abdomen:  The section of the body located between the thorax and pelvis.  The abdomen encloses and includes the cavity containing the digestive organs and other viscera such as the spleen, liver and pancreas.
Ablation:  The removal or excision of undesirable tissue, most often by surgical means.

abnormality:  Any condition that differs from the normal bodily structures, position or function.

abscess:  A buildup of pus occurring anywhere in the body.

absorbent products:  Absorbent articles designed to soak up urine and other bodily fluids.  These include, but are not limited to, both disposable and reusable types of garments and pads, as well as other absorbent items such as bed padding.

absorptive hypercalciuria:   A condition which causes calcium to combine with unabsorbed fatty acids, leading to excessive oxalate absorption by the intestines.

acetylcholine:  A critical chemical substance in neurons that plays the role of a neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system.   Acetylcholine facilitates transmission of nerve impulses across the synaptic cleft.  The parasympathetic nervous system functions as part of the autonomic nervous system to control involuntary actions of the smooth muscles including the heart, urethra and bladder.

ACTH:  see Adrenocorticotropic Hormone.

acute:  Used to describe the sudden onset or rapid progression of a disease requiring urgent medical attention.  Acute is often used to express the relatively short duration of an illness or condition, as opposed to subacute or chronic.  The acuteness of the condition, in regard to longevity and rapidity of change, is relative to the condition being described.

acute bacterial prostatitis:  An acute inflammation of the prostate gland brought about by bacterial infection of the urinary tract.  The presence of bacteria and white blood cells in the urine are indicative of the urinary tract infection.  Patients may display symptoms including fever, chills, pain or sensitivity in the genitals and/or lower back, general ache, increased frequency of urination, increased sense of urgency in urination and a burning or painful sensation when urinating.  The condition can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

acute incontinence:  The sudden inability to control urination.  This is often brought on by an existing condition or illness and can usually be corrected through successful treatment of that causing factor.
Acute Infectious Prostatitis:  The sudden onset and rapid progression of prostatitis brought about by bacterial infection and requiring urgent medical attention.

acute renal failure:  The sudden loss of kidney function.  Acute renal failure is most often temporary and the kidneys are able to regain functionality, as distinguished from chronic kidney failure.  Acute renal failure may also be referred to as acute kidney failure.

acute tubular necrosis:  A severe type of renal failure that most often affects individuals suffering from a severe illness or who have abnormally low blood pressure.  Kidney function may be restored by successful treatment of the causal condition.   During treatment of the root condition, dialysis may be necessary to combat the more immediate issue of the loss of renal function.

adenocarcinoma:  A cancerous growth that develops on the inner surface or lining of an organ.  Adenocarcinoma is, by far, the most common form of prostate cancer.

adenoma:  A benign tumor that forms in and closely resembles the tissue of a gland.  If the adenoma becomes malignant it is then referred to as an adenocarcinoma.

adenomectomy:  removal of a gland by surgical means

ADH :  see Antidiuretic Hormone

adjuvant:  From the Latin “adjuvans” meaning to help, specifically to assist in reaching an objective.  Adjuvant is used in reference to any substance that is used to enhance the effectiveness of another drug or agent, or that improves the capability of an antigen to stimulate the immune system.  Adjuvant therapy for cancer refers to the practice of surgically removing the cancerous tissue, the utilizing chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

adrenal:  Of or referring to the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.  See Adrenal Glands.

adrenal adenoma:  A benign growth on the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenal cancer:  A malignant growth (cancer) on the adrenal gland.

adrenal carcinoma:  A malignant growth (cancer) on the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenal cortex:  The external portion of the adrenal gland.  The cortex produces mineralcorticoid hormones which regulate the mineral content of the blood and  maintain the balance between water and salts in the body.  The cortex also produces steroid hormones which regulate metabolism, specifically that of carbohydrates and fats.

adrenal glands:  The pair of endocrine glands located above the kidneys which produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism and other imperative functions.  The adrenals are comprised of an external cortex and internal medulla.  control heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food and other vital functions. The outer cortex produces steroid hormones and minertalocortoids which regulate the mineral content of the blood.  The interior medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin).

