Dictionary of Medical Terms

The tubular passages, also called bronchial tubes, that carry air into the lungs.

An infection of the bronchioles, the tiny air tubes in the lungs.

Inflammation of the bronchi.

Contraction of the muscle in the walls of the bronchi.

A disorder of iron metabolism resulting in iron pigment deposits in the skin and other body tissues that causes a…

An infection characterized by fluctuating fever, headache, anemia and vague physical discomfort that’s transmitted to humans from domesticated goats, pigs…

Discoloration of the skin due to a buildup of blood in the underlying soft tissues. Also called a contusion.

Grinding of the teeth.

A swollen, infected lymph node (especially in the groin). The node may enlarge enough that it begins to drain through…

Blockage of medium-sized blood vessels in the hands and feet by clotting and inflammation. This process causes severe pain and…

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by vomiting or use of laxatives. Usually caused by a variety of…

Localized swelling of the big toe at its joint with the foot.

A small, fluid-filled sac that allows one part of a joint to move freely over another part.

Inflammation of a bursa.

A generally weakened, emaciated condition of the body.

A bitter-tasting, water-soluble compound that acts as a central nervous system stimulant and has a mild diuretic (increasing urination)…

Vitamin D.

Calcium salt deposits in soft tissues.

A small, hard mass or stone formed in the body, as in a kidney or gallbladder, or a hard coating…

1. Localized thickening of the skin. 2. A fibrous band formed around the site of a fracture that seals the…

The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree. Commonly used to express…