Dictionary of Medical Terms

Antidiuretic hormone. One of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. A shortage of this hormone causes increased loss of…

The sticking of one surface to another. This can occur when scar tissue causes organs or loops of intestine to…

Special cells in which fat is stored when a person’s caloric intake is greater than that required by one’s…

Located on top of the kidneys, these glands produce hormones helpful in regulating the body’s metabolism.

Epinephrine. One of several hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

Requiring the use of oxygen. Exercise that conditions the heart and lungs by increasing the efficiency of oxygen intake by…

The placenta, which is attached to the fetus by the umbilical cord and must be delivered after the baby.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A disease of the immune system caused by the HIV virus.

The passage by which air enters and exits the lungs.

The absence of all normal body pigmentation at birth, a condition that can occur in all races.

A person with albinism.

A water-soluble protein found in milk, egg, muscle, blood and many vegetable tissues and fluids.

A condition resulting when the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone, which regulates fluids and salt in…

Having to do with food or nutrition. The alimentary tract is the digestive tract.

A substance capable of producing an allergic reaction.

An exaggerated immune response to substances in the environment.

Hair loss, especially of the head.

Congenital lack of an enzyme that leads to cirrhosis of the liver and obstructive lung disease.

A potentially fatal illness caused by being at altitudes high enough to reduce the amount of oxygen available to the…

The sacs in the lungs at the ends of the smallest airways where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in…

Impaired vision without an apparent cause.