Dictionary

Body systems

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

U waveA small, rounded wave that sometimes follows the T wave on an ECG.

UCAn abbreviation with two common meanings: ulcerative colitis or uterine contractions; the setting shows which.

ulcerAn open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.

ulcerative colitisA long-term inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

umbilical cordThe cord that connects the unborn baby to the placenta, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the baby and wastes away.

umbilical cord prolapseA condition in which the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of or beside the fetus's presenting part.

umbilicusThe navel: the scar in the middle of the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached before birth.

unilateralOn or affecting only one side of the body.

upper respiratory infectionAn infection of the nose, sinuses, throat or voice box, such as the common cold.

ureaA waste product the liver makes when it breaks down protein, which the kidneys remove in urine.

ureterOne of the two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys down to the bladder.

urethraThe tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

urgencyA sudden, strong need to pass urine that is hard to put off.

urinaryHaving to do with urine or with the organs that make, store and pass urine.

urinary incontinenceLeaking of urine that a person cannot control.

urinary meatusThe opening at the end of the urethra through which urine leaves the body.

urinary retentionBeing unable to empty the bladder completely, or at all.

urinary systemThe organs that make, store and pass urine: the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

urinary tractThe organs that make, carry, store and pass urine: the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

urinary tract infectionAn infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.

urinateTo pass urine out of the body; to empty the bladder.

urineThe liquid waste made by the kidneys and stored in the bladder until it leaves the body.

urine specific gravityA urine test that measures how concentrated the urine is, compared with the weight of plain water.

urticariaHives: raised, red, itchy welts on the skin.

uterineRelating to the uterus, the womb.

uterine atonyWeak or absent tightening of the uterus muscle after childbirth.

uterine contractionA tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.

uterine fibroidA noncancerous growth of muscle and fibrous tissue in or on the wall of the uterus.

uterine ruptureA tear through the wall of the uterus during pregnancy or labor.

uteroplacentalHaving to do with the uterus and the placenta together, especially the blood flow between them.

uteroplacental insufficiencyToo little blood flow between the uterus and the placenta for the fetus's needs.

uterotonicA drug that makes the uterus contract, used to start or strengthen labor or to control bleeding after birth.

uterusThe hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the womb.