A

A band A dark band in muscle representing overlapping of actin and myosin filaments.

Abacavir An anti-HIV drug.

Abadie's sign 1. A sign in tabes dorsalis in which there is loss of pain from squeezing the calcaneal tendon; 2. Spasm of the levator palpebrae superioris muscles occurring frequently in thyrotoxicosis but also seen normally especially with tension and fatigue.

Abasia Inability to walk because of motor incoordination; compare astasia.

Abate To lessen in force or intensity; to moderate or subside.

Abattoir A slaughter house or an establishment for the killing and dressing of animals.

Abciximab An antiplatelet agent.

Abdominal angina An acute attack of severe abdominal pain, commonly occurring after eating and often associated with weight loss, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is caused by narrowing or obstruction of the mesenteric arteries, primarily atherosclerotic in origin.

Abdominal aponeurosis The wide tendinous expanse by which the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse muscles are inserted.

Abdominal apoplexy Infarction of an abdominal organ, usually the small intestine, resulting from vascular stenosis or occlusion.

Abdominal epilepsy A convulsive equivalent in which abdominal pain, a sense of nausea and often headache are the most prominent symptoms.

Abdominal migraine Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea associated with migraine. See also convulsive equivalent.

Abdominal muscles A group of four pair of muscles making up in abdominal wall: The external oblique, internal oblique, rectus abdominis and transversus abdominis.

Abdominal reflex Contraction of the abdominal muscles induced by stroking the overlying skin; a superficial or cutaneous reflex.2

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; 3. Below—the right inguinal or iliac, the pubic or hypogastric, and the left inguinal or iliac. Also called regions abdominis (Figs. 1A and B).

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 fibers arise from the nucleus in the dorsal portion 3of 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 the eyes outward beyond parallelism (Figs. 2A and B).

Abduction cap An orthopedic appliance of canvas or leather to maintain abduction in case of subdeltoid bursitis.

Abductor A muscle which on contraction, draws a part away from the axis of the body or of an extremity.

Abductor A muscle found in tailed animals corresponding to the coccygeal muscle in man.

Abductor digiti minimi The abductor muscle of the little finger or little toe. Also called musculus abductor digiti minimi.

Abductor hallucis A muscle of the medial side of the foot inserted into the base of the first metatarsal. Also called musculus abductor hallucis.

Abductor hallucis longus A muscle of the anterior region of the leg inserted into the base of the first metatarsal.

Abductor indicis The first dorsal interosseous muscle of the hand.

Abductor paralysis Paralysis of abduction especially of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and, thus of the vocal cords.

Abductor pollicis brevis The short abductor muscle of the thumb. Also called musculus abductor pollicis.

Abductor pollicis longus The long abductor muscle of the thumb. Also called musculus abductor pollicis longus.

Aberdeen formula A method (developed in Aberdeen in 1974) of estimating the number of nurses needed on a ward, based on the number and dependency of the patients. The formula is W = N (B + T) + A + D + E where: W = average weekly nursing workload in hours; N = average number of patients in ward; B = time in hours per 4week required to maintain the standard of basic nursing care for a totally helpless bedfast patient; T = time required for technical nursing of the ward speciality expressed as a percentage of the time spent on basic nursing; A = time per patient per week for administrative duties; D = time per patient per week for domestic work; E = patient dependency factor for ward speciality.

Aberrant Varying or deviating from the normal in form, structure or course.

Aberration 1. Deviation from the normal or usual; 2. Unequal refraction or focalization of a lens. Chromatic aberration: unequal refraction of light rays of different wavelengths, producing a blurred image with fringes of color. Chromosomal aberration: loss/gain/or exchange of genetic material in the chromosomes of a cell resulting in a deletion, duplication, inversion or translocation of genes.

Abetalipoproteinemia A disease entity due to almost total absence of β-lipoproteins, characterized by the predominating presence in blood of acanthocytes, hypocholesterolemia, the celiac syndrome in early childhood and later ataxia, peripheral neuropathy and frequent retinitis pigmentosa and muscular atrophy; an autosomal hereditary trait.

Abeyance 1. A cessation of activity or function; 2. A state of suspended animation.

Abiogenesis A theory that living organisms can originate from non-living matter; spontaneous generation.

Abiosis 1. Absence of life; 2. Non-viability.

Abiotrophy Progressive loss of vitality of certain tissues or organs leading to disorders or loss of function applied especially to degenerative, hereditary diseases of late onset, e.g. Huntington's chorea.

Abirritant An agent such as a cream or powder, that relieves irritation.

Ablatio placentae Abruptio placentae.

Ablation The removal of part of a tumor by amputation, excision or other mechanical means.

Ablepsia Loss or absence of vision.

Abluent Detergent, Cleansing.

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 6erythrocytes giving the following arrangement of antigens (isoagglutinogens) and antibodies.

Sub Groups of A are recognised and designated by subscripts as A₁, A₂, etc.

Abort 1. To miscarry; to bring forth a non-viable fetus; 2. To terminate prematurely or stop in the early stages, as the course of a disease. 3. To check or fall short of maximal growth and development.

Aborticide 1. The killing of an unborn fetus; 2. An agent that destroys fetus and produces abortion.

Abortifacient A drug or agent inducing expulsion of the fetus.

Abortion 1. Premature cessation or emptying of the pregnant uterus before 24 weeks of gestation; 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 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 rests upon isolation of the virus and serologic reactions.7

Abrachia Armlessness.

Abrachius An armless individual.

Abrasion 1. A spot denuded of skin, mucous membrane or superficial epithelium by rubbing or scraping as of corneal abrasion, an excoriation; 2. The mechanical wearing down of teeth, as from incorrect brushing, appliances or bruxism. Compare attrition, erosion.

Abreaction In psychoanalysis, the mental process by which repressed emotionally charged memories and experiences are brought to consciousness and occur in hypnosis and narcoanalysis.

Abrosia Abstinence from food, fasting.

Abruptio Abruption, a tearing away.

Abruptio placentae Premature separation of the placenta prior to delivery of the infant (Figs. 3A and B).

Abscess A circumscribed collection of pus. a. amebic An abscess of the liver that contains ameba, and may follow amebic dysentery. It may occur independently also without intestinal infection. a. Bezold's A deep abscess in the neck associated with suppuration of the middle ear and purulent sinus thrombosis. a. Brodie's A chronic inflammation, sometimes tuberculus, of the head of a bone especially of the tibia. a. cold Abscess without heat or other usual signs of inflammation commonly tuberculous (Fig. 4).

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.

Abscopal Related to the effect of radiation on the tissues distant from the site of actual radiation.

Absence 1. In attention to one's environment; 2. Temporary loss of consciousness, as in absence attacks or psycho motor seizures; 93. 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.

Absorbable ligature A ligature composed of animal tissue such as catgut which can be absorbed by the tissues.

Absorbed dose In radiology the amount of energy imparted by ionizing particles to a unit mass of irradiated material at a place of interest.

Absorbefacient Any agent that promote absorption.

Absorbent 1. Anything capable of absorbing or sucking up fluids, faeces or light waves;2. A drug application or dressing that promotes absorption of diseased tissues.

Absorptiometry It is the amount of loss of X-rays after they pass through the body tissues.

Absorption 1. In physiology and pharmacology the passage by one or more processes of various body constituents or of medicinal agents through body membranes from one tissue 10compartment 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 psychology inattention to all but a single thought or activity.

Absorption atelectasis Obstructive atelectasis.

Absorption band A region of the absorption spectrum in which the absorptivity passes through maximum or inflection.

Absorption coefficient A constant in the law of absorption for homogeneous radiations.

Absorption curve In radiobiology a curve showing variation in absorption of radiation as a function of wave length.

Absorption spectrum A spectrum of radiation which has passed through some selectively absorbing substance as white light after it has passed through a vapor.

Abstergent 1. Having cleansing or purgative properties; 2. A cleaning lotion; 3. A purgative.

Abstinence Voluntary self denial of or forbearance from indulgence of appetites, especially from food, alcoholic drink or sex relations.

Abstinence delirium Delirium occurring on withdrawal of alcohol or of a drug from one addicted to it.

Abulia Loss or defect of the ability to make decisions.

Abulomania Mental disorder characterized by lack of will power and indecisiveness.

Abuse Misuse, maltreatment, or excessive use. Child a. The non-accidental use of physical force or the non-accidental act of omission by a parent or other custodian responsible for the care of a child. Drug a. Use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescribed drugs. Solvent a. The deliberate inhalation of volatile chemicals with the aim of inducing intoxication.

Acalcerosis Calcium deficiency of the diet or of the body as a result of the loss of the mineral in the excreta.

Acalculia Loss of the power to work out any mathematical problems even the simplest.

Acanthion The tip of the anterior nasal spine (Fig. 5).

Acanthocyte A thorny or peculiarly spiny erythrocyte characterized by multiple spiny cytoplasmic projections (Fig. 6).11

Acanthocytosis A rare condition in which as many as 70 to 80 percent of the red blood cells are acanthocytes ‘thorny 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 red blood 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. 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.

Acapnia Absence of carbon dioxide in blood and tissues.

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.

Acardiotrophia Atrophy of 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 1. 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.13

Acathexia An abnormal loss of the secretions.

Acathexis A mental disorder in which certain objects or ideas fail to arouse an emotional response in the individual.

Accessory Supplementary. A. nerve The 11th cranial nerve. It is made up of two portions: the cranial and the spinal.

Accommodation Adjustment of the eye for various distances specifically alteration of the covexity of the crystalline lens in order to bring light rays from an external object to a focus on the retina (Fig. 7).

Accoucheur Obstetrician.

Accretion 1. Increase by addition to the periphery or material of the same nature as that already present, e.g. the manner of growth of crystals; 2. In dentistry foreign material collecting on the surface of a tooth or in a cavity; 3. A growing together.

ACE inhibitors A group of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension. Their name, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, explains part of their mode of action, although it is thought that some of their other actions may also be important in reducing blood pressure.

Acebutolol Betadrenergic blocking agent used in hypertension.

Acecainide A metabolite of procainamide.

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.

Acenocoumarol (NND) An orally effective synthetic anticoagulant of the coumarin type and with similar action.

Acestoma Exuberant granulations that are forming a cicatrix.

Acetabulum Cup-shaped cavity on lateral wall of pelvic bone in which head of femur articulates.

Acetabuloplasty An operation performed to improve the depth and shape of the hip socket in correcting congenital dislocation of the hip or in treating osteoarthritis of the hip (Fig. 8).

Acetal A clear liquid made by the imperfect oxidation of alcohol. Has been used as hypnotic.

Acetal dehyde CH₃ CHO, a colorless liquid of irritating odor; it is polymerized into paraldehyde in presence of sulphuric acid. It is an intermediate in yeast fermentation of carbohydrate and in alcohol metabolism in man.

Acetamide Acetic acid amide formed by the action of ethyl acetate on ammonia, occurs 15in colorless deliquescent crystals of a mousy odor.

Acetaminophen N-Acetyl-p-aminophenol, P-acetamidophenol, a white odorless crystalline slightly bitter powder used as an antipyretic and analgesic.

Acetanilide Made from aniline by the action upon it of acetyl chloride. Occurs in the form of white scales or crystalline powder, very slightly soluble in water but soluble in 5 parts of alcohol, used as an analgesic and antipyretic. Toxic, continued use causes cyanosis.

Acetarsone Acetarsol (BP) acetyl amino hydroxy phenyl arsenic acid, N acetyl- 4hydroxy-Marsanilic acid; stovarsol, Used in amebiasis and as a local application in vincents angina and in trichomonas vaginalis.

