Jargon buster

abdomen

Stomach.

abortion

Also referred to as termination of pregnancy, an abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy with medical intervention to stop the development of the foetus and consequent birth of a baby.  To find out more about this process and how you can get help with your decision visit NHS Direct.

abscess

A pus-filled swelling which can occur in almost any part of the body and usually in spaces between the internal organs.  A common example is a boil which can occur on the skin.

Access surgery

Surgery to create dialysis access, either vascular access for haemodialysis, or peritoneal access.

ACE inhibitors

Medicine that reduces the amount of work the heart has to do, helping to improve the flow of blood to the heart muscle in particular for patients with heart failure following a heart attack.  Find out more about ACE inhibitor medication at British Heart Foundation.

acetabulum

The pelvic socket.

acid reflux

A common condition which occurs when acid from the stomach makes its way back up the oesophagus (gullet) causing indigestion and heartburn.  This usually happens when the muscle joining the stomach and oesophagus is not working or cannot work well because the stomach is very full. Acid reflux can lead to heartburn developing into Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) which in turn can lead to inflammation of the oesophagus called oesophagitis.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

acne

A common skin condition which usually occurs during puberty but can develop during adulthood.  Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands on the skin produce excessive levels of sebum (a natural oily secretion) which can block the pores and cause inflammation and painful spots.  This condition mainly affects the face, back, chest and arms and there are treatments available.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

acoustic neuroma

A rare, benign (non-cancerous) growth which is slow growing and found in the head affecting hearing and balance and sometimes facial nerves.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

acupuncture

Complementary therapy using needles and pressure points

acute

An illness that appears suddenly

Acute renal failure (ARF)

Rapid deterioration of kidney function caused by injury or illness; often reversible.

Addison's disease

A rare disorder affecting the adrenal glands which sit above the kidneys and produce hormones which control blood pressure, salt and water balance, and help fight infection.  Addison's disease affects the way these hormones are produced causing an imbalance of chemicals in the body.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

adenoidectomy

Operation to remove the adenoids - small lymph glands at the back of the throat, above the tonsils which help to fight infection and are only present during childhood. Sometimes repeated infections in the chest can cause the adenoids to become enlarged and inflamed and if severe enough can be removed.  Find out more about this procedure at NHS Direct.

adhesions

When parts of the intestine join abnormally causing a blockage or obstruction.

adjuvant chemotherapy

Chemotherapy given as an "add-on" to primary cancer treatment, as in surgery or radiotherapy.

agoraphobia

Anxiety attacks caused by open spaces, public places

air embolism

A condition which can occur when air bubbles become trapped in the blood.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

alcohol misuse or addiction

Heavy drinking of or addiction to alcohol can lead to serious health problems including cirrhosis of the liver and negative effects on mental, sexual and reproductive function.  Find out more about alcohol related problems and moderate drinking at Drink Aware.co.uk.

allergic rhinitis

Inflammation of the lining of the nose

allergies

Serious reaction to an allergen

alopecia

The loss of hair, which may include all body hair as well as scalp hair.

altitude sickness

Acute mountain sickness

Alzheimer's disease

A progressive condition of mental deterioration leading to loss of memory and difficulty talking.  Symptoms can cause frustration and confusion and develop further with notable changes in personality and behaviour.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

amblyopia

Often referred to as 'lazy eye', this condition can develop in childhood affecting vision in one or sometimes both eyes. Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

amenorrhoea

Amenorrhoea occurs when a female has no periods (menstruation).  This is usually when no eggs are being produced and is normal before a girl reaches puberty or during pregnancy, breastfeeding or the menopause.  However some women develop amenorrhoea due to other causes. Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

amniocentesis

A special test carried out during pregnancy to find out if there is a risk of the baby developing genetic conditions such as Down's syndrome or musculo skeletal conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and spina bifida.  Find out more about this test at NHS Direct.

amniotic fluid

Watery liquid surrounding and cushioning a growing foetus (baby).

