Category: L

  • Lens implant

    An artificial lens implanted in the eye when the natural lens is removed, as in the case of cataract. Artificial clear plastic lens implanted in the eye, usually when the natural lens has been removed because of a cataract but sometimes to treat other eye abnormalities. A synthetic prosthesis (man-made replacement) utilized to substitute the…

  • Lembert’s suture

    A suture used to close a wound in the intestine which includes all the coats of the intestine [Described 1826. After Antoine Lembert (1802—51), French surgeon.]  

  • Leishmania

    A tropical parasite which is passed to humans by the bites of sandflies and causes the group of infections known as leishmaniasis. A genus of parasitic flagellate protozoans, several species of which cause disease in man (see leishmaniasis). The parasite assumes a different form in each of its two hosts. In man, especially in kalaazar…

  • Leiomyosarcoma

    A sarcoma in which large bundles of smooth muscle are found. Malignant tumor of smooth muscle, occurring most often in the bladder, prostate, uterus, or digestive tract. A malignant tumor of smooth muscle, most commonly found in the womb, stomach, small bowel, and at the base of the bladder. It is the second most common…

  • Legal abortion

    An abortion which is carried out legally.  

  • Leg

    Leg

    A part of the body with which a person or animal walks and stands. Supporting limb; in humans either of the lower extremities, including the femur, patella, tibia, and fibula bones; specifically, the lower leg, from the ankle to the knee and including the tibia and fibula. In common usage, the entire lower limb, or…

  • Left-handedness

    The fact of being left-handed. Tendency to prefer use of the left hand in performing tasks (e.g., writing, grasping, throwing); also called sinistrality. Using the left hand as the dominant hand, e.g., for writing, work, or sports.  

  • Left-handed

    Left-handed

    Using the left hand in preference to the right in most everyday tasks. A type of handedness in which a person relies more heavily on and is more proficient at using the left hand than the right.  

  • Lead poisoning

    Poisoning caused by taking in lead salts. Lead is among the oldest known toxins. Because of postnatal central nervous system development and relatively weak blood-brain barrier, early exposure has the greatest effects. However, exposure at any point can have serious effects. The Center for Disease Control estimates that in the United States, over 20% of…

  • Lead line

    A blue line seen on the gums in cases of lead poisoning. An irregular dark line in the gingival margin. The line is present in chronic lead poisoning and is caused by the deposition of lead in that portion of the gum.