Natural Medicine and Health Glossary - A guide to terminology.

NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH GLOSSARY "P"

Term	Synonyms	Definition
Pacemaker		A group of cells, known as the sinoatrial node, that are located in the atrium of the heart and serve to regulate the rate and rhythm of the heart. An artificial cardiac pacemaker is an electrical device used to simulate the natural process by generating electrical impulses.
Paget's disease		A disorder occurring in the middle-aged and elderly in which bone does not form properly, causing bone weakening, thickening, and deformity.
Palate		The roof of the mouth.
Palliative		Treatment undertaken not to cure but to improve a problem or condition.
Pallor		Paleness.
Palpate		To examine by touch.
Palpitation		Sensation of irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Palsy		Paralysis; loss of ability to move.
Panacea		Any substance beleived to be a cure all.
Pancreas		Gland that produces enzymes essential to the digestion of food. The islets of Langerhans within the pancreas secrete insulin into the blood.
Pancreatitis		An inflammation of the pancreas, which is often caused by alcohol abuse.
Pandemic		A widespread epidemic.
Panic disorder		An emotional disorder characterized by attacks of anxiety that have no normal causes; usually made worse by stress.
Papilloma		A tumor occurring on the skin or mucous membranes; usually not cancerous.
Pap smear		A test to detect cancer of the cervix. Named for Dr. G. Papanicolaou.
Papilla		A nipple-like projection or structure.
Pappus		The calyx in a Composite flower having feathery hairsa, scales or bristiles.
Paracentesis		The insertion of a needle into a body cavity to relieve pressure, inject a drug, or remove a sample for analysis.
Paralysis		Complete or partial inability to move a part of the body.
Paramedic		A person trained to give first aid and other emergency medical care.
Paranoia		Mental disorder characterized by suspicion, delusions of persecution, and jealousy.
Paraparesis		Weakness below the waist, including the legs.
Paraphimosis		The strangulation of the head of the penis by a tight or inflamed foreskin that has been pulled back.
Paraplegia		Paralysis below the waist, including the legs.
Parasite		An organism that lives on or within another organism at the expense of the host.
Parasiticide		Substances which prevent and destroy parasites such as fles, lice, etc.
Parasympathetic nervous system		The part of the autonomic nervous system that is stimulated during times of relaxation.
Parathyroidectomy		The surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands.
Parathyroid glands		Endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland that maintain the level of calcium in the blood.
Parathyroid hormone		A hormone released by the parathyroid glands that plays a role in controlling calcium levels in the blood.
Parenteral		Method of administering medication or nutrition other than via the digestive tract, such as intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular.
Paresis		A partial paralysis.
Paresthesia	Pins and needles	A numbness or tingling in the skin.
Parietal lobe		Area of the brain that lies in front of the occipital lobe that is important in processing information from the sense of touch and bringing together sensory information.
Parkinson's disease		A brain disorder in which there is a lack of the chemical messenger dopamine, which helps control muscle movement; leads to muscle stiffness, weakness, and trembling.
Paronychia		A bacterial or yeast infection of the skin around the nail.
Parotid glands		The salivary glands located in the mouth near the ears.
Paroxysm		A sudden attack or worsening of a disease's symptoms.
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea		Episodic shortness of breath at night.
Paroxysym		A sudden attack or recurrence of symptoms of a disease; a spasm or convulsion.
Partial mastectomy		A treatment for breast cancer in which a tumor is removed, along with the skin covering it and some of the surrounding tissues and muscles.
Partial seizure		An abnormal electrical discharge in a certain area of the brain, affecting only certain functions.
Parturient		Substances and proceedures which aid childbirth.
Passive exercise		The exercising of an injured part of the body involving no effort from that injured part.
Passive smoking	Second-hand smoke	A nonsmoker inhaling the cigar, cigarette, or pipe smoke of others in the same area, which increases the nonsmoker's risk of cancer and respiratory disorders.
