Medical Dictionary
p53
| p53 is a tumour suppressor gene that acts to, as the name suggests, stop tumours from developing. It does this by activating a number of proteins that trigger cell death in the damaged cell. This stops that cell from replicating and dividing uncontrollably and forming a tumour. |
P53 proteins
| P53 proteins act as checkpoints in the cell cycle, that is the cycle in which cells divide and replicate. They work in conjunction with P53 genes to stop the replication of damaged cells, the replication of which will lead to tumours. |
Pachymetry
| Pachymetry is the process used to determine the corneal thickness of the eye, by using ultrasound. |
PAD (Bortezomib, Doxorubicin, Dexamethasone)
| Bortezomib (formerly PS-341), doxorubicin, dexamethasone (PAD) combination therapy is a chemotherapy regimen that uses the drugs bortezomib, doxorubicin and dexamethasone together. It has been used in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). |
Paediatrics
| Paediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in children. |
Paget's disease
| Paget's disease (also known as osteitis deformans) is a chronic bone disorder characterized by the irregular breakdown and formation of bone tissue. This may result in the expansion and weakening of bone; causing bone pain, arthritis, fractures and bone deformities. |
Pain
| Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience common to many different diseases. For more information about the mechanisms and different types of pain, see the anatomy and physiology of pain. |
Pain Inhibition Pathway
Pain inhibition pathways are nerve pathways in the spinal cord that block the sensation of pain. |
Palliative surgery
| Palliative surgery is not designed to cure the cancer, but rather, to help alleviate discomfort and minimise problems arising from the tumour itself or cancer treatment. |
Pallor
| Pallor refers to a pale appearance to the skin. |
Palmer interossei
| Palmer interossei are three muscles of the hand involved in the adduction of fingers. |
Palpitation
| A palpitation is the sudden sensation of the heart beating in the chest. It is sometimes described as a 'pounding' or 'fluttering' sensation and can be caused by many different things. |
Palpitations
| Palpitations refers to unpleasant sensations of irregular or forceful beating of the heart |
Pamisol
Pamisol is used in the treatment of following conditions:
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Pancreas
| The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the abdomen. It has two major roles: it makes digestive enzymes, which help to break down food in the small intestine; and it secretes insulin, a hormone which regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. |
Pancreatic cancer
| Pancreatic cancer is usually an adenocarcinoma that arises from the pancreatic duct cells which make up the major part of the pancreas. These cells are responsible for making pancreatic gut secretions. |
Pancreatitis
| Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This can be acute or chronic. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones, followed by excessive alcohol consumption. |
Pancytopenia
Pancytopenia is a condition in which there is a shortage of all types of blood cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets. |
Panic Attack
| A panic attack is a sudden onset of anxiety or panic accompanied by an increased heartrate, increased sweating and shortness of breath. Panic attacks can be brought about by a range of trigger factors and can last from seconds to hours. Anyone can experience a panic attack in times of extreme stress but they are mostly experienced by with people diagnosed with anxiety disorders. |
PAP smear
| A PAP smear is a test for all sexually active women that allows the examination of cells from the cervix for abnormal changes. |
Papular
| A small raised area of skin, less than 5mm in diameter. This type of change may be seen in benign melanocytic lesions. |
Papules
| Small rounded elevations of the skin. |
Paraesthesia
| Paraesthesia is the alteration of pain sensations into a 'pins and needles' or tingling sensation through the stimulation of certain pain pathways. Paraesthesia is achieved by neurostimulation. |
Parakeratinisation
| Parakeratinisation refers to partially complete keratinisation. |
Paralysis
| Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups. Paralysis often includes loss of feeling in the affected area. |
Parasite
| A parasite is an organism that is intimately associated with and metabolically dependent on another living organism (the host) for completion of its life cycle, and which is typically detrimental to the host. |
Parasympathetic system
| This is one of the two divisions of the nervous system. There are fibres leaving the central nervous system, from the brain and the lower part of the spinal cord. They are distributed to many blood vessels, organs and are found alongside fibres from the sympathetic nervous system, acting to oppose it’s actions. The class of bronchodilators known as muscarinic receptor antagonists act to relax constriction of airways due to activation of nerves by stimulation of the parasympathetic system. |
Paravertebral area
The paravertebral area is the area surrounding the backbone. |
Parent training
Parent training (PT) is a programme that is designed to help parents develop the skills necessary to manage their child’s behaviour and development. The techniques learnt in PT allow parents to correctly identify, define and respond to dysfunctional and problematic childhood behaviour. |
Parenteral nutrition
| Parenteral nutrition is nutrition or feeding which is given intravenously. |
Parenteral tube feeding
| Parenteral tube feeding is the intravenous provision of nutrients. |
Pariet
| Pariet is used for the treatment of ulcers, specifically ulcers of the gastrointestinal system. Pariet works to relieve the symptoms of reflux and ulcers by slowing down the secretion of acid by the cells that line the stomach. |
Parietal Cells
Parietal cells are the cells in the stomach which produce and secrete gastric acid. |
Parietal Lobe
| The parietal lobe , one of the five lobes of the brain , extends posteriorly from the central sulcus to the parieto-occipital sulcus.The parietal lobe has three main functions: processing sensory information, comprehending language and very complex areas of human behaviour such as spatial orientation and perception. |
Parity
| Parity is the number of live births at any gestation or stillbirths after 24 weeks gestation. |
parkinsonism
| Parkinsonism refers to a disease of the brain affecting movement |
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately two percent of the population over 65 years. It is caused by a deficiency of a chemical called dopamine in certain areas of the brain. Patients with Parkinson's disease have three classical signs:
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Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF)
| Paroxysmal AF is a type of atrial fibrillation in which a person experiences repeated, short episodes of chest palpitations that resolve spontaneously. In between these episodes, the heart is normal. |
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea (PND)
| Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea is a medical symptom that literally means 'bursts of breathlessness happening throughout the night'. It can be a sign of heart failure. |
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
| Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is a condition where the heart beats very rapidly, but without any abnormal electrical circuits. It can come on very suddenly and often goes away by itself. |
Partogram
| The partogram is a graphical representation of the labour on a single sheet of paper. It enables the early recognition of a labour that may be dysfunction. It is used almost universally in obstetric care. |
Parturition
| Parturition refers to labour, delivery and birth. It requires the dilation of the cervical canal to accommodate for the passage of the foetus, as well as contractions of the uterine myometrium that are strong enough to expel the foetus. |
Passive involuntary euthanasia
| Passive involuntary euthanasia is a form of physician assisted death whereby medical treatment or life-support is withdrawn or withheld from a patient, without the patient's request, in order to end the patient's life, when a patient is in a non-responsive state. |
Passive smoking
| Passive smoking refers to inhaling the second hand smoke of someone who smokes, by being in the same environment as another individual who is smoking. It can occur by being in a house, car or public space with an individual who is smoking. |
Passive voluntary euthanasia
| Passive voluntary euthanasia is a form of physician assisted death whereby medical treatment is withdrawn or withheld from a patient, at the patient's request, in order to end the patient's life. |
Pasteurization
| Pasteurization is the process of killing harmful microorganisms by heating milk for a short time and then cooling it for storage and transportation. |
Patanol
