Category: Definitions – Glossary
Z
Zenker’s Diverticulum
Pronounced – ZEN-kurz dy-vur-TIK- yoo-lum
Pouches in the esophagus from increased pressure in and around the esophagus. Esophagus (eh-SAW-fuh-gus), also spelled oesophagus and also called gullet, is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Y
Y Chromosome
Y Chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Humans and other mammals have these two sex chromosomes.
Females have two X chromosomes in their cells, while males have X and Y chromosomes in their cells.
Female egg cells contain an X chromosome, while male sperm cells contain an X or a Y chromosome. This arrangement means that during fertilization, it is the male that determines the sex of the offspring.
X
X Chromosome
X Chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Sex chromosome is the X or Y chromosome in human beings that determines the sex of an individual. Females have two X chromosomes in diploid cells, males have an X and a Y chromosome.
X-Ray
X-Ray is a type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.
W
Watermelon Stomach
Pronounced – WAH-tur-MEH-lun STUH-muk
Parallel red sores in the stomach that look like the stripes on a watermelon. Frequently seen with cirrhosis.
Webs
Webs are thin membranous structures within the lining of the esophagus that can narrow the esophageal lumen, or space in the interior of the esophagus.
Well-Being
The state of feeling healthy, happy, and content. Well-being is affected by things such as physical and mental health, income, education, social support, attitude, values, stress, security, and other qualities of life.
V
Vaccination
The injection of a vaccine preparation of a killed or weakened infectious organism (bacterium or virus) given to people for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases. If the same types of microorganisms enter the body again, they will be destroyed by the antibodies.
Vaccine
A product consisting of weakened microorganisms given to people, which, when introduced into the body, stimulates an immune response that can prevent an infection or create resistance to an infection. Vaccines are administered through needle injections, by mouth and by aerosol.
U
Ulcer
Pronounced – UL-sur
A sore on the skin surface or on the stomach lining.
Ulcerative Colitis
Pronounced – UL-sur-ay-tuv koh-LY-tis
A serious disease that causes ulcers and irritation in the inner lining of the colon and rectum.
T
T Cells
One type of white blood cell that attacks virus infected cells, foreign cells, and cancer cells. T cells are immune system cells that develop in the thymus gland. T cells also produce a number of substances that regulate the immune response. Findings suggest that T cells are implicated in myelin destruction. T cells also called T lymphocyte.
Thymus
An organ that is part of the lymphatic system, in which T lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone.
S
Scleroderma
A chronic (lasting a long time) disorder marked by hardening and thickening of the skin. Scleroderma can be localized or it can be systemic, affecting the entire body.
Sigmoid Colon
Pronounced – SIG-moyd KOH-lun
The lower part of the colon that empties into the rectum.
Sigmoidoscope
A flexible, lighted instrument with a built-in tiny camera that allows the doctor to view the lining of the rectum and lower portion of the colon.
R
Radiation Therapy
Pronounced – ray-dee-AY-shun
The use of high energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy, irradiation, and x-ray therapy.
Q
Quality of Life
The overall enjoyment of life. In public health and in medicine, the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to a person or group’s perceived physical and mental health over time. Physicians have often used HRQOL to measure the effects of chronic (lasting a long time) illness in their patients to better understand how an illness interferes with a person’s day to day life.
Quarantine
The period of isolation decreed to control the spread of disease. Before the era of antibiotics, quarantine was one of the few available means of halting the spread of infectious disease. It is still employed today as needed.