Natural Medicine and Health Glossary - A guide to terminology.

NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH GLOSSARY "A"

Welcome to the Pure-Li Natural Health Glossary. A through and complete guide to conditions and terminology used in natural and allopathic medicine. We have compiled a list of frequently used health, natural health and allopathic terms and have defined them in clear and simple everyday language.

Term	Synonyms	Definition
Abdomen		The part of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, gallbladder, and bladder.
Abdominal cavity		The part of the body between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the thighs, containing most of the digestive and urinary systems along with some reproductive organs.
Abdominal muscles		The large group of muscles that assists in the regular breathing movement and supports the muscles of the spine while lifting and keeps other abdominal organs and intestines in place.
Abdominoplasty		Plastic surgery repair of the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Ablation		elimination or removal
Abo blood groups		the system by which human blood is classified, based on proteins occurring on red blood cells; the four classification groups are A, AB, B, and O
Abortifacient		A substance capable of inducing an abortion.
Abortion		termination of a pregnancy; can occur because of natural causes (called a miscarriage) or be a medical intervention
Abortion, spontaneous		Miscarriage occurring without prior therapeutic or other manipulative intervention.
Abrasion		an area rubbed bare of skin or mucous membrane; or, the normal wearing of tooth enamel by chewing
Abruptio placentae		Premature separation of part of the placenta from its attachment to the uterus.
Abscess		an accumulation of pus in a body tissue, usually caused by a bacterial infection
Abscess, epidural		Localised collection of pus, accompanied by tissue destruction and usually by pain and swelling, in the potential space just outside the outer, fibrous lining of the brain and/or spinal cord.
Absolute		A highly concentrated viscous, semi-solid or solid perfume material most often obtained by alcohol extraction from the concrete.
Absorption		The process by which nutrients are absorbed through the lining of the intestinal tract into capillaries and into the bloodstream. Nutrients must be absorbed to affect the body.
Acalculous		Without the presence of stones, gallstones in this instance.
Accelerated phase of leukemia		Refers to chronic myelogenous leukemia that is progressing. The number of immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher than in the chronic phase, but not as high as in the blast phase.
Accessory pathways		Additional and abnormal electrical-impulse conducting tissues in the heart.
Accessory spleen		Normal spleen tissue in an abnormal anatomical location.
Ace inhibitor		a drug typically used to treat high blood pressure (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor)
Acetohexamide		A pill taken to lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Only some people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes take these pills.
Acetone		A chemical formed in the blood when the body uses fat instead of glucose (sugar) for energy. If acetone forms, it usually means that the cells do not have enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin that is in the blood, to use glucose for energy. Acetone passes through the body into the urine. Someone with a lot of acetone in the body can have breath that smells fruity and is called "acetone breath."
Acetylcholine	ACH	a chemical in the body that carries electrical messages between the nerves and muscles; a neurotransmitter
Acetylsalicylic acid	ASA, Asprin	The most popular over the counter pain releiving substance.
Achilles tendon		The tendon at the back of the lower leg that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone
Achlorhydria		A lack of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps digest food.
Acid and alcohol fast bacilli		Rod-shaped bacteria from which Gram stain is not leached by treatment with acid and alcohol, presumptive evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or similar micro-organisms.
Acid-base balance		The mechanisms that the body uses to keep its fluids close to neutral (neither basic nor acidic) so that the body can function properly
Acidosis		A condition marked by abnormally high acid levels in the blood, associated with some forms of diabetes, lung disease, and severe kidney disease
Acid reflux		A disorder in which acid in the stomach comes up into the esophagus, because the valve separating the stomach and esophagus does not function properly
Acids		Compounds often found in plant tissues, especially fruits, that shrink tissues and prevent secretion of fluids. They taste sour or tart.
Acne	Pimples, Blackheads, Zits	A skin condition characterized by inflamed, pus-filled areas that occur on the skin's surface, most commonly occurring during adolescence.
Acquired		A word describing any condition that is not present at birth, but develops some time during life
Acquired immuneodeficiency syndrome	AIDS	Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes a weakening of the immune system
Acrid		A substance which leaves a burning sensation in the mouth.
Acrophobia		Fear of heights.
Actinic keratosis		A precancerous condition of thick and scaly patches of skin; also called solar or senile keratosis.