Patella		The kneecap.
Patent	Open	Something which is not obstructed.
Patent ductus arteriosus		A heart defect in which a fetal structure remains open, causing excess blood flow through the lungs.
Paternity testing		Using blood tests to match up DNA or specific blood proteins to determine whether a man is the father of a child.
Pathogen		Disease-producing microorganism.
Pathogenesis		The production and development of a disease or disorder.
Pathogenic		Any substance which causes or produces disease.
Pathological		An unnatural or distructive process on living tissue
Pathology		Study of the cause and nature of a disease.
Patient-controlled analgesia pump	PCA pump	Small pump activated by the patient to inject pain medication as needed. It limits the amount of narcotic allowed within any given period.
Peak flow measurement		The maximum speed that air is exhaled from the lungs; used to diagnose asthma or to determine the effectiveness of asthma medications.
Pectoral		Pertaining to the chest.
Pectoral muscles		The muscles of the upper part of the chest that move the arm across the body, raise some of the ribs, and move the shoulders.
Pediculicide		Any substance that destroys lice.
Pellagra		A deficiency of the vitamin niacin that causes dermatitis, diarrhea, and mental disorders.
Pelvic examination		An examination of a woman's reproductive organs.
Pelvic floor muscles		A group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. They help support the bladder, urethra, rectum and (in women) vagina and uterus.
Pelvic inflammatory disease		Inflammation or infection of the internal female genital organs.
Pelvis		The group of bones in the lower part of the trunk that support the upper body and protect the abdominal organs.
Penile function tests		Tests used to determine the cause of impotence, including blood tests and nerve function tests.
Penis		Male organ for urination and sexual intercourse.
Pepsin		The main enzyme in the digestive juices of the stomach.
Peptic		Pertaining to digestion or the enzyme pepsin.
Peptic ulcer		An erosion in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine, usually caused in part by the corrosive action of gastric acid.
Percussion		A method of examination by tapping the fingertips at various points on the body to determine position and size of a structure beneath the surface.
Percutaneous		A procedure that is performed through the skin, such as an injection.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty	PTCA	A procedure that uses balloon catheters to reopen narrowed coronary arteries.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling		A procedure in which a blood sample is withdrawn from the umbilical cord while the fetus is still in the uterus. Used mainly for rapid chromosome analysis or to evaluate fetuses at risk for certain blood disorders.
Perennial		A plant which lives for more than two years, usually flowering each year.
Perforation		Process of making a hole, or the hole itself.
Perfusion scanning		A test that produces an image with radioactive tracers. It can show areas of the heart muscle or lung that do not receive adequate blood flow.
Periarteritis nodosa		An inflammation and weakening of small and medium arteries.
Pericardial effusion		The fluid buildup inside of the pericardium, affecting the performance of the heart.
Pericardiectomy		Removal of the pericardium.
Pericardiocentesis		Withdrawing excess fluid (pericardial effusion) from the pericardium through a needle.
Pericarditis		Inflammation of the pericardium.
Pericardium		Membranous sac enclosing the heart.
Perinatal		Referring to the time just before, during and immediately after birth.
Perineum		External area between the vulva and anus in a woman or between the scrotum and anus in a man.
Periodontal		Pertaining to the area immediately around a tooth.
Periosteum		Fibrous tissue that encases bone.
Periostitis		An inflammation of the periosteum.
Peripheral nervous system		The nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Peripheral vascular disease		The narrowing of blood vessels in the legs or arms, causing pain and possibly tissue death (gangrene) as a result of a reduced flow of blood to areas supplied by the narrowed vessels.
Peristalsis		Wave-like contraction of muscles, particularly in the digestive system, that propels food or food residue through the digestive tract.
Peritoneum		Membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis		Inflammation or infection of the peritoneum.
Pernicious		Destructive, sometimes fatal.
Pernicious anemia		A particular form of anemia caused by inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestinal tract.
