Glossary of Hospice TermsThis glossary contains words referring to medical treatment, estate planning and palliative care. It is intended as a reference only. If you would like a term added, please e-mail dataspec@hospiceofswok.org with the word or words. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X Y Z A acute when applied to a medical condition, this term means 'of severe, sudden, but short duration'. acute myocardial infarction onset of sudden damage to part of the heart muscle, usually due to blockage of the heart's (coronary) arteries. Synonymous with a heart attack. abdominal having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. ablation in medicine, the removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radio frequency, heat, or other methods. abscess an enclosed collection of pus in tissues, organs, or confined spaces in the body. An abscess is a sign of infection and is usually swollen and inflamed. achlorhydria (a-klor-HY-dree-a) A lack of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps digest food. advance directives documents such as DNR's and living wills. afebrile (febrile) without fever. AIDS refers to AutoImmune Deficiency Syndrome allergy sensitivity to a foreign substance, resulting in a physical reaction such as rash or hay fever.
alopecia loss or absence of hair, sometimes caused by anticancer treatment Alzheimer disease a progressive neuralgic disease of the brain that leads to the irreversible loss of neurons and dementia. The clinical hallmarks of Alzheimers disease progressive impairment in memory, judgment, decision-making, orientation to physical surroundings, and language. ambulant able to walk. anaemia a condition when the blood is unable to carry oxygen efficiently because of low numbers of red cells or hemoglobin - a pigment necessary to carry oxygen usually will cause pallor (paleness) of the skin. analgesic drug a drug used to reduce pain for example paracetamol or morphine analgesic ladder or staircase a classification of drugs according to their potency or strength. The first step includes non-opioids e.g. aspirin, the second weak opioids e.g. codeine and the third strong opioids e.g. morphine. angina cardiac pain due to poor blood supply to the heart. anorexia loss or lack of appetite. amoxia without oxygen. anti-anxiety (medication) prescribed drugs used to treat anxiety disorders. anti-emetic drug a drug used to manage nausea and vomiting e.g. Metoclopramide or haloperidol. anti-inflammatory drug a drug used to reduce inflammation for example a steroid e.g. prednisone or a non-steroidal drug such as ibuprofen.
antipyretic a drug used to reduce temperature e.g. aspirin. antibiotic a drug that destroys bacteria. antibody a substance produced by the immune system to fight invading organisms such as viruses. anticipatory grief the deep emotional distress that occurs when someone has a prolonged illness and death is expected often by the patient as well as the family. Anticipatory grief can be just as painful and stressful as the actual death of the person. antidepressant (medication) prescribed drugs used to treat depression. antipsychotic (medication) prescribed drugs used to treat psychosis. anxiety a state of tension affecting the mind and the body. Anxiety can range from acute (short term) to chronic (long term). anxiolytic drug used to relieve anxiety. aphasia inability to speak. art therapy the use of art activities to help children communicate their feelings or thoughts about the death of a significant person in their lives. aperient a laxative (to move the bowels). appendicitis inflammation of the appendix, a hollow finger-like projection of the colon. appreciated assets are assets that have a higher market value than their basis or tax purpose value. Such assets would, if sold by an individual or non-charitable organization at a price higher than their basis, potentially generate a taxable capital gain (either long-term or short-term depending on the holding period).
arrangement conference initial meeting between funeral director and customer. arrest used in a medical sense, this means a cessation of bodily activity (for example, cardiac arrest means that the heart has stopped beating and respiratory arrest means cessation of breathing). arthritis inflammation of a joint. ascites fluid in the abdomen causing swelling. ashes burned remains from cremation. aspiration removal of fluid or gas by suction. assisted living facility (ALF) an out-of-home care option for elderly persons who continue to lead relatively active, healthy, and independent lives. Most ALFs feature apartment-style living and many services for the elderly. asthma a lung disease characterized by difficulty in breathing and by coughing and wheezing. astrocytoma a type of brain tumor. Association of Palliative Medicine a professional organization for doctors in Palliative Care. ataxia a jerky unsteadiness of the limbs and body due to disease in a particular part of the brain. attorney (pertaining to wills and trusts) or lawyer - is the person licensed by the state to practice law and assist the executor, trustee, and guardian. It is conceivable that each could hire a separate attorney, but usually one attorney represents all three. aura a visual disturbance occurring prior to an epileptic fit. autoimmune deficiency syndrome commonly referred to as AIDS, it implies loss of immune system function. autopsy from the Greek for to see for one's self, it is a medical procedure conducted following a death to determine it's cause through examination of the various body parts. Also called a necropsy.