Active principle		Chemical component of a plant or compound that has a therapeutic effect.
Acute		Describes a condition or illness that begins suddenly and is very short-lasting
Acute abdomen		Any abdominal condition causing pain, tenderness and rigidity, and requiring any surgical intervention.
Acute chest syndrome		A serious condition caused by infection or trapped red blood cells in the lungs. Fast or difficult breathing, chest pain, and coughing are signs of acute chest syndrome in the child with sickle cell disease. A child with acute chest syndrome usually will have to go to the hospital for treatment.
Acute episode		The period of time when an injury is at its worst, usually right after the injury or flare-up has occurred.
Acute leukemia		Cancer of the blood cells (leukemia) that progresses rapidly.
Acute renal cortical necrosis		An initially reversible form of kidney failure, of rapid onset and due to prolonged deprivation of adequate blood supply to the kidney, in this case becauseof severe dehydration and salt imbalance.
Acute respiratory disease		An urgent condition in which oxygen levels in the blood are lower than normal and breathing is difficult.
Adaptogen		A recent term used to describe agents that stimulate non-specific resistance to stress.
Addiction		A dependence on a substance (such as alcohol or other drugs) or an activity, to the point that stopping is very difficult and causes severe physical and mental reactions.
Adenocarcinoma		A form of cancer arising from glands or glandular tissue.
Adenitis		Infection and inflammation of a gland, especially a lymph gland.
Adenopathy		Enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Adhesion		A band of tissue, such as scar tissue, that sticks to other structures such as the abdominal wall.
Adhesions		Pathological connections between the normally lubricated lining of a potential body cavity, preventing the normal free movement of organs in relation to one another, and potentiallycausing pain, tenderness, and malfunctioning of the contained organs.
Adipose tissue	Fat	another term for fatty tissue; it stores energy, insulates, and cushions the body
Adjunct therapy		the use of drugs or radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer along with surgery
Adjuvant chemotherapy		One or more anticancer drugs or hormones used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy as part of the treatment of cancer. Adjuvant usually means "in addition to" initial treatment.
Adjuvant therapy		A treatment method used in addition to the primary therapy. Radiation therapy often is used as an adjuvant to surgery.
Adnexa		Ovaries, fallopian tubes and supporting structures.
Adrenal failure		A condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones that control important functions such as blood pressure.
Adrenal glands		Two small glands located on top of the kidneys that secrete several important hormones into the blood.
Adrenaline		A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, particularly in response to acute stress.
Adult-Onset Diabetes		The former term for noninsulin-dependent or type II diabetes.
Adulterant		A substance that makes another substance impure when the two are mixed together.
Advanced cardiac life support		The use of defibrillation and drugs in an attempt to reverse cardiac arrest.
Advanced directive		A document that specifies the medical care you would or would not want to receive if you are unable to communicate your wishes
Adventitia		The outer layer of an organ.
Adverse effect		A harmful result.
Adverse reaction		An unintended and unwanted side effect of some sort of treatment, usually drug therapy.
Aerobic		Requiring the presence of oxygen. Aerobic exercise, for example, requires the heart and lungs to work harder to meet the body's increased oxygen demands. Opposite of Anaerobic
Aerobic exercise		Brisk exercise which promotes circulation of oxygen through the blood.
Aerophagy		The swallowing of air.
Aerophobia		The fear of flying.
Affective disorder		A mental disorder involving abnormal moods and emotions; affective disorders include manic-depressive disorder.
Afterbirth		The placenta and membranes that are eliminated from the woman's uterus following the birth of a child.
Afterpains		Normal contractions of the uterus after childbirth that usually occur for the first few days after delivery.
Agenesis		Failure of development.
Age Related Macular Degeneration	ARMD	A progressive disorder that affects the central part of the retina causing gradual loss of central vision.
Agnosia		The loss of ability to interpret stimuli, usually classified according to the sense or senses affected.
Agoraphobia		The fear of open spaces.
Agraphia		The loss of ability to write.
AIDS		see Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Aids related complex		symptoms including weight loss, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes experienced by people who are infected with HIV but do not yet have AIDS
Air embolism		The blockage of an artery by air bubbles, which may have entered during surgery or after an injury
Airway obstruction		The blockage of the passage of air through the windpipe to the lungs.
