abdomen
The part of the trunk that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. The abdomen does not include the vertebral region posteriorly but is considered by some anatomists to include the pelvis (abdominopelvic cavity). It includes the greater part of the abdominal cavity (cavitas abdominis [TA]) and is divided by arbitrary planes into nine regions. See also: abdominal regions, under region |
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abdominal
Relating to the abdomen. |
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abdominal cavity
the space bounded by the abdominal walls, the diaphragm, and the pelvis; it usually is arbitrarily separated from the pelvic cavity by a plane across the superior aperture of the pelvis; however, it may include the pelvis with the abdomen (see abdominopelvic cavity); within the cavitas lie the greater part of the organs of digestion, the spleen, the kidneys, and the suprarenal glands.
Syn: cavitas abdominalis, cavum abdominis, enterocele (2) |
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abdominal hysterectomy
removal of the uterus through an incision in the abdominal wall.
Syn: abdominohysterectomy |
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abdominal migraine
1. migraine in children accompanied by paroxysmal abdominal pain. This must be distinguished from similar symptoms requiring surgical attention.
2. a disorder that causes intermittent abdominal pain and is believed to be related to migraine; abdominal migraine has some of the features of migraine, e.g., there may be a strong family history of migraine headaches, and the condition may be relieved by sleep; however, a headache may not be present. The diagnosis depends on excluding other causes of abdominal pain. |
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abdominoperineal resection (APR)
a surgical cancer treatment involving resection of the lower sigmoid colon, rectum, anus, and surrounding skin and formation of a sigmoid colostomy; performed as a synchronous or sequential transabdominal and perineal procedure. |
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abductor (muscle)
muscle that causes movement away from the median plane of body, axis of middle finger, or axis of second toe, or in the case of the thumb, anterior to the plane of the palm.
Syn: musculus abductor, abductor |
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ablation
Removal of a body part or the destruction of its function, as by a surgical procedure or morbid process, or the presence or application of a noxious substance.
[L. see ablate] |
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abnormal
Not normal; differing in any way from the usual state, structure, condition, or rule. Syn: deviant (1) Cf.: normal |
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abreaction
In freudian psychoanalysis, an episode of emotional release or catharsis associated with the conscious recollection of repressed unpleasant experiences. |
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abscess
1. A circumscribed collection of purulent exudate frequently associated with swelling and other signs of inflammation.
2. A cavity formed by liquefactive necrosis within solid tissue.
[L. abscessus, a going away]
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absence seizure
a seizure characterized by impaired awareness of interaction with, or memory of, ongoing events external or internal to the person; may comprise the following elements: mental confusion, diminished awareness of environment, inability to respond to internal or external stimuli, and amnesia. (The term absence was first used by Louis-Florentin Calmeil [1798–1895] to introduce the concept of epileptic absence for the brief loss of consciousness or confusion seen in epileptic patients.) |
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absorb
To take in by absorption.
To reduce the intensity of transmitted light.
[L. ab-sorbeo, pp. -sorptus, to suck in] |
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absorption
The taking in, incorporation, or reception of gases, liquids, light, or heat. Cf.: adsorption
In radiology, the uptake of energy from radiation by the tissue or medium through which it passes. See: half-value layer, photoelectric effect, attenuation
Removal of a particular antibody from a mixture on addition of the complementary antigen.
[L. absorptio, fr. absorbeo, to swallow] |
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abutment
In dentistry, a natural tooth or implanted tooth substitute, used to support or anchor a fixed or removable prosthesis. |
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