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.
Abalienation Mental deterioration or derangement.
Abampere An electromagnetic unit of current equivalent to 10 amperes.
Abapical Away from or opposite the apex.
Abaptiston A conical trephine so designed that it will not slip through the bony opening and injure the underlying dura mater or brain.
Abarognosis Loss or lack of the ability to estimate weight, bragnosis.
Abarticular Not connected with or situated near a joint.
Abarticulation 1. A diarthrodial joint 2. A dislocation of a joint.
Abasia Inability to walk because of motor incoordination; compare astasia.
Abate To lessen in force or intensity; to moderate or subside.
Abattage, abatage 1. The slaughter of animals, specifically, the slaughter of diseased animals to prevent infection of others 2. The art of casting an animal preparatory to an operation.
Abattoir A slaughter house or an establishment for the killing and dressing of animals.
Abaxial Not situated in the line of the axis of a structure.
Abderhalden reaction or test The detection of an abnormal proteolytic enzyme active against a foreign protein elaborated in the course of pregnancy, cancer, schizophrenia and various infections.
Abdomen abstipum An abdominal deformity resulting from congenitally short recti muscles.
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 dropsy Ascites.
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 ptosis Visceroptosis.
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. 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 gives 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 3the eyes outward beyond parallelism.
Abduction cap An orthopedic appliance of canvas or leather to maintain abduction in case of sub-deltoid bursitis.
Abductor A muscle which on confraction, 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 digitiminimi 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 ossis metatarsi quinti A variant slip of the abductor digitiminimi inserted into the tuberosity of the fourth metatarsal.
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.
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.
Abiochemistry Inorganic chemistry.
Abiogenesis A theory that living organisms can originate from nonliving matter; spontaneous generation.
Abionarce Lethargy due to infirmity.
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.
Ablasten An antibody like substance, appearing in the blood of rats infected with trypanosomes, which inhibits reproduction of these organisms.
Ablation The removal of part of a tumor by amputation, excision or other mechanical means.
Ablatio placentae Abruptio placenate.
Ablepharia A congenital defect marked by partial or total absence of the eyelids.
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.
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) (Agglutinin) | Erythrolyte Antigen (Agglutinogen) | Serum Antibody |
|---|---|---|
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.
Aborted systole A premature cardiac systole which produces no peripheral pulse wave because of minimal venticular filling in the short preceding diastole.
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 A broth filtrate of Brucella abortus used to elicit a reaction in patients with active brucellosis or in those who have recovered from the infection.
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 5been 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 in 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 tests upon isolation of the virus and serologic reactions.
Abrachia Armlessness.
Abrachiocephalia Congenital absence of the head and arms.
Abrachius An armless individual.
Abrasion 1. A spot denuded of skin, mucous membrane or superficial epithelim 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.
Abrikosov's or Abrikosoff's tumor Granular cell myoblastoma.
Abrosia Abstinence from food, fasting.
Abruptio Abruption, a tearing away.
Abruptio placentae 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. anorectal One in the connective tissues about the anus.
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. canalicular An abscess of the breast discharging into the milk ducts.
a. caseous One in which the pus has a soft cheesy consistency.
a. cold Abscess without heat or other usual signs of inflammation commonly tuberculous.
a. delpech's An abscess appearing suddenly but with slight inflammatory symptoms accompanied by marked adynamia.
a. dentoalveolar An abscess confined to the alveolar process investing a tooth's roots.
a. Douglas' Suppuration in Douglas' pouch.
a. Dubois' A cyst of the thymus caused by the growth of thymic tissue into Hassall's corpuscles.
a. epiploic Abscess in or surrounded by omentum majus.
a. glandular An abscess within any gland but especially on or around a lymph node.
a. gummatous One due to the softening and breaking down of a gumma especially in bone or in the thymus of children with congenital syphilis, e.g. Duboisa.
a. ischiorectal One involving the tissues in the ischiorectal fossa.
a. lacoinar One involving the urethral lacunae.
a. milk A mammary abscess occurring during lactation.
a. munro's A microscopic collection of leukocytes found in stratum corneum at the granular layer in psoriasis.
a. omental Abscess in or surrounded by omentum majus.
a. ossifluent Usually a cold wandering abscess originating from a focus of disease in a bone.
a. parametric One in the connective tissue of the broad ligament of the uterus.
a. Pautrier's A microscopic lesion in the epidermis seen in mycosis fungoides. It is composed of the same type of cells as those that form the infiltrate in the corium.
a. pericoronal Infection with collection of pus around the crown of a partially erupted tooth usually 7upper or lower third molars. Pus collects in a pocket, either distal, distobuccal and or distolingual to the tooth crown.
a. phegmonous Circumscribed suppuration associated with acute inflammation of the subcutaneous connective tissue.
a. Pott's Cold or tuberculous a.
a. wandering An abscess occurring at a distance from the primary focus of disease, pus burrowing along fascial planes or other structures.