adrenal medulla:  The internal portion of the adrenal gland.  The medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline) as a response to drops in glucose levels in the blood and as a response to stress or heightened activity.  Epinephrine causes glycogen in the liver to break down into glucose, allows adipose tissue to release fatty acids, promotes arterial dilation in the muscles and increase heart rate.  The medulla also produces norepinephrine (noradrenaline) which acts to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

adrenal tumor:  Abnormal cell growth or tissue mass in the adrenal gland.

adrenalectomy:  The removal of one or both adrenal glands by surgical means.

adrenaline:  The substance secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress, heightened activity or a decrease in blood glucose.  Adrenaline is a catecholamine (amines that act as hormones or neurotransmitters).  The release of adrenaline into the bloodstream creates a number of effects in the body, such as dilation of the arteries in the muscles, increased heart rate, dilation of the bronchioles of the lungs, release of fatty acids by adipose tissue, the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, etc.  Adrenaline is also referred to as epinephrine.

adrenocortical carcinoma:  Malignant tumor (cancer) in the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenocorticotropic hormone:  A Hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and which stimulates the adrenal cortex, causing it to produce steroid hormones.  Also referred to as ACTH.

afferent nerve pathway:    The nerve pathways which carry sensory impulses.

ailment:    A mild illness or other chronic condition.

albuminuria:  Higher than usual amounts of a the albumin protein in the urine. Albuminuria may indicate the onset of kidney disease.

aldosterone:  An adrenal hormone this is critical for maintaining the salt (sodium) balance in the body. It is produced by the exterior portion of the adrenal cortex.  Aldosterone acts by means of a reabsorption of sodium and a secretion of potassium. It is necessary for the maintenance of blood pressure.

alkaline phosphates:  Enzymes which can be released into the blood due to various disorders.

alkalinity:    Refers to the concentration of alkali, which is an acid-neutralizing chemical substance, in a solution.  Alkalinity is measured in terms of pH.

allantois:  A membranous sac that grows from the lower portion of the abdominal cavity.  The allantois combines with the chorion to form the placenta and the umbilical cord.

allograft:  Refers to the transplant of organs or tissue from one human to another.

alpha-adrenergic blockers:  Drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions such an enlargement of the prostate or stress induced urinary incontinence.  Also referred to as alpha-blockers.

alpha-blockers:  See alpha-adrenergic blockers.

alport syndrome:  An genetic condition that leads to kidney disease. It generally develops early in childhood and is usually more serious in males than in females. Alport Syndrome can result in end-stage renal disease, as well as problems with hearing and vision. The most common symptoms of Alport Syndrome are chronic blood and protein in the urine.

ambiguous genitalia:  External genitalia which have physical characteristics of both normal male and female, while being distinctly neither, though one sex may predominate.

amyloidosis:  A condition marked by the buildup of a protein-like material in one or more organs. This substance cannot be broken down and hinders the normal function of the organ. In kidneys, amyloidosis can cause nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, and renal failure.

analgesia:  The inability to feel pain while retaining consciousness.

analgesic:  A drug designed to alleviate pain without rendering the patient unconscious.

analgesic-associated kidney disease:  The loss of kidney function that can result from the long-term use of pain-relieving medications.

anaplasia:  Changes that occur within groups of cancerous cells or that occur within an individual cancer cell.

anaplastic:  Concerning or characterized by a lessening of distinctive cell features.

anatomy:  The physical aspects of the internal structures of an organism or the structure of any of its individual parts.

androgen:  A male sex hormone, such as testosterone, which plays a role in the development and continuance of the male sex characteristics.

androgen suppression therapy:  Treatment aimed at lowering the levels of the male hormones (androgens) that can permit prostate cancer cells to develop.

anemia:  A condition in which the patient has too few red blood cells to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body. Those with anemia may display signs of being tired and pale, complain of shortness of breath and/or may feel changes in the rhythm of their heartbeat. Anemia is common condition associated with chronic renal failure and dialysis.

