Category: X
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X-ray photograph
A picture produced by exposing sensitive film to X-rays.
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X-ray imaging
The process of showing X-ray pictures of the inside of part of the body on a screen.
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X-linked disease
A genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome which only appears in males, e.g. one form of haemophilia.
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X-linked
Relating to the genes situated on the X chromosome. Term describing a gene that is located on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes; also a trait or genetic disorder associated with such a gene. Such traits are recessive, meaning that the trait will be masked in the presence of a dominant gene.…
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Xiphoid process
The bottom part of the breastbone which is cartilage in young people but becomes bone by middle age. Smallest of the three parts of the sternum (breastbone), articulating with the body of the sternum and with the seventh rib. The lowermost section of the breastbone: a flat pointed cartilage that gradually ossifies until it is…
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Xiphisternal plane
An imaginary horizontal line across the middle of the chest at the point where the xiphoid process starts.
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Xenotransplantation
The process of transplanting organs from one species to another, especially from animals to humans. Transplantation of organs from one species to another for example, from pigs to humans. The use of organs from appropriately cloned animals was seen as a possible solution to the shortage of human organs for transplantation. However, research has shown…
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Xanthopsia
A disorder of the eyes, making everything appear yellow. Abnormality of vision in which objects appear to have a yellowish hue; sometimes occurring in jaundice or drug toxicity. The condition in which all objects appear to have a yellowish tinge. It is sometimes experienced in digitalis poisoning. A condition in which objects appear to be…
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Xanthomatosis
A condition in which several small masses of yellow fatty substance appear in the skin or some internal organs, caused by an excess of fat in the body. Condition in which a disorder of lipid metabolism leads to the formation of yellowish fatty deposits in the skin and internal organs. A condition in which fatty…
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Xanthochromia
Yellow colour of the skin as in jaundice. A test done on CSF to determine whether yellow color—due to a breakdown of red blood cells—is present, which may indicate hemorrhage, jaundice, very high protein levels, or a traumatic spinal tap. Yellow discoloration, such as may affect the skin (for example, in jaundice) or the cerebrospinal…