B bacteria microscopic organisms that cause infection and which can reproduce themselves. baseline blood test basic tests done in initial stages of a medical investigation. basis (pertaining to wills and trusts) is the tax purpose value of the property or asset used in establishing the potential capital gain amount. beneficiary is the person and/or organization that receives the benefits (usually assets or income) of the trust. benign a tumor that is not malignant or cancerous and does not produce harmful effects benzodiazepine a group of drugs used for sedation for example valium, (diazepam) bequeath to give via a will, to pass on. bequest is a gift of property or assets to a beneficiary as defined in a will. bereave to deprive of someone loved or something that is prized, usually followed by death. bereavement the period after a loss during which grief is experienced and mourning occurs. The time spent in a period of bereavement depends on how attached the person was to the person who died, and how much time was spent anticipating the loss. biopsy removal of a small sample of tissue to aid diagnosis bi-unit pricing the now illegal in the US process of charging a separate price for casket and funeral services. BMT bone marrow transplant used to treat some blood disorders such as leukemia bolus a dose of a drug brachy therpay radiotherapy whereby small radioactive sources are placed in the body next to the tumor bronchial of the larger airways of the lungs. bronchitis infection of the larger airways of the lungs. butterfly a type of cannula or needle used to give drugs, usually in conjunction with a syringe driver bypass trust is set up to avoid or bypass the surviving spouses estate, which enables each spouse to use the federal estate tax exemption.
C cachexia profound weight loss sometimes found in advanced cancer and characterized by extreme fat and muscle wasting calumniation cremation from heat rather than flames. cancer a disease in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Click here for an online Cancer dictionary. cannula a type of needle usually made of plastic which can be left in place under the skin or in a vein and used to give drugs. carcinogen a compound capable of producing cancer carcinoma any cancer arising in epithelial tissue carcinomatosis cancer which has spread widely throughout the body caregiver someone who provides assistance, generally in the home environment, to an aging parent, spouse, other relative, or unrelated person, or to an ill or disabled person of any age. A caregiver can be a family member, friend, volunteer, or paid professional. carotid the large artery beside the larynx which is ideal for emergency checking of the pulse. certificate of disposition document issued permitting burial or cremation. CHAMPUS The Civilian Health and Medical Program for Uniformed Services. charitable gift annuity offered through a charity is used by many to provide income for the annuitant and a second beneficiary, if any. The annuitant (the person investing funds through the charity) receives a contract or agreement from the charity which states that the charity will pay the annuitant a fixed income for life (lives) with payments to start immediately or at some set future time. Probate or court involvement is avoided on these funds. The income paid under the annuity is secured by the assets of the charity. See Charitable Gift Annuities for more detailed information. charitable lead trust is almost the opposite of a charitable remainder trust. During the term or life of the charitable lead trust, an annuity or unitrust income interest is distributed each year to the designated charitable beneficiary and the assets are eventually transferred to the trustees or grantors designated non-charitable beneficiary(ies) charitable remainder annuity trust is a trust which is set up to pay a return or fixed annual percentage of 5 percent (or more) of the net fair market value of the assets placed in the trust. The trust assets are valued initially, at the time the property is placed in the trust. The trust assets are never reevaluated. charitable remainder unitrust is a trust which is set up to pay a return or fixed annual percentage of 5 percent (or more) of the net fair market value of the assets placed in the trust. The trust assets are reevaluated annually. chemotherapy a term usually used when referring to cytotoxic or anticancer drugs
chronic a disease or ailment of long duration or repeated occurrences. cinerarium place for storing ashes, kept in cinerary jars. cirrhosis condition of the liver where it becomes shrunken, hardened and fails to function normally. codicil is a written change or amendment made to a will. cognition the area of more sophisticated mental functioning (intelligence, judgment, insight, memory and so on). coma a persistent state of unconsciousness. complementary therapies non-conventional approaches to patient care that may provide comfort and support when given in addition to conventional methods. For example aromatherapy, hypnosis, reflexology concussion loss of consciousness due to severe head injury. cortege funeral procession. CPR (cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation) active combined resuscitation of the heart and lungs. CT scan a sophisticated X-ray scan which produces details pictures of the body aiding diagnosis and monitoring of disease cytotoxic drugs given to treat cancer
D death certificate a document proclaiming the death of an individual and cause of death. death tax tax on inherited property, called also inheritance tax or estate tax. decedent term referring to a person who has died. delusion a false idea or belief held by a person that cannot be corrected by reasoning. dementia partial or total loss of personality and other significant mental functions such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning, but without psychosis. dependency describes an ongoing need for a substance to prevent unpleasant symptoms. May be psychological or physical. depersonalization a subjective experience where there is a feeling of being disconnected from the body or from the immediate environment. depression an unpleasant, unhappy state of mind and body with significant impairment of memory, concentration and other mental processes. Physical activity is also slowed. dermatitis inflammation of the skin. detoxification removal over time of toxic (drugs/alcohol etc.) substances from the body.