| Patanol eye drops are used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. |
Patching
| Patching is a non-invasive treatment for amblyopia, in which one eye (the dominant eye) is patched, to encourage greater activity in the other eye (the lazy or amblyopic eye). |
Patent blue
| Patent blue is a dye used to colour lymph vessels during procedures such as lymphobiopsy. |
Paternal attachment
| Paternal attachment refers to the bond a father-to-be might experience for the foetus growing in his partner's womb. |
Pathologist
| A pathologist is a doctor who specialises in examining cells, tissues and organs for the presence of disease. |
PD - Progression of disease
| A 25% or greater increase in the size of at least one measurable lesion, or the appearance of new lesions, or recurrence of symptoms. |
PDE-5 Inhibitors
| The PDE5 inhibitors are a new generation of drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction which, unlike previous therapies, can be taken orally. |
Peak bone mass
Peak bone mass is the maximum bone or skeletal mass an individual reaches during their life. Bone mass generally develops rapidly throughout childhood and adolescence. Bone mass then develops more slowly until an individual reaches approximately 30 years of age, when bone mass begins to decline. |
Peak expiratory flow (PEF)
| This a simple investigation of how well the lungs are working which is a routine part of lung function tests. PEF can easily be performed at the bedside or at the GP's office. You will need to take a deep breath, then blow out as hard and fast as you can into a small tube (peak flow meter). This measures the flow of air and can be used to identify obstruction of the airways. PEF is often used to monitor a range of respiratory diseases such as asthma. |
Peer Education
Peer education health programs are those in which individuals with similar demographic or other characteristics to the target audience (e.g. youth, sex workers) facilitate educational sessions or access to technologies (e.g. STI protection). |
Pelvic Floor Muscles
| Pelvic Floor Muscles. The hammock or sling of muscles in the pelvic floor that normally assists in maintaining continence by supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and rectum). |
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) occurs in women and involves the female reproductive organs: vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other contiguous structures. It is caused by the ascent of micro-organisms from the lower vagina to the upper genital tract. Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and a wide variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are recognised as causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. |
Pemetrexed
| Pemetrexed is an anticancer drug known as an antimetabolite. Pemetrexed is used in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and also for the treatment of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. |
Penetration
| Penetration in relation to sexual intercourse, penetration refers to the process of inserting the penis into either the vagina or anus. |
Penicillin
| A group of beta lactam antibiotics used to fight and kill bacteria. They are divided into groups depending on how many classes of bacteria they are active against. These groups include, Narrow, Moderate and Broad spectrum penicillins. |
Penicillin hypersensitivity
| Most beta lactam antibiotics that are associated with a hypersensitivity reaction are a result of late, non-IgE mediated reactions occurring. These reactions commonly result in symptoms such as rashes,fever, serum sickness like reactions, and haemolysis. |
Penile implant
| A penile implant is a firm rod or inflatable device that is placed in the penis during a surgical procedure. The implant makes it possible to have and keep an erection. Penile implants are used to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence. |
Penile Injection Therapy
| Penile Injection Therapy is a procedure critical in order to prevent permanent atrophy of the erectile mechanism. It involves self injection into the side of the penis (taught by a trained nurse) using vaso-active combinations of of Prostaglandin, Papaverine and Phentolamine. |
Penile Prosthetic Surgery
| Penile Prosthetic Surgery is the implantation of an implantable penile prosthesis. This is the gold standard in terms of permanent restoration of quality erectile function. The inflatable penile prosthesis is inserted through a small transverse incision and comprises and intra abdominal reservoir of normal saline, inflatable cylinders within the penis and an inflate and deflate pump mechanism located within the scrotum. Surgery is performed on a twenty-four hour hospital stay basis. Should the patient be impotent pre-operatively or should potency not return post-operatively the patient should be counselled with respect to penile prosthetic surgery in terms of adequate long-term management. |
Penis
The penis is an organ of the male urogenital system. Both urine and semen are expelled from the male body through the penis. For more information, see Male Urogenital System. |
Peptic ulcer
| Peptic ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer disease is an ulcer in an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is often acidic (such as the stomach) and thus very painful. |
Perception
| Perception is the individual interpretation of sensory information. For example the sensory information could be seeing a scarf, which one person perceives as the colour red whereas another person could perceive it as a dark pink. This goes for all our sensations, our individual perception dictates what songs we like, what tastes we prefer and so on. |
Perennial allergic rhinitis
| Perennial rhinitis is characterised primarily by nasal symptoms including watering or congestion of the nose and sneezing. It occurs due to an exaggerated response to an environmental trigger which results in inflammation of the lining of the nose. It is similar to hayfever, however the substances which cause the allergic reaction are present all year round. Common causes include the faecal matter of the house dust-mite, animal proteins from domestic pets, and industrial dusts and fumes. |
Performance Enhancing Drugs
Performance enhancing drugs are drugs that enhance an individual's ability to perform, usually in a high endurance sport such as athletics or weight lifting. |
Periactin
Periactin is an antihistamine which works by blocking the action of histamine and other substances produced by the body, which causes symptoms of allergy or itchiness. |
Pericarditis
| Pericarditis refers to a condition which involves swelling of the lining that surrounds the heart. |
Pericardium
| The pericardium is a fibrous covering which wraps around the whole heart. The pericardium holds the heart in place but allows it to move as it beats. |
Pericyazine
| Pericyazine is a phenothiazine antipscyhotic. Used to treat schizophrenia. Also used in conjunction with other medication to treat very bad anxiety and violent impulsive behaviour over a short period of time. |
Perilymph
| Perilymph is a cushion of fluid which lies between the bony and membranous labyrinth, of the inner ear. |
Perimenopause
| Perimenopause is the time around menopause when low oestrogen levels are causing symptoms. Perimenopause is usually synonymous with climacteric. |
Perimetrium
| The perimetrium is the outside layer of the wall of the uterus. For more information please see the female urogenital system. |
Perineal
| Perineal. The region between the scrotum and the anus in males, and between the posterior vulva junction and the anus in females. |
Perineum
| The perineum is the muscular area between the vagina and the anus. |
Periodontal ligament
| The periodontal ligament consists of fibers (blood and nerves) that attach the root of a tooth to the underlying bone. |
Periodontitis / Periodontal Disease
| Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease is inflammation of the supporting structures of teeth i.e. bone, ligaments etc; it needs to managed by a dentist in all cases. |
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
| A form of neurostimulation generally used for treatment of unresponsive pain that originates from peripheral nerves. There are many different nerves that can be stimulated using this form of therapy, examples of some are the median, ulnar and radial nerves of the arm. |
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
| The peripheral nervous system (PNS) represents the parts of the nervous system that are not part of the central nervous system (which consists of the brain and the spinal cord). The PNS is made up of peripheral nerves and ganglia. |
Peripheral Neuropathy
| Peripheral Neuropathy refers to the nerve damage in the arms, hands, legs and feet caused by diabetes. See diabetic neuropathy. |
Peripheral obesity
| Peripheral obesity is the accumulation of excess fat in the buttocks, hips and thighs. |
Peripheral Oedema
Peripheral oedema refers to the swelling of tissues in the limbs as a result of fluid retention. |
Peristalsis
Peristalsis refers to the contraction and propelling movement of the muscular walls of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Peritoneal dialysis