anesthesia:  The loss of sensation and/or consciousness brought about intentionally by use of an anesthetizing agent (anesthetic).  General anesthetics may be used during surgery to render the patient wholly desensitized and unconscious.  Local anesthetics are paralyzing or numbing agents used to desensitize specific small areas of the body without causing unconsciousness. Regional anesthetics, like local anesthetics, do not affect consciousness but desensitizes a larger area of the body, such as an entire limb.  Local and regional anesthesia are also referred to as “conduction anesthesia”.  Conduction anesthesia is used to facilitate a large number of surgeries. Conduction anesthesia is especially useful in outpatient procedures where unconsciousness would be undesirable and in surgeries, such as C-sections, where general anesthesia might pose a significant risk.

anesthesia, general:  Anesthesia in which the person is rendered unconscious with relaxation of the muscles and loss of pain sensation throughout the entire body.

anesthesia, local:  Anesthesia causing the loss of sensation only in a specific part of the body.
anesthsia, regional:  Anesthesia causing loss of sensation over an entire region of the body.

anesthesiologist:  A physician who performs and/or supervises the administration of anesthetics during surgery.

anesthetic: Any substance that is used to generate a lack of feeling or awareness.

anesthetic creams:  Creams that contain a small amount of an anesthetizing agent, usually benzocaine.

anesthetized:  The state of being rendered unconscious and/or numbed by an anesthetic.

aneurysm:  An abnormal broadening of a section of a blood vessel.

angiogram:  An X-ray photograph taken of a blood vessel.

angiography:  The examination, by use of an X-ray of the blood vessels and lymphatics.  A dye is used for the purpose of making these structures visible by X-ray.

angiomyolipoma:  Benign (non-cancerous) smooth muscle tumors in the kidneys. Usually treated via nephrectomy.

aniridia:  Absence of the iris of the eye.  Can issue from birth or result from an injury or surgery.

anterior:  Of or relating to the front.

anti-androgen:  Hormonal therapy drug that works by blocks a cancer cell’s ability to uptake testosterone by otherwise affixing the proteins on the surface of the cell.

antibiotic:  Any drug, such as penicillin or tetracycline, used to combat bacterial infections and illnesses brought about by microbial activity.  Antibiotics selectively target and inhibit growth of the undesirable microorganism.

antibiotic prophylaxis:  The prevention of infection by means of daily treatment with antibiotics.

antibody:  Protein that combats infections.

anticholinergic:  Obstructing the impulses from the branch of the nervous system that regulates heartbeat, blood pressure and other stress responses. Any substance that hinders the effects of acetylcholine. These drugs increase bladder contractions thereby helping with bladder storage and are useful in treating urge incontinence.

anticoagulant:    Any substance that interferes with or prevents the clotting of blood.

antidepressants:    Medications used in the treatment depression and other connected conditions.

antidiuretic hormone:  A chemical produced naturally by the body which retards the production of urine. Chronic bed-wetting in children may indicate an abnormally low level of antidiuretic hormone.  Also referred to as ADH.

antihistamine:  Medication that blocks histamine receptors in cells.  Antihistamines may be used either to prevent allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching or to slow the rate of certain secretions within the stomach.

antihypertensive:  That which reduces or prevents abnormally high blood pressure

antimicrobial medications:  Any medication that kills microorganisms or impedes their capacity for multiplication or growth.

antispasmodics:  Able to relieve or prevent spasms.

antiviral:  Able to eliminate a virus or otherwise render it inert.

anuria:  A condition in which the body loses its ability to produce urine.

anus:  Aperture at the end of the digestive tract which allows feces to exit the body. The anus includes the entirety of the last two inches of the rectum.

anxiety:  Feeling a strong degree of apprehension and stress severe enough to interfere with daily routines.

aorta: The major artery of the body.  The aorta proceeds from the left ventricle of the heart, and descends through the chest and abdomen before branching out into the two principal arteries of the leg (the common iliac arteries).

aortoiliac occlusive disease:  Disorders affecting the two primary blood vessels, the aorta and the iliac arteries, that provide blood to the lower half of the body.

aortorenal bypass grafts:  Tissue transplants used in aortorenal bypass surgery when treating renal artery disease.

apical:  Of or referring to the top of something.

appendicitis:  Painful inflammation of the appendix.

appendix epididymis or testis:  Minute embryologic remnants which are connected to the apical poles of the epididymis and testicle. These small remains are not functional.  However, torsion of these appendices can cause swelling and significant pain.

