Natural Medicine and Health Glossary - A guide to terminology.

NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH GLOSSARY "E"

Term	Synonyms	Definition
E coli	Escherichia coli	A bowel germ which may, under certain circumstances, cause serious infections.
Eardrum		The thin, oval-shaped membrane that separates the inner ear from the outer ear and is responsible for transmitting sound waves.
Early stage breast cancer		Breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast and underarm lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
Ebstein's anomaly		Congenital heart disease characterized by an abnormally developed tricuspid valve.
ECG	EKG	See electrocardiogram.
Echocardiogram		Test in which pulses of sound are sent into the chest; the echoes returning from the heart produce images that are recorded.
Echocardiography		Echocardiography is a diagnostic test which uses ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. It can measure cardiac output and is a sensitive test for inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). It can also be used to detect abnormal anatomy or infections of the heart valves.
Eclampsia		A serious complication of pregnancy manifested by convulsions and loss of consciousness, including coma. Progresses from preeclampsia.
Ect-, Ecto-		Prefixes meaning outside.
Ectopic		Abnormal placement, such as of a fertilized egg in a fallopian tube.
Ectopic pregnancy		A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus.
Eczema		Non-contagious disease of the skin characterized by redness, itching, scaling and lesions with discharge. Frequently becomes encrusted. Eczema primarily affects young children. The underlying cause is usually an allergy to many things, including foods, wool, skin lotions. The disorder may begin in month-old babies. It usually subisdes by age 3 but may flare again at age 10 to 12 and last through puberty.
Edema		Swelling of body tissues due to excessive fluid.
EEG		See Electroencephalography.
Effacement		The thinning of the cervix which occurs before or during dilation.
Effusion		Accumulation of fluid in body cavities or between tissues.
Egg		A reproductive cell produced by the female; also called an ovum.
Eisenmenger's complex		A congenital heart defect that leads to an increase in blood flow to the lungs and to irreversible high blood pressure in the lungs.
Ejaculation		Ejection of semen during male orgasm.
Ejection fraction		The portion of blood that is pumped out of a filled ventricle (normal is 50 percent or more).
Elective		Describes a treatment or procedure that is not urgent and can be arranged at the patient’s convenience
Electrocardiogram	ECG, EKG	Recording of the electrical activity of the heart.
Electrode		Device placed on the body that is attached through wires to a monitor. Used to measure electrical impulses.
Electrodesiccation		Use of an electric current to destroy cancerous tissue and control bleeding.
Electrodiagnostic		Tests which measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
Electroencephalogram	EEG	A graphic record made by an instrument that measures the electrical activity of the brain and records it as patterns of fluctuating waves.
Electroencephalography		A procedure for recording the electrical impulses of brain activity.
Electrolarynx		A battery-operated instrument that makes a humming sound to help laryngectomees talk.
Electrolyte		Chemical substance with an available electron in its atomic structure that can transmit electrical impulses when dissolved in fluids. Includes sodium, potassium, magnesium, or chloride, all of which can conduct electrical impulses. Electrolytes also play an essential role in controlling the pH balance of body fluids.
Electromyogram	EMG	A graphic record of electrical activity associated with muscle function.
Electron beam		A stream of particles that produces high-energy radiation to treat cancer.
Electronic fetal monitor	EFM	A machine that continuously records fetal heartbeat or maternal uterine contractions. It may be attached externally to a woman's abdomen by two belts or through the vagina with an electrode on the baby's scalp.
Electrophobia		A fear of electricity.
Electrophysiology studies		A type of cardiac catheterization in which electrodes are inserted through blood vessels into the heart to sense electrical impulses and also to pace the heart.
Elliptical		Shaped like an elipse.
Elution		The separation of compounds by washing.
Embolectomy		The surgical removal of blood clot from arteries or veins.
Embolism		Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot, air bubble, fat deposit, or other foreign substance.
Embolization		A treatment that clogs small blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood, such as to a tumor.
Embolus		A blockage or plug which is obstructing a blood vessel. Examples of emboli are a detached blood clot, a clump of bacteria, or other foreign material, such as air.
Embryo		The organism from the time of implantation in the uterus to the end of the second month of gestation.
Emergency Medical Identification		Cards, bracelets, or necklaces with a written message used by people with diabetes or other medical problems to alert others in case of a medical emergency such as coma.
Emesis		Vomiting.
Emetic		Substance that induces vomiting.
Emission		Discharge of fluid.
Emission tomography		A technique that uses emissions from radioactive tracers to construct images of the distribution of the tracers in the human body.
Emmenagogue		A substance which triggers onset of menstrual period.
Emollient		A substance which softens or soothes.
