Medical Dictionary
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An alphabetical listing of General terms and items. |
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A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell). Helper T cells play a prominent roll in the allergic response (see Allergies).
T stands for the thymus, where T lymphocytes mature. T cells are white blood cells that playa critical role in immune response, but, unlike B lymphocytes, do not produce antibodies (immunoglobulins). There are two main subtypes
A traditional Chinese exercise that promotes the health flow of qi.
A type of immune system white blood cell.
A type of T-cell that helps to regulate and control immune system activity.
See transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.
Latin = a tape or ribbon.
A traditional Chinese mind-body relaxation exercise consisting of 108 intricate exercise sequences performed in a slow relaxed manner over a 30 minute period.
Latin = ankle-bone; hence, the tortoise-shaped tarsal of the talocrural (ankle) joint.
Latin = a carpet or coverlet; hence the roof of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle.
Greek tarsos = a flat surface; hence the flat part of the foot, and later, the bones of the foot behind the metatarsals, adjective, tarsal.
An amino acid synthesized by the liver that is necessary for many bodily functions.
Total Body Water. TBW has been validated using the dilution method (Deuterium).
Adjective, Latin tectorium = an overlying surface like plaster, a covering or roof.
Latin = roof; hence the roof of the midbrain.
Latin = covering (cf. integument = the skin).
Latin = covering.
Latin = a web; e.g., a fold of pia mater containing a choroid plexus.
An HCV protease inhibitor under development by Vertex to treat hepatitis C.
A nucleoside analogue medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis B produced by Idenix. Telbivudine is not recommended as first line of HBV treatment because of the high rate of drug resistance.
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Greek telos = end, and enkephalos = brain; hence the rostral part of the developing brain. (With the diencephalon, it makes up the prosencephalon).
The sexual state of a fungus.
Latin tempus = time; hence, the temporal area of the scalp, where grey hair first appears, marking the progress of ageing.
The jaw joint.
Inflammation of a tendon.
A tough cord or band of fibrous tissue by which muscles are attached to bone.
Inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by injury, which may restrict movement of the muscle attached to the tendon (see Arthritis).
Latin = a tape or ribbon.
A nucleoside analogue medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis B and HIV produced by Gilead Sciences. Tenofovir has a low drug resistance profile so it is recommended as a first line of treatment.
A type of therapy used to relieve pain that involves passing electricity to nerve cells through electrodes placed on the skin.
Latin tensus = stretched; hence a muscle which produces tension.
Latin = tent; tentorium cerebelli.
Causing birth defects or malformation of the fetus.
Latin = rounded, cylindrical.
Formed at the end of a structure.
Latin testiculus = the male gonad (see testis).
Latin testiculus = the male gonad. From Latin testis = a witness. Under Roman law, no man could bear witness (testify) unless he possessed both testes. Plural - testes.
The primary male sex hormone or a synthetic analog. Testosterone stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and the production of sperm.
Greek tetra = four, and logos = discourse, hence a combination of four elements e.g., symptoms or defects.
Greek tetra = four, and logos = discourse, hence a combination of four elements or symptoms.
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Greek = bedroom - derivation obscure, though the posterior end of the thalamus is rounded and named pulvinar = cushion.
Greek theka = a capsule, sheath.
Greek = palm of hand; hence, the ball of the thumb.
The production of heat by cells in the body. Heat helps burn calories (See Weight Management).
Ability to grow at high temperatures (usually above 42 C).
See alpha lipoic acid.
An active component of milk thistle.
The lymphatic duct that carries lymph, from the left watershed upward and returns the to the venous circulation through the left subclavian vein.
Greek = the chest, adjective, thoracic.
A type of blood cell responsible for normal blood clotting.
An abnormally low number of platelets, which may result in abnormal bleeding and easy bruising.
A condition caused by a lack of platelets. Small blood vessels under the skin bleed, resulting in purplish discolorations.
Agents or medications that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow through a blocked artery; used to treat heart attack and stroke. Also called "clot busters" (see Cardiovascular Health).
A cytokine that stimulates the production of platelets.
Development of blood clots within blood vessels or the heart.
Greek = a clot.
A hormone produced by the thymus gland or a synthetic substance that has a similar effect. Thymic factors help promote immune system activity, and are under study as a treatment for HCV. Factors include thymosin, thymopentin, and thymopoietin.
See thymic factor.
See thymic factor.
A thymic factor under study as a treatment for chronic HCV.
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Greek = sweetbread.
A gland in the chest that plays an important role in immune system function; the gland is active in children, but less so in adults.