| Peritoneal is a form of dialysis where the blood is cleaned inside of the body. |
Peritoneum
| The thin membrane lining the abdominal and pelvic cavities in the body. It serves a protective function for the organs. It also contains vessels and nerves. Most abdominal organs are lined with peritoneum called the visceral layer. The outer layer of peritoneum that lines the abdominal wall is the 'parietal peritoneum.' The potential space between the two layers is the peritoneal cavity. |
Peritonitis
| Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum often caused by an infection. When these membranes are inflamed it is particularly tender for the patient. Even slight pressure or tapping on the abdomen may cause intense pain. Peritonitis is considered a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment. |
Permanent atrial fibrillation (AF)
| Permanent AF is a type of atrial fibrillation that persists or recurs despite treatment. It usually occurs in patients who already have diseased hearts. |
Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF)
| Persistent AF is a type of atrial fibrillation that does not resolve spontaneously, but resolves after treatment. |
Persistent trophoblastic disease
| Persistent trophoblastic disease is a condition characterised by the persistent recurrence of pregnancy related tumours, despite initially successful chemotherapy treatment. |
Personality Disorder
| A Personality Disorder is a term used to describe people's behaviours when they differ from the 'normal' so much to cause significant personal distress or significant impairment of functioning. There are many different types of personality disorder. |
Pertussis
| Pertussis, or 'whooping-cough', is a bacterial illness spread by coughing or sneezing. It may cause a severe cough which may last up to 3 months, and may require admission to hospital. Pertussis may lead to a number of complications, including pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain or lung damage, or even death. Children and adults can be protected against pertussis through immunisation. |
Pervasive developmental disorder
| A group of disorders that affect the ability to understand and express language, such as autistic disorder, Rett’s disorder, and Asperger’s disorder. These disorders are evident early in life and affect multiple areas of a child’s development. |
pessary
A pessary is a small plastic or silicone medical device or form of pharmaceutical preparation which is inserted into the vagina or rectum and held in place by the pelvic floor musculature. |
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
| A PET Scan is a non-invasive investigation that looks at the activity of different parts of the body, rather than the structure. It uses a radioactive substance to highlight which parts of the body are using the most sugar. Cancers are highly active and use a lot of sugar, so they show up brightly on a PET scan. A PET scan is often used to find bits of a cancer that may have spread. Click Here For More Information about PET Scans |
Petechiae
| Petechiae are small, red or purple pin point dots found on the body, due to bleeding in the skin or beneath the mucous membranes. |
Pethidine hydrochloride
| Pethidine is a powerful drug used to relieve severe or constant pain, which cannot be controlled by any other pain relievers. It can also be used before painful operations or during childbirth to reduce the pain. |
PFS - Progression free survival
| The length of time after treatment before progression of disease (PD) occurs. |
pH
| The term pH is a measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) a solution is on a scale on which a value of 7 represents neutrality. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers increasing alkalinity. |
Phaeochromocytoma
A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour that develops in the core of the adrenal gland. A phaeochromocytoma can develop at any age, but most commonly occurs in people between 30 and 60 years of age. Most of the time, a phaeochromocytoma is noncancerous (benign), and treatment can return blood pressure to normal. |
Phalanges
The phalanges refer to the miniature long bones within the fingers. Except for the thumb, each finger has three phalanges - the distal (the bone on the tip of the finger), middle and proximal (the bone at the base of the finger) phalanx. The thumb has no middle phalanx, giving a total of 14 phalanges in each hand. |
Phantom limb pain
| Phantom limb pain refers to the neuropathic pain some people experience after the surgical amputation of a limb. |
Pharmaceutical Laboratory Methods
In order to develop a new drug it must first be tested in the lab. The Pharmaceutical Laboratory Methods include testing the newly formed/discovered molecule on cell cultures and then animals (usually either rats or mice). |
Pharmaceutical Socioeconomic Methods
The Pharmaceutical Socioeconomic methods of drug development are the marketing studies of the drug. This includes assessment of the drug in the community, the adverse effects, the family of the patient's response and the healthcare costs. |
Pharmacodynamic reaction
| A pharmacodynamic reaction may occur if two drugs interact due to the effect they each have on the same body system. For example, if drug X works to decrease heart rate it may affect the distribution of drug Y due to the decrease in blood pressure. |
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics is the study of what pharmaceutical products do to body systems once they are administered. The phamacodynamics of a product will explain what effect they have on the body and accordingly how they work to achieve the desired therapeutic response. |
Pharmacogenetics
| Pharmacogenetics is a new concept in the development of disease treatments. The basic idea is that different people may have different genetic mutations that contribute to a disease, and hence they have a slightly different form of the disease. Pharmacogenetics is designing different drugs to suit the gene affected in an individual. The advantage of individualising treatment like this is potentially better management of symptoms and decreased side effects. It will also pave the way to identifying individuals who are likely to be refractory to certain medications, hence avoiding unnecessary medicating. |
Pharmacokinetic reaction
A pharmacokinetic reaction may occur if two drugs are competing for the same pathway in order to be absorbed, distributed, metabolised or excreted. For example, two drugs may both be metabolised in the liver and therefore need to compete for the metabolisation enzymes. |
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics is the study of what happens to drugs (pharmaceuticals) once they enter the body. This can be thought of as what the body does to the drugs. The main pharmacokinetic stages include:
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Pharmacological action
| The pharmacological actions of a drug are the characteristics or properties of a drug that make it medically effective. |
Pharmacology
| The study of drugs or chemicals and the effects they have on living animals is called pharmacology. Pharmacology explains what drugs are, what they do to body functions and what the body does to them. Pharmacology also explains why we experience side effects . |
Pharyngitis
| Pharyngitis is a painful inflammation of the pharynx, normally referred to as a sore throat. Infection of the tonsils, tonsillitis may occur simultaneously. Caused by viral infection, bacterial infection and occasionally oral thrush. |
Pharynx
| The pharynx is part of both the gastrointestinal system and respiratory system. In the respiratory system the pharynx functions in conducting air from the nasal cavities to the larynx. In the digestive system the pharynx functions in the swallowing. |
Phase I Trial
| A Phase I clinical trial is the first part of development. The aim of this trial is to determine if the treatment is safe, what the expected side effects are, and to determine a dose for the treatment. These are usually only conducted with a small number of healthy volunteers. The trials usually last a few weeks to months. |
Phase II Trial
| A Phase II clinical trial aims to establish how well a treatment works. These trials are usually conducted with a small number of supervised patients. Specialists in the field of the disease will monitor the patients and review their progress regularly. |
Phase III Trial
| A Phase III clinical trial involves a large number of patients. Their aim is to show whether or not a new treatment is better than the current standard treatment. The trial involves 2 groups: one group of patients will get the standard treatment, and the other group will get the newer treatment. It is usual for the patient and the doctor not to know which of these treatments the patient is receiving. Because the trials involve a larger number of patients, this study also gives a better understanding of the potential side effects of the new treatment. |
Phase IV Trial