Abscessus flatuosus Tympanitic abscess.
Abscessus perdecobitum Wandering abscess.
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. 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).
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.
Absorbance In applied spectroscopy the negative logarithm to the base 10 of transmittance. The term optical density has been used to express the absorbance of solutions.
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 8ionizing 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.
Absorptiometer 1. An instrument which determines the solubility of a gas or the amount absorbed. 2. An apparatus which measures the thickness of a layer of fluid between two parallel sheets of plate glass in apparent apposition.
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 by a solid. 3. In physics, radiology and spectrophotometry the process whereby 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 alelectasis.
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.
Acalcerosis Calcium deficiency of the diet or of the body as a result of the loss of the mineral in the excreta.9
Acalculia Loss of the power to work out any mathematical problems even the simplest.
Acampsia Rigidity of a joint; ankylosis.
Acanthesthesia A form of paresthesia in which there is a sensation as of a pinprick.
Acanthion The tip of the anterior nasal spine.
Acanthocephaliasis Infestation with a species of acanthocephala.
Acanthocheilonema A genus of filaria worms parasitic in man characterised by adult forms that live chiefly in the body cavities or in skin and subcutaneous tissue.
a. perstans The ‘persistent filaria’, is prevalent in tropical Africa and the northern part of South America, characterised by adult forms that live in the peritoneal, pericardial cavities and by microfilaria that are not sheathed and manifest no periodicity in the circulating blood; transmitted by culioides species (biting gnats). A. perstans is usually regarded as a harmless parasite but some observers think that it may cause oedema and a condition that resembles trypanosomiasis. Formerly termed Filaria sanguinis.
a. streptocerca A species of filaria worms found only rarely and exclusively in natives of tropical Africa characterized by adult forms that live in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues and by microfilaria that are not sheathed and manifest biperiodicity in the circulating blood, may cause rare examples of chronic edema of the skin. Formerly termed Microfilaria streptocera.
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.
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. adenoidescysticum A cutaneous disease consisting of multiple small (2 to 5 mm) pearly yellow or flesh colored nodules of neoplastic benign epithelial cells derived from basal cell of the epidermis or similar cells in hairs follicles occurring mostly on the face, at the root of the nose, temples, eyelids, cheek, forehead and chin. Also known as epithelioma adenoids cysticum or multiple benign cystic epithelioma, sometimes associated with syringoma or cylindroma.
a. acanthosis An increase in the thickness of the prickle cell layer of the epidermis. May be due to an increase in the size of the cells.
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.
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.
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 11alteration 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.
Accretic cordis Adhesion of the pericardium to adjacent extracardiac structures.
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.
Acebutolol Betadrenergic blocking agent used in hypertension.
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.
Acephalechiria Absence of head and hands.
Acephalopodus A malformed fetus without head or feet.
Acephalogastria Absence of head, thorax and abdomen as noted in a parasitic twin with pelvis and legs only.
Acephalopodia Congenital absence of head and feet.
Acephalostoamus A malformed fetus having partically no head, but with a mouth like opening in its uppermost region.
Accervuloma An intracranial tumor containing ocervulus or brain sand, psammoma.
Acervulus Brain sand.
Acescence 1. A slight degree of acidity. 2. The process of becoming sour.
Acescent Slightly acid.
Acestoma Exuberant granulations that are forming a cicatrix.
Acetal A clear liquid made by the imperfect oxidation of alcohol. Has been used as hypnotic.
Acetal dehyde 1. Acetic aldehyde 2. Elthaldehyde ethanol, 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.
Acetatmide 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 12analgesic and antipyretic Toxic, continued use causes cyanosis.
Acetarsone Acetarsol(BP) acetyl amino hydroxy phenyl arsenic acid, N acetyl-4- hydroxy-Marsanilic acid; stovarsol, used in amebiasis and 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 (BP 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.
Acetomenaphthone Used in the preparative treatment of obstructive jaundice, in hemorrhagic disease of the newborn and prophylactically to prevent neonatal hemorrhage.
