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Glossary

Showing 181-190 out of 1156 Terms

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  • Case series

    (kays SEER-eez)

    A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment.

  • Case-control study

    (kays-kun-TROLE STUH-dee)

    A study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the disease or condition (controls). Researchers study the medical and lifestyle histories of the people in each group to learn what factors may be associated with the disease or condition. For example, one group may have been exposed to a particular substance that the other was not. Also called retrospective study.

  • Cataracts

    (KA-tuh-RAKT)

    A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Symptoms include blurred, cloudy, or double vision; sensitivity to light; and difficulty seeing at night. Without treatment, cataracts can cause blindness. There are many different types and causes of cataracts. They may occur in people of all ages, but are most common in the elderly.

  • Catch-up vaccination

    (… VAK-sih-NAY-shun)

    The practice of giving a vaccine to people who did not receive it at the recommended age. Catch-up vaccines may be given to a person who has not been previously vaccinated, who has missed a scheduled vaccine dose, or who has not completed a vaccine series.

  • Catecholamines

    ka-teh-KOH-luh-meen

    A type of neurohormone (a chemical that is made by nerve cells and used to send signals to other cells). Catecholamines are important in stress responses. High levels cause high blood pressure which can lead to headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest, and anxiety. Examples of catecholamines include dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

  • Catheter

    (KA-theh-ter)

    Flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

  • Celiac disease

    (SEE-lee-ak dih-ZEEZ)

    A digestive disease that is caused by an immune response to a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. A person with celiac disease may become malnourished no matter how much food is consumed.

  • Cell

    sel

    The smallest unit that can live on its own and that makes up all living organisms and the tissues of the body.

  • Cell morphology

    Refers to cell types or structure.

  • Cellulitis

    (sel-yoo-LY-tis)

    An inflammation of body tissue (especially that below the skin). It may be accompanied by fever, redness, swelling and warmth at the site.