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NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH GLOSSARY "C"  Connect to the Internet if you can't see this image.
 
Term Synonyms Definition
C-Peptide   A substance that the pancreas releases into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin. A test of C-peptide levels will show how much insulin the body is making.
Cachexia   Malnutrition and wasting due to illness.
Café-au-lait spots   Light coffee-colored birthmarks sometimes found on babies' arms, legs and bodies.
Caffeine   A stimulant found naturally in coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa; may be added to soft drinks, over-the-counter drugs, etc.
Calcification   Abnormal deposits of calcium and magnesium salts in tissue.
Calcitonin   A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates the amount of calcium in the blood.
Calcium Ca A mineral important for strong teeth and bones and for muscle and nerve function. Dairy products are a good source of calcium.
Calcium channel blocker   A type of medication which relieves high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina by interrupting the influx of calcium into the muscle of the heart and arteries, which is needed for contraction.
Calcium channel inhibitor   A drug that inhibits the influx of calcium through a cell membrane.
Calculus   Accumulation of mineral salts in various parts of the body, such as a kidney stone or on teeth.
Calisthenics   Systematic, rhythmic bodily exercises performed usually without equipment.
Callus   Area of thickened skin due to friction or pressure.
Calmative    
Calorie   A unit of measure of heat derived from combustion of fuel, such as food.
Calyx   The sepals or outer layer of floral leaves.
Cancer   General term for various conditions characterized by abnormal growth of cells, forming malignant tumors that can develop in various parts of the body.
Candida Candida albicans One species of yeast-like fungi.
Canine   One of four teeth found between the molars and incisors; also known as eye teeth.
Canola oil   An oil extracted from rapeseed. Canola oil is primarily a monounsaturated fat.
Capillaries   Minute blood vessels connecting the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
Capsaicin   A topical ointment made from chili peppers used to relieve the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
Capsule   A dry fruit, opening when ripe, composed of more than one carpal.
Caput succedaneum   The swelling of the baby's scalp during labor.
Carbohydrate   A group of compounds composed of starches or sugars found primarily in breads and cereals and in fruits and vegetables.
Carcinogen   A cancer-causing agent.
Carcinoid tumor   A specific type of tumor that may arise in the intestines or bronchi (airways of the lung). The tumor typically produces a chemical known as serotonin that may cause flushing, low blood pressure and diarrhea.
Carcinoma   A form of cancer made up of epithelial cells. Epithelial cells line body cavities, cover internal organs and line the internal portions of organs.
Carcinoma in situ   Cancer that is confined to the cells where it began, and has not spread into surrounding tissues.
Cardiac   Pertaining to the heart.
Cardiac arrest   Sudden stopping of circulation by cessation of the heartbeat.
Cardiac arrhythmias   Abnormal heart rate or rhythm.
Cardiac catheterization   A procedure in which a catheter is introduced into a blood vessel and guided into the heart in order to measure blood flow and evaluate structural defects.
Cardiac cycle   Period from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next.
Cardiac output   The amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in one minute.
Cardiologist Heart specialist A doctor who sees and takes care of people with heart disease.
Cardiomyopathy   Disease of the heart muscle that impairs the ability of the heart to pump.
Cardiopulmonary   Pertaining to both heart and lungs.
Cardiopulmonary arrest   Cessation of mechanical heart-action and breathing, for any of a varietyof pathological reasons.
Cardiopulmonary bypass   Method by which a machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs during heart surgery.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR Technique for reviving a person whose heart and breathing have stopped and who is unconscious.
Cardiopulmonary stress test   An exercise, usually treadmill, test in which the functioning of the lungs and heart are measured for diagnostic purposes.
Cardiorespiratory   Pertaining to the heart and lungs.
Cardiotonic   A substance which has a stimulating effect on the heart.
Cardiovascular   Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular system   The circulatory system, including the heart, arteries, veins and lymphatics.
Cardioversion   Electrical shock applied to the chest to convert an abnormal heartbeat to normal.
Caries   Decay of tooth or bone; also known as cavities.
Carminative   A substance which aids in expelling gas from the intestinal tract.
Carotenoid   Any of the group of red and yellow pigments in plants that are thought to protect against cancer; one type of carotenoid is converted to vitamin A in the body.
Carotid artery   Main (right and left) artery of the neck which carries blood to the head and brain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome   A nerve disorder affecting the hand that may occur in people with diabetes; caused by a pinched nerve.
Carrier   One who carries and may transmit an infectious agent or genetic defect in the absence of symptoms.
