- Abdominal
Muscles
- The large group of muscles that assists in the regular
breathing movement and supports the muscles of the spine while
lifting and keeps other abdominal organs and intestines in place.
- Achilles Tendon
- One of the longest tendons in the body, it attaches the calf
muscles to the heel bone.
- Acute Episode
- The period of time when an injury is at its worst, usually
right after the injury or flare-up has occurred.
- Adam's Apple
- The period of time when an injury is at its worst, usually
right after the injury or flare-up has occurred.
- Aerobic Exercise
- Brisk exercise which promotes circulation of oxygen through
the blood.
- AIDS
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which is caused by the
human immonodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Allergens
- Airborne irritants that trigger the release of histamine, a
body chemical.
- Altered Immune
Response
- A reaction or change of the immune system as a result of an
allergen or irritant.
- Amniocentesis
- Medical process to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid
through the abdomen. Amniocentesis is done to detect certain birth
defects.
- Amniotic Fluid
- The fluid that surrounds the fetus in the amniotic sac.
- Amniotic Sac
- Membranes which contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid. The
amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid are often refereed to as the
"bag of waters."
- Anemic
- (Anemia) A condition involving the deficiency of the oxygen
carrying red blood cells.
- Anesthesia
- Chemical substance given to a patient to produce loss of
sensation, with or without unconsciousness.
- Anti-Coagulants
- Drugs used to treat and prevent abnormal blood clotting.
- Antibiotics
- Prescription drugs that kill bacteria.
- Antibodies
- Protein produced by white blood cells which neutralize or
destroy foreign proteins in the body (antigens). When infected
with virus or bacteria, the body produces antibodies which destroy
the invading microorganisms.
- Antihistamine
- Drug used to offset the effects of histamine.
- Areola
- The pigmented area that surrounds the nipple of the breast.
- Asthma
- A condition where the airways are inflamed and obstructed,
causing a person to have difficulty breathing.
- Atopic Dermatitis
- The medical term for eczema. It is a skin disorder sometimes
found in people with allergies. It is a very itchy, red, scaly
rash that may ooze a clear fluid.
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- Bacterial Infection
- An infection caused by bacteria (micro-organisms which attack
the immune system). Bacterial infections can be treated with
antibiotics.
- Bag of Waters
- A lay persons term for the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid.
- Beta-Blockers
- Prescribed to treat heart disorders and high blood pressure,
this group of drugs is also known as Beta-adrenergic blocking
agents.
- Blood Pressure
- The pressure of the blood in the main arteries which rises and
falls as the muscles of the body cope with varying demands (e.g.
exercise, stress, sleep). There are two types of pressures that
are measured:
1) systolic pressure, created by the contraction of the heart
muscle, and
2) diastolic pressure, when the heart is at rest between beats.
- Blood Vessels
- Tubular canals through which blood pass. Examples are
arteries, veins, or capillaries.
- Brachial Artery
- An artery on the inside of the arm, midway between the elbow
and the shoulder, which carries blood away from the heart.
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- Calcium
- A mineral needed for strong bones that is found primarily in
dairy products.
- Carotid Artery
- An artery in the neck carrying blood from the heart to the
brain.
- Cerebrovascular
Disease
- A disease which affects an artery's ability to supply blood to
the brain.
- Cervical Cancer
- Cancer of the cervix.
- Cervix
- Mouth of the uterus (womb). In the first stage of labor the
cervix thins and opens to allow the baby to move into the vagina
(birth canal).
- Cesarean Birth
- Delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdomen and
uterine walls (also called C-section).
- Chemotherapy
- The use of drugs to treat cancers. The drugs sometimes impair
normal tissues as well.
- Chlamydia
- A group of bacterial micro-organisms that causes various
infectious diseases in humans. It is the most common sexually
transmitted disease in the U.S. It can be treated with
antibiotics.
- Chromosomes
- Found in the nuclei of cells, chromosomes contain genetic
information which determine the hereditary characteristics of
offspring.
- Chronic Illness
- A set of symptoms or disorders that has persisted for a long
period of time. It is a continuing disease process with
progressive deterioration.
- Circumcision
- Surgery which removes the foreskin of the penis.
- Colorectal Cancer
- Cancer in the large intestine.
- Colorectal Screening
- A test performed by a clinician to detect colorectal cancer.
- Colostrum
- A sticky yellowish or whitish fluid secreted by the breasts
during mid to late pregnancy and for several days after birth
before the breast milk comes in.
