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ulcer
An open sore that occurs
on the skin or on a mucous membrane because of the
destruction of surface tissue.
ulcerative colitis
A chronic condition in
which ulcers occur on the mucous membrane lining of the
colon (the end of the large intestine) and the rectum.
ultrasound scanning
An imaging procedure used
to examine internal organs in which high-frequency sound waves are
passed into the body, reflected back, and used to build an image; also
sometimes called sonography.
ultraviolet light
A form of invisible light
in sunlight that is responsible for the tanning and burning of skin and
can cause cataracts and skin cancer.
umbilical
cord
The tubal structure
(consisting of two arteries and one vein) that connects the fetus
to the placenta, supplying the
fetus with oxygen and nutrients and removing some waste
products.
umbilical
hernia
A condition present at
birth in which a part of the baby's intestines
bulge through a weak area of the abdominal wall, creating a swelling
around the navel.
unconsciousness
A temporary or prolonged
loss of awareness of self and of surroundings.
undescended testicle
A testicle
that has not moved down from the abdomen, where it develops, into the scrotum.
unsaturated
fat
A fat or oil found mainly
in vegetables; thought to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
urea
A waste product of the
metabolism of proteins that is formed by the liver and secreted by the kidneys.
uremia
Abnormally high levels of
waste products such as urea in the blood.
ureters
Two tubes that carry urine
from the kidneys to the bladder.
urethra
The tube by which urine is
released from the bladder.
urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra.
urethrocele
A bulging of the urethra into the vagina.
urethrocystitis
Inflammation of the urethra and the bladder.
urinalysis
A group of physical and
chemical tests done on a sample of urine to check for various disorders,
including those of the kidneys and urinary tract.
urinary
diversion
An operation to allow
urine passage when the bladder or urethra has become blocked or been removed.
urinary incontinence
The involuntary release of
urine because of the inability to control bladder muscles; may occur as a
natural part of the aging process or be caused by an injury or disorder.
urinary
tract
The structures in the body
that are responsible for the production and release of urine, including
the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
urticaria
An allergic reaction in
which itchy white lumps surrounded by areas of inflammation appear on
the skin; commonly called "hives".
uterine
prolapse
A condition in which the
uterus moves downward into the vagina
due to a weakness of the ligaments
and muscles that hold the uterus in place.
uterus
The hollow female
reproductive organ in which a fertilized egg is implanted and a fetus
develops.
uvea
A structure consisting of
the colored area of the eye and the middle layer of the eye that
contains blood vessels.
uveitis
Inflammation of the uvea.
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