Medical terms A–Z

Beyond structural support, the skeleton stores minerals, produces blood cells within its marrow, and protects vital organs from injury.

One label covers several different diseases, and which cell a tumor came from matters far more than the fact that it sits in skin.

A change in the heat and electricity passed through the skin by nerves and sweat.

A skin graft transplants skin from one body site to another, replacing tissue lost to injury, surgery, or disease.

A bandage-like patch that releases medicine into the body through the skin.

The process of applying pressure, friction, temperature change, or chemical substances to the skin to lessen or block a feeling of pain.

A positive result proves the immune system remembers the substance, which is not the same as proving it causes symptoms.

Size is what separates this from a bulla, and depth is what decides whether it heals with a scar or without one.

Surgery to remove the top layer of skin of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina).

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of lymphoma.

SLE is the abbreviation for systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

A sleep disorder that is marked by pauses in breathing of 10 seconds or more during sleep, and causes unrestful sleep.

A disturbance of normal sleep patterns.

One of 5 parts or stages of the sleep cycle based on the type of brain activity that occurs during the stage.

Surgery to remove a lung tumor in a lobe of the lung and a part of the main bronchus (airway).

Surgery to remove a lung tumor in a lobe of the lung and a part of the main bronchus (airway).

Bark that turns slick and gelatinous in water, used traditionally to coat an irritated throat or gut.

An eye exam using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light.

An eye exam using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light.

An aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms in tissues of the lung and can spread to other parts of the body.