Medical Dictionary
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An alphabetical listing of General terms and items. |
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Hemotoxylin and Eosin. A stain used routinely for general pathology. Most fungi are visible, but not distinctive. Fungal walls usually stain blue or purple. Other cells stain pink. Advantage: the tissue reaction is visible.
Medicines such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or famotidine (Pepcid), used to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, and ulcer pain. They are so called because they act by blocking histamine-2 signals to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Diminutive of Latin habena = rein.
Greek haima = blood, and rhoia = to flow, hence likely to bleed.
The time required for half of the original amount of a drug to be eliminated from the body, or for a drug to decrease to half its original concentration in the blood.
Latin hallex = great toe (hallucis = of the great toe).
Adjective, Latin hamus = a hook, hence, hooked.
The tendons of the muscles of the ham - i.e. of the back of the thigh - felt behind the knee when the leg is flexed against resistance (semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris).
Diminutive of Latin hamus = hook.
In the context of health experience, a handicap is a disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an impairment or a disability, that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal (depending on age, sex, and social and cultural factors) for that individual.
See hepatic arterial stenosis.
See hepatic arterial thrombosis.
Latin = saccules.
Seasonal allergies to common inhaled allergens (see Allergies).
Hepatitis B core antibody is produced by the body and indicates that someone has been or is currently infected with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B “e” antibody is produced by the body and it is an indication that HBV medications or the body is naturally fighting off the virus. Typically people who have the ‘e’ antibody have low HBV DNA (viral load) levels.
Hepatitis “e” antigen is a protein of the virus and indicates that the virus is actively replicating in the liver and that a person’s blood and bodily fluids are highly infectious.
A marker used to indicate successful treatment of chronic HBV with the loss of HBeAg (“e” antigen) and the development of the HBeAb (“e” antibody).
Hepatitis B immune globulin provides short-term protection for people exposed to hepatitis B. It is also given to infants born to HBV-infected mothers along with the infant vaccine to reduce the risk of chronic infection.
Hepatitis B surface antibody is an antibody produced by the body that indicates a person is protected from becoming infected with hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis B surface antigen is a protein of the virus that is the first to appear after infection. Continued presence of HBsAg for 6 months indicates chronic infection.
Hepatitis B deoxyribonucleic acid is the type and name of the virus. HBV DNA or viral loads are measured in international units or copies.
Development of HBV mutations during HBV drug treatment that allows HBV to replicate and evade the effects of the HBV medications.
See hepatocellular carcinoma.
See hematocrit.
The genetic material of the hepatitis C virus. A detectable level of HCV RNA on a viral load test indicates that HCV is actively replicating.
Hemodialysis
Damage to, or death of, heart muscle because of insufficient blood supply; the medical term is myocardial infarction (see Cardiovascular Health).
A condition in which the heart loses its ability to efficiently pump blood throughout the body (see Hypertension).
Symptoms caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
A bony growth on the joint nearest the fingertip (see Arthritis).
A drug that inhibits the action of a virus' helicase enzyme, thus preventing the viral genetic material from unwinding, and interfering with viral replication.
Greek helix = a coil, spiral.
A corkscrew-shaped bacterium found in the stomach that can predispose to stomach and duodenal ulcers. Previously called Campylobacter pylori.
Greek helix = a coil, and trema = hole, hence the aperture at the apex of the bony cochlea whereby scala vestibuli communicates with scala tympani.
Greek = coil.
A subset of T cells. Th2 cells favor the inappropriate immune response seen in allergic reactions (see Allergies).
The percentage of red blood cells in a given amount of whole blood; the hematocrit reflects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A normal hematocrit is 40-54% for adult men and 37-47% for adult women.
Having to do with the blood.
A swelling formed of blood. Infrequently occurs at the site of surgery, such as in a biopsy cavity after a lumpectomy (see Breast Cancer).
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The production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells give rise to all types of red and white blood cells.
The iron-based pigment in red blood cells, a component of hemoglobin that is released when red blood cells are broken down.
Greek hemi = half, an = negative, opsis = vision, hence loss of half of the field of vision.
Greek hemi = half, an = negative, opsis = vision, hence loss of half of the field of vision.
Greek hemi = half, paresis = paralysis, used usually to denote weakness rather than paralysis.
Greek hemi = half, plegia = stroke, hence, paralysis of one half of the body.
Greek hemi = half, sphaira = ball, hence, half of a sphere.
Iron overload disease; a disease in which iron is not properly metabolized and builds up in tissues throughout the body, especially in the liver.
