant
Agents that prevent/delay clot formation, e.g., sodium citrate heparin.
Anticodon
A triple arrangement of bases in tRNA that complements the triplet on corresponding MRNA.
Anticonvulsant
Agents that prevent or control seizure.
Antidepressant
Agents that prevent, cure or alleviate mental depression.
Antidiuretic hormone
Vasopressin.
Antidote
Agents that neutralize poisons or their effects. a. chemical Antidote that reacts with poison to produce harmless chemical compound, e.g., common salt precipitates silver nitrate to produce silver chloride. a. mechanical Antidote that prevents absorption of poison, e.g., charcoal, egg albumin, milk casein and fats (fats contraindicated in camphor, phosphorus poisoning). a. universal Two parts of activated charcoal, one part tannic acid, one part magnesium oxide; given orally mixed with water. Charcoal adsorbs, tannic acid precipitates and magnesium oxide neutralizes poisons. This antidote like chemical antidotes should be removed from stomach after some time.
Antidromic
Nerve impulse travelling in opposite direction than normal.
Antiemetic
Agent that prevents or relieves vomiting and nausea.
Antiestrogen
Substances that block or modify action of estrogen e.g., clomifene citrate.
Antigen
Substance that induces antibody production and interacts with it in a specific way. a. Australia hepatitis B surface antigen. a. CA 125 antigen of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. a. carcinoembryonic elevated in carcinoma colon, pancreas, stomach, breast, IBD, pancreatitis; primarily used in monitoring 60response to treatment in colorectal cancer. a. class I major histocompatibility antigen found on every cell except RBC. a. Class II histocompatibility antigen found principally on B lymphocytes (HLAD, DR, DT, MT). a. class III non-histocompatibility antigens. a. CALLA occur in lymphoblasts of ALL. a. Forssman heterogenous antigen inducing production of antisheep haemolysis. a. HbeAg present in blood during active replication of HBV a. K bacterial capsular antigen, e.g. salmonella V1 antigen. a. Kveim prepared from sorcoid tissue.
Antigen-antibody reaction
Combination of antigen with specific antibody that may result in agglutination, precipitation, neutralization, complement fixation or increased susceptibility to phagocytosis.
Antihelix
Inner curved ridge of external ear parallel to helix.
Anti inflammatory
Counteracting inflammation.
Antiluetic
Agent that cures or relieves syphilis.
Antilymphocytic serum
Serum used in certain autoimmune disorders and in transplant patients to reduce chances of rejection.
Antimetabolite
1. A substance structurally similar to metabolite, opposes or replaces a metabolite 2. a class of antineoplastic drugs used to treat cancer.
Antimetabolites
Cytarabine
5-Fluorouracil
FUDR
Methotrexate
Hydroxy urea
6 mercaptopurine
6 thioguanine
5 azacytidine
Pentostatin
Leustatin
Edatrexate
Antimony
A metal whose compounds are used to treat trypanosomiasis.
Antineoplastic
Agents that prevent the development, growth and proliferation of malignant cells.
Antinuclear antibody
A group of antibodies that react against normal components of cell nucleus. They are present in SLE, PSS, scleroderma, polymyositis, etc.61
Antioxidants
Agents that prevent or inhibit oxidation e.g. vit E.
Antipathy
Antagonism, strong aversion.
Antiperistalsis
Reverse peristalsis.
Antiplasmin
An inhibitor of fibrinolysis; its deficiency causes bleeding.
Antiplastic
Preventing or inhibiting wound healing.
Antiprostaglandins
Agents that interfere with prostaglandin activity; used for treatment of arthritis, dysmenorrhoea.
Antiprostate
Cowper's gland.
Antipruritic
Preventing or relieving itching.
Antipyretic
Agent that reduces fever.
Antishock garment
Inflatable garment that compresses lower extremity and abdomen to prevent pooling of blood. Useful in aviation and in treating hypotension.
Antiseptic
Agent preventing sepsis by inhibiting growth of micro-organisms.
Antisudorific
Agent that inhibits perspiration.
Antithrombotic
Preventing thrombosis or blood coagulation.
Antithrombin III
A protein synthesized in liver. Its concentration is lowered in nephrotic syndrome leading to renal veins thrombosis.
Antitoxin
Antibody capable of neutralizing a toxin.
Antitrypsin
A substance that inhibits action of trypsin. a. alpha I A low molecular weight glycoprotein whose deficiency is associated with early onset emphysema and neonatal hepatitis.
Antitussive
Agent preventing or relieving cough.
Antivenin
Serum that contains antibodies against animal or insect venom. a. black widow spider Horse antivenin against black widow spider. a. polyvalent Antisnake venom against common snakes.
Antivitamin
A vitamin antagonist, agents that oppose action of vitamins.
Antrectomy
Excision of walls of an antrum.
Antroatticotomy
Operation to open the maxillary sinus and the attic of tympanum.
