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Glossary

Showing 191-200 out of 1196 Terms

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  • 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.

  • Central nervous system

    (SEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tem)

    The brain and spinal cord. Also called CNS.

  • Central nervous system tumors

    (SEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tem TOO-mer)

    A tumor of the central nervous system, including brain stem glioma, craniopharyngioma, medulloblastoma, and meningioma. Also called CNS tumor.

  • Central venous catheter

    (SEN-trul VEE-nus KA-theh-ter)

    A device used to draw blood and give treatments, including intravenous fluids, drugs, or blood transfusions. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into a vein, usually below the collarbone. It is guided (threaded) into a large vein above the right side of the heart called the superior vena cava. A needle is inserted into a port outside of the body to draw blood or give fluids. A central venous access catheter may stay in place for weeks or months and helps avoid the need for repeated needle sticks. There are several types of central venous access catheters.

  • Cerebellar mutism

    (SAYR-eh-BEH-ler MYOO-tih-zum)

    A condition that may occur in patients who have had surgery to remove a tumor in certain parts of the brain, including the cerebellum. Cerebellar mutism syndrome usually appears 1 or 2 days after surgery. Symptoms include loss of speech, trouble swallowing and eating, loss of balance, trouble walking, loss of muscle tone, mood swings, and changes in personality. Many of these symptoms go away over time.

  • Cerebellum

    (SAYR-eh-BEH-lum)

    The portion of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem. The cerebellum controls balance for walking and standing, and other complex motor functions.

  • Cerebral spinal fluid

    Fluid at the brain and spine.