| A Phase IV clinical trial involves continued research undertaken after the treatment is marketed and introduced as part of standard therapy. The aim of these trials is long-term surveillance of the treatment. Many thousands of patients are usually enrolled in phase IV trials. |
Phentermine
| Phentermine is a medication that helps weight loss by causing suppression of appetite in the brain. |
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
| Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition in which a baby is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. |
Phimosis
| Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is unusually tight and cannot be retracted over the glans penis. |
Phobia
| A Phobia is an incredibly strong fear of a particular event or thing. The avoidance of this thing may severely restrict daily activities. People can have phobias about many different things. They can have specific fears about certain objects or animals (spiders, snakes, rats etc.) or conditions such as agoraphobia or social phobia. Click Here For More Information About Phobias |
Phosphodiesterase
| Phosphodiesterase is a term that refers to a class of enzymes that acts on bonds between units that make up our nucleic acids, to produce smaller units. Bronchodilator drugs called Xanthines are thought to induce smooth muscle relaxation by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes. |
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
| Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are enzymes that hydrolyse cyclic nucleotides. In other words they inhibit phosphodiesterase. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have received a lot of attention in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. |
Phospholipid
| Phospholipids are a special type of fat molecule that contains a phosphate group as part of the molecule. They are an important part of many tissues and organs. Phospholipids can be used to activate a test of blood clotting - the APTT. |
Phosphorus
| Phosphorus is second only to calcium as a mineral in the body. Phosphorus is present in bones and teeth and combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate which is the substance which gives the skeleton rigidity. |
Photodermatitis
| Photodermatitis: Photodermatitis is dermatitis induced by the exposure to light. |
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
| Photodynamic therapy is a form of treatment in which a drug is activated in the presence of laser light to kill cancer or abnormal cells. |
Photopigments
| Photopigments are substances in the eye that undergo chemical alterations when activated by light. They are made up of two components called opsin and retinene. |
Photosensitivity
| Photosensitivity means increased sensitivity to light. It can be a side effect of some medications. |
Phototoxic
Phototoxic means more dangerous or toxic in the presence of ultraviolet light. |
Phototransduction
| Phototransduction is the conversion of light stimuli into neural signals by the retinal cells of the eye. |
Phrenic Nerve
| The Phrenic Nerve is made up mostly of motor nerve fibres for producing contractions of the diaphragm. In addition, it provides sensory innervation for many components of the mediastinum and pleura, as well as the upper abdomen, especially the liver and gall bladder. It can be damaged in procedures such as catheter ablation of the atria. |
Physical activity level
Physical activity level is a measure of the relative amount of energy an individual consumes performing physical activities and maintaining essential body functions. Individuals can be classified to low, moderate and high levels of activity, based on the amount of time they spend walking briskly (or performing an equivalent physical activity) on a daily basis. Individuals with low physical activity levels expend most of their energy maintaining essential functions, while those with high physical activity levels expend the majority of their energy performing physical activities. For more information see How the Body Burns Calories |
Physical Fitness
| To be physically fit means to be in good physical condition. Fitness is usually determined by physical strength, power, flexibility, speed and endurance during exercise. |
Physiology
| Physiology is the science of the way in which the body works in order to achieve specific functions. For example the physiology of the heartbeat would be the scientific explanation of how the heart beats in order to pump blood around the body. |
Physiotherapy
| Physiotherapy is a branch of therapy that uses physical methods such as massage, stretches, heat and rehabilitating exercise in order to heal physical problems. Most commonly patients will see physiotherapists when they have problems with body structures involved in movement; for example bones, muscle, tendons and joints. Exercise physiology is a branch of physiotherapy and therefore physiotherapists can design exercise programs and diets for their patients. |
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are chemicals derived from plants. While not essential for human health, their consumption is associated with health benefits. |
PI
| PIs Protease inhibitors are a form of Antiretrovirals that work to manage HIV by blocking the enzyme protease which is necessary for the final processing of virions before becoming maturing into the infectious virus. These drugs therefore stop the maturation of the virus into its infectious form. |
Pia Mater
| The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges . The pia mater acts to support the cerebral arteries as they branch over the brain . |
Piezoelectric
| This is a physical phenomenon exhibited by certain crystals which expand or contract when a voltage is applied across it. Conversely, when subjected to mechanical stress it creates an electrical signal. Piezoelectric materials are used in ultrasound transducers. |
Pigment
| A substance giving colour. Pigmentation is important in providing moles with their colour. |
Pigmentation
| Pigmentation refers to the colouring effect of pigments, that is the substances which give animals and plants their colour. After a burn injury is sustained, the skin may become hyperpigmented. |
Pilates
| Pilates a form of exercise that is designed to condition the entire body through focus on alignment, core strength, breathing and flowing movement. May be floor based, using gravity for resistance, or studio based, using large pieces of equipment with adjustable springs to provide resistance. |
pimozide
| Antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia. |
Pinna
| The pinna of the ear collects sound waves and channels them down the ear canal. It also contributes to sound localisation. |
Pipette
| Pipette is a narrow tube into which small amounts of liquid can be suctioned, or from which small amounts of liquid can be expelled |
Pisiform
| The pisiform is one of eight carpal bones that make up the wrist of the hand. The other bones are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, trapezium, trapezoid, capitates and hamate. |
Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is a small, oval gland lying at the base of the brain. It is divided into two sections, anterior and posterior. The anterior pituitary is a collection of cells that produce hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH). The release of the hormones by these cells is controlled by the hypothalamus. The posterior pituitary is made up of around 50,000 nerve endings and produced anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. These nerves release their hormones straight into the blood. |
Pityriasis versicolor
| Pityriasis versicolor is a common skin infection caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur (formerly termed Pityrosporum ovale). This yeast is normally found on the human skin and only becomes troublesome under certain circumstances, such as a warm and humid environment. |
Placebo
| A placebo is an inactive drug which has no effect on the individual consuming or using it. A placebo is often used in clinical trials as a control. |
Placebo Effect
| Sometimes people will report experiencing improvements in symptoms when they are trialling a new drug or treatment because they think they should be and not because they actually are. This is called a placebo effect because sometimes patients on a placebo will report improvements in symptoms due to the "drug" they are taking when in fact the placebo is an inactive sugar pill that has no pharmaceutical benefit. |
Placenta
| The placenta is an organ within the womb through which the unborn baby gets nutrients and oxygen as well as getting rid of waste products. It does this through the close proximity of the mother's blood and the baby's. The placenta also produces several different hormones. |
Placenta abruptio
| Placenta abruptio is separation of the placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus) from the site of uterine implantation before delivery of the foetus. |
Placental Abruption