dexamethasone (Dex) steroid drug used to reduce swelling and tumor size diagnosis determination of the cause and severity of a disease. disassociation refer to depersonalization disorientation inability to recognize time or surroundings or identify oneself or another person. disseminated spread widely DNR an order to not resuscitate in the event of failure of breathing or heart. CPR will not be initiated. Duke's a way of classifying cancers of the bowel and rectum dupeytrons contracture deformity of the hand, with the fingers in a claw-like position. durable power of attorney (for health care) document allowing others to make health care decisions when one is not able to. Also called health care power of attorney or health care directive. dyspepsia impaired digestion; indigestion; hard to digest dysphagia difficulty in swallowing which may be caused by for example a tumor or a stroke dysphasia difficulty in speaking dysplasia abnormal development or growth, as of cells, organs, or tissues; abnormality I anatomic structure due to such growth dysuria difficulty or pain in discharging urine. dyspnoea difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath. DXT deep X-ray therapy, a form of radiotherapy
E ECG (electrocardiogram) an electrical recording of activity of the heart. May indicate either angina or a heartbeat rhythm problem. ECT (electro convulsive therapy) therapy. Used in the treatment of severe depression. EEG (electro-encephalogram) an electrical recording of brain activity. elder care a relatively new and growing area of health care concerned with providing medical and other services for the rapidly growing, aging population (most often persons 65 and older). elegy poem mourning someone or something that has been lost. emphysema a lung disease with loss of lung tissue. Occurs in cigarette smokers. epistaxis bleeding from the nose. esophagus the part of the digestive tract between mouth and stomach. eulogy a speech of praise, usually given after someone has died. excise to cut out executor is the person or institution named in a persons will who carries out the terms of the will. Traditionally, the word has referred to the male and Executrix to the female, but this distinction is rapidly disappearing.
F febrile the presence of fever. fentanyl (patch durogesic) a strong analgesic drug called fentanyl is applied to the patients skin on an adhesive plaster, The drug is absorbed over 72 hours fever a temperature above the normal level of 37 degrees Celsius. fistula a site where one bodily organ has formed an abnormal opening into another. fracture a broken bone. functional pricing itemizing the bill for a funeral. Also called multiunit pricing (as opposed to single-unit or triunit). Required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
G gallstones a common disease where firm 'stones' accumulate in the gall bladder. gastritis inflammation of the lining of the stomach, with pain and/or vomiting. gastroenteritis inflammation of the stomach and intestine, with vomiting and/or diarrhea. generic when used in regard to health care, implies non-specialized, or not specifically related to, a particular group, service, company etc. glioma a type of brain tumor grief from the same root as grave, aggravate, baritone. Mental anguish, annoyance, regret, trouble, grievance. grief counselor an educated person in the area of grief that helps people through their pain following a death. grief therapist a licensed therapist who specializes in the grief process. guardian is the person who is appointed by the Court to care for the person and/or estate of a minor child or incompetent person. One can nominate a guardian in a will, and though normally the court will honor that nomination, the Court has the right to agree or disagree.
