Dictionary

Body systems

Anatomy and the conditions of each body system, from the heart and lungs to the skin.

coarctation of the aortaA heart defect present at birth in which part of the aorta is narrowed.

coccyxThe small, triangle-shaped bone at the very bottom of the spine; the tailbone.

cognitionThe mental processes of thinking, knowing, remembering, judging and solving problems.

cognitiveHaving to do with thinking: knowing, remembering, understanding, judging and solving problems.

cognitive impairmentTrouble with thinking, memory, learning, attention or making decisions that is more than expected for the person's age.

colitisInflammation of the colon, the large intestine.

collagenThe main structural protein of the body, which gives strength to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and scar tissue.

colonThe main part of the large intestine, between the small intestine and the rectum.

colon cancerCancer that starts in the colon, the main part of the large intestine.

colorectal cancerCancer of the colon or rectum, the last part of the large intestine.

colostrumThe first breast milk, a thick yellowish fluid made in late pregnancy and the first few days after birth.

comaA deep state of unconsciousness in which a person cannot be woken and does not respond with purpose.

common bile ductThe tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine.

common coldA mild viral infection of the nose and throat.

community-acquired pneumoniaPneumonia that a person develops outside a hospital or long-term care facility.

comorbidityA disease or condition that a person has at the same time as another, main condition.

compartment syndromeA buildup of pressure inside a closed group of muscles that cuts off their blood supply.

compensationThe body's effort to make up for a problem in one system by changing how another works.

compression stockingA tight elastic stocking that squeezes the leg, most firmly at the ankle, to help blood flow back toward the heart.

conduct disorderA mental health condition of childhood or the teen years with a lasting pattern of breaking rules and violating others' rights.

conductionThe passing of something, such as an electrical signal or heat, from one place to another through a material.

congenitalPresent at birth.

congenital heart defectA problem in the structure of the heart or its large blood vessels that is present at birth.

congestionA buildup of fluid, blood or mucus in a body part, such as a blocked nose or fluid in the lungs.

conjunctivaThe thin, clear layer that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye.

conjunctivitisInflammation of the thin, clear layer that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.

connective tissueBody tissue that supports, binds together and protects other tissues and organs.

consciousnessThe state of being awake and aware of oneself and one's surroundings.

constipationBowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.

constrictionA narrowing or tightening of a part, such as a blood vessel, an airway or the pupil.

contact dermatitisInflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with a substance that irritates it or to which the person is allergic.

contraceptionThe use of a method, device or drug to prevent pregnancy.

contraceptiveA drug or device used to prevent pregnancy.

contractilityThe ability of a muscle, especially the heart muscle, to shorten and squeeze with force.

contractionThe tightening and shortening of a muscle.

contraction frequencyHow often labor contractions come: the time between the starts of two contractions in a row.

contractureA lasting shortening and tightening of muscle, tendon, skin or joint tissue that keeps a joint from moving through its full range.

contusionA bruise: an injury that breaks small blood vessels under the skin or in an organ without breaking the skin.

coordinationThe smooth working together of parts, such as muscles in a movement or team members in a client's care.

COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.

copingThe thoughts and actions a person uses to manage stress, problems and strong emotions.

cordA long, thin, rope-like structure in the body, such as the spinal cord, the umbilical cord or the vocal cords.

corneaThe clear, dome-shaped layer at the front of the eye, over the iris and pupil.

coronaryHaving to do with the heart, especially the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

coronary arteryOne of the blood vessels on the surface of the heart that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

coronary artery diseaseNarrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, most often from fatty plaque buildup.

cortexThe outer layer of an organ, especially the folded gray outer layer of the brain.

cortisolA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.

coughA sudden, forceful burst of air from the lungs that clears the airways.

crackleA short popping or crackling lung sound heard through a stethoscope, usually while breathing in.