Perspiration		Sweat, the salty fluid excreted from the sweat glands of the skin.
Perthes' disease		An inflammation of the growing head of a femur; a type of osteochondritis juvenilis.
Pertussis	Whooping cough	A bacterial infection of the respiratory tract characterized by short, convulsive coughs that end in a whoop sound when breath is inhaled. It mainly affects children.
Pessary		Device inserted in the vagina to support the uterus or to prevent conception.
Petechiae		Small purplish red spots due to subcutaneous hemorrhages.
Petiole		The stalk of a leaf.
Petit mal		A form of brief epileptic attack characterized by a blank stare and cessation of activity.
PET scanning		See Positron emission tomography scanning.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome		A genetic disorder in which there are polyps in the small intestine and brown melanin spots on the lips, mouth, fingers, and toes.
pH		A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Phagocyte		An immune system cell that can surround and digest foreign bodies, unwanted cellular material, and microorganisms.
Phantom limb		The sensation of a limb after it has been amputated.
Pharmacology		Study of drugs and their effects on living beings.
Pharmacopoeia		An official publication of drugs in common use, in a given country.
Pharyngitis		An inflammation of the throat (the pharynx), causing sore throat, fever, earache, and swollen glands.
Pharynx		Upper portion of the throat; the passageway for air from the nose to the larynx and for food from the mouth to the esophagus.
Phenothiazines		A group of drugs used as antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antiemetics.
Phenylketonuria	PKU	A congenital condition in which the body lacks a specific enzyme. This causes abnormal metabolism that may result in brain damage.
Pheochromocytoma		A noncancerous tumor of cells that produce epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing higher levels of these hormones in the blood and an increase in blood pressure.
Phimosis		A tightness of the foreskin, which prevents it from being moved back over the head of the penis.
Phlebitis		Inflammation of a vein.
Phlebothrombosis		The formation of a blood clot in a vein.
Phlegm		Thick mucus, especially from the sinuses or respiratory tract.
Phobia		Persistent, irrational fear.
Phosphates		Salts containing phosphorus; essential to some body functions such as the bones and teeth.
Phospholipids		Fatty substances that make up the membranes surrounding cells.
Phosphorus		A mineral found in many foods including milk, milk products and meats. It is important for strong bones and teeth and proper nerve function.
Photocoagulation		Tissue destruction using a focused beam of light.
Photophobia		An abnormal sensitivity of the eyes to light.
Photosensitivity		An abnormal reaction to sunlight, which usually occurs as a rash.
Phototherapy		Treatment by exposure to light.
Physical therapy		The treatment of injuries or disorders using physical methods, such as exercise, massage, or the application of heat.
Physiological		The natural biological processes of a living organism.
Physiology		The study of the body’s functions.
Phytochemicals		Chemicals in plants that might help protect against disorders such as cancer.
Phytohormones		Plant substances which mimic the actions of human hormones.
Phytotherapy		The treatment and prevention of disease by plants, i.e. herbalism and aromatherapy
Pica		An uncommon urge to eat non-food items such as laundry starch, dirt, baking powder or frost from the freezer.
Pickwickian syndrome		Extreme obesity along with shallow breathing, sleep apnea, excessive sleepiness, and heart failure.
PID		See Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pigment		Coloring matter.
Pigmentation		The coloration of the skin, hair, and eyes by the pigment melanin.
Pineal body		A small, cone-shaped structure located in the brain, the function of which is not clearly established.
Pinkeye		An inflammation of the membrane that covers the white of the eyes and lines the eyelids, causing redness, discomfort, and a discharge; can be caused by infection or allergies.
Pinna		External part of the ear, the portion that is easily visible.
Pinnate		A leaf composed of more than three leaflets arranged in two rows on a common stalk.
Pinworm		A small parasite worm that can live in the intestines which commonly affects children.
Pituitary adenoma		A noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland.
Pituitary gland		An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that produces a range of hormones to help control the body's long-term growth, day-to-day functioning, and reproductive capabilities.