H haematemesis vomiting blood haematoma medical name for a well demarcated 'bruise'. haematuria blood in the urine. hemoglobin a complicated iron-containing protein and found in red blood cells. It carries oxygen to the tissues. haemoptysis spitting up or coughing up blood haeoptysis coughing up of blood. haloperidol a drug used in Palliative Care as an anti-emetic, to control sickness. May also be used to manage anxiety hallucination a false sensory perception of one or more of the senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch). heart attack a general term referring to an acute affliction of the heart. Usually refers to acute myocardial infarction, but may be used to describe acute onset of a disturbance to heartbeat rhythm. heart failure where the heart fails to perform its job of pumping blood to the lungs and to the remainder of the body. hemicolectomy the surgical removal of half of the colon, (large bowel)
hemorrhage loss of blood from the body, either internally or externally. hepatitis inflammation of the liver; usually due to toxic substances such as alcohol or to viral infections such as the Hepatitis C virus. hernia the abnormal protrusion of the contents of one part of the body into another. hickman line a flexible tube inserted into a large vein. May be used to give chemotherapy or intravenous feeding HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus responsible for AIDS Hodgkinson's disease (hodgkin's lymphoma) a malignant disease of glandular tissue hospice literal meaning "a place of shelter." Today it refers to supportive care of a terminally ill patient. hospice care family-centered care designed to assist a patient with a terminal illness to be comfortable and to maintain a satisfactory lifestyle through the last phases of dying. hypercalcaemia high levels of calcium in the blood hyperglycemia a blood sugar level above normal, which is indicative of diabetes. hypertension blood pressure above normal; sometimes inaccurately used to describe stress. hyperventilation breathing at a rate above normal, and often due to anxiety. hypoglycemia a low blood sugar level. Usually due to an excessive insulin dose. hypostasis also called liver mortis, this is the movement of blood to the lower parts of the body, where it is need most. hypotension low blood pressure. hypothermia a low body temperature, which may be life threatening. hypoxia lack of oxygen in the blood. May cause confusion
I incontinence loss of control of the bladder and/or bowel. infection invasion of the body by harmful organisms that cause disease. inflammation the body's reaction to injury. Signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling and tenderness. infusion therapy (Also called intravenous therapy.) the introduction of fluid other than blood into a vein. inherit to receive from others, as from a will. insomnia inability to sleep. insulin a substance produced by the pancreas; needed to convert sugar to energy. intracranial within the skull intravenous within the vein, as with injections into a vein. ischaemia lack of blood supply to an area of the body. For example, cardiac ischaemia, which may cause angina. If severe, cardiac ischaemia may cause a heart attack.
J jaundice yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to liver disease. joint tenancy is a type of ownership where any two or more persons, related or not, may hold (own) property and the property passes to the survivor or survivors on the death of one. This passing is not automatic, as some think, and the procedure for passing will depend on local law. But, this form of ownership does have the advantage of allowing property to pass to the survivor without delays of probate and court administration costs.