The red, iron-based pigment in red blood cells that enables them to transport oxygen. Also refers to a test of the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
The breakdown or destruction of red blood cells.
A low red blood cell count due to excessive cell destruction.
A hereditary disease in which a person does not produce sufficient blood clotting factors and is prone to prolonged bleeding.
Bleeding.
High-efficiency particulate air filter, found in vacuums or in stand-alone devices (see Allergies).
A genus of viruses that includes HCV.
Greek = liver, adjective - hepatic.
Having to do with the liver; also, an herbal remedy used to treat liver conditions.
Narrowing of the hepatic artery.
The formation of clots in the hepatic artery.
The blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the liver.
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Loss of consciousness due to advanced liver disease. When the liver is damaged, it cannot remove toxins from the body; these toxins build up in the bloodstream causing brain damage and other symptoms. Hepatic coma is an indication of advanced liver failure.
Impaired brain function due to advanced liver damage; this occurs when the damaged liver can no longer effectively filter toxins from the bloodstream.
See liver function tests.
Surgical removal of part of the liver; may be done to treat liver cancer.
The blood vessel that carries filtered blood from the liver to the heart.
Inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis may have various causes, including viruses, toxins, and heavy alcohol consumption.
A viral disease of the liver that is primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice. Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own and does not become chronic. There is no standard treatment for hepatitis A, but an effective vaccine is available.
The virus that causes hepatitis A.
A viral disease of the liver. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne disease, but may also be transmitted sexually transmitted or vertically from mother to child. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes. Hepatitis B becomes chronic in about 5-10% of infected adults. Standard treatments for hepatitis B are interferon and lamivudine; an effective vaccine is available.
A preparation of antibodies administered as postexposure prophylaxis to prevent illness in people exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
The virus that causes hepatitis B.
A viral disease of the liver. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease; in rare cases it may be transmitted sexually or vertically from mother to child. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to long-term liver damage. Standard treatment for hepatitis C is a combination of interferon (standard or pegylated) plus ribavirin; there is currently no vaccine.
The virus that causes hepatitis C.
A viral disease of the liver. Hepatitis D is caused by a blood-borne virus that only causes disease in people already infected with hepatitis B.
The virus that causes hepatitis D.
A viral disease of the liver. Hepatitis E is spread through the fecal-oral route. The disease is rare in the U.S., but common in Africa and Asia. It is usually mild, but may be severe and possibly fatal in pregnant women.
The virus that causes hepatitis E.
A recently discovered blood-borne virus that appears to be related to hepatitis C. It is not known to cause disease.
A type of primary liver cancer seen in some people with long-term liver damage due to chronic hepatitis C or hepatitis B.
concerning localized liver cell tissue death.
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A working liver cell.
The medical specialty that deals with the liver; a hepatologist treats liver disease.
Enlargement of the liver.
Pertaining to the kidney failure in the presence of liver disease.
Toxic or poisonous to the liver.
The medicinal or therapeutic use of plants or plant products.
Latin = a protrusion, adjective - hernial.
A common viral infection that can cause fever blisters, genital sores, and shingles.
An individual inherits a set of two alleles for each HLA locus from his or her parents. For instance, an individual may inherit HLAB27 from one parent and HLA-B8 from the other. Most individuals do not inherit the same gene (belonging to a locus) from both parents, and are said to be heterozygotes. Someone who inherits the same gene, e.g. HLA-B27, from both parents is homozygous for HLA-B27.
See hemoglobin.
Latin = a gap (like that between some people's ears).
A longstanding increase in blood pressure above the normal range — that is, abnormally high pressure of blood flow against the artery walls; also called hypertension (see Cardiovascular Health).
A lipoprotein that protects the arteries by transporting cholesterol from body cells to the liver and other sites for elimination; called "good" cholesterol (see Cardiovascular Health, High Cholesterol).
Latin = the point of attachment of a seed, hence the part of an organ where the vessels and nerves are attached; adjective - hilar.
The part of the brain below tentorium cerebelli, comprising medulla oblongata, pons and cerebellum.
The lateral prominence of the hip bone and greater trochanter.
Greek hippokampos = a sea-horse, hence, the curled shape of the hippocampus in coronal section; adjective - hippocampal.
A cellular compound that is released in response to an allergen and causes the symptoms of allergic reactions.
A histamine analog being studied as a treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
A histamine analog being studied as a treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
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An improvement in liver tissue condition (e.g., reduced inflammation) in response to treatment.
The study or examination of body tissues. In people with HCV, histological improvement refers to improved liver tissue health, including decreased inflammation and reduced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
See human immunodeficiency virus.
