Dictionary of Medical Terms

A dressing used to apply pressure or medicine to an area. Useful in applying heat or cold.

An overwhelming urge to perform an act. Often used to describe ritual or repetitive behaviors.

Fertilization. The union of sperm and egg.

A loss of consciousness because of a head injury.

A sheath worn over the penis or inside the vagina (female condom) during intercourse to protect against pregnancy and…

The light-sensing structure on the retina of the eye capable of detecting color.

Present at birth.

The membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Also called pink eye.

Fibrous tissue with a wide variety of connecting and supporting functions within and between body organs.

Mentally awake and aware. Knowing what one is doing and why.

A condition in which the stool becomes too hard for easy elimination.

1. Using up. 2. Wasting of the body; especially used in reference to advanced tuberculosis.

Easily transmitted by direct or indirect contact.

The intentional prevention of conception or impregnation. Also called birth control.

A shortening or increase in tension.

Deformity caused by abnormal shortening of the muscles.

A substance used in x-ray studies to aid in showing internal structures.

Bruise.

A seizure.

Increased blood pressure in the lungs, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and fluid in the…