- Compresses
- A material such as cloth applied under pressure to an area of
skin and held in place for a period of time. A compress can be
cold, hot, moist, or dry.
- Constipation
- The inability to pass bowel movements easily.
- Contractions
- The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During
labor, contractions cause dialation and thinning of the cervix and
aid in the descent of the baby into the birth canal.
- Cough Suppressant
- A drug used to control a dry, nagging cough.
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- Danders
- Minute scales shed from human or other animal skin or hair.
Such scales float in the air or settle on a surface and make up
the majority of household dust.
- Decongestants
- Drugs used to relieve nasal congestion as occurs during upper
respiratory infections.
- Dehydration
- Dehydration occurs when a person's body water content has
decreased to a dangerously low level. Water accounts for 60% of a
man's weight and 50% of a woman's.
- Diabetes
- A condition where the pancreas produces insufficient or no
insulin, a hormone which controls sugar levels in the blood.
Without insulin, the blood cannot absorb sugar into cells for
energy and into liver and fat cells for storage.
- Dialysis
- A procedure using a machine to remove waste products from the
blood. Dialysis is used to treat end-stage kidney disease.
- Dilating
- The opening of the cervix caused by uterine contractions.
- Diphtheria
- A serious bacterial infection which causes a sore throat and
fever and may lead to further complications or fatal diseases.
Diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States due to the
virtually 100% effective immunization rate.
- Discharge
- Flow of fluid from a body cavity such as the nose, vagina, or
nipple.
- Diuretic
- Drug or ingested food that helps remove excess water from the
body by increasing the amount lost in the urine.
- Douche
- A stream of water applied to the vagina for cleansing
purposes.
- Down's Syndrome
- A disorder caused by an extra chromosome of the genes causing
mental and physical developmental disabilities in the offspring.
- Due Date
- The estimated calendar date when your baby will be born. It is
also called the estimated date of confinement (E.D.C.)
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- Eczema
- An inflammation of the skin causing itching. It is often
accompanied by scaling or blisters and is sometimes caused by an
allergy.
- Effacement
- The thinning of the cervix which occurs before or during
dilation.
- Embryo
- Term used for the baby during the first 8 weeks of life in the
uterus.
- Emphysema
- A disease in the lungs in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs)
become damaged, usually due to smoking.
- Epidural Anesthetic
- An injection of an anesthetic into the epidural space
surrounding the fluid-filled sac around the spine. It partially
numbs the abdomen and legs.
- Episiotomy
- An incision of the perineum made near the end of labor, when
the baby's head is showing, to enlarge the vaginal opening.
- Esophagus
- The tube through which food passes from the mouth to the
stomach.
- Estimated date of
confinement
- The due date or estimated calendar date when your baby will be
born.
- Evaporation
- A method to draw moisture out of the skin.
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- Fasting Plasma
Glucose
- A test for sugar levels obtained from blood samples taken
after an overnight fast.
- Fetal Movement
- Movement of the fetus in the womb.
- Fetus
- Term for an unborn baby from the end of the 8th week after
conception until birth.
- First Stage of Labor
- The part of labor when the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters.
- Forceps
- An instrument used to aid in vaginal delivery.
- Foreskin
- The fold of skin which covers the head of a penis.
- Frostbite
- Damage to the tissues from exposure to temperature below 32
degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees C). An initial pins and needles
sensation is followed by numbness. After that, the skin appears
white, cold and hard, and finally becomes red and swollen.
- Fundus
- The top part of the uterus.
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- Gastrointestinal
- (Gastrointestinal tract) Parts of the digestive system that
include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines,
rectum and anus (excluding the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas).
- Genital
- (Genitalia) The male and female reproductive organs, primarily
the external sex organs.
- Gestation
- The length of time a developing baby is carried in the uterus
after conception, usually about 40 weeks.
- Gestational Diabetes
- A diabetic condition which occurs during pregnancy and often
goes away after the baby's birth.
- Glands
- Glands are groups of cells. "Glands" generally refer to
secreting glands and lymph nodes. Secreting glands manufacture and
release chemical substances such as hormones and enzymes. Lymph
nodes play an important part in fighting infections.
- Glaucoma
- A condition where abnormally high pressure of the fluid in the
eye causes damage.
- Gonorrhea
- A contagious bacterial infection spread through sexual
contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. Also called "the
clap," it is one of the most commonly infectious diseases in the
world. It is treated with antibiotics.
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- Hamstring
- Muscles located at the back of the thigh that bend the knee
and swing the leg backward from the hip.
