Pathology

Ascites is a medical term describing the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, typically due to liver disease or severe illness. It is used in clinical contexts and physical examinations and is pronounced with careful, precise articulation to avoid misinterpretation. The word signals a technical, specialized concept and is most often encountered in healthcare discussions and case notes.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside arteries, narrowing and stiffening them. It develops over years through lipid deposition and inflammatory processes, potentially leading to cardiovascular events. The term combines Greek roots for fatty, porus, and hardening, reflecting its pathology.

Autophagy is a cellular process in which a cell digests its own components to recycle nutrients and remove damaged organelles. It plays a crucial role in cellular maintenance, development, and response to stress, and is central to aging and disease research. As a term in biology, it is used across academic writing and clinical discussions.

Azotemia is a medical term describing elevated nitrogen-containing compounds, such as urea and creatinine, in the blood. It is not a disease itself but a laboratory finding that can indicate kidney dysfunction or other issues affecting renal filtration. Proper pronunciation helps you discuss diagnoses and lab results clearly in clinical contexts.

Biliary is an adjective relating to bile or the biliary system, including the gallbladder and bile ducts. In medical contexts it describes structures, functions, or diseases involving bile. The term is used in anatomy, pathology, and physiology to specify aspects associated with bile production, storage, and secretion.

Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment formed from the breakdown of heme, primarily from aged red blood cells. It circulates in the blood, is taken up by the liver, and excreted in bile. Clinically, bilirubin levels are used to assess liver function and red blood cell turnover. The term spans medical, biochemical, and clinical contexts.

Biopsy is a medical test in which a small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope. The term is commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose disease, guide treatment, or assess prognosis. It refers to the process of taking tissue, often via a needle, endoscope, or surgical procedure, for microscopic analysis.

Carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor that arises from the lining cells of organs or glands. It is one of the most common cancer types, capable of invading surrounding tissue and spreading to distant sites. The term distinguishes this cancer from sarcomas and other malignant neoplasms by its origin in epithelial tissue.

Cardiomegaly is a medical term referring to an enlarged heart. It denotes an abnormal increase in heart size detectable via imaging or clinical examination and can be a sign of underlying cardiac disease or physiological adaptation. The term is used in professional medical contexts and may appear in patient discussions when describing diagnostic findings.

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).

Cholestasis is a medical condition characterized by a reduction or stoppage of bile flow, leading to a buildup of bile acids in the liver and bloodstream. It can be caused by liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or pregnancy-related factors, and is diagnosed by clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Understanding the term helps distinguish specific hepatobiliary disorders in clinical contexts.

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins in the nucleus that forms chromosomes. It involves winding DNA around histone proteins, regulating gene expression and DNA replication. In biology contexts, chromatin state (euchromatin vs. heterochromatin) influences accessibility and transcription activity.

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.

Contusion is a medical term for a bruise caused by tissue damage beneath the skin, typically from a blunt impact. It involves broken capillaries and swelling without an open wound. The word is commonly used in clinical and sports contexts and can describe bruising of skin, muscle, or internal tissue.