Abbreviations
IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
a pear-shaped organ whose primary function is to store and concentrate bile. When fatty foods are consumed, it contracts and releases bile into the small intestine, where it helps break down fats
Gallbladder
A benign tumor made of rapidly dividing cells of blood vessels, commonly appears as a birthmark in the form of a red or purple lump on the head, face, back or chest. many times they disappear on their own over time, can also be treated with medication to shrink or reduce the appearance, or surgery if it becomes very bothersome
Hemangioma
a bacterial infection that is most common in children but also affects adults, causing sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils, and red spots on the top and back of the mouth, spread through respiratory droplets. Can be treated with an antibiotic like amoxicillin and usually resolves in 7-10 days
Strep throat
Latin phrase meaning 'within glass'
In vitro
LMP
Last Menstrual Period
the little fleshy ball hanging in the back of your throat. As part of your soft palate, it helps prevent food and liquid from going up your nose when you swallow. It also secretes saliva to keep your mouth hydrated.
Uvula
The most aggressive and dangerous type of skin cancer which originates in the skin's pigment cells and spreads rapidly
Melanoma
a common fungal infection of the hair , skin, or nails. It gets its name from the ring-shaped, itchy, red rash it causes on skin. Often referred to as athlete's foot when it appears on the feet
Ringworm (tinea)
The name of this organ is a combination of the Greek words meaning 'all' and 'flesh'
Pancreas
Pan - all
Kreas - Flesh
RLQ
Right Lower Quadrant
Epiglottis
part of the immune system whose function is to produce and carry white blood cells to fight disease and infection, includes organs like the spleen, thymus, tonsils and adenoids
Lymphatic system
A mosquito born parasitic infection, more common in tropical and subtropical countries, causing high fever and chills with violent shaking and sweating. 400,000 people per year are killed by this disease although preventative medicine does exist. Caused by a single celled parasite of the genus Plasmodium
Malaria
Greek root word meaning 'Red'
Erythro-
HLA
Human leukocyte antigen - HLAs are proteins that act as markers on the surface of most cells in the body. They are a key part of the immune system's response to foreign substances - very important for transplants because it helps find the best donor match and reduces the risk of complications
The largest two salivary glands, which are present of on either side of the mouth in front of both ears. They produce saliva to help with chewing, swallowing, speaking and digestion
Parotid glands
immune system proteins that are created in the lab for immunotherapy, by helping the patient's own immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Examples include rituximab which binds to CD20 protein on B cells and helps them to target cancerous cells in patients with Leukemia or Lymphoma. Blinatumomab is another common example
Monoclonal antibodies
A type of chronic liver infection caused by a virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine available
Hepatitis C
A part of your brain whose name is derived from the Greek word for almond
Amygdala
PEARL
Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light
a muscular valve that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juices from the gallbladder and pancreas into the small intestine. It's made up of three layers of smooth muscle surrounding the common bile duct, the main pancreatic duct, and the ampulla of Vater
Sphincter of Oddi
a non-invasive, early-stage breast cancer that occurs when abnormal cells develop in the milk ducts of the breast
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms include a high fever, headache and rash that may start three or more days after other symptoms. can be life-threatening if not treated quickly with antibiotics
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Greek word meaning nosebleed
Epistaxis