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.

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% (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 rod shaped 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.16

Acetolase An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of alcohol to acetic acid.

Acetomeroctol An organic mercurial antibacterial agent.

Acetomorphine Heroin, see Diacetyl morphine.

Acetonaphthone Naphthylmethyl ketone occurs as yellow needles.

Acetone A colorless 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 of large amount of fat, commonly occurs in diabetic acidosis.

Acetophenazine maleate Tindal maleate, phenothiazine dimaleate, a tranquilizing agent with antiemetic hypotensive, spasmolytic and antihistaminic actions.

Acetophenone A coal tar derivative, phenylethyl ketone, a colorless liquid crystalizing to white needles at low temperatures with an odor of bitter almond. Has been used as a hypnotic or mild depressant.

Acetrizoate A radio-opaque compound used in urography, injected intravenously.

Acetrizoic acid A radio-opaque medium.

Acetyl-p-aminophenylsalicylate Salicylic acid ester of acetyl-p-aminophenol, used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and intestinal antiseptic.

Acetylcholine The acetic acid ester of choline isolated from ergot. Also liberated from preganglionic and postganglionic endings of parasympathetic fibers and from preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic. Causes cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, gastrointestinal peristalsis and other parasympathetic effects. It is hydrolized into choline and acetic acid by the enzyme cholinesterase that is present in blood and other tissue.

Acetylcholinesterase Cholinesterase, that breaks down acetyl choline into choline and acetic acid.

Acetylcoenzyme A Condensation product of coenzyme A and acetic acid, an intermediate in transfer of two carbon fragment notably in its entrance into the tricarboxylic acid cycle.17

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.

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, anti-inflammatory agent and in the treatment of rheumatism.

Achalasia Failure to relax, referring especially to visceral openings such as the cardia or any other sphincter muscles (Fig. 9).

Acheilia Congenital absence of the lips.

Achilles A mythical Greek warrior who was vulnerable only in the heel.

Achilles tendon Largest and strongest tendon of the body, formed by the union of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles at the lower end of the calf and inserts into calcaneus (Fig. 10).

Achilles tendon reflex Reflex that occurs after the Achilles tendon is tapped while the foot is dorsiflexed. It is exaggerated in upper motor neuron disease and not present in lower motor neuron disease.

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.19

Achorion A genus of parasitic fungi, proper term now Trichophyton.

Achromasia 1. Cachectic pallor, pallor associated with the Hipocratic facies of extremely severe and chronic illness often heralding the moribund state; 2. Absence of the ordinary staining reaction in a cell or tissue; 3. Achromatopsia.

Achromate An absolutely color blind person.

Achromatic 1. Colorless; 2. Not decomposing white light; 3. Not staining readily.

Achromatopsia Complete color blindness.

Achromatosis Absence of natural pigmentation as in albinism.

Achromaturia The passage of colorless or very pale urine.

Achylia 1. Absence of gastric juice or other digestive forment; 2. Absence of chyle.

Achylous 1. Lacking in gastric juice or other digestive secretion; 2. Having no chyle.

Acid 1. A compound of an electronegative element or radical with hydrogen; it forms salts by replacing all or part of the hydrogen with electropositive elements or radical. An acid containing one displaceable atom of hydrogen in the molecule is called monobasic; onecontaining two such atoms dibasic and one containing more than two-polybasic; 2. In popular language any chemical compound which has a sour taste.

Acid-base Acid is a substance which generates hydrogen ions [H⁺] in the solution whereas base is a substance which generates hydroxyl ions [OH^–] in the solution. In the body an equilibrium occurs between the acid and base elements of blood and body fluids. The normal pH of the serum is between 7.35 and 7.45. Acid- base equilibrium in the body is maintained through the regulatory systems of the kidney, lungs, skin, adrenals, pituitary and the buffer systems present in the blood. When there is a loss of balance between the acidic and alkaline components of blood and body fluids, acid-base imbalance can occur. Metabolic disorders like gastrointestinal diseases diabetes mellitus, renal diseases, etc. can commonly result in acid-base imbalance in the body.

Acidemia An increase in the H-ion concentration of the blood—a fall below normal in pH not withstanding alterations in content of bicarbonate.20

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.

Acid phosphatase An enzyme found in many tissues and fluid in the body. Acid phosphatase liberated from prostate gland serves as a marker for cancer prostate. It may also be sometimes elevated in conditions like Paget's disease, osteomalacia, hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, etc.

Acid rain Rain contaminated with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. By reducing pH, it is harmful for aquatic and plant life.

Acid reflux disorder A condition in which acid comes from the stomach into esophagus causing discomfort and damage to the esophageal lining.

Acidosis 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 hyperchloremia 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.

Aciduria Presence of excessive acid in the urine.

Acinetobacter Non-pathogenic genus of microorganism.

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) (Fig. 11).21

Acivicis A pyrimidine analog that blocks conversion of UTP to LTP.

Aclusion Lack of contact of opposing surface of molar and bicuspid teeth when jaws are closed.

Acme The peak, the time of greatest intensity of symptoms.

Acne A papular and pustular eruption due to inflammation with accumulation of secretion involving the sebaceous glands. a. atrophica Vulgaris in which the lesions leave a slight amount of scarring. a. ciliaris Follicular papules and pustules on the free edges of the eyelids. a. keratosa An eruption of papules consisting of horny plugs projecting from the hair follicles accompanied by inflammation. a. neonatorum A rare condition in infants characterized by papules and comedones on forehead and cheeks. a. rosacea Erythematosa, rosacea, acne of the cheeks and nose associated with papules, pustules, dilated blood vessels in the nasolabilal folds and dilated follicles. a. syphilitica Pustular syphilides, a rare type of secondary syphilis. a. telangiectodes An acniform eruption associated with tuberculosis. a. urticata 22An 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.

Acorea Congenital absence of the pupil of the eye.

Acoria Absence of the feeling of satiety after eating.

Acoustic Relating to hearing or the perception of sound.

Acoustic apparatus Auditory apparatus; the anatomical structures that help in hearing.

Acoustic area Part of the brain which lies over the vestibular and cochlear nuclei.

Acoustics The science of sounds and their perception.

Acquired Denoting a disease predisposition, that is not congenital but has developed after birth.

Acrania Lack of a cranium.

Acriflavine An acridine dye, a mixture of 2:8 diamino-10 methylacaridinium chloride and 2,8 diaminacridine. A brownish red odorless powder soluble in water. A powerful antiseptic. a. hydrochloride Acid acriflavine, acid trypaflavine, used as a wound antiseptic. It has been administered intravenously in brucellosis, tularemia, blastomycosis, and trypanosomiasis.

Acrimony The quality of being intensely irritant; biting or pungent.

Acrisorcin Antifungal agent available as 0.2% cream.

Acrocephaly Malformation of the head consisting in a high or pointed cranial vault due to premature closure of the sagittal, coronal and lamboid sutures.23

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.

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 (Fig. 12).

Acromelalgia A vasomotor neurosis marked by redness, pain and swelling of the fingers and toes, headache and vomiting, probably the same as erythromelalgia.

Acromion Acromial process, the outer end of the spine of the scapula which projects as a broad flattened process overhanging the glenoid fossa; it articulates with the clavicle and gives attachment to the deltoid and some fibers of the trapezius muscles.

Acropachy Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy.

Acropathy Simple hereditary clubbing of the digits without associated pulmonary or other progressive disease; often more severe in males, autosomal dominant inheritance.

Acrophobia A morbid dread of elevated places.

Acrosome The juxtanuclear body at the anterior extremity of a spermatid derived from the Golgi apparatus.

Acrotism Absence or imperceptibility of the pulse; pulselessness.

Actin One of the protein components into which actomyosin can be split. Can exist in a fibrous form (f-actin) or a globular form (G-actin).

Actinobacillus A genus of the family Bricellacea, Gram negative nonmotile small rods or coccoid forms characterized by the tendency to form aggregates in tissues or culture which resemble the sulphur 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 club-shaped 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 D.

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 granules; the constitutional symptoms are of a septic character.25

Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) The time required for a fibrin clot to form after addition of calcium and phospholipids, normally 16-40 seconds.

Activation 1. The act of rendering active; 2. An increase in the energy content of an atom or molecule; 3. Techniques of altering the physiologic environment of the brain by stimulating it by light sound or electricity in order to produce hidden or latent abnormal activity in the electroencephalogram. 4. Stimulation of cell division in an ovum by fertilization or by artificial means.

Activator 1. A substance that renders another substance such as an enzyme active; 2. Internal secretion of the pancreas; 3. An apparatus for impregnating water with 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 across a cell membrane not by passive diffusion but by an energy consuming process. Active diffusion can take place against a concentration gradient.

Activities of daily living Activities performed by individuals in a normal day that allow independent living.

Actomyosin A protein complex composed of the globulin myosin and actin in the micellae of the muscle fiber. It is the essential contractile substance of muscle.

Acuity Sharpness, clearness, distinctness. a. visual Acuteness of vision; it is indicated by a fraction in which numerator is a number expressing the distance in feet at which the patient sees a line or typed on the chart (usually 20 feet) and the denominator a number expressing the distance in feet at which the normal eye would see the smallest letters which the patient sees at the distance at which he is; thus if at 20 feet he sees only the letters which the normal eye would see at 50 feet the formula of his vision will be V = 20/50.

Acupuncture Puncture made with long fine needles for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Acute care Medical treatment given in a hospital to the patients suffering from an acute illness or injury or recovering from surgery.26

Acute mountain sickness Headache, vomiting, breathlessness, insomnia occurring on ascent to high altitude without proper acclimatization.

Acute phase reactants Proteins released from liver to blood in response to cytokines like 1L-6 and C-reactive protein.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome Respiratory insufficiency due to damage to alveolocapillary membrane. The oxygen lack does not improve with nasal oxygen therapy.

Acute urethral syndrome Dysuria, urgency, frequency in women in absence of significant bacteriuria.

Acyclovir Antiviral agent used in herpes.

Acyesis 1. Sterility in the woman; 2. The nonpregnant condition.

Adalimumab Monoclonal antibody for autoimmune diseases.

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.

Adapalene Tretinoin anti-acne drug.

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.

Addison's disease A disease due to deficient adrenocortical hormone secretion with asthenia, weight loss, fatigue, dehydration and shock.

Additive A substance not essentially part of a material such as food, fuel, etc., but which is deliberately added to fulfil some specific purpose.

Additive effect The effect of a combination of two or more drugs that is equal to the sum of the individual drug effects.

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 (Fig. 13).

Adductor A muscle drawing a part towards the median line.

Adefovir Antiviral agent, used in hepatitis B.

Adenase A deaminating enzyme in the liver, pancreas and spleen 27that converts adenosine into hypoxanthine.

Adenine One of the two purines found in both ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid; found also in various nucleotides of importance to the body, e.g. adenylic acid adenosine triphosphate (ATP) coenzymes I and II, Q-nitrogen.

Adenitis Inflammation of a 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 epidermoid) neoplastic cells.

Adenoblast An embryonic cell destined to proliferate into cells that will enter into the formation of a gland.

Adenocarcinoma A malignant neoplasm of epithelial cells in glandular or gland-like 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 interstices (Fig. 14).

Adenoidectomy Surgical removal of adenoid glands.

Adenoma A neoplasm of glandular epithelium. a. chromophobe A tumor of the chromophobe cells of the anterior pituitary body associated with hypopituitarism, 28the cells do not stain well with acid or basic dyes. a. eosinophilic A tumor of the eosinophilic chromophil cells of the anterior pituitary associated with gigantism and acromegaly. a. islet cell A benign neoplasm of the pancreas composed of tissue similar in structure to that of the islets of Langerhans. It may contain functioning beta cells and may cause hypoglycemia, sometimes termed insulinoma or Langerhansian a. adenoma. 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 29of all nucleic acids and of the various adenine nucleotides used in PSVT and stress testing.

