Pathology

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.

Dystrophy is a medical term for progressive degeneration or wasting of body tissues or organs, typically due to disease. It denotes a deterioration in structure and function, often affecting muscles or nerves, and is used in contexts ranging from genetic disorders to general tissue decline. The word carries clinical precision and is commonly encountered in medical literature and discussions.

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.

Empyema is a medical condition in which pus accumulates within a pre-existing cavity, most commonly the pleural space around the lungs or a body cavity such as the sinuses. It results from infection and inflammation that trap purulent material, requiring medical drainage and antibiotic treatment. The term is used in clinical contexts and scholarly discussions of infectious disease and thoracic surgery.

Eosinophil is a type of white blood cell rich in granules that stain with eosin and play a key role in the body's immune response, especially in combating parasitic infections and in allergic reactions. In anatomy and medicine, the term denotes a specific leukocyte subclass, identifiable by characteristic staining and surface markers. It is used widely in hematology, pathology, and immunology contexts.

Erosion is the gradual wearing away of materials, typically soil, rock, or land, by wind, water, or ice. It describes a slow, progressive process driven by natural forces, often resulting in altered landscapes or coastline changes over time.

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor classified as a grade IV astrocytoma. It typically presents rapid growth and diffuse infiltration into surrounding brain tissue, making treatment challenging. The term combines Greek roots for 'glio' (glial cells), 'blast' (bud/immature cell), and 'oma' (tumor).

Glomerulus is a tiny, tufted network of capillaries in the nephron of the kidney where blood filtration begins. It is surrounded by Bowman's capsule and is essential for ultrafiltration, forming filtrate that becomes urine. The term also appears in other biological contexts to describe similar knot-like network structures.

Granulocyte is a type of white blood cell containing granules that stain with basic dyes. It includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, each playing roles in immune defense. Granulocytes are typically produced in bone marrow and participate in innate immune responses and inflammation. They are distinguished by their cytoplasmic granules and multilobed nuclei under a light microscope.

Granulomatous is an adjective describing tissue or lesions that contain granulomas—small nodular inflammatory clusters formed to wall off foreign substances. It is used mainly in medical contexts to characterize chronic inflammatory processes, such as granulomatous diseases. The term conveys a microbiological and histopathological nuance beyond generic inflammation.

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.

Hepatosplenomegaly is a medical condition in which the liver (hepato) and the spleen (spleno) are enlarged. It indicates systemic disease or organ involvement and is typically diagnosed via physical exam and imaging. The term is used mainly in clinical contexts and scholarly writing to describe concurrent hepatomegaly and splenomegaly.

Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high potassium levels in the blood. It can affect nerve and muscle function, including the heart, and requires clinical assessment. Early detection and management are essential to prevent serious complications.

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).

Hyponatremia is a medical condition in which the blood has abnormally low sodium levels. It can arise from excessive fluid intake, certain medications, or medical disorders that affect water balance. Proper pronunciation helps clinicians discuss diagnosis, treatment, and patient education with precision.

Infarct (noun) refers to tissue death due to loss of blood supply, typically from a blockage in an artery; it is commonly used in medical contexts to describe localized necrosis in organs or tissue. The term is used in clinical discussions, pathology reports, and imaging results when describing myocardial, cerebral, or other organ infarcts. It denotes irreversible cell injury from ischemia.

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.

Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. It is not a disease itself but a sign that can result from liver disease, gallbladder problems, or certain blood disorders. In general use, it can also refer to a person or behavior marked by envy or prejudice, though this sense is uncommon in medical contexts.

Karyorrhexis is a medical term referring to the fragmentation of a cell nucleus into small, densely stained granules. It typically occurs during apoptosis or necrosis, indicating advanced cellular damage. The word is used mainly in histology and pathology contexts, and it is pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable, reflecting its Greek-based morphology.

Laceration is a wound produced by tearing of flesh, typically resulting in jagged edges. It can vary in depth and severity and is often caused by sharp or blunt trauma. In medical and forensic contexts, laceration describes an irregular, split opening in tissue rather than a clean incision.

Leiomyoma is a benign tumor composed of smooth muscle cells, commonly occurring in the uterus (where it’s often called a fibroid) but can develop in other organs. It typically grows slowly and may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms depending on size and location. Medical evaluation is advised for diagnosis and management.

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.