Medical Dictionary
MabCampath
| MabCampath is a drug used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a slowly progressing cancerous disease of the white blood cells. |
Mabthera
Mabthera is indicated for B cell non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with CD20 positive,
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Macrolides
| This group of antibiotics includes; Erythromycin, Roxithromycin, Azithromycin and Clarithromycin. They also act by preventing bacteria from producing proteins needed for their growth and reproduction. Depending on the concentration the medications are administered at, they may be bacteriostatic or bactericidal. They are most commonly used to treat chest infections acquired in the community. |
Macrophage
| A macrophage is a cell of the immune system that scavenges and eats foreign bodies (such as bacteria). |
Macula
| The Macula is a small patch of hair cells and their supporting cells contained within the saccule and the utricle. |
Macula lutea
| The macula lutea is a patch of cells about 3mm in diameter that can be found in the retina of the eye. In the centre of this patch is a small pit called the fovea centralis which produces finely detailed images. |
Macular
| A flat circumscribed area of skin or an area of altered skin area. This type of change may be seen in benign melanocytic lesions. |
Macular Degeneration
| Macular degeneration is a medical condition found predominantly in elderly adults in which the centre of the inner lining of the eye suffers thinning, atrophy, and sometimes bleeding. This can result in loss of central vision, which leads to an inability to see fine details, to read, or to recognise faces. |
Madelung's Disease
| Madelung's disease, or benign symmetric lipomatosis, refers to lipomatosis of the head, neck, shoulders, and proximal upper extremities. Persons with Madelung's disease are often men who consume alcohol and may present with the characteristic "horse collar" cervical appearance. |
Mainstream Smoke
| Mainstream smoke is the smoke which comes from the filter of a burning cigarette, or is inhaled and exhaled by the smoker. |
Malabsorption
| Malabsorption is the reduced ability of the gastrointestinal tract to digest and absorb nutrients from food, leading to malnutrition. |
Malabsorption syndrome
| Malabsorption syndrome is a condition in which the absorption of vitamins, mineral and fats is reduced in the small intestine. This has many unpleasant side effects associated such as; vitamin deficiencies, diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia and swelling. |
Malabsorptive conditions
| Malabsorptive conditions are conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract which prevent nutrients being absorbed correctly by the body. |
Malaise
| Malaise is a general feeling of being unwell, or out of sorts. It is associated with many different medical conditions, and is often the first sign of several different illness, such as viral infections. |
Male Breast Cancer
| Male breast cancer is a rare but important disease. Breast cancer in men is essentially the same disease as breast cancer in women, the breast tissue can occasionally undergo malignant (cancerous) change, producing breast cancer. |
Male Condom
| The male latex condom is an effective method of contraception and for the prevention of STD's transmitted through bodily fluids when used correctly and consistently. |
male pattern hair loss
Male pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia) is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. This often results in a receding hair line and/or balding on the top of the head. These changes typically start to occur in some men in their 20s and become more common with age. Once hair loss has occurred over a long period of time, the hair may be permanently lost. Male pattern hair loss is thought to be caused by a combination of family history (heredity) and production of a particular male hormone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men with male pattern hair loss have more DHT in the balding part of their scalp than in other parts, resulting in increased hair loss. |
Male Urogenital System
| The term urogenital refers to something that has both urinary and genital origins. The word urogenital was formed due to the merging of the urinary and reproductive systems in males. The male urogenital system consists of the following parts: Testes, Efferent ducts, Epididymis, Vas deferens, Ejaculatory ducts, Urethra, Penis, Prostate gland and Accessory Glands (Seminal vesicles and Bulbourethral glands). |
Malignancy
| Malignancy is a progressively worsening disease that becomes life threatening if untreated, often used to describe cancer. |
Malignant
| This refers to a tumour, that has the ability to spread and is usually characterised by uncontrolled growth, invasion and possible metastases. CAD can help detect these types of lesions. |
Malignant hyperthermia
| Malignant hyperthermia is a serious reaction to certain anaesthetic agents such as Suxamethonium. It is an inherited reaction that causes fast and irregular heart beat, fever, difficulty breathing and stiff muscles. Malignant hyperthermia is an emergency condition and should be managed with fluids, oxygen and administration of intravenous Dantrium Powder for Injection. |
Malignant mesothelioma
| Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is a cancer which arises from the mesothelial cells found within the pleural membranes. |
Malleus
| The malleus is one of three middle ear bones, the other two being the incus and the stapes. These bones oscillate in synchrony with the tympanic membrane vibrations, setting up wavelike movements in the cochlear perilymph at the same frequency. |
