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Glossary

Showing 351-360 out of 1202 Terms

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  • Diffuse

    (dih-FYOOS)

    Widely spread; not localized or confined.

  • Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

    (dih-FYOOS in-TRIN-sik PON-teen glee-OH-muh)

    A type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma usually occurs in children. It forms in the brain stem.

  • Digestion

    (dy-JES-chun)

    The process of breaking down food into substances the body can use for energy, tissue growth, and repair.

  • Digestive system

    (dy-JES-tiv SIS-tem)

    The organs that take in food and turn it into products that the body can use to stay healthy. Waste products the body cannot use leave the body through bowel movements. The digestive system includes the salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and rectum.

  • Digestive tract

    (dy-JES-tiv trakt)

    The organs that food and liquids travel through when they are swallowed, digested, absorbed, and leave the body as feces. These organs include the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The digestive tract is part of the digestive system. Also called alimentary tract and gastrointestinal tract.

  • Dilate

    To widen or enlarge an opening or hollow structure beyond its usual size, such as the pupil of the eye or a blood vessel.

  • Dilute

    (dy-LOOT)

    To make something thinner, weaker, less concentrated, or less pure by adding something to it.

  • Discharge

    (DIS-charj)

    In medicine, a fluid that comes out of the body. Discharge can be normal or a sign of disease. Discharge also means release of a patient from care.

  • Disease

    A condition that prevents the body from working normally.

  • Disease progression

    (dih-ZEEZ pruh-GREH-shun)

    Cancer that continues to grow or spread.