Dictionary of Medical Terms

A benign cyst containing oil and cells from a sebaceous gland.

Small glands in the skin that release an oily substance through the hair follicles.

Greasy scales or cheesy plugs resulting from overproduction of the sebaceous glands.

Skin growths that may be smooth or warty-looking, of varying size, and flesh-colored, brown or black. Often appear on the…

An attack of epilepsy.

The ejaculate of the male consisting of sperm and secretions from the prostate, seminal glands and other glands.

The three loop-shaped tubular passages of the inner ear that control the sense of balance.

Carrying or producing semen.

The state of a person’s mental awareness.

When disease-causing bacteria from an area of infection spread into the bloodstream and tissues.

A wall dividing an organ or cavity, as in the nose.

The study of the antigen-antibody reaction.

A chemical used to transmit information from one nerve cell to another.

The clear, yellowish-colored liquid portion of blood.

A diarrheal disease caused by Shigella bacteria.

A viral infection of certain sensory nerves that causes pain and blisters on the skin along the course of the…

A disorder resulting from disruption of the circulation of the blood that can upset all body functions.

The ball-and-socket joint connecting the arm with the body.

To surgically divert the flow (such as of blood) from one organ or pathway to another.

Identical twins born joined together.

A genetic condition characterized by abnormal red blood cells containing a defective form of hemoglobin. Sickle cell anemia occurs in…