Malnutrition
| The World Health Organization defines malnutrition as "the cellular imbalance between supply of nutrients and energy and the body's demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions." It is the condition that occurs when a person's body is not getting enough nutrients. |
Mammogram
| A mammogram is radiological tool used to image breast tissue. It can detect calcifications, cysts, fibroadenomas (non-cancerous breast lumps) and breast cancer. |
Mania
| Mania is a mental state that is characterised by increase activity and cheerfulness. The mood can rapidly change to one of irritability. Thoughts and speech are rapid to the point of incoherence. Judgement is impaired during these times. |
Manual vacuum evacuation
| Manual vacuum evacuation is a surgical method of abortion. It involves the use of a handheld plastic tube-like device to suck out the uterine contents, including the embryo and lining of the uterus. This procedure is only performed in very early pregnancies, often before eight weeks. |
Manual-based Therapy
| Manual-based therapy is a psychotherapy program that has been developed for a specific disorder. The advantages for using manual based treatments are that they have evolved through years of studies and research and have been refined to treatments that can be very successful. |
Marfans syndrome
| Disorder of the connective tissues, affecting the skeletal, ocular (eye) and cardiovascular systems. This condition results in features such as a tall stature, long fingers and toes, lax joint ligaments, dislocation of the lenses, prolapse of heart valves such as the mitral valve. Stretch marks are often seen in this condition. |
Marfan's syndrome
| Marfan's syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder affecting the cardiovascular, skeletal and occular systems predominantly. The lungs and skin are also frequently involved. Patients usually have a characteristic appearance with long limbs and spidery fingers. |
Marijuana
Marijuana is a recreational drug derived from the cannabis plant. |
Masculinisation
| Masculinisation refers to the abnormal development of male sexual characteristics in a female (usually as the result of hormone therapies or adrenal malfunction) |
Mass Media Health Campaign
Mass media campaigns are health interventions which use the mass media (e.g. television, newspapers) to disseminate educational and motivational health messages (e.g. protecting against STIs). |
Mast Cell
| A mast cell is a cell of the immune system that, when stimulated, release substances such as histamine that cause inflammation. |
Mastalgia
| Mastalgia is simply breast pain. |
Mastecomy
| A mastectomy refers to a surgical procedure usually preformed in breast cancer patients. A mastectomy involves removal of all or part of the the breast to prevent the spread of cancer. There are three types of mastecomy: Halsted radical mastectomy, Skin sparing and nipple preserving mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and Total Mastectomy. |
Mastication
| Mastication is the process of chewing or grinding food in preparation for swallowing and digestion. |
Mastitis
| Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can be caused by an infection, some type of obstruction, or an allergy. |
Mastodynia
| Mastodynia refers to the pain in the breast. |
Masturbation
Refers to sexual stimulation other than through sexual intercourse (e.g. using hands), and particularly sexual self stimulation. More on male reproductive system. More on female reproductive system. |
Maternal attachment
| Maternal attachment refers to the process through which a pregnant woman experiences feelings and emotions for her foetus, interacts with her foetus and develops a maternal identity (i.e. begins to identify herself as a mother) during pregnancy. It is also known as prenatal attachment or maternal-foetal attachment. |
Maternal massage
| Maternal massage is massaging the foetus in the womb. |
Maternal serum screening
| Maternal serum screening refers to the process of testing a woman's blood for signs of birth defects in her foetus. It is usually performed in the 16th-18th week of pregnancy. |
Maternal-foetal attachment
| Maternal-foetal attachment refers to the process through which a pregnant woman experiences feelings and emotions for her foetus, interacts with her foetus and develops a maternal identity (i.e. begins to identify herself as a mother) during pregnancy. It is also known as prenatal attachment or maternal attachment. |
Meal Replacement Programs
| Meal Replacement Programs work by replacing meals per day with specialised formula food, which are a complete meal. Formulated meal replacements take various forms, including powders, drinks, soups, bars and biscuits. An example of a meal replacement programs is Ultra Slim (Associated British Foods). |
Measles
| Measles is a highly contagious viral disease capable of causing fever, rashes, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Measles infection may also lead to serious complications, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a destructive disease of the brain which always results in death. Children and adults can be protected from measles through immunisation. |
Mechanoreceptors
| Mechanoreceptors are cells that transduce mechanical stimuli and relay the signal to the central nervous system. |
Meconium Ileus
| Meconium Ileus is obstructed bowel due to failure of passing meconium within 48hrs after birth. |
Medial meniscus injury
