A

• Autoimmune Disease : Condition where immune system attacks body's own tissues.
• Atrophy : Wasting away of organ or tissue due to disease or aging.
• Atherosclerosis : Buildup of plaque in arteries, narrowing blood flow.
• Asthma : Chronic respiratory condition causing airway inflammation and constriction.
• Arthritis : Inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness.
• Arrhythmia : Abnormal heart rhythm caused by electrical disturbances.
• Antioxidant : Substances protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Antihistamine : Medication blocking histamine to treat allergy symptoms.
• Antidepressant : Medication used to treat mood disorders like depression.
• Anticoagulants : Drugs that prevent blood clot formation.

B

• Bypass : A procedure diverting the flow of blood or other fluids, such as coronary artery bypass surgery to redirect blood flow around a blocked coronary artery.
• Bunion : A painful bump at the base of the big toe, often caused by the abnormal growth of bone or tissue.
• Bronchiole : Small airway in the respiratory system connecting to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.
• Brain imaging : Techniques to view the structure or function of the brain, including CT, MRI, fMRI, and PET scans.
• Bradycardia : Abnormally slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute.
• Brachytherapy : Cancer treatment involving the implantation of radioactive seeds or pellets into the body to kill cancer cells.
• Bone scan : A test using radioactive material to produce images of bones, often used to detect cancer or bone diseases.
• Body mass index (BMI) : A measure of body fat based on height and weight, used to assess health risks related to weight.
• Blood pressure : The force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries; optimal blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Blood clot : A solid mass formed when blood cells clump together, often to stop bleeding.

C

• Cyst : Noncancerous abnormal growth in the body.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) : Life-saving technique combining chest compressions and rescue breathing.
• Corticosteroids : Synthetic hormones used for various medical conditions.
• Coronary artery disease : Narrowing or blockage of heart arteries.
• Complication : An additional medical problem or condition that arises during the course of a disease, disorder, treatment, or surgical procedure.
• Colonoscopy : Procedure examining colon using a flexible tube.
• Cognition : Brain functions like thinking and memory.
• Clinical trial : Study testing therapies in humans.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome : Disorder causing severe, ongoing fatigue.
• Cholesterol : Waxy substance vital for cell structure and hormone production.

D

• Dyspnea : Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Dysplasia : Abnormal cell changes.
• Dysphagia : Difficulty swallowing.
• Dyspepsia : Upper abdomen discomfort.
• Dysarthria : Speech difficulty from brain injury.
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry : Test to measure bone density and detect osteoporosis.
• Dry eye : Condition causing irritation due to inadequate tear production.
• Double-blind : Research study where neither researchers nor participants know who receives the treatment and who receives a placebo.
• DNA : Genetic material containing instructions for cell function.
• Diverticulitis : Inflammation of small pouches in the colon wall.

E

• External otitis : An infection or irritation of the outer ear, ear canal, or both. Also called "swimmer’s ear."
• Exostosis : The formation of abnormal bony growths, typically within the ear canal. These growths are often associated with frequent exposure to cold water, such as swimming, and are sometimes colloquially referred to as "surfer's ear."
• Estrogen : Any of a group of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body. It is also produced in smaller amounts in males' testes and adrenal glands.
• Esophagitis : Irritation and swelling of the esophagus.
• Erythema : Redness of the skin, typically caused by the dilation of capillaries located just beneath the skin's surface.
• Epidural space : The area between the spinal cord and the vertebrae of the spinal column, where pain-relieving medications are commonly administered via injection.
• Epicardium : Outer layer of the heart wall.
• Eosinophils : White blood cells involved in allergic reactions.
• Enzyme : Substance speeding up chemical reactions.
• Enteric nervous system : Nervous system part controlling gastrointestinal function.

F

• Fungus : Microorganism causing infections.
• Fundus photography : Retinal imaging.
• Fundoplication : Anti-reflux surgery.
• Functional incontinence : Inability to reach the bathroom due to physical or mental limitations.
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders : Non-structural gut issues.
• Fructose : Simple sugar found in various sources.
• Frozen shoulder : Shoulder stiffness and inflammation.
• Frontotemporal lobar degeneration : Brain disorder causing dementia and personality changes.
• Frontal lobe : Brain area involved in decision-making.
• Frequency response : Hearing aid amplification distribution.

