Dictionary of Medical Terms

Gain a better understanding of medical terminology by searching our dictionary of more than 1,300 terms.

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percutaneous

Introduced through the skin.
perforation

A hole or break through a membrane or the wall of an organ.
pericarditis

Inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart.
pericardium

The fibrous sac the heart.
perineum

The pelvic floor. In females, the region from the vagina to the anus. In males, the region from the base…
periodontitis

Inflammation of the tissues around the teeth.
periosteum

The connective tissue covering the bones of the body.
peripheral

At or near the surface of the body. Located away from the center structure.
peristalsis

The waves of contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
peritoneum

The membrane lining the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavity.
peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum.
pernicious

Fatal.
pernicious anemia

Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
pertussis

A serious infectious respiratory disease of children. Named for the distinctive whooping sound made by the patient after a coughing…
petit mal

A mild seizure with a momentary loss of consciousness.
phagocyte

Any cell that destroys invading microorganisms.
phagomania

An obsession with eating.
pharmacist

A person licensed to mix and dispense drugs.
pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx. Also called a sore throat.
pharynx

The cavity of the canal leading from the mouth and nasal passages to the larynx and the esophagus.
phenylalanine

An essential amino acid occurring in proteins. A small amount of phenylalanine is necessary in the diet to make the…