ART:  See assisted reproductive technologies

arterial:  Of or relating to the arteries.  Also used in reference to things acting upon the arteries.

arterial embolization:  A obstruction of blood flow caused by a foreign object of blood clot becoming lodged in an artery.

arteries:  The blood vessels that transfer blood from the heart throughout the body.

arteriography:  Medical examination of the arteries.

arteriovenous fistula:  A surgical procedure performed primarily in patients who require hemodialysis.  The procedure consists of connecting and existing artery to a vein.  The result is a thickening of the vein.  The procedure is generally done on the arm of the patient so that the thickened vein can withstand the repetitious needle insertion necessary for hemodialysis. Also referred to as AV fistula.

artery:  See arteries.

artificial insemination: The introduction of sperm into a woman’s uterus by artificial means for the purpose of impregnation.  Usually done in instances where natural means are not an option for impregnation.

artificial sphincter:  An artificial device used to improve quality of life in patients suffering from extreme cases of incontinence arising from surgery, trauma, stress, prostate cancer, congenital defect or other causes.  The artificial urinary sphincter is implanted around the urethra of the patient to control urine flow.  The artificial urinary sphincter operates by means of an air pump inserted into the labia or scrotum of the patient.  The sphincter can then be opened by means of the pump to facilitate urination.  When the pump is depressed, pressure is released from the cuff encircling the urethra so that emptying of the bladder may be accomplished.  The cuff then reestablishes pressure by means of a reservoir, again closing the urethra to prevent incontinence.  As with all surgical implants, the artificial urinary sphincter can present a risk for infection and tissue erosion.  Mechanical failure of the sphincter is also a possibility.  For the most part these complications can be avoided with standard pre-surgical evaluation of the patient, as well as appropriate operative procedures and postoperative follow-up techniques.

AS-RAS:  See atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

aspermia: Without sperm.

asthenospermia:  A defect in the sperm resulting in loss of or limited motility.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies:  Recently developed methods of fertility treatment that integrate multiple means of retrieving and preparing sperm.  The sperm is then processed so as to ensure its optimal potential for fertilization.  These procedures are utilized in a number of fertility treatments to improve the chances of conception.  Artificial insemination, sperm microinjection and in vitro fertilization are examples of this line of fertility treatment.

asymmetry: the quality of being without balance or symmetry.

asymptomatic prostatic inflammation:  A form of prostate inflammation wherein the patient does not display symptoms.  Asymptomatic prostatic inflammation is most often caught by biopsy and generally require no treatment.

atherosclerosis:  The gradual process of thickening and hardening of the arterial walls in medium to large sized arteries caused by fatty deposits accumulating on the inner lining.

atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis:  Atherosclerotic narrowing of the renal artery as fat deposits build up on the inner lining.  Also referred to as AS-RAS.

ATN:  See acute tubular necrosis.

atrophy:  The wasting away or shrinking of an organ or tissue.

autoimmune:  A misdirected immune response in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissue.

autoimmune disease:  Any condition, such as goodpasture syndrome and lupus erythematosus in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack itself.

autologous:   Originating from the same individual.

autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease:  A genetic disorder wherein the kidney is enlarged by the presence of multiple cysts.  Healthy tissue is eventually overwhelmed, resulting in renal failure.