Cartilage   Dense, white connective tissue located in the joints, nose and ear.
CAT scan Computerized axial tomography scan, CT scan An imaging technique that uses a computer to organize the information from multiple x-ray views and construct a cross-sectional image of areas inside the body.
Catabolism   The breakdown of body tissues as a source of calories.
Cataract   Clouding of the lens that impairs vision.
Catarrh   An inflammation of mucous membranes, usually associated with an increase in secreation of mucous.
Catecholamine   One of a group of compounds having sympathomimetic action.
Cathartic   Very strong laxatives that produces explosive, watery bowel movements.
Catheter   Small, flexible tube that may be inserted into various parts of the body to inject or remove liquids.
Catheterization   Any procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the body.
Cauterization   The use of heat to destroy abnormal cells. Also called diathermy or electrodiathermy.
cc   Cubic centimeter, a unit of volume measurement. Thirty cubic centimeters (30 cc) equal 1 ounce.
CCOP Community Clinical Oncology Program This new program links community physicians with NCI clinical research programs, so that more cancer patients can participate in clinical trials in their own communities.
CCU   Cardiac care unit, or Coronary care unit.
CDE Certified Diabetes Educator A health care professional who is qualified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition.
CEA assay   A laboratory test to measure the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a substance that is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood of colorectal cancer patients.
Cell   Unit of protoplasm, the essential living matter of all plants and animals.
Cellulite   The accumulation of toxic matter in the form of fat in the tissue.
Centers for Disease Control CDC A division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. One of its responsibilities is the study of infectious diseases.
Centimeter   A metric unit of measurement of length.
Central nervous system CNS The brain, spinal cord and their nerve endings.
Central nervous-system depressant CNS depressant Causes changes in the body, including changes in consciousness, lethargy, loss of judgment or coma.
Cephalgia   Headache.
Cephalhematoma   A bruised area beneath the outer layer of the skull of a newborn.
Cephalic   A remedy for disorders of the head; Reffering or directed towards the head.
Cephalopelvic disproportion   Circumstance in which the baby's head will not pass through the mother's pelvis.
Cerclage   A surgical procedure in which a purse-string type stitch in the cervix is used in an attempt to prevent premature birth.
Cerebellum   Portion of the brain responsible for coordinating movements.
Cerebral   Pertaining to the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum.
Cerebral embolism   A clot that travels through blood vessels from the site where it formed and blocks blood flow in the brain.
Cerebral hemispheres   The two halves of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain.
Cerebral hemorrhage   Bleeding into the brain.
Cerebral palsy   Defect of motor power and coordination caused by damage to the developing brain.
Cerebral vascular accident CVA See Stroke.
Cerebrospinal fluid CSF The watery fluid that fills the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrovascular   Pertaining to the blood vessels of the brain.
Cerebrovascular disease   A disease which affects an artery's ability to supply blood to the brain.
Cerebrum   Largest portion of the brain, consisting of two hemispheres; responsible for thinking, feelings and voluntary movement.
Cervical   Relating to the neck (of the trunk or of the uterus).
Cervical cancer   Cancer of the cervix.
Cervical cap   A contraceptive device made of rubber that fits tightly over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Cervical incompetence   A condition in which the cervix begins to open before pregnancy has come to term; a cause of miscarriage or preterm labor in the second and third trimesters.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIN A general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Numbers from 1 to 3 may be used to describe how much of the cervix contains abnormal cells.
Cervical stenosis   Pathological narrowing or complete obstruction of the canal of the cervix.
Cervix   The neck of an organ, such as the neck of the uterus.
Cesarean birth   A birth in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus.
Cesium   A radioactive isotope used for continuous internal radiotherapy.
Chalazion   Also called a Meibomian cyst or a tarsal cyst, a chalazion is an inflammation of the oil gland of the eyelid.
Chancre   A destructive, painless sore on the skin or mucous membranes usually caused by syphilis.
Charcot Foot Charcot's joint, Neuropathic arthropathy A foot complication associated with diabetic neuropathy that results in destruction of joints and soft tissue.
Chemical diabetes Impaired glucose tolerance A term no longer used.
Chemoprevention   The use of drugs or vitamins to prevent cancer in people who have precancerous conditions or a high risk of cancer, or to prevent the recurrence of cancer in people who already have been treated for it.
Chemotherapy   Treatment of disease by chemicals that have a direct effect on the disease-causing organism or disease cells; widely used in the treatment of cancer.
