Nursing

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can weaken its ability to pump blood. It encompasses several subtypes characterized by structural or functional changes in the myocardium, leading to heart failure symptoms or arrhythmias. The term combines cardio- (heart) with myo- (muscle) and -pathy (disease).

Cataract is a large, clouding of the lens inside the eye that reduces vision; it can also refer to a waterfall or a sudden rush of water in a stream. In medicine, it denotes lens opacity that often develops with aging, while in geology or meteorology it can describe a cascading appearance. The term typically appears in clinical context or descriptive, non-technical writing.

Celiac (noun) refers to a person who has celiac disease or who adheres to a strict gluten-free diet due to intolerance to gluten. In medical and dietary contexts, it often describes people affected by gluten-related enteropathy, though colloquially it can describe someone with expertise in gluten-free cooking. The term is used in clinical discussions, research, and patient advocacy.

Cephalalgia is a medical term meaning headache. It refers to pain or discomfort in the head, typically arising from a variety of causes, and is often used in clinical contexts and scholarly writing. The word itself is not commonly spoken in everyday conversation but is essential in medical discourse and literature.

Cephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain or its surrounding tissues, typically caused by infection, autoimmune processes, or toxins. It denotes a serious neurological condition and is used in medical contexts to describe various etiologies, often accompanied by symptoms like fever, headache, and altered mental status. The term is primarily encountered in clinical or academic discussions and case reports.

Cerebellum is a large, rounded structure at the back of the brain that coordinates movement, balance, and motor learning. It integrates sensory information to fine-tune actions and maintain posture. Although not involved in conscious planning, it plays a crucial role in smooth, coordinated activity and motor memory.

Cerebrospinal refers to anything relating to the brain (cerebrum) and spinal cord, typically describing fluids or membranes that surround both structures. The term combines cerebr/o- (brain) with spin/o- (spinal) and -al (pertaining to). It is used in medical contexts to describe protective barriers, fluids, or processes linking the brain and spinal column. The concept emphasizes the central nervous system as a single physiological unit.

Cerumen is a medical term for earwax, the ear’s protective, waxy secretion. It is typically produced in the external auditory canal and serves to trap dust and debris while maintaining moisture. In clinical contexts, it can refer to either the substance itself or the ceruminous glands that produce it.

A cholangiogram is an X-ray imaging procedure that visualizes the bile ducts by injecting contrast material, often used to identify blockages or stones. It typically involves endoscopic or percutaneous access and results in a radiographic map of the biliary tree. The term combines anatomical roots with diagnostic imaging terminology.

Cholangiopathy is a medical condition involving disease or dysfunction of the bile ducts (cholangiopathy of the biliary tree). It encompasses a range of pathologies that affect bile duct epithelium and flow, often leading to cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis. The term is used in clinical contexts to describe ductal disorders that can complicate liver health.

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones or gallbladder irritation. It presents with right upper-quadrant abdominal pain, often fever and nausea, and may require medical evaluation or surgical treatment. The term combines Latin roots for bile and bladder, reflecting its anatomical origin. (2–4 sentences, ~60 words)

Cholelithiasis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of gallstones within the gallbladder or biliary tract, often causing biliary colic and potential complications. The term combines Greek roots referring to bile and stone and is used in clinical contexts as a formal diagnosis. It is a multisyllabic, Latinized medical noun encountered in radiology, gastroenterology, and general medicine notes.

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease marked by scarring (fibrosis) and impaired liver function, typically arising from long-term liver damage. It progresses through stages and can lead to jaundice, fatigue, and complications such as portal hypertension. The term is used in medical contexts and requires careful pronunciation for clear clinical communication.

Coagulation is the process by which a liquid, especially blood, changes into a semi-solid mass or gel, forming clumps or a clot. It involves a cascade of enzymatic reactions that convert soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin threads, trapping cells to seal a wound. The term also applies to any thickening or clotting-like change in liquids.

Cochlear is an adjective and noun relating to the cochlea of the inner ear, or to devices associated with hearing and auditory function. In biology, it describes structures shaped like a snail shell or spiral; in medicine, it often appears in terms like cochlear implant, cochlear nerve, or cochlear aqueduct. The term is used mostly in scientific, medical, and audiology contexts.

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum to examine the colon. It allows direct visualization, biopsy, and possible polyp removal. The term combines colon with the suffix -oscopy, indicating viewing the colon internally.

Colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from the colon to the abdominal wall to divert feces. The term also refers to the resulting opening or the procedure itself. It is a medical term used in clinical discussion and patient education. Understanding its pronunciation helps in accurate medical communication and patient counseling.

Craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull to access the brain. It is performed to treat brain injuries, tumors, or other cerebrovascular conditions, and may be done with the patient under anesthesia. The term emphasizes the skull (cranium) and the incision into brain-covering layers, distinguishing it from less invasive methods.

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.