Dictionary of Medical Terms

Removal and exam of a tissue sample taken from a living body. This procedure helps determine if the tissue is…

A psychiatric disorder in which the affected person has both depressed and happy, energetic (manic) episodes. This is a newer…

A dark-topped plug of fatty material in the opening of a hair follicle. The color is the result of exposure…

1. Short-term loss of vision and consciousness. 2. In an alcoholic person, loss of memory for a period of…

The organ that temporarily stores a substance. Commonly used in reference to the urinary bladder, which holds urine until it’s…

Inflammation of the eyelid.

Plastic surgery on the eyelid.

Loss of vision. Legally, visual acuity less than 20/200 with glasses.

Buildup of watery or bloody fluid under the skin.

The fluid circulating through the heart, arteries and veins. Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues, carrying waste…

Infection within the circulatory system. A potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.

The pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.

A skin infection characterized by a localized buildup of pus.

The tissue within the cavity of the bones where new blood cells are made.

A class of disease-causing bacteria that includes the organisms that cause relapsing fever and Lyme disease.

An extremely dangerous form of food poisoning caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum.

Having to do with cattle. For example, bovine insulin is insulin obtained from cattle.

The tube involved in digestion and extending from the stomach to the anus. Consists of the small intestine and the…

A precancerous skin condition that first appears as psoriasis-like scaling.

A deformity of the legs in which the space between the knees is greater than normal.

A device used to support a body part, correct or prevent deformities, or control movement.