G

• Gum disease : Oral tissue and tooth support structure diseases.
• Gullet : Esophagus.
• Guardianship : Legal decision-making authority for incapacitated individuals.
• Growth factor : Substance promoting tissue growth.
• Greenstick fracture : Incomplete bone break in young, soft bones.
• Graves’ disease : Thyroid overactivity due to autoimmunity.
• Graft : Transplanted tissue.
• Gout : Arthritis from uric acid buildup in joints.
• Gonioscopy : Glaucoma test examining eye fluid drainage.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone : Pituitary hormone controlling FSH and LH.

H

• Hysterectomy : An operation to remove a woman’s uterus.
• Hypothalamus : A small area in the brain responsible for producing hormones that regulate various essential functions such as body temperature, hunger, mood, stress response, and other vital processes.
• Hypotension : The medical term for low blood pressure.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) : A condition where arteries experience increased pressure during circulation.
• Hyaluronic acid : A hydrating substance that occurs naturally in the human body, particularly in connective tissues, skin, and eyes.
• HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) : A system that controls many hormonal activities in the body, including the stress response.
• Hot flash : A sudden and intense sensation of heat, typically felt in the face or upper part of the body. A symptom of menopause.
• Hormones : Chemicals regulating various bodily processes.
• Hormone therapy : Hormone level-boosting treatment.
• Homocystinuria : Genetic disorder elevating homocysteine levels.

I

• Isotonic : Muscle force with joint motion.
• Isometric : Muscle force without joint movement.
• Isolated systolic hypertension : High systolic, normal diastolic pressure hypertension form.
• Islets of Langerhans : Hormone-producing pancreatic cell clusters.
• Ischemic stroke : Stroke from brain blood flow interruption.
• Ischemic heart disease : Common heart disease from narrowed or blocked arteries.
• Ischemia : Insufficient organ or body part blood supply.
• Irritants : Substances causing allergy-like symptoms.
• Iris : Eye's colored ring controlling pupil size.
• Iodides : Iodine salt compounds for hyperthyroidism control.

J

• Joint hypermobility syndrome : A genetic condition that characterizes extremely flexible joints along with pain and other symptoms. Colloquially, it is also called having “loose joints” or being “double-jointed”.
• Joint : A junction in the body where bones are connected together.
• Jaundice : When skin or the sclera (whites) of the eyes develop a yellowish hue, it could indicate a serious condition like liver disease, requiring immediate medical help.

K

• Kyphoplasty : Surgical intervention to alleviate pain from spinal fractures and restore collapsed vertebrae to their normal size.
• Knock knees (genu valgum) : A condition where the knees angle inward while the ankles maintain a wider separation.
• Knee ligament surgery : Reconstructive surgery might be required if the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is damaged.
• Kidney transplant : The transplantation of a healthy kidney into the body of an individual with minimal or no renal function.
• Kidney stones : Kidney stones are commonly located in the kidneys or the ureter, which is the tube linking the kidneys to the bladder. If untreated, they can cause severe pain and may result in kidney infections or impaired kidney function.
• Kidney infection : A discomforting and unpleasant condition typically resulting from cystitis, which is a frequent bladder infection.
• Kidney failure : The advanced stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the body.
• Ketones : Substances generated when the body metabolizes fat for energy or when insulin levels are insufficient.
• Keshan disease : Heart disease caused by selenium deficiency, essential for proper bodily function.
• Keratoderma blennorrhagica : A skin rash sometimes associated with Reiter's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.

L

• Lymphoma : A kind of cancer that impacts lymphatic system cells.
• Lymphocyte : A type of white blood cell that can identify foreign materials in the body.
• Lymphedema : Swelling caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to blockage or damage to the lymphatic system.
• Lymph nodes : Small organs that filter lymph fluid and play a key role in the body's immune system.
• Lyme disease : An infectious disease transmitted by a tick bite.
• Lumbar puncture : A medical procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the lower spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes.
• Lobar hemorrhage : Bleeding occurring in the brain's white matter beneath the cerebral cortex.
• Liver : A vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of essential substances in the body.
• Liposuction : Surgical removal of fat deposits from specific areas of the body for cosmetic purposes.
• Leukemia : Cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, such as the lymphatic system and bone marrow. Usually involves the white blood cells.

M

• Myosin : Protein facilitating muscle contraction and relaxation.
• Myopia : Visual condition where distant objects appear blurry due to the focal point being in front of the retina, nearsightedness.
• Myofilaments : Fundamental proteins within myofibrils enabling muscle contraction.
• Myofibrils : Thread-like structures within muscle fibers responsible for contraction.
• Myocyte : Muscle cell.
• Myocardium : Middle layer of heart tissue, consisting of cardiac muscle cells.
• Myocarditis : Inflammation of the heart muscle.
• Myocardial rupture : Tear in the wall of the heart, often occurring immediately following a heart attack.
• Myocardial infarction : Medical term for heart attack, resulting from a sudden blockage of blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle.
• Myelopathy : Condition characterized by compression, disease, or damage to the spinal cord.