| The medial meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage structure attached to the tibia that acts as a shock absorber for the knee. It can be torn, or degraded by age. Injury results in pain, swelling, and an inability to straighten the leg. |
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion refers to an abortion induced by the administration of medication. More information on abortion. |
Medically induced abortion
| A medically induced abortion refers to the termination of a pregnancy induced using pharmacological substances. Medications to induce abortion are not available in Australia. |
Medication Compliance
| Medication compliance refers to the regular taking of medications as prescribed by the Doctor. |
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a diet based on plants foods, low consumption of saturated fats and regular consumption of fish, traditionally consumed in the Mediterranean region. The diet is associated with a range of health benefits. |
Medium-chain acetyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD)
Deficiency of medium-chain acetyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase is an autosomal recessive trait, resulting in inability to oxidize medium chain fatty acids. In situations where fatty acid oxidization is required (eg fasting or metabolic stress), severe hypoglycemia with hypoketonuria results. |
Medulla
| The medulla is one part of the brainstem . The medulla extends from the caudal border of the pons to where the spinal cord begins. As a component of the brain, the medulla is part of the central nervous system (CNS). |
Megakaryocytes
| Megakaryocytes are large cells found in the bone marrow responsible for the production of platelets |
Meibomianitis
Meibomianitis refers to inflammation of the little glands called Meibomian glands located in the eyelids that make a lubricant which they discharge through their tiny openings in the edges of the lids. |
Meiosis
Meiosis is a special type of cell division that produces the egg and sperm cells. It has a different process to normal cell division (mitosis) because the sperm and egg are haploid cells so they only need half the DNA of normal cells. One cell that undergoes meiosis will produce four haploid cells because meiosis contains two cell divisions. This process also involves chromosomal cross-over which "mixes up" the genes and is one of the reasons everyone's DNA is unique. |
Melanin
| Melanin refers to groups of pigments which colour the skin, hands and eyes. |
Melano compromised
| An individual who is melano-compromised is an individual with low levels of melanin in their skin. They will have very fair skin, which burns or freckles easily when exposed to sunlight. |
Melanocyte
| Any one of the cells, concentrated in the epidermis of the skin, that produces the dark pigment melanin. These cells are important in providing benign melanocytic lesions with their colour. |
Melanocytic naevi
| Benign neoplasms composed of melanocytes. These can be divided into congenital and acquired groups and are the most common benign melanocytic lesions found on skin. |
Melanoma
| Melanomas are cancers of cells known as 'melanocytes' that are present in the skin. |
Melasma
| Ill defined, symmetrical brown patches found on the cheeks or other parts of the face. This is a cause of benign melanocytic lesions. |
Melatonin
| Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the hypothalamus of the brain. It plays a key role in regulating the internal body clock, telling the body what time of day it is and when we need to eat, sleep etc. Melatonin is released in response to darkness where it acts on the brain to promote sleep. Daylight inhibits melatonin secretion thus encouraging day time activity. The amount of melatonin in the body is disturbed during long-haul air travel and is responsible for causing the symptoms of jet lag. Melatonin supplements for the treatment of jet lag are available in the US and Europe but not currently in Australia. |
Melena
| The passage of dark-coloured, offensive smelling, tarry stools. This is caused by the presence of blood within the gastrointestinal lumen that is broken down by colonic bacteria into chemicals (hematin) which are black in colour. |
Meloxicam
| Meloxicam works by reducing symptoms such as inflammation and pain. |
Memory B Cell
| A Memory B cell is a type of B cell that has specialised into remembering the type of substances that the immune system has seen before. If an infectious agent is seen again, these memory B cells can reactivate and help to destoy it by creating lots of Plasma Cells. |
Menarche
| Menarche is the medical term for the first menstrual period. |
Menevit
| Menevit is a vitamin supplement that has been specifically formulated to maintain optimal sperm health and hence support conception. |
Meniere's disease
| Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance. It is characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by an increase in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear. |
Meniere's Syndrome
| Meniere's Syndrome is a disease of the internal ear affecting both hearing and equilibrium. Patients initially experience episodes of dizziness and tinnitus (ringing noise in the ears), and later develop a low-frequency hearing loss. |
Meningeal layers (Meninges)
| The meningeal layers are sometimes referred to as meninges. They are three separate layers that enclose the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system. Their roles are mainly to protect the brain and to circulate blood to and from the brain. |
Meninges
