NexiumResearch - Glossary - Definitions
Some words have many meanings. A term will refer the reader to another definition only when the second definition gives additional information about a topic that is directly related to the first term.
All Definitions A - H
All Definitions I - P
All Definitions Q - Z
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Q
Quality of Life
The overall enjoyment of life, a sense of well-being, and the ability to carry out routine activities.
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. The list of quarantinable diseases in the U.S. is established by Executive Order of the President, on recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and includes
- Cholera
- Diphtheria
- Infectious tuberculosis
- Plague
- Smallpox
- Yellow fever, and viral hemorrhagic fevers (such as Marburg, Ebola, and Congo-Crimean disease)
In 2003, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) was added as a quarantinable disease. In 2005 another disease was added to the list, influenza caused by novel or reemergent influenza viruses that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a pandemic.
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.
Radiologist
A physician who uses X-rays or other sources of radiation, sound, or radio-frequencies for diagnosis and treatment.
Radiology
The branch of medicine concerned with radioactive substances, including X-rays, and the application of this information to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Radiotherapy
The treatment of disease with ionizing radiation. Also called radiation therapy.
Receptor
A protein on a cell's surface that allows the cell to identify antigens.
Rectum
Pronounced - REK-tum
The lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.
Reflux
Pronounced - REE-fluks
A condition that occurs when gastric juices or small amounts of food from the stomach flow back into the esophagus and mouth. Also called regurgitation.
Reflux Esophagitis
Pronounced - REE-fluks uh-SAW-fuh-JY-tis
Irritation of the esophagus because stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. Esophagus (also called gullet) is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Regurgitation
Pronounced - ree-GUR-juh-TAY-shun
To cause to surge back, as partially digested food. Vomit into the back of the throat.
Renal
Pronounced - REE-nul
Of the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working properly.
Retrobulbar Neuritis
An inflammatory disorder of the optic nerve that is usually temporary. It causes rapid loss of vision and may cause pain upon moving the eye.
Retrosternal
Behind the sternum, the breastbone. (Sternum: Anatomic name for the breast bone, the long flat bone in the upper middle of the front of the chest).
Rigor Mortis
The stiffening of the muscles after death.
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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. More about Scleroderma
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.
Sigmoidoscopy
Pronounced - SIG-moy-DOSS-kuh-pee
Looking into the sigmoid colon and rectum with a flexible or rigid tube, called a sigmoidoscope.
Small Intestine
Organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 20 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel like texture in the intestines. Soluble fiber is not broken down until it reaches the large intestine where digestion causes gas (flatulence). It is found in such foods as oat bran, beans, peas, and most fruits.
Spastic Colon
Pronounced - SPAS-tik KOH-lun
Spastic colon is a disorder of the intestines commonly marked by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in a person's bowel habits. This may include diarrhea or constipation, or both, with one occurring after the other. Also called IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable colon, and mucus colitis.
Spasticity
Involuntary muscle contractions leading to spasms and stiffness or rigidity. In MS, this condition primarily affects the lower limbs.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. The damage begins at the moment of injury when displaced bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments bruise or tear into spinal cord tissue. Most injuries to the spinal cord don't completely sever it. Instead, an injury is more likely to cause fractures and compression of the vertebrae, which then crush and destroy the axons, extensions of nerve cells that carry signals up and down the spinal cord between the brain and the rest of the body. An injury to the spinal cord can damage a few, many, or almost all of these axons. Some injuries will allow almost complete recovery. Others will result in complete paralysis. More about Spinal Cord Injury
Spleen
The organ that cleans blood and makes white blood cells. White blood cells attack bacteria and other foreign cells.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Pronounced - SKWAY-mus sel kar-sin-O-ma
Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.
Staging
Pronounced - STAY-jing
Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.
Stoma
Pronounced - STOH-muh
An opening in the abdomen that is created by an operation (ostomy). A stoma must be covered at all times by a bag that collects stool.