- Hay Fever
- The popular name for runny nose or allergic rhinitis. An
allergic reaction of the immune system upon exposure to foreign
substances.
- HDL
- (High-density lipoprotein) A high-density lipoprotein which
removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Heart Murmur
- Heard through a physician's stethoscope, it is the sound of
turbulent blood passing through the heart. Heart murmurs are
possible indications of abnormal blood flow and may be caused by a
disorder of a heart valve (structure which opens to allow blood to
flow away from the heart, and closes to prevent back flow into the
heart). Many murmers are benign (of no significance).
- Heartburn
- A burning sensation in the esophagus due to stomach acids
backing up into the lower esophagus.
- Hemolytic Disease
- Hemolytic disease of the newborn is a condition in which an
excessive number of red blood cells in the fetus are destroyed by
the mother's antibodies. It is typically caused by Rh
incompatibility.
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammation of the veins surrounding the anus.
- Hepatitis
- Inflammation of the liver, often caused by a virus.
- Hepatitis B
- (Hepatitis, Type B) A viral infection which attacks the liver
and causes inflammation. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted
sexually, however, it may be spread by exchange of blood (e.g. by
needle sharing with drug users, razor sharing, or blood
transfusions which occurred prior to 1985 when tests for the virus
became available).
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- A immunization performed primarily by a needle injection which
creates antibodies to fight the Hepatitis B virus if the virus
later enters the body.
- Herpes
- Small, painful blisters that erupt on the skin. The herpes
simplex virus causes painful blisters around the lips, and genital
herpes causes blisters on the sex organs.
- High Blood Pressure
- A condition forcing your heart to pump blood through your
circulatory system at a force much greater than is necessary to
maintain a steady flow. Known also as hypertension.
- Histamine
- A chemical present in cells throughout the body that is
released during an allergic reaction.
- HIV
- (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) A virus which can destroy the
immune system and lead to AIDS.
- Hoarseness
- Interference of the normal working of the vocal cords in the
larynx (voice box) resulting in a rough, husky, or croaking voice.
- Hormone
- A chemical substance produced by a gland or organ.
- Humidifier
- A machine that adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness in
the mouth, nose, and throat.
- Hypersensitivity
- The over-reaction of the immune system to an irritant.
- Hypertension
- Abnormally high blood pressure.
- Hysterectomy
- A method where the abdomen is surgically opened to remove part
or all of the uterus.
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- Immune System
- An inborn collection of cells and proteins which work to
protect against infectious micro-organisms in the body.
- Incompetent Cervix
- A cervix which begins to dilate prematurely, usually in the
second trimester.
- Influenza
- Commonly called "the flu", influenza is a virus that infects
the respiratory tract and may cause fever, headache, and general
body aches, runny nose, sore throat, or cough.
- Insulin
- A hormone which promotes the transfer of sugar into the body
cells for energy production.
- Intestines
- The major part of the digestive track forming a long tube
divided into two main sections: the small intestine and the large
intestine, extending to the anus.
- Intravenous
- Fluid providing nutrition, water or medication injected into a
vein.
- Inversion
- Retraction of the nipple. (Inverted nipple)
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- Jaundice
- A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes usually caused
by diseases of the liver or bile ducts.
- Labor
- Contractions of the uterus which cause the cervix to thin and
dilate, and the baby to descend into the birth canal and to be
pushed out of the vagina.
- Laryngitis
- An inflammation of the larynx (voice box) usually caused by
infection and resulting in hoarseness.
- Lesions
- A broad term for an abnormality of the body which can be
either an infection, abscess (an open, fluid filled sore), wound,
or tumor.
- Let Down
- The let down reflex is an involuntary reflex during
breastfeeding which causes the milk to flow freely.
- Lethargy
- Abnormal drowsiness; partial or nearly complete
unconsciousness, as shown by responding only to vigorous
stimulation.
- Ligaments
- Fibrous, slightly elastic tissue which binds the bones
together and prevents excessive movement of the joint.
- Lightening
- Term used to define when the baby and uterus drops down into
the pelvis (usually two to three weeks before birth).
- Low Placenta
- (Placenta Previa) The location of the placenta in the lower
part of the uterus which may partially or completely cover the
cervix.
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- Mammogram
- A form of breast xray used to detect breast cancer.
Mammography is extremely safe as it uses low amounts of radiation.
- Meconium
- The baby's first stool which forms in the large intestine
while the baby is in the uterus. It has a dark green or black
tar-like appearance.
- Membranes
- In pregnancy, membranes are layers of tissue which comprise
the amniotic sac.