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.

Adenovirus A group of viruses infecting upper respiratory tract.

Adenylate cyclase An enzyme that synthesizes c-AMP.

Adiaphoresis Absence or deficiency of perspiration.

Adiaphoretic A drug that causes repression of perspiration.

Adipocere A fatty substance of waxy consistency into which dead animal tissue are sometime converted when kept from the air under certain favoring conditions of temperature; it is believed to be produced by the conversion into fat of the proteins of the tissues.

Adiposis An excessive local or general accumulation of fat in the body, liposis. a. dolorosa Dercum's disease, an affection characterized by a deposit of symmetrical nodular or pendulous masses of fat in various regions of the body attended with more or less pain. a. tuberosa simplex Anders disease, an affection resembling adiposis dolorosa, in which the fat occurs in small more or less circumscribed masses on the abdomen or confined to the extremities; these masses are sensitive to the touch and may be spontaneously painful.

Adipsia Absence of thirst.

Adjuvant That which aids or assists; denoting a remedy that is added to a prescription to assist or increase the action of the main ingredient; synergist.

Adolescence Period of attaining complete growth and maturity.

Adolescent Pertaining to the period or state of adolescence.

Adrenal Adrenal glands are small triangular paired glands which lie on the superior surface of each kidney. Each adrenal gland consists of two parts: 1. An inner zone medulla which secretes catecholamines like adrenaline and nor-adrenaline; 2. An outer part cortex which secretes mineralocorticoids 30(aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisone) and sex steroids (testosterone). The secretions of the cortex play an important role in controlling many body functions including growth, regulation of metabolism, weight changes, neuromuscular activity, gastrointestinal function, maintenance of body fluid balance and reproduction. Catecholamines, on the other hand, are involved in mediating the fright, flight or fight response (Fig. 15).

Adrenal cortical hyperplasia Comprises of a group of autosomal recessive disorders associated with a deficiency of an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cortisol, aldosterone or both. The clinical manifestations are thus related to the degree of deficiency of either cortisol or aldosterone. The most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase. Salt wasting may be present due to inadequate aldosterone synthesis. The sex of a neonate with congenital adrenal hyperplasia is often unclear because of genital ambiguity. Excessive production of androgens can result in female virilization, clitoromegaly, excessive facial/pubic hair, etc. Deficiency of cortisol results in compensatory hypersecretion of corticotrophins and subsequent adrenal hyperplasia.

Adrenal cortical insufficiency When the adrenal cortex is unable to produce sufficient amounts of adrenal cortical hormones, the condition is termed as adrenal cortex insufficiency.

Adrenalectomy Excision of one or both adrenal glands.

Adrenaline Trade name for epinephrine.

Adrenalism A condition resulting from abnormal function of the 31adrenal (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.

Adrenogenital syndrome A condition caused by excess secretion of androgenic hormones by adrenal gland or excess medications with male hormones. In congenital form, the female baby, due to presence of enlarged clitoris and fused labia may be mistaken as male.

Adrenoleukodystrophy A hereditary disease with white matter atrophy of brain and atrophy of adrenal glands.

Adrenosterone An androgen isolated from the adrenal cortex, also known as androsterone and as Reichsteins compound G.

Adriamycin Doxorubicin, an anticancer antibiotic.

Adson's maneuver Test for thoracic-outlet syndrome in which there is loss of radial pulse in the arm by rotating the head to the unaffected side with extended neck following deep inspiration.

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.

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.

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) Use of adjunctive measures like monitoring arrhythmia control, defibrillation, and ventilatory support in patients of shock.

Adventitia The outer most covering of any organ or structure which does not form an integral part of such organ or structure specifically the outer coat of an artery; the tunica adventitia.

Adventitious 1. Coming from without; extrinsic; 2. Accidental. Relating to the adventitia of an artery or an organ.

Adynamia Weakness, vital debility, asthenia.32

Aerobacter A genus of the tribe Escherichia, family Enterobacteriacea, containing rod-shaped Gram negative organisms, found chiefly in the intestine.

Aerobe An organism that can thrive only in presence of oxygen.

Aerocele Refers to a cavity or pouch filled with air or gas. Aeroceles are commonly seen in connection with trachea or larynx resulting in formation of eracheocele and laryngocele respectively. An epidural aerocele is a collection of air between the dura mater and walls of the spinal column.

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.

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.33

After pains Painful cramplike contractions of the uterus occurring after childbirth.

After potential The small changes in electrical potential in a stimulated nerve which follow the main potential change. They follow the “spike” potential of the oscillographic record and consists of an initial negative deflection followed by a positive deflection in the oscillograph record.

Agalactia Absence of milk in the breasts after child birth.

Agammaglobulinemia A condition characterized by 1. A lack or extremely low levels of gamma globulin in the blood (and lymphoid tissue); 2. Defective formation of antibody; 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 hypogammaglubulinemia; includes transient, congenital and acquired forms, probably results from decrease synthesis of gamma globulin with levels usually less than 100 or 125 mg per mL. a. secondary Probably results from increased rate of catabolism or unusual loss of gamma globulin; levels of gamma globulin usually range from 200 to 400 mg per 100 mL. a. transient A type of primary agammaglobulinemia occurs in infants of both sexes usually during the second to sixth months of life probably resulting from immaturity of lymphoid tissue, level of gamma globulin likely to be less than 100 to 150 mg per 100 mL.

Agamogony A sexual 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.34

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.

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 (Figs. 16A and B).

Agglutination Aggregation into clumps or masses of microorganisms or other cells upon exposure to a specific immune serum or other source of appropriate antibody. a. cold Agglutination of red blood cells by their own serum or by any other serum when the blood is cooled below body temperature but is most pronounced below 25 °C. The phenomenon results from cold agglutinins. Although it is seen occasionally in the blood of apparently normal persons it is more frequent in scarlet fever, staphylococcal infections, pneumonia, certain hemolytic anemias and trypanosomiasis.

Agglutinin Antibody that causes clumping or agglutination of the bacteria or other cells which either stimulate the formation of the agglutinaion or contain immunologically similar reactive material. a. cold Agglutinin that agglutinates human group 0 erythrocytes at zero to 5 °C but not at 37 °C, found in the serum of less than half of patients with primary atypical pneumonia and also in certain other diseases especially trypanosomiasis, titer is usually at a peak relatively early during recovery.

Agglutinogen An antigenic substance that stimulates the formation of specific agglutinin.

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.

Aglossia Congenital absence of the tongue.35

Aglutition Inability to swallow or great difficulty in swallowing, aphagia, dysphagia.

Agnathia Absence of the lower jaw.

Agnosia Lack of sensory ability to recognize objects. a. auditory Central auditory inappreciation of sound, ability to perceive sound at the end organ with inability to interpret it centrally. a. optic Inability to interpret visual images. a. tactile Inability to recognize objects by touch. a. visual spatial Disturbance in spatial orientation and in understanding of spatial relations; apractognosia.

Agonal Relating to the process of dying or the movement of death so called because of the former erroneous notion that dying is a painful process.

Agonist Denoting a muscle in state of contraction with reference to its opposing muscle or antagonist.

Agony Extreme mental or physical suffering; struggle for death. A:G ratio See Albumin:globulin ratio.

Agrammatism Loss, through cerebral disease, of the power to construct a grammatical or intelligible sentence, words are uttered but not in proper sequence, a form of aphasia.

Agranulocytosis Acute condition characterized by pronounced leukopenia with great reduction in the number of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, infected ulcers likely to develop in the throat, intestinal tract and other mucous membranes as well as in the skin. Termed also sepsis agranulocytica, malignant leukopenia, agranulocytic angina, mucocytis necroticans agranulocytica and Schultz angina.

Agraphia Loss of the power of writing due to an inability to phrase thought. Acoustic agraphia is acquired inability to write from dictation. In amnemanic agraphia, letters and words can be written but not connected sentences; in verbal agraphia single letters can be written. Musical agraphia is the loss of power to write musical notation.

AHF Antihemophilic factor (clotting factor VIII).

AHG Antihemophilic globulin (clotting factor VIII).

Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome Rare inherited mental retardation; a combination of both encephalopathy and liver disease. May mimic TORCH or toxoplasmosis.36

Aicardi syndrome Causes childhood seizures due to congenital absence of corpus callosum. Found only in children having two X chromosomes or children with Kleinfelter's syndrome.

AID Artificial insemination of a woman with donor semen.

AIDS Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is the extreme end of the spectrum of disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and impairs the body's cellular immune system. This may result in infection by organisms of normally no or low pathogenicity (opportunistic infections), principally Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), or the development of unusual tumors, namely Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). A. related complex (ARC) recurrent symptoms such as lymphadenopathy, night sweats, diarrhea, weight loss, malaise and chest infections. Examination of the blood may show abnormally low platelet and neutrophil counts as well as low lymphocyte counts (Figs. 17A and B).

Air A mixture of gases that make up the earth's atmosphere. It consists of: non-active nitrogen 79%; oxygen 21%, which supports life and combustion; traces of neon, argon, hydrogen, etc.; and carbon dioxide 0.03%, except in expired air, when 6% is exhaled as a result of diffusion that has taken place in the lungs. Air has weight and exerts pressure, which aids in syphonage from body cavities. A. bed A rubber mattress inflated with air. Complemental a. Additional air that can be inhaled with inspiratory effort. A. embolism An embolism caused by air entering the circulatory system. A. encephalography Radiological examination of the brain after the injection of air into the subarachnoid space. A. hunger A form of dyspnea in which there are deep sighing respirations, characteristic of severe hemorrhage or acidosis. Residual a. Air remaining in the lungs after deep expiration. Stationary a. That retained in the lungs after normal expiration. Supplemental a. The extra air forced out of the lungs with expiratory effort. Tidal a. That which passes in and out of the lungs in normal respiratory action.

Airway 1. The passage by which the air enters and leaves the lungs; 2. A mechanical device 37(tube) used for securing unobstructed respiration during general anesthesia or on other occasions when the patient is not ventilating or exchanging gases properly. It may be passed through the mouth or nose. The tube prevents a flaccid tongue from resting against the posterior pharyngeal wall and causing obstruction of the airway (Fig. 18).

Akathisia Motor restlessness.

Akinesia Loss of muscle power. This may be the result of a brain or spinal cord lesion or, temporarily, to anesthesia.

Alalia Loss of impairment of the power of speech due to muscle paralysis or a cerebral lesion.

Alanine aminotransferase An intracellular enzyme involved in protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Increased enzyme level in blood indicate necrosis of liver, muscle or brain (formerly called SGOT).

Albinism A condition in which there is congenital absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. It may be partial or complete.

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.

Albright's syndrome F. Albright, American physician, 1900-1969. Condition in which there is abnormal development of bone, excessive pigmentation of the 39skin and, in females, precocious sexual development.

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-globulin ratio Often abbreviated as A:G ratio. Albumin and globulin are different types of proteins found in the serum. Albumin is mainly synthesized by liver. This protein helps in creating an osmotic force which maintains fluid volume within the vascular space. Globulins, on the other hand, are synthesized in various other parts of the body. Globulins include: gamma globulins (antibodies), beta globulins, alpha-2-globulins and alpha-1-globulins. Optimal range of A:G ratio is 1.7. A:G ratio may get altered in presence of a pathology.