amoebiasis

Infection by a disease-causing amoeba

anaemia

A shortage of properly functioning red blood cells. Haemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen around the body, and anaemia causes tiredness and shortage of breath. Normal kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone which stimulates red blood cell production.

anaesthesia

Pain relief which is sometimes given during tests or surgery to stop the sensation of pain or other feelings.  A general anaesthetic is given when you need to be unconscious and a local anaesthetic is given to stop sensation in a particular part of the body.  Find out more about the controlled uses of anaesthesia at NHS Direct.

anal fissure

A tear in the lining of the wall of the anus

anal fistula

An abnormal passage between the anal canal and outer skin around the anus

analgesics

Medical name for painkillers.

anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction causing breathing problems.

aneurysm

An abnormal widening or ballooning of a section of a blood vessel.

anger management

Ways to control anger

angina

Heaviness or tightness in the chest, which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Caused when the arteries become so narrow that not enough oxygen containing blood can reach the heart muscle when it needs it - such as during exercise. Find out more about this condition at the British Heart Foundation.

angioedema

Swelling of the deep layers of skin

angiogram

A test which looks inside the blood vessels (coronary arterties) to see where there might be any narrowing in the arteries.  Find out more about this test at the British Heart Foundation.

angioplasty

A procedure used to unblock or widen a blood vessel (coronary artery) using a process called stenting. Find out more about this procedure at the British Heart Foundation.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

(ARBs) A class of drug with a similar function to ACE inhibitors, ie reducing blood pressure and improving heart function in heart failure

ankylosing spondylitis

A long-term condition affecting the spine. Ankylosing means inflammation and spondylitis means inflexibility of a joint so it cannot bend.  Find out more about this condition at NHS Direct.

antenatal appointments

Regular checks during pregnancy

antenatal health and care

Conception to birth

antenatal screening

Tests carried out during pregnancy

antibiotic

A type of medicine given for bacteria infections.

antibody

A special protein formed when the body comes into contact with an allergen.

anti-coagulant

A type of medicine that stops the blood from clotting.

anti-convulsant

A medicine that reduces or prevents seizures or fits.

antidepressant drugs

Drugs to treat depression

anti-emetic

A medicine that reduces feelings of sickness.

antifungal drugs

Drugs that treat fungal infections

antihistamine drugs

Drugs that treat symptoms of allergies

Antihypertensives

Medicines to control persistently high blood pressure (hypertension)

aorta

The body's main blood vessel.

aortic aneurysm

A balloon-like swelling of the aorta.

aphasia

Brain disorder affecting language and communication

appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix

arrhythmia

A disorder of the heart rhythm.

arteries

Vessels which carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

arteriography

X-ray used to look at blood flow

artery

Large blood vessel that carry blood to the heart.

arthritis

Painful conditions of the joints

arthroscopy

Surgical procedure to examine the inside of a joint

artificial insemination

Method of helping with conception

asbestosis

Serious long-term lung condition

ASD

A lifelong condition that affects how the brain functions

asperger syndrome

A lifelong condition that affects how the brain functions

aspergillosis

Fungal infection

asthma

A condition that affects the airways of the lungs (the bronchi) which causes the airways to become inflamed and swollen.

astigmatism

An eye focusing problem

ataxia

Loss of coordination of parts of the body

ataxia telangiectasia

Loss of coordination of parts of the body

atheroma

Fatty material that can build up within the walls of the arteries.

atherosclerosis

The build-up of fatty material within the walls of the arteries.

athlete's foot

Tinea pedis, fungal infection of the feet

atopic eczema

Atopic eczema

atrial fibrillation

An irregular fast heartbeat, at up to 400 beats a minute.

atrium

One of the chambers of the heart.

atrophy

A wasting or decrease in size of body muscle, organ or tissue owing to disease, injury, or lack of use. 

