cadaver:  The body of a deceased individual, usually used in reference to a body intended for dissection and study.

cadaveric: Of or referring to a dead body.

CAH:  See congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

calcium:  A mineral used by the body in bone production and maintenance.  Calcium in the body is stored in the hard part of the bones and is used in a number of other physiological processes.  It plays a role in the ability of muscled to contract, and as such is vital to heart activity.  Calcium also is important in blood clotting and in the maintenance of the nervous system. Calcium deposits may build up and form stones within the kidneys.

calcium oxalate stones:  A type of calcium stone formed with in the kidney.  This type of stone is the most common.  It is composed of a dense crystalline structure, generally interlaced with calcium phosphate.

calculi:  Plural for calculus.  See calculus
calculus:  Any abnormal accretion of minerals creating a hard formation within the body.  Also referred to as a stone.

calyces:  Plural for calyx.  See calyx.

calyx:  A conic hallow within the pelvis of the kidney.  Urine passes through the calyx into the ureter.

cancer:  An abnormal cell growth.  The unrestricted growth of cells can pass into other tissues and organs, and is potentially fatal.

capillaries:  Plural for capillary.  See capillary.

capillary:  A very small and thinly walled blood vessel that delivers blood to tissues.  The capillary arterioles connect to the venules of the capillary vein, marking the site of exchange between oxygen rich blood flowing into the tissue by means of the arteries and oxygen depleted blood being carried away by the veins.

carcinogen:  A substance known to produce malignant cell growth (cancer).

carcinoma:  A cancer that forms on either the external lining of an organ, or on the surface of the skin.

carcinoma in situ:  The early stage of a cancerous cell growth on the skin or surface lining of an organ (carcinoma) which has not yet progressed or spread from its original site.  Also referred to as CIS.

carbuncle:  A abscess on the skin or an accumulation of pus within the body.

CAT scan:  See computerized axial tomography.

catecholamine:  An amine such as epinephrine or norepinephrine that acts as a neurotransmitter or as a hormone.

catheter:  A small tube passed through the urethra and into the bladder to facilitate the flow of urine out of the bladder or to introduce a substance into the bladder.

catheterization:  The insertion of a catheter into the bladder by way of the urethra, or by means of an incision in the wall of the abdomen.

cauterization:  A means of closing a wound or incision by use of heat, electricity, laser or caustic chemical.  Can also be used to kill abnormal tissue, allowing it to be reabsorbed by the body or removed.

CBC:  See complete blood count.

cerebral cortex:  The portion of the brain that handles voluntary actions by the body, such as the conscious control of the bladder and urination.

cervical:  Of or referring to a neck structure, including, but not limited to, the neck of the human body.  Cervical can relate to other neck-like structures, such as the neck of the uterus in females.

cervical glands:  The glands located within the mucosa of the uterine cervix.

cervical mucous:  The mucous coating the uterine neck.

cervix:  Latin word for “neck”.  As applied to the female reproductive system, the cervix refers to the narrow section at the lower part of the uterus.

chemotherapy:  A cancer treatment that seeks to kill malignant cells or to prevent them from spreading by use of chemicals introduced into the body.

cholesterol:  A fatty steroid that is critical for a number of processes within the body.  Cholesterol, in very large amounts, can form deposits within the arteries that can restrict the normal flow of blood.

cholinergic:  Referring to the fibers of the parasympathetic nervous system which produce the important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.

chordee:  The condition in which a penis, when erect, exhibits an abnormal downward bend.

chromosome:  The rod-shaped structures, present within the nucleus of a cell, which are comprised of DNA and proteins.  The chromosomes carry the genes which determine the characteristics of the organism.

chronic:  A slowly progressing and long lasting disease, such as chronic renal failure which my progress over a number of years before reaching end-stage renal failure.

chronic bacterial prostatitis:  An unusual type of bacterial prostatitis in which there are recurrent infections.

chronic inflammatory bowel syndrome:  A long-term disease arising from the large intestine contracting irregularly.

chronic non-bacterial prostatitis:  Inflammation of the prostate that is not caused by a bacterial infection.

chronic prostatitis:  Slow and long lasting inflammation of the prostate.

chronic renal failure:  A slow progression of diminishing kidney function which can ultimately lead to end-stage renal failure, requiring dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.