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. cyclic A functional form sometimes observed intermittently in cycles of 12 to 36 hours duration chiefly in younger persons, the degree of albuminuria is usually slight. a. dietetic The excretion of protein in the urine following the ingestion of certain foods, also termed digestive albuminuria. a. functional A collective term designating any albuminuria in which there is no detectable, associated pathologic condition in the kidneys or other tissues; may be observed intermittently during pregnancy or adolescence, in athletes, etc.40

Albuterol A sympathomimetic drug used in bronchial asthma.

Alcaine Proparacaine, a local anesthetic.

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% by weight corresponding to 94.9 % by volume of C₇H₅OH. a. absolute With a minimum admixture of water at most 1%. a. dehydrogenase A pyridinoenzyme of the liver catalyzing the dehydrogenation of ethyl alcohol to acetaldehyde. a. dehydrated Absolute alcohol; ethyl hydroxide C₂H₅-OH. Containing not more than 1% 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% V/V.

Alcoholism Poisoning with alcohol.

Alcoholophilia The craving for alcohol.

Alcuronium A neuromuscular blocking agent; non-depolarizing.

Aldolase Zymohexase, an enzyme involved in the glycolytic chain catalyzing the splitting of fructose-1, 6-disphosphate to 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde and phosphodihydroxyacetone.

Aldose A monosaccharide containing the characterizing group of the aldehydes (CHO).

Aldosterone A steroid principle of the adrenal cortex which is more potent than deoxycorticosterone in causing sodium retention and potassium loss. It possesses little or no antirheumatic property. Chemically it differs from corticosterone in having an aldehyde group at C-18.

Aldosteronism Excessive production or excretion of aldosterone. Two forms are recognized 1. True or Primary, characterized by persistent hypokalemia (with alkalosis), hypertension, polyuria, exacerbation of muscular weakness and normal or elevated serum sodium; 2. So-called secondary form that is characterized by conspicuous 41edema (in contrast to primary) and is associated with congestive cardiac failure, cirrhosis, nephrosis and so on.

Alendronate Bisphosphonate for osteoporosis.

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 Thrombocytopenia).

Alexia Loss of the power to grasp the meaning of written or printed words, sentences, also called optical, sensory or visual alexia in distinction to motor alexia (aphemia or anarthria) in which there is loss of the power to read aloud although the significance of what is written or printed is understood; musical blindness is loss of the power to read musical notation.

Alfacalcidol Active vit D₃.

Alfentanil Newer more potent opioid analgesic with shorter duration of action.

Alfuzosin Alfa-blocker, used in prostatic hypertrophy.

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.

Algogenesis (Greek: algos+ genesis = pain + origin). Algogenesis thus refers to the origin or production of pain.

Algogenic Producing pain or lowering the body temperature.

Algolagnia (Greek: algos + lagnia = pain + lust). Sexual tendency in which the person derives sexual gratification either by inflicting pain to the partner or by experiencing the pain, particularly involving the erogeneous zone.

Algophily A desire to suffer from pain because one derives sexual pleasure from it.

Algophobia An abnormal and persistent fear of experiencing pain.

Algor (latin: algor-coolness) Algor mortis is defined as reduction in body temperature following death.

Alimentary Relating to food or nutrition.

Aliphatic 1. Fatty; 2. Denoting the open chain compounds most of which belong to the fatty series.42

Alkalies A strongly basic substance alkaline in reaction and capable of saponifying fats, i.e. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide.

Alkaloid A basic substance found in the leaves, barks, seeds and other parts of plants usually constituting the active principle of crude drug. A substance of similar nature is formed in animal tissues. Alkaloids are usually bitter in taste and alkaline in reaction and unite with acids to form salts.

Alkalosis A normally high alkali reserve (biocarbonate) of blood and other body fluids with a tendency for an increase in pH of the blood although it may remain normal. It may result from persistent vomiting, hyperventilation or excessive ingestion of sodium bicarbonate.

Alkaptonuria Urinary excretion of alkaptone bodies (e.g. homogentisic acid) which cause a dark color if the urine is permitted to stand or is alkalinized; Represents a defect in the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine; some times associated with ochronosis.

Alkylating agents Cell cycle nonspecific anticancer drugs.

Alkylation The substitution of an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical for a hydrogen atom in a cyclic or ring compound.

Allantoin Ureidohydantoin, glyoxyldiureide, 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.43

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 nonprotein material) that stimulates an altered cellular response in the animal or human body thereby resulting in manifestation of allergy as the protein (S) of certain foods, bacteria, pollen and so on. a. bacterial The specific protein (or other material) in the bacterial cell that may stimulate an allergic response, e.g. tuberculin which is prepared from tubercle bacilli. a. pollen The material in pollen that may stimulate an allergic response.

Allergic Relating to a recognizable condition of allergy or to any response stimulated by an allergen.

Allergy 1. Any abnormal or altered reaction to an antigen or allergen including greater (hyper) or less sensitivity, the term is now used almost invariably to indicate hyper-sensitivity of the body cells to a specific substance (antigen, allergen) that results in various types of reaction. The exciting material or antigen may be protein, lipid or carbohydrate in nature. The allergic reaction is basically an antibody reaction and includes anaphylaxis, atopic diseases, serum sickness, contact dermatitis; 2. That branch of medicine which 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 materials not related to antibody in circulating blood. a. bronchial Asthma and similar conditions that are allergic in origin. a. cold Physical allergy produced by exposure to cold. a. contact Cutaneous reaction caused by direct contact with an allergen to which the person is hypersensitive. a. delayed Allergic response that is not apparent until several hours or a few days have passed as in hypersensitivity to tuberculin, coccidioidin, and other extracts from microorganism. a. drug Unusual sensitivity to 44a drug or other chemical or to combination products of such compounds with various substances in the body.

Alloantigen An antigen present in the blood or tissue of a donor, i.e. it is not present in the recipient. It can trigger an immune response.

Alloarthroplasty Surgical creation of a new joint in the body using materials other than the cells and tissues from human body, e.g. use of hip prosthesis. In other words it can be defined as surgical construction of an artificial joint.

Allocheiria A sensation or stimulus is perceived at a point on the body which is opposite to the point where the stimulus was actually applied. This is also known as allachesthesia, allesthesia or allochiria. This condition is usually due to the lesions in the central nervous system, particularly the parietal lobe.

Allochezia Either defecation from an opening other than the anus or expulsion of non-faecal matter from the anus.

Alloeroticism Sexual attraction toward another person, as opposed to autoeroticism.

Allogamy The fertilization of the ova of one individual by the spermatozoa of another; the opposite of autogamy.

Allograft Tissue transplanted from one person to another. Non-viable a. Skin, taken from a cadaver, which cannot regenerate. Viable a. Living tissue transplanted.

Allopath One who practises medicine according to the system of allopathy.

Allopathy A therapeutic system in which disease is treated by producing a morbid reaction of another kind or in another part by method of substitution.

Alloploidy The condition of a hybrid individual or cell having two or more sets of chromosomes derived from two different ancestral species.

Allopurinol Xanthine oxidase inhibitor, used in gout and hyperuricemia.

Allosome One of the chromosomes differing in appearance or behavior from the ordinary chromosomes or autosomes and sometimes unequally distributed among the germ cell, heterotypical chromosome.

Allylestrenol Progestational agent.

Alma-Ata declaration A declaration made in 1978 at in conference on Primary Health Care at Alma-Ata in USSR for attaining health for all by year 2000.45

Almetrine Respiratory stimulant used in COPD.

Alochia Absence of lochia.

Alopecia Acomia, baldness. a. areata Condition of unknown etiology producing of circumscribed, noninflamed areas of baldness on the scalp, eyebrows and bearded portion of the face. a. dynamica Hair loss due to some destructive disease process affecting the hair follicles. a. follicularis A papular or postular inflammation of the hair follicles of the scalp resulting in scarring and loss of hair in the affected area (Fig. 19).

Alveolus A small angular cavity; bony socket of a tooth; air sac of the lungs.

Alovera Skin texture enhancer and emollient.

Alpha 1 antitrypsin An inhibitor of trypsin deficient in patients of emphysema.

Alpha fetoprotein An antigen present in fetus, increased in adults with hepatic cancer.

Alprazolam A benzodiazepine, anxiolytic agent.

Alprostadil Prostaglandin used in congenital heart disease esp. PDA.

ALP test ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme found in various body tissue. Various types of this enzyme (also known as isoenzymes) are present in different body structures, e.g. liver and bone ALP isoenzyme. ALP isoenzyme test aims at measuring the amounts of different types of ALP present in the body. Elevated levels of ALP can occur in conditions like liver disease, biliary disease (jaundice), kidney disease, bone disease, various types of cancers, osteogenesis imperfecta, etc.

Alternative medicine Methods other than scientific to diagnose and treat diseases like homeopathy, ayurveda, acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, naturopathy, yoga.

Altitude sickness A pathological condition occurring at high altitudes due to presence of a low air pressure. It can result in symptoms like headache, dyspnea, lassitude, weakness, fatigue, breathlessness, insomnia, diziness, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, usual disturbances, mental confusion, depression, etc. The exact pathogenesis of altitude sickness is not yet understood. Though it occurs at low atmospheric pressure, it is not necessarily related to low partial pressure of oxygen.

Alveolitis Inflammation of alveoli. a. allergic Diffuse granulomatous lung disease caused by hypersensitivity to organic dusts (Fig. 20).

Alveolus 1. Bony socket of tooth; 2. Air sacks present in the lungs. 3. Honeycombed depressions in the gastric mucous membranes.

Alzheimer's cells A. Alzheimer, German neurologist, 1864-1915. 1. Giant astrocytes with large prominent nuclei found in the brain in hepatolenticular degeneration and hepatic comas; 2. Degenerated astrocytes.

Alzheimer's disease A disease of unknown etiology causing presenile dementia.

Amalgam A solution of metal in mercury. In dentistry the metal consists mainly of intermetallic compound Ag₃ Sn, Zinc and copper are useful but not essential.47

Amanita A genus of fungi, Agaricus. a. phallaoides deadly agaric, contains a poisonous principle that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms and is hemolytic and injurious to the kidneys.

Amantidine An agent used in Parkinsonism and influenza.

Amaurosis A total loss of vision. a. fugax Temporary blindness in airplane pilots when making a circular maneuver with head toward the center of the circle due to centrifugal force causing cerebral ischemia, flight blindness, blackout. a. Burn's Postmarital amaurosis; blindness following sexual excess. a. toxic Blindness due to optic neuritis excited by tobacco, alcohol, wood alcohol, lead, arsenic, quinine or other poisons.

Ambenoniam An anti-cholin-esterase agent.

Amblyacousia Hearing dullness.

Amblyopia Uncorrectable decrease in vision in one or both eyes, which occurs commonly due to asymmetric refractive error or strabismus.

Amblygeustia Temporary or permanent diminution in the sense of taste.

Amblyoscope An instrument resembling a stereoscope used in training the fusion sense and habituating an amblyopic eye to bear its share of vision.48

Ambroxol A mucolytic.

Ambu bag A hand operated, self-inflating bag used during resuscitation. It is connected by tubing and non-rebreathing valve to a face mask or endotracheal tube and is used for artificial ventilation.

Amebiasis Infestation with Entamoeba histolytica or other pathogenic amoebas. a. hepatic Infection of the liver with entamoeba histolytica, may occur with or without antecedent amebic dysentery.

Amebocyte A cell such as a neutrophil leukocyte having the power of ameboid movements.

Ameboid Resembling an ameba in appearance or characteristic of irregular outline with peripheral projections.