An ostomy (pronounced - AH-stuh-mee) makes it possible for stool to leave the body through an opening made in the abdomen. An ostomy is necessary when part or all of the intestines are removed. Colostomy and ileostomy are types of ostomy.
For example, some people with Crohn's disease may need surgery to treat blockage, fistulas, infection, and bleeding if medicines are no longer working. Surgery usually does not make a person disease free forever. Sometimes people need to have many surgeries because the inflammation and symptoms come back.
The most common surgery for Crohn's disease is removing only the diseased section of intestine. In this operation, after the diseased piece of the intestine is cut out, the intestine is put back together.
On rare occasions the surgeon cannot put the two ends back together and needs to create an outlet, or stoma, also called an ostomy. To create a stoma, an end of the small intestine that was not connected is brought out through a small opening made on the lower abdominal wall. The stoma is about the size of a quarter. A small bag is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the person empties the bag as needed.
Stomach Ulcer
Pronounced - STUH-muk UL-sur
An open sore in the lining of the stomach. Also called gastric ulcer.
Stool
The solid wastes that pass through the rectum as bowel movements. Stools are undigested foods, bacteria, mucus, and dead cells. Also called feces.
Stricture
Pronounced - STRIK-sher
The abnormal narrowing of a body opening. Also called stenosis.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain. More about Stroke
Surgery
Pronounced - SER-juh-ree
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
Systemic
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik
Affecting the whole body.
Systemic Disease
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik dih-ZEEZ
A disease that affects the entire body.
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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.
Thyroid Gland
Pronounced - THY-royd
A gland located beneath the voice box (larynx) that produces thyroid hormone. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism.
Tonsil
One of two small masses of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat.
Tonsillectomy
Surgery to remove the tonsils.
Trachea
The airway that leads from the larynx to the lungs. Also called the windpipe.
Trans Fat
Pronounced - tranz-fat
A type of fat that has certain chemical properties and is usually found in processed foods such as baked goods, snack foods, fried foods, shortening, margarine, and certain vegetable oils. Eating trans fat increases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
Transverse Myelitis
An acute spinal cord disorder causing sudden low back pain and muscle weakness and abnormal sensory sensations in the lower extremities. Transverse myelitis often remits spontaneously, however, severe or long lasting cases may lead to permanent disability.
Tumor
Pronounced - TOO-mer
An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division. Tumors perform no useful body function. They may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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.
Urea
Pronounced - yoo-REE-uh
A waste product found in the blood and caused by the normal breakdown of protein in the liver. Urea is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys and then excreted in the urine. Urea accumulates in the body of people with renal failure.
Uremia
Pronounced - yoo-REE-mee-uh
The illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion.
Ureters
Pronounced - YOOR-uh-turs
Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Urethra
Pronounced - yoo-REE-thrah
The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Urinary Incontinence (UI)
Pronounced - YOOR-in-air-ee in-KAHN-tih-nens
Urinary incontinence (UI) is when urine leaks out before you can get to a bathroom. Millions of women have this problem.
Urinary Tract Infection
Pronounced - yoor-in-ar-ee trakt in-feck-shun
An infection that happens in the bladder or tube leading to the bladder. It is usually caused by a type of bacteria. Also called UTI.
Urine
Pronounced - YOOR-in
Liquid waste product filtered from the blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and expelled from the body through the urethra by the act of voiding or urinating.
Uvula
The soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth, at the edge of the soft palate. Also called palatine uvula.
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V
Vaccination
Injection 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 preparation of weakened microorganisms given to people to create resistance to a certain disease, such as the flu, or hepatitis. Vaccines are administered through needle injections, by mouth and by aerosol.
Vagotomy
Pronounced - vay-GAH-tuh-mee
An operation to cut the vagus nerve. This causes the stomach to make less acid.
Vagus Nerve
Pronounced - VAY-gus nurv
The nerve in the stomach that controls the making of stomach acid.
Varices
Pronounced - VAIR-uh-seez
Stretched veins such as those that form in the esophagus from cirrhosis.