Acetomeroctol An organic mercurial antibacterial agent.
Acetomorphine Heroin, see diacetylmorphine.
Acetonaphthone Naphthyl methyl 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 diabetic 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 13of 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.
Acetophenetidin Occurs as colourless glistening crystals usually scaly or a fine white glistening powder, antipyretic.
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.
N-Acetylglucosamine A hydrolysis product of some mucopolysaccharides, notably of hyaluronic acid.
Acetylphenylhydrazine A crystalline powder obtained by treating phenylhydrazine with acetic anhydride, a powerful antipyretic but destructive to red blood cells. Used in polycythemia vera, also used externally in parasitic skin diseases as 10 percent ointment.
Acetylphosphate A high energy phosphate that plays the part of “active acetate” in the metabolism of various bacteria.
3-Acetylpyridine An antimetabolite of nicotinamide, produces 14symptoms of nicotenamide deficiency when fed to mice.
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 of muscles.
Acheilia Congenital absence of the lips.
Achilles A mythical greek warrior who was vulnerable only in the heel.
Achillodynia Pain due to inflammation of the bursa between the calcaneus and the tendo Achilles, (achillobursitis).
Achilliotomy Division of the tendo calcaneus.
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.
Achroacytosis The occurrence of a great number of lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation; lymphocytosis.
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.
Achromate An absolutely color blind person.
Achromatic 1. Colorless. 2. Not decomposing white light. 3. Not staining readily.
Achromatolysis Plasmalysis, protoplasmolysis, karyoplasmolysis–dissolution of the chromatic of a cell or of its nucleus.
Achromatophil 1. Not being colored by the histologic or bacteriologic stains. 2. A cell or tissue that cannot be stained in the usual way.
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 16language any chemical compound which has a sour taste.
Acidaminuria The passage of an excess of amino acid in the urine.
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.
Acidismus Poisoning by acids introduced from without as contradistinguished from acidosis or poisoning by acids formed in metabolism.
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. carbon dioxide 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 hyper-chloremia due to congenital defect in carbonic anhydrase. causing deficient formation of bicarbonate.
a. respiratory Reduced alkali reserve 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).
Acivicis A pyrimidine analog that blocks conversion of UTP to LTP.
Aclasis Pathologic tissue originating from and continuous with normal tissues thereby providing continuity of structure as in chondrodystrophy.
Aclusion Lack of contact of opposing surface of molar and bicuspid teeth when jaws are closed.
Acne The period of greatest intensity of any symptom, sign or process.
Acne A papular and pustular eruption due to inflammation with accumulation of secretion involving the sebaceous glands.
a. agminata Acnitis, an eruption of small dusky reddish papules on the face becoming pustular and followed by slight scarring.
a. artificialis Produced by external irritants such as tar or drugs internally administered such as iodine. Often self inflicted.17
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. decalvans A rare type of pustular folliculitis of scalp producing scar and then a alopecia.
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. papulosa A condition that resembles chloracne in that black central comedones are present in all the lesions.
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 acneiform 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 inflammatory 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 over-domineering 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.
Acoprosis Absence or great scantiness of fecal matter in the intestines.
Acorea Congenital absence of the pupil of the eye.
Acoria Absence of the feeling of satiety after eating.
Acousma An auditory hallucination in which indefinite sounds such as ringing or hissing are heard.
Acoustic Relating to hearing or the perception of sound.
Acousticophobia Fear of sounds.
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.
Acremoniosis A condition marked by fever and the occurrence of gumma like swellings caused by a fungus Acremonium potronii.
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.
Acritochromacy Color blindness.
Acroagnosis Absence of limb sensibility.
Acrobrachycephaly Condition in which the anteroposterior diameter of the skull is abnormally short.
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.
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.
Acroesthesia 1. Extreme degree of hyperesthesia 2. Hyperesthesia of one or more extremities.
Acrogeria Premature aging of the skin of the hands and feet.
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.
Acromelagia 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.
Acrose A sugar obtained by the action of a weak alkaline solution on formaldehyde.
Acrosome The juxtanuclear body at the anterior extermity 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).20
Actinobacillus A genus of the family Bricellacea, Gram negative nonmotile small rods or coccoid forms characterized by 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.
Actiophage A virus destructive to actinomycetes.
Actinophore A mixture of three parts cercum dioxide and one part thorium dioxide used in roentgen ray diagnosis.