Antrocele
Fluid accumulation causing a cystic swelling of antrum.
Antrostomy
Opening up of antral wall by surgery.62
Antrum
Any nearly closed cavity or chamber especially in a bone.
zoom view
Antrum pyloricum
Anulus
A ring shaped structure. a. fibrosus The tough outer portion of intervertebral disk.
Anuresis
Absence of urination.
Anus
The lower external opening of GI tract, lying between the folds of buttocks.
Anxiety
A feeling of apprehension, worry, uneasiness.
Anxiety neurosis
A mental disorder with excessive anxiety not restricted to specific situation or objects and is associated with somatic symptoms like palpitation, tremor, dryness of throat, headache.
Anxiolytic
Agents that diminish or counteract anxiety.
Aorta
The main arterial trunk arising from left ventricle and lying to the right and anterior to pulmonary artery.
zoom view
Anuli fibrosi cordis, one surrounding each of the two artioventricular valves
63
zoom view
Aorta—arising from the left ventricle. Then ascending, arching and descending through the thorax to the abdomen, where it divides into the common iliac arteries
The aortic arch ends at level of fourth thoracic vertebra. The branches of aorta are 1. ascending aorta—two coronary arteries, right and left 2. arch of aorta-right innominate, left subclavian 3. thoracic aorta-bronchial arteries, esophageal arteries, intercostal arteries 4. abdominal aorta-celiac artery, renal arteries, mesenteric arteries (superior and inferior).
Aortic regurgitation
Leakage of blood from aorta into left ventricle during diastole.
Aortic stenosis
Narrowing of aortic valve. Normal valve diameter-2 cm/m2
Aortic valve
The valve between left ventricle and ascending aorta, consists of three semilunar cusps that appose during diastole, thus preventing backflow of blood from aorta to left ventricle.
Aortitis
Inflammation of aortic wall, commonly syphilitic or of unknown origin.64
Aorto coronary bypass
Surgical procedure to direct blood from root of aorta to coronary vessels by putting a saphenous vein graft or internal mammary arteries; a modality of treatment for coronary obstruction.
Aortography
X-ray of aorta after contrast injection.
Aortolith
Calcareous deposits in the aortic wall.
Apareunia
Inability to accomplish sexual intercourse.
Apathetic
Indifferent, disinterested.
Apathism
Slowness to react to stimuli, (opposite of erethism).
Apatite
The deceptive stone, a mineral containing calcium and phosphorus ions.
Aperient
A very mild laxative.
Aperitive
Appetite stimulant.
Apert's syndrome
Congenital disorder with peaked head, webbed fingers and toes.
Aperture
An orifice or opening.
Apex
The pointed end of any cone shaped structure.
Apex beat
The systolic movement of left ventricular apex against chest wall, felt in 5th intercostal space 1/2" inside midclavicular line.
Apgar score
A system of assessing infants’ physical condition one minute after birth. The heart rhythm, respiration, muscle tone, response to stimuli and skin colour are assigned a score of 0, 1 or 2. Total score is 10. Those with very low score require immediate attention.
Table: Apgar score
Sign
Score
0
1
2
Colour
Blue, pale
Body pink, limbs blue
Completely pink
Respiratory effort
Absent
Slow, irregular, weak cry
Strong cry
Heart rate
Absent
Slow, less than 100 bpm
Over 100 bpm
Muscle tone
Limp
Some flexion of limbs
Active movement
Reflex response to flicking foot
Absent
Facial grimace
Cry
65
Apgar score at birth has a prognostic bearing on ultimate neurological development (see Table)
Aphakia
Absence of lens of eye.
Aphasia
Impairment of speech; may be motor or sensory (Wernicke's). a. amnestic Loss of memory for words. a. anomic Forgetful for naming. a. Broca's Motor aphasia with intact comprehension. a. global Failure of comprehension as well as speech production. a. jargon Use of disconnected words. a. motor Inability to use muscles controlling speech production. a. semantic Inability to understand meaning of words. a. syntactic Lack of proper grammatical composition.
Aphemia
Motor aphasia.
Aphephobia
Morbid fear of being touched.
Apheresis
Technique of separating blood into its components.
Aphonia
Peripherial failure of speech production; commonly due to a laryngeal lesion.
Aphrasia
Inability to speak or understand phrases.
Aphrodisiac
Sex stimulant.
Aphthae
Small ulcer on mucus membrane.
Aphthous
Pertains to aphthae, i.e., recurrent stomatitis.
Apicectomy
Excision of apex of petrous part of temporal bone.
Apicitis
Inflammation of tooth/lung apex.
Aplanatic lens
A lens that corrects spherical aberration.
Aplasia
Failure of an organ or tissue to develop normally.
Aplastic
Having deficient or arrested development.
Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing.
Apneumatosis
Congenital atelectasis.
Apneusis
Abnormal respiration with sustained inspiratory effort; caused by pontine lesion.