AV fistula:  See arteriovenous fistula.

azoospermia:  A lack of sperm in the ejaculate.

azotemia: An excessive amount of urea or other nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood.  Also referred to as azotemic.

abdomen:  The section of the body located between the thorax and pelvis.  The abdomen encloses and includes the cavity containing the digestive organs and other viscera such as the spleen, liver and pancreas.
Ablation:  The removal or excision of undesirable tissue, most often by surgical means.

abnormality:  Any condition that differs from the normal bodily structures, position or function.

abscess:  A buildup of pus occurring anywhere in the body.

absorbent products:  Absorbent articles designed to soak up urine and other bodily fluids.  These include, but are not limited to, both disposable and reusable types of garments and pads, as well as other absorbent items such as bed padding.

absorptive hypercalciuria:   A condition which causes calcium to combine with unabsorbed fatty acids, leading to excessive oxalate absorption by the intestines.

acetylcholine:  A critical chemical substance in neurons that plays the role of a neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system.   Acetylcholine facilitates transmission of nerve impulses across the synaptic cleft.  The parasympathetic nervous system functions as part of the autonomic nervous system to control involuntary actions of the smooth muscles including the heart, urethra and bladder.

ACTH:  see Adrenocorticotropic Hormone.

acute:  Used to describe the sudden onset or rapid progression of a disease requiring urgent medical attention.  Acute is often used to express the relatively short duration of an illness or condition, as opposed to subacute or chronic.  The acuteness of the condition, in regard to longevity and rapidity of change, is relative to the condition being described.

acute bacterial prostatitis:  An acute inflammation of the prostate gland brought about by bacterial infection of the urinary tract.  The presence of bacteria and white blood cells in the urine are indicative of the urinary tract infection.  Patients may display symptoms including fever, chills, pain or sensitivity in the genitals and/or lower back, general ache, increased frequency of urination, increased sense of urgency in urination and a burning or painful sensation when urinating.  The condition can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

acute incontinence:  The sudden inability to control urination.  This is often brought on by an existing condition or illness and can usually be corrected through successful treatment of that causing factor.
Acute Infectious Prostatitis:  The sudden onset and rapid progression of prostatitis brought about by bacterial infection and requiring urgent medical attention.

acute renal failure:  The sudden loss of kidney function.  Acute renal failure is most often temporary and the kidneys are able to regain functionality, as distinguished from chronic kidney failure.  Acute renal failure may also be referred to as acute kidney failure.

acute tubular necrosis:  A severe type of renal failure that most often affects individuals suffering from a severe illness or who have abnormally low blood pressure.  Kidney function may be restored by successful treatment of the causal condition.   During treatment of the root condition, dialysis may be necessary to combat the more immediate issue of the loss of renal function.

adenocarcinoma:  A cancerous growth that develops on the inner surface or lining of an organ.  Adenocarcinoma is, by far, the most common form of prostate cancer.

adenoma:  A benign tumor that forms in and closely resembles the tissue of a gland.  If the adenoma becomes malignant it is then referred to as an adenocarcinoma.

adenomectomy:  removal of a gland by surgical means

ADH :  see Antidiuretic Hormone

adjuvant:  From the Latin “adjuvans” meaning to help, specifically to assist in reaching an objective.  Adjuvant is used in reference to any substance that is used to enhance the effectiveness of another drug or agent, or that improves the capability of an antigen to stimulate the immune system.  Adjuvant therapy for cancer refers to the practice of surgically removing the cancerous tissue, the utilizing chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

adrenal:  Of or referring to the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.  See Adrenal Glands.

adrenal adenoma:  A benign growth on the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenal cancer:  A malignant growth (cancer) on the adrenal gland.

adrenal carcinoma:  A malignant growth (cancer) on the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenal cortex:  The external portion of the adrenal gland.  The cortex produces mineralcorticoid hormones which regulate the mineral content of the blood and  maintain the balance between water and salts in the body.  The cortex also produces steroid hormones which regulate metabolism, specifically that of carbohydrates and fats.

adrenal glands:  The pair of endocrine glands located above the kidneys which produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism and other imperative functions.  The adrenals are comprised of an external cortex and internal medulla.  control heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food and other vital functions. The outer cortex produces steroid hormones and minertalocortoids which regulate the mineral content of the blood.  The interior medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin).