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Commonly abbreviated to ADHD

audiometry

Audiometry

autistic spectrum disorder

A lifelong condition that affects how the brain functions

autoimmune disease

A condition when the body mistakenly attacks itself rather than a foreign substance. 

autologous transfusion

Transfusion of blood previously taken from the patient.

autopsy

Body examination after death

avian flu

Bird flu

B12 deficiency

Producing pernicious anaemia

babies, crying

What to do when your baby cries

babies, weaning

Introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet

babies’ oral thrush

A fungal infection in babies’ mouths

back pain

Lower back & neck pain

bad breath

Halitosis

baker's cyst

Cyst behind the knee

balanitis

Inflammation of the glans

barium enema

Procedure for examining the lower intestine

barium x-ray

A diagnostic test using a substance called barium which is swallowed by the patient or given as an enema and then shows up on a x-ray.

bartholin’s cyst

A type of cyst that affects the vagina

basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

A type of skin cancer that does not behave aggressively and does not spread elsewhere but do need removing as they can damage skin structures - also known as rodent ulcers.

behcet's disease

Immune system disorder

bell's palsy

Facial palsy

bends

Air bubbles in the blood

beta-blockers

Medicine used to treat conditions such as angina, heart failure and high blood pressure by slowing the heart rate.

bilateral

Both sides.

bile duct

Tube that drains bile from the liver into the small intestine.

biliary system

Includes the gallbladder, bile ducts inside and outside the liver.  The biliary system creates, transports, stores, and releases bile into the duodenum to help digestion.

binge eating

Excessive eating in a short time

biopsy

A simple method of taking a sample of tissue for analysis.

bipolar disorder

Manic depressive illness

birthmarks

Coloured marks that form on, or just below, the surface of the skin

bladder

Sac that holds urine.

bladder stones

Hard, stone-like structures formed in the urine within the bladder

blepharitis

A common condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids when the body tries to fight an injury or infection.

blisters

Collection of fluid under the skin

bolus injection

When a drug is injected directly into a vein.

bone marrow transplant (BMT)

Method of transferring bone marrow donated by one person to another.

bowel

Intestines.

brachialgia

Pain in the neck and arm due to nerve root irritation or compression.

brachytherapy

A type of radiation therapy is which radioactive materials are placed in direct contact with the tissue being treated.

bradycardia

A slow heart rate.

breech position

Most babies are born headfirst, but at the end of pregnancy, around 3% are found to be in bottom down position.

bronchoscopy

An investigative procedure where a tube (rigid or flexible) is inserted into the airways to examine for abnormalities such as bleeding, inflammation or tumours and sometimes biopsies are taken.

burn, first degree

A superficial burn with similar characteristics to typical sun burn ie the skin is red in color and sensation is painful.

bypass surgery

An operation to bypass narrowed sections of coronary arteries and improve the blood supply to the heart.

caesarean section

Procedure where a baby is delivered by cutting through the front wall of the abdomen to open the womb.

cannula

A thin plastic tube that is inserted into a vein to enable medicines or blood to be given.

cardiac arrest

When the heart stops pumping.

cardiac catheterisation

A test to assess the condition of the heart.

cardiologist

A doctor specialising in heart disease. 

cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle.

cardioversion

A procedure to restore a regular heart rhythm.

cartilage

A smooth, connecting tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.

cataract

An eye condition when the lens of the eye (the part that we see through) becomes clouded and makes it difficult to see.

catheter

A plastic tube inserted into the body to give medicines or drain away fluids.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

The fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord.

chemotherapy

Strong medicine used to treat cancer and leukaemia.

cholangiocarcinoma

Very rare type of cancer affecting the bile ducts.

cholesterol

A fatty substance mainly made in the body by the liver.  Cholesterol plays a vital role in how every cell in the body works but too much cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of getting coronary heart disease.

chromosome

Part of each cell in the body that holds genetic information (DNA).

chronic

Severe or persistent (long term) condition.

cilia

Fine hairlike organs on the surface of some cells, particularly the cells lining the upper respiratory tract (lungs and airway).

cirrhosis

Scarring of the liver tissue due to injury or long-term disease. Scar tissue cannot do what healthy liver tissue does - make protein, help fight infections, clean the blood, help digest food and store energy.

