Category: F

The group of organs and structures, both internal and external, involved in a woman’s capacity to have sexual intercourse, produce eggs (reproductive cells), become pregnant, and give birth. The female reproductive structures play roles in ovulation, sexual intercourse, supporting a fertilized egg until it matures into a fully developed fetus, and facilitating childbirth. These organs,…

An inherited condition in which numerous polyps form in the large intestine (colon). In familial polyposis, the polyps begin as precancerous adenomas, usually during puberty, but often become cancerous by age 40. Harmless cysts may appear on the skin of the scalp, face, arms, or legs. Bony growths in the jaw or on the skull…

A completely or partially broken lower jaw bone, or mandible. An inability to close the mouth or align the teeth properly, as well as a lower jaw that hangs without support, may all indicate a broken jaw. Other symptoms include severe pain in the area; swelling of associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments; or an apparent…

A serious injury involving a broken bone of the hip. Hip fractures are almost always surgically repaired. Traction may be used to repair a broken hip bone, but only when surgery is in advisable. The lengthy confinement to bed involved in traction poses several serious risks, including pneumonia.  

Surgery that creates a new junction or valve between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the uppermost portion of the stomach (the fundus) around the lower end of the esophagus. Fundoplication is performed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common cause of severe heartburn. Procedure used to treat gastroesophageal reflux and/or hiatal hernia…

The progress toward normalized activity in the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or respiratory system of an individual who has been injured or debilitated by disease or injured. Functional improvement of the joints, muscles, and other body structures and organs may be attained through physical therapy and instructions in h ow to do appropriate strength, flexibility, and…

An event in which foods and drugs consumed at about the same time alter the ability of the body to use one or the other; a side effect caused by the interplay of foods and drugs. Certain foods are known to interact with specific drugs in undesirable ways. For example, grapefruit juice and some drugs…

Antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections that affect many different parts of the body. First introduced in the United States in the 1980s, fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. They are powerful antibacterials with broad-spectrum activity able to treat infections of bones and joints and infections in the respiratory,…

A diagnostic test that uses a dye to analyze circulation in the eye. After eye drops that dilate the pupil are administered to the person being tested, pictures of the interior of the eye are taken with a special camera. Next, fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in the arm or hand, and more…

A group of symptoms giving a child a floppy, loose-limbed appearance. All newborns are somewhat floppy because their muscles are still developing. However, infants who are especially limp should be examined by a physician promptly, since floppiness can be a sign of serious illness in infants. This is a depiction of a baby whose muscles…