Dictionary of Medical Terms

Inflammation of a gland on the eyelid. Also called a stye.

A substance formed in an organ of the body and carried by body fluids to another organ or tissue, where…

An organism that harbors and provides sustenance for another organism.

Swelling just below the kneecap, caused by the buildup of fluid in response to the constant pressure of kneeling.

The bone in the upper arm.

A device for adding moisture to the air.

A hereditary form of chorea (sudden, jerky motions of the arms or other parts of the body) that usually affects…

A cyst containing watery fluid and the larvae of certain tapeworms.

Infection with the larvae (cysts) of certain tapeworms.

A cystic tumor of the placental tissues of an abnormal pregnancy. Complications of this disorder include bleeding and infection.

A painless swelling of the scrotum caused by the buildup of fluid in the outer covering of the testes.

An enlargement of the head caused by the buildup of fluid within the ventricles of the brain. Also called “water…

The science of health and its maintenance.

The membrane partly or completely closing the opening to the vagina.

Characterized by greater-than-normal pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen is a therapeutic treatment designed to increase blood oxygen by delivering oxygen in a…

Excessive morning sickness.

High blood sugar.

A condition caused by the overexcretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in changes in the bone and an elevated level of…

Abnormally high blood pressure.

Overproduction of thyroid hormone.

Rapid or deep breathing producing faintness, numbness, chest pain, apprehension and tingling, and spasms of the extremities.