adrenal medulla:  The internal portion of the adrenal gland.  The medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline) as a response to drops in glucose levels in the blood and as a response to stress or heightened activity.  Epinephrine causes glycogen in the liver to break down into glucose, allows adipose tissue to release fatty acids, promotes arterial dilation in the muscles and increase heart rate.  The medulla also produces norepinephrine (noradrenaline) which acts to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

adrenal tumor:  Abnormal cell growth or tissue mass in the adrenal gland.

adrenalectomy:  The removal of one or both adrenal glands by surgical means.

adrenaline:  The substance secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress, heightened activity or a decrease in blood glucose.  Adrenaline is a catecholamine (amines that act as hormones or neurotransmitters).  The release of adrenaline into the bloodstream creates a number of effects in the body, such as dilation of the arteries in the muscles, increased heart rate, dilation of the bronchioles of the lungs, release of fatty acids by adipose tissue, the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, etc.  Adrenaline is also referred to as epinephrine.

adrenocortical carcinoma:  Malignant tumor (cancer) in the cortex of the adrenal gland.

adrenocorticotropic hormone:  A Hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and which stimulates the adrenal cortex, causing it to produce steroid hormones.  Also referred to as ACTH.

afferent nerve pathway:    The nerve pathways which carry sensory impulses.

ailment:    A mild illness or other chronic condition.

albuminuria:  Higher than usual amounts of a the albumin protein in the urine. Albuminuria may indicate the onset of kidney disease.

aldosterone:  An adrenal hormone this is critical for maintaining the salt (sodium) balance in the body. It is produced by the exterior portion of the adrenal cortex.  Aldosterone acts by means of a reabsorption of sodium and a secretion of potassium. It is necessary for the maintenance of blood pressure.

alkaline phosphates:  Enzymes which can be released into the blood due to various disorders.

alkalinity:    Refers to the concentration of alkali, which is an acid-neutralizing chemical substance, in a solution.  Alkalinity is measured in terms of pH.

allantois:  A membranous sac that grows from the lower portion of the abdominal cavity.  The allantois combines with the chorion to form the placenta and the umbilical cord.

allograft:  Refers to the transplant of organs or tissue from one human to another.

alpha-adrenergic blockers:  Drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other conditions such an enlargement of the prostate or stress induced urinary incontinence.  Also referred to as alpha-blockers.

alpha-blockers:  See alpha-adrenergic blockers.

alport syndrome:  An genetic condition that leads to kidney disease. It generally develops early in childhood and is usually more serious in males than in females. Alport Syndrome can result in end-stage renal disease, as well as problems with hearing and vision. The most common symptoms of Alport Syndrome are chronic blood and protein in the urine.

ambiguous genitalia:  External genitalia which have physical characteristics of both normal male and female, while being distinctly neither, though one sex may predominate.

amyloidosis:  A condition marked by the buildup of a protein-like material in one or more organs. This substance cannot be broken down and hinders the normal function of the organ. In kidneys, amyloidosis can cause nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, and renal failure.

analgesia:  The inability to feel pain while retaining consciousness.

analgesic:  A drug designed to alleviate pain without rendering the patient unconscious.

analgesic-associated kidney disease:  The loss of kidney function that can result from the long-term use of pain-relieving medications.

anaplasia:  Changes that occur within groups of cancerous cells or that occur within an individual cancer cell.

anaplastic:  Concerning or characterized by a lessening of distinctive cell features.

anatomy:  The physical aspects of the internal structures of an organism or the structure of any of its individual parts.

androgen:  A male sex hormone, such as testosterone, which plays a role in the development and continuance of the male sex characteristics.

androgen suppression therapy:  Treatment aimed at lowering the levels of the male hormones (androgens) that can permit prostate cancer cells to develop.

anemia:  A condition in which the patient has too few red blood cells to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body. Those with anemia may display signs of being tired and pale, complain of shortness of breath and/or may feel changes in the rhythm of their heartbeat. Anemia is common condition associated with chronic renal failure and dialysis.