Airways		The passageways that air moves through while traveling in and out of the lungs during breathing
Albinism		A condition in which people are born with insufficient amounts of the pigment melanin, which is responsible for hair, skin, and eye color.
Albuminuria		More than normal amounts of a protein called albumin in the urine. Albuminuria may be a sign of kidney disease, a problem that can occur in people who have had diabetes for a long time.
Alcohol		An ingredient in a variety of beverages including beer, wine, liqueurs, cordials and mixed or straight drinks.The best known extractive and preservative for herbal products. Pure ethyl alcohol gives about 80 calories per ounce
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy		Heart damage and failure caused by intake of too much alcohol
Aldose reductase inhibitor		A class of drugs being studied as a way to prevent eye and nerve damage in people with diabetes. Aldose reductase is an enzyme that is normally present in the eye and in many other parts of the body. It helps change glucose (sugar) into a sugar alcohol called sorbitol. Too much sorbitol trapped in eye and nerve cells can damage these cells, leading to retinopathy and neuropathy. Drugs that prevent or slow (inhibit) the action of aldose reductase are being studied as a way to prevent or delay these complications of diabetes.
Aldosterone		An adrenal hormone that regulates the body's sodium, chloride and potassium
Alimentary canal	Digestive tract	Another term for the digestive tract
Alkalosis		A dangerously decreased acidity of the blood, which can be caused by high altitudes, hyperventilation, and excessive vomiting
Alkylating agents		Substances used in cancer treatment that interfere with the division of cells
Allergen		A substance that causes an allergic reaction
Allergic reaction		A response, such as rash, hives, itching, asthma, hay fever, etc., to an allergen
Allergic rhinitis		Irritation of the nasal passages and the whites of the eyes, causing sneezing, runny nose, and sore eyes
Allergy		A negative reaction to a substance that in most people causes no reaction
Alliaceous		A substance which is similar to garlic or onion.
Alopecia	Baldness, Hair loss	Baldness or loss of hair, mainly on the head, either in defined patches or completely; the cause is unknown.
Alpha cell		A type of cell in the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans). Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood
Alpha fetoprotein	AFP	A protein produced by fetal tissues and some types of cancers in adults
Als		See amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Alterative		A substace which corrects disordeed bodily functions.
Altitude sickness		Headaches, dizziness, and nausea usually experienced at heights above 8,000 ft because of reduced oxygen in the air
Alumina		Another term for aluminum oxide or hydrated aluminum oxide.
Alveolar ridges		The teeth-bearing surfaces of the gums.
Alveoli		Microscopic air sacs in the lungs where gases are exchanged. Alveolus (singular form) is a tooth socket
Alzheimer's disease		A condition that occurs late in life and worsens with time in which brain cells degenerate; it is accompanied by memory loss, physical decline, and confusion.
Alzheimer's Disease Associated Protein	ADAP	A protein that seems to appear only in the tissue of people with Alzheimer's. It has been found in both the brain and spinal fluid.
Amanita mushroom		A group of mushrooms, most of which are highly poisonous when eaten.
Amathophobia		A fear of dust.
Amaurosis fugax		temporary visual loss, in one eye, usually due to inadequate blood flow to the eye
Ambulatory	Mobile	Able to walk.
Amenorrhoea		Absence of menstrual periods, occurring either after or before menstruation has begun.
Amino acid		A component of protein, containing nitrogen. The body produces many amino acids; those it needs but cannot synthesize are known as essential amino acids and must be obtained through the diet.
Amnesia		A loss of memory.
Amniocentesis		A procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the mother’s womb in order to detect abnormalities of the fetus.
Amniotic fluid		Clear fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy and cushions and protects it.
Amniotic sac		Membranes which contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid. The amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid are often refereed to as the "bag of waters."
Amniotomy		The intentional rupturing of the amniotic sac to induce labor.
Amoebicidal		A substance that can destroy amobae
Ampulla of Vater		The location at which the common bile duct and pancreatic duct deliver their contents into the duodenum.
Amputation		The removal of a limb or other body part.
Amylase		A digestive enzyme made by the pancreas and salivary glands.
Amyloid Precursor Protein	APP	A normal, essential substance made by brain cells that contain beta amyloid. In Alzheimer's, APP is cut and releases beta amyloid. Beta amyloid then forms clumps called senile plaque.