| Meninges are basically coatings of the brain, with the three layers having different thicknesses, textures and purposes. The three layers of the meninges are named the dura mater, the arachnoid and the pia mater. Meninges act as shock absorbers and prevent direct contact of the brain with bone. |
Meningitis
| Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes) covering the brain and spinal cord. |
Meningococcal disease
| Meningococcal disease is bacterial illness transmitted between people by coughing or sneezing. Disease onset is often very sudden; young children in particular may become seriously unwell within hours of infection, with inflammation around the brain (meningitis) or blood poisoning (septicaemia). Children and adults can be protected from some types of meningococcal disease through immunisation. |
Menopause
| Menopause is the period in a women’s life where menstruation ceases to take place. Menopause is accompanied by a reduction in oestrogen levels in the body, which may lead to menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, irritability and osteoporosis. |
Menorest
Menorest is used for:
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Menorrhagia
| Menorrhagia refers to an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals. |
Menses
Menses, also commonly known as the menstrual period, refers to the expulsion of the lining of the uterus, which occurs at the end of the ovulatory cycle. More information menses
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Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle refers to the cycle of changes a woman's reproductive tract goes through every month. This involves ovulation (release of the female's egg from the ovary allowing it to be fertilised) and menstruation (monthly flow of blood due to shedding of the uterus lining when the egg is not fertilised. The average duration of this cycle is approximately 28 days. More on female reproductive system. More on the menstrual cycle. |
Menstrual phase
| Menstrual phase occurs in the endometrium when both oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels in between cycles. During this period there is degradation of the endometrial glands and stroma. This is accompanied by extravasation of red blood cells and infiltration of leukocytes. This phase begins with the first day of menstruation. Contraction of the myometrium occurs expelling the blood and endometrial cells through the vagina as a result of an increase in prostaglandins. |
Menstruation
| Menstruation describes the female period. The menstruation cycle involves the monthly release of an egg (ovum) in a process called ovulation, with bleeding due to shedding of the uterine lining at the end of the cycle. |
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that predominantly affects elderly Caucasians and has a tendency to recur locally and spread to different parts of the body. |
Mesenteric artery
| Mesenteric artery refers to a type of artery which takes blood to the intestines. |
Meta analysis
| A meta analysis is a review that uses quantitative methods to combine the statistical measures from two or more studies and generate a weighted average of the effect of an intervention, degree of association between a risk factor and a disease, or accuracy of a diagnostic test. |
Metabolic alkalosis
| Metabolic alkalosis is a reduction in plasma concentrations of [H+] cause by a relative deficiency of noncarbonic acids. |
Metabolic equivalents
Metabolic equivalents or METs is a measure of the vigour of a physical activity. The measurement is based on the rate of oxygen consumption while that activity is being undertaken. For more information see How the Body Burns Calories |
Metabolic Syndrome
| The metabolic syndrome is a group of factors that can potentially contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels), type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and stroke. The components of the metabolic syndrome include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol levels, and impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes. |
Metabolism
| Metabolism refers to all the processes that occur in our bodies to burn fuels and create energy for our cells to use. The main fuels that the body uses are carbohydrates (sugars) and fats. However when these stores are depleted the body may start breaking down other substances called proteins (which are the imortant building blocks of several tissues) for energy. |
Metacarpophalangeal joint
| The metacarpophalangeal joint is also known as the knuckle joint, and is found between the metacarpals and bottom phalanges of the hand. |
Metacarpus
| Metacarpus refers to the palm of the hand, which is formed by five metacarpal bones that extend from the wrist. These bones are numbered from 1 to 5 from the thumb to the little finger. |
Metal Electrode
A metal electrode is a metallic patch that can conduct signals and is used to measure the conductivity of an object. |
Metastasis (Metastases)
Metastasis is the movement of cancer cells from a specific anatomical site (e.g. the lung) to other sites in the body. When cancer cells begin to metastasise, they spread throughout the body, and additional cancer tumours can form. The plural of metstasis is metastases. |
Metastatic Disease
| Metastatic Disease is the broad term used to describe any disease which can spread throughout the body; through the blood or lymphatic system. A malignant tumour is an example of a metastatic disease. |
Methaemoglobinaemia
Methaemoglobinaemia is the presence of abnormally large amounts of methaemoglobin in the blood, causing cyanosis. This could be caused by injury or toxic agents.
