Dictionary of Medical Terms

Inheriting the gene for sickle cell anemia from only one parent. It causes no symptoms.

S-shaped.

A tendon or fibrous cord.

A cavity in a bone or other tissue. Commonly used to describe the cavities in the skull that open into…

Inflammation and infection of the sinuses.

A bath in which only the hips and buttocks are immersed in water for relief of rectal or vaginal…

The hard bony framework of the human body that supports the tissues and protects the organs.

The bony framework of the head.

A viral disease that was once highly contagious. Characterized by high fever, vomiting, and blisters and sores on the skin…

A type of muscle tissue controlled by the involuntary nervous system, occurring in the walls of the uterus, intestines or…

To exhale breath from the nose and mouth in a sudden, involuntary action as a result of irritation of the…

A chart of block letters used to test distant vision.

Harsh breathing sounds during sleep caused by the vibration of the soft palate during inhalation.

The soft part of the roof of the mouth in the back, toward the throat.

The substance of an organic body or organ consisting of cells and intercellular materials. The muscles and other nonbony tissues…

The network of nerves in the center of the abdomen.

A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.

A sample taken to study the nature of the whole.

An instrument for opening a body cavity to permit visual inspection.

The male germ cell. Also called spermatozoon.

A ring-shaped muscle that surrounds a natural opening in the body and can open or close it by relaxing or…