CIC:  See clean intermittent catherization.

circumcision:  The practice of surgically removing the foreskin of the penis.

CIS:  See carcinoma in situ.

citrate:  A salt derived from citric acid.

clean intermittent catheterization:  Periodic catheterization, using a clean catheter and sterile procedure, for the purposes of allowing urine to drain from the bladder.  Also referred to as CIC.

clear cell sarcoma:  An unusual type of tumor in the kidney.

clinical trials:  Refers to studies conducted by researches to determine the medical potential of new drugs, equipment or procedures.

clitoris:  The small erectile sex organ of the female, located at the front of the vagina.

CMG:  See cystometrogram.

cognitive:  Referring to the process of conscious thought.

collagen:  Protein essential to the formation and maintenance of cartilage, bone and other tissues.  Stress urinary incontinence is often treated by means of collagen injection.

collagenase:  The enzyme that breaks down collagen.

colon:  Section of the large intestine that serves to remove water from digested food.

colonic diverticula:  A herniated wall of the colon.

colostomy:  A surgical opening in the abdomen used for removing solid waste from the body in lieu of the anus.

comorbidity:  The presence several coexisting diseases.

compensatory hypertrophy:  Growth by one organ in an attempt by the body to make up for the loss of a different organ.

complete blood count:  The standard scale for measuring content of white and red blood cells.  Also referred to as a CBC.

compliance:  When used in reference to the bladder, a term to express the capacity of the bladder to expand to hold urine.

computerized axial tomography:   A diagnostic procedure that utilizes X-rays to create a composite cross-sectional image of a body part that is much more detailed than a singular X-ray alone.  Also referred to as a CAT scan.

concealed penis:  See buried penis.

condom catheter:  A device used to treat men with urinary incontinence.  The device is attached over the shaft of the penis and directs urine that is involuntarily released from the bladder and through the urethra into a receptacle.

condoms:  Snug fit coverings designed to enclose the erect penis of a male during copulation so as to prevent impregnating the female and/or transmitting a disease.

congenital abnormalities:  Any irregularity of form or function that has been present since birth.

congenital adrenal hyperplasia:  A congenital disorder that causes a deficiency of the cortisol and aldosterone hormones, as well as an excess of the androgen hormone.  Also referred to as CAH.

congenital mesoblastic nephroma:  Congenital disorder that causes the development of tumors in the kidney from infancy.   c

Conn’s syndrome:  A syndrome in which the an abnormality within the adrenal gland causes it to produce an excess of the aldosterone hormone.  Also referred to as primary hyperaldosteronism.

constipation:  A condition in which it is difficult to eliminate feces from the body.  Caused by the excessive dehydration of stool.

constricted:  Made narrower.
continence:  The ability to voluntary control urination and bowel movements.

continous cyclic peritoneal dialysis:  A type of machine facilitated peritoneal dialysis.  Dialysate is drained from and filled to the abdomen by mechanical process.  The bulk of dialysis is done while the patient is sleeping, where it is usual to perform 3 to 5 cycles during one dialysis sitting.  This is followed by a single cycle during the day.  Also referred to as CCPD.

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis:  A type of peritoneal dialysis that does not require the use of a machine.  This is a continuous (constantly going) form of dialysis that is controlled and monitored by human action.  Also referred to as CAPD.

contract:  To narrow or become smaller.

contracture:  An abnormal permanent contraction of a body part, which can potentially cause deformity.

coronary artery disease:  A condition in which an insufficient blood flow reaches the heart.  This can cause sensations in the chest ranging from moderate discomfort to severe pain

corpora:  The main mass of a distinct body, such as an entire body part or organ.
corpora cavernosa:  Two cylindrical chambers within the penis which fill with blood to enlarge and stiffen the penis for copulation.

corporoplasty technique:  A procedure used to correct curvature of the penis and to reduce the pain associated with Peyronie’s disease.  Scar tissue is surgically cut away and the affected area is covered with a graft so as to straighten while maintaining overall length.

corpus spongiosum:  The column of spongy erectile tissue that extends through the center of the penis which encircles the urethra and lies between the corpora cavernosa.

