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Glossary

Showing 931-940 out of 1196 Terms

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  • 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.

  • Pineal gland

    (PIH-nee-ul ...)

    A tiny organ in the cerebrum that produces melatonin. Also called pineal body and pineal organ.

  • Pituitary

    (pih-TOO-ih-TAYR-ee...)

    A pea-sized organ attached to the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It lies at the base of the brain above the back of the nose. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland, which then makes hormones that control other glands and many of the body’s functions, including growth and fertility.

  • Pituitary gland

    pih-TOO-ih-TAYR-ee...

    A pea-sized organ attached to the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It lies at the base of the brain above the back of the nose. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland, which then makes hormones that control other glands and many of the body’s functions, including growth and fertility.

  • Plasma

    PLAZ-muh

    The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.

  • Platelets

    PLAYT-let

    A tiny, disc-shaped piece of cell that is found in the blood and spleen. Platelets are pieces of very large cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. They help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and to help wounds heal. Having too many or too few platelets or having platelets that don’t work as they should can cause problems. Checking the number of platelets in the blood may help diagnose certain diseases or conditions. Also called thrombocyte.