Activation 1. The act of rendering active 2. An increase in the energy content of an atom or molecule through the raising of temperature absorption or light photons, etc. which renders that atom or molecule more reactive. 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 radium 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 21across a cell membrane not by passive diffusion but by an energy consuming process. Active diffusion can take place against a concentration gradient.
Actomysoin A protein complex composed of the globulin mysoin and actin in the micellae of the muscle fiber. It is the essential contractile substance of muscle.
Actonia A Fungus that causes yellowish patches on the pharyngeal mucous membrane which may be mistaken for diphtheria, belongs to order Endomycetales.
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.
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.
N-Acylsphingosine N-Acylsphingol, a condensation product of an organic acid with sphingosine at the amino group of the latter compound.
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 cerebral 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.
Addisin Factor in gastric tissue and gastric mucosa that acts upon the extrinsic factor to produce the hematinic principle of liver.
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.
Adductor A muscle drawing a part towards the medianline.
Adenase A deaminating enzyme in the liver, pancreas and spleen that converts adenosine into hypoxanthine.22
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 lymph node or of a gland.
Adenoacanthoma A malignant neoplasm consisting chiefly of glandular epithelium (adenocarcinoma) usually well differentiated with foci of metaplasia to squamous (or epedermoid) 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.
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.
Adenoidism Symptoms and signs associated with enlarged adenoids.
Adenoleiomyofibroma A benign neoplasm of mesodermal origin consisting chiefly of fibroblasts and connective tissue with neoplastic smooth muscle cells, glandular or adenomatous elements.
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.23
a. eosinophilic A tumor of the eosinophilic chromophil cells of the anterior pituitary associated with gigantism and acromegaly.
a. getsowa's An adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland formerly thought to originate in a lateral angle but probably represents a metastasis from a primary neoplasm in the gland per se, termed also struma postbranchiallis.
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 Langerhansiana.
a. malignant Sometimes used for adenocarcinoma especially when a portion of an adenoma is thought to be histologically malignant or metastatic neoplasm of similar type is recognised.
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 be 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 tissues 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.24
Adipokinn An anterior pituitary factor that brings about mobilization of fat from kidney and liver depots.
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. dolorsa 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.
Adonis The herb Adonis vernalis. It has a digitalis like action and is sometimes used as a cardiac stimulant and diuretic.
Adrenaline Trade name for epinephrine.
Adrenalism A condition resulting from abnormal function of the adrenal (suprarenal) glands, suprarenalism.
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.
Adtorsion Internal rotation of both eyes.
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 is poorly derived from without and does not form an integral part of such organ or structure specifically 25the 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.
Aerasthenia A psychoneurotic condition marked by worry, lack of self confidence and mild depression occurring in aviators.
Aerobacter A genus of the tribe Escherichia, family Enterobacteriacea, containing rod shaped Gram negative organisms, found chiefly in the intestine.
Aerocystography X-ray of bladder after air has been injected into it.
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.
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 child birth.
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 26record 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 various 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 hypogammaglobulinemia; 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 γ-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.
Agamegenesis Asexual reproduction.
Agamogenetic Indication of a sexual reproduction.
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.
a. Brodet and Gengou potato blood Glycerine potato agar with 25 percent of blood.
a. Brilliant green bilesalt A culture medium consisting of agar with peptone, lactose, sodium taurocholate, brilliant green and picric acid solution.
a. cholera An alkaline agar medium for cultures of the cholera vibrio.
a. Endo's fuchsin Nutrient agar containing lactose alcoholic 27solution of fuchsin, sodium sulfite and soda solution; used as a culture medium to differentiate the typhoid bacillus from the colon bacillus and others of that group.
a. eosinmethylene blue EMB Agar lactose medium for isolation of coliform organisms.
a. gelatin Made by dissolving peptone gelatin glucose or mannite sodium chloride and potassium chloride in water and adding agar.
a. lactose litmus Made by adding 2 percent lactose and litmus to acid free nutrient agar. Used in the differentiation of the typhoid bacillus.
a. Mac Conkey's bile salt Made by the addition of 12 to 20 percent of agar to Mac Conkey's bile salt bouillon.
a. Novy and MacNeal's blood A nutrient agar containing 2 volumes of defibrinated rabbits blood suitable for the cultivation of a number of trypanosomes.
Agenosomi Markedly defective formation or absence of the genitalia in a fetus. The condition is usually accompanied by protrusion of the abdominal viscera through an incomplete abdominal wall.
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. blocking A drug that blocks transmission at an automatic synapse or myoneural junction.
a. chelating A compound such as calciumdisodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic 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, stable 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 micro-organisms 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 28other 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 O 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.