Apochromatic lens
Lens that corrects both spherical and chromatic aberration.
Apocrine
Secretory cells that contribute part of their protoplasm to the matter secreted.
Apocrine sweat glands
Sweat glands of axilla and pubic region that open into hair follicles rather than directly onto surface.
Apoenzyme
The protein portion of an enzyme.66
Apoferritin
The protein that combine with iron to form ferritin.
Apolipoprotein
The nonlipid protein portion of lipoprotein named as B100, A1, AII, B and E.
Apomorphine
A grayish white powder; derivative of morphine, used as emetic and cough suppressant.
Aponeurosis
A flat fibrous sheet of connective tissue serving to attach muscle to bone.
zoom view
Palmar aponeurosis—A fifth longitudinal band, radiating toward the base of the thumb, is sometimes present
Apophysis
An outgrowth from bone without as independent center of ossification.
Apophysitis
Inflammation of apophysis.
Apoplexy
Bleeding into an organ; sudden loss of consciousness with paralysis due to haemorrhage into brain.
Apoptosis
Disintegration of cells into membrane bound particles, that are then phagocytosed by other cells, an important process for limitation of tumor growth.
Apparatus
1. A mechanical device or appliance used in operations or experiments. 2. A group of structures or organs that work together to perform function, e.g., a auditory, a biliary, a juxtaglomerular, a lacrimal.
Appendectomy
Surgical removal of vermiform appendix.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of vermiform appendix. Characterized by pain in right iliac fossa, nausea and vomiting, tenderness and rigidity over right rectus muscle or Mc Burney's point, mild fever, leukocytosis. a. chronic follows acute attack with inflammatory adhesions, and formation of a lump. a. gangrenous Acute appendicitis involving blood vessels with their occlusion and development of gangrene and its vulnerability for rupture.
Appendicolysis
Operation to free appendix from adhesions.
Appendicostomy
Operation in which opening is made in 67vermiform appendix to irrigate cecum and colon.
Appendix
An appendage. a. atrial Muscular pouch attached to left and right atria; the sites for atrial thrombi. a. epiploica Numerous pouches of peritoneum on colon filled with fat.
Appestat
Area of brain controlling appetite.
Appetite
Strong desire for food in constrast to hunger which is a painful condition due to lack of food. a. perverted Desire to eat unnatural substances SYN — pica.
Appetizer
Substance that promotes appetite.
Applanometer
Device for measuring intraocular pressure.
Apple Adam's
The laryngeal prominence formed by two laminae of thyroid cartilage.
Apple picker's disease
Respiratory involvement due to fungicides used in apple harvesting.
Appliance
In dentistry a device used to correct bite such as artificial dentures.
Applicator
A rod with cotton swab on end for making local applications.
Apposition
Being positioned side by side.
Approach
1. Surgical procedures for exposing any organ or tissue 2. draw near.
Apraxia
Inability to perform purposive and learned movements even though there is no motor/sensory loss. a. amnestic Patient cannot understand the action asked to perform even though ability to perform the act is intact.
zoom view
Vermiform appendix and its adjacent structures
68
a. constructional Inability to construct two or three dimensional figures due to lack of ability to integrate perception into kinesthetic images. a. dressing Patient's inability to dress due to lack of knowledge about spatial relations of body. a. ideational Incorrect use of objects due to inability in perceiving their correct use. a. motor Inability to perform an action although the components of it are understood.
Apron
Outergarment for protection of clothing inside.
Aprosody
Absence of normal variations in pitch, rhythm and stress in the speech.
Aprotinin
Protease inhibitor used in pancreatitis, carcinoid syndrome and during surgery to reduce blood loss.
Aptitude
Inherent ability or skill in learning or performing.
Aptyalism
Deficient secretion of saliva.
APUD cells
Amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells; the class of cell producing hormones like ACTH, insulin, glucagon, thyroxin dopamine, serotonin, histamine etc.
Aqua
Water. a.aerata Carbonated water. a. calcariae Lime water. a. fervens Hot water a. fontana Spring water.
Aquanant
Persons working under water for carrying research.
Aquaphobia
Morbid fear of water.
Aquapuncture
Subcutaneous injection of water to produce counter irritation.
Aqueduct
Canal or channel. a. cerebral Canal in midbrain joining third and fourth ventricles. a. vestibular Passage from vestibule to petrous part of temporal bone. a. cochleae Canal connecting subarachnoid space and the cochlear perilymphatic space.
Aqueous
Watery
Aqueous humor
Transparent liquid produced by ciliary processes and filling the posterior and anterior chambers of eye and finally absorbed into venous system by canals of Schlemm.
Arabinose
A pentose plant sugar, gum sugar.69
Arachidonic acid
An essential fatty acid, precursor for prostaglandins, thromboxane and leukotrienes.
Arc
A structure or projected path having a curved or bow like outline.
