American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [805]
carcinoma A cancerous tumor that arises from cells in the surface layer or lining membrane of an organ. Carcinomas commonly develop in the skin, lungs, breast, cervix, and prostate gland.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation Also called CPR. A lifesaving technique in which chest compressions and artificial ventilation are performed on someone whose heart has stopped beating, to maintain the flow of blood to the brain.
cardiovascular system Also called the circulatory system. The network formed by the heart and blood vessels that pumps blood and carries it to organs and tissues throughout the body.
caries, dental Also called cavities. Tooth decay.
cartilage A type of connective tissue that is an important structural component of certain parts of the skeletal system such as the joints.
cataract A cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye that causes impaired vision.
catheter A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel or body cavity to withdraw or instill fluids or to widen a passageway.
cerebrospinal fluid The liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
cerebrovascular accident See stroke.
chemotherapy A cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
chlamydia A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
cholesterol A fatlike substance that is an important component of cells and is involved in the transport of fats in the blood. Types of cholesterol include HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol.
chromosomes Threadlike structures inside the nuclei of cells that contain genes. Each human cell, except egg and sperm cells, contains 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs, one member of each pair contributed by each parent.
chronic A term used to describe a disease or disorder that persists for a long time.
circulatory system See cardiovascular system.
collagen The most common structural protein in the body, found in connective tissue.
coma A state of unconsciousness in which a person does not respond even to strong stimulation.
congenital Present from birth.
connective tissue A type of tissue, such as cartilage, tendons, or ligaments, that holds various body structures together.
contagious A term used to describe diseases that can spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact.
contracture Irreversible shortening of a muscle or tendon, or shrinkage of scar tissue or connective tissue that produces deformity or distortion, usually in a joint.
contusion A bruise.
CPR See cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
crymotherapy See cryotherapy.
cryosurgery A type of surgery in which diseased or abnormal tissue is destroyed or removed by freezing.
cryotherapy Also called crymotherapy. Any treatment technique that uses low temperatures. Cryosurgery is a type of cryotherapy.
curettage A procedure using a surgical instrument called a curet to remove a thin layer of skin or tissue (such as the lining of the uterus). Curettage is used either to remove abnormal tissue or to obtain a sample of tissue for microscopic analysis.
cyanosis Bluish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis usually results from respiratory or heart problems.
D
defibrillation A procedure in which a brief electric shock is administered to the heart through electrodes placed on the chest to restore a rapid or irregular heartbeat to normal.
defibrillator A device that restores the heartbeat to normal by delivering a brief electric shock to the heart muscle.
dehydration A potentially dangerous decrease in the amount of water in the body, often as a result of persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
delusion A false, irrational belief. Delusions are a symptom of some mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
dementia A progressive loss of intellectual function that includes personality changes and impairment of memory, judgment, and thought processes. Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause of dementia.
deoxyribonucleic acid See DNA.
depression A mood disorder characterized