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Methylprednisolone
| Methylprednisolone is a potent steroid medication used to treat a number of acute inflammatory and infective conditions such as severe allergic reactions, status asthmaticus (severe asthma attacks) and inflammatory bowel disease. It is given as an injection into either a muscle or a vein. Like other steroid drugs it can cause a number of side effects if used for prolonged periods. However, most patients will only be prescribed it short term. |
Micardis
| Micardis is used to control high blood pressure (also called hypertension). Everybody has blood pressure which is important to supply blood around the body, but when blood pressure becomes higher than normal, it may cause damage to blood vessels in organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and the brain. |
Micardis Plus
| Micardis Plus is used to control high blood pressure (also called hypertension). Everybody has blood pressure which is important to supply blood around the body, but when blood pressure becomes higher than normal, it may cause damage to blood vessels in organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and the brain. |
Microcomedo
| The first stage of comedo formation in acne; a comedo so small that it can be seen only with a microscope. |
Microdermabrasion
| A mini-peeling with minimal risk of dyspigmentation or scarring that is achieved by projecting aluminum micro-crystals onto the skin; safe for all skin types |
Microglia
| Microglia act as the immune defence cells of the central nervous system. |
Micromanipulation
| Micromanipulation is the process of manipulating objects which are not visible to the human eye (e.g. sperm and eggs) under a microscope. |
Micronutrient deficiency
Micronutrient deficiency is a form of malnutrition where an individual's body does not receive a sufficient quantity of one or more micronutrient (e.g. Vitamin A, iodine). |
Micropenis
| A micropenis is a structurally normal penis, which is significantly smaller in length when compared to the normal population. |
Microscope
| A microscope is an instrument which can be used to view objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. A microscope can be used to view objects such as bacteria, plants and even human cells. |
Microscopy
| Microscopy is the process of looking at a specimen of tissue under a microscope. It allows the laboratory to look at cells under the microscope and decide whether they look normal. |
Microvilli
| Microvilli are fine hair-like structures on cells that help to increase cell surface area. |
Micturition
| Micturition is another way of saying urination. |
Midbrain
| The midbrain (Mesencephalon) is the smallest section of the brainstem . The midbrain contains nuclei that process visual and auditory information and generates reflexive responses to these stimuli. An example of this is the startle response that people have to loud noises. As a component of the brain, the midbrain is also part of the central nervous system (CNS). |
Middle ear
| The middle ear is located between the external and inner ear. It is separated from the ear canal of the outer ear by the tympanic membrane (the eardrum). The middle ear functions to transfer the vibrations of the eardrum to the inner ear fluid. |
Midpalm
The midpalm refers to a group of muscles in the hand that help extend the fingers. |
Mifepristone
Mifepristone is a drug that works to produce abortion. In combination with a second drug, it stimulates the uterus to contract and expel the foetus. It is primarily used in the early stages of pregnancy as an alternative method of non-surgical termination. |
Migraine
| Migraines are recurrent headaches which can occur in conjunction with gastrointestinal and visual symptoms. |
Milieu Therapy
| Milieu therapy is a form of psychotherapy. It is used by psychologists that believe support and encouragement are the key aspects of therapeutic success. This is a highly structured type of therapy however the client is still made to feel in control of the sessions. The psychologist will try and interpret symptoms as a meaningful aspect of the patients’ personality or experience. The psychologist will give constant feedback to the client about their progress throughout the sessions. |
Mindfulness