cleft lip and palate

A cleft lip is a gap in the upper lip and a cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth. This condtion sometimes run in families.

cochlear implant

An electronic device worn like a hearing aid that gives a 'sensation' of hearing if you are profoundly deaf. It processes sounds into electrical signals which are sent to an internal part surgically implanted in your ear.

colon

Large intestine.

colonoscopy

A procedure that enables an examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to screen your colon (large bowel) for abnormalities.

congenital

Condition that is present at birth.

congenital heart disease

Heart or circulatory conditions that are present from birth.

conjunctivitis

Inflammation affecting the eye.

contrast medium

Substance used during certain radiological investigations that shows up on x-ray.

cornea

Transparent, dome-shaped window (like the crystal on a watch) covering the front of the eye. 

coronary heart disease (CHD)

When the walls of the arteries become narrowed by a gradual build up of fatty material called artheroma.

CT scan (computerised tomography)

A special scan that uses x-rays and a computer to form pictures of the insides of the body.

defibrillation

A large electric shock given through the chest wall to the heart, to restore a normal heartbeat.

diabetes

A condition caused by a lack of insulin or an increased resistance of the body to insulin.

diaphragm

Dome shaped muscle that separates chest from the abdomen (stomach).

digital hearing aid

Digital hearing aids have a tiny computer inside to process sounds which makes it possible to customise the aid to suit your hearing loss very precisely.

digoxin

Medicine used to treat heart failure and some abnormalities of the heart rhythm.  Made from the foxglove plant digitalis.

diuretic

Medicine that encourages the body to produce urine relieving build up of fluid. 

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Genetic instructions found in chromosomes.

duodenum

Part of the small intestine.

DXA scan

Special scan used to measure bone mineral density and work out whether the readings are significantly lower than normal for your age and sex.

dyspraxia

A condition when a person has difficulty thinking, planning and carrying out sensory tasks.

ECG test

A test to record the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart.

echocardiogram

An ultrasound  picture of the heart that shows the structure of the heart and how it is working.

ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation)

Special technique of providing both cardiac and respiratory support oxygen to patients whose heart and lungs are so severely diseased that they can no longer serve their function.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

A test that shows brain waves.

electrocardiogram

See ECG test.

electrophysiological study

A test to detect and give information about abnormal heart rhythms.

emphysema

Irreversible damage to the lungs.

endocarditis

Infection of the heart muscle.

endocrine system

Integrated system of small organs that involve the release of hormones which regulate metabolism, growth and development and tissue function.

endoscope

A flexible or rigid tube used to look inside the body.

enteral feeding

Nutritional supplement given directly into the stomach via a nasogastric tube (gastrostomy).

enzymes

Proteins that help to stimulate chemical actions in the body.

epidural

Pain relief given between vertebrae in the spine.

exercise ECG

An ECG recording taken while exercising on an exercise bike or treadmill.

extravasation

Complication of intravenous infusion when fluid medication leaks from cannula into tissue.

facet joints

Facet joints occur in pairs at the back of each vertebra linking them to form a working unit allowing movement of the spine. The structure of the facet joint is identical to other joints in the body, such as knees and hips.

femur

Thighbone.

fibrillation

Twitching or quivering or the heart muscle.

fibrin

A protein formed by clotting factors in the blood to act as part of the clotting process.

fistula

Tubes join together abnormally.

fractions (RT)

The radiotherapy dose is divided into a number of smaller doses (known as fractions) to reduce the risk of side effects.

gangrene

Body tissue that dies, usually due to poor blood supply.

gastroenterology

Conditions of the digestive system.

gastrostomy

Tube inserted directly into stomach to provide nutritional supplements (see enteral feeding).

gingivitis

Condition which causes bleeding of the gums.

glomerulus

Filtering system in the kidney.

grading

The term "grading" refers to the appearance of the cancer cells under the microscope. The grade gives an idea of how quickly the cancer may develop.

grommets

A tiny tube inserted into the ear following a procedure for 'glue ear' which allows air to flow freely.  Usually drop out of own accord 9-12 months after the procedure.