K kaposi's sarcoma A malignant condition of the blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes frequently seen in patients with AIDS ketamine A powerful analgesic used for some complex forms of pain management
L legacy something handed down, bequeathed. leukemia a set of diseases where there is an overproduction of immature or abnormal white blood cells life insurance trust is usually set up for the purpose of excluding the proceeds of life insurance from the insureds and the spouse of the insureds estate for death tax purposes. It is an irrevocable trust. lipoma a common benign tumor of fat cells living trust is a trust set up to operate during the life (and can operate after the death) of the one setting up the trust. It can be revocable, or, in other words, you can change your mind and have some or all of the trust property returned to you during your life. An irrevocable trust cannot be changed except in certain legal circumstances (fraud, unlawful agreements, merger of interests, decision of the Court). See Living Trust Advantages/Disadvantages. living will a will that asks to not be kept alive by life support. lumpectomy an operation for breast cancer where the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissues only is removed lymphoedema swelling of tissues due to collection of fluid called lymph. Due to blockage, damage or removal or lymph vessels lymphomas tumors affecting lymphoid tissue
M malignant a tumor which is invasive and destructive. It has the ability to metastasize or spread mania an elated, overactive state of mind and body, with restlessness and euphoria. manipulation (medical) manual movement of a body part to more acceptable position. Medicaid Federally and state-funded health care program for low-income individuals. Medicare Federally funded health care program for individuals over age 65. melaena passage of blood in the feces melanoma a highly malignant form of skin cancer associated with prolonged exposure to the sun memorial something intended to remember a person or event. Also a statement of facts presented to rulers or something related to memory. memorial service life a funeral, except not in the presence of the body. mesothelioma a malignant tumor associated with asbestos exposure usually found surrounding the lung. mets Abbreviated word for Metastases a term used to describe cancer which has spread from it's primary sight motor neuron disease an incurable neurological disease characterized by progressive muscular weaknesses usually involving limbs, speech and swallowing. The intellect is NOT affected so patients can hear and understand everything despite profound physical disability MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) a sophisticated scanner used to diagnose and monitor disease MS (multiple sclerosis) malignant a tumor, which is invasive and destructive. It has the ability to metastasize or spread an incurable neurological disease characterized by progressive muscular weaknesses and disability. The course of the disease is over many years and patients often experience long remissions
N nausea an unpleasant sick feeling in the stomach area. necrosis tissue death. nebulizer a device used to give drugs through a powered air pump which converts a liquid to a fine spray for inhalation. neoplasm a new growth usually refers to cancer neuritis inflammation of neural tissue. neuropathic pain a type of pain involving pressure or damage to nerves neurosis a mental condition with many variations, but most commonly with anxiety due to various causes such as stress or previous difficult life experiences. The personality is usually not severely affected. night sweats excessive nighttime sweating May indicate serious disease non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) drugs such as ibuprofen which reduce inflammation and therefore reduce pain. Useful in managing bone pain. Some patients experience side effects such as abdominal pain and gastric bleeding
O octreotide a drug which can be used to reduce secretions from the stomach and pancreas. Useful to manage gastrointestinal fistulae oedema fluid in the tissues. oncology The study of tumors ondansetron An anti-emetic drug used to treat sickness orientation the ability of a person to reliably establish their position regarding time, place and persons. ostomy an artificial opening into the urinary or gastrointestinal can or the trachea (windpipe).
P palliate relieving, especially the symptoms of disease. palliative treatment that is not aimed at cure but to relieve symptoms and distress palliative care Care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. Also called comfort care, supportive care, and symptom management. palpitations awareness of the heartbeat; not necessarily due to heart disease. pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas organ. paralysis loss of movement of any part of the body due to nerve damage. pathological related to an abnormality or disease. pathologist study of disease, the manifestation of disease, departure from normality. peptic related to stomach acid, as in 'peptic ulcer'. phlebitis inflammation of a vein. phobia an irrational fear of a situation, person or object. pneumonia infection of the lung tissue. pooled income fund also called a Charitable Remainder Pooled Income Fund- is an investment fund much like a mutual fund. It is made up of transfers by many persons to the fund who receive life income interest in exchange for their transfers, based on the value of the transfer into the fund and based on the income earned by the fund. pre-cancerous a condition which is not cancerous but will become so if not treated primary caregiver a relative, friend, or paid companion who is responsible for the care of a patient. probate is the legal process of proving a will, appointing an executor, and settling an estate; but by custom, it has come to be understood as the legal process whereby a dead persons estate is administered and distributed. prognosis the likely final medical outcome of an illness, in terms of time and condition.
Q qualified terminable interest property trust is a trust often set up to avoid transfer tax on the first spouses death. The deceased spouse establishes the ultimate disposition of the property, rather than the surviving spouse including the property in their estate. During their lifetime, the surviving spouse receives all income from the principal and, in some cases, has access to the principal.
R radical mastectomy removal of the entire breast and surrounding tissue residential care facility (RCF) an out-of-home care option for elderly persons who are no longer able to live alone and independently, but do not require skilled nursing care. RCFs typically provide assistance with personal hygiene, grooming, and other activities of daily living, as well as recreational and social services. resuscitate bring back to life. retained life estate is a gift plan defined by federal tax law allowing the donation of a personal residence (to include a vacation home) or farm with the donor retaining the right to life enjoyment. A life estate may be retained for one or more lives or it may be retained for a term of years. All routine expenses - maintenance fees, property taxes, repairs, etc. - are the responsibility of the donor. The donor receives income tax benefits in the year of the gift (the property is irrevocably deeded to the charity) and estate tax benefits.