Amyloidosis		A rare condition in which certain blood cells produce an abnormal protein that deposits in the tissues. If the deposits are in the heart, heart failure can result.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis	ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, Motor neuron disease	The most common of a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, in which the nerves in the brain that control the movement of muscles degenerate and muscle function is gradually lost.
Amyotrophy		A type of diabetic neuropathy that causes muscle weakness and wasting.
Anabolic (metabolism)		Constructive tissue change, as contrasted with destructive (catabolic).
Anabolic steroid		A drug similar to the male hormone testosterone that builds muscles and strengthens bones, but has adverse side effects.
Anabolism		Building healthy body tissues from dietary calories and protein.
Anaerobic		Able to live without oxygen, as certain bacteria; or, a type of exercise in which short, vigorous bursts of activity requiring little additional oxygen are performed. Opposite of Aerobic.
Anal fissure		A long, open sore on the skin of the anus.
Anal fistula		an abnormal tubelike passage connecting the anus to the surface of the surrounding skin
Analgesia		The inability to feel pain.
Analgesic		A substance that relieves pain, such as aspirin or acetaminophen.
Analog		A compound that resembles another in structure.
Anaphylaxis		A severe allergic response to a substance. Symptoms include wheezing, itching, nasal congestion, hives, immediate intense burning of hands and feet, collapse with severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. Symptoms of anaphylaxis appear within a few seconds or minutes after exposure to substance causing reaction this can be food, medication or herbs taken by injection, by mouth, vaginally, rectally, through a breathing apparatus or applied to skin. Anaphylaxis is an uncommon occurrence, but when it occurs, it is a Severe Medical Emergency! Without appropriate immediate treatment, it can cause death. Yell for help. Don't leave the victim. Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), mouth-to- mouth breathing and external cardiac massage. Have someone dial emergency services ("0" or "911"). Don't stop CPR until qualified help arrives.
Anal sphincter		a ring of muscle fibers at the opening of the rectum, controlling the opening and closing of the anus
Anaphrodisiac		A substance which reduces sexual desire.
Anaphylactic shock		a life-threatening allergic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing and low blood pressure
Anaphylaxis		An immediate and severe allergic hypersensitivity reaction. Symptoms can include shock, breathing difficulty, itching and hives, convulsions and coma.
Anastomosis		A natural, pathological (traumatic or disease-produced) or surgical join between two hollow or tubular organs, as in parts of the bowel.
Anatomy		the structure of bodies; commonly refers to the study of body structure
Androgen		a hormone (such as testosterone) that causes development of male characteristics and sex organs
Anaemia	Anemia	a condition in which the blood does not contain enough hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body
Anemia, pernicious		Anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency. Symptoms include easy fatigue, weakness, lemon-colored skin, numbness and tingling of hands and feet, and symptoms of degeneration of the central nervous system, such as irritability, emotional problems, personality changes and paralysis ofextremities.
Anaemic	Anemic	a person who suffers from anaemia
Anencephaly		a fatal birth defect in which the brain and spinal cord have failed to develop, resulting in the absence of a portion of the skull and brain
Anesthesia		a loss of sensation in a certain part of the body or throughout the body
Anesthesiologist		A doctor who administers drugs or gases to put a patient to sleep before surgery.
Anesthetic		a substance that temporarily causes a person to be unable to feel pain, either in a certain area or over the entire body
Aneurysm		an abnormal swelling of the wall of an artery, caused by a weakening in the vessel wall
Angina pectoris	Angina	pain experienced in the chest, arms, or jaw because of a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle
Angeodema		swelling of the mucous membranes, tissues beneath the skin, or an internal organ due to an allergic reaction
Angiogram		X-ray test done by injecting contrast dye into a blood vessel
Angiography		a method for taking x-ray pictures of blood vessels
Angioma		a tumor made of blood vessels or lymph vessels that is not cancerous
Angiopathy		A disease of the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) that occurs when someone has diabetes for a long time. There are two types of angiopathy: macroangiopathy and microangiopathy. In macroangiopathy, fat and blood clots build up in the large blood vessels, stick to the vessel walls, and block the flow of blood. In microangiopathy, the walls of the smaller blood vessels become so thick and weak that they bleed, leak protein, and slow the flow of blood through the body. Then the cells, for example, the ones in the center of the eye, do not get enough blood and may be damaged.