Agglutinoid An agglutinin that has lost its agglutiophore group while retaining its haptophore group, such substances can combine with agglutinogens of bacteria or blood cells but do not produce clumping.
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. ideational Loss of the concept due to damage of associate areas.
a. optic Inability to interpret visual images.
a. position Failure to recognize the posture of extremity.
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.29
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.
Albinism Congenital leukoderma or absence of pigment in the skin and its appendages, it may be partial or complete.
Akathisia Motor restlessness.
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 serum 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.
Albumin radioiodinatcd serum 131I made by mild iodination of normal human serum albumin; one atom of iodine per 60,000 molecular weight of albumin; 131I emits negative beta particles and gamma radiation, half life of 131I is 8.0 days. Used for the determination of blood and plasma volumes, circulation time and cardiac output and for the detection and localization of brain tumors.
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. bamberagers Hematogenous that is sometimes observed during the later phase of advanced anemia.
a. benign orthostatic Dietetic and similar types of albuminuria that are not the result of pathologic changes in the kidneys.
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. essentiala A collective term that includes various forms of functional albuminuria, e.g. of athletes, postural, etc. not associated with recognizable pathologic conditions.
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 pyridinoen-zyme of the liver catalyzing the dehydrogenation of ethyl alcohol to acetaldehyde.
a. dehydrated Absolute 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 percent V/V.
a. diluted Contains 41.5 percent by weight (48.6% by volume) of absolute or ethyl hydroxide.
a. fatty A long chain alcohol, e.g. stearyl alcohol.
a. tertiary An alcohol characterized by the trivalent atom group (CHOH).
a. triatomic or tirhydric One containing three atom Groups (OH), e.g. glycerol.
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-phos-phoglyceraldehyde and phos-phodihydroxyacetone.
Aldose A monsaccharide 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.
Aleukemia 1. Literally a lack of leukocytes in the blood. Term is generally used to indicate varieties of leukemic disease in which the white blood cells count in circulating blood is normal or even less than normal (i.e. no leukocytosis) but a few young leukocytes are observed; sometimes used more restrictedly for unusual instances of leukemia with no leukocytosis and no young forms in the blood 2. Leukopenic myelosis, i.e. leukemic changes in bone marrow associated with a sub-normal number of leukocytes in the blood. See also sub-leukemia.
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.
Aleukocytosis Absence or great reduction (relative or absolute) of the number of white blood cells in circulating blood (i.e. an advanced degree of leukopenia) or the lack of leukocytes in an anatomical lesion.
Alexia Loss of the power to grasp the meaning of written or printed words, sentences, also called 32optical, 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 understood; 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.
a. compensated A rise in the alkali reserve but as a result of compensatory readjustment, e.g. retention of CO2 or increased excretion of alkali, no rise in pH occurs. Thus compensated alkalosis is usually associated with a subnormal level of bicarbonates.
a. metabolic A condition in which the blood and the other body fluids have pH greater than normal associated with an increased concentration of bicarbonate possibly resulting from an excessive intake of alkaline materials or a great loss of chloride (as in persistent vomiting).
a. uncompensated Usually related to a rise in the alkali reserve of the blood possibly resulting from vomiting (loss of CI) or intake of bicarbonate and compensatory mechanisms may fail thereby leading to alkalemia.
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.33
Alkylamine An organic compound containing an NH2 group, an open chain hydrocarbon.
Alkylation The substitution of an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical for a hydrogen atom in a cyclic or ring compound.
Allantoid 1. Sausage shaped 2. Relating to or resembling the alantois.
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 hypersensitivity 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 embraces 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 34materials 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. carbonate Aluminium hydroxide carbonate complex; occurs in white lumps, insoluble in water. Used as an aqueous suspension for its powder to bind phosphorus in the intestinal tract; the serum inorganic phosphorus concentration is lowered as a result reabsorption of phosphorus by the renal tubules is increased and its excretion in the urine reduced. Useful in diminishing the tendency towards the formation of phosphatic urinary calculi; also used to reduce gastric acidity especially in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer.
a. chloride White or yellowish white crystalline powder used as an astringent or antiseptic in 10 percent water solution. May be irritating.
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 brownish 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.
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. About one part alloy to two parts mercury are mixed and packed, this hardens to almost full strength in 24 hours. Properties of set amalgam depend largely on technique, mixing time, packing, pressure etc. Crushing strengths range from 45,000 to 65,000 pounds per square inch for most.