Arch
Any anatomic structure with a curved or bow like outline, e.g., aortic arch. a. axillary An anomalous muscular slip across the axilla between pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi. a. crural The inguinal ligament extending from anterior superior iliac spine to pubic tubercle. a. longitudinal The anteroposterior arch of the foot; the medial portion is formed by calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuneiform and first three metatarsals and the lateral portion by calcaneus, cuboid and 4th and fifth metatarsals. a. mandibular The first branchial arch from which upper and lower jawbones andassociated structures develop, so also malleus and incus. a. palmar The superficial arch is formed by termination of ulnar artery and the deep arch by communicating branch of ulnar and the radial artery.
zoom view
Three-neuron reflex arc
70
a. plantar Arch formed by external plantar artery and deep branch of dorsalis pedis artery. a. transverse Transverse arch of foot formed by navicular, cuboid cuneiform and metatarsals. a. zygomatic Arch formed by malar and temporal bones.
Archipallium
Olfactory cortex.
Architis
Inflammation of anus.
Arcuate
Shaped like an arc.
Arcus
An arch. a. juvenalis Opaquering at the periphery of cornea in young, may be due to hypercholesterolemia, corneal irritation/inflammation. a. senilis Opaque white ring at periphery of cornea due to deposit of fat granules or hyaline degeneration.
Ardor
A burning sensation during urination.
Area
Well defined space with defined boundaries. a. association Area of cerebral cortex that is neither sensory nor motor but seat of higher mental processes. a. Brodman's Division of cerebral cortex into 47 areas inrespect to their different functions. a. Kiesselbach's Area in anterior portion of nasal septum, with rich capillaries, a site of frequent bleed. a. of Rolando Area infront of fissure of Rolando in anterior central convolution governing motor function of body. a. silent Any area of brain whose destruction does not produce detectable motor or sensory loss.
zoom view
Lateral view of the cerebral hemisphere, which shows some of Brodmann's areas
71
Areflexia
Absence of reflexes.
Areola
1. A small space or cavity in a tissue. 2. Circular area of different pigmentation, e.g., around nipple.
Areolar glands
(Montgomery's glands). Large modified sweat glands beneath the areola secreting a lipoid material that lubricates the nipple.
Areometer
Device for measuring specific gravity of fluids.
Argentaffinoma
An Argentaffin tumor secreting serotonin that may arise in intestinal tract, bile ducts, pancreas, bronchus or ovary.
Arginine
Amino acid obtained from decomposition of vegetable matter, protamines and proteins. On hydrolysis it yields urea and ornithine.
Arginosuccinic acid
Formed from citruline and aspartic acid.
Argon
An inert gas occupying 1% of atmosphere.
Argyl Robertson pupil
Absence of light reflex with preservation of accommodation reflex as in tabes.
Argyria
Bluish discolouration of skin and mucus membranes from prolonged administration of silver.
Argyrol
Mild silver protein used as an antiseptic for eye, nose, throat and urethral irrigation.
Argyrophil
Cells that bind to silver salts producing brown or black stain.
Aristogenics
SYN-eugenics. The science dealing with genetic and prenatal influences affecting expression of certain characteristics in offspring.
Arithmetic mean
In statistics, the number obtained by addition of all the values listed in a group divided by total values.
Arm
a. chromosome the two segments of chromosome, short arm P and long arm Q, joined at centromere.
zoom view
Chromosome arms of the segment
Arm board
Board placed under the arm for stabilization during I.V. administration.
Armamentarium
The total utilities at disposal like drugs, instruments, books, supplies.72
Armature
1. A part of an electric generator consisting of a coil of insulated wire. 2. In biology a structure that serves to protect.
Arnold-Chiari deformity
A condition in which the inferior poles of cerebellar hemispheres and medulla protrude through foramen magnum causing hydrocephalus. It is commonly associated with spina bifida and meningo myelocele.
Aroma
Pleasant odor.
Aromatic
1. Having an aggreable odor. 2. Belonging to a series of compounds in which the carbon atoms form a closed ring (as in benzene) in comparison to aliphatic series where carbon atoms form straight or branched chains.
Aromatic ammonia spirit
Solution of ammonium carbonate in diluted ammonia solution, fragrant oils, alcohol and water. It acts as a reflex stimulant on inhalation. Also acts as an antacid and carminative.
Arousal
1. Alertness. 2. Sexual excitement.
Arrectores pilorum
Involuntary muscle in skin connected to hairfollicle whose contraction due to cold, fright causes erection of hair and “goose flesh” appearance of skin.
Arrest
Cessation of function. a. cardiac Cessation of heart function. a. epiphyseal Arrest in growth of long bones. a. pelvic The foetal presenting part is arrested in its descent in maternal pelvis. a. respiratory Stoppage of spontaneous respiration. a. sinus The SA node does not initiate the impulse formation, a feature of sick sinus syndrome.
Arrhenoblastoma
An ovarian tumor secreting male sex hormones, causing virilization in females.
