Dictionary of Medical Terms

A sac that may form in the small intestine, present at birth.

The greenish fecal matter in a fetus, forming the first bowel movement of a newborn infant.

The nerve that stimulates some of the muscles of the hand and wrist.

The tissues and organs located directly behind the sternum between the lungs. Contains the heart and its large vessels, the…

The inner part of an organ. The adrenal medulla is the center of the adrenal gland where epinephrine (adrenaline) is…

The part of the brain just above the spinal cord that includes the control centers for breathing, circulation and…

A type of gland of the eyelid’s inner surface. Inflammation of a meibomian gland can produce a swelling called a…

A mental state characterized by extreme sadness. A severe form of depression.

A brownish-black pigment normally found in skin, hair and parts of the eye.

A dark-colored tumor, especially malignant melanoma, that is a form of skin cancer that can spread from one part of…

Dark coloring of the skin often seen during pregnancy and at menopause. Also occurs in Addison’s disease.

Black-colored feces caused by the presence of blood.

A thin layer of tissue covering an organ.

A woman’s first menstrual period.

A disorder of the inner ear characterized by dizziness, ringing in the ears and progressive hearing loss.

The three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Tumor of the meninges, usually benign and slow-growing.

Inflammation of the meninges as the result of infection by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck…

The cartilage in the knee joint.

The time at which the menstrual cycle gradually stops. Sometimes referred to as the “change of life.”

Heavy bleeding during menstruation.