Angioplasty		the use of surgery to make a damaged blood vessel function properly again; may involve widening or reconstructing the blood vessel
Anion gap		A measure of the acidity of the blood resulting from a failure in the body's inability to adjust for the waste-products of excessive metabolic activity.
Ankle reflex		Contraction of the hamstring muscles in response to tapping the tendon orguider with a reflex hammer; it requires intact sensory nerve supply to transmit the stretching of receptors in the muscle, and intact motor nerve supply for the muscle to contract.
Ankylosing spondylitis		a form of arthritis involving the joints of the spinal column
Annual		A plant which completes its life cycle in one year.
Annuloplasty ring		A prosthesis for reconstructing a damaged heart-valve.
Annulus		A ring-like structure such as the ring around a heart valve where the valve leaflet merges with the heart muscle
Annulus (fibrosus)		The fibre ring which, with the semisolid nucleus pulposus it surrounds, makes up the intervertebral disc.
Anodyne		A substance which quiets disturbed feelings.
Anomalies		Birth defects; abnormalities.
Anorexia		A loss of appetite.
Anorexia nervosa		A dangerous eating disorder mainly affecting young girls in which the sufferer has an intense fear of looking fat, avoids food, and loses weight excessively
Anosmia		Absence of the sense of smell
Antacid		A drug that neutralizes stomach acids; used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux
Antagonist		One agent that opposes or fights the action of another. For example, insulin lowers the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, whereas glucagon raises it; therefore, insulin and glucagon are antagonists.
Anthelmintic		Substances that destroy or expel intestinal worms.
Ante partum hemorrhage		Significant bleeding within the pregnant uterus, and usually revealed through the cervix and vagina.
Anterior		In front, or towards the front.
Anterior fontanelle		The soft spot towards the front of the top of an infant's head, representing the incomplete joining of the component skull-bones and providing a clinical method of assessmentof degree of dehydration or pressure of fluid within the brain (as in meningitis).
Anteverted		Turned forwards, from their normal downwards direction in this case of the nostrils.
Anti-anaemic		A substance which combats anaemia.
Antiarrhythmic agent		A medication which prevents the development of abnormal heart rhythm.
Anti-arthritic		A substance which combats arthritis.
Anti-bacterial		A substance that destroys bacteria (germs) or suppresses their growth or reproduction.
Antibilious		A substance which helps remove excess bile from the body.
Antibiotic		Bacteria-killing substances that are used to fight infection
Antibiotic resistance		The development by bacteria of the ability to live in the presence of a certain antibiotic, making treatment difficult
Antibodies		Protein produced by white blood cells which neutralize or destroy foreign proteins in the body (antigens). When infected with virus or bacteria, the body produces antibodies which destroy the invading microorganisms.
Antibodies (in diabetes)		Proteins that the body makes to protect itself from foreign substances. In diabetes, the body sometimes makes antibodies to work against pork or beef insulins because they are not exactly the same as human insulin or because they have impurities. The antibodies may keep the insulin from working well and may even cause the person with diabetes to have an allergic reaction to the animal source.
Antibody		A protein made by white blood cells that reacts with a specific foreign protein as part of the immune response
Anticatarrhal		A substance which helps remove excess catarrh from the body.
Anti-cholinergic		A substance which reduces nerve impulses through the part of the autonomic nervous system called parasympathetic.
Anticoagulant	Blood thinner	Medication that decreases blood clotting.
Anticoagulation		Therapeutic interference ("blood-thinning") with the clotting mechanism of the blood to prevent or treat thrombosis and embolism
Anticonvulsant		A substance that can arrest or prevent convulsions.
Antidepressant		Substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate.
Antidepressant, tricyclic		A particular class of medication which is prescribed for the medical treatment of clinical depression and associated disorders, including chronic pain syndrome.
Antidiabetic agent		A substance that helps a person with diabetes control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood so that the body works as it should.
Antidiarrhoeal		A substance which helps the body fight diarrhea.
Antidote		A substance that neutralizes the effects of a poison.
Antiemetic		Medication used to treat nausea and vomiting
Antigen		A substance foreign to the body that causes antibodies to form
Antigens		Substances that cause an immune response in the body. The body "sees" the antigens as harmful or foreign. To fight them, the body produces antibodies, which attack and try to eliminate the antigens. Antigens include foreign proteins, bacteria, viruses, pollen and other materials.
