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Glossary

Showing 391-400 out of 1156 Terms

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  • Electrocardiogram

    (ee-LEK-troh-KAR-dee-oh-gram)

    A line graph that shows changes in the electrical activity of the heart over time. It is made by an instrument called an electrocardiograph. The graph can show that there are abnormal conditions, such as blocked arteries, changes in electrolytes (particles with electrical charges), and changes in the way electrical currents pass through the heart tissue. Also called ECG and EKG.

  • Electrodes

    (ee-LEK-trodes)

    In medicine, a device such as a small metal plate or needle that carries electricity from an instrument to a patient for treatment or surgery. Electrodes can also carry electrical signals from muscles, brain, heart, skin, or other body parts to recording devices to help diagnose certain conditions.

  • Electrolytes

    A general term for the many minerals necessary to provide the proper environment for the cells of your body. Common electrolytes include calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride.

  • Eligibility criteria

    (EH-lih-jih-BIH-lih-tee kry-TEER-ee-uh)

    In clinical trials, requirements that must be met for a person to be included in a trial. These requirements help make sure that participants in a trial are like each other in terms of specific factors such as age, type and stage of cancer, general health, and previous treatment. When all participants meet the same eligibility criteria, it is more likely that results of the study are caused by the intervention being tested and not by other factors or by chance.

  • Emesis

    (EH-meh-sis)

    To vomit.

  • Emetic

    (eh-MEH-tik)

    Describes a substance that causes vomiting. Also called emetogenic.

  • Encapsulated

    (en-KAP-soo-lay-ted)

    Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.

  • End-of-life care

    (... kayr)

    Care given to people who are near the end of life and have stopped treatment to cure or control their disease. End-of-life care includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families. The goal of end-of-life care is to control pain and other symptoms so the patient can be as comfortable as possible. End-of-life care may include palliative care, supportive care, and hospice care.

  • End-stage cancer

    (... stayj KAN-ser)

    Cancer that cannot be cured and leads to death. Also called terminal cancer.

  • Endocrine

    EN-doh-krin

    Refers to tissue that makes and releases hormones that travel in the bloodstream and control the actions of other cells or organs. Some examples of endocrine tissues are the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.