Pityriasis alba		A common childhood or adolescent disorder in which there are pale, scaly patches on the skin of the face.
Pityriasis rosea		A mild skin condition in which flat, scaly spots occur on the trunk and upper arms.
Pivot joint		A joint designed for rotational movement.
PKU		See Phenylketonuria.
Placebo		A medically inert substance given for psychological benefit or as part of a clinical research study.
Placenta		The circular, flat organ that connects the unborn baby, by way of the umbilical cord, to the uterus for oxygen, nutrient exchange and elimination of wastes. The placenta is shed after delivery, when it is known as the afterbirth.
Placenta previa		An abnormal location of the placenta in which it partially or completely covers the internal opening of the cervix.
Placental abruption		Separation of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterus before labor begins.
Placental insufficiency		A disorder occurring during pregnancy in which the placenta does not function properly, causing the fetus to be deprived of nutrients.
Placenta previa		A disorder in which the placenta develops at the lower section of the uterus (close to or covering the cervix); varies in severity, from no effect on a pregnancy to vaginal bleeding and danger to the mother and the fetus.
Plague		Term previously used to describe any deadly contagious epidemic disease. Now used primarily to describe infection by Yersinia pestis (bubonic plague).
Plantar reflex		The normal curling of the toes downward when the sole of the foot is stroked.
Plantar wart		A rough-surfaced, hard spot on the sole of the foot that is caused by a virus.
Plaque		Any patch or flat area.
Plasma		Fluid part of the blood and lymph.
Plasma cell		A white blood cell that makes antibodies.
Plasmapheresis		A procedure for removing unwanted substances from the blood in which blood is drawn, its plasma is separated and replaced, and the cleansed blood is returned to the body.
Platelet		A microscopic structure in the blood necessary for clotting; thrombocyte.
Pleura		The membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity.
Pleural effusion		A buildup of fluid between the membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity (the pleura); causes compression of the lungs, which leads to breathing difficulty.
Pleural membranes		The pleura.
Pleural rub		A rubbing sound produced by inflamed pleural membranes that can be heard when breathing.
Pleural space		The space between the two layers of the pleura.
Pleurisy		An inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, usually caused by a lung infection; characterized by sharp chest pain.
Pleurodynia		Pains in the chest caused by a virus.
Plummer-Vinson syndrome		A difficulty swallowing due to an abnormal web of tissue across the upper part of the esophagus.
PMS		See Premenstrual syndrome.
Pneumoconiosis		A respiratory disease caused by dust inhalation.
Pneumocystis pneumonia		An opportunistic infection of the lungs caused by a single-celled parasite.
Pneumonectomy		The surgical removal of a lung.
Pneumonia		The inflammation of the lungs due to a bacterial or viral infection, which causes fever, shortness of breath, and the coughing up of phlegm.
Pneumothorax		A condition in which air enters the space between the chest wall and the lungs, causing chest pain and shortness of breath; may occur spontaneously or be the result of a disease or an accident.
Poliomyelitis		An infectious disease caused by a virus; usually causes only mild symptoms but in rare cases can attack the brain and spinal cord and cause paralysis or death.
Poly-		Prefix meaning multiple.
Polyarthritis		Arthritis occurring in more than one joint.
Polycystic kidney disease		A condition in which there are multiple, slow-growing cysts on both kidneys.
Polycystic ovary syndrome		A hereditary disease characterized by multiple cysts on the ovaries, obesity, excessive hairiness, infertility, and irregular menstruation.
Polycythemia		An increased amount of red blood cells in the blood.
Polydactyly		The presence of an excessive number of fingers or toes.
Polydipsia		Excessive thirst.
Polymyalgia rheumatica		A rare disease of the elderly, characterized by muscle stiffness and pain in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and neck.
Polymyositis		An autoimmune disease of connective tissue in which muscles weaken and become inflamed.