Antihaemorrhagic		A substance which prevents or combats haemorrhage or bleeding.
Anti-helmintic		A substance which destroys intestinal worms.
Antihistamine		A drug that relieves an allergic reaction by stopping the effects of histamine, the substance responsible for the negative symptoms associated with the reaction
Antihypertensive		Drugs used to relieve the symptoms and prevent the damage A substance which alleviates inflammation.that can occur from high blood pressure
Anti-inflammatory		A substance which alleviates inflammations.
Antilithic		A substance which prevents the formation of a calculus or stone.
Antimicrobial		An agent which resists or destroys pathogenic micro-organisms.
Anti-mitotic		Inhibits or prevents cell division.
Anti-neoplastic		Inhibits or prevents growth of neoplasms (cancers).
Antineuralgic		A substance which releives or reduces nerve pain.
Antioxidant		A compound, such as vitamin E, that is able to counteract the damage done by oxidation in cells or tissue.
Antiphlogistic		A substance which checks or counteracts inflammations.
Antipruritic		A substance which releives the sensation of itching or prevents its occurence.
Antipsychotic		The classification of drugs used to treat severe mental disorders.
Antiputrescent		An agent which prevents and combats decay or putrefaction.
Antipyretic		A substance which reduces fevers.
Antirheumatic		Substances which help and releive rheumatism.
Antisclerotic		Substances which help prevent hardening of tissue.
Antiscorbutic		A remedy for scurvey.
Antiscrofula		Substances which combat the development of tuberculosis of lymph nodes (scrofula).
Antiseborrhoeic		A substance which helps control the secretion of sebum.
Antiseptic		Products applied to the skin that prevent infection by killing bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Antispasmodic		A substance which relieves spasm in skeletal or smooth muscle.
Antitoxic		An antidote or treatmentthat counteracts the effects of poison.
Antituberculous		Modality which has action against tuberculosis.
Antitussive		Substance which releive coughs.
Antiviral		Substances which inhibit the growth of viruses.
Anus		The opening through which feces are passed from the body
Aorta		The main artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to other arteries in the body
Aortic aneurysm		Localised ballooning of the aorta, potentially causing pressure on adjacent structures and liability to rupture.
Aortic insufficiency (or regurgitation or incompetence)		Failure of the aortic valve to prevent backflow of oxygen-rich blood from aorta to left ventricle, resulting in dilatation, hypertrophy and ultimately failure of the pumping mechanism.
Aortic stenosis		Narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve in the heart, which increases resistance to blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta; commonly a birth defect or caused by scarring and calcium accumulation in the valve from rheumatic fever
Aortic valve		The valve located where the aorta meets the left ventricle of the heart. It allows the blood to flow from the heart into the aorta and prevents back flow.
Apgar score		Named after Virginia Apgar, its inventor, it is universally accepted mnemonic [Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respirations] and scoring system, for assessing degrees of neonatal asphyxia, each modality being allocated a score of 0-2 at 1 and 5 minutes, for a maximum total score of 10.
Aperient		A mild lavative
Apertif		Stimulates the appetite.
Aphasia		The loss of the ability to speak or to understand speech
Aphonia		The loss of voice.
Aphrodisiac		A substance which arouses or enhances instinctive sexual desire.
Apiphobia		The fear of bees.
Aplasia		The complete or partial failure of any organ or tissue to grow
Aplastic		lack of development of a tissue or an organ
Aplastic anemia		a severely reduced number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Aplastic crisis		Occurs when a child's bone marrow temporarily stops producing red blood cells. A child with aplastic crisis may appear pale and be tired and less active than usual.
Apnea		a possibly life-threatening condition in which breathing stops, for either a short or long period of time
Apneic spells		Periods of cessation of spontaneous breathing, characteristic of prematurity and newborn brain-damage.
Apoplexy		A sudden loss of conciousness, a stroke or sudden severe haemorrhage.
Appendectomy		The surgical removal of the appendix to treat appendicitis
Appendicitis		inflammation of the appendix
Appendicitis, acute		Unrelenting inflammation of the appendix, usually resulting in rupture, if not treated by appendectomy.
Appendicitis, gangrenous		Unrelenting inflammation of the appendix causing failure of its blood-supply, usually resulting in rupture, if not treated by appendectomy.
