A medical glossary containing definitions of medical terms can be useful in many ways. For instance, you can refer to it for medical terms that your physician may have used at an appointment you had with him/her, which you may not have understood fully. Or, you could use it for the definitions of medical terms related to an illness you may be suffering from. This will not only help you in learning more about the ailment you have, but also serve to understand any medical terminology that may be unfamiliar to you, which you may come across while researching your options for treatment. Or you could simply browse through it just to gain knowledge.

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AARSKOG SYNDROME: Also known as Aarskog-Scott syndrome, this is a genetic condition characterized by ocular hypertelorism, or eyes that are spaced abnormally wide, anteverted nostrils, or nostrils that are front facing, a malformation of the scrotum which is referred to as saddle-bag scrotum, a broadening of the upper lip, a backward bending of the knees due to a laxity in the ligaments, abnormally extensible fingers, and flat feet.

ABDOMINAL ACTINOMYCOSIS: This is a type of actinomycosis affecting the abdomen. Actinomycosis is a disease that cattle get which can be communicated to humans.

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURISM: A widening and ballooning of the aorta as it runs through the abdomen. At the point of the aneurysm, which can measure up to 3 cm in diameter, or even more, the wall of the aorta becomes weak and can even rupture, leading to catastrophic consequences.

ABDOMINAL BRACING: A technique wherein the muscles of the stomach are tensed in order to provide spinal support.

ABDOMINAL CAVITY: The cavity in the abdomen which contains all the internal organs and entrails. The diaphragm separates this area from the thorax in mammals.

ABDOMINOCENTESIS: Puncturing the abdomen with a hollow needle in order to draw fluid to carry out diagnosis.

ABDOMINOPLASTY: A cosmetic surgical procedure which tightens the abdominal skin, smoothening out wrinkles .

ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY: A surgical procedure wherein an incision is made in the abdomen to remove the uterus.

ABDOMINOSCOPY: A surgical procedure using a laparoscope. This is inserted into the abdomen, through a small incision, in order to carry out an examination of the area. The procedure is also known as laparoscopy or endoscopy. It helps to keep the surgical procedure minimally invasive.

ABDUCTOR SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA: A condition wherein sudden spasms in the muscle results in causing the vocal cords to remain open. This causes a break in the voice, or the voice having a strained, tight, or strangled quality.

ABLATION: Surgically removing a part of the body or tissue

ABLATIVE THERAPY: A kind of treatment wherein an organ's function is either removed or destroyed. For example, the ovaries being surgically removed, or administering some kinds of chemotherapy which results in stopping the ovaries from functioning.

ABSORPTION: The process wherein nutrients are absorbed by the body from food after digestion.

ACCESSORY DIGESTIVE ORGANS: Organs, such as salivary glands, tongue, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, which aid the digestion process, although they do not belong to the digestive tract.

ACCESSORY MOVEMENT: Movements of the joints which patients cannot perform in isolation or voluntarily.

ACCOMODATION: The eye's ability to focus by automatically adjusting the focal length of its lens.

ACETYLCHOLINE: A neurotransmitter which is derived from choline. It helps in transmitting signals from the nerves.

ACQUIRED DEAFNESS: Hearing loss which develops later in life.

ACQUIRED HEMOCHROMATOSIS: An accumulation of iron in tissues which occurs due to repeated blood transfusions, or when iron-rich foods are consumed excessively. It is characterized by the bronzing of skin, diabetes mellitus, enlargement of the liver, and abnormalcies in the joints and the pancreas.

AMSLER GRID: This is a chart containing vertical and horizontal lines. These lines form a pattern of small boxes. Patients with macular degeneration that is age-related can use this chart to self-monitor their vision.

ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME: A disease that occurs due to being infected by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. It damages or kills the immune system's cells, which leads to the progressive impairmen