Category: A

A surgical operation to fuse two or more vertebrae. A surgical operation to fuse the femur to the pelvis [After Frederick Houdlett Albee (1876-1945), US surgeon].  

An enzyme which is found in the liver and can be monitored as an indicator of liver damage.  

Something which blocks the air passages. Blockage of any portion of the respiratory tract; usually with reference to the upper tract. When complete, airway obstruction may be life- threatening and is treated with the Heimlich maneuver. The constriction or occlusion of the respiratory passages, which can impede the normal flow of air. This obstruction may…

Making sure that the airways in a newborn baby or an unconscious person are free of any obstruction.  

A queasy feeling, usually leading to vomiting, caused by the movement of an aircraft. A form of motion sickness marked by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, or drowsiness that occurs during travel in aircraft. A type of motion sickness similar to seasickness that affects anxious people while flying.  

Feeling sick because of the movement of an aircraft.  

A small sac in the lungs which contains air.  

The process by which sounds pass from the outside to the inner ear though the auditory meatus. The conduction of sound to the inner ear via the pathway provided by the air in the ear canal.  

An infection which is carried in the air. An infection caused by inhalation of pathogenic organisms in droplet nuclei.  

A mattress which is filled with air, used to prevent the formation of bedsores. A bed with a mattress whose upper surface is perforated with thousands of holes, through which air is forced under pressure. The patient is thus supported, like a hovercraft, on a cushion of air. This type of bed is invaluable for…