Dictionary of Medical Terms

The blood-forming and -storing organ located under the ribs in the upper left portion of the abdomen.

Spiral-shaped bacteria.

A birth defect caused by imperfect closure of part of the spinal column, exposing some of the nervous system.

An instrument for measuring blood pressure. An inflatable blood-pressure cuff.

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

The male germ cell. Also called spermatozoon.

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

A sample taken to study the nature of the whole.

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

The network of nerves in the center of the abdomen.

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

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

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

A chart of block letters used to test distant vision.

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

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

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

The bony framework of the head.

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

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

Inflammation and infection of the sinuses.