Emphysema		A disease in which the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) are weakened or destroyed. This results in lungs that are bigger than normal, cannot empty air normally and are unable to transfer oxygen efficiently into the bloodstream.
En-, Endo-		Prefixes meaning inside or within.
Encapsulated		Confined to a specific area; the tumor remains in a compact form.
Encephalitis		An inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a virus; may be very mild and barely noticeable, but is usually serious and can progress from headache and fever to hallucinations, paralysis, and sometimes coma.
End-Stage Renal Disease	ESRD	The final phase of kidney disease; treated by dialysis or kidney transplantation. See Dialysis and nephropathy.
End-to-end		With the channel in direct continuity, as distinct from creating an end-to-side junction.
Endarterectomy		Surgical removal of material (such as atherosclerosis) from an artery.
Endemic		describes a disease that is always present in a certain population of people.
Endocarditis		Inflammation of the membrane that lines the chambers and valves of the heart, usually caused by an infection of a valve.
Endocardium		The thin, inner membrane that lines the heart. See Epicardium and Myocardium.
Endocervical		Relating to the inner lining of the cervix.
Endocervical curettage		The removal of tissue from the inside of the cervix using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.
Endocervicitis		Inflammation of the inner lining of the cervix or neck of the uterus.
Endoclips		Endoscopic devices for occluding hollow tubes (strictly Endoclip is the proprietary name of 1 variety, but the term is used generically).
Endocrine gland		An organ or tissue that releases a substance to be used elsewhere in the body.
Endocrinologist		A doctor who treats people who have problems with their endocrine glands. Diabetes is an endocrine disorder.
Endogenous		Arising from inside the body.
Endometrial biopsy		Removal of a portion of tissue of endometrium for pathological examination can be undertaken as an office procedure, without anesthesia, because the cervix, through which the biopsy instrument passes, and the endometrium are relatively devoid of pain-sensitive nerves.
Endometrial cultures		Samples of body fluid taken from the lining of the uterus to confirm or refute bacterial infection.
Endometrial dysplasia		Abnormal development of the inner lining of the uterus, which may be a precancerous state.
Endometrial hyperplasia		Pathological overgrowth of the (menstrual) lining of the uterus.
Endometrial polyp		A growth (usually noncancerous) occurring on the lining of the uterus
Endometriosis		A condition in which fragments of the endometrium are found in other pelvic organs.
Endometrium		The membrane that lines the uterus
Endoscope		An optical instrument used to study the inside of a hollow organ or cavity.
Endophthalmitis		An inflammation of the inside of the eye.
Endorphin		A group of chemicals produced in the brain that reduce pain and positively affect mood.
Endoscope		A lighted instrument used to view the inside of a body cavity.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography	ERCP	Radiographic imaging of the bile ducts and pancreatic duct through an instrument (endoscope) passed down the throat, gullet, and stomach into the duodenum.
Endoscopy		A procedure in which an endoscope is used.
Endothelium		A layer of cells on the inner surface of blood vessels.
Endotracheal tube		Tube inserted into the trachea (windpipe) to allow breathing with a ventilator.
Enema		Injection of fluid into the rectum and colon to induce a bowel movement.
Engorgement		Congestion of a part of the tissues, or fullness (as in the breasts).
Enteritis		Inflammation of the small intestine, usually causing diarrhea
Enterostomal therapist		A health care specialist trained to help patients care for and adjust to their colostomy.
Environmental tobacco smoke		Smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette and smoke that is exhaled by smokers. Also called ETS or second-hand smoke. Inhaling ETS is called involuntary or passive smoking.
Enzyme		A complex protein that stimulates a chemical reaction.
Epenymoma		A type of brain tumor.
Epicardium		The thin membrane on the surface of the heart. See Endocardium and Myocardium.
Epidemic		The term used to describe a disease that is rare then suddenly affects more people than usually expected.
Epidemiology		The study of disease trends in a defined human population.
Epidermis		Outer layer of skin.
Epidermoid carcinoma		The most common type of lung cancer, the cells are flat and look like fish scales; also called squamous cell carcinoma.
Epididymis		The long, coiled tube, exiting from the back of the testicle, in which sperm mature.
Epidural anesthesia		A procedure used to provide anesthesia during labor or surgery. Medication is given through a catheter placed in the lower back. Also called an epidural block.
Epiglottis		Flap of cartilage that covers the voice box during swallowing.
Epilepsy		A seizure disorder characterized by episodic disturbances of brain function. See Seizure.
Epinephrine		Adrenal hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure and affects other body functions.
Epineural		On the outside of a nerve trunk.
Episcleritis		A patch of inflammation on the outer layer of the white of the eye
Episiotomy		Surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.
Epithelial		The purely cellular, blood-vessel free lining of all body surfaces.
