Medical Vocabulary #20

Itching.

A condition in which the smallest blood vessels in the walls of the heart are narrowed or inelastic.

A practice with its roots in Buddhism that encourages people to be more fully aware of the present moment. Often achieved through meditation.

High blood pressure that does not respond to drug therapy and lifestyle changes.

Damage to the long nerves radiating from the spine to the arms and legs.

A general feeling of illness that can be a sign of disease.

Measurements that indicate how well the body is functioning, including pulse rate, respiration (breathing rate), temperature, and blood pressure.

A prolonged reaction to a traumatic event, which can cause crippling anxiety and lead to other problems, such as sleep disturbances, depression, and substance abuse.

A reaction that occurs when a person’s immune system recognizes a transplanted organ as a threatening substance and tries to rid the body of it.

The smallest known infectious agent; unlike a virus or bacterium it is made entirely of protein and contains no nucleic acid or chromosomes.

A group of tendons and muscles used to raise the arm from the side and rotate the shoulder.

Acting without full attention to one's surroundings, behavior, or internal experience.

A temporary pause in breathing during sleep, lasting at least 10 seconds and associated with a fall in blood oxygen or arousal from sleep.

Excessive thirst.

A stretched or torn ligament.

A female steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy.

The innermost layer of the eye, which converts light energy to electrical energy and sends visual images to the brain via the optic nerve.

Gradual loss of body functions caused by the biological aging process, which increases risk of disease, disability, and death.

A condition in which an organ or other body part drops from its normal position.

Excessive urination.

A sensation of sparks or flashes of light across the visual field.

An interrelated set of brain regions that are all involved in recognizing, experiencing, and remembering pleasurable events.

Inflammation of the heart muscle.

A serious medical condition in which too little blood flows to the outer portions of the body, resulting in cold, sweaty skin; a weak pulse; irregular breathing; and dilated pupils. It can be caused by a loss of blood, severe heart problems, severe infections, allergic reactions, or drug overdoses.