| Placental abruption is a complication of pregnancy where the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery, causing bleeding from the site where the placenta was attached. The blood typically passes through the cervix and out the vagina. Sometimes, however, the blood remains trapped behind the placenta. Left untreated, placental abruption puts both mother and baby in jeopardy. Placental abruption is most common in the third trimester, but it can begin any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy. |
Placental site trophoblastic tumour
| Placental site trophoblastic tumour is a type of pregnancy related tumour, occurring within the woman's uterus. These tumours typically occur many years after the last pregnancy and are often resistant to chemotherapy. |
Plasma
| Plasma is the fluid component of a solution distinguished from the suspended component. |
Plasma Cell
| A Plasma cell is a matured type of B cell that has specialised to release lots of antibodies into the blood stream. This is as opposed to memory B cells. |
Plasma Exchange
| A process in which the fluid part of the blood, called plasma, is removed from blood cells by a device known as a cell separator. Petechiae may result from disorders of the platelets, some of which are treated by plasma exchange therapy. |
Platelets
| Platelets are disc-shaped cells circulating in the blood. They are involved in the cellular mechanisms of primary haemostasis leading to the formation of blood clots. |
Platinum Therapy
| Platinum therapy is currently used in the treatment of various different cancer types. Platinum compounds cause apoptosis of cancer cells through changes in DNA structure, which inhibits DNA replication, transcription and cell division (the cell cycle). Cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are platinum therapies currently used in Australia. These agents do not all have the same clinical efficacy in all cancer types. |
Plavix
| Plavix is used to aid in inhibiting the formation of blood clots which could lead to stroke or heart failure or even possibly death. |
Play Therapy
| Play therapy is a commonly used psychotherapy for treating children under the age of 12 with a psychological disorder. Play therapy is a fun interaction between the psychologist and the child which allows the child to re-enter childhood in a time where the issues they face can be very demanding. This therapy also allows the psychologist to assess how well the children are coping with their psychological illness. |
Pleura
| The pleura are the thin membranes which surround the lungs and line the inside of the chest wall. There are two layers: the visceral pleura, which is attached to the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which is attached to the chest wall. Between these two layers is the 'pleural space', which normally contains a thin layer of fluid to lubricate the movement of breathing. |
Pleural effusion
| A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space, the thin space between the two layers of the pleura which surround the lungs. |
Plyometric Training (Explosive Jump Training)
| Plyometric or explosive jump training involves many different jumps, from the ground or from a height. The biomechanics involved are a rapid concentric movement of a specific muscle followed by a rapid eccentric movement, activating the muscles’ natural elastic recoil elements. This form of resistance training is especially helpful in producing a fast and strong muscle response. Often used by athletes to improve the flexibility and strength of certain muscle groups involved in a specific sport. |
Pneumococcal disease
| Pneumococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by infection with a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria may travel to many different areas of the body, producing disease including meningitis (inflammation around the brain), septicaemia (poisoning of the blood), or pneumonia (infection of the lungs). Children and adults can be protected from some types of pneumococcal disease through immunisation. |
Pneumonia
| Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. This causes inflammation of the lung tissue and stops the normal exchange of gases. |
Pneumonitis
| Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lung. |
Polio
| Poliomyelitis (polio) is a viral illness, now rare in Australia, which is transmitted through poor oral hygiene. The virus infects the nervous system and may cause muscle stiffness, paralysis, or even death. Children and adults can be protected against polio through immunisation. |
Pollen
| Pollen is an allergen largely responsible for respiratory diseases such as hayfever. |
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the term used to describe a collection of signs and symptoms that affect 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is associated with:
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Polycythaemia
| Polycythaemia is an increase in the total number of red blood cells. |
Polyhydramnios
| Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac (or amnios) is the membranous sac surrounding the developing baby within the uterus (womb). The amniotic fluid within the sac is nourishing, and protects the baby while it is growing. |
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
| A PCR or polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory procedure in which millions of copies of a specific piece of DNA are made. It is essentially an amplification method whereby the tiniest amounts of DNA that may be present in blood, hair or tissues can be copied so that there is a sufficient amount for analysis. |
Polyp
| A polyp is a small growth or mass that sticks up from the surface around it. They may occur in many parts of the body and aren't necessarily related to one another. For example, in some people they may occur in the colon as part of the genetic syndrome Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. In other people they may form in the nose as a result of repeated hay fever attacks. |
Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy is the use of multiple pharmaceutical products. It is very common for the elderly who are prescribed many different drugs to combat a number of disease states. |
Polyunsaturated Fats
Polyunsaturated fats are fatty acids molecules which have more than one double bond in the fatty acids chain (i.e. there is two or more point in the molecule to which oxygen can bond and cause oxidation). In terms of nutrition, these are considered less healthy than monounsaturated fats, but more healthy than saturated fats. |
Pons
| The pons (Metencephalon) is one part of the brainstem . The pons extends below the midbrain to the medulla . As a component of the brain, the pons is also part of the central nervous system (CNS). |
Portal circulation
| This is the flow of blood from the small intestine, right half of the colon and spleen via the portal vein through the liver. This is a special type of circulation as blood passes through two capillary beds before returning to the heart. The portal circulation is affected in conditions such as portal hypertension which can predispose to the development of varices. |
Positive Reinforcement
| Positive reinforcement is a technique used to try and change maladaptive behaviours by encouraging positive behaviours. Positive reinforcement is the act of giving a reward everytime the desired behaviour is demostrated until the reward is no longer necessary in order to achieve the behaviour. This technique is used behaviour therapy. |
Post inflammatory erythema
| Post inflammatory erythema refers to pink or purple flat patches on the skin that are present following inflammation. It is common following healing of acne. |
Post inflammatory hypopigmentation
| Post inflammatory hypopigmentation refers to white or pale marks on the skin that are present following inflammation. It commonly occurs following healing of acne. |
Post Influenza Asthenia
| Postinfluenza asthenia refers to persistant weakness or easy fatigability which may be present for several weeks following influenza infection |
Post traumatic stress disorder
| This condition results from a traumatic experience which overwhelms a person's normal defence mechanisms. This produces fear which is out of proportion when exposed to events that remind the person of the initial traumatic experience or in situations where the person may feel helpless and afraid. It is a commonly experienced condition after a woman has an abortion. |
Postdural puncture headache (PDPH)
| PDPH is a type of headache that occur following procedures, such as spinal anaesthesia and lumbar puncture, involving puncture of dura matter. This type of headache is characterised typically by a throbbing frontal pain, although it can occur elsewhere in the head and neck, and is relieved by lying flat which indicates that it has a postural component. |
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
Posterior subcapsular cataracts are a rapidly progressing form of cataract affecting the back of the eye's lens. |
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a from of chronic nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has cleared. The rash and pain are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chicken pox). Although the rash may clear the pain can be difficult to treat and become very intense in some cases. For more information see Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). |
