Glossary

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Labia - the two pairs of skinfolds that protect the opening of the vagina

Labor - the interval from onset of contractions to birth of a baby

Laceration - a torn or ragged wound

Lactation - the production of breast milk after giving birth

Lactation suppression - a decrease in milk production during pregnancy as a result of high levels of estrogen in the blood

Lactic acid - an acid produced by glucose-burning cells when these cells have an insufficient supply of oxygen

Lactose - the sugar found in dairy products

Lactose intolerance - inability to break down and absorb the sugar lactose

Lamaze method - a method of preparing for childbirth that stresses physical conditioning, relaxation, and breathing exercises

Laparoscope - a viewing instrument used to examine and treat disorders in the abdominal cavity; consists of a long tube with an eyepiece, a lens, and often a camera, which allows the image to be viewed on a monitor

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - surgical removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope

Laparoscopy - a procedure done to examine the abdominal cavity using a laparoscope, usually to investigate pelvic pain or gynecologic conditions such as infertility

Large intestine - the part of the digestive tract that is located between the small intestine and the anus

Larynx - the medical term for the voice box, the organ in the throat that produces voice and also prevents food from entering the airway

Laser treatment - the use of a laser (a concentrated beam of light) to perform medical procedures, such as the destruction of tumors

Latent infection - an infection that lies dormant in the body for months or years but can reappear

Lateral - on one side

Laxatives - drugs used to clear feces from the intestines; commonly used to treat constipation

LDL - see Low-density lipoprotein

Lead poisoning - damage to the brain, nerves, red blood cells, or digestive system because of ingestion of lead

Learning disability - any of a variety of disorders, including hyperactivity, dyslexia, and hearing problems, that can interfere with a person's ability to learn

Leiomyoma - a noncancerous tumor of smooth muscle

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome - a genetic disorder affecting only men that causes mental handicap, self-mutilation, and aggressive behavior

Lesion - an abnormality of structure or function in the body

Leukemia - a group of bone marrow cancers in which white blood cells divide uncontrollably, affecting the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets

Leukocyte - another name for a white blood cells

Leukocyte count - the number of white blood cells in the blood, which is used as a measure of health and possible infection

Leukoplakia - white patches that can develop in the mouth or on the penis or the opening of the vagina and are potentially cancerous

LH - see Luteinizing hormone

Lichen planus - a common skin disease in which itchy, small, pink or purple spots appear on the arms or legs

Ligament - a tough, elastic band of tissue that connects bones and suupports organs

Ligation - the process of closing a blood vessel or duct by tying it off

Lipid-lowering drugs- drugs taken to lower the levels of specific fats called lipids in the blood in order to reduce the risk of narrowing of the arteries

Lipidosis - any disorder in which fats cannot be properly broken down by the digestive system

Lipids - a group of fats stored in the body and used for energy

Lipoma - a noncancerous tumor of fatty tissue

Lipoproteins - substances containing lipids and proteins, comprising most fats in the blood

Liposarcoma - a cancerous tumor of fatty tissue

Liposuction - a surgical procedure in which fat is removed from areas of the body using a suction pump

Listeriosis - a rare bacterial infection acquired by eating undercooked infected meat or from infected live animals; can be dangerous to newborns and the elderly

Liver - the largest organ in the body, producing many essential chemicals and regulating the levels of most vital substances in the blood

Liver failure - the final stage of liver disease, in which liver function becomes so impaired that other areas of the body are affected, most commonly the brain

Local anesthesia - a method of preventing pain by inducing the loss of sensation in a certain area of the body while the patient remains awake

Lordosis - the inward curvature of the spine at the lower back, which is normal to a certain degree; abnormal as a result of certain medical conditions, being overweight, or having muscle problems

Low-density lipoprotein - a type of lipoprotein that is the major carrier of cholesterol in the blood, with high levels associated with narrowing of the arteries and heart disease

Lumbar puncture - a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower region of the spinal canal to take out a sample of spinal fluid or to inject a drug

Lumbar spine - the lower part of the spine between the lowest pair of ribs and the pelvis; made up of five vertebrae

Lumpectomy - surgical removal of a section of breast containing cancer

Lung collapse - a condition in which all or part of a lung cannot expand and fill with air

Lungs - two organs in the chest that take in oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide

Lupus erythematosus - a disorder of the immune system that causes inflammation of connective tissue

Luteinizing hormone - a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that causes the ovaries and testicles to release sex hormones and plays a role in the development of eggs and sperm

Lymph - a milky fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and fats; plays an important role in absorbing fats from the intestine and in the functioning of the immune system

Lymphadenopathy - swollen lymph nodes

Lymphangiography - an X-ray procedure that creates images of the lymphatic system

Lymphatic system - a network of vessels that drain lymph back into the blood

Lymph node - a small gland that is part of the immune system; contains white blood cells and antibodies and helps fight against the spread of infection

Lymphocyte - a white blood cell that is an important part of the body's immune system, helping to destroy invading microorganisms

Lymphogranuloma venereum - a sexually transmitted chlamydial infection; common in countries with a tropical climate

Lymphomas - a group of cancer of the lymph nodes and spleen that can spread to other parts of the body

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