Ameboma An amebic granuloma, a nodular tumor-like focus of proliferative inflammation sometimes developing in chronic amebiasis especially in the wall of colon.

Ameiosis A cell division resulting in formation of gametes without reduction in chromosome number.

Amelia Congenital absence of a limb or limbs.

Amelioration Improvement, moderation in the intensity of symptoms.

Ameloblastoma A neoplasm originating from epithelial tissue. Related to the enamel organ.

Amenorrhea Absence or abnormal cessation of the menses.

Amentia 1. Idiocy; 2. A form of confusional insanity marked especially by apathy, disorientation and more or less stupor.

Amethocaine A local anesthetic for mucous membranes. A. pastille A lozenge that, when dissolved slowly in the mouth, will aid the passage of a bronchoscope or gastroscope.

Amethopterin Methotrexata, a cytotoxic drug.

Amifostine Cytoprotective agent in cancer chemotherapy.

Amiloride A potassium sparing diuretic.

Amikacin An aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Aminacrine Antibacterial, antitrichomonad agent used in vaginal preparations.

Amino acid A chemical compound containing both NH₂ and COOH groups. The end-product of protein digestion. Essential a. a. One required for replacement and growth but which cannot be synthesized in the body in sufficient amounts and must be obtained in the diet (Table 1). 49Nonessential a. a. One necessary for proper growth but which can be synthesized in the body and is not specifically required in the diet.

Amino caproic acid Antifibrinolytic agent used for vascular plugging in hemorrhage.

Aminoglutethimide Adrenocortical suppressant used in breast cancer.

Aminopterin 4-Aminopteroyl-glutamic acid, a folic acid antagonist, yellow crystals, soluble in alkali. Used in treatment of acute leukemia and other neoplastic diseases.

Aminosalicylic acid p-Aminosalicylic acid, 4-amino-2hydroxybenzoic acid, small crystals slightly soluble in water. Melting point 150°C. A bacteriostatic agent against tubercle bacilli, used as an adjunct to streptomycin. Abbreviated AS or PAS.

Amiodarone Antiarrhythmic agent.

Amitryptyline hydrochloride Chemically and pharmacologically related to imipramine hydrochloride. An antidepressant agent with mild tranquilizing properties, used in the treatment of mental depression and maniac depressive states.

Amlodipine Calcium channel blocker for hypertension.

Ammonia A volatile alkaline gas, NH₃, very soluble in water combining with acids to form a number of salts.

Ammoniemia The presence of ammonia or some of its compounds in the blood, thought to be formed from the decomposition of urea with weak pulse, gastroenteric symptoms and coma.

Ammonium A group of atoms, NH₄ that behaves as a univalent metal in forming ammonical compound; it has never been obtained in a free state. a. acetate White, deliquescent, crystals, soluble in water, melting point 112°C. Mild diaphoretic and refrigerant, used in preserving meat. a. carbonate A mixture of carbon dioxide and carbonate soluble in water, occurs in white masses with ammonical odor. Cardiac and respiratory stimulant and 50expectorant. 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.

Amniocentesis The withdrawal of fluid from the uterus through the abdominal wall by means of a syringe and needle (Fig. 21). It is primarily used in the diagnosis of chromosome disorders in the fetus and in cases of hydramnios.

Amnioinfusion Infusion of normal saline into the amniotic sac to increase the amniotic fluid volume.

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 (Fig. 22).

Amnioscope An endoscope which is passed through the uterine cervix to visualize the fetus and amniotic fluid.

Amniotomy Surgically breaking the amniotic sac to induce or expedite labor.

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. malariae infections. Also used in treatment of amebic hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Amoeba A genus of unicellular protozoan organisms of microscopic size existing in nature in large numbers, many living as parasites, some species pathogenic for man.

Amoebiasis Infection with amoeba, particularly Entamoeba histolytica.

Amoebic Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of an amoeba. A. abscess An abscess cavity of the liver resulting from liquefaction necrosis due to entrance of Entamoeba histolytica into the portal circulation in amoebiasis; amoebic abscesses may affect the lung, brain and spleen. A. dysentery A form of dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica and spread by contaminated food, water and flies; called also amoebiasis. Amoebic dysentery is mainly a tropical disease by many cases occur in temperate countries. Symptoms are diarrhea, fatigue and intestinal bleeding. Complications include involvement of the liver, liver abscess and pulmonary abscess. Several drugs are available for treatment, for example, emetine hydrochloride and chloroquine, which may be used singly or in combination.

Amoxapine Tricyclic antidepressant.

Amoxicillin Ampicillin group of antibiotic with better GI absorption.

Ampere Unit of strength of an electrical current representing a current having a force of one volt and passing through a conductor with a resistance of one ohm.

Amphetamine An acrid liquid racemic synthetic preparation slightly soluble in water, closely related in its structure and action to ephedrine and other sympathomimetic amines. Central nervous system stimulant.

Amphoric Denoting the sound heard in precussion and 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 mycotic infections.

Ampicillin Semisynthetic broad spectrum penicillin, acid resistant.53

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.

Amyelia Congenital absence of spinal cord.

Amygdala A nugget-like mass of gray matter in the anterior portion of temporal lobe.

Amylase A starch splitting or amylolytic 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 anesthetic. Its action is slightly stronger than that of cocaine less toxic but more irritant. It has been used for spinal anesthesia. Side effects and after effects are frequent.

Amyloid A protein (probably combined with 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 reticulo endothelial 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 54provokes 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 (Fig. 23).

Amylopectin A polysaccharide found in the outer layer of the starch granule, characterized by glucose residues arranged in branched chains.

Amyostasia Tremors of the muscle causing difficulty in standing or in coordination. This condition is commonly seen in the cases of locomoter ataxia.

Amyotonia Loss of muscular tone. Amyotonia congenita is a congenital disease associated with absent tone and reflexes in the voluntary muscles. Due to reduced muscular tone, the muscles often remain underdeveloped.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease associated with degeneration of motor neurons and the nerve cells in the CNS which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscular activity. The disorder results in extreme weakness and atrophy of muscles both in upper and lower limbs. Eventually the patient loses the ability to control and initiate voluntary movements in the entire body except for the eyes. Cognitive function usually remains unimpaired. The disease has no cure. However, recently the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of the drug riluzole (rilutek) for treatment of this condition.

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.55

Anaerobe A microorganism that can live and thrive in the absence of free oxygen. These organisms are found in body cavities or wounds where the oxygen tension is very low. Examples are the bacilli of tetanus and gas gangrene. Facultative a. A microorganism that can live and grow with or without molecular oxygen. Obligate a. An organism that can grow only in the complete absence of molecular oxygen.

Analgesia Loss of sensibility to pain.

Analgia Freedom from pain.

Analogous Resembling functionally but having a different origin or structure.

Analog 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. 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 56one moving to each pole (Fig. 24).

Anaphrodisiac A drug or a chemical substance which blunts the libido or sexual desire. It is the opposite of aphrodisiac which enhances sexual desire.

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; 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 57antibody (anaphylactin) and the specific. Sensitizing material, when the latter is injected at a shock dose in a sensitized animal.

Anaphylaxis The antithesis of prophylaxis; anaphylaxis is an exaggerated or extreme hypersensitivity that may be induced in various animal species as a result of the injection 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 (Figs. 25A and B).

Anasarca Severe generalized edema.

Anastomosis 1. A natural communication direct or indirect between two blood vessels or tubular structure; 2. An operative union between of two hollow or tubular structures (Fig. 26).

Anastrozole Aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer.

Anatomy Study of structure of morphology of organisms.

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 (Figs. 27A and B).

Andersen syndrome It is an autosomal dominant syndrome which causes abnormal potassium release from the somatic cells or cardiac cells which results in triad of symptoms such as 58life threatening ventricular irritability. Patient suffering from this syndrome is prone to periodic paralysis, prolonged QT syndrome that causes dysrhythmias in addition with facial deformities such as broad forehead with narrow maxilla or chin.

Androgen A generic term for an agent usually a hormone, e.g. testosterone or androsterone that stimulates the activity of the accessory sex organs of the male; encourages the development of the male sex characteristics.

Androgynoid A man with hermaphroditic sexual characteristics who is mistaken for a woman, a pseudohermaphrodite. Possession 59of masculine characteristics by a genetically pure female.

Androgynus Female pseudohermaphrodite.

Andropathy Any disease such as prostatitis peculiar to the male sex.

Androstenedione A testosterone precursor.

Anemia (Anaemia) Qualitative or quantitative reduction in red blood cells. 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 hemoglobin 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 anemia caused by a deficiency of iron; the amount of hemoglobin is reduced to a greater degree than the blood red cell count as a result of: 1. Less than the normal percentage of hemoglobin per cell; 2. The smaller than the normal size of most of the erythrocytes. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin 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 anemia 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, anemia of pregnancy, etc. a. megaloblastic Any anemia in which there is a predominant number 60of megaloblasts and relatively few normoblasts among the hyperplastic erythroid cells in the bone marrow (as in pernicious). a. normochromic Anemia in which the concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocytes is within the normal range, i.e. the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is around 32 to 36 percent.

Anencephaly Congenital absence of brain as well as cranial vault along with missing or reduced cerebral hemispheres. Results due to lack of closure of the anterior neural tube and the risk can be reduced by using folic acid supplementation by women before and during pregnancy.

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 anesthesia) induced by administration of an anesthetic agent. a. infiltration Local anesthesia produced by injecting the local anesthetic solution directly into tissue. a. inhalational General anesthesia produced by inhalation of vapor or gas anesthetic like ether, nitrous oxide, halothane, trilene, etc. a. pudendal The pudendal nerve near the spinous process of ischium is blocked; used in perineal and obstetric surgery. a. spinal Anesthesia produced by injection of anesthetic agent into subarachnoid space. a. surgical Depth of anesthesia of which relaxation of muscles and loss of sensation and consciousness are adequate for performance of surgery. a. twilight State of light anesthesia.

Anesthesiologist Physician specializing in anesthesiology.

Anesthetize To induce anesthesia.

Aneuploidy Possession of abnormal number of chromosomes.

Aneurysm Localized abnormal dilatation of a blood vessel due to congenital weakness or defect in the wall (Fig. 28). 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 61on 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.

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.62

Angelman syndrome Harry Angelman, British Pediatrician, 1915-1996. A rare genetic condition that occurs due to abnormal chromosome 15 of maternal origin. Symptoms of the syndrome include severe mental retardation, microcephaly and paroxysms of laughter.

Angiectasia Dilatation of blood and lymph vessel.

Angiitis Inflammation of blood vessels.

Angina Severe pain. a. abdominis Abdominal pain due to ischemia of gut. a. cruris Leg pain due to vascular obstruction. a. decubitus Attacks of angina pectoris occurring in recumbent position. a. Ludwig Deep infection of tissues in the floor of the mouth. a. pectoris Ischemic pain of cardiac origin manifesting as constriction around heart, faintness; radiation of pain occurring to jaw, neck, left shoulder, upper abdomen and along inner border of left arm. a. prinzmetal’s Angina pectoris with ST elevation due to coronary spasm (Fig. 29).

Angioblast The mesenchymal cell derivative which ultimately develops into blood vessels.

Angioblastoma Tumor involving blood vessels of brain and meninges.

Angiocardiogram Serial X-rays of heart after intraventricular injection of radio-opaque dye.

Angioedema An allergic condition characterized by urticaria and edematous areas of skin and 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.63

Angiogenesis Development of blood vessels.

Angiogenic factors A group of polypeptides that either stimulate vascular endothelium to proliferate or stimulate macrophages to secrete endothelial growth factors.