GTN (glyceryl trinitrate)

Medicine that opens up the blood vessels.  

haemangioma

A collection of small blood vessels that produces a lump in the skin sometimes called strawberry marks. Haemangiomas can be superficial (capillary) or deep (cavernous).

haematoma

Collection of blood.

haematuria

The appearance of blood in the urine.

haemodialysis

(Kidney replacement therapy). An artificial way of cleaning the blood, which would normally be carried out by the kidneys.

haemoglobin

Red fluid in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

haemorrhage

Bleeding.

heart failure

When the pumping action of the heart is less efficient.

hereditary

Passed on from a parent to the child.

hernia

When an internal part of the body such as the intestine pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.

hydrocephalus

Also known as "water on the brain" hydrocephalus occurs when excess fluid builds up in the brain and can cause brain damage.

hypertension

High blood pressure.

hypoglycaemia

Low blood sugar levels.

hypotension

Low blood pressure.

ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator)

A device that is implanted in the body to restore a normal heart rhythm.

informed consent

Where patients agree to a treatment or randomisation to a clinical trial having a reasonable understanding of it.

INR

International Normalised Ratio (INR) is the clinical system used to measure how long it takes for your blood to clot especially when you are on blood clotting or thinning medication.

interferons

Proteins produced by the body to regulate cell functions. Interferons are produced in the laboratory in large quantities, and are sometimes used in the treatment of certain cancers.

intravenous

Through the vein.

laryngectomy

Surgical procedure in which the larynx (or ‘voice box’) is removed.

laser therapy

Treatment using a powerful, focused beam of light that produces intense heat used to remove cancerous or damaged tissue.

LCD cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein.  The more 'harmful' cholesterol.

macular degeneration

A painless disorder that affects the macula (central part of the retina) in one or both eyes, causing progressive loss of vision.

mammogram

Low-dose X-ray use to examine the breast enabling radiologists to look for abnormalities.

mechanical valve

Manufactured valve.

melanoma

Melanoma is the rarest, but most serious form of skin cancer as it is more likely to spread than other type.

Menière’s disease

A condition affecting the inner ear which results intermittant attacks of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss and fluctuating tinnitus.

meningitis

Infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

metabolism

Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that create and use energy.

microsurgery

Surgery on minute and complex structures such as blood vessels and nerves requiring an operating microscope.

mitochondria

Known as the powerhouses of cells, they take in nutrients, break them down, and create energy for the cell. When this process does not work it can lead to problems with muscular and other sensory function.

MRI scan

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.  An MRI scan is a detailed picture of internal organs of the body, which is produced using a magnetic field and radio waves.

murmur

An extra noise in the heart, heard through a stethoscope.

myocardial infarction

A heart attack.

myopathy

Neuromuscular disease resulting in muscular weakness.

neuroblastoma

A cancer that often begins in early childhood and forms in the nerve tissue usually beginning in the adrenal glands (which sit atop the kidneys) but may also begin in the neck, chest or spinal cord.

neuropathy

Disease or disorder affecting the nerves.

nitrate

Medicine that opens up the blood vessels.

Nucleoplasty

Injection treatment for back pain due to nerve root irritation due to disc problems.

oedema

Swelling.

oesophagus

A long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach, also known as the gullet and is part of the digestive system.

oral thrush

Fungal infection of the mouth.

osteoarthritis

Known as 'wear and tear' arthritis, this causes joint related problems including pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to the joint cartliage and surrounding structures.

osteo-chondral defect (OCD)

Damage to the smooth cartilage covering the joint surface of the ankle bone (talus).

pacemaker

A device that is implanted to stimulate the heart to contract and produce heartbeats.

palliative treatment

Treatment which relieves the symptoms and pain.

palpitation

When you feel as if you heart is beating abnormally fast, irregularly or heavily.

panendoscopy

A series of connected telescopes used to look at your upper airways.