Arsenic poisoning
Accidental or deliberate ingestion causes acute gastroenteritis with shock, convulsion, paralysis and death.
Arsphenamine
A light yellow powder containing about 30% arsenic previously used for treatment of syphilis. SYN __ Salvarsan.
Artemether
An antimalarial for resistant falciparum malaria.
Arterial line
A method of haemodynamic monitoring where catheter is put into an artery for recording blood pressure, arterial gas analysis.73
Arteriogram
X-ray of an artery after injection of radio opaque material.
Arteriole
A minute artery that leads into capillary.
Arterioplasty
Repair or reconstruction of an artery.
Arteriosclerosis
Thickening and hardening of an artery with loss of elasticity and contractility. Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include ageing, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking etc.
Arteritis
Inflammation of an artery. a. nodosa Widespread inflammation of adventia of small and medium sized arteries with impaired function. a. temporal Chronic inflammation of temporal and often occipital and ophthalmic arteries with presence of giant cells and occlusion of vascular lumen.
Artery
(from Greek arteria meaning windpipe). The ancient Greeks believed that air travelled through them. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from heart to distant body parts: exceptions are pulmonary artery and umbilical artery. a. end Artery whose branches do not anastomose with those of other arteries, e.g., arteries of brain and spinal cord.
Artesunate
An antimalarial for resistant falciparum malaria.
Arthralgia
Joint pain.
Arthritide
A skin eruption caused by arthritis.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint usually following trauma, due to degeneration, infection (gonococcal, tubercular, brucella, pneumococcal), rheumatic fever, ulcerative colitis, collagen disorders, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, synovioma, para or periarticular infections, denervation, e.g. tabes dorsalis.
Arthrocentesis
Puncture of a joint to drain joint fluid for analysis.
Arthrodesis
The surgical immobilization of joint, ankylosis.
Arthrogram
Visualisation of interior of a joint after injection of radio opaque dye into joint space.
Arthrogryposis
Fixation of a joint in a flexed position.
Arthrolysis
Restoration of mobility of an ankylosed joint.
Arthropathy
Any joint disease.
Arthroplasty
Reconstruction or reshaping of a diseased joint, even by replacement of joint components.
Arthroscope
An endoscope for examination of interior of a joint.74
Arthroscopy
Visualization of interior of a joint by arthroscope.
Arthrospore
A bacterial spore formed by segmentation.
Arthrotome
Knife for making incision into joint.
Arthus reaction
An immediate hypersensitivity reaction due to preformed antibody to injected antigen.
Articulate
1. To join together as a joint. 2. To speak clearly.
Articulation
1. A joint, classified, being synarthrosis (immovable), amphiarthrosis (slightly movable) and diarthrosis (freely movable) 2. Utterance of words and sentences. a. apophyseal The joint between superior and inferior articulating process of vertebra. a. confluent Speech in which syllables run together.
Artefact
Anything artificially produced; as in histology/radiology a feature produced by the technique but not occurring naturally.
Artificial
Not natural, formed by imitation of nature. a. insemination donor Artificial insemination of a woman with sperms of anonymous donor. a. insemination husband Use of husbands sperms for insemination of wife. a. intelligence Computer performance of cognitive tasks. a. pneumothorax Introduction of air into pleural cavity to induce collapse of lung as to control haemoptysis in tuberculosis.
Artisan's cramps
Muscle cramp involving muscles used in prolonged spells of writing, sewing, telegraphing etc.
Aryepiglottic
Pertaining to arytenoid cartilage and epiglottis.
Asafetida
A gum resin with strong odor and garlic taste.
Asbestos
Fibrous incombustible form of magnesium and calcium silicate used to make insulating material.
Asbestosis
A form of pneumoconiosis due to inhalation of asbestos dusts, also responsible for pleural mesothelioma.
Ascariasis
Infestation with ascaris lumbricoides.
Ascaris lumbricoides
A species of ascaris inhibiting human intestine, often producing dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction, biliary colic and appendicitis.
zoom view
Ascaris lumbricoides
75
Aschheim-Zondek test
A pregnancy test where patient's urine is injected into female mice to induce ovulation.
Aschner's phenomenon
Slowing of pulse following carotid sinus massage or pressure on eye ball.
Aschoff's cells
Large multinucleated cell with vesicular nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm.
Aschoff's nodule
Small nodules composed of central fibrinoid necrosis surrounded by giant cells and leukocytes, seen in interstitial tissues of heart in rheumatic myocarditis.
Ascites
Accumulation of fluid in peritoneal cavity. a. chylous Milky ascites resulting from rupture of thoracic duct.
Ascorbic acid
Vit C.
Aseptic
Sterile, free from germs.
Aseptic technique
Techniques that prevent contamination of operative wounds.
Asparagine
Amino succinic acid; a non essential amino acid.
Aspartame
An artificial sweetner, 180 times sweeter than sugar; synthesized from aspartic acid and phenyl alanine. Unsuitable for cooking as the flavor changes on eating.
