Glossary Of Terms Starting With
-A-

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Medical definitions of terms starting with 'A'

Acetylcholinesterase:
Neurotransmitter enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine, affecting functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Acinus:
A small sac-like dilatation.

More medical terms starting with 'A'

Acute:
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Adenitis:
An inflammation of one or several lymph nodes, or related lymphoid tissues.
Adenoidectomy:
Surgical removal of the adenoids in order to treat impaired breathing through the nose, chronic infections, or recurrent earaches.  This procedure is often performed at the same time as a tonsillectomy.
Adjuvant:
A substance added to a drug that affects the action of the active ingredient in a predictable way.
Adnexitis:
Inflammation of organ appendages, typically referring to the fallopian tube.
Adrenoceptors:
Sites on nerve cells or fibers which react to epinephrine or norepinephrine.
Adsorbent:
A solid substance which binds other substances to its surface but does not interact chemically with them.
Adsorption:
The property of a solid substance to attract and hold other molecules to its surface.
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More medical terms starting with 'A'

Agnail:
Agnails:
Agranulocytosis:
Condition characterized by a marked decrease in the number of white blood cells called granulocytes.
Akathisia:
Condition of motor restlessness that can range from a sense of inner disquiet to inability to sleep, seen in toxic reaction to neuroleptic and antipsychotic medication.
Allele:
Any of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at a given position in a chromosome.
Alleles:
See Allele.
Allergic Crease:
See Allergic Salute.
Allergic Keratitis:
Inflammation of the cornea due to allergic response.
Allergic Salute:
When the itchy, runny or blocked nose is being wiped in an upwards direction.  This movement helps to open up the nasal airways but can lead to an Allergic Crease – a horizontal crease or pale line that develops across the lower part of the nose as a consequence of frequent upward wiping of the nose.
Allergies:
See Allergy.
Allergy:
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Allopath:
See Allopathy.
Allopathic:
See Allopathy.
Allopathy:
Conventional medicine.  Allopathy treats opposites with opposites, by using that which is the opposite of the symptom of the illness.  For example, antispasmodics, fever reducers, antidepressants, etc.
Alpha Carotene:
A carotenoid found in carrots and certain other vegetables.  Its provitamin A activity is weaker than that of beta carotene.  Studies have shown that several carotenoids other than beta carotene are potent antioxidants that provide profound health benefits.  Because of this, the scientific community has now recognized the importance of natural mixed carotenoids including beta carotene.
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More medical terms starting with 'A'

Amarum:
Bitter vegetable drug.
AMP:
Acronym for Adenosine monophosphate.
Anaerobic:
Of, relating to, or being activity in which the body incurs an oxygen debt (for example weight training or resistive exercises) and does not immediately burn off a lot of calories and fat.
Anaerobically:
See Anaerobic.
Analeptic:
Central nervous system stimulant.
Anancastic:
Pertaining to any form of repetitious stereotyped behavior that causes anxiety if prevented.
Anesthesia:
Loss of sensation caused by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function.
Anesthetic:
Agent causing loss of sensation by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function.
Angioneuropathy:
Any neuropathy affecting primarily blood vessels as angiospasm, angioparalysis, or vasomotor paralysis.
Angioneurosis:
Vasomotor (causing dilation or constriction of the blood vessels) nervous disease for which there is no detectable damage to nerve tissue.
Anhydrous:
Water deficient.
Annual Checkup:
Annual Physical Examination:
Anorectic:
Agent that decreases appetite.
Antagonist:
A chemical substance that interferes with the uptake, assimilation and/or physiological action of another, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor.
Antagonists:
See Antagonist.
Anterior:
In the front or forward part of the organ or toward the head of the body.
Antiandrogenic:
Substance capable of preventing full expression of the biological effects of androgenic hormones on responsive tissues, either by producing an antagonistic effect, as in the case of estrogen, or by competing for receptor sites on the cell surface.
Antiedematous:
Preventing swelling.
Antiemetic:
Preventing vomiting.
Antigonadotropic:
Agent preventing growth or function of the testes or ovary.
Antimuscarinic:
Inhibiting the toxic effect of muscarine or muscarine-like substances.
Antimycotic:
Fungicidal.
Antiseptic:
Inhibiting growth of infectious organisms.
Antisialagogue:
Counteracts formation of saliva.
Antithyrotropic:
Inhibiting thyroid hormones.
Aplasia:
Absence of tissue or defective organ development.
Apnea:
Cessation of breathing.
Apoplexy:
Sudden neurologic impairment due to a cerebrovascular disorder, e.g., cerebral stroke.
Appendectomy:
Surgical removal of the appendix, often performed as an emergency procedure when the patient is suffering from acute appendicitis.
Appendicectomy:
See Appendectomy.
Appendisectomy:
See Appendectomy.
Arrhythmogenic:
Causing a change in the normal rhythm of the heart.
Arthrosis Deformans:
Noninfectious degeneration of a joint characterized by pain, cracking, and loss of bone.
Ascarid:
Large, heavy-bodied roundworms parasitic in the human intestine.
Asthenia:
Diminishing strength and energy.
Astringent:
Agent causing contraction, especially after topical application.
Asymptomatic:
Not showing symptoms.
Atelectasis:
Incomplete lung expansion or lung collapse and airlessness.
Atrophied:
See Atrophy.
Atrophies:
See Atrophy.
Atrophy:
Gradual loss of muscle or flesh usually because of disease or lack of use.
Autologous Transfusion:
A transfusion of one's own blood that has been preserved for later use.  This stored personal blood is a protection against AIDS, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases.
Axillary:
Pertaining to the region of the armpits.
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