Medical Specialties

Cricothyrotomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to establish an emergency airway. It’s typically performed in urgent, life-threatening situations when other airway methods fail. The term combines anatomical roots and surgical action, conveying high-stakes, specialized medical procedure terminology.

Cyanosis is a medical term describing a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood. It is a clinical sign rather than a disease, typically indicating a cardiorespiratory issue. The word is used in professional medical contexts and requires careful pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding terms.

Cystitis is a medical term for inflammation of the bladder, usually presenting with pain and a frequent urge to urinate. It is a noun used in clinical and patient contexts to describe a condition that can be acute or chronic. Correct pronunciation helps you discuss symptoms precisely in medical conversations and documentation.

Cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the bladder and urethra with a cystoscope. The term combines cysto- (bladder) and -scopy (to examine) and is used in clinical contexts, procedures, and diagnostics. It is pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable and is a specialty term often encountered in urology and medical discussions.

Dacryocystitis is a bacterial infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac, often presenting with tearing, pain, and swelling near the inner corner of the eye. It can arise from blocked tear ducts and may require antibiotics or drainage. The term designates the anatomical site (dacryo- = tear duct, cystitis = inflammation of a sac).

Decubitus is a medical term meaning lying down or a position in which a patient is resting on a surface. It is often used in clinical descriptions of patient posture, especially in the context of ulcers, bed rest, or radiology. The word is used primarily in professional healthcare settings and literature. As a noun, it denotes the act or state of lying down.

Dehiscence is a noun referring to the splitting or bursting open of a container or part, such as a plant ovary or surgical incision. It can describe the rupture of seeds from a pod or the separation of wound edges after surgery. The term is commonly used in medical, botanical, and anatomical contexts to denote rupture or splitting along a seam or line of weakness.

Diarrhea is a medical noun describing very loose, watery bowel movements occurring more frequently than normal. It typically results from infection, illness, or digestive disturbance, and can lead to dehydration if prolonged. The term is used in clinical, educational, and everyday contexts to discuss gastrointestinal symptoms and treatment considerations.

Diphtheria is a contagious infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by fever, sore throat, and the formation of a thick pseudomembrane in the throat. It was historically controlled by vaccination but remains a concern in under-immunized populations. The term also refers to the toxin produced by the bacteria, which can cause serious systemic complications.

Diplopia is a medical condition in which a person sees two images of one object, causing double vision. It can result from issues with eye muscles, nerves, or the brain’s visual processing. The term is often used in clinical settings and requires medical evaluation to determine underlying causes and appropriate treatment.

Dysarthria is a motor-speech disorder characterized by impaired articulation caused by neurological weakness or incoordination. It affects the precision, speed, and clarity of spoken words, often producing slurred or mrop-tongue-like speech. The term covers various motor-imprecision patterns, stemming from brain or nerve problems, and is used in clinical and academic contexts to describe speech-intelligibility difficulties.

Dysplasia is a medical term referring to abnormal growth or development of tissue or organs, often indicating a deviation from the normal structure. It is not cancer in itself, but it can be associated with an increased risk of malignant change in some contexts. The word is used across anatomy, orthopedics, and pathology to describe irregular cellular organization.

Dyspnea is a medical noun meaning difficult or labored breathing. It is used to describe sensations of shortness of breath, often in clinical contexts. The term is technical and precise, typically found in healthcare discussions and patient notes rather than casual conversation.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions, causing twisting, repetitive movements, or abnormal postures. It can affect a single muscle group or multiple areas and may be painful or disabling, with symptoms that wax and wane. The term encompasses various focal and generalized forms and is diagnosed through clinical assessment and symptom patterns.

Edema is a medical term describing swelling caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues, often visible in extremities or dependent areas. It results from various conditions affecting circulation or lymphatic drainage. In medical contexts, edema is evaluated by location, cause, and severity, and may require treatment or monitoring.

Embolism is the blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus, such as a clot or air bubble, leading to impaired blood flow and potential tissue damage. It is a medical term used to describe obstruction that originates away from the site and travels to a narrower vessel. The word appears in clinical discussions of stroke, pulmonary embolism, and related vascular events.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually due to infection or autoimmune processes. It can cause fever, headache, seizures, and altered mental status, sometimes with long-term neurologic effects. The term combines Greek roots for brain and inflammation, and it is used in clinical, academic, and research contexts.

Encephalopathy is a broad medical condition characterized by diffuse brain dysfunction or disease, not due to a focal structural issue. It reflects altered mental status, cognitive changes, and sometimes altered consciousness arising from metabolic, toxic, or infectious insults. The term is used across neurology and critical care to describe various acquired brain disorders.

Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a buildup of cholesterol or other material from an artery to restore normal blood flow. It is commonly performed on the carotid artery to prevent stroke. The term combines a prefix meaning within or interior artery with terms meaning removing. It is a specialized medical noun used in surgical contexts and medical communication.

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine and physiology concerned with the endocrine system and its hormones. It studies glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenals, how hormones are regulated, and how hormonal imbalances affect health. Professionals in this field diagnose, treat, and research disorders related to hormonal function.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, causing pain and potential fertility issues. It is not cancer, but it can lead to significant symptoms and complications. The term designates the disease process and location of abnormal endometrial-like tissue throughout the pelvis and beyond.

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or cavity. It involves inserting a flexible or rigid tube with a camera and light to visualize anatomy, obtain biopsies, or treat lesions. The term combines the Latin roots for inside (endo) and view (scopy).

Enteritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine or, more broadly, the intestinal tract. It typically presents with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Understanding the exact site and cause—infectious, inflammatory, or chemical—guides treatment and prognosis. The term combines Latin roots for intestine and inflammation, used mainly in clinical or academic contexts.