cortex:  An organ’s external layer.

bacteria:  A broad spectrum of single-celled microorganisms.  Some bacteria exist independently, while other depend upon a host organism for survival.  Though many may exist within the human body without ill-effect, some bacteria may cause infection.  Bacterial infections are generally treated successfully with antibiotics.

bacterial:  Of or relating to a bacteria.

bacterial prostatitis:  An inflammation of the prostate brought about by bacterial infection.

balanitis:  A condition wherein the glans (tip) of the penis becomes inflamed.

balanitis xerotica obliterans:  A chronic skin condition that causes the skin of the penis to thicken and results in scarring. Also referred to as BXO.

balanoposthitis:  A condition wherein both the glans (tip) and foreskin become inflamed.

balloon angioplasty:  The surgical correction of a narrowed or occluded artery.  The procedure consists of passing a catheter, with an inflatable balloon affixed to the tip, through the diseased artery. The balloon is then inflated to expand the affected portion of the artery.

balloon dilation:  A medical treatment to correct the impediment of urination caused by prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia.  The procedure consists of passing a small balloon into the urethra.  The balloon can then be enlarged to widen the urethral passage to facilitate urine flow from the bladder.  Also referred to as balloon urethroplasty.

balloon urethroplasty:  See balloon dilation.

bedside commode:  A portable toilet for use by persons who have mobility issues that make walking to the regular lavatory difficult or impossible.

behavioral techniques:  The alteration of personal habits to alleviate the symptoms of prostate enlargement or other conditions that affect normal urination patterns.  Such techniques include modifying diet, timed urination, and other exercises.  Also referred to as Self-Care Techniques.

benign:  Not displaying abnormal, hazardous growth (non-malignant, non-cancerous).

benign prostatic hyperplasia:  Enlargement of the prostate by non-cancerous causes.  Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common cause of prostate enlargement and effects almost all men to some degree as they advance in age.  It can often cause difficulties in urination as the prostate restricts and narrows the urethra.  Also known as BPH.

benign tumor:  An non-cancerous (not malignant) tumor. These growths typically do not spread throughout the body.  The can generally be removed without recurrence.

bicornate uterus:  A uterus having two horn-shaped branches, as opposed to the normal uterus which has only one.

bilateral:  Referring to any condition that affects both sides of the body, or in the case of paired organs, a condition that affects both of the pair.

bilateral hyperplasia:  An abnormal growth only on a single side or on only one of two paired organs.

biofeedback:  A treatment that utilizes impulses from electrodes to raise awareness of the body.  This procedure can help patients gain greater control of their pelvic muscles.

biofeedback therapy:  A treatment that focuses on behavioral aspects which allow a person to better control normally involuntary responses to stimuli, such as muscle contractions.  Feedback is given in the form of visual, auditory or tactile cues, allowing the individual to become more conscious of how he or she consciously controlling muscle activity.  This can be used to assist individuals with urinary disorders greater control of the pelvic muscles.

biopsies:  The removal of a small portion of a tissue with a needle, or taken during surgery for microscopic examination to evaluate the presence of malignant or otherwise abnormal cells.

biopsy:  A medical procedure used to collect a small portion of a body tissue using a needle to extract cells or cutting away a sample during surgery for examination under a microscope to evaluate whether or not cancerous or otherwise abnormal cells are present.

bladder:  A balloon-shaped pound comprised of thick muscle fibers.  It is this body that collects and holds urine, until it is voluntary discharged through the urethra in the act of normal urination.

bladder augmentation:  A surgical procedure to enlarge the bladder by augmenting its size.  This is usually accomplished by adding a section taken from the intestine.

bladder capacity:  The maximum volume of urine that may be stored by the bladder.  Also referred to as bladder volume.

bladder control:  The capability of controlling the timing and release of urine.  Also referred to as continence.

bladder diverticula:  Pouches or bulges in the bladder wall that may either exist from birth or form over time.  Congenital bladder diverticula refers to a weakened portion of the bladder wall that is present from birth.  A portion of the lining of the bladder is forced through this weakened section.  Bladder diverticulation may occur at multiple sites throughout the bladder, but most often form around the upper urinary system enters into the bladder.