Aspartic acid
A nonessential amino acid, product of pancreatic digestion.
Aspergillin
A pigment produced by A. niger which also produces black spores and commonly infects ear canal.
Aspergillosis
Granulomatous inflammation of skin, lungs, ear canal and mucous membrane by A. fumigatus.
Aspermia
Lack of or failure to ejaculate semen.
Aspersion
Sprinkling of an affected part with water, a form of hydrotherapy.
Asphyxia
Suffocation caused by lack of oxygen due to failure of breathing, tracheo bronchial obstruction, drowning, environmental oxygen lack, edema of the lungs.
Asphyxiant
An agent, especially gas producing asphyxia.
Asphyxiate
To cause asphyxia.
Aspirate
To draw in or out by suction.
Aspirator
Apparatus for evacuating fluid contents of a cavity.
Aspirin
Acetyl salicylic acid.
Assault
Violent physical attack on an individual. In legal sense any procedure on an individual 76without proper permission. a. sexual Sexual intercourse without consent/against will.
Assay
The analysis of a substance or mixture to determine its constituents or the relative proportion of each.
Assimilate
To absorb digested food.
Assimilation
1. The processes whereby the products of digestion are absorbed and utilized in the body. 2. In psychology, the absorption of newly perceived information into the existing conscious structure.
Association
Relationship; interrelationship of conscious and unconscious; in genetics the occurrence together of two characteristics at a frequency greater than would be predicted by chance.
Association cortex
Areas other than motor and sensory cortex which serve to integrate brain functions.
Astasia
Inability to stand or sit erect due to motor incoordination. a. abasia A form of hysterical ataxia with inability to stand or walk although all leg movements can be performed while sitting or lying down.
Astemizole
H1 receptor blocker antiallergic.
Astereognosis
Inability to recognize objects or forms by touch.
Asterion
The junction of lambdoid, occipitomastoid and parietomastoid sutures.
zoom view
Asterion
Asterixis
Transient lapses of muscle tone with involuntary jerky movements especially of hands as in hepatic failure.
Asteroid
Star shaped.
Asthenia
Loss of strength, debility. a. neurocirculatory A psycho-somatic disorder characterizes by mental and physical fatigue, dyspnea, giddiness etc.
Asthma
Paroxysmal dyspnea and wheezing caused by bronchospasm, bronchial 77mucosal swelling and retention of viscid sputum. a. cardiac Asthma secondary to left ventricular failure. a. extrinsic Asthma due to environmental allergens. a. intrinsic Asthma where no external cause is identifiable.
Astigmatism
A form of ametropia where the curvature of cornea or lens differ in different meridians so that an object is not sharply focussed on retina. a. compound The horizontal and vertical curvatures are abnormal. a. simple Only one meridian is defective.
Astraphobia
Fear of thunder and lightening.
Astringent
An agent that has constricting or binding effect, i.e., that causes coagulation of proteins and thus contracts organic tissue; there by checks haemorrhages and secretions. Common example are salts of lead, iron, zinc, tannic acid.
Astrocyte
Star shaped neuroglial cell with many branching processes.
Astrocytoma
A tumor of astrocytes; classified inorder of increasing malignancy as grade I—consisting of fibrillary or protoplasmic astrocytes—Grade II composed of astroblasts Grade III-IV—called glioblastoma multiforme composed of spongioblast, astroblast and astrocyte in varying proportion.
Astrophobia
Morbid fear of stars and celestial bodies.
Asylum
An institution for mentally ill.
Asymmetry
Without symmetry.
Asymptomatic
Without any symptoms.
zoom view
Astrocyte in association with a blood vessel
78
Asynclitism
An oblique presentation of foetal head during labor.
Asynergia
Lack of coordination between body parts or muscles that normally act in unison.
Ataraxia
A state of complete mental relaxation and tranquility.
Atavism
The appearance of characteristics presumed to be present in some ancestors.
Ataxia
Defective muscular control and coordination. a. alcoholic Ataxia due to loss of proprioception in chronic alcoholism. a. Brun's Ataxia of bilateral frontal lobe lesions with a tendency to stagger and fall backwards. a. cerebellar Motor ataxia of cerebellar disease. Often with nystagmus, tremor, scanning speech and dysmetria. a. Friedreich's An inherited disease manifesting in childhood or adolescence. There is degeneration of lateral and dorsal columns of spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy, high arch palate, kyphoscoliosis are often associated. a. sensory Ataxia due to loss of proprioceptive impulses. a. telangiectasia IgA deficiency state of congenital origin manifesting with cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia and recurrent sinopulmonary infections.
Atelectasis
Collapsed or airless condition of lungs; the affected lungs are often unexpanded since birth, can be caused by bronchial obstruction, or compression.
Atherogenesis
Formation of atheromata in the walls of arteries.