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the body's immune system. AIDS is the late, symptomatic stage of HIV disease.
Human leucocyte antigens. These are cell surface proteins, detected by blood testing, that vary from person to person. They are also called tissue antigens or histocompatibility antigens because ideally organ donors and recipients must have compatible HLA; otherwise the transplanted organ is recognized as nonself ('foreign') and is rejected. HLA are related to the workings of the immune system; they present selfand foreign-derived (e.g. viral) peptides (a few amino acids linked together) to T lymphocytes and other cells of the immune system that help the body fight illness. They are of two broad types, called class I and class II HLA. Their genes are located on chromosome 6; the loci are given the letters A, B, C, D, and so on.
An HLA class I molecule that has been assigned the number 27; its gene is present at the B locus. There are quite a few HLA antigens that confer susceptibility to certain diseases
A malignancy of the lymphatic system that is distinguished from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells; also known as Hodgkin’s disease.
Tumor or cancer of the lymphatic system.
An alternative healing system based on the theory that "like cures like." Homeopathic therapy uses extremely diluted doses of substances that normally cause the types of symptoms being treated.
The state of equilibrium of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.
High blood levels of this amino acid have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease. B vitamins appear to reduce blood levels of homocysteine (see Cardiovascular Health).
Adjective, Greek homos = same, and logos = word, hence a part with similar morphology but different function.
Adjective - parallel to the horizon.
A chemical messenger (e.g., adrenaline, testosterone) involved in the regulation and coordination of bodily or cellular functions. Hormones may act locally or be secreted into the bloodstream.
The administration of hormones to replace those that the body is unable to produce; typically refers to estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.
Augmentation of a woman's depleted hormones with estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin or progesterone; a measure to reduce osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal women (see Menopause, Osteoporosis).
A projection, often pointed.
A cell infected with a virus or other microorganism.
A sudden feeling of heat in the face or upper part of the body, caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the skin and often accompanied by perspiration and flushing (see Menopause).
A slow-acting retrovirus associated with AIDS. HIV is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, sexual activity, or from mother to child.
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A genetic marker of "self" which prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues.
A type of receptor on cells involved in recognizing foreign antigens; some are associated with different types of arthritis (see Arthritis).
Latin = the arm-bone.
Latin humor = liquid, hence the aqueous and vitreous humour of the eyeball.
Adjective, Greek hyalos = glassy.
Colorless; also hyaline.
Greek hydor = water, koilos = head. (cf. cephalic).
The addition of hydrogen to a compound, particularly to harden unsaturated oils (see High Cholesterol).
Physiotherapy in a pool (usually heated).
The mature, hard, somewhat crystalline mineral compounds in bone tissue (see Osteoporosis).
A suggested explanation for the increase in allergies in industrialized countries. The hypothesis proposes that modern-day cleanliness results in less early exposure to germs and this upsets the balance of the immune response to allergens (see Allergies).
Greek = membrane; across the virginal vagina.
Adjective, Greek = U-shaped.
Greek hyper = over, and akousis = hearing, hence excessive sensitivity to sound.
An excess level of bilirubin in the blood, characterized by jaundice, pale-colored stools, and dark urine.
A high level of cholesterol in the blood.
An abnormally high level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood.
High blood sugar.
A condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH), disrupting the regulation of calcium. As a result, calcium is taken from the bones, blood levels of calcium rise, and increased amounts of calcium may be excreted in urine (see Osteoporosis).
Excessive cell growth (see Breast Cancer).
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High blood pressure
Increased thyroid gland activity and thyroid hormone overproduction
A disease of the heart where enlargement and thickening develops in one part of the heart.
A vegetative filament of a fungus.
An fungus that produces mycelium with or without discernible dark pigment in the cell walls. If the hypha is pigmented, it is called dematiaceous; if colorless, hyaline.
A low level of the blood protein albumin.
Adjective, Greek hypo = under, and glossa = tongue.
A condition in which the blood sugar drops to an abnormally low level (see Diabetes).
A mild mania (see Depression).
Greek hypo = down, physis = growth, hence, a downgrowth (from the brain). However, this is not the whole truth. Part is an upgrowth from the pharynx, adjective - hypophysial.
Low blood pressure
A system that governs a multitude of hormonal activities, including the body's response to stress (see Anxiety, Depression).
Greek hypo = under, and thalamus (q.v.), refers to part of diencephalon.
Decreased thyroid gland activity and reduced thyroid hormone production.
Surgical removal of the uterus (see Menopause).
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