Postinor-2
| Postinor-2 is an oral emergency contraceptive indicated for use ideally within 72 hours(3 days) of unprotected intercourse. It should only be used as an emergency method. Women who request for repeated courses of emergency contraception should be advised to consider using long-term measures of contraception. |
Postnatal depression (postpartum depression)
| Postnatal depression refers to symptoms of depression or anxiety felt by a mother in the first month after she has given birth. Postnatal depression is also known as puerperal depression, postpartum depression, baby blues, and puerperal psychosis. |
Post-partum
Post-partum refers to the six week period immediatly following the birth of a child. |
Postpartum partial salpingectomy
| Postpartum partial salpingectomy is a sterilisation technique involving the removal of the uterus, performed immediately after vaginal birth or during caesarian delivery. |
Potassium
| Potassium is a mineral essential to maintain proper health. It has the atomic number of 19 and atomic symbol of K |
PR - Partial response
| A reduction in total cross sectional area of all measurable tumours by at least 50%. |
Precocious puberty
Precocious puberty is defined as the onset of puberty before the age of 9 in boys and before the age of 8 in girls. It involves the early physical changes of puberty, as well as accelerated linear growth and bone maturation. |
Pre-eclampsia
| Pre-eclampsia is a condition that describes high blood pressure during pregnancy, accompanied by large amounts of protein in the urine due to problems with the kidneys. |
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy typically begins with fertilisation and ends with birth. It is an essential stage of human reproduction and is generally a result of sexual intercourse, although assisted reproductive technology (ART) is becoming increasingly common to help couples who are unable to conceive a child naturally to achieve a successful pregnancy and subsequent birth. |
Pregnancy Category A
| Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the foetus having been observed. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Category B1
| Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human foetus having been observed. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Category B2
| Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human foetus having been observed. Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Category B3
| Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human foetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of foetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Category C
| Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human foetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Specialised texts should be consulted for further details. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Category D
| Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human foetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Specialised texts should be consulted for further details. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Category X
| Drugs which have such a high risk of causing permanent damage to the foetus that they should not be used in pregnancy or when there is a possibility of pregnancy. All Pregnancy Categories |
Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test is used to determine if a woman is pregnant. This is done by analysing a sample of a woman's urine or blood for the presence of a hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). More about pregnancy tests. |
Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction, characterised by a man's inability to control ejaculation so that sex can continue for a sufficient period of time for both partners' satisfaction. More on Premature ejaculation |
Premature Labour
| Premature labour (pre-term birth) is the birth of a baby before 37 weeks after the mothers last menstrual period. The shorter the time of pregnancy before birth the more at risk the baby is to illness and death. |
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects some women before the onset of their menses. Symptoms are similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but are more severe and significantly impacts on the patients daily life and activities. The patient may suffer mood symptoms such as anger, tension, depression or sadness etc. |
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
| Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involves symptoms that occur in relation to the menstrual cycle. The symptoms usually begin 5 to 11 days before the start of menstruation. Symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly after. See also premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). |
Prenatal
| Prenatal means before birth |
Prenatal attachment
| Prenatal 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 maternal-foetal attachment or maternal attachment. |
Prenatal testing
| Prenatal testing screens for disease in an embryo or baby before it is born. A good example is the genetic testing for Down syndrome. |
Preputial sac
| The preputial sac is the space between the penis and the foreskin when the foreskin is in place. |
Presbyopia
| Presbyopia is a condition in which the lens of the eye loses its ability to focus. The elasticity of the lens is gradually lost as people age and results in a slow decrease in the ability of the eye to focus on nearby objects. |
Presenteeism
| Presenteeism is a term used to describe low productivity while a person is present at work. |
Pressure
| Pressure refers to the application of continuous force by one object on another that it is touching. |
Pre-term birth
Pre-term birth is the birth of a baby less than 37 weeks gestation. |
Preterm Delivery
| Preterm delivery is the delivery of a baby prior to 37 weeks gestation. |
Prevalence
Prevalence is defined as the number of cases of a disease existing in a given population at a specific period of time (period prevalence) or the number of cases of a disease in a given population that exist at a particular moment in time (point prevalence). |
Preventive (prophylactic) surgery
| Preventive (prophylactic) surgery is surgery performed to remove tissue that does not contain cancerous cells, but may be precancerous (have the potential to develop into cancer or malignancy) |
Prezista
Prezista is an anti-retroviral medication which belongs to a group of medicines known as the protease inhibitors. Prezista is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected adults who have tried other anti-retroviral medications before.
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Priapism
Priapism is defined as an erection that is sustained for longer than 4 hours despite a lack of physical and psychological stimulation. Priapism is painful and can have long term harmful effects, so is considered a medical emergency. |
Primary angle-closure glaucoma
| Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is the type of glaucoma where the angle of the eye is obstructed and closed. People who develop PACG glaucoma are usually predisposed to develop this and have symptoms such as a dilated pupil, red eyes, nausea or vomiting. |
Primary follicle
| Primary follicles are associated with the development of the ovarian follicle. Primary follicles form due to gonadotrophin and ovarian steroid stimulation around 20 - 24 weeks gestation. The follicular cells become cuboidal and there is increased prominence of the stromal cells. |
Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis
| Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is the most common viral infection affecting the mouth and it affects people who have had contact with herpes simplex virus. |
Primary hyperparathyroidism
| An overactive parathyroid gland results in a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism, which can impact your health. Four small glands located behind the thyroid gland in your neck are called parathyroid glands. They make a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). When your parathyroid glands are working normally, PTH keeps your calcium levels normal by moving the right amounts of calcium in and out of your bones. Primary hyperparathyoidism is caused by an enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands occasionally due to cancer of the parathyroid gland. In primary hyperparathyroidism, your parathyroid glands send out too much PTH to your body and your blood level of calcium becomes high. Sensipar lowers PTH by telling your parathyroid glands to stop releasing too much PTH into your blood. It also lowers your blood calcium levels. |
Primary malnutrition
| Primary malnutrition refers to malnutrition which is caused by inadequate energy intake. This condition often occurs in relation to food insecurity, because adequate food is not available (in terms of total calories or specific micronutrients). Malnutrition can also result from poor appetite due to illness or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. |
Primary open-angle glaucoma.
| Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) refers to the type of glaucoma where the angle of the eye is open but does not function properly to drain the fluid. This type of glaucoma usually affects both eyes and begins slowly in adulthood. Few signs and symptoms are usually noticed until late in the disease. |
Primary Premature Ejaculation
Primary premature ejaculation refers to premature ejaculation which occurred at the first sexual encounter and has persisted since then. More information on premature ejaculation |
Primary Teeth
| Primary teeth are also known as children's teeth. Primary teeth play an important role in digestion and reserving spaces for permanent teeth. |
Primordial follicle
| Primordial follicle is associated with the development of the ovarian follicle. At 8 - 10 weeks gestation the oocytes become surrounded by precursor granulosa cells forming a primordial follicle. |
Probiotics
| Probiotics are supplements containing the beneficial bacteria found in the human digestive tract which promote good gut health. |
Procoagulant
| A procoagulant is a chemical that supports the process of coagulation. |
Proctitis
| Proctitis is inflammation of the anus and of the lining of the rectum. |
Progesterone
| Progesterone is a hormone that is involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis. Progesterone acts to maintain the lining of the uterus, and to provide nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby. |
Prognosis
| A prognosis is an assessment by a medical professional about the future course of a patients disorder, that is; the stages of the disease, whether it gets worse and how the symptoms will change over time. The prognosis also includes the outcome of the patients disease. |
Prograf (injection)
| Tacrolimus ( Prograf) is a medication designed to block the human immune system from functioning properly. |
Prograf (oral capsules)
| Tacrolimus (Prograf) is a medication designed to block the human immune system from functioning properly. |
Prolactin
| A hormone produced in females. The main effect is to stimulate the production of breastmilk in lactating mothers. Prolactin is released when the infant starts suckling the teat of the breast, along with another hormone, oxytocin. |
Prolactin Release-Inhibiting Factor (PIF)
| Prolactin Release-Inhibiting Factor (PIF) is a hormone released from the hypothalamus that inhibits the synthesis and release of prolactin. |
Prolactinoma
| Prolactinoma is a benign pituitary tumour which produces the hormone, prolactin. |
Proliferative phase
| Proliferative phase is the renewal of the endometrial tissue due to the migration of stem cells from the basalis. In the endometrium there is formation of spiral arteries, narrow & straight endometrial glands. The proliferative phase coincides with the rise in oestrogen in the latter part of the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle. |
Prolonged preterm rupture of the membranes
| Prolonged preterm rupture of the membranes refers to the breaking of the membranes surrounding the foetus prior to 37 weeks gestation and for a period of greater than 18 hours. |
Propecia
Propecia is a medication used for treatment in male pattern hair loss in men only. It increases hair growth on the scalp and to prevent further hair loss. |
Propionibacterium acnes
| A normal resident bacteria on the skin, Propionibacterium acnes will multiply rapidly in clogged hair follicles where sebum is trapped, contributing to the formation of acne. |
Proscar
| Proscar is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). It is only for use in men only. |
Prosocial
| Prosocial activity is behaviours and attitudes which encourage positive social interactions |
Prostaglandin
| Prostaglandins are a type of chemical that are formed by an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. They are vital in the process of inflammation as well as many protective processes in the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys. The formation of prostaglandins is inhibited by drugs called NSAIDs. |
Prostate Cancer
| Prostate cancer is a malignant cancerous tumour, which arises within the prostate gland. |
Prostate Gland
| The Prostate is a secretory gland that is part of the male urogenital system. The prostate sits just in front of the rectum, wrapping around the urethra. Its main role is the production and storage of a substance that aids in keeping sperm alive. The prostate secretions make up between 10 and 30% of semen. |
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
| Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme produced by the glandular cells of the prostate. More PSA is released when the prostate gland is enlarged, and levels of PSA in the blood are elevated in prostate cancer. PSA testing is used to identify the early stages of prostate cancer. The PSA level is also a useful reference point in treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound, allowing the doctor to see if the treatment is working. |
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is a test used to identify the early stages of prostate cancer. PSA levels are detected using a simple blood test.
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Prostatectomy
| The surgical removal of all, or part of, the prostate gland. It is the primary treatment for prostate cancer. |
Prostatic hypertrophy
| Prostatic hypertrophy is an enlargement of a male's prostate. This may then cause difficulties in urinating. |
Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)
Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) are changes in the cells of the prostate gland that represent an intermediate stage between healthy prostate tissue and prostate cancer. |
Prostatitis
| Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which means the prostate can feel sore and irritated and can be a result of a bacterial or nonbacterial infection. It is another form of prostate disease that can be very painful and can have a major effect on quality of life. |
Prosthesis
| Prosthesis. An artificial substitute for a missing body part. |
Protease Inhibitors
| PIs are Protease inhibitors that work to manage HIV by blocking the enzyme protease which is necessary for the final processing of virions before becoming maturing into the infectious virus. These drugs therefore stop the maturation of the virus into its infectious form. |
Protein
Protein is a nutrient important for the repair of tissues in the body. For adults, the recommended dietary intake for protein is about 0.75 g/kg body weight per day. Excess protein cannot be stored in the body, so protein needs to be consumed daily. |
Protein calorie malnutrition
| Protein calorie malnutrition is a form of malnutrition where an individual's body does not receive enough protein energy to maintain its functions. |
Protein energy malnutrition
| Protein energy malnutrition is a form of malnutrition where an individual's body does not receive enough protein energy to maintain its functions. |
Protein Shake
| A protein shake is a high protein beverage, usually prepared by mixing a specially formulated, high-protein powder with liquid (e.g. water, milk or fruit juice). There are many brands of protein shakes with slightly different compositions, but the key ingredients are protein hydrosolates. |
Protein Synthesis
| Protein synthesis is the cellular process of converting genes encoded in our DNA into proteins. These proteins are responsible for most of the functions of a cell. Protein synthesis firstly involves transcription; this requires the DNA to be "read" in order to form another molecule called RNA. The RNA then needs to be translated into a protein. Translation involves the binding of a sequence of amino acids creating a long chain, the chain is then folded into a particular shape. Once the amino acid chain or polypeptide has been folded it is a functional protein. |
Proteins
Our bodies are largely controlled by proteins. Proteins exist in many different forms in the body and have many different functions. Each protein has a specific function and is quite specific to the cell type that it acts on. |
Proteinuria
| Proteinuria means the presence of an excess of serum proteins in the urine. This excess protein may cause the urine to appear foamy. |
Prothrombin Time (PT)
| The time taken for blood to clot in a sample of blood in which calcium and thromboplastin have been added. A prolonged PT can indicate a deficiency of coagulation factors, with petechiae being a symptom of decreased levels of coagulationfactors. |
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
| Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a commonly prescribed class of medications whose main action is to create a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of stomach acid production. PPIs are most used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). |
Proximal interphalangeal joint
| The proximal interphalangeal joint is found between the bottom and middle phalanges of the hand. |
Proximal neuropathy
| Proximal neuropathy is a type of diabetic neuropathy that affects the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs, usually on one side of the body. |
Pruritis
| The sensation of itching. |
Pseudo-Generic Medication (Pseudo-Generic Drug)
A pseudo-generic drug is not a remake of a branded drug – it is an exact replica of the original. Pseudo-generic drugs are made by the same company with exactly the same ingredients in the same way. The only difference is the name and packaging. For more information, see Generic and Branded Drugs. |
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
| An inherited disorder of connective tissue characterized by slightly elevated yellowish plaques on the neck, armpits, abdomen, and thighs, associated with angioid streaks of the retina and elastic tissue degeneration in other organs. Stretch marks are commonly associated with this condition. |
Psoriasis
| Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which the skin takes the form of silver scales, particularly around the elbows and knees. |
Psychiatric illness
| Psychiatric illness is an abnormality in a person's psychology. This includes abnormalities in emotions, social behaviour, thoughts and personal behaviours. |
Psychiatrist
| Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialised in psychology and pharmacology (pharmaceuticals/ drugs) for psychological disorders. |
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychoanalysist believe that our psychological states are determined by our present experiences. And for people who are experiencing psychological stress this is due to repressed memories. Repressed memories are a concept that when something traumatic has happened in our past we subconsciously “forget” or repress these memories. In order to treat the psychological stress the psychologist believes they need to determine what these repressed memories are, this is called gaining insight. Once the client and the psychologist have insight into the underlying problem they will be able to improve. |
Psychoeducation
| Psychoeducation is education about a certain situation or condition that causes psychological stress. This is not necessarily psychotherapy as it does not exclusively deal with psychological or mental illness’ but rather any condition you or a relative or a friend is experiencing. Once a person better understands a condition they feel more in control of the situation and this in turn reduces the associated stress. |
Psycho-education
| Psycho-education educates the patient about their psychological illness including the symptoms, likely outcomes and treatments available. |
Psychogenic
Psychogenic is used to describe a behaviour or symptom that results from disturbances in the mind or emotions.