Epithelial carcinoma		Cancer that begins in the cells that line an organ.
Epithelium		The layer of cells that covers the body and lines many organs
Epstein-Barr virus		The a virus that is the cause of mononucleosis and is involved in Burkitt’s lymphoma.
ERCP	Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram	A special x-ray of the common bile duct utilizing an endoscope.
Erection		Engorgement and stiffening of the penis associated with sexual arousal.
Eremophoba		The fear of being alone.
Ergonomics		Also called human engineering, an applied science concerned with working conditions and equipment designed for comfort and safety.
Erogenous zone		An area of the body that causes sexual arousal when stimulated.
Erysipelas		An infection caused by streptococci bacteria; characterized by fever and rash.
Erythema		Area of reddened skin due to small blood vessels dilating in the skin.
Erythrocytes		Red blood cells.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate		The measure of the time it takes for red blood cells to collect at the bottom of a sample of blood; an elevated rate may mean that there is inflammation somewhere in the body.
Erythroleukemia		Leukemia that develops in erythrocytes. In this rare disease, the body produces large numbers of abnormal red blood cells.
Erythroplakia		Red patches in the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, or voice box (larynx) that can become cancerous; risk factors include smoking pipes and chewing tobacco
Erythropoietin		A hormone secreted by the kidneys that stimulates production of red blood cells.
Esophageal		Related to the esophagus.
Esophageal spasm		Irregular contractions of the muscles in the esophagus, which lead to difficulty swallowing.
Esophageal speech		Speech produced with air trapped in the esophagus and forced out again.
Esophageal sphincter		A circular band of muscle where the esophagus is attached to the stomach.
Esophageal varices		Swollen veins in the lower esophagus and possibly the upper part of the stomach; can cause vomiting of blood and passing of black stool
Esophagectomy		An operation to remove a portion of the esophagus.
Esophagitis		Inflammation of the small intestine.
Esophagoscopy		Examination of the esophagus using a thin, lighted instrument.
Esophagram		A series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a solution that coats and outlines the walls of the esophagus. Also called a barium swallow.
Esophagus		The muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
Essential oils	Volatile oils	See Essential Oils.
Estimated date of confinement		The due date or estimated calendar date when your baby will be born.
Estrogen		One of the female sex hormones.
Estrogen replacement therapy		Treatment with synthetic estrogen drugs to relieve symptoms of menopause and to help protect women against osteoporosis and heart disease.
Ethanol		Ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol.
Etiology		The study of what causes a disease; also the cause or causes of a certain disease.
Euglycemia		A normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Eupeptic		Promotes optimum digestion.
Eustachian tube		Tube connecting the middle ear to the upper portion of the nasal passage.
Euthanasia		The painlessly ending the life of a patient with an incurable disease who requests to die.
Evaporation		A method to draw moisture out of the skin.
Ewing's Sarcoma		A bone cancer that forms in the middle (shaft) of large bones. It most often affects the hipbones and the bones of the upper arm and thigh.
Exchange lists		A grouping of foods by type to help people on special diets stay on the diet. Each group lists food in serving sizes. A person can exchange, trade, or substitute a food serving in one group for another food serving in the same group. The lists put foods in six groups: starch / bread meat vegetables fruit milk fats Within a food group, each serving has about the same amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, and calories.
Excision		The surgical removal of diseased tissue.
Excisional biopsy		A biopsy in which an attempt is made to remove an abnormal growth in its entirety.
Exfoliate		To slough off scaly skin spontaneously. The skin exfoliates from the palms and soles in Kawasaki's disease and Reiter's syndrome.
Excretion		The process by which the body rids itself of waste.
Exercise stress test		The monitoring of the heart during strenuous exercise, usually on a treadmill or exercise bicycle, to evaluate how the heart responds to stress.
Exercise thallium test		An imaging test performed during and after an exercise stress test to evaluate functioning of the heart muscles
Exogenous		Arising from outside of the body.
Expected Date Of Delivery	EDD	280 days after the last normal menstrual period.
Expectorant		A substance used to promote the coughing up of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Expiration		Letting a breath out; exhalation.
Extensor muscle		A muscle that causes a joint or limb to straighten.
External radiation		Radiation therapy that uses a machine located outside of the body to aim high-energy rays at cancer cells.
External version		The external repositioning of the fetus in the womb to the correct birth position.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy		A procedure performed to destroy kidney stones using external shock waves.
Extract		A solution that contains the essential or active constituents of a plant material or other substance.
Extradural anesthesia		The injection of an anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater, the fibrous membrane that envelops the spinal cord.
Extrasystole		Premature heartbeat.
Extremity		Arm, hand, leg, foot.
Extrusion		Outward displacement of the contents of an organ.

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