 Abdomen

The part of the body between the chest and pelvis.

 Abortion
1. Induced abortion is a procedure done to end pregnancy. 2. Spontaneous abortion is a
naturally occurring abortion (also called…

 Abrasion
A wound caused by scraping the skin. A “skinned knee” is a common example.

 abscess
A swollen, inflamed area where pus gathers.

 Absorption
To take in substances through the skin or mucous membranes.

 Abstinence
To hold back or restrain. For example, to refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol, or from
having sexual…

 Acclimation
The process of getting used to a new climate or altitude.

 Achilles' tendon
The strong tendon at the back of the ankle that attaches the calf muscle to the heel.

 Acidosis
An abnormal condition in the body in which excessive acid lowers the pH of the blood and
body tissues.

 Acne
A skin disorder usually found in adolescents and young adults.

 Acoustic
Having to do with sound and hearing.

 Acromegaly
A condition that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. In
adults, this can cause overgrowth of…
 actinic keratosis
Scaly, pink, gray or tan patches or bumps on the face or scalp, or on the back of the
hands…

 acupuncture
An ancient Chinese method to relieve pain or treat disease by inserting needles into
various parts of the body.

 Acute
1. Of short course. 2. Severe, but of a short duration. Not chronic.

 Addiction
Strong dependence or habitual use of a substance or practice, despite the negative
consequences of its use.

 Addison's disease
An ailment characterized by underfunctioning of the adrenal glands. Characterized by
anemia, weakness, low blood pressure and brownish discoloration of…

 adenitis
Swelling of a gland.

 adenoids
Glandular tissue in the back of the throat that may swell, especially during childhood,
obstruct breathing and speaking, and lead…

 adenoma
A noncancerous tumor of glandular tissue.

 adenovirus
One of the viruses that cause the common cold