Category: L

  • Lactogenic

    Inducing the secretion of milk.  

  • Lactoferrin

    An enzyme released in phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages that combines with iron in the blood. As a result, the iron is unavailable to invading pathogens that require iron for their reproduction.  

  • Lactococcus

    A genus of nonmotile, gram-positive cocci that grow in pairs or short chains. Most organisms in the genus were previously grouped with the enterococci, lactobacilli, and streptococci. They produce large quantities of the L-isomer of lactic acid. Members of the species are used in dairy industry, e.g., in the fermentation of cheeses. A few cause…

  • Lactinated

    Containing or prepared with lactose, or milk sugar.  

  • Lactation suppression

    Inhibition of postpartum production of breast milk, either if the postpartum woman chooses not to breastfeed or when she elects to cease breastfeeding. Recommended actions include avoiding local stimulation of the breasts; wearing a tight-fitting brassiere; applying ice packs; and administering mild over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, to reduce discomfort. Manual expression of…

  • Lactation amenorrhea method

    The method of causing decreased fertility in a woman by nursing a child for a lengthy period (several years or more). In general, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the longer ovulation is delayed. For this method to work, a baby must be exclusively breastfed on demand, around the clock. Once other food and drinks are…

  • Lactam

    An organic chemical that contains the — NH — CO group in a ring form. It is formed by the removal of a molecule of water from certain amino acids.  

  • Lactaciduria

    Lactic acid excreted in the urine.  

  • Lactacidemia

    Excessive accumulation of lactic acid in the blood. It occurs normally following strenuous and prolonged exercise.  

  • Lachman test

    A test used to evaluate the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The examiner stands on the side being examined and grasps the tibia at the level of the tibial tubercle while stabilizing the femur with the other hand. The patient relaxes the leg while the examiner holds the knee flexed at…