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 airoplane 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. partialis fugax Temporary blindness occurring in attacks associated with headache, nausea and scotomas.
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 anticholinesterase agent.
Amblyoscope An instrument resembling a stereoscope used in training the fusion sense and habituating an amblyopic eye to bear its share of vision.
Amebiasis Infestation with Amoeba histolytica or other pathogenic amebas.
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; may occur 1. as a fairly well circumscribed solitary lesion or 2. multiple nodular foci or massive lesion comprised of several smaller foci that become coalescent.
Ameiosis A cell division resulting in formation of gametes without reduction in chromosome number.
Amelioration Improvement, moderation in the intensity of symptoms.
Amelobastoma A neoplasm originating from epithelial tissue. Related to the enamel organ; consists of rounded cordlike or irregular foci of epithelial cell that frequently surround a stellate reticulum; the basal layers of epithelial cells, resemble amelobasts, but differentiation into keratinizing cells may be observed; enamel is not formed; the stroma is usually loose connective tissue but is sometimes densely fibrous; the stellate reticulum may degenerate there by resulting in one or more cysts, occurs chiefly in the mandible especially in molar region; histologically similar neoplasm rarely occur in the region of the sella turcica and in the tibia. Termed also adamantinoma.
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.
Amepthoterin Methotrexata, a cytotoxic drug.
Amiloride A potassium sparing diuretic.
Amikacin An aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Aminacrine Antibacterial, antitrichomonal agent used in vaginal preparations.
Amino caproic acid Antifibrinolytic agent used for vascular plugging in haemorrhage.
Aminopterin 4-Aminopteroyl-glutamic acid, a folic acid antagonist, yellow crystals, soluble in alkali. Used in treatment of acute leukemia and other neoplastic diseases.
Aminopyrine Amidopyrine, pyramidon, dimethylamino antipyrine; odorless white crystals, soluble in 18 parts of water or 1.5 parts of alcohol. Melting point 107° C. Used as an antipyretic and analgesic in rehumatism, neuritis, pulmonary tuberculosis and common colds. May cause leukocytopenia.
Aminosalicylic acid P-Aminosalicylic acid, 4-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic 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.
Amitriptyline 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.
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.38
Amminoglutethimide Adrenocortical suppressant used in breast cancer.
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 crystalline 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.
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.
Amniorrhea The escape of amniotic fluid or liquor amni.
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.
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.
Ameba A genus of unicellular protozoan organisms of microscopic size existing in nature in large numbers, many living as parasites, some species pathogenic for man.
Amoxapine Tricyclic antidepressant.
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 auscultation 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 myocotic 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 40toxic but more irritant. It has been used for spinal anesthesia. Side effects and after effects are frequent.
Amyloid A protein (probably combined with chondroitin 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 reticuloendothelial tissue.
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.
Amyoplasia Deficient formation of muscle tissue.
Amyotonia Myotonia.
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.
Anabolite Any substance formed as a result of anabolic processes.
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.
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.41
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.
Anaphoria A tendency of the eyes when in a state of rest to turn upward.
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 the result of the injection of 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.
a. arteriovenous A situation where blood is shunted from arterioles to venules without passing through capillaries.
a. Braun's After gastroenteros-tomy prevention of reverse peristalsis by 42anastomosis between loops of jejunum on either side of stomach anastomosis.
a. Clado's Anastomosis between ovarian and appendicular arteries in the broad ligament.
a. Glen's A nerve that connects superior and inferior laryngeal nerves in the larynx and supplies sensory fibres to the latter.
a. isoperistaltic One to allow the contents in the same and natural direction.
a. Schmidel's Abnormal channels of communication between the vena cava and portal system as for example a communication between the coronary veins of the stomach and the azygus vein.
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 word 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.
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. This species and A. braziliense (with only one pair of ventral teeth) are found in man, the latter in dogs and cats also.
Androlelastoma A relatively infrequent functional neoplasm of the ovary derived from cells of the male anlage and resulting in varying degrees of defeminization and masculinization.
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; 43encourages 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.
Androstenodione 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 non-anemic 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 corpuscular 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 normalasts 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.
Anemic Deficient in hemoglobin.
Anemophobia Morbid fear of wind.
Anencephalus Congenital absence of brain and spinal cord with open cranial cavity and a groove like spinal canal.
Anergia Lack of activity
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.45
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. Gwathmey's Anaesthesia induced by injecting olive oil and either solution into the scrotum.