Polyp		A protruding growth, often on a stalk.
Polysaccharide		A complex carbohydrate composed of three or more simple carbohydrate molecules joined together.
Polyunsaturated fat		A fat or oil that contains well below the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible; thought to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Polyuria		The excessive production of urine; can be a symptom of various diseases, most notably diabetes mellitus.
Pomade		A prepared perfume material obtained by the enfleurage process.
Porphyria		A group of genetic disorders in which substances called porphyrins build up in the blood, often causing rashes brought on by exposure to sunlight and reactions to certain drugs.
Portal hypertension		Increased blood pressure in the portal vein.
Portal vein		The vein connecting the stomach, intestines, and spleen to the liver.
Positron emission tomography	PET scanning	Investigational imaging technique used for measuring blood flow and the metabolism of the tissues of the body, including the heart and brain.
Postcoital contraception		The prevention of pregnancy after sexual intercourse has occurred.
Posterior		Something that is located in or relates to the back of the body.
Postmenopausal bleeding		Bleeding from the vagina that occurs after menopause.
Postmortem examination	Autopsy	An examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death.
Postmyocardial infarction syndrome		A condition that occurs following a heart attack or heart surgery; characterized by fever, chest pain, pericarditis, and pleurisy.
Postnatal		Something that occurs after birth, usually to the baby.
Postpartum		A term that describes something that occurs after childbirth, usually to the mother .
Post-term pregnancy		A pregnancy that lasts longer than 42 weeks.
Post-traumatic stress disorder		Feelings of anxiety experienced after a particularly frightening or stressful event, which include recurring dreams, difficulty sleeping, and a feeling of isolation.
Postural drainage		The drainage of mucus from specific areas of the lungs by placing the body in a specific position.
Postural hypotension		Unusually low blood pressure that occurs after suddenly standing or sitting up.
Potassium		A mineral that plays an important role in the body, helping to maintain water balance, normal heart rhythm, conduction of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction.
Poultice		The therapeutic application of a soft moist mass to the skin, to encourage local circulation and to releive pain.
Precancerous		A term which describes a condition from which cancer is likely to develop.
Precordial movement		The movements of the heart that are seen and felt through the chest wall.
Preeclampsia	Toxemia	A condition that can occur during pregnancy marked by pregnancy-induced hypertension, protein in the urine and swelling.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension		A complication of pregnancy marked by high blood pressure especially in the last three months of pregnancy.
Premature contraction		A heartbeat that comes too soon; see Extrasystole.
Premature labor		See Preterm labor.
Premature rupture of the membranes		Breaking of the amniotic sac before the baby has reached 37 weeks gestational age.
Premedication		Drugs, usually painkillers, taken 1 to 2 hours before surgery.
Premenopausal		A term that describes the period of a few years in a woman's life just before menopause.
Premenstrual syndrome		Physical and emotional changes that occur in a woman 1 or 2 weeks before menstruation, at or after ovulation; characterized by irritability, tension, depression, and fatigue.
Prenatal	Antenatal	Before birth.
Prenatal care		Medical care of a pregnant woman and the fetus.
Prenatal diagnosis		The techniques used to diagnose abnormalities in a fetus.
Prenatal testing		The tests performed on a pregnant woman or her fetus to prevent or diagnose abnormalities.
Prepared childbirth		A technique in which a pregnant woman tries to minimize use of pain-relief medications during childbirth by learning relaxation techniques.
Prepuce	Foreskin	The fold of skin over the glans of the penis.
Presbycusis		The loss of hearing that occurs naturally with age.
Presbyopia		The loss of the ability to focus the eyes on near objects that occurs naturally with age, as a result of loss of elasticity of the lens of the eyes.
Pressure point		The specific points on the body where external pressure can be applied to prevent excessive arterial bleeding.
Pressure sore		An ulcer (erosion) on the skin that is a result of being bedridden; commonly called a bedsore
Preterm labor	Premature labor	Contractions that start opening the cervix before week 37 of pregnancy.