Angiography X-ray of blood vessels after injection of radio opaque material. a. cerebral X-ray picture of cerebral circulation to evaluate stroke, tumor, AV malformation, aneurysm or abnormal vascular pattern. a. coronary X-ray of coronary circulation to evaluate ischemic disease. a. digital subtraction A computer aided “subtraction” technique that subtracts images of surrounding tissue from the contrast image to give better resolution and minor details.

Angioid streaks Dark wavy anastomosing striae lying beneath the retinal vessels.

Angiokeratoma Thickening of epidermis of feet with telangiectases warty growths.

Angiolipoma A mixed tumor containing blood vessels and fatty tissue.

Angiolith Calcareous deposits in walls of blood vessels.

Angiology Science of blood vessels and lymphatics.

Angioma A tumor containing blood vessels (hemangioma) or lymph vessels (lymphangioma), considered to be misplaced fetal tissue undergoing abnormal development. a. capillary Congenital superficial hemangioma appearing as irregular red discoloration due to overgrowth of capillaries. a. cavernous Elevated dark red tumor consisting of blood filled vascular spaces; involves submucus and subcutaneous tissue and is pulsatile. a. serpiginous A skin disorder characterized by appearance of small, red vascular dots arranged in rings due to proliferation of capillaries. a. stellate Hemangioma in which telangiectatic blood vessels radiate from a central point SYN—spider nevus.

Angiomalacia Softening of wall of blood vessels.

Angiomatosis Multiple angiomas.

Angiomyolipoma A benign growth containing vascular, muscular and fatty elements.

Angiopathy Any disease of blood or lymph vessel.

Angioplasty Dilatation of obstructed vessel by an angiographic procedure (Fig. 30).64

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.

Anhidrosis Absence of sweat secretion.65

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. warm blooded Animals that maintain constant body temperature irrespective of change in environmental temperature.

Animation State of being alive. a. suspended State of apparent death.

Anion An ion carrying negative charge being attracted to positive pole, anode.

Anion gap It is calculated from subtracting HCO₃– + Cl^– from plasma sodium. Normal value is 8–12 mEq/L.

Aniridia Congenital absence of a part of iris.

Anisindione Anticoagulant agent.

Anisocoria Inequality in size of pupils.

Anisocytosis Marked inequality in size of cells.

Anisodactyly Unequal length of the corresponding fingers or digits.

Anisogamy Sexual fusion of two gametes of different form and size.

Anisognathous A condition of having different sizes of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) dental arches or jaws. The upper jaw is usually larger than the lower one.

Anisoleukocytosis Various forms of leukocytes are present in an abnormal ratio in the blood.

Anisomastia Condition of unequal size of breasts.

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.

Anisopiesis Inequality in arterial blood pressure between the two sides of the body.

Anisotropine A belladona alkaloid derivative, spasmolytic.

Anisuria Characterized by marked alteration in the amount of 66urine produced; alternating between oliguria and polyuria.

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-Achiles tendon.

Ankyloblepharon Adhesion of upper and lower eyelids at lid margin.

Ankylocolpos Imperforated or atretic vaginal canal.

Ankyloglossia Poor tongue protrusion due to abnormally short frenulum.

Ankylosis Immobility of a joint, due to fibrous tissue growth or bony fusion within joint. a. dental Fusion of root cementum with adjacent alveolar bone.

Annular Circular.

Annuloraphy Closure of hernial ring by suture.

Annulus A ring-shaped structure.

Anococcygeal body The muscle and fibrous tissue lying in between anus and coccyx; giving attachment to.

Anococcygeal ligament A band of fibrous tissue joining coccyx to external sphincter ani.

Anode The positive pole.

Anodontia Absence of teeth.

Anomaloscope Device for detection of color blindness.

Anomaly Deviation from normal, irregularity.

Anomia Inability in naming objects.

Anopheles A genus of mosquito, vector for plasmodia, the causative agent of malaria.

Anorchism Congenital absence of one or both testes.

Anorexia Loss of appetite. a. nervosa A psychological malade of young girls who are anorexic for fear of becoming obese.

Anorexigenic Causing loss of appetite

Anoscope Speculum for examining anus and lower rectum.

Anosmia Loss of sense of smell.

Anovulation Unable to ovulate. Occurs commonly in reproductive phase, at the beginning of puberty when ovulation is not regular and recurring after pregnancy and during the initial phases of menopause.

Anovulatory Not associated with ovulation.

Anovulatory cycle Menstrual cycle not preceded by ovulation.67

Anoxemia Insufficient oxygenation of blood.

Anoxia Reduced oxygenation of tissues from various causes. a. altitude Insufficient oxygen content of inspired air in high altitude causing anoxia. a. anemic Anoxia due to decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood. a. anoxic Anoxia due to defective pulmonary mechanism of oxygenation, i.e. pulmonary fibrosis, edema, bronchial obstruction, emphysema, etc. a. stagnant Tissue anoxia due to stagnant peripheral circulation as in cardiac failure, shock.

Ansa Any structure in the form of a loop or arc. a. cervicalis A nerve loop in the neck formed by fibers from first three cervical nerves. a. lenticularis Fiber tract from globus pallidus to ventral nucleus of thalamus that winds round in internal capsule. a. peduncularis Fiber tract from anterior temporal lobe to medio dorsal nucleus of thalamus, extending around internal capsule. a. sacralis Nerve loop connecting sympathetic trunk with coccygeal ganglion.

Ansamycin A rifamycin derivative, used in tuberculosis.

Ansiform Shaped like a loop.

Antabuse Disulfiram, used to cause aversion in alcoholics by increasing acetaldehyde concentration.

Antacid Agent that neutralizes gastric HCl.

Antagonism Mutual opposite or contradictory action.

Antagonist Agent or any other thing that counteracts the action of something else. a. narcotic A drug that reverses action of a narcotic hence producing withdrawal symptoms in some (Fig. 31).

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.68

Ante Prefix meaning before.

Antecedent Some thing coming before; precursor.

Antecibum Before meals.

Ante cubital At the bend of elbow.

Ante cubital fossa Triangular area lying anterior to and below the elbow, bounded medially by pronator teres and laterally by brachioradialis.

Anteflexion Abnormal bending forward, e.g. especially of uterine body at its neck (Fig. 32).

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 fetus, 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 fibers innervating the muscles.

Anterograde Moving frontward.

Anteroinferior Infront and below.

Anterolateral Infront and to one side.

Anteromedian Infront and towards midline.

Anteroposterior Passing from front to rear.

Anterosuperior In front and above.

Anteversion A tipping forward of an organ as a whole, without bending (Fig. 33).

Anthelmintic Agents against intestinal worms.

Anthracosis SYN—black lung; accumulation of carbon deposits in lungs due to smoking or coal dust.

Anthracycline Antineoplastic antibiotic based drugs that act by blocking the DNA synthesis in tumors. They are used for the management of solid organ cancers such as leukemia and breast cancer.

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 cutaneous 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 archeologic.

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 microorganisms; can be bactericidal or bacteriostatic (only inhibit growth).

Antibody A protein substance developed on challenge by an antigen. Antibodies may be present due to previous infection, vaccination, transplacental transfer (IgG only) or unknown idiopathic antigenic stimulation. a. acetylcholine receptor Present in 85% cases of myasthenia gravis. a. anticardiolipin Present in SLE causing vessel thrombosis. a. antiglindin Present in celiac disease; non-specific a. antimicrosomal Directed against 70a thyroid microsomal antigen in patients of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. a. antimitochondrial Directed against inner mitochondrial antigen seen in primary biliary cirrhosis. a. antimyosin (Indium III tagged) binds to irreversibly damaged myocardium; used in infarct avid scintigraphy. a. antinuclear Antibodies against nuclear antigens present in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. a. blocking Antibody that reacts with other antigens and blocks its effects. a. cross-reacting Antibody that reacts with other antigens functionally similar to its specific antigen. a. anti SSA, anti SSB antinuclear antibodies present in SLE and Sjogren's syndrome. a. antithyroglobulin Present in 50-75% cases of Hashimoto's disease. a. Donath Landsteiner IgG antibody directed against P blood group antigen, responsible for hemolysis in paroxysmal hemoglobinuria. a. fluorescent Antigen-antibody reaction made visible by incorporating a fluorescent material into the reaction and their examination under fluorescent microscopy. a. OKT₃ mouse monoclonal antibody against T₃ lymphocytes, used to treat transplant rejection. a. phospholipid Include anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants. a. Prausnitz Kustner's IgE antibodies causing cutaneous anaphylaxis. a. warm IgG antibody that reacts with antigen at 37°C.

Antibody coated bacteria Bacteria coated with antibody present in urine. Analysis of antibody pattern can localize the site of invasion of bacteria in urinary tract. a. warm. IgG antibody that reacts with antigen at 37°C.

Antibromic Deodorant.

Antiburn scar garment A garment made of stretchable 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 cholinesterate which causes breakdown of acetylcholine.

Anticoagulant Agents that prevent/delay clot formation, e.g. sodium citrate heparin.

Anticodon A triple arrangement of bases in tRNA that complements 71the triplet on corresponding MRNA.

Anticonvulsant Agents that prevent or control seizure.

Antidepressant Agents that prevent, cure or alleviate mental depression.

Antidiuretic hormone Vasopressin.

Antidote Agents that neutralize poisons or their effects. a. chemical Antidote that reacts with poison to produce harmless chemical compound, e.g. common salt precipitates silver nitrate to produce silver chloride. a. mechanical Antidote that prevents absorption of poison, e.g. charcoal, egg albumin, milk casein and fats (fats contraindicated in camphor, phosphorus poisoning). a. universal Two parts of activated charcoal, one part tannic acid, one part magnesium oxide; given orally mixed with water. Charcoal adsorbs, tannic acid precipitates and magnesium oxide neutralizes poisons. This antidote like chemical antidotes should be removed from stomach after some time.

Antidromic Nerve impulse travelling in opposite direction than normal.

Antiemetic Agent that prevents or relieves vomiting and nausea.

Antiestrogen Substances that block or modify action of estrogen, e.g. clomifene citrate.

Antigen Substance that induces antibody production and interacts with it in a specific way. a. Australia Hepatitis B surface antigen. a. CA 125 Antigen of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. a. carcinoembryonic Elevated in carcinoma colon, pancreas, stomach, breast, IBD, pancreatitis; primarily used in monitoring response to treatment in colorectal cancer. a. class I Major histocompatibility antigen found on every cell except RBC. a. Class II Histocompatibility antigen found principally on B lymphocytes (HLAD, DR, DT, MT). a. class III Non-histocompatibility antigens. a. CALLA Occur in lymphoblasts of ALL. a. Forssman Heterogenous antigen inducing production of antisheep haemolysis. a. HbeAg Present in blood during active replication of HBV a. K Bacterial capsular antigen, e.g. salmonella V1 antigen. a. Kveim prepared from sorcoid tissue.

Antigen-antibody reaction Combination of antigen with specific antibody that may result in agglutination, precipitation, neutralization, complement 72fixation or increased susceptibility to phagocytosis.

Anti G suit A garment designed to maintain uniform pressure in lower extremities and abdomen; used by aviators.

Antihelix Inner curved ridge of external ear parallel to helix.

Anti-histamine Agents that weaken the actions of histamine by blocking its receptors.

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, A,C.

Antipathy Antagonism, strong aversion.

Antiperistalsis Reverse peristalsis.

Antiplasmin An inhibitor of fibrinolysis; its deficiency causes bleeding.

Antiplastic Preventing or inhibiting wound healing.

