Dictionary

Body systems

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

epiglottitisInflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing.

epilepsyA long-term brain condition in which a person has repeated seizures that are not caused by another illness.

episiotomyA cut made in the perineum, the tissue between the vagina and the anus, during birth to widen the opening.

epispadiasA birth defect in which the urethra opens on the top side of the penis instead of at the tip, or in a female, too far forward.

epistaxisBleeding from the nose; a nosebleed.

epithelializationThe growth of new skin cells across a wound, covering it as it heals.

epitheliumThe tissue that covers the body's surfaces and lines its organs, vessels and cavities.

Epstein pearlsSmall white or yellow bumps on a newborn's gums or the roof of the mouth.

Epstein-Barr virusA common herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.

equilibriumA state of balance, either of the body's position or of substances and forces within it.

Erb palsyWeakness or paralysis of one arm from stretching of the upper nerves of the brachial plexus, the nerve bundle between the neck and shoulder, usually at birth.

erectile dysfunctionRepeated trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex.

erythemaRedness of the skin caused by more blood flowing in the small vessels near the surface.

erythropoietinA hormone made mainly by the kidneys that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells.

escharThick, dry, dark dead tissue that covers part or all of a wound.

esophagusThe muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.

estrogenA female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.

etiologyThe cause or origin of a disease, or the study of causes of disease.

eviscerationThe pushing out of internal organs, usually loops of bowel, through a surgical wound that has come open.

exacerbationA time when a long-term disease suddenly gets worse, or its symptoms flare up.

excoriationA raw, scraped area of skin where the top layer has been scratched or rubbed away.

excreteTo get rid of waste from the body, in urine, stool, sweat or breath.

excretionThe removal of wastes, or of a drug and its breakdown products, from the body.

exhalationBreathing out: moving air out of the lungs.

expirationBreathing out; letting air flow out of the lungs. Also the date after which a product should not be used.

extracellular fluidAll the body's water that is outside the cells, in the blood vessels and in the spaces between cells.

extremityAn arm or a leg.

eyelidEither of the two folds of skin and muscle that cover and protect the front of the eye.