anesthesia:  The loss of sensation and/or consciousness brought about intentionally by use of an anesthetizing agent (anesthetic).  General anesthetics may be used during surgery to render the patient wholly desensitized and unconscious.  Local anesthetics are paralyzing or numbing agents used to desensitize specific small areas of the body without causing unconsciousness. Regional anesthetics, like local anesthetics, do not affect consciousness but desensitizes a larger area of the body, such as an entire limb.  Local and regional anesthesia are also referred to as “conduction anesthesia”.  Conduction anesthesia is used to facilitate a large number of surgeries. Conduction anesthesia is especially useful in outpatient procedures where unconsciousness would be undesirable and in surgeries, such as C-sections, where general anesthesia might pose a significant risk.

anesthesia, general:  Anesthesia in which the person is rendered unconscious with relaxation of the muscles and loss of pain sensation throughout the entire body.

anesthesia, local:  Anesthesia causing the loss of sensation only in a specific part of the body.
anesthsia, regional:  Anesthesia causing loss of sensation over an entire region of the body.

anesthesiologist:  A physician who performs and/or supervises the administration of anesthetics during surgery.

anesthetic: Any substance that is used to generate a lack of feeling or awareness.

anesthetic creams:  Creams that contain a small amount of an anesthetizing agent, usually benzocaine.

anesthetized:  The state of being rendered unconscious and/or numbed by an anesthetic.

aneurysm:  An abnormal broadening of a section of a blood vessel.

angiogram:  An X-ray photograph taken of a blood vessel.

angiography:  The examination, by use of an X-ray of the blood vessels and lymphatics.  A dye is used for the purpose of making these structures visible by X-ray.

angiomyolipoma:  Benign (non-cancerous) smooth muscle tumors in the kidneys. Usually treated via nephrectomy.

aniridia:  Absence of the iris of the eye.  Can issue from birth or result from an injury or surgery.

anterior:  Of or relating to the front.

anti-androgen:  Hormonal therapy drug that works by blocks a cancer cell’s ability to uptake testosterone by otherwise affixing the proteins on the surface of the cell.

antibiotic:  Any drug, such as penicillin or tetracycline, used to combat bacterial infections and illnesses brought about by microbial activity.  Antibiotics selectively target and inhibit growth of the undesirable microorganism.

antibiotic prophylaxis:  The prevention of infection by means of daily treatment with antibiotics.

antibody:  Protein that combats infections.

anticholinergic:  Obstructing the impulses from the branch of the nervous system that regulates heartbeat, blood pressure and other stress responses. Any substance that hinders the effects of acetylcholine. These drugs increase bladder contractions thereby helping with bladder storage and are useful in treating urge incontinence.

anticoagulant:    Any substance that interferes with or prevents the clotting of blood.

antidepressants:    Medications used in the treatment depression and other connected conditions.

antidiuretic hormone:  A chemical produced naturally by the body which retards the production of urine. Chronic bed-wetting in children may indicate an abnormally low level of antidiuretic hormone.  Also referred to as ADH.

antihistamine:  Medication that blocks histamine receptors in cells.  Antihistamines may be used either to prevent allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching or to slow the rate of certain secretions within the stomach.

antihypertensive:  That which reduces or prevents abnormally high blood pressure

antimicrobial medications:  Any medication that kills microorganisms or impedes their capacity for multiplication or growth.

antispasmodics:  Able to relieve or prevent spasms.

antiviral:  Able to eliminate a virus or otherwise render it inert.

anuria:  A condition in which the body loses its ability to produce urine.

anus:  Aperture at the end of the digestive tract which allows feces to exit the body. The anus includes the entirety of the last two inches of the rectum.

anxiety:  Feeling a strong degree of apprehension and stress severe enough to interfere with daily routines.

aorta: The major artery of the body.  The aorta proceeds from the left ventricle of the heart, and descends through the chest and abdomen before branching out into the two principal arteries of the leg (the common iliac arteries).

aortoiliac occlusive disease:  Disorders affecting the two primary blood vessels, the aorta and the iliac arteries, that provide blood to the lower half of the body.

aortorenal bypass grafts:  Tissue transplants used in aortorenal bypass surgery when treating renal artery disease.

apical:  Of or referring to the top of something.

appendicitis:  Painful inflammation of the appendix.

appendix epididymis or testis:  Minute embryologic remnants which are connected to the apical poles of the epididymis and testicle. These small remains are not functional.  However, torsion of these appendices can cause swelling and significant pain.