| Mindfulness is a technique in which a person becomes intentionally aware of his or her thoughts and actions in the present moment. Recent research points to a useful therapeutic role for mindfulness in a number of medical and psychiatric conditions, notably chronic pain and stress. |
Mini pill
| The Mini Pill is a contraceptive (birth control) pill which contains only the hormone progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by: thickening the cervical mucus so sperm can not penetrate, changing the lining of the uterus making it difficult for the embryo to implant and stopping ovulation from occuring. |
Minute ventilation
| Minute ventilation is the volume of air which can be inhaled or exhaled from a person's lungs in one minute. |
Mirena
| Mirena IUD is used for birth control, prevention of menorrhagia and hormone replacement therapy adjunct to oestrogen. |
Miscarriage
| Miscarriage refers to the loss of a fetus and products of conception in pregnancy, which occurs on its own i.e. it is spontaneous, prior to 20 weeks gestation. |
Mitosis
| Mitosis is the both the first and final stage of the cell cycle and the point at which the nucleus of a single cell physically divides to form two new cells. |
Mitozantrone
| Mitozantrone (also called Mitoxantrone) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat a number of cancers. It is given as an injection into a vein usually for a number of cycles. Mitozantrone is currently used in certain types of breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukaemia and prostate cancer. In the future it may also be used to treat progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. |
Mitral Stenosis
| Mitral Stenosis is a hardening of one of the heart's valves called the mitral valve. This means that blood cannot be pushed through as easily and so can lead to heart problems or pulmonary oedema. |
Mixed episode
| A mixed episode is a period of at least one week where the patient has the symptoms of both depression and mania. |
Mobic
| Mobic is used in the treatment of joint pain and swelling, in diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. |
Moderate Spectrum Penicillin
| Moderate Spectrum Penicillins are a type of antibiotic such as amoxycillin and ampicillin. They have a similar range of activity as Narrow Spectrum Penicillin, but are more active against extra bacteria such as those responsible for chest infections and urinary tract infections. |
Molars
| Molars are located at the back of our mouths and are used for grinding and crushing food. Molars have broad crowns and rounded cusps. The cusps of the teeth on one jaw fit exactly in the depression of the surface of the molars of the other jaw- this makes them perfectly suited to grinding. |
Mollusca contagiosa
| Mollusca contagiosa is a viral infection of the skin and sometimes mucous membranes. Lesions that result are often flesh-coloured, dome-shaped and appear pearly. |
Monoamine
Monoamine refers to any molecule that contains a single amine. |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
| Monoamine oxidase inhibtors (MAOIs) are a class of medications used to treat major depression and some anxiety disorders (e.g. phobias and panic disorders). They work by irreversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase A and B. This results in increased levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. |
Monobactams
| This is another class of the beta lactam antibiotics which has good activity against Gram negative bacteria. |
Monocyte
| A monocyte is a type of white blood cell that is responsible for the ingestion of foreign particles such as bacteria and tissue debris. |
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
| Monosodium glutamate is often added to food as a flavour enhancer (621), but it can also occur naturally in food. It is popularly associated with Chinese restaurant syndrome and asthmatic attacks, although a link has not been proven. |
Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats are fatty acids which have only one double bond between the carbon atoms in the fatty acid molecule (i.e. there is one point in the fatty acid chain where oxygen atoms can attach and oxidate the fatty acid molecule). In terms of nutrition, they are considered the healthiest type of fat for human consumption, and are found in plant-based oils (particularly olive oil).