Chemotype   The same botanical species occuring in other forms due to different conditions of growth, such as climate, soil, altitude, etc.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration   A pattern of breathing with varying depth of respiration and brief periods of apnea.
Chloasma   A mild darkening of the facial skin, often called the "mask of pregnancy."
Chlorosis   A rare form of anaemia.
Chlorpropamide   A pill taken to lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Only some people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes take these pills.
Cholagogue   A substance which stimulates the secreation and flow of bile into the duodenum.
Cholangiogram   Radiographic imaging of the bile ducts after the direct injection of radio-opaque dye.
Cholangiogram, transduodenal   Radiographic imaging of the bile ducts after the injection of radio-opaque dye from the exit of the common bile duct at the Ampulla of Vater (the junction at which the common bile duct and pancreatic duct deliver their contents into the duodenum).
Cholangitis   Inflammation of the biliary tract (bile ducts).
Cholecystectomy   Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Cholecystectomy, open   Surgical removal of the gallbladder by the traditional surgical approach with a full incision and direct vision.
Cholecystitis   An inflammation of the gallbladder.
Cholecystokinetic   A substance which stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder.
Choledochoplasty   Repair of a bile-duct.
Choleretic   A substance which aids excreation of bile by the liver, so there is a greater flow of bile.
Cholesterol   A soft waxy substance that is present in all parts of the body including the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines, and heart. It is made by the body and obtained from animal products in the diet.
Cholinergic   Resembling acetylcholine in action. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that inhibits heart rate and stimulates the release of certain hormones.
Chondromalacia patellae   Pathological softening and thinning of the cartilage (gristle) lining the back of the kneecap.
Chondrosarcoma   A cancer that forms in cartilage.
Cholesterol   A fat-like substance in the body that results from either dietary intake or synthesis in the body.
Chordae tendineae   Strong chords that stretch from the edges of the tricuspid and mitral valve to the heart muscle and restrict how far the valve leaflets swing when they close.
Chordoma   A form of bone cancer that usually starts in the lower spinal column.
Chorionic villus sampling CVS A procedure in which a small sample of cells are removed from the placenta where it joins the uterus. Used to test for chromosome abnormalities such as Down syndrome in the fetus.
Chromosome   One of 46 rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that carry genetic information to each cell.
Chronic   Term used to describe long-lasting diseases or conditions; opposite of acute.
Chronic illness   A set of symptoms or disorders that has persisted for a long period of time. It is a continuing disease process with progressive deterioration.
Chronic leukemia   Cancer of the blood cells (leukemia) that progresses slowly.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD Emphysema, bronchitis, asthma or other diseases in which the lungs' ability to exchange air is impaired.
Chronic phase   Refers to the early stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The number of immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher than normal, but lower than in the accelerated or blast phase.
Chyme   Mixture of partly digested food and digestive secretions found in the stomach.
Cicatrisant   A substance which promotes healing by the formation of scar tissue
Cilia   Eyelashes; or, microscopic hair-like projections lining the nose and bronchi.
Circle of Willis   A ring of arteries deep in the brain interconnecting the pairs of internal carotidarteries and vertebral arteries to supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood.
Circulation   The flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels of the body.
Circulatory system   The circulatory system is a composed of the heart, arteries, capillaries and veins. It serves to transport blood low in oxygen from the body to the lungs and heart (veins) and oxygenated blood from the lungs and heart throughout the body (arteries).
Circumcision   Removal of the foreskin from the penis.
Cirrhosis   A group of chronic liver diseases involving the entire liver, in which liver cells are damaged and regenerate abnormally while much of the liver substance is replaced by scar tissue.
Claudication   Pain in the calf muscles with exercise, caused by inadequate blood flow.
Claustrophobia   A fear of enclosed spaces.
Clinical   Pertaining to information gathered from direct observation of patients, as distinct from laboratory findings.
Clinical trial   An experiment designed to test the effectiveness and possible side effects of a treatment in humans. The trial is designed utilizing the scientific method and sometimes compares standard therapy or a placebo with the test therapy.
Clitoris   Small, erectile organ of the external female genitalia.
Clot   Coagulated blood.
CNS prophylaxis   Chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the central nervous system (CNS). This is preventative treatment. It is given to kill cancer cells that may be in the brain and spinal cord, even though no cancer has been detected there.
Coagulate   To solidify or change from a liquid to a semisolid, as when blood clots.
Coarctation of the aorta   Congenital narrowing of a segment of the aorta that impedes blood flow to the lower part of the body.
