Dictionary

Body systems

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

rheumatoidLike or related to rheumatism, the old word for painful, inflamed joints and muscles; most often used in rheumatoid arthritis.

rheumatoid arthritisA long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.

rhinitisInflammation of the lining of the nose.

rhinorrheaA runny nose: thin fluid draining from the nose.

rhonchiLow-pitched, rumbling or snoring lung sounds heard with a stethoscope.

rhythmThe pattern and regularity of the heartbeat or of breathing.

ribOne of the 12 pairs of curved bones that form the chest wall around the heart and lungs.

ricketsA disease of children in which the growing bones become soft and weak and may bend.

right lower quadrantThe lower right quarter of the abdomen, when it is divided into four parts by lines crossing at the navel.

right upper quadrantThe upper right quarter of the belly, from the person's own point of view, when it is divided into four parts at the navel.

right ventricleThe lower right chamber of the heart, which pumps blood to the lungs.

right-sided heart failureHeart failure in which the right ventricle cannot pump enough blood forward into the lungs.

rigidityStiffness: a muscle, limb or the wall of the belly that resists being moved or pressed.

ringwormA fungal skin infection that forms a ring-shaped patch; it is not caused by a worm.

room airOrdinary air breathed without added oxygen; it is about 21% oxygen.

rooting reflexA newborn reflex in which the baby turns toward a touch on the cheek or the corner of the mouth and opens the mouth.

roseolaA common viral illness of babies and toddlers caused by human herpesvirus 6 or 7.

rRNARibosomal RNA: the RNA that forms much of the ribosome, the part of a cell that builds proteins.

RSV bronchiolitisInflammation of the smallest airways of the lungs from respiratory syncytial virus, mostly in infants.

rubellaA contagious illness caused by the rubella virus; also called German measles.

ruptureA tear or burst in an organ, vessel, tissue or membrane.

rupture of membraneThe breaking of the amniotic sac, the bag of fluid around the baby, before or during labor.