Appendicitis, perforated		Inflammation of the appendix resulting in rupture of its wall, allowing leakage of bowel contents into the peritoneal cavity.
Appendicitis, recurrent		Despite the commonness of the disease, recurrent appendicitis remains controversial: it may recur when there is initially spontaneous resolution in the absence of afecolith.
Appendicitis, suppurative		Unrelenting inflammation of the appendix, resulting in the local formation of pus.
Appendix		A short, tubelike structure that branches off the large intestine; does not have any known function
Aqueous humor		A transparent fluid that flows between the chambers of the eye
Arachnoiditis		Inflammation of the middle (arachnoid mater) of 3 linings of the spinal cord and the subarachnoid space containing the cerebrospinal fluid.
ARC	AIDS related complex, AIDS related condition	see AIDS-related complex
Areola		The dark-colored skin surrounding the nipple.
Aril		The husk or membrane covering the seed of a plant.
Aromatherapy		The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.
Aromatic		A substance with a spicy fragrance and stimulant characteristics used to relieve various symptoms.
Arrhythmia		An abnormal rate or rhythm of the heartbeat
Arterial fibrillation		An irregular heartbeat in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat inconsistently and rapidly
Arteriogram		Angiogram of an artery; a coronary arteriogram is an angiogram of the coronary arteries
Arteriography		Imaging of a system of arteries after injection of a dye opaque to xrays.
Arteriole		A tiny branch of an artery
Arteriosclerosis		A disorder causing thickening and hardening of artery walls
Arteriovenous fistula		An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein, usually caused by injury.
Arteritis		Inflammation of the walls of an artery that causes the passageway to become narrower; can lead to tissue damage because oxygen is not properly supplied
Artery		A large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to tissues and organs in the body
Arthritis		A disease of the joints characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, and redness
Arthrodesis		Surgical replacement of a joint by a rigid connection between two bones.
Arthrogram		Radiological imaging of a joint space after injecting a dye opaque to xrays.
Arthroplasty		surgical replacement or repair of a joint
Arthroscopy		A surgical technique whereby a doctor inserts a tube-like instrument into a joint to inspect, diagnose and repair tissues. It is most commonly performed in patients with diseases of the knees or shoulders.
Artificial insemination		Injection of semen into the cervix for the purpose of impregnation.
Artificial pancreas		A large machine used in hospitals that constantly measures glucose (sugar) in the blood and, in response, releases the right amount of insulin. Scientists are also working to develop a small unit that could be implanted in the body, functioning like a real pancreas.
Artificial respiration	Artificial ventilation	the forcing of air (either by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose means) into the lungs of a person who has stopped breathing
Asbestos		A natural material that is made up of tiny fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and lead to cancer, such as mesothelioma, or a scarring of the lungs, called asbestosis.
Ascending aorta		The first part of the major trunk carrying oxygen-risk blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Ascites		Excess fluid in the abdominal cavity, which leads to swelling
Ascorbic acid		The chemical term for vitamin C
Asherman's Syndrome		Impaired or absent interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the newborn, on the basis of compromised ventilation.
Aspartame		A man-made sweetener that people use in place of sugar because it has very few calories.
Aspermia		The failure either to produce or to ejaculate sperm
Asphyxia		The medical term for suffocation; can be caused by choking on an object, by lack of oxygen in the air, or by chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood
Aspiration		Removal of fluids by suction from cavities such as the nose, throat or lungs; also, the inhalation into the lungs of fluids, such as water in drowning or stomach contents in vomiting
Asthenia		See debility
Asthma		A disorder characterized by inflamed airways and difficulty breathing
Astigmatism		A disorder in which the front surface of the eye (the cornea) is not correctly spherical, resulting in blurry vision
Astrapophobia		The fear of lightning.
Astringent		A substance which causes contraction of of organic tissues.
Asymptomatic		Without symptoms.
Asystole		Cessation of electrical activity of the heart - a necessary transitional stage betweenventricular fibrillation and the establishment of a viable rhythm.
Ataxia		Failure or irregularity of muscular coordination, particularly during voluntary movement.
Atelectasis		Partial collapse of the lower part of a lung, usually due to infection or fluid retention.