Cobalt 60   A radioactive substance used as a radiation source to treat cancer.
Coccyx   The tailbone.
Cochlea   Snail-shaped structure of the inner ear that is the receptor for hearing.
Coenzyme co-enzyme Heat-stable molecule that must be loosely associated with an enzyme for the enzyme to perform its function.
Cognitive   Pertaining to the mental process of thought, including perception, reasoning, intuition and memory.
Coitus   Sexual intercourse between a man and woman in which the man inserts his penis into the woman's vagina.
Colectomy   An operation to remove all or part of the colon. In a partial colectomy, the surgeon removes only the cancerous part of the colon and a small amount (called a margin) of surrounding healthy tissue.
Colic   Pain produced by intermittent spasm.
Colitis   An inflammation of the colon.
Collagen   Fibrous protein found in connective tissues such as skin, bone ligaments and cartilage.
Collateral vessels   Small branches of arteries and veins that develop to bypass narrowed or blocked segments.
Colon   The intestine between the small intestine and the anus. It is responsible for extracting water from undigested food and storing the waste, which is eliminated in bowel movements.
Colonoscope   A flexible, lighted instrument used to view the inside of the colon.
Colonoscopy   Visualisation of the colon with a flexible lighted instrument (colonoscope) passed through the anus.
Colony-stimulating factors   Laboratory-made agents similar to substances in the body that stimulate the production of blood cells. Treatment with colony-stimuating factors (CSFs) can help the blood-forming tissue recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Colorectal   Pertaining to the colon and rectum.
Colorectal cancer   Cancer in the large intestine.
Colorectal screening   A test performed by a clinician to detect colorectal cancer.
Colostomy   A surgical procedure in which an opening in the colon is attached to the abdominal wall for the passage of stool.
Colostrum   The thin, lemon-colored liquid produced by a mother's breasts in the first day or so after giving birth. Its antibodies are beneficial to the infant.
Colposcopy   Examination of the cervix and vagina by means of a illuminated, magnifying instrument (colposcope, a type of endoscope).
Colpotomy   Surgical cutting into the vagina for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Coma   An abnormal state of unconsciousness due to illness or accident.
Comatose   In a coma; not conscious.
Combination chemotherapy   Use of two or more anticancer drugs.
Combination therapy   The use of two or more modes of treatment--surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy--in combination, alternately or together, to achieve optimum results against cancer.
Common Bile Duct   The channel formed by the common hepatic and cystic ducts, carrying bile to mix with food in the duodenum, the first part of the small bowel.
Common Hepatic Duct   The channel formed by the two hepatic ducts, which drain bile from the left and right sides of the liver.
Common iliac artery   A paired artery arising from the termination of the abdominal aorta, and itself dividing in internal iliac artery, which supplies the organs of the pelvis, and the external iliacartery, which alone supplies the lower limb.
Compartment Syndrome   A condition in which high pressure in a rigid osteofascial (bone-gristle) space reduces blood supply via the smallest vessels (capillaries) so that tissue viability is threatened.
Compensatory pause   A slight delay that occurs after a premature contraction before the next heart beat.
Complete blood count   Standard set of measurements of the white blood cells and red blood cells.
Complex carbohydrate   A substance that contains several sugar units linked together, such as starch.
Complications of diabetes   Harmful effects that may happen after a person has had poorly managed diabetes for a period of years. These complications include damage to the retina of the eye (retinopathy), to the blood vessels (angiopathy), to the nervous system (neuropathy), and to the kidneys (nephropathy). Studies have shown that maintaining strict control of blood glucose levels at near normal levels may help reduce, delay, or prevent these problems.
Compress   A cloth covering used to apply pressure to a wound or body part, or to supply heat, cold, moisture, or other treatment.
Computed tomography CT, CAT scan X-ray technique that uses a computer to construct images of the body.
Conceive   To become pregnant.
Conception   The onset of pregnancy.
Concrete   A concentrated, waxy, solid or semi-solid perfume material prepared from previously live plant matter, usually using a hydrocarbon type of solvent.
Concussion   Temporary disturbances of brain function due to a blow or fall.
Condom   A sheath that fits over an erect penis to catch semen during ejaculation.
Conduction system   Special muscle fibers that conduct electrical impulses throughout the muscle of the heart.
Condylomata acuminata   Genital warts caused by certain human papillomaviruses.
Cone biopsy   Removal of a cone of lining membrane, particularly of the cervix for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the presence of pre- or early cancer.
