Miscellaneous Health Definitions

anteverted encyst hyperechoic inhomogeneous comedogenic

A

anti-oxidant: a substance that protects the body’s cells from damage caused by harmful molecules (free radicals).

Eating fruits and vegetables gives the body antioxidants

C

cauterize: to burn the skin or tissue with heat or chemicals to stop bleeding or prevent infection.

The doctor cauterized the wound to stop the bleeding

cellulite: dimpled or lumpy skin, usually on thighs, hips, or buttocks, caused by fat beneath the skin.

Many people have cellulite, and it is harmless

D

detritus: waste or small leftover pieces of something.

The street was covered with detritus after the parade

distend: to swell or expand due to pressure inside.

His stomach was distended after eating too much

F

fugue: a condition where a person loses awareness of their identity and may wander away unexpectedly.

She entered a fugue state and could not remember what happened

H

hypochondriac: a person who is overly anxious about their health and often believes they are sick even when healthy.

He went to the doctor often because he was a hypochondriac

I

involution: the shrinking of an organ when it is no longer needed, such as the uterus after childbirth.

After giving birth, the uterus goes through involution

ischemia: a lack of blood flow to a body part, causing a shortage of oxygen.

The heart attack was caused by ischemia

L

labile: easily changed or unstable.

His mood was very labile, shifting from joy to anger quickly

lymph: a clear fluid that carries white blood cells and helps fight infection.

Lymph flows through the lymphatic system to protect the body

N

neurogenic: caused by or coming from the nerves.

The patient had neurogenic pain

neurotic: overly anxious, worried, or stressed in a way that affects daily life.

She was neurotic about cleanliness

nutrify: to provide nourishment or nutrition.

The soil was nutrified with compost

O

occlusion: the blockage or closing of an opening, blood vessel, or hollow organ.

The artery had an occlusion that stopped blood flow

P

papule: a small raised bump on the skin.

The rash appeared as red papules on his arm

preoperative: relating to the time before a surgical operation.

The patient received preoperative instructions before surgery

prophylaxis: actions or treatments taken to prevent disease.

Vaccines are a form of prophylaxis

S

stoma: a surgically made opening in the body to remove waste or allow breathing.

The patient had a stoma after surgery

T

testosterone: a hormone that helps build muscle, regulate sex drive, and support health.

Testosterone levels are higher in men than in women

triage: the process of deciding which patients need treatment first based on urgency.

Doctors used triage to help earthquake victims

delirium: sudden confusion and difficulty thinking clearly, often caused by illness or medication.

The elderly patient experienced delirium after surgery

V

venereal: relating to diseases that are spread through sexual contact.

Syphilis is a venereal disease