Antiprostaglandins Agents that interfere with prostaglandin activity; used for treatment of arthritis, dysmenorrhea.

Antiprostate Cowper's gland.

Antipruritic Preventing or relieving itching.

Antipyretic Agent that reduces fever.

Antishock garment Inflatable garment that compresses lower extremity and abdomen to prevent pooling of blood. Useful in aviation and in treating hypotension.

Antiseptic Agent preventing sepsis by inhibiting growth of micro-organisms.73

Antisudorific Agent that inhibits perspiration.

Antithrombotic Preventing thrombosis or blood coagulation.

Antithrombin III A protein synthesized in liver. Its concentration is lowered in nephrotic syndrome leading to renal veins thrombosis.

Antitoxin Antibody capable of neutralizing a toxin.

Antitrypsin A substance that inhibits action of trypsin. a. alpha I A low molecular weight glycoprotein whose deficiency is associated with early onset emphysema and neonatal hepatitis.

Antitussive Agent preventing or relieving cough.

Antivenin Serum that contains antibodies against animal or insect venom. a. black widow spider Horse antivenin against black widow spider. a. polyvalent Antisnake venom against common snakes.

Antivitamin A vitamin antagonist, agents that oppose action of vitamins.

Antrectomy Excision of walls of an antrum.

Antroatticotomy Operation to open the maxillary sinus and the attic of tympanum.

Antrocele Fluid accumulation causing a cystic swelling of antrum.

Antrostomy Opening up of antral wall by surgery.

Antrum Any nearly closed cavity or chamber especially in a bone (Fig. 34).

Anulus A ring shaped structure. a. fibrosus The tough outer portion of intervertebral disk (Fig. 35).

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 74lying 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 and left; 2. Arch of aorta-right innominate, left subclavian; 3. Thoracic aorta-bronchial arteries, esophageal arteries, intercostal arteries; 4. Abdominal aorta celiac artery, renal arteries, mesenteric arteries (superior and inferior) (Fig. 36).

Aortic bodies Chemoreceptors present in wall of aorta to monitor oxygen saturation.

Aortic regurgitation Leakage of blood from aorta into left ventricle during diastole (Fig. 37).

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.

Aortocoronary 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.75

Aortography X-ray of aorta after contrast injection.

Aortolith Calcareous deposits in the aortic wall.

APACHE II score Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II is a severity of disease classification, applied within 24 hours of admission of the patient to the ICU.

Apareunia Inability to accomplish sexual intercourse.

Apathetic Indifferent, disinterested.

Apathism Slowness to react to stimuli (opposite of erethism).

Apatite The deceptive stone, a mineral containing calcium and phosphorus ions.

Aperient A very mild laxative.

Aperitive Appetite stimulant.

Apert's syndrome E. Apert, French Paediatrician, 1868-1940. 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 color are assigned a score of 0, 1 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 (Table 2).

Aphakia Absence of lens of eye.

Aphasia Impairment of speech; may be motor or sensory (Wernicke's). a. amnestic Loss of memory for words. a. anomic Forgetful for naming. a. Broca's Motor aphasia with intact comprehension. a. global Failure of comprehension as well as speech production. a. jargon Use of disconnected words. a. motor Inability to use muscles controlling speech production. a. semantic Inability to understand meaning of words. a. syntactic Lack of proper grammatical composition.

Aphemia Motor aphasia.

Aphephobia Morbid fear of being touched.

Apheresis Technique of separating blood into its components.

Aphonia Peripherial failure of speech production; commonly due to a laryngeal lesion.

Aphrasia Inability to speak or understand phrases.77

Aphrodisiac Sex stimulant.

Aphthae Small ulcer on mucus membrane.

Aphthous Pertains to aphthae, i.e. recurrent stomatitis.

Apicectomy Excision of apex of petrous part of temporal bone.

Apicitis Inflammation of tooth/lung apex.

Aplanatic lens A lens that corrects spherical aberration.

Aplasia Failure of an organ or tissue to develop normally.

Aplastic Having deficient or arrested development.

Aplastic anemia A bone marrow disorder characterized by marrow hypoplasia and peripheral pancytopenia. Bone marrow transplantation is the choice of treatment.

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 non-lipid protein portion of lipoprotein named as B100, A1, AII, B and E.78

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 (Fig. 38).

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 hemorrhage into brain.

Apoptosis Disintegration of cells into membrane bound particles, that are then phagocytosed by other cells, an important process for limitation of tumor growth.

Apparatus 1. A mechanical device or appliance used in operations or experiments; 2. A group of structures or organs that work together to perform function, e.g. a auditory, a biliary, a juxtaglomerular, a lacrimal.

Appendectomy Surgical removal of vermiform appendix.

Appendicitis Inflammation of vermiform appendix. Characterized by pain in right iliac fossa, nausea and vomiting, tenderness and rigidity over right rectus muscle or Mc Burney's point, mild fever, leukocytosis. a. chronic Follows acute attack with inflammatory adhesions, and formation of a lump. a. gangrenous Acute appendicitis involving blood vessels with their occlusion and development of gangrene and its vulnerability for rupture.

Appendicolysis Operation to free appendix from adhesions.

Appendicostomy Operation in which opening is made in 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 (Fig. 39).79

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. ideational Incorrect use of objects due to inability in perceiving their correct use. 80a. motor Inability to perform an action although the components of it are understood.

Aprosody Absence of normal variations in pitch, rhythm and stress in the speech.

Aprotinin Protease inhibitor used in pancreatitis, carcinoid syndrome and during surgery to reduce blood loss.

Aptitude Inherent ability or skill in learning or performing.

Aptyalism Deficient secretion of saliva.

APUD cells Amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells; the class of cell producing hormones like ACTH, insulin, glucagon, thyroxin dopamine, serotonin, histamine etc.

Aqua Water. a.aerata Carbonated water. a. calcariae Lime water. a. fervens Hot water a. fontana Spring water.

Aquanant Persons working under water for carrying research.

Aquaphobia Morbid fear of water.

Aquapuncture Subcutaneous injection of water to produce counter irritation.

Aqueduct Canal or channel. a. cerebral Canal in midbrain joining third and fourth ventricles. a. vestibular Passage from vestibule to petrous part of temporal bone. a. cochleae Canal connecting subarachnoid space and the cochlear perilymphatic space.

Aqueous 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.

Arachnoid A thin membrane surrounding brain and spinal cord, lying in between dura mater and pia mater; subarachnoid space contains CSF.

Arc A structure or projected path having a curved or bow-like outline (Fig. 40).

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. 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 81by termination of ulnar artery and the deep arch by communicating branch of ulnar and the radial artery. a. transverse Arch of foot formed by navicular, cuboid cuneiform and metatarsals. a. zygomatic Arch formed by malar and temporal bones.

Archipallium Olfactory cortex.

Architis Inflammation of anus.

Arcuate Shaped like an arc.

Arcus An arch. a. juvenalis Opaquering at the periphery of cornea in young, may be due to hypercholesterolemia, corneal irritation/inflammation. a. senilis Opaque white ring at periphery of cornea due to deposit of fat granules or hyaline degeneration.

Ardor A burning sensation during urination.

Areflexia Absence of reflexes.

Areola 1. A small space or cavity in a tissue; 2. Circular area of different pigmentation, e.g. around nipple.

Arena virus A group of viruses that include lymphocytic choriomeningitis viruses and lassa fever viruses; mostly arthropod borne.

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.

Arformeterol Betagonist for inlation in asthma.82

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 Douglas Robertson, Scotish Ophthalmologist, 1837-1909. Absence of light reflex with preservation of accommodation reflex as in tabes.

Argyria Bluish discoloration of skin and mucus membranes from prolonged administration of silver.

Argyrol Mild silver protein used as an antiseptic for eye, nose, throat and urethral irrigation.

Argyrophil Cells that bind to silver salts producing brown or black stain.

Aristogenics SYN-eugenics. The science dealing with genetic and prenatal influences affecting expression of certain characteristics in offspring.

Arithmetic mean In statistics, the number obtained by addition of all the values listed in a group divided by total values.

Arm a. chromosome The two segments of chromosome, short arm P and long arm Q, joined at centromere (Fig. 41).

Arm board Board placed under the arm for stabilization during IV administration.

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.

Arnold-Chiari deformity Julius Arnold, genral pathologist, 1835-1915; Hans Chiari, Australian pathologist, 1851-1916.

A condition in which the inferior poles of cerebellar hemispheres and medulla protrude through foramen magnum causing hydrocephalus. It is commonly associated with spina bifida and meningo-myelocele.

Aroma Pleasant odor.

Aromatic 1. Having an aggreable odor; 2. Belonging to a series of compounds in which the carbon atoms form a closed ring (as in benzene) in comparison to aliphatic series where carbon atoms form straight or branched chains.

Aromatic ammonia spirit Solution of ammonium carbonate in diluted ammonia solution, fragrant oils, alcohol and water. It acts as a reflex stimulant on inhalation. Also acts as an antacid and carminative.

Arousal 1. Alertness; 2. Sexual excitement.

Arrectores pilorum Involuntary muscle in skin connected to hair follicle 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 fetal 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.

Arrhythmia Variation in the normal rate or rhythm of the heart beat either in force or in time usually occurs as a result of irregularities in heart's conduction system.

Arsenic poisoning Accidental or deliberate ingestion causes acute gastroenteritis with shock, convulsion, paralysis and death.

Arsphenamine A light yellow powder containing about 30% arsenic previously used for treatment of syphilis. SYN— Salvarsan.

Artemether An antimalarial for resistant falciparum malaria.

Arterial line A method of hemodynamic 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.84

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 aging, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, etc.

Arteritis Inflammation of an artery. a. nodosa Widespread inflammation of adventia of small and medium sized arteries with impaired function. a. temporal Chronic inflammation of temporal and often occipital and ophthalmic arteries with presence of giant cells and occlusion of vascular lumen.

Artery (from Greek arteria meaning windpipe) The ancient Greeks believed that air traveled through them. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from heart to distant body parts: exceptions are pulmonary artery and umbilical artery. a. end Artery whose branches do not anastomose with those of other arteries, e.g. arteries of brain and spinal cord.

Artesunate An antimalarial for resistant falciparum malaria.

Arthralgia Joint pain.

Arthritide A skin eruption caused by arthritis.

Arthritis Inflammation of a joint usually following trauma, due to degeneration, infection (gonococcal, tubercular, brucella, pneumococcal), rheumatic fever, ulcerative colitis, collagen disorders, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, synovioma, para or periarticular infections, denervation, e.g. tabes dorsalis.

Arthrocentesis Puncture of a joint to drain joint fluid for analysis (Fig. 42)

Arthroclasia Breaking down the adhesions intentionally to provide movement to the joint.

Arthrodesis The surgical immobilization of joint, ankylosis.

Arthrogram Visualization of interior of a joint after injection of radio-opaque dye into joint space.

Arthrography Radiography of a synovial joint after injecting a contrast medium.

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.85

Arthroscopy Visualization of interior of a joint by arthroscope to repair, remove or replace the cartilage ligaments or torn fragments or to provide strength to the injured tissues.

Arthrospore A bacterial spore formed by segmentation.

Arthrotome Knife for making incision into joint.

Arthus reaction An immediate hypersensitivity reaction due to preformed antibody to injected antigen.

Articulate 1. To join together as a joint; 2. To speak clearly.

Articulation 1. A joint, classified, being synarthrosis (immovable), amphiarthrosis (slightly movable) and diarthrosis (freely movable) 2. Utterance of words and sentences. a. apophyseal The joint between superior and inferior articulating process of vertebra. a. confluent Speech in which syllables run together.