bladder exstrophy:  A defect present from birth that presents itself as a malformation of the bladder and urethra.  The bladder and other structures are developed externally (outside of the abdomen).  Because the bladder and other structures are exposed to the outside of the body, urine constantly trickles onto the skin causing irritation.

bladder infection:  An infection of the urinary tract affecting the bladder.  Symptoms of a bladder infection can include an increase in frequency and urgency of urination, wetting, and a burning sensation while urinating.  Also referred to as cystitis.

bladder instillation:  Flushing the bladder by means of filling the bladder with a solution that may be retained for varying time periods before being drained out by way of a catheter.

bladder irrigation: Flushing the bladder by means of a continuous flow through a catheter.

bladder neck:  The thicker portion of the bladder where the urethra connects.  The thick muscle fibers of the neck contract or relax voluntarily to contain or release urine from the bladder into the urethra.  During the act of ejaculation these muscles also tighten to prevent ejaculate from flowing backwards into the bladder.

bladder neck contracture:  A possible complication arising out of surgery, wherein scarring of the tissue in the area of the bladder neck creates urinary problems.  This may require corrective surgery.

bladder prolapse:  Slippage of the bladder for its normal and correct position.
bladder relaxants:  Drug given to increase the frequency and urgency of urination.

bladder suspension:  A term encompassing several surgical treatments for urethral hyper mobility.  Bladder suspension elevates and secures the bladder at its normal position in the body.  These surgical procedures are used to treat stress incontinence.   Also referred to as bladder neck suspension.

bladder training:  A form of behavioral or self-care technique in which the patient trains himself to urinate on a regular schedule and to thoroughly empty the bladder.

bladder ultrasound:  A means of measuring the volume of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.  This allows a urologist to gauge and diagnose incomplete emptying of the bladder.  Ultrasounds use sound waves to create an image of the bladder, allowing the measurement of urine volume.  Ultrasound is a painless procedure that does not expose the body to radiation as would an X-ray.  Also referred to as a bladder scan.

bladder X-ray:  The process of taking a picture of the bladder and urethra using X-ray imaging.  A radioactive substance is first introduced into the bladder to facilitate imaging.

blood transfusion:  The means of resupplying blood into the bloodstream of someone who has a blood disorder or has lost a significant amount of blood by transferring blood from a healthy donor.

blood urea nitrogen:  The waste which results from the breakdown of proteins in foods and is carried in the bloodstream.  Urea is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.  Blood urea nitrogen levels increase when the functionality of the kidneys decrease.  Also referred to as BUN.

bone anchors:  Screws, surgically installed into the pelvic bone, used to suspend and secure the bladder in its natural position to alleviate stress urinary incontinence.

bone marrow:  The substance present in the interior of some bones which plays a role in the generation of blood cells.

bone scan:  A nuclear skeletal image.

bovine tuberculosis:  Contagious illness stemming from an infection of the lymph nodes which then spreads to affect other organs in the body.

bowel:  A term referring to the intestines or colon.

bowel vaginoplasty:  Surgical procedure done to reconstruct or repair a damaged portion of the vaginal canal by utilizing tissue taken from the intestines.

BPH:  See prostatic hyperplasia.

brachytherapy:  A type of prostate cancer treatment wherein small radioactive pellets are introduced into the prostate.  Ultrasound is used to guide the placement.

bulbar:  Bulbous in shape.

bulbar urethral stricture:  A stricture which forms at the widest section of the urethra.

bulbourethral glands:  The pair of small glands located under the prostate gland.  The bulbourethral glands secret an alkaline liquid that comprises part of the male ejaculate.  The alkalinity of this fluid acts to neutralize the acidity of the urethra, so that the sperm are not destroyed during the passage through the urethra.  Also referred to as Cowper’s glands.

bulbous urethra:  Rounding and swelling of the urethra.

bulking agent:    Substance injected under the urethra to improve urinary control (continence).

BUN:  See Blood Urine Nitrogen

burch suspension:  A surgical procedure to raise the vagina and secure it to the pubic bone.

buried penis:  A condition in which the penile shaft is concealed by the skin or fat pad of the pubis.  Also referred to as a hidden or concealed penis.

BXO:  See balanitis xerotica obliterans.