S screening checking the healthy population for signs of disease selectron a piece of equipment used to administer radiotherapy from a distance sign (of illness) an observable indication of illness. skilled nursing facility (SNF) an out-of-home care option for elderly persons who require continuous nursing care. SNFs can provide extensive care services, such as intravenous feedings, blood pressure monitoring, medication injections, and care for patients on ventilators. spinal cord compression a tumor pressing on the spinal cord will cause changes in sensation and eventually paralysis spinal or spinal line drugs can be delivered around the spine spleen a spongy glandular organ in the upper left abdominal area which is unfortunately prone to trauma. It is part of the immune system. sputum phlegm (secretions coughed up from the lungs). staging a process used to find out the extent of the disease stint a tube may be inserted into an organ such as the esophagus or bronchus to keep it open sternum the middle chest bone where ribs from each side of the body meet. steroid a group of chemical substances produced by the adrenal glands. May have anabolic (body building), or anti-inflammatory, or other properties. stomatitis inflammation of the lining of the mouth stridor noisy breathing often caused by a tumor in the region of the voice-box SVCS superior vena caval syndrome. A Palliative Care emergency caused by blockage of a main blood in the chest which causes swelling of the face, head and arms. Sometimes referred to as SVCO: superior vena caval obstruction subcutaneously drugs may be given subcutaneously meaning under the skin. A small needle or cannula may be left under the skin and attached to a tube so that drugs can be given by a syringe driver symptom a specific feeling or physical manifestation due to an illness. syndrome a group of symptoms due to a particular disease. syringe driver a battery operated pump that slowly injects. It is generally used to administer analgesics subcutaneously and anti-emetics subcutaneously
T tamoxifen a drug used in the treatment of some breast cancers that depend on hormones TBI (total body irradiation) the entire body received radiotherapy. Sometimes used to prepare patient to receive a bone marrow graft tenants in common is a property ownership arrangement in which two or more persons own property jointly. It is not necessary that the ownership consist of equal shares or percentages of the property. Generally there is no right of survivorship when a co-owner dies. The share of the property belonging to the deceased CO-owner passes to his or her heirs and the shares of the remaining original co-owners do not change. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) A procedure using a small battery driven device to manage some types of pain testamentary trust a will can have a trust written into it, called a Testamentary Trust, which is set into motion by the Court after the will reaches a certain point of execution, and is used only after the death of the person whose estate it represents. trust is defined as any arrangement where property is to be held and administered by a trustee for the benefit of those for whom the trust was created. Depending on the type and how it is established, a trust may be revocable (changeable) or irrevocable (not changeable). trustee is the person or institution named by a person making the trust, or appointed by the court, to carry out the terms of the trust. Assuming a trust has been set up through a will, when the executors job is finished, the trustees job begins. trustee is the individual who establishes the trust. Also referred to as the GRANTOR and/or SETTLOR. tolerance a process where the body adapts to administration of a foreign substance, resulting in the need for more of the drug to achieve the same effect. transference the unconscious tendency to transfer to another person significant feelings and attitudes that are your own and which are excessive. tumor a lump or swelling which may be malignant or benign tumor marker a chemical detectable in the blood that is associated with a particular tumor Levels of tumor markers can be used to diagnose and monitor disease
U ulcer loss of the surface tissue layer of an organ (e.g. skin, stomach lining, cornea) is known as ulceration. ultrasound a procedure using sound waves rather than x-rays to diagnose and monitor disease urological Of the bladder, kidneys or urinary system.
V virus an infective particle much smaller than a bacteria. Requires 'host' cells (for example human cells) to reproduce. Not destroyed by antibiotics.
W wheeze breathing characterized by a whistling noise. WHO The World Health Organization . will is the legal expression or declaration of a persons mind or wishes as to the disposition of the persons property, to be performed or take effect after the persons death.
X x-rays electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones and organs onto film. Y Z
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