N

• Nutrients : Substances in food essential for maintaining health.
• Nutraceutical : Dietary supplement containing concentrated bioactive substances aimed at enhancing health.
• Nucleus pulposus : Gel-like central portion of spinal discs.
• Nuclear tests : Diagnostic tests using radioactive substances targeting specific organs or receptors.
• Normal-pressure hydrocephalus : Accumulation of fluid in the brain leading to cognitive decline, walking difficulties, and loss of bladder control.
• Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) : Hormone preparing the body for fight-or-flight response.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) : Medication reducing inflammation and pain.
• Non-REM sleep : Sleep phase including deep sleep, crucial for preventing daytime sleepiness.
• Nonproliferative retinopathy : Condition involving leakage and swelling of small blood vessels in the retina.
• Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome : Serious condition associated with type 2 diabetes, characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels, dehydration, and altered mental status.

O

• Oxidation : Chemical reaction involving oxygen altering a substance’s structure or function.
• Oxidant : Unstable molecule contributing to tissue damage and aging, also known as a free radical.
• Ovulation : Release of a mature egg from the ovary.
• Overt proteinuria : Kidney function decline marked by excessive protein in urine, preceding chronic kidney disease.
• Overactive bladder : Condition involving frequent urination urges.
• Ovariectomy : Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
• Outpatient : Individual receiving medical treatment without overnight hospital stay.
• Outer ear : External part of the ear including the ear canal and eardrum.
• Outbreak : Localized epidemic or sudden increase in disease occurrence.
• Otosclerosis : Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causing hearing loss.

P

• Pump failure : When the heart muscle weakens to the extent that it cannot effectively pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's needs.
• Pulmonary embolism : The obstruction of one or more arteries in the lungs by a blood clot that originated elsewhere in the body, often in the legs. Symptoms typically include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.
• Pulmonary edema : A medical condition characterized by the buildup of excess fluid in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing.
• Pulmonary : Relating to or associated with the lungs.
• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) : A lasting response to a traumatic experience. It often results in severe anxiety and can lead to additional issues like sleep problems, depression, and substance misuse.
• Protein : A large, complex molecule composed of amino acids, essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. One of the three major nutrients along with carbohydrates and fats.
• Prostate cancer : A malignant tumor that arises in the prostate gland.
• Probiotic : A substance, typically a microorganism such as a bacterium or yeast, that when ingested in adequate amounts, confers health benefits on the host organism.
• Plasma Glucose : Blood sugar level.
• Plasma Exchange : Blood cleansing treatment.

Q

• Quick relievers : Medications designed to swiftly widen the bronchial tubes by relaxing the muscles encircling these air passages.
• Quarantine : An isolation period during which an ill individual is separated from others to prevent the transmission of illness.
• Quantitative computed tomography : A variation of computed tomography that offers both bone mass measurements and imaging capabilities.
• Quadriplegia : Complete paralysis of all four limbs, typically resulting from a severe injury to the neck.

R

• Rupture : A tear or breakage in an organ or tissue. When tissue protrudes through the rupture, it is referred to as a hernia.
• Rosacea : A skin disorder that causes the nose and other regions of the face to become red due to the enlargement of blood vessels in the face.
• Root canal therapy : A process that involves sealing off the pulp chamber and root canal after diseased pulp tissue has been removed.
• Rinne test : A simple hearing test using a tuning fork to assess different types of hearing loss.
• Ringworm : A fungal infection of the skin, particularly affecting the scalp (known as tinea capitis).
• Right coronary artery : A major artery supplying blood to the heart, particularly to the right and lower portions of the heart muscle.
• Rhytidectomy (facelift) : Surgical procedure to remove excess facial skin and tighten underlying tissues, aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the face and neck.
• Rhinoplasty : Surgical alteration of the nose to improve its appearance or function.
• Rheumatology : The branch of medicine focused on the study and management of diseases involving inflammation and dysfunction of connective tissues.
• Rheumatoid arthritis : An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and joint damage, particularly affecting the small joints.