Greek thyreos = shield, and eidos = shape or form; hence, shaped like a shield (which shields the glottis).
An organ at base of the neck that produces thyroxin and other hormones involved in regulating metabolism.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Latin = the shin-bone, adjective, tibial.
Taken three times daily.
Literally "moth". A clinical term meaning "ringworm".
Ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Plasma that has left the capillaries and flowed into the spaces between the cells of the tissues; also known as intercellular fluid or interstitial fluid.
See transcripton mediated amplification.
A cytokine (messenger protein) that plays a key role in the body's immune response by promoting inflammation, controlling the production of other pro-inflammatory molecules, and also helping the cells heal or repair themselves. It attaches to a cell surface protein called TNF receptor to exert its effect on the cell.
See vitamin E.
The degree to which a drug or other agent produces adverse side effects.
Latin tonsilla = tonsil (e.g., palatine tonsil).
A medication applied to the skin surface.
Latin = a bulge.
The quality of being poisonous or harmful; often used to refer to drug side effects.
A harmful or poisonous agent.
Diminutive of Latin trabs = a beam; hence the supporting fibres of a structure.
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Bone tissue arranged in a meshwork of thin plates or beams that is commonly found at the center of long bones and that composes a large part of the hip and vertebrae. Also called cancellous bone or spongy bone (see Osteoporosis).
A substance needed in very small amounts for the proper functioning of the body.
Greek tracheia = rough, referring to its corrugations.
Latin tractus = an elongated strand of wool or dough; hence a pathway for nerve fibres.
An ancient Asian system of healing that focuses on achieving internal balance. TCM practitioners use methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal formulas, and exercises such as t'ai chi and qigong to restore the flow of qi (vital energy) within the body.
Latin = goat, because of the beard-like tuft of hair on its internal aspect.
Fatty acids (such as those found in solid margarine) that have been reshaped by hydrogenation; also called trans fatty acids (see High Cholesterol).
See aminotransferase.
A treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma that involves the injection of chemotherapeutic drugs into the tumor's blood supply.
The process of copying genetic material.
A recently developed, highly sensitive viral load test.
The transfer of blood or blood components from one individual to another (or back to the donor, in the case of autologous transfusion).
Short-lived; not permanent.
A type of liver biopsy in which a sample is taken through the jugular vein in the neck.
Spread of a pathogenic organism from one person to another.
Surgical transfer of an organ from one person to another.
Perpendicular to the long axis.
Greek trapezion = a trapezium - a quadrilateral with 2 sides parallel.
Greek trapezion = a trapezium - a quadrilateral with 2 sides parallel; hence, trapezius muscle, the diamond-shape of both trapezii muscles together.
Greek trapezion = a trapezium - a quadrilateral with 2 sides parallel, and eidos = shape or form, hence resembling a trapezium.
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A favorable outcome from therapy. Several different measures are used to describe HCV treatment response, including biochemical response, histological response, end-of-treatment response, and sustained virological response.
A person who has had prior treatment for a particular condition.
A person who has not had prior treatment for a particular condition.
See clinical trial.
Latin tres = 3, and caput = head; hence a 3-headed muscle.
A class of drugs that is thought to work by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin to nerve cell receptors (see Depression).
Latin trigeminus = triplets; hence, cranial nerve V, with 3 large divisions.
Anything that can set off asthma symptoms (see Asthma).
An organic compound made up of a fatty acid plus glycerol.
Latin trigonum = a triangle.
Latin triquetrus = 3-cornered.
Latin triticum = a grain of wheat; hence, the tiny cartilage in the lateral thyrohyoid ligament.
Greek = a runner; hence, the bony landmark, the greater trochanter, which moves so obviously in running.
Greek trochilia = a pulley.
The lowest level of a drug reached between doses. Contrast with peak level.
The pain and/or swelling of the breast, chest, back and underarm area due to the buildup of lymphatic fluid.
Latin = trunk (of a tree).
Thyroid stimulating hormone.
Latin tuber = a swelling or lump.
Latin diminutive of tuber, a small prominence, usually bony.
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Spines or finger-like projections on macroconidia, characteristic of Histoplasma capsulatum.
Latin diminutive of tuber, a small prominence, usually bony.
Latin tuber = a swelling or lump, usually large and rough.
An abnormal growth of cells. Tumors may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (harmless).
Latin = shirt; hence a covering.
Latin turbo = a child's (spinning) top; hence shaped like a top. Old term for nasal conchi.
Brand name of a combination hepatitis A/hepatitis B vaccine.
Treatment, transplant.
Latin = a drum.
See diabetes mellitus.
See diabetes mellitus.
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