- Menopause
- Menopause occurs when the production of female hormones,
(estrogen and progesterone) is reduced resulting in physical and
psychological changes. This usually occurs between the ages of 45
and 55.
- Micro-organisms
- Single-celled living organisms too small to be seen by the
naked eye. Some micro-organisms cause infections.
- Miscarriage
- A spontaneous abortion.
- Monamine Oxidase
Inhibitors
- Drugs used to fight depression.
- Muscles
- Bundles of specialized cells that can contract and relax to
create movement for the body itself and the organs within it.
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- Nerves
- Bundle of nerve fibers that carry information back and forth
in the body, usually to and from the brain or spinal cord.
- Obese
- Obesity occurs when a person has too much body fat. Obesity is
not the same as being overweight; a person is considered obese
when they weigh 20% or more of the maximum desirable weight for
their height.
- Obstructive Lung
Disease
- A condition in which there is a persistent disruption of air
flow into and out of the lungs.
- Organ Transplant
- Surgical transfer of an organ, such as the kidney, from one
person to another.
- Organism
- A generic word for any living species, animal or plant.
- Ovaries
- Reproductive glands in females.
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- Pap Smear
- A process in which a clinician inserts a speculum into the
vagina to gather cells from the cervix to test for cancer.
- Pelvic Examination
- An exam by a clinician which includes a Pap Smear, a genital
exam and a manual exam. During pregnancy, it is performed to
measure the size of the uterus and pelvis.
- Pelvis
- The ring of bones that link the spine and hip bones, and
protects abdominal organs such as the uterus in women.
- Perineum
- The area that lies between the vagina and anus in women.
- Placenta
- The organ which exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and waste between
mother and fetus.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine
- A vaccine which protects against S. Pnemoniae (a bacteria that
causes pneumonia).
- Postpartum
- A period of time following childbirth.
- Presenting Part
- The part of the fetus which is closest to the cervix at time
of birth.
- Productive Cough
- A cough in which phlegm or mucus is dislodged, enabling a
person to clear mucus from the lungs.
- Prostate gland
- A chestnut shaped organ in males which resides below the
bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland produces
most of the seminal fluid (the fluid that carries the semen during
ejaculation).
- Protein
- Molecules that are made of amino acids. They are found all
living organisms and are essential for the growth and repair of
animal tissue. Proteins are needed in the diet; they are broken
down into amino acids which are absorbed, and rebuilt to form new
proteins in the body.
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- Quickening
- The first fetal movements felt by the mother during pregnancy.
This occurs usually between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
- Radial Artery
- One of the main arteries of the arm, running down its full
length into the hand. Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
- Rash
- A group of spots on an area of inflamed skin.
- Relaxin
- A hormone produced during pregnancy which relaxes the pelvic
ligaments and other joints in the body.
- Rh Factor
- A blood factor located in red blood cells. Eighty-five percent
of the population carry the blood factor and are Rh positive.
Fifteen percent are missing the factor from their blood cells and
are Rh negative.
- Rubella
- (German measles) A viral infection which is dangerous to the
fetus of pregnant women as it may cause various birth defects.
- Ruptured Membranes
- A leak or breakage in the amniotic sac (bag of waters)
resulting in a steady flow of clear, pink, or greenish-brown fluid
from the vagina.
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- Saliva
- The watery fluid secreted into the mouth by the salivary
glands that are in the mouth. It keeps the mouth moist, lubricates
food to aid in swallowing, makes it possible to taste food, and
contains digestive enzyme (a protein that begins the breakdown of
food).
- Scar Tissue
- A mark left on damaged tissue after it has healed. It can form
on the skin or on internal wounds.
- Shock
- A condition that may occur after a severe injury which results
in a dangerous reduction of blood flow throughout the body
tissues. If untreated, shock could lead to coma and death.
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- An inherited disorder of red blood cells with severe anemia.
- Sickle Cell Trait
- An inherited disorder of red blood cells with only mild
anemia. (See Sickle Cell Anemia.)
- Silent Carriers
- When both parents carry defective, recessive genes (genes
determine hereditary characteristics).
- Spasm
- An abnormal and uncontrollable contraction of a muscle. A
spasm is a cramp.
- Spinal injury
- Where the spine and sometimes the spinal cord are damaged.
Spinal injury may result in muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Spine
- A column of bones and cartilage in the back which begin at the
base of the skull and continue to the pelvis.
- Sputum
- The material from your lungs that you cough up.
- Sterilization
- A procedure which makes a person unable to reproduce.