S

• Sputum : Mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract.
• Spondylosis : Degenerative spine condition.
• Splenic flexure syndrome : Painful abdominal spasm due to trapped gas.
• Spirometry : Breathing test measuring lung capacity.
• Spirometer : Device measuring lung function.
• Spinal stenosis : Narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Spinal fusion : Procedure to join vertebrae with a bone graft.
• Spina bifida : Congenital spinal defect.
• Sphygmomanometer : Device for measuring blood pressure.
• Spasm : Involuntary muscle contraction.

T

• Type 2 osteoporosis : Bone loss due to aging.
• Type 2 diabetes : Insulin resistance diabetes.
• Type 1 osteoporosis : Bone loss due to estrogen decline.
• Type 1 diabetes : Insulin deficiency diabetes.
• Tympanometry : Middle ear pressure and motion test.
• Tympanic membrane : Eardrum.
• Tumor : Abnormal tissue growth.
• TSH : Hormone stimulating thyroid hormone production.
• Trypsin : Pancreatic enzyme for protein digestion.
• Troponins : Heart muscle proteins released during injury.

U

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) : Surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea involving removal of the uvula, tonsils, and excess tissue at the back of the throat.
• Uvula : Small flap of tissue at the back of the throat.
• Uveitis : Inflammation of the iris, potentially impacting vision.
• Uterus (womb) cancer : It is a type of cancer that specifically targets the uterus, or womb. It predominantly occurs in women who have undergone menopause.
• Urticaria : Itchy rash, also known as hives.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) : Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact the urinary tract, encompassing the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (kidney infection). While antibiotics are a common treatment for UTIs, they may not always be necessary.
• Urinary tract : System responsible for producing and excreting urine, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
• Urinary incontinence : Inability to control urine flow, resulting in leakage.
• Urinary frequency : Needing to urinate more than usual during the day or at night.
• Urethritis : Inflammation of the urethra.

V

• Vulvodynia : Vulvar pain, potentially aggravated by touch.
• Vitreous humor : Transparent, gel-like substance that fills the area behind the lens of the eye, providing support to the posterior part of the eye and helping to maintain its shape.
• Vitrectomy : Surgical removal of vitreous humor from the eye.
• Vitiligo : It is a chronic condition characterized by the development of pale white patches on the skin. It occurs due to a deficiency of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration.
• Vitamin D : Hormone crucial for calcium absorption.
• Vital signs : Indicators of bodily function, including pulse and temperature.
• Visualized laser-assisted prostatectomy : Procedure observing prostate during laser treatment.
• Visual field : Total area visible to the eye.
• Visual cortex : Brain region processing visual information.
• Visual acuity : Clarity of vision.

W

• Withdrawal : Response to stress marked by apathy, or physical/psychological reactions due to sudden substance cessation.
• White-coat hypertension : High blood pressure readings in clinical settings but normal at home.
• White matter : Brain's inner part primarily composed of insulated nerve fibers facilitating communication between brain regions.
• Whiplash : Neck muscle and ligament injury from rapid and extreme neck movement, often due to car accidents.
• Wernicke’s area : Brain region responsible for speech comprehension.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome : Irreversible confusion and memory loss in alcoholics due to thiamine deficiency.
• Weber test : Hearing assessment using a tuning fork to detect unilateral hearing loss.
• Water brash : Salty-tasting saliva production triggered by acid reflux.
• Wart : Unusual fibrous growth caused by a viral infection.
• Warfarin : Medication preventing blood clotting, requiring regular blood tests for proper dosage adjustments.

X

• X-ray : Rapid and painless diagnostic procedure frequently utilized to generate images of the internal structures of the body.
• Xanthoma : A lipid-filled deposit in the skin or tendon, often yellow in color.
• Xanthelasma : A yellowish deposit of fat beneath the skin, typically appearing on the eyelids.

Y

• Yellow fever : A severe viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It is prevalent in specific regions of Africa, South America, and Central America. Individuals planning to travel to these areas should consider receiving a yellow fever vaccination to mitigate the risk of contracting the disease.
• YAG capsulotomy : A laser procedure aimed at addressing blurred vision resulting from cloudiness that can occur in the lens capsule following cataract surgery. This technique involves using a laser to create a hole in the cloudy membrane, allowing light to enter the eye and focus clearly on the retina.

Z

• Zika virus : Primarily transmitted by mosquitoes present in specific regions worldwide. While it usually causes mild symptoms in most individuals, it can lead to complications during pregnancy.
• Zoonotic disease : An infectious illness that can be transmitted from animals to humans under typical circumstances.
• Zonules : Delicate, gel-like ligaments that connect the lens of the eye to the ciliary body and help maintain its position centrally behind the pupil.