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. sexual Absence of sexual desire.
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.
Anetoderma Atrophy of skin with soft fibromata forming large pendulous massess.
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.
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.
Aneurysmorrhaphy Surgical closure of sac of an aneurysm.
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.
Angelucci's Syndrome Vasomotor disturbances associated with vernal conjunctivitis.
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. agranulocytic Acute sore throat with pain due to agranulocytosis.
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. 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.
Auginous Resembling angina.
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.
Angiocarditis Inflammation of heart and great vessels.
Angioedema An allergic condition characterized by urticaria and edematous areas of skin and mucous membrane or viscera. The reaction is IgE dependent, 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 radioopaque material.
a. coronary X-ray of coronary circulation to evaluate ischaemic disease.
a. cerebral X-ray picture of cerebral circulation to evaluate stroke, tumor, av malformation, aneurysm or abnormal vascular pattern.
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 telangictases warty growths.
Angioleukitis Inflammation of lymphatics.
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 sub-mucous and 48subcutaneous 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 —spidero nevus.
Angiomalacia Softening of wall of blood vessels.
Angiomatosis Multiple angiomas.
Angiomyolipoma A benign growth containing vascular, muscular and fatty elements.
Angionoma Ulceration of a vessel.
Angiopathy Any disease of blood or lymph vessel.
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 forearm 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 point 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.
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.
Aniseikonia A condition in which the size and shape of ocular image in the both eyes differ from one another.
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.
Anisindione Anticoagulant agent.
Ankle The hinge joint formed by articulation of tibia, fibula and talus.
a. clonus Repeated contraction and relaxation of leg muscles following mild extension 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-Achilles tendon.
Ankyloblepharon Adhesion of upper and lower eyelids at lid margin.
Ankylocolpos Imperforated or atretic vaginal canal.
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.
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 apetite
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.
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 HCI.
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.
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.
Antecubital At the bend of elbow.
Antecubital 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.
Antegrade Moving forward or in the direction of flow.
Antemortem 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.
Anteroinferior Infront and below.
Anterolateral Infront and to one side.
Anteromedian Infront and towards midline.
Anterosuperior In front and above.
Anteversion A tipping forward of an organ as a whole, without bending.
Anthelmintic Agents against intestinal worms.
Anthracoid Resembling or pertaining to anthrax.
Anthracometer An instrument for measuring combustion products in the air.
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.
Anthropometer Device for measuring body parts.
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.
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. 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. fluorescent Antigen antibody reaction made visible by incorporating a fluorescent material into the reaction and their examination under fluorescent microscopy.
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.
Antibromic Deodorant.
Antiburn scar garment A garment made of stretchable filaments worn to provide uniform pressure over burn graft sites in order 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.
Anticipate To occur before.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Antioxidants Agents that prevent or inhibit oxidation, e.g. vit E.
Antipathy Antagonism, strong aversion.
Antiperistalsis Reverse peristalsis.
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 microorganisms.
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.
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.
Antizymotic Agent that prevents or arrests fermentation.
Antrectomy Excision of walls of an antrum.
Antroatticotomy Operation to open the maxillary sinus and the attic of lympanum.
Antrocele Fluid accumulation causing a cystic swelling of antrum.
Antrostomy Opening up of antral wall by surgery.
Antrum Any nearly closed cavity or chamber especially in a bone.
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. The aortic arch ends at level of fourth thoracic vertebra. The branches of aorta are 1. ascending aorta — two coronary arteries, right 56and 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.
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.
Apeidosis Slow modification or disappearance of the clinical and histological characteristics of a disease.
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, l or 2. Total score is 10. Those with very low score require immediate attention. Apgar score at birth has a prognostic bearing on ultimate neurological development.
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. 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 mucous 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.
Apoferritin The protein that combine with iron to form ferritin.
Apolipoprotein The nonlipid protein portion of lipoprotein named as B100, AI, 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.
a. epicranial Fibrous membrane joining occipital and frontal muscles.
a. pharyngeal Fibrous sheet lying between mucosal and muscular layers of the pharyngeal wall.
a. Plantar Connective tissue sheet investing muscles of the sole of the foot fit.
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.58
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 larcrymal.
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 vermiform 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.
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. 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.
Aptyatism 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.
Arachidonic acid An essential fatty acid, precursor for prostaglandins, thromboxane and leukotrienes.
Arachnida A class of arthropodes that includes spiders, ticks, mites and scorpions.