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Morbidity
| Morbidity refers to a disability or poor health resulting from any cause. |
Morning Sickness
| Many women experience nausea and/or vomiting (morning sickness) in early pregnancy, which can last throughout the day. In the majority of women, morning sickness will stop or greatly be reduced by 12 - 14 weeks gestation. |
Morphine
| Morphine is an opioid with sedative properties used to relieve severe or constant pain such as childbirth pain, which cannot be controlled by any other pain relievers. Morphine exerts its analgesic effects by acting as an agonist and activating the opioid receptors in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. In doing so, the pain threshold is elevated and the brain’s awareness of the pain is decreased. |
Morphologically normal
| In relation to sperm, morphologically normal means sperm which are normally shaped. |
Mortality
| This refers to the state or condition of being subject to death. Some drugs such as those acting on our cholesterol levels (statins, fibrates) are thought to decrease our rates of mortality. |
Morula
| A morula refers to a conceptus that is made up of 16 or more cells, before becoming a blastocyst at roughly 100 cells. |
Motile
Refers to the ability of sperm to move or "swim"after ejaculation. More on male reproductive system. More on sperm analysis. |
Motility
Motility refers to the extent to which something can move. |
Motilium
Motilium may have been prescribed for you to help with nausea and vomiting or to help treat the symptoms associated with gastroparesis. These symptoms may include loss of appetite, bloating after meals, belching with no relief or not being able to finish your meals. |
Motion Sickness
| Motion sickness or kinetosis is a common condition which occurs in people during travel on planes, automobiles, trains and especially on boats at sea. It even occurs during exposure to moving scenes in virtual reality games and is characterised by symptoms of dizziness, nausea and fatigue which can progress to vomiting. Motion sickness is essentially a disturbance of the inner ear and occurs when the body is subjected to repetitive movements whereby there is conflict in the brain about what is visually perceived and the inner ears' sense of movement. |
Motor Cortex Stimulation
| Motor cortex stimulation involves the electrical stimulation of areas of the brain that control movement. Stimulation of this area is useful in treating complex pain that arises from the brain itself or other nerves outside the brain, which does not respond to treatment with drugs. Motor Cortex Stimulation is a form of Neurostimulation. |
Motor functions
| Motor functions refer to any physical movements. |
Motor nerves
| Motor nerves are the nerves responsible for all voluntary skeletal and somatic movement such as moving the leg or arm. Motor nerves send impulses from the brain and spinal cord to all of the muscles in the body. |
Mould
| Mould is a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. |
Mouthwash
| Mouthwash is a solution for rinsing the mouth intended to remove food and bacteria. It is meant to be used only as an aid to brushing and flossing. Mouthwashes cannot replace brushing and flossing. |
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
| MRI is a non-invasive method of investigating the body. MRI uses a very strong magnetic field and radio waves to get very clear images of internal structure of the body. No radiation is involved, but MRI is expensive and it can take around an hour to perform the investigation. |
MTD - Maximum tolerated dose
| The highest daily dose of a drug that does not cause overt toxicity in laboratory mice or rats. |
Muco-adherent
| Muco adherent means capable of adhering to mucous membranes. |
mucocutaneous candidiasis
Mucocutaneous candidiasis refers to a condition caused by a fungus from the candida family (lives on the surface of skin) that develops a diffuse and persistent type of infection of the mouth, nails, skin, and at times other organs. |
Mucosa
Mucosa is the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract and some organs and body cavities including your nose, mouth and lungs. |
Mucositis
| Mucositis is a painful condition in which damage occurs to the lining of the mucous membranes of the mouth and gastro-intestinal tract, usually following anti-cancer treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. It is a debilitating and distressing side effect of these treatments, and is characterised by extensive pain, ulceration and inflammation of mucosal sites affected. |
Mucous Membrane
| A mucous membrane is the moist coating of many structures of the body and is found in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other parts of the body. It contains many glands that secrete mucus. |
Mucus
| Mucus is a thick fluid that is secreted by mucous membranes of the body, such as in the lungs, mouth and gut. Mucus acts as a protective barrier, a lubricant, and a carrier of numerous enzymes that protect from Infection. |
Multidynamic Psychotherapy Program
| Multidynamic Psychotherapy Program is the combination of the three different psychological perspectives; cognitive, behavioural and psychoanalytical, in the one program in order to find the most successful treatment for a psychological or mental problem. Most psychologists will employ a multidynamic outlook when they assess their clients. |
Multimodal Treatment