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Psychological First Aid
Psychological first aid (PFA) is an evidence informed approach to assisting individuals and families in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. It is based on five principles: promoting a sense of safety, promoting calming, promoting a sense of self- and community-efficacy, promoting connectedness, and instilling hope. For more information, see Psychological First Aid. |
Psychological System
| Our psychological system includes thinking (cognition), personalities, emotions, perception and sensations, memory, learning, behaviour and intelligence. Everyone has an individual psychological system that defines us as people; it is a product of our genes and our environment (our experiences and situations). |
Psychologically
| The emotional and behavioral characteristics associated with an individual, group, or activity. Stretch marks may have a psychological effect on an individual. |
Psychologist
| A psychologist is a trained professional who helps clients deal with emotional problems or mental illness using a range of psychotherapies. Psychologists can also be referred to as therapists. |
Psychology
| Psychology is the science of how the brain works in terms of behaviours and the way in which the brain regulates these behaviours, these are called the mental functions or processes of the brain. Some mental brain functions include; memory, attention, emotion, language and personality. |
Psychomotor agitation
| Psychomotor agitation is a series of unintended or useless actions (often repetitive) that are a result of mental tension. Examples include pacing around a room. In severe cases this can be very harmful such as biting nails until the fingers bleed or cutting oneself. Associated especially with depression and bipolar affective disorder. |
Psychomotor retardation
| Psychomotor retaration is the decrease of physical activity and mental cognition of a person. It occurs in cases of severe depression and bipolar disprder, which is often followed by psychosis. |
Psychomotor Skills
| Psychomotor Skills are physical movements that have been learnt. For example using a tennis rack is a psychomotor skill. |
Psychoses
| Plural of psychosis |
Psychosis
| Psychosis is a mental disorder which has delusions or significant hallucinations but without any understanding as to why they occur pathologically. |
Psychostimulants
| Psychostimulants are medications that increase the chemical messengers in the brain that stimulate certain areas. There is good evidence that psychostimulants can reduce symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsitivity by enhancing certain chemical messengers in the brain. There are two types of psychostimulants: Immediate release (short-acting) and Modified release (long-acting) |
Psychostimulants - immediate release
| The first medication that may be used for treating an individual with ADHD is either dexamphetamine or methylphenidate. The effect of both medications is to increase the capacity to attend, decrease impulsiveness and reduce activity. |
Psychostimulants - modified release
| Long-acting modified-release preparations of methylphenidate with a longer duration are available for treating an individual with ADHD. They provide both an immediate-release, and also a delayed release of methylphenidate, so as to act similar to taking a breakfast and lunchtime dose of immediate-release methylphenidate. They have the advantage of being given once daily and can increase compliance in children. Modified release preparations include Concerta (10-12 hour duration) and Ritalin LA (6-8 hours duration) |
Psychotherapy
| Psychotherapy is a confiding interaction between a person suffering a psychological or mental disorder and a trained professional. Psychotherapy can be implemented on a one-on-one basis or in a group situation with a number of clients with similar problems. There is also psychotherapy for the families of people with a mental illness or, more specifically, the parents of a person with a mental disorder. |
Pterygium
Pterygium is an eye disease characterised by a fleshy growth on the eye's surface. |
Pubarche
| Pubarche refers to the growth of pubic and axillary hair, as well as the development of sebaceous and axillary glands. It is the second stage of female puberty. |
Puberty
Puberty refers to the physical changes a child's body undergoes during the transition to becoming a mature adult. The development of secondary sex characteristics occurs, resulting in the individual becoming sexually mature (able to reproduce). It occurs between the ages of 10-13 years in girls and 12-15 years in boys, at the same time as adolescence. For more information, see Male Puberty and Female Puberty. |
Pubic lice (crabs)
| Pubic lice (crabs) are parasitic insects found on the genital hairs of humans. They are usually spread through sexual contact, although it is possible to contract them through contact with infested clothing, bed linens, towels, and toilet seats. |
Pulled Groin Muscle/ Groin Strain
A pulled groin muscle, or groin strain, is an injury to one or more muscles of the inner thigh known as the adductor muscle group. More information on Groin Strain. |
Pulled hamstring
| A pulled hamstring is an injury to one of the group of three muscles (hamstring muscles) that run down the back part of the upper leg. They typically occur when the knee extends and the muscle is contracted suddenly. It is a common sports related injury. |
Pulmonary Artery
| Pulmonary artery is a major blood vessel of the human body. The pulmonary artery is described as a muscular tube and is responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the heart to the linings. |
Pulmonary circulation
| The flow of blood from the right ventricle of the heart via the pulmonary arteries, to the lungs and back to the heart via the pulmonary veins. This is distinct and in direct continuity with the systemic circulation. |
Pulmonary disease
| Pulmonary disease refers to diseases effecting the lungs and respiratory tract |
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
| A Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a blood clot that has spread to the lungs stopping them from getting adequate blood flow. They often start as clots in the legs (DVTs) which break apart and spread through the blood to the lungs. Some can be so small that they are not noticed while others can be very large and cause major problems. |
Pulmonary hypertension
| Pulmonary hypertension means high blood pressure in the lung blood vessels. It is not a disease itself, but rather a final common pathway for many different diseases. |
Pulmonary Oedema
| Pulmonary Oedema is an accumulation of fluid within the tiny airsacks of the lungs. This is often secondary to heart failure, during which blood cannot be pumped out very efficiently and so fluid builds up in the lungs. |
Pulmonary Trunk
| Pulmonary Trunk is the large artery which the right ventricle pumps into. It splits into pulmonary arteries which take the blood to the lungs. |
Pulmonary valve
| Pulmonary valve refers to a valve located at the base of the pulmonary trunk. |
Pulmonary Veins
| Pulmonary veins take blood from the lungs to the left atrium. |
Pulp Cavity
| Pulp cavity refers to the location in which pulp tissue is housed. The pulp cavity has a rich blood supply and nerve supply, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth. |
Pulp Tissue
| Pulp tissue is a layer of the tooth located beneath the dentin layer. Pulp tissue is housed in the pulp cavity. |
Punctuate Corneal Epithelium Erosion
Punctuate corneal epithelium erosion is a condition in which the outer-most layer of corneal cells begins to break away, causing pain and discomfort. |
Pupil
| The pupil of the eye changes size to control and regulate the amount of light passing through the lens to reach the retina. |
Purified inactivated influenza virus vaccines
| Purified inactivated influenza virus vaccines are made from processed parts of killed influenza virus particles. They are currently the only type of flu vaccine available in Australia. There are two types of inactivated influenza virus vaccines; split virion vaccines or subunit vaccines. The difference relates to the way the inactivated virus is processed. Subunit and split virion vaccines have the same safety and effectiveness. In the past, whole inactivated viruses were used in vaccines, however some people reacted poorly to these, so they are no longer used in Australia. |
Pus
| A liquid, usually yellow / green that is formed in certain infections and is composed of white blood cells, bacteria and other products of cell breakdown. |
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
| Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a rare disease that causes large ulcers on the skin. It is often associated with systemic diseases such as inflamatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and chron's disease), arthritis, and certain types of cancer. |
Pyrexia
| Pyrexia is simply another word for a fever. The word pyrexia comes from 'pyro', which means fire in Greek. |
