Medical Specialties

Epiglottis is a small leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue that folds down to cover the windpipe during swallowing, helping to direct food toward the esophagus and away from the airway. It plays a crucial role in protecting respiration and guiding the larynx during swallowing. The term comes from Greek roots and is used in medical contexts and anatomy discussions.

Epistaxis is a medical term for nosebleed. It refers to bleeding from the nose, either spontaneously or due to trauma or underlying conditions. The word is used in clinical contexts and is typically encountered in medical discussions or records.

Epithelium is a tissue layer that lines surfaces and cavities of the body, providing protection, absorption, and secretion. It consists of closely packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix. The term is used in biology and medicine to describe the cellular sheet forming the outer layer of organs and structures such as skin and the lining of the gut.

Erythrocyte is a blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen, shaped like a biconcave disk. It is found invertebrate blood; in humans and many vertebrates, red blood cells are aerythrocytes. The term is used in biological and medical contexts, including hematology and physiology, to describe mature red blood cells that lack a nucleus in humans. It functions primarily in gas transport and acid-base balance.

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by acid reflux, infection, or irritation from medications. It presents with heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy and treatment targets underlying causes, healing the esophageal lining, and relieving symptoms.

Esophagoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to inspect the esophagus. It enables direct visualization of the esophageal lining, often to diagnose conditions or collect tissue samples. The term combines esophagus with -scopy, meaning “to view.”

Esophagus is the muscular tube that transports swallowed material from the pharynx to the stomach through coordinated peristaltic waves. In medical contexts it is often called the gullet or œsophagus, but in US English the standard term is esophagus. It is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and often features a long a/e sound depending on accent.

Gastroesophageal is an adjective describing anything related to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus (esophageal). It is typically used in medical contexts to denote conditions, parts, or relationships involving both organs, often in terms of anatomy, pathology, or surgical considerations. The term is polysyllabic and commonly appears in professional discourse, journals, and clinical discussions.

Glaucoma is a medical condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss. It is typically chronic and requires ongoing monitoring and treatment to prevent progression. The term is used broadly across ophthalmology and patient education, often with emphasis on early detection and management.

Gynecology is the branch of medicine dealing with the health of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, and vagina. It encompasses medical and surgical care, preventive care, and the management of reproductive health, pregnancy, and related disorders. In practice, it covers diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for gynecologic conditions across the lifespan.

Hemorrhage (noun) refers to a discharge of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, either externally or internally. It can denote significant bleeding due to injury, illness, or surgical procedures, and is used in medical and everyday contexts. The term also appears metaphorically to describe rapid, excessive loss of something valuable.

Hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood glucose. It typically presents with symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and confusion, and requires prompt recognition and treatment. The term comes from Greek roots meaning “under” (hypo) and “sweet” (glycemia).

Ileostomy is a surgical procedure creating an opening in the abdomen to divert the small intestine's contents into an external pouch. The term refers to the artificial ostomy (opening) of the ileum. It is a medical noun used in clinical discussions, patient education, and surgical planning, often described in terms of the stoma and its management.

Ileum is the final and longest section of the small intestine, ending at the ileocecal valve. It primarily absorbs bile acids, vitamin B12, and other nutrients. In anatomy contexts, it’s contrasted with the jejunum and duodenum and is often discussed in relation to gastrointestinal physiology and disorders.

Infarction is a medical condition where tissue death occurs due to an interruption in blood supply, commonly due to a blocked artery. It typically refers to heart (myocardial infarction) or brain (cerebral infarction) tissue, and has serious acute implications requiring urgent care. The term is used in clinical contexts and medical literature rather than everyday conversation.

Inflammation is a biological response to injury or illness, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It involves immune system activity that helps isolate and heal damaged tissue. In medical contexts, it describes a localized or systemic process that can indicate infection, irritation, or tissue damage.

Laryngeal is an adjective relating to the larynx (voice box). It is used in anatomy, physiology, and medicine to describe structures, nerves, or functions associated with the larynx, especially in discussions of voice production and airway protection. The term is common in technical or academic contexts and may appear in medical literature and anatomical texts.

Laryngoscopy is a medical procedure involving the examination of the larynx (voice box) using a scope. It allows doctors to visualize the laryngeal structures and assess pathology or function. The term combines the Greek roots for larynx and viewing, with a common medical suffix indicating an instrument or procedure; it is used in formal clinical contexts and case discussions.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cell production. It typically progresses rapidly or slowly, depending on the subtype, and requires medical diagnosis and treatment. The term is used in clinical and general contexts when discussing blood diseases and oncological conditions.

Leukocytosis is a medical term describing an abnormally high white blood cell count. It’s used in clinical contexts to indicate a response to infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. The word combines roots referring to white cells and enlargement, and is primarily encountered in professional medical communication and research.

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses focused ultrasound, laser, or shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces for easier passage. It is typically performed noninvasively and guided by imaging. The term can also refer more broadly to the breaking of calculi in other parts of the urinary or biliary tract under professional supervision.

Lymphadenopathy is a medical term describing enlarged or diseased lymph nodes. It often signals infection, inflammation, or a more serious condition, and is used in clinical assessments and differential diagnoses. The word is most commonly encountered in professional medical contexts and requires precise articulation to avoid miscommunication in patient records and conversations.

Meningoencephalitis is a serious medical condition characterized by simultaneous inflammation of the meninges and the brain tissue. It typically presents with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status, and requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment. The term combines three Greek-derived elements referring to the meninges, brain, and inflammation.

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from a primary tumor to form new tumors in distant sites. It indicates progression of disease and is central to staging and prognosis. The term combines Greek roots referring to change in place and displacement. In medical contexts, it is used to describe metastatic spread rather than localized cancer.