Medical Specialties

Myeloma is a malignant tumor of plasma cells, often developing in bone marrow and can lead to bone damage and other systemic symptoms. It is a type of hematologic cancer that requires medical diagnosis and treatment. In medical contexts, the term is used for the disease itself and for related plasma-cell disorders.

Myelopathy is a neurological condition resulting from spinal cord dysfunction, often due to compression, injury, or disease. It affects motor and sensory pathways, causing weakness, numbness, or coordination problems below the level of the lesion. The term combines root elements meaning 'spinal cord' and 'disease' or 'disorder.'

Myopathy is a medical term for diseases that weaken or damage the muscles. It denotes a primary muscular disorder rather than nerve or nerve-to-muscle transmission problems. The word is used in clinical contexts and research to describe inherited or acquired muscle pathology and impaired muscle function.

A medical condition characterized by the presence of stones in the kidney (renal calculi). The term denotes the disease state involving nephrolithiasis, nephritic processes, and potential obstruction or infection, and is used primarily in clinical contexts. It refers specifically to stone formation within the renal tract and is typically discussed in urology and nephrology settings.

Nucleus is the central and most important part of something, around which other elements are organized or gathered. In biology, it refers to the membrane-bound structure within a cell that houses genetic material. In physics or chemistry, it denotes the central core of an atom. The term also carries metaphorical weight as the core or heart of a system or idea.

Occlusion is the act or result of obstructing or blocking an opening, passage, or surface. In anatomy or medicine it refers to a blockage within a vessel or duct, while in other contexts it can describe any barrier or shut-off that prevents flow or access. The term often implies a temporary or condition-specific stoppage, not a complete, permanent seal.

Ophthalmic is an adjective relating to the eye, its diseases, or the medical specialty of ophthalmology. It is used in formal, clinical contexts to describe instruments, treatments, or conditions pertaining to the eye. The term appears in medical literature and professional speech, often in compound phrases like ophthalmic examination or ophthalmic medication.

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine focusing on the anatomy, function, and diseases of the eye, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management. Practitioners are ophthalmologists, who hold medical degrees and specialize in eye health, vision correction, and ocular surgery. The field blends biology, anatomy, and clinical care to protect and restore sight across diverse patient populations.

Otitis is a medical term for inflammation of the ear, typically involving the middle ear. It is used in clinical contexts and can refer to acute or chronic conditions. The word is used mainly in professional or academic discussions of ear disorders and treatments.

Otoscope is a medical instrument used to examine the ear canal and eardrum. It typically consists of a head with a light and a handle, allowing a clinician to look inside the ear. The term combines a Greek root for ear with a scope, indicating an instrument for inspection.

Paracentesis is a medical procedure that involves puncturing a body cavity, typically the abdomen, to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The term combines Greek roots and is used in clinical practice; it is pronounced with careful syllable timing to reflect its technical nature. It is an expert-level noun often discussed in surgical or radiology contexts.

Parenchyma is the functional, living tissue of an organ or part, in contrast to supporting or interstitial tissue. In botany and anatomy, it refers to the essential, metabolically active cells that carry out photosynthesis, secretion, or absorption. The term emphasizes the tissue's functional role, not its structural framework.

Parotid is an anatomical adjective relating to the parotid gland, the large salivary gland near the ear. In medicine, it describes structures, ducts, or processes associated with this gland. The term is precise, used by professionals in anatomy and clinical contexts, and appears in discussions of parotid tumors, ductal anatomy, or parotid region physiology.

Parotitis is the medical condition characterized by swelling or inflammation of the parotid salivary gland, usually one side of the face, often due to infection or autoimmune processes. It can cause pain, tenderness, and difficulty with chewing or swallowing, and may present with fever or malaise. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential as etiologies range from viral infections to chronic inflammatory diseases.

Pneumonia is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs, often causing cough, fever, and breathing difficulty. While it ranges in severity, early recognition and treatment are important. The term is used in medical contexts and everyday language when discussing respiratory health.

Pneumothorax is a medical condition where air or gas accumulates in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. The term combines Greek roots with medical suffixes, and is used in clinical and radiology discussions to describe a potentially life‑threatening but treatable event.

Polydactyly is a medical condition characterized by the presence of extra fingers or toes beyond the usual number. It is a noun used in clinical and anatomical contexts, and can refer to both congenital abnormalities and isolated anomalies. The term combines Greek roots to describe an abnormality of the digits. Usage spans medical descriptions, genetics discussions, and patient education materials.

Porphyria is a group of rare metabolic disorders characterized by the abnormal buildup of porphyrin chemicals in the body, which can affect the skin or nervous system. The term is medical and used mainly in clinical or academic contexts, though it may appear in historical discussions of disease. Pronunciation-wise, it begins with a stressed por- syllable and ends with -i-a.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that commonly affect the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It can be itchy or painful and tends to wax and wane with flare-ups and remissions. The term denotes an autoimmune- driven process involving skin cell turnover abnormalities.

Respiration is the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide through the lungs. In biological contexts, it refers to the act of breathing as well as the cellular process of energy production using oxygen. The term also appears in medical or anatomical discussions to describe breathing patterns and respiratory health. In general use, it denotes any act of breathing or the mechanism of gas exchange in living organisms.

Retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals for vision. It functions as a crucial element of the eye’s sensory system, translating photons into electrical impulses that the brain can interpret as images. In medical contexts, it also refers to retinal tissue involved in conditions like retinal detachment or macular degeneration.

Retinopathy is a medical condition characterized by damage to the retina, often related to chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. It involves changes in retinal vessels that can lead to vision impairment if untreated. The term is used in clinical discussions, research, and patient education to describe various retinal vascular disorders.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, typically causing congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. It can be allergic or nonallergic and may be acute or chronic. The term is used in medical contexts to describe symptoms and conditions affecting the nasal passages.

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose for aesthetic or functional reasons. It involves altering bone, cartilage, and skin to achieve the desired contour, symmetry, or breathing improvement. The term combines ‘rhin/o-’ (nose) with ‘-plasty’ (forming or molding).