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Glossary

Showing 921-930 out of 1184 Terms

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  • Pharynx

    (FAYR-inx)

    The hollow tube inside the neck that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes to the stomach). The pharynx is about 5 inches long, depending on body size. Also called throat.

  • Phenylketonuria

    (FEH-nil-KEE-tone-yoor-ee-uh)

    An inherited disorder that causes a build-up of phenylalanine (an amino acid) in the blood. This can cause mental retardation, behavioral and movement problems, seizures, and delayed development. Using a blood test, PKU can easily be found in newborns, and treatment is a diet low in phenylalanine. Also called PKU.

  • Pheochromocytoma

    FEE-oh-KROH-moh-sy-TOH-muh

    Tumor that forms in the center of the adrenal gland (gland located above the kidney) that causes it to make too much adrenaline. Pheochromocytomas are usually benign (not cancer) but can cause high blood pressure, pounding headaches, heart palpitations, flushing of the face, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Philadelphia chromosome

    FIH-luh-DEL-fee-uh KROH-muh-some

    An abnormality of chromosome 22 in which part of chromosome 9 is transferred to it. Bone marrow cells that contain the Philadelphia chromosome are often found in chronic myelogenous leukemia and sometimes found in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

  • Phlebitis

    (fleh-BY-tis)

    Inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and heat) of a vein, usually in the legs. Phlebitis may be caused by infection, injury, or irritation.

  • Photosensitivity

    (FOH-toh-SEN-sih-TIH-vih-tee)

    A condition in which the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet light and may burn easily. Photosensitivity usually causes a rash or sunburn, especially on areas of the skin that are exposed to ultraviolet light. The affected areas may be painful and may itch, blister, or peel. Photosensitivity may be caused by certain medicines, such as antibiotics and anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, exposure to certain chemicals, and some medical conditions, such as lupus and xeroderma pigmentosum.

  • Physical Therapist

    (FIH-zih-kul THAYR-uh-pist)

    A health professional trained to evaluate and treat people who have conditions or injuries that limit their ability to move and do physical activities. Physical therapists use methods such as exercise, massage, hot packs, ice, and electrical stimulation to help strengthen muscles, relieve pain, and improve movement. They also teach exercises to help prevent injury and loss of motion.

  • Physical exam

    (FIH-zih-kul eg-ZAM)

    An exam of the body to check for general signs of disease.

  • Physical therapy

    FIH-zih-kul THAYR-uh-pee

    The use of exercises and physical activities to help condition muscles and restore strength and movement. For example, physical therapy can be used to restore arm and shoulder movement and build back strength after breast cancer surgery.

  • Phytochemicals

    (fai · tuh · keh · muh · kl)

    Organic components of plants, and these components are thought to promote human health.