Congenital   Term used to describe a condition present at birth.
Congestion   The presence of excessive blood or fluid, such as mucus, in an organ or tissue.
Congestive   Excess accumulation of blood. In congestive heart failure, blood congregates in lungs, liver, kidney and other parts to cause shortness of breath, swelling of ankles, sleep disturbances, rapid heartbeat and easy fatigue.
Congestive heart failure heart failure Condition caused when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body; also characterized by fluid collecting in various parts of the body (such as legs, lungs, liver).
Conization   Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Conization may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Also called cone biopsy.
Conjunctiva   Transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the front of the eyeball (except for the cornea).
Conjunctivitis   Inflammation of the outer membrane of the eye.
Constipation   The difficult or infrequent passage of stool.
Connective tissue   Connective tissue is a material consisting of fibers that form a framework that provides support structure for body tissues.
Conservative, of therapy or treatment   Without surgery.
Constrict   To make narrow by drawing together or squeezing.
Constriction   Tightness or pressure.
Contagious disease   A disease which spreads from person to person through direct contact.
Continuous sutures   A running stitch.
Contraception   Measures taken to prevent pregnancy.
Contraceptive   Something which prevents pregnancy.
Contraceptive sponge   A sponge saturated with spermicide that is inserted into a woman's vagina to prevent conception.
Contraction   The tightening or shortening of a muscle.
Contractions   The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During labor, contractions cause dialation and thinning of the cervix and aid in the descent of the baby into the birth canal.
Contraction stress test   A test that measures the fetal heart rate response to contractions of the mother's uterus.
Contracture   Permanent tightness or shortening of a muscle.
Contraindication   Inadvisability of using a substance that may cause harm under specific circumstances. For example, high- caloric intake in someone who is overweight is contraindicated.
Contrast agent   A liquid opaque to x-rays that is taken into the gastrointestinal tract or injected into a blood vessel or into the fluid-filled space around the spinal cord to permit x-ray visualization of structures of the body by x-ray.
Contrast medium   A substance, opaque to xrays or other electromagnetic waves, introduced into the body for the purpose of delineating internal anatomy for diagnostic purposes.
Control group   In clinical studies this is a group of patients which receives "standard treatment", a treatment or intervention currently being used and considered to be of proved effectiveness on the basis of past studies. Results in patients receiving newly developed treatments may then be compared to the control group. In cases where no standard treatment yet exists for a particular condition, the control group would receive no treatment. No patient is placed in a control group without treatment if there is any beneficial treatment known for that patient.
Controlled disease   Taking care of oneself so that a disease has less of an effect on the body. People with diabetes can "control" the disease by staying on their diets, by exercising, by taking medicine if it is needed, and by monitoring their blood glucose.
Contusion   A bruise.
Convulsion   A sudden attack usually characterized by loss of consciousness and sustained or rhythmic contractions of some or all voluntary muscles. Convulsions are most often a manifestation of a seizure disorder (epilepsy).
Cord compression   A condition that prevents proper blood flow through the umbilical cord; or pressure on the spinal cord.
Cordial   A stimulant and tonic.
Cord prolapse   A condition in which the umbilical cord slips through the cervix before the baby. It is a serious complication because blood flow to the baby can be cut off when the uterus contracts.
Core needle biopsy   The use of a small cutting needle to remove a core of tissue for microscopic examination.
Cornea   Transparent part of the eye in front of the iris and pupil.
Corolla   The petals of a flower considered as a whole.
Corona radiata   A layer of cells surrounding an egg at ovulation. A sperm must penetrate this layer to fertilize the egg.
Coronary angiogram   A diagnostic test in which dye is injected into a coronary (heart) artery to look for disease or blockage.
Coronary arteries   Arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle itself.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery CABG An operation that reroutes the blood supply by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
Coronary artery disease   Narrowing or blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries resulting in decreased blood supply to the heart (ischemia). Also called ischemic heart disease.
Coronary disease   Damage to the heart when insufficient blood flows through the vessels because they are blocked with fat or have become thick and hard; this harms the muscles of the heart.
Coronary insufficiency   Condition that occurs whenever the coronary arteries do not provide enough oxygen to meet the needs of the heart muscle.
Coronary occlusion   Obstruction in a coronary artery that interrupts flow of blood to heart muscle.
Coronary sinus   The main coronary vein that drains blood into the right atrium from the heart muscle.
Coronary veins   Veins returning blood from the heart muscle to the coronary sinus.