- Stethoscope
- An instrument used to listen to sounds in the body such as
those made by the lungs and heart.
- Stomach
- Located in the upper part of the abdomen and in front the
pancreas, the stomach is a saclike organ that connects from the
esophagus to the small intestine. The stomach stores and assists
in the breakdown of food.
- Strep Throat
- One of the diseases caused by the streptococcal bacteria.
Generally, symptoms include a sore throat, fever, swollen glands,
and general body aches. Strep Throat is treated with antibiotics.
- Streptococcal
Bacteria
- The most common disease-causing bacteria in humans which can
be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, some types of
streptococcal bacteria may give rise to more serious diseases.
- Swollen Glands
- Enlarged lymph nodes usually due to an infection or allergic
reaction. Common sites where glands can be felt are in the neck,
armpit, and groin.
- Syphilis
- A sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria which invade
the blood through broken tissue linings in the sex organs, rectum,
or mouth. It can be treated with antibiotics.
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- Tay-Sachs Disease
- An inherited brain disorder which results in early death.
- Testes
- Male organs located in the scrotum which produce sperm.
- Tetanus
- A serious disease affecting the central nervous system.
Tetanus (lockjaw) results when a wound is infected with a type of
bacteria that thrives without oxygen (particularly in deep
wounds). It is a rare disease in the United States today.
- Tetanus-Diphtheria
Booster
- A follow-up dose of a vaccine for Tetanus and Diphtheria.
- Thalassemia
- Inherited disorder in which there is a problem with hemoglobin
(the agent that transfers oxygen to red blood cells) production.
- Toxemia
- (Preeclampsia) A condition in which high blood pressure and
fluid retention occur late in pregnancy.
- Tranquilizers
- Drugs that are sedatives.
- Trimester
- A term used to define a period of three months. In pregnancy,
the first trimester is 1-12 weeks; the second trimester is 13-26
weeks, and the third or last trimester is 27- delivery.
- Tuberculin Skin Test
- A test, whereby a small dose of a purified form of the
tuberculosis bacteria is injected into the skin of the forearm, to
determine if a person has previously been exposed to tuberculosis.
- Tubules
- The tubes of the kidney involved in the reabsorption of fluid
and other essential substances such as amino acids, sugar, and
calcium.
- Tumor
- A location where cells in the body multiply at an increased
rate. Some tumors are benign (not cancerous), others are malignant
(cancerous).
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- Ultrasound
- (Sonogram) A diagnostic instrument that uses sound waves which
reflect off the fetus and are transformed into an image on a
TV-type monitor.
- Umbilical Cord
- The fibrous cord-like structure containing two arteries and a
vein and connecting the fetus to the placenta. Oxygen and
nutrients from the mother's circulation pass through the umbilical
cord to the fetus.
- Uterine Borders
- The edges of the uterus, felt through the woman's abdomen.
- Uterus
- Muscular organ inside which the baby grows during pregnancy.
Also called womb.
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- Vaccine
- An immunization performed primarily by needle injection which
creates antibodies to fight a particular virus.
- Vacuum Extractor
- An instrument which aids in the delivery of a baby. A suction
cup is placed on the baby's head and the vacuum is turned on
drawing the baby's head into the cup. The baby is then gently
pulled through the vagina during contractions.
- Vagina
- The birth canal. It is approximately 4-6 inches long and
extends from the uterus to the vulva or opening of the vagina.
- Vaginal Delivery
- Birth of a baby through the vagina.
- Vaginal Discharge
- Flow of fluid from the vagina.
- Vaginal Spotting
- A slight bloody discharge from the vagina.
- Vaporizer
- A machine that adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness in
the mouth, nose, and throat. Vaporizers typically put out hot
steam.
- Varicose Veins
- Veins that are twisted and swollen just below the skin. Veins
carry blood back to the heart.
- Vernix Caseosa
- A white, cheese-like substance that covers and protects a
newborn's skin.
- Viral Infection
- An infection involving viruses, the smallest known disease
causing organism. Viruses can be harmless (e.g. warts) or
devastating (e.g. the AIDS virus).
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- Wheezing
- A whistling noise in the chest which occurs during breathing
when the airways are compressed.
- Womb
- The common term for uterus, a muscular organ inside which the
baby grows during pregnancy.
- Yeast Infection
- An infection of the skin or tissue linings caused by fungi. A
vaginal yeast infection can be treated by over-the-counter
medication. It does not pose any danger to a pregnant woman or her
fetus.
Glossary