ART:  See assisted reproductive technologies

arterial:  Of or relating to the arteries.  Also used in reference to things acting upon the arteries.

arterial embolization:  A obstruction of blood flow caused by a foreign object of blood clot becoming lodged in an artery.

arteries:  The blood vessels that transfer blood from the heart throughout the body.

arteriography:  Medical examination of the arteries.

arteriovenous fistula:  A surgical procedure performed primarily in patients who require hemodialysis.  The procedure consists of connecting and existing artery to a vein.  The result is a thickening of the vein.  The procedure is generally done on the arm of the patient so that the thickened vein can withstand the repetitious needle insertion necessary for hemodialysis. Also referred to as AV fistula.

artery:  See arteries.

artificial insemination: The introduction of sperm into a woman’s uterus by artificial means for the purpose of impregnation.  Usually done in instances where natural means are not an option for impregnation.

artificial sphincter:  An artificial device used to improve quality of life in patients suffering from extreme cases of incontinence arising from surgery, trauma, stress, prostate cancer, congenital defect or other causes.  The artificial urinary sphincter is implanted around the urethra of the patient to control urine flow.  The artificial urinary sphincter operates by means of an air pump inserted into the labia or scrotum of the patient.  The sphincter can then be opened by means of the pump to facilitate urination.  When the pump is depressed, pressure is released from the cuff encircling the urethra so that emptying of the bladder may be accomplished.  The cuff then reestablishes pressure by means of a reservoir, again closing the urethra to prevent incontinence.  As with all surgical implants, the artificial urinary sphincter can present a risk for infection and tissue erosion.  Mechanical failure of the sphincter is also a possibility.  For the most part these complications can be avoided with standard pre-surgical evaluation of the patient, as well as appropriate operative procedures and postoperative follow-up techniques.

AS-RAS:  See atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

aspermia: Without sperm.

asthenospermia:  A defect in the sperm resulting in loss of or limited motility.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies:  Recently developed methods of fertility treatment that integrate multiple means of retrieving and preparing sperm.  The sperm is then processed so as to ensure its optimal potential for fertilization.  These procedures are utilized in a number of fertility treatments to improve the chances of conception.  Artificial insemination, sperm microinjection and in vitro fertilization are examples of this line of fertility treatment.

asymmetry: the quality of being without balance or symmetry.

asymptomatic prostatic inflammation:  A form of prostate inflammation wherein the patient does not display symptoms.  Asymptomatic prostatic inflammation is most often caught by biopsy and generally require no treatment.

atherosclerosis:  The gradual process of thickening and hardening of the arterial walls in medium to large sized arteries caused by fatty deposits accumulating on the inner lining.

atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis:  Atherosclerotic narrowing of the renal artery as fat deposits build up on the inner lining.  Also referred to as AS-RAS.

ATN:  See acute tubular necrosis.

atrophy:  The wasting away or shrinking of an organ or tissue.

autoimmune:  A misdirected immune response in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissue.

autoimmune disease:  Any condition, such as goodpasture syndrome and lupus erythematosus in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack itself.

autologous:   Originating from the same individual.

autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease:  A genetic disorder wherein the kidney is enlarged by the presence of multiple cysts.  Healthy tissue is eventually overwhelmed, resulting in renal failure.

AV fistula:  See arteriovenous fistula.

azoospermia:  A lack of sperm in the ejaculate.

azotemia: An excessive amount of urea or other nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood.  Also referred to as azotemic.