Atheroma
Fatty degeneration of arterial wall with cholesterol deposit and smooth muscle hyperplasia.
Atherosclerosis
A sclero degenerative disease of arterial wall marked by intimal lipid deposit, fibrous tissue accumulation and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Athetosis
Slow irregular twisting involuntary movement of hand and fingers.
zoom view
Positions of fingers in movements of athetosis
Athlete's foot
Fungus infection of foot particularly in betweeen toes.
Atlantoaxial
Pertaining to first and second cervical vertebrae.79
Atlas
The first cervical vertebra articulating with occipital bone (Atlas is the Greek God holding the world on his shoulders).
Atom
The smallest form of an element consisting of protons, neutrons and electrons.
Atopy
An allergy with a genetic predisposition. Principal forms of atopy are bronchial asthma, urticaria, eczema and rhinitis.
Atracurium
Nondepolarizing muscle relaxant.
Atresia
Congenital absence or closure of any tubular structure.
Atrial fibrillation
Randomized irregular arhythmic atrial contractions giving rise to irregularly irregular pulse.
Atrial flutter
Rapid regular atrial contraction with a varying but regular ventricular response due to fixed or varying A-V block.
Atrial natriuretic factor
A hormone secreted by dilated atria that helps in natriuresis.
Atrichosis
Congenital absence of hair.
Atrioventricular bundle
The conducting system extending from A-V node till division into left and right bundles.
Atrioventricularis communis
Persistence of the common atrioventricular canal manifesting with atrio ventricular septal defects and A -V valve incompetence.
zoom view
Atlas. (A) TOP) superior aspect; (bottom) transverse aspect.
Note the absence of the body and spinous process. (B), Position
80
Atrium
A chamber or cavity in communication with another. a. of ear Portion of tympanic cavity lying below the malleolus.
Atrophy
Decrease in size of tissue or wasting. a. acute yellow Extensive necrosis of liver cells with jaundice, haemorrhage and mental obtundation. a. optic Degeneration of optic nerve head, primary or secondary (MS, glaucoma, trauma etc). a. disuse Atrophy resulting from lack of use of muscle. a. peroneal muscular A hereditary disease involving peroneal nerves with progressive atrophy of peroneal muscles. a. Sudeck's Acute atrophy of bone at the site of injury, possibly due to local vasospasm.
Atropine sulfate
A parasympatholytic agent used for preanesthetic medication to decrease bronchial secretions and in organophosphorous poisoning.
Atropinization
Administration of atropine till desired effect is obtained.
Attack
The sudden on set of an illness, e.g., heart attack.
Attention-deficit-disorder
A disease of infancy or childhood, mainly boys characterized by inappropriate attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Attenuate
To render thin, weak or less virulent.
Attic
The middle ear cavity above the tympanic membrane.
Attitude
1. Behavior towards a person, thing or situation 2. Bodily posture or position assumed, e.g., catatonic posture.
Audible sound
Sound with frequency of 15–15000 Hz.
Audiologist
A specialist in the evaluation and rehabilitation of persons with hearing disorder.
Audiometry
Testing of hearing by audiometer.
Audito-oculogyric reflex
Sudden turning of eyes and head towards direction of loud sound.
Auditory bulb
The membranous labyrinth and cochlea.
Auditory evoked response
An objective method of assessing hearing where the hearing stimulus as traverses along its path to auditory cortex produces characteristic electric potentials recorded across the cortex. It is useful in childrens, 81in malingerers, and in psychiatric patients. It can pin point as to the site of lesion along the auditory pathway.
Auditory reflex
Any reflex produced by stimulation of auditory nerve like blinking of eyes in response to sudden sound.
Auer bodies
Rod shaped intracytoplasmic structure present in myeloblasts in acute myeloblastic leukemia.
Auerbach's plexus
A plexus formed by sympathetic nerve fibers in muscular coats of GI tract.
Augmentin
Amoxycillin-clavulanic acid.
Aura
A subjective sensation preceding an attack of epileptic seizure or migraine; epileptic aura may be psychic in nature or sensory in the form of auditory, visual, olfactory or taste hallucinations.
Auranofin
Gold preparation for rheumatoid arthritis.
Aureomycin
Chlortetracycline hydrochloride.
Auricle
1. Left and right atria 2. Pinna of the ear.
Auriculopalpebral reflex
Closure of eye resulting from tactile or thermal stimulation of external auditory meatus. Synonym: Kisch's reflex.
Auriscope
Instrument for examination of ear.
Aurotherapy
Treatment with gold salts, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis.
Auscultation
The technique of listening to sounds produced within body, e.g., passage of air in bronchi, blood in occluded vessels, and A-V malformation, bowel movement, beating of heart, murmurs and adventitious heart sounds etc.
Austin Flint murmur
Diastolic mitral regurgitation in a aortic insufficiency mimicking mitral stenosis but without the opening snap or presystolic accentuation.