Priapism		A painful, persistent erection without sexual arousal, requiring emergency treatment.
Prickly heat		A rash involving small, red, itchy spots and a prickly sensation that usually appears where sweat builds up.
Primary		A disease that began in the affected location.
Primary care physician		Physician responsible for a person's general health care.
Primary tumor		The initial site of origin of a tumor. The secondary site of a tumor is the site to which a tumor has spread or metastasized.
Prion		An agent that is believed to cause several degenerative brain diseases.
Procidentia		The severe prolapse of an organ.
Proctalgia		Pains in the rectum.
Proctitis		An inflammation of the rectum, which causes soreness and sometimes mucus and/or pus in the stool.
Proctoscopy		An examination of the rectum using a viewing instrument.
Productive cough		A cough that brings up phlegm, which is the body's natural way of clearing blocked airways.
Progeria		An extremely rare condition in which the body ages prematurely.
Progesterone		Female sex hormone responsible for, among other things, preparation of the uterine lining for implantation of the fertilized egg.
Prognosis		Prediction of the course or outcome of a disease.
Progressive muscular atrophy		The gradual degeneration and weakening of muscles due to a degenerative spinal cord.
Prolactin		Pituitary hormone that stimulates the breasts to produce milk.
Prolapse		Downward displacement of an organ or a structure, such as the uterus, bladder or rectum.
Prolapsed cord		See Cord prolapse.
Proplapsed disk		See Disk prolapse.
Prolonged labor		A difficult labor that does not accomplish a vaginal birth within 18 to 24 hours.
Prophylactic		Anything used to prevent disease.
Prophylaxis		Prevention of disease or its spread by use of medication or taking specific precautions.
Proprioception		The body's system for determining its position relative to the outside world.
Prostaglandins		A group of extremely active substances in the body that affect many organs. Certain prostaglandins have a role in stimulating the uterine contractions of labor and birth.
Prostatectomy		The partial or complete surgical removal of the prostate gland.
Prostate gland		Gland located at the base of the bladder in men that contributes to production of seminal fluid.
Prostate-specific antigen	PSA	A protein produced by the prostate gland that can be measured in the blood. PSA can be increased by a variety of abnormal conditions in the prostate, including but not limited to cancer of the prostate.
Prostatism		The symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland, including difficulty with urination.
Prostatitis		An inflammation of the prostate gland, usually due to a bacterial infection spread from the urethra.
Prosthesis		An artificial substitute for a missing body part, such as an arm or leg.
Protein		One of many complex nitrogen-containing compounds, composed of amino acids.
Prothrombin		A substance found in circulating blood that interacts with calcium salts to form thrombin, necessary for blood clotting.
Prothrombin time		Test that measures the activity of certain clotting factors; it is often used to determine whether a person is receiving the correct dose of the anticoagulant warfarin.
Proton pump inhibitor		A drug used to treat peptic ulcers that reduces the amount of gastric acid produced.
Proto-oncogene		A gene that is normally inactive but can become a cancer-causing oncogene if made active.
Protozoan		A simple, single-celled organism.
Proximal		Something located nearer to a central point of reference on the body, such as the trunk.
Prurigo		A chronic skin disease with irritatioin, itching and papular eruption.
Pruritus		Itching.
Pseudogout		A form of arthritis with symptoms similar to gout that results from the depositing of calcium salts in a joint.
Pseudomembranous enterocolitis		The severe inflammation of the colon as a result of antibiotic use by an immunocompromised individual.
Psittacosis		A chlamydial infection resembling influenza that is spread to humans by the droppings of infected birds.
Psoralens		Drugs that contain chemicals derived from plants; used to treat the skin disorders psoriasis and vitiligo.
Psoriasis		A skin disorder characterized by patches of thick, red skin often covered by silvery scales.
Psoriatic arthritis		A form of arthritis that develops as a complication of the skin disorder psoriasis.
