Medical Vocabulary #11

A dangerous condition in which blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually the legs. They may break off and block blood flow in the lungs, seriously damaging organs or causing death.

Medications that quickly open the bronchial tubes by relaxing the muscles surrounding these airways.

A condition in which the stomach produces little or no acid. This can affect digestion, cause stomach pain, and keep the body from absorbing vitamins and nutrients.

Structures on the outside of a cell membrane that permit attachment of specific chemicals.

A brain disorder that causes movement problems, including shaking, difficulty walking, and rigidity in muscles.

Any narcotic, natural or synthetic, that behaves in the body like an opium-derived drug.

An internationally accepted amount of a substance based on its biological activity or effect; used as a measurement for fat-soluble vitamins.

The perception of flashing lights or lines that sometimes occurs during the aura of a migraine headache.

A condition causing pain and tender spots throughout the body.

The vomiting of bright red blood, indicating bleeding in the upper digestive tract.

Abnormal functioning of the anus and rectum, causing constipation or the inability to control bowel movements.

Blood pressure that is elevated in a doctor’s office but is normal at home.

The final stage of chronic kidney disease. At this point, the kidneys can no longer eliminate waste products from the body.

A chemical found in hot chili peppers that is used in some pain relief creams.

A copy of a brand-name drug whose patent has expired. These drugs are less expensive than brand-name drugs.

A surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that involves removing the uvula, the tonsils, and a rim of loose tissue at the back of the soft palate.

Inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by injury; may cause pain and restrict movement of the muscle attached to the tendon.

Clumps of sticky proteins found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

A multistage process by which sensation, perception, or thought is transformed into neural representations that can be stored in memory.

Inflammation of blood vessels.

A richly colored compound (red, yellow, or orange) found in many plants, fruits, and vegetables that the body can convert into vitamin A.

The border between the cornea and the white of the eye.

Stomach growling; the rumbling noises caused by gas moving through the intestine.

Any painkilling drug such as morphine or codeine derived from the opium poppy.