Glossary

There are 185 entries in this glossary.
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Term Definition
Abscess

Tender mass generally full of pus and debris surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red.

Amputation

The removal of all or a portion of an arm, leg, hand, foot, toe, or finger.

Anemia

A decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.

Anxiety

Uncomfortable feeling of fear or concern.

Aortic valve regurgitation

A condition in which the valve between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta does not open and close properly, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body.

Aortic Valve Stenosisÿ(AS)

A narrowing of the valve between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body and carries the entire output of blood.

Aphasia

A communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to speak or understand others.

Aplastic Anemia

A blood disorder in which the body's bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells, resulting in lower counts of all three blood cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, termed pancytopenia.

Arrhythmia

Abnormal heart rhythm.

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

A tangle of blood vessels that bypasses normal tissue and directly diverts blood from the arteries to the veins.

Arthritis

Joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints.

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity.

Asthma

Respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a sense of constriction in the chest.

Atrial Septal Defectÿ(ASD)

Opening between the upper chambers of the heart allowing blood to bypass the normal circulatory route.

Atrioventricular Septal Defectÿ(or AV Canal Defect)

Opening between the four chambers of the heart allowing blood to bypass the normal circulatory route.

Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)

Communication method using a representation system or symbols, including gestures, hand signals, photographs, pictures, line drawings, words and letters, which can be used alone or in combination

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Developmental disabilities appearing in the first 3 years of life including marked difficulties in socialization, communication, restricted and repetitive interests, and sensory sensitivities.