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 and associated structures develop, so also malleus and incus.
a. palmar The superficial arch is formed by termination of ulnar artery and the deep arch by 60communicating branch of ulnar and the radial artery.
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.
Archenteron The primitive digestive cavity of gastrula.
Archetype Original type from which other types have developed by differentiation.
Archinephron Primordial kidney of embryo.
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 in respect 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.
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 mucous membranes from 61prolonged 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.
Armamentarium The total utilities at disposal-like drugs, instruments, books, supplies.
Armature 1. A part of an electric generator consisting of a coil of insulated wire. 2. In biology a structure that serves to protect.
Arm board Board placed under the arm for stabilization during I.V. administration.
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 meningomyelocele.
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 comparision 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.
Arterial line A method of haemodynomic monitoring where catheter is put into an artery for recording blood pressure, arterial gas analysis.
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.
Arteriostenosis Narrowing of the lumen of an artery.
Arteriostosis Calcification of an artery.
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 wind pipe). 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.
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.
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 64preformed 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 husband's sperms for insemination of wife.
a. intelligence Computer performance of congnitive 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 writting, 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 inhabiting human intestine, often producing dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction, biliary colic and appendicitis.
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 eyeball.
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 Aminosuccinic 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.
Apergillosis Granulomatous inflammation of skin, lungs, ear canal and mucous membrane by A. fumigatus.
Aspergillin A pigment produced by A. niger which also produces black spores and commonly infects ear canal.
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, tracheobronchial 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 without proper permission.66
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.
Association test A test in which patient is given a word and he replies with another word to in the first. The time taken in his response is an indicator of his brain function.
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.
Asteatosis Any diseased condition with scaling of skin due to lack of sebaceous secretion.
Asterognosis Inability to recognize objects or forms by touch.
Astemizole H1 receptor blocker, antiallergie.
Asterion The junction of lambdoid, occipitomastoid and parietomastoid sutures.
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 psychosomatic disorder characterizes by mental and physical fatigue, dyspnea, giddiness etc.
Asthma Paroxysmal dyspnea and wheezing caused by bronchospasm, bronchial mucosal 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.
Astragalus Old term for talus.
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; thereby checks haemorrhages and 67secretions. Common examples are salts of lead, iron, zinc, tannic acid.
Astrocyte Star shaped neuroglial cell with many branching processes.
Astrocytoma A tumor of astrocytes; classified in order 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.
Asynclitism An oblique presentation of foetal head during labor.
Asyndesis A form of mental defect in which related thoughts cannot be assembled to form a comprehensive concept.
Asynergia Lack of co-ordination 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.
Ateliosis A form of infantilism due to pituitary insufficiency.
Atherogenesis Formation of atheromata in the walls of arteries.
Atheroma Fatty degeneration of arterial wall with cholesterol deposit and smooth muscle hyperplasia.68
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.
Athlete's foot Fungus infection of foot particularly in between toes.
Atlantoaxial Pertaining to first and second curvical vertebrae.
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.
Atresia Congenital absence or closure of any tubular structure.
Atrial fibrillation Randomized irregular arrhythmic 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.
Atrioventriculares communis Persistence of the common atrioventricular canal manifesting with atrioventricular septal defects and A-V valve incompetence.
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. sudek'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 children, in 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.70
Auerbach's plexus A plexus formed by sympathetic nerve fibers in muscular coats of GI. tract.
Auer bodies Rod shaped in-tracytoplasmic structure present in myeloblasts in acute myeloblastic leukemia.
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 pre-systolic 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, rage 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.
Autocatharsis A form of psychotherapy in which patient gets an insight into his problems by a frank discussion.
Autoclave A device used for sterilization by steam pressure.
Autocrine factor A growth factor probably produced by cells in response to virus infection and playing some role in genesis of malignancies.
Autodigestion Digestion of a tissue by tissue's own products, e.g. pancreatic digestion in acute pancreatitis.
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.
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 chromosomes 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 atrioventricular 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.
Avalanche theory Theory that nervous impulses are reinforced and thereby become more intense as they travel peripherally.
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.
Axilla Armpit.
Axanthopsia Yellow blindness.
Axial line A line running in the main axis of body. The axial line of hand runs through second digit.
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.
Axoneme Axial thread of a chromosome.
Axonometer Device for determining axis of astigmatism.
Axonotemesis 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.
Azoospermia Complete absence of sperms in the semen.
Azotemia Increased blood urea.
Azotobacter Gram negative rod-shaped gram negative 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.