phonology

The sounds that make up language.

pinnaplasty

Operation to correct protruding ears in children due to a defect in part of the cartilage (gristle) of the ear.

placebo

A type of treatment that looks exactly like the treatment being tested, but it does not actually contain any part of that treatment. Some studies compare a new treatment against a placebo to test if the effect of the new treatment is a true one or not.

placenta

The placenta (also known as afterbirth) allows your baby to get all its oxygen and nutrients from you.

platelets

Tiny blood cells which are important for helping the blood to clot.

prostate

A gland found in men surrounding the urethra (tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis). The gland makes a thick white fluid which mixes with sperm to make semen.

prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland.

pyeloplasty

Surgical repair of the connection between the kidney and the ureter (tube that drains the urine from the kidney to the bladder).

radioisotope scan

A test that provides pictures of the heart.

radiotherapy

Safe use of controlled doses of radiation to treat disease, especially cancer.  Usually given by pointing an X-ray machine at the part of the body to be treated, but can also be given by drinking liquid, having an injection or having a radioactive implant put into your body (brachytherapy).

rehabilitation

The process of allowing people who have had a serious injury, illness or surgery to recover and regain strength, skillls and function.

renal adenocarcinoma

Renal cell cancers (RCC) that occur in the kidneys.

renal calculi

Kidney stones which are hardened mineral deposits that develop in the kidney over time.

sarcoma

Bone cancer which is rare affecting only one person in million. It usually occurs at the lower end of the thighbone (femur) or at the knee joint, but it can also appear in other long bones.

sciatica

Pain down the leg, which is caused by irritation of the main nerve into the leg.

scoliosis

Abnormal curvature of the spine to one side. The chest area (thoracic scoliosis) and lower back (lumbar scoliosis) are the most common areas to be affected.

septicaemia

Blood poisoning.

sinus

Air filled spaces within the skull of the face.

sinus bradycardia

A normal, slow heart rhythm.

sinus node

Part of the heart that produces the electrical impulses that control the heart's pumping action.

sinus tachycardia

A normal fast heart rhythm.

sleep apnoea

A sleep disorder when the upper airway (pharynx) collapses repeatedly, at irregular intervals, during sleep. 

spina bifida

Condition caused by the failure of the embryo's neural tube to develop properly resulting in an incorrectly developed spine.

stenosis

Obstruction.

stent

A small support frame placed inside the artery during coronary angioplasty.

stoma

An opening to the outside of the body formed during surgery.  

stroke

When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted either by atheroma in one of the arteries to the brain, or by bleeding from one of these arteries into the brain.  Symptoms can include temporary or permanent loss of the use of one or more limbs, or loss of speech.

sublingual

Under the tongue.

sutures

Stitches, which are sterile, surgical threads used to repair cuts (lacerations).

syncope

Loss of consciousness, fainting or 'blackout'.

thrombus

A blood clot formed in an artery or vein.

TIA

TIA stands for transient ischaemic attack, often called a mini-stroke, which happens when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted for a very brief time.

tonometry

Procedure to measure pressure within the eye (intraocular).  One of the tests for glaucoma.

tonsillectomy

Operation to remove tonsils (glands in the throat which fight germs) due to recurrent sore throats or blocking of the airway causing severe snoring at night.

tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is an artificial opening into the windpipe (trachea) which is held open by a tracheostomy tube helping you to breathe more easily.

trauma

Physical injury or emotional shock.

tremor

Unintentional trembling or shaking movements in one or more parts of your body.

triglycerides

A type of fatty substance found in the blood.

ureter

The tubes that connect each kidney to the bladder.

uveitis

Inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye (group of connected structures inside the eye, made up of the iris (coloured part of the eye), the ciliary body (ring of muscle behind the iris) and the choroid (layer of tissue that supports the retina).

ventricle

A chamber of the heart.

warfarin

Medication taken in tablet form to stop your blood from clotting abnormally (known as anticoagulant). When taking warfarin, you need regular blood tests to check your INR levels.