Australia antigen
Hepatitis B surface antigen, existing in serum as part of Dane particle (40–400 nm) or as free particles and rods (22 nm).
Autacoids
Generic name for histamine and antihistamine like agents in body.
Autism
Mental introversion with attention centered around own ego. a. infantile A syndrome appearing in childhood with self absorption, aloneness, inaccessibility, 82rage reactions and behavioral-language problems; a form of childhood psychosis.
Autoagglutinin
Agglutinins that agglutinate individuals own red blood cells.
Autoanalyzer
Device that analyzes multiple samples automatically.
Autoantibody
Antibody acting against the host antigens.
Autoclave
A device used for sterilization by steam pressure.
Autodigestion
Digestion of a tissue by tissue's own products, e.g., pancreatic digestion in acute pancreatitis.
Autoerotism
Sexual arousal or gratification by using one's own body as in masturbation.
Autograft
A graft transferred from one part of body to another.
Autohemolysis
Hemolysis of ones blood by person's own serum.
Autohemotherapy
Injection of patient's own blood.
Autoimmunity
Condition in which antibodies are produced against body's own tissues.
Autoimmune disease
Diseases in which antibodies are produced against body's own tissues to cause organ damage, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, glomerulonephritis, rheumatic carditis, myasthenia gravis.
Autoinfection
Infection produced by an agent already present within the body.
Autoinfusion
Forcing blood from extremities to body core by applying tight bandages.
Autoinoculation
Inoculation of a person by organisms obtained from the same individual.
Autologous blood transfusion
Use of patient's own blood for transfusion, the blood being collected prior to operation or during operation from wound site; thus avoiding dangers of mismatch and transfusion associated infections like HBV, AIDS.
Automatism
Behavior without conscious volition or knowledge, the individual appearing normal but amnesic for the events.
Autonomic nervous system
The part of nervous system controlling involuntary functions like heart beat, glandular secretions, bowel and bladder contraction and other smooth muscle function. It is divided into parasympathetic or craniosacral system and sympathetic or thoracolumbar system.83
Autopsy
Postmortem examination to ascertain cause of death.
Autoregulation
A phenomena where the involved tissue regulates events like blood flow into/through it according to its requirement. e.g., as in brain.
Autosomes
Any of the chromo-somes other than sex chromosomes.
Autosplenectomy
Multiple infarcts of spleen that cause it to shrink as in sickle cell anaemia.
Autotrophic
Self nourishing, e.g., green plants and bacteria forming protein and carbohydrate from inorganic salts and bicarbonates.
A-V block
A block in atrio ventricular node whereby impulses arising from atria cannot reach ventricles or are delayed; divided into first degree (prolonged PR), second degree (mobitz type I and II) and third degree (A-V block).
Avascular
Having poor blood supply.
Aversion therapy
A form of behavior therapy where unpleasant and undesired (e.g., alcohol) stimuli are presented to patient simultaneously so that patient associates the undesired stimulus with the unpleasant one and thus discontinues the undesired stimulus.
Avidin
A protein of egg white inhibiting biotin.
Avulsion
A tearing away forcibly of a part or structure.
Axanthopsia
Yellow blindness.
Axial line
A line running in the main axis of body. The axial line of hand runs through second digit.
Axilla
Armpit.
Axis
1. A line running through the center of the body. 2. The second cervical vertebra bearing the odontoid process about which atlas rotates. a. cardiac A graphic representation of the main conduction vector of the heart. Normal axis is 0 to + 90°. a. visual The line passing from object through center of cornea and lens to the fovea.
Axis deviation
Deviation of cardiac axis, like left axis deviation −10° to −90°, right axis deviation + 91 to −90°.
Axis traction
Traction made on the fetus in the direction of long axis of birth canal.
Axon
A process of nerve cell conducting impulse away from the cell body.84
zoom view
Axis. (A) (Top) transverse aspect; (bottom) superior aspect. (B) Position
zoom view
Axis of the eye
85
zoom view
Axial traction
Axoneme
Axial thread of a chromosome.
Axonometer
Device for determining axis of astigmatism.
Axonotmesis
Nerve injury disrupting nerve impulse transmission but without severing the nerve.
Avidin
A glycoprotein that binds to biotin, preventing its absorption.
Azapropazone
A pyrazolon, aspirin like agent, potent uricosuric.
Azaserine
Glutamine antagonist, potent inhibitor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis.
Azathioprine
An immunosuppressant.
Azauridine
A pyrimidine analog.
Azelastine
Topical vasoconstrictor for nasal allergy.
Azithromycin
Antibiotic of macrolide group better than erythromycin.
Azoospermia
Complete absence of sperms in the semen.
Azotemia
Increased blood urea.
Azotobacter
Gram-negative, rodshaped, nonpathogenic bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Azygos
Occurring singly, not in pairs.
Azygos vein
The thoracic continuation of ascending lumbar vein through aortic hiatus in diaphragm entering superior vena cava at the level of D4 vertebra.