Artefact Anything artificially produced; as in histology/radiology a feature produced by the technique but not occurring naturally.

Artificial Not natural, formed by imitation of nature. a. insemination donor Artificial insemination of a woman with sperms of anonymous donor. a. insemination husband 86Use of husbands sperms for insemination of wife. a. intelligence Computer performance of cognitive tasks. a. pneumothorax Introduction of air into pleural cavity to induce collapse of lung as to control hemoptysis in tuberculosis.

Artisan's cramps Muscle cramp involving muscles used in prolonged spells of writing, sewing, telegraphing, etc.

Aryepiglottic Pertaining to arytenoid cartilage and epiglottis.

Asafetida A gum resin with strong odor and garlic taste.

Asbestos Fibrous incombustible form of magnesium and calcium silicate used to make insulating material.

Asbestosis A form of pneumoconiosis due to inhalation of asbestos dusts, also responsible for pleural mesothelioma.

Ascariasis Infestation with ascaris lumbricoides.

Ascaris lumbricoides A species of ascaris inhibiting human intestine, often producing dyspepsia, intestinal obstruction, biliary colic and appendicitis (Fig. 43).

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 cells Large multinucleated cell with vesicular nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm (Fig. 44).

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.87

Aseptic Sterile, free from germs.

Aseptic technique Techniques that prevent contamination of operative wounds.

Asparagine Amino succinic acid; a nonessential amino acid.

Aspartame An artificial sweetner, 180 times sweeter than sugar; synthesized from aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Unsuitable for cooking as the flavor changes on eating.

Aspartic acid A nonessential amino acid, product of pancreatic digestion.

Aspergillin A pigment produced by A. niger which also produces black spores and commonly infects ear canal.

Aspergillosis Granulomatous inflammation of skin, lungs, ear canal and mucous membrane by A. fumigatus.

Aspermia Lack of or failure to ejaculate semen.

Aspersion Sprinkling of an affected part with water, a form of hydrotherapy.

Asphyxia Suffocation caused by lack of oxygen due to failure of breathing, 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. 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.88

Astasia Inability to stand or sit erect due to motor incoordination. a. abasia A form of hysterical ataxia with inability to stand or walk although all leg movements can be performed while sitting or lying down.

Astemizole H₁ receptor blocker antiallergic.

Astereognosis Inability to recognize objects or forms by touch.

Asterion The junction of lambdoid, occipitomastoid and parietomastoid sutures (Fig. 45).

Asterixis Transient lapses of muscle tone with involuntary jerky movements especially of hands as in hepatic failure.

Asteroid Star shaped.

Asthenia Loss of strength, debility. a. neurocirculatory A psycho-somatic disorder characterizes by mental and physical fatigue, dyspnea, giddiness, etc.

Asthma Paroxysmal dyspnea and wheezing caused by bronchospasm, bronchial 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.

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 hemorrhages and secretions. Common example are salts of lead, iron, zinc, tannic acid.

Astrocyte Star-shaped neuroglial cell with many branching processes (Fig. 46).

Astrocytoma A tumor of astrocytes; classified in order of increasing malignancy as: Grade 89I—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.

Asynclitism An oblique presentation of fetal head during labor.

Asynergia Lack of coordination between body parts or muscles that normally act in unison.

Asyntaxia Failure of development of embryo.

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.90

Atherogenesis Formation of atheromata in the walls of arteries.

Atheroma Fatty degeneration of arterial wall with cholesterol deposit and smooth muscle hyperplasia.

Atherosclerosis A sclero degenerative disease of arterial wall marked by intimal lipid deposit, fibrous tissue accumulation and smooth muscle cell proliferation (Figs. 47A to C).

Athetosis Slow irregular twisting involuntary movement of hand and fingers (Fig. 48).

Athlete's foot Fungus infection of foot particularly in betweeen toes.

Atlantoaxial Pertaining to first and second cervical vertebrae.

Atlas This is the first cervical vertebra of the human spine. It is named after a character of Greek mythology. Atlas was the name of a powerful deity who carried the earth on his shoulders. The bone atlas articulates with the occipital bone of the cranium above and with the second cervical vertebra (axis) below (Figs. 49A and B).

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.

Atorvastatin Lipid lowering agent.

Atracurium Nondepolarizing muscle relaxant.

Atresia Congenital absence or closure of any tubular structure.

Atrial fibrillation Randomized irregular arhythmic atrial contractions giving rise to irregularly irregular pulse.

Atrial flutter Rapid regular atrial contraction with a varying but regular ventricular response due to fixed or varying A-V block.

Atrial natriuretic factor A hormone secreted by dilated atria that helps in natriuresis.

Atrichosis Congenital absence of hair.

Atrioventricular bundle The conducting system extending from A-V node till division into left and right bundles.

Atrioventricularis communis Persistence of the common atrioventricular canal manifesting with 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, hemorrhage and mental obtundation. a. optic Degeneration of optic nerve head, primary or secondary (MS, glaucoma, trauma, etc). a. disuse Atrophy resulting from lack of use of muscle. a. peroneal muscular A hereditary disease involving peroneal nerves with progressive atrophy of peroneal muscles. a. Sudeck's Acute atrophy of bone at the site of injury, possibly due to local vasospasm.

Atropine sulfate A parasympatholytic agent used for preanesthetic medication to decrease bronchial secretions and in organophosphorous poisoning.

Atropinization Administration of atropine till desired effect is obtained.

Attack 1. The sudden on set of an illness, e.g. heart attack; 2. Assault.

Attention-deficit-disorder A disease of infancy or childhood, mainly boys characterized by inappropriate attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Attenuate To render thin, weak or less virulent.

Attic The middle ear cavity above the tympanic membrane.

Attitude 1. Behavior towards a person, thing or situation; 2. Bodily posture or position assumed, e.g., catatonic posture.

Audible sound Sound with frequency of 15-15000 Hz.

Audiologist A specialist in the evaluation and rehabilitation of persons with hearing disorder.

Audiometry Testing of hearing by audiometer.

Audito-oculogyric reflex Sudden turning of eyes and head towards direction of loud sound.

Auditory bulb The membranous labyrinth and cochlea.

Auditory evoked response An objective method of assessing hearing where the hearing stimulus as traverses along its path to auditory cortex produces characteristic electric potentials recorded across the cortex. It is useful in childrens, 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.93

Auer bodies Rod shaped intracytoplasmic structure present in myeloblasts in acute myeloblastic leukemia.

Auerbach's plexus A plexus formed by sympathetic nerve fibers in muscular coats of GI tract.

Augmentin Amoxycillin-clavulanic acid.

Aura A subjective sensation preceding an attack of epileptic seizure or migraine; epileptic aura may be psychic in nature or sensory in the form of auditory, visual, olfactory or taste hallucinations.

Auranofin Gold preparation for rheumatoid arthritis.

Aureomycin Chlortetracycline hydrochloride.

Auricle 1. Left and right atria; 2. Pinna of the ear.

Auriculopalpebral reflex Closure of eye resulting from tactile or thermal stimulation of external auditory meatus. Synonym: Kisch's reflex.

Auriscope Instrument for examination of ear.

Aurotherapy Treatment with gold salts, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.

Auscultation The technique of listening to sounds produced within body, e.g. passage of air in bronchi, blood in occluded vessels, and A-V malformation, bowel movement, beating of heart, murmurs and adventitious heart sounds, etc.

Austin Flint murmur Diastolic mitral regurgitation in an aortic insufficiency mimicking mitral stenosis but without the opening snap or presystolic accentuation.

Australia antigen Hepatitis B surface antigen, existing in serum as part of Dane particle (40-400 nm) or as free particles and rods (22 nm).

Autacoids Generic name for histamine and antihistamine like agents in body.

Autism Mental introversion with attention centered around own ego. a. infantile A syndrome appearing in childhood with self absorption, aloneness, inaccessibility, 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.

Autoclave A device used for sterilization by steam pressure.

Autodigestion Digestion of a tissue by tissue's own products, e.g. 94pancreatic digestion in acute pancreatitis.

Autoerotism Sexual arousal or gratification by using one's own body as in masturbation.

Autograft A graft transferred from one part of body to another.

Autohemolysis Hemolysis of ones blood by person's own serum.

Autohemotherapy Injection of patient's own blood.

Autoimmunity Condition in which antibodies are produced against body's own tissues.

Autoimmune disease Diseases in which antibodies are produced against body's own tissues to cause organ damage, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, glomerulonephritis, rheumatic carditis, myasthenia gravis.

Autoinfection Infection produced by an agent already present within the body.

Autoinfusion Forcing blood from extremities to body core by applying tight bandages.

Autoinoculation Inoculation of a person by organisms obtained from the same individual.

Autologous blood transfusion Use of patient's own blood for transfusion, the blood being collected prior to operation or during operation from wound site; thus avoiding dangers of mismatch and transfusion associated infections like HBV, AIDS.

Automatism Behavior without conscious volition or knowledge, the individual appearing normal but amnesic for the events.

Autonomic nervous system The part of nervous system controlling involuntary functions like heart beat, glandular secretions, bowel and bladder contraction and other smooth muscle function. It is divided into parasympathetic or craniosacral system and sympathetic or thoracolumbar system (Fig. 50).

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 anemia.

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 95arising from atria cannot reach ventricles or are delayed; divided into first degree (prolonged PR), second degree (mobitz type I and II) and third degree (A-V block).

Avascular Having poor blood supply.

Aversion therapy A form of behavior therapy where unpleasant and undesired (e.g. alcohol) stimuli are presented to patient simultaneously so that patient associates the undesired stimulus with the unpleasant 96one and thus discontinues the undesired stimulus.

Avidin A protein of egg white inhibiting biotin.

Avidity The relative affinity of antibodies to bind with receptors, antigens or ligands.

Avulsion A tearing away forcibly of a part or structure.

Axanthopsia Yellow blindness.

Axenfeld Rieger syndrome It is a congenital disorder of the anterior chamber of the eye in which there is anomalous development of the iris. Olfactory manifestations can be seen in both the eyes and the patient may also present with developmental anomalies in other parts of the body such as bones, teeth, skin, heart and pituitary gland.

Axial line A line running in the main axis of body. The axial line of hand runs through second digit.

Axilla Armpit.

Axis 1. A line running through the center of the body; 2. The second cervical vertebra bearing the odontoid process about which atlas rotates. a. cardiac A graphic representation of the main conduction vector of the heart. Normal axis is 0 to + 90°. a. visual The line passing from object through center of cornea and lens to the fovea (Figs. 51 and 52).

Axis deviation Deviation of cardiac axis, like left axis deviation −10° to −90°, right axis deviation + 91 to −90°.

Axis traction 1. Traction made on the fetus in the direction of long axis of birth canal; 2. Traction in line with the long axis through which the body can be drawn. (Fig. 53).

Axial Traction

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.

Axonotmesis Nerve injury disrupting nerve impulse transmission but without severing the nerve.

Avidin A glycoprotein that binds to biotin, preventing its absorption.

Azapropazone A pyrazolon, aspirin like agent, potent uricosuric.

Azaserine Glutamine antagonist, potent inhibitor of purine nucleotide biosynthesis.

Azatidine An antiallergic agent.

Azathioprine An immunosuppressant.

Azauridine A pyrimidine analog.97

Azelastine Topical vasoconstrictor for nasal allergy.

Azithromycin Antibiotic of macrolide group better than erythromycin.

Azoospermia Complete absence of sperms in the semen.

Azotemia Increased blood urea.

Azotobacter Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-pathogenic bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen.

Aztreonam An antibiotic for gram-negative sepsis.

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.