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Medical Glossary

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Abdominal cavity

the part of the body between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the thighs, containing most of the digestive and urinary systems along with some reproductive organs

ABO blood groups

The system by which human blood is classified, based on proteins occurring on red blood cells; the four classification groups are A, AB, B, and O

Abortion

termination of a pregnancy; can occur because of natural causes (called a miscarriage) or be a medical intervention

Abscess

an accumulation of pus in a body tissue, usually caused by a bacterial infection

ACE inhibitor

a drug typically used to treat high blood pressure (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor)

Achilles tendon

the tendon at the back of the lower leg that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone

Acid reflux

a disorder in which acid in the stomach comes up into the oesophagus, because the valve separating the stomach and oesophagus does not function properly

Acid-base balance

the mechanisms that the body uses to keep its fluids close to neutral (neither basic nor acidic) so that the body can function properly

Acidosis

a condition marked by abnormally high acid levels in the blood, associated with some forms of diabetes, lung disease, and severe kidney disease

Acne

a skin condition characterised by inflamed, pus-filled areas that occur on the skin's surface, most commonly occurring during adolescence

Acquired

a word describing any condition that is not present at birth, but develops some time during life

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes a weakening of the immune system

Acute

describes a condition or illness that begins suddenly and is usually short-lasting

Acute respiratory disease

an urgent condition in which oxygen levels in the blood are lower than normal and breathing is difficult

Addiction

dependence on a substance (such as alcohol or other drugs) or an activity, to the point that stopping is very difficult and causes severe physical and mental reactions

Adenitis

infection and inflammation of a gland, especially a lymph node

Adipose tissue

another term for fatty tissue; it stores energy, insulates, and cushions the body

Adjuvant therapy

the use of drugs or radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer along with surgery

Adrenal failure

a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones that control important functions such as blood pressure

Adrenal glands

two small glands located on top of the kidneys that secrete several important hormones into the blood

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