Psychogenic		Originating in the mind; also pertaining to the development of the mind.
Psychological		Relating to the mind and the processes of the mind.
Psychomotor		Pertaining to voluntary physical movement.
Psychosis		Mental disturbance of serious magnitude that may be characterized by loss of contact with reality. Delusions and hallucinations are often present.
Psychosomatic		Pertaining to the relationship of the mind and body. Psychosomatic illnesses are those in which a physical disorder is caused or aggravated by emotional factors.
Psychotherapy		The treatment of mental and emotional disorders using psychological methods, such as counseling, instead of physical means.
Psychotic		Relating to psychosis.
Psychotropic drug		A drug that has a psychological effect.
Ptosis		Drooping, as of an eyelid.
Ptyalin		An enzyme found in saliva that helps to break down starch into sugars.
Puberty		The time when body changes particular to the sex occur and when reproduction becomes possible.
Pubic louse	Pubic lice, Crabs	A small insect that lives in pubic hair, feeds on blood, and is usually spread by sexual contact.
Pudendal block		Local anesthesia due to an injection of local anesthetic to ease the pain of second-stage labor, and for an episiotomy.
Pudendum		The external genitals, usually referring to the female.
Puerperal sepsis		An infection of the female genital tract following childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.
Puerperium		The time period after childbirth (about 6 weeks) during which a woman's body returns to its normal physical state.
Pulmonary		Pertaining to the lungs.
Pulmonary artery		Blood vessel that carries oxygen-depleted blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Pulmonary edema		Excess fluid in the lungs.
Pulmonary embolism		Condition in which a clot or other substance lodges in the blood vessels of the lungs.
Pulmonary fibrosis		A condition in which the tissue of the lungs has become thick and scarred, usually because of inflammation caused by lung conditions such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Pulmonary function tests		Tests used to measure the ability of the lungs to exchange air.
Pulmonary hypertension		Increased blood pressure in the arteries supplying blood to the lungs; caused by increased resistance to blood flow in the lungs, usually a result of a lung disease.
Pulmonary insufficiency		A rare defect in the pulmonary heart valve in which it fails to close properly after each muscle contraction, allowing blood to leak back into the heart; weakens the heart's pumping ability.
Pulmonary stenosis		An obstruction of the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs.
Pulmonary valve	Pulmonary heart valve	Valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
Pulmonary vein		Blood vessel that carries newly oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart.
Pulp		The soft tissue inside of a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
Pulse		Expansion of an artery following each contraction of the heart.
Punch biopsy		A procedure utilized to remove a small circle of skin for pathologic analysis.
Pupil		The circular opening in the center of the iris through which light passes into the eye.
Purgative		A substance which stimulates evacuation of the bowels.
Purpura		Discoloration caused by bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes.
Purpuric rash		Areas of purple or reddish-brown spots on the skin, which are caused by bleeding from underlying tissues.
Purulent		Forming or containing pus.
Pus		Thick fluid that contains white blood cells formed in response to infection.
Pustule		A small blister containing pus.
PUVA		A form of phototherapy that combines the use of psoralens and ultraviolet light to treat skin disorders.
Pyelitis		Inflammation of the kidneys.
Pyelolithotomy		The surgical removal of a kidney stone.
Pyelonephritis		An inflammation of the kidney, usually due to a bacterial infection.
Pyloric sphincter		A circular muscle located at the junction of the stomach and small intestine that controls the passage of food into the small intestine.
Pyloric stenosis		Obstruction at the outlet of the stomach.
Pyloroplasty		The surgical widening of the outlet between the stomach and small intestine.
Pylorus		Outlet of the stomach into the duodenum.
Pyorrhoea		Bleeding or discharge of pus.
Pyrexia		Fever.
Pyrogen		Any substance that causes a fever.
Pyuria		The presence of white blood cells in the urine; usually an indication of kidney or urinary tract infection.

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