| Multimodal treatment is treatment that involves the simultaneous use of several different treatments and therapies. For example, linking psychotherapy with medication would be a multimodal treatment. |
Multiple Gestation
| Multiple gestation refers to the presence of two or more developing fetuses simultaneiously in the same uterus eg twins. |
Multiple Myeloma
| Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of a type of immune cell called a plasma cell. These plasma cells multiply rapidly and produce too many antibodies that can cause problems for lots of systems including bones, the kidneys and the blood itself. |
Multiple sclerosis
| Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. It is characterised by loss of the myelin sheath covering nerves of the central nervous system. This reduces the nerve's conduction speed and causes various neurological symptoms such as loss of vision, motor weakness, abnormal sensations and pain. |
Mumps
| Mumps is a viral illness characterised by swelling of the salivary glands along with fever and headache. Complications of mumps infection include inflammation of the tissues around the brain (meningitis), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), or permanent deafness. In older males, mumps may cause painful swelling of the testes which may rarely result in infertility. Children and adults can be protected from mumps infection through immunisation. |
Murmurs
| Murmurs refer to abnormal heart sounds. Murmurs may indicate a problem with the heart valves, but many types of murmur are no cause for concern. |
Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
| Muscarinic receptor antagonists are a group of bronchodilator medications. Muscarinic receptor antagonists act on muscarinic receptors to relax constriction of the airways by stimulation of the |
Muscarinic receptors
| Muscarinic receptors are located on the membranes of cells which are especially sensitive to muscarine. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are a group of bronchodilators acting to counteract the action of muscarine, to relax constriction of airways due to activation of special nerves in the body's parasympathetic system. |
Muscle
| Muscle is one of the four primary tissue types in the body and is specialised for contraction. Types of muscle tissue include skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. |
Muscle Fatigue
Muscle fatigue is when the muscle is worked and becomes tired. Commonly when muscles become fatigued it feels as though they must be rested. |
Muscle Pain
| Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically-demanding work. In these situations, the pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It can also be a sign of conditions affecting your whole body, like some infections (including the flu) and disorders that affect connective tissues throughout the body (such as lupus). |
Muscle Strength
| Muscle strength refers to the maximum force of a muscle or muscle group. |
Musculoskeletal
| Parts of the human body including bones, joints, muscles and tendons. |
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
| Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is a collective term for a range of conditions characterised by discomfort or pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, with or without visible symptoms. |
Mutagen
| A mutagen is a substance or chemical that causes mutation. |
Mutation
| A genetic mutation is a disease causing change in the DNA of a gene. An example of a disease caused by a genetic mutation is Huntington's disease. |
Myalgia
| Myalgia is muscular pain or tenderness, especially when diffuse and nonspecific. Also called myodynia. |
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected. |
mydriasis
| Mydriasis is an excessive dilation of the pupil due to disease, trauma or drugs. Normally, the pupil dilates in the dark and constricts in the light. A mydriatic pupil will remain excessively large, even in a bright environment. |
Myelin
| Myelin is the insulating membrane around the nerve 'axon' or cable that allows nerves to conduct impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. It is found throughout the nervous system. |
Myelography
| Myelography is an x-ray examination of the spinal canal. A contrast agent is injected through a needle into the space around the spinal cord to display the spinal cord, spinal canal, and nerve roots on an x ray. |
Myelosuppression
| A condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Myelosuppression is a side effect of some cancer treatments. |
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
| A myocardial infarction (commonly called a heart attack) occurs when an area of heart muscle is permenantly damaged after not receiving enough oxygen. This is usually because one of the blood vessels that supplies that area of the heart has become blocked, usually with a fatty plaque called atherosclerosis. |
Myocarditis
| Myocarditis is an inflammation of the muscular layer of the heart. This is usually due to a viral infection. |
Myoclonus
| Myoclonus is when a group of muscles or a muscle twitch involuntarily. |
Myoglobin
| Myoglobin is a single-chain, iron-containing protein found in muscle fibers, which may be detected in the urine if muscles are damaged during a burn. |
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is the process of surgically removing uterine fibroids. |
Myometrium
| The myometrium is the middle layer of muscles of the the wall of the uterus. For more information please see the female urogenital system. |