Atherectomy		A procedure performed to remove plaque that is blocking an artery
Atheroma		Fatty deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels, which can cause narrowing and decrease blood flow
Atherosclerosis		Narrowing of the lining of the arteries due to the accumulation of fat and other materials; leads to coronary heart disease, stroke, and other disorders
Atherosclerosis plaque	Atherosclerotic plaque	An area or lesion inside an artery which can reduce or block blood flow
Athlete's foot		An infection between the toes caused by a fungus, which leads to sore, cracked, and peeling skin
Atopic dermatitis	Eczema	A skin disorder sometimes found in people with allergies. It is a very itchy, red, scaly rash that may ooze a clear fluid.
Atony		The lessening or lack of muscular tone or tension.
Atresia		A birth defect in which a normal body opening or canal is absent; usually requires surgical repair soon after birth
Atria		The two upper chambers of the heart; the singular form is atrium
Atrial fibrillation		A disorder of heart rhythm in which the normally regular contractions of theatria of the heart are replaced by rapid and random twitchings, resulting in irregular and usuallyfaster than usual contractions of the ventricles.
Atrial flutter		An irregular heartbeat in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat rapidly but consistently
Atrial septal defect	Septal defect	A hole located in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart
Atrioventricular		Between the atria and ventricles
Atrioventricular block		Block of the electrical signal between the atria and ventricles; can vary in severity from first, second or third degree (complete heart block).
Atrioventricular node	Av node	The cluster of cells between the atria and ventricles that slows the electrical current of the heart as it passes through to the ventricles.
Atrium		One of two small upper receiving chambers of the heart; plural form is "atria."
Atrophy		The shrinkage or near disappearance of a tissue or organ
Attention deficit disorder	ADD	A disorder mainly present in children and adolescents, characterized by learning and behavior problems, inability to pay attention, and sometimes hyperactivity
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder	ADHD	A disorder mainly present in children and adolescents, characterized by learning and behavior problems, inability to pay attention, and hyperactivity
Atypical hyperplasia		Cells that are both abnormal (atypical) and increased in number. Benign microscopic breast changes known as atypical hyperplasia moderately increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
Audiogram		A graph showing a person's hearing ability, determined from a set of tests examining hearing acuity of different sound frequencies
Aura		A "warning" signal that comes before a migraine headache or an epileptic seizure, which might include emotions or sensations of movement or discomfort
Auscultation		The act of listening to sounds within the body, such as the heartbeat, with a stethoscope
Autism		A mental disorder characterized by an inability to relate to other people and extreme withdrawal
Autoimmune disease		A disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks itself
Autoimmune disease (diabetes)		Disorder of the body's immune system in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys body tissue that it believes to be foreign. Insulin-dependent diabetes is an autoimmune disease because the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells.
Autoimmune disorder		A disease that results when the immune system attacks the bodys own tissues, as in rheumatoid arthritis.
Autoimmune response		A reaction of the body against one or some of its own tissues that are perceived as foreign substances, resulting in production of antibodies against that tissue
Autologous transfusion		The transfusion of one's own blood previously donated in anticipation of surgery
Autonomic hyperreflexia	Dysreflexia	A potentially life-threatening rise in blood pressure that may occur in people with spinal cord injuries above T-6. It is often caused by painful stimuli below the level of injury
Autonomic nervous system		The part of the nervous system that controls automatic body functions, such as heart rate, sweating, pupil dilation, and digestion; divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
Autonomic neuropathy		A disease of the nerves affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs. These nerves are not under a person's conscious control and function automatically. Also called visceral neuropathy.
Autopsy		The examination of a body following death, possibly to determine the cause of death or for research
Autosomal dominant		A term describing a gene on any chromosome other than the sex chromosomes that produces its effect whenever it is present; can also describe the effect of the gene itself
Autosomal recessive		A term used to describe a gene on any chromosome other than the sex chromosomes that produces its effect only when two copies of it are present; can also describe the effect of the gene itself
Avulsion		The forced tearing away of a body part or structure such as a limb or tooth
Axil		The upper angle between a stem and leaf or bract.
Axilla		The medical term for the armpit.
Axillary dissection		Removal of all the underarm lymph nodes
Axillary sampling		Removal of some of the underarm lymph nodes.
Azotemia		A higher than normal blood level of urea or other nitrogen containing compounds in the blood. The hallmark test is the serum BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level. Usually caused by the inability of the kidney to excrete these compounds.

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