Vasculitis
Pronounced - VAS-kyoo-LY-tis
Inflammation of the blood vessel walls. This can cause rash and disease in multiple organs of the body, including the kidneys.
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Pronounced - VESS-ih-koh-yoo-REE-ter-ul REE-fluks
An abnormal condition in which urine backs up into the ureters, and occasionally into the kidneys, raising the risk of infection.
Villi
Pronounced - VIL-eye
The tiny, fingerlike projections on the surface of the small intestine. Villi help absorb nutrients.
Vincent Stomatitis
This is trench mouth, a progressive painful infection with ulceration, swelling and sloughing off of dead tissue from the mouth and throat due to the spread of infection from the gums, but the full story behind this long known disease is still not clear. As with most poorly understood diseases, Vincent stomatitis goes by many other names including acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), acute membranous gingivitis, fusospirillary gingivitis, fusospirillosis, fusospirochetal gingivitis, necrotizing gingivitis, phagedenic gingivitis, ulcerative gingivitis, Vincent angina, Vincent gingivitis, and Vincent infection.
Viral
Having to do with a virus. A virus is an extremely small microscopic organism that often cause disease.
Viral Hepatitis
Pronounced - VY-rul heh-puh-TY-tis
Hepatitis caused by a virus. Five different viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) most commonly cause this form of hepatitis. Other rare viruses may also cause hepatitis. More about Viral Hepatitis
Virus
Extremely small microscopic organisms that often cause disease, that is only able to live inside a cell.
Vitamins
Pronounced - vy-tuh-mins
Vitamins and minerals are complex organic micronutrient substances, naturally found in minute (pronounced - mi-noot - meaning very tiny, small) quantities in some foods. Vitamins and minerals replace or fix low levels of important natural substances in your body that are essential to normal metabolism (the conversion of a chemical from one form to another). Some types of food have more of these substances than others. If you need extra vitamins and minerals, you may have to take vitamin pills that have them.
Example: Vitamin D deficiency - (ricketts and osteomalacia) In children, the condition prevents normal bone development. In adults, a lack of vitamin D causes demineralization of bone, particularly in the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities.
Vitamin D intoxication - A disorder marked by weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and impaired renal function.
Volvulus
Pronounced - VAHLV-yoo-lus
A twisting of the stomach or large intestine. May be caused by the stomach being in the wrong position, a foreign substance, or abnormal joining of one part of the stomach or intestine to another. Volvulus can lead to blockage, perforation, peritonitis, and poor blood flow.
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
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.
White Blood Cell
Pronounced - white blud sel
One of the cells the body makes to help fight infections and help heal wounds.
White Matter
Nerve fibers that are the site of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) lesions and underlie the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord.
Wilson Disease
Pronounced - WIL-sun duh-zeez
An inherited disorder. Too much copper builds up in the liver and is slowly released into other parts of the body. The overload can cause severe liver and brain damage if not treated with medication. More about Wilson Disease
X
X Chromosome
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
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.
Xerostomia
Pronounced - ZEE-roh-STOH-mee-uh
Dry mouth. The condition can be caused by a number of things, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, kidney failure, infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), drugs used to treat depression, and radiation treatment for mouth or throat cancer.
Y
Y Chromosome
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.
Yin and Yang
In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are opposite forces that form a whole. Everything contains both yin and yang in a balance that is always changing, such as hot and cold, day and night, and health and disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, disease is diagnosed and treated based on the balance of yin and yang. Good health is believed to come from a balance of Yin - negative, dark, and feminine - and Yang - positive, bright, and masculine.
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.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Pronounced - ZAH-lun-jur EL-uh-sun sin-drohm
A group of symptoms that occur when a tumor called a gastrinoma forms in the pancreas. The tumor, which may cause cancer, releases large amounts of the hormone gastrin. The gastrin causes too much acid in the duodenum, resulting in ulcers, bleeding, and perforation.
Zoonoses
Diseases that are transferable from animals to humans.
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