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Glossary

Showing 221-230 out of 1184 Terms

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  • Circadian Rhythm

    (sir-KAY-dee-un RIH-thum)

    The natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavior changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythms are mostly affected by light and darkness and are controlled by a small area in the middle of the brain. They can affect sleep, body temperature, hormones, appetite, and other body functions. Abnormal circadian rhythms may be linked to obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and sleep disorders such as insomnia. Circadian rhythm is sometimes called the “body’s clock.”

  • Circulation

    (ser-kyoo-LAY-shun)

    In the body, the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels, and the flow of lymph through the lymph vessels.

  • Circulatory system

    (SER-kyoo-lah-tor-ee SIS-tem)

    The system that contains the heart and the blood vessels and moves blood throughout the body. This system helps tissues get enough oxygen and nutrients, and it helps them get rid of waste products. The lymph system, which connects with the blood system, is often considered part of the circulatory system.

  • Cirrhosis

    (seh-ROH-sis)

    A type of chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue.

  • Cisplatin

    sis-PLA-tin

    A drug used to treat certain types of bladder, ovarian, and testicular cancer. It is used in patients whose cancer cannot be treated with or has not gotten better with other anticancer treatment. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Cisplatin contains the metal platinum. It kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. Cisplatin is a type of DNA crosslinking agent. The brand name Platinol has been taken off the market and is no longer available.

  • Clinical

    (KLIH-nih-kul)

    In general, pertaining to observation and treatment of patients.

  • Clinical researcher

    (KLIH-nih-kul REE-ser-cher)

    A health professional who works directly with patients, or uses data from patients, to do research on health and disease and to develop new treatments. Clinical researchers may also do research on how health care practices affect health and disease.

  • Clinical resistance

    (KLIH-nih-kul reh-ZIH-stunts)

    The failure of a cancer to shrink after treatment.

  • Clinical series

    (KLIH-nih-kul SEER-eez)

    A case series in which the patients receive treatment in a clinic or other medical facility.

  • Clinical stage

    (KLIH-nih-kul STAY-jing)

    The stage of cancer (amount or spread of cancer in the body) that is based on tests that are done before surgery. These include physical exams, imaging tests, laboratory tests (such as blood tests), and biopsies.