Corpus   The body of the uterus (womb).
Corpus luteum   A small progesterone-producing structure that develops in the ovary where the egg had previously matured.
Corticosteroids   Hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands; also, synthetic hormones used as medications.
Cortisol   A hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
Cortisone   A steroid hormone that is used to treat many autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Costochondritis   Costochondritis is the result of inflammation of the cartilage of the chest wall, usually involving that which surrounds the breast bone (sternum). It causes local pain and tenderness of the chest around the sternum.
Cough suppressant   A substance used to control a dry, nagging cough.
Coumadin (warfarin sodium)   A medication which reduces clotting of the blood by inhibiting the body's production of coagulation factors.
Counterirritant   The process of applying an irritating substance to the skin to produce increased blood circulation to the area. Classic example (now considered an outdated treatment) is mustard plaster applied to the chest to relieve bronchial congestion or cough.
Coxsackie B4 Virus   An agent that has been shown to damage the beta cells of the pancreas in lab tests. This virus may be one cause of insulin-dependent diabetes.
CPR   Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Craniopharyngioma   A type of brain tumor.
Craniotomy   An operation in which an opening is made in the skull so the doctor can reach the brain.
Cranium   Portion of the skull that houses the brain.
Creatinine   A waste product produced by the body during muscle metabolism. If the creatinine level increases in the blood, this may indicate decreased kidney function.
Crohn's disease Regional Enteritis, Ileitis A chronic disease that results in inflammation of the digestive tract, especially the small intestine.
Crowning   The appearance of the top of the baby's head at the vaginal opening during labor.
Cryosurgery   Treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tissue.
Cryptorchidism   A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum; also called undescended testicles. Boys who have had cryptorchidism that was not corrected in early childhood are at increased risk for developing cancer of the testicles.
CSII Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion A device that delivers a continuous supply of insulin into the body. The insulin flows from the pump through a plastic tube that is connected to a needle inserted into the body and taped in place. Insulin is delivered at two rates: a low, steady rate (called the basal rate) for continuous day-long coverage, and extra boosts of insulin (called bolus doses) to cover meals or when extra insulin is needed. The pump runs on batteries and can be worn clipped to a belt or carried in a pocket. It is used by people with insulin-dependent diabetes.
CT scan Computerized axial tomography scan A scanning method that uses computerized x-ray images to provide a three-dimensional picture of an internal part of the body.
Culture   A culture is the propagation of microorganisms in a growth media. Any body tissue or fluid can be evaluated in the laboratory by culture techniques in order to detect and identify infectious processes. Culture techniques also be used to determine sensitivity to antibiotics.
Curettage, aspiration or suction   Rather than cutting during Dilatation and Curettage, the uterine contents are removed by "vacuuming".
Curette   A spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.
Curettage   Scraping of a cavity, such as the uterus.
Cusp   A segment of a heart valve.
Cuspid   Tooth with one point, sometimes called the canine tooth.
Cutaneous   Pertaining to the skin.
Cyanogenic glycoside(s)   Sugars that have the capacity to be used in the production of cyanide.
Cyanosis   Bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen in the blood.
Cyanotic heart disease   Birth defects of the heart which permit oxygen-depleted (blue) blood to circulate to the body without passing through the lungs.
Cyclamate   A man-made chemical that people used instead of sugar. The Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of cyclamates in 1973 because lab tests showed that large amounts of cyclamates can cause bladder cancer in rats.
Cyclic breast changes   Normal tissue changes that occur in response to the changing levels of female hormone during the menstrual cycle. Cyclic breast changes can produce swelling, tenderness, and pain.
Cynophobia   A fear of dogs.
Cyst   A closed sac or cavity filled with a fluid, gas or semisolid substance.
Cystectomy   Surgery to remove the bladder.
Cystic   Cyst-like.
Cystic fibrosis   A genetic disorder affecting the respiratory and digestive systems, most commonly found among whites of Northern European descent.
Cystitis   Inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder.
Cytophylactic   Referring to cytophylaxis - the process of increasing the activity of leucocytes in defense of the body against infection.
Cystometrogram   Measurement of the pressure changes in the urinary bladder in response to changes in volume of fluid contained.
Cystoscope   An instrument that allows the doctor to see inside the bladder and remove tissue samples or small tumors.
Cystoscopy   A procedure in which a small instrument (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra in order to visualize the bladder.
Cytology   The study of cells often used to identify the presence of malignancy.
Cytotoxic   A substance toxic to all cells.
   
 
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