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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Corticosteroid
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Corticosteroid Hormones produced by the adrenal gland which are important to almost every function of cells and organs. They are divided into two groups: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids regulate protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Mineralocorticoids regulate electrolyte balances.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Hormones
Biological compounds that communicate information at a distance. Hormones require specific receptors to begin their biological action and use second messengers to initiate the cellular process that uses that information.
Gland
An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct.
Glucocorticoids
Generic name for hormones secreted by the adrenocortical glands that are not mineralocorticoids. The glucocorticoids are typified by cortisol or cortisone and are deficient in the syndrome of CVAH.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Carbohydrate
One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells). The body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use. If the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, which are the basic problems in most forms of diabetes, then the body will not be able to use carbohydrates for energy the way it should.
Metabolism
The chemical activity that occurs in cells, releasing energy from nutrients, or using energy to create other substances, such as proteins.
Electrolyte
One of the substances in the blood that helps to regulate the proper balance of body fluids. Examples of electrolytes include sodium and potassium.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Cort-dome
Cort-dome is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortalone
Cortalone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisolone.
Cortan
Cortan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisone.
Cortef
Cortef is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortef acetate
Cortef acetate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone acetate.
Cortenema
Cortenema is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortex
The outer layer of the cerebrum, densely packed with nerve cells.
Cortex, adrenal
The outer portion of the adrenal gland located on top of each kidney. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones which regulate carbohydrate and fat metabolism and mineralocorticoid hormones which regulate salt and water balance in the body.
Cortical
Having to do with the cortex, the outer portion of an organ.
Cortical Blindness
A person with cortical blindness will have normal eyes and normal optic nerves but, nevertheless, will not be able to see. The cause of the blindness is with the cortex or surface of the brain that contains 32 or more sites for visual information processing. More recently, the preferred term for such individuals is cortical visual impairment, because many people will not be totally blind but will exhibit unusual visual losses; for example, they may be blind to stationary objects but be able to see moving objects.
Cortical blindness
Blindness due to loss or injury to the visual cortex, that section of the cerebral cortex responsible for vision, as through a stroke or traumatic brain damage.
Cortical magnification factor
Defined as millimeters of cortex per degree of visual angle.
Corticaltectal pathway
Pathway from the cortex to the superior colliculi.
Corticoids
Substances similar to the hormone of the adrenal glands called cortisone; corticoids are differentiated into two groups – mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids applied both locally and systemically, mainly as anti-phlogistics, immunosuppressives, anti-asthmathics or in the treatment of an allergy.
Corticosteroid allergy
A delayed allergic reaction to corticosteroid (drugs similar to cortisone). This occurs in 1-4% of people who use corticosteroids for asthma or other allergic diseases. A positive patch test to a corticosteroid means the patient cannot use that particular steroid. Although cross allergy between corticosteroids is common, such patients usually can tolerate another corticosteroid.
Corticosteroid drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs that interfere with the immune system, suppress it and thereby dampen the inflammatory overreaction. They can be used to treat a number of allergic diseases - e.g. allergic rhinitis, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid drugs come as creams, inhalants, tablets and eye drops.
Corticosteroid hormones
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Corticosteroids
Sometimes referred to just as 'steroids'. Hormones (which occur naturally) which have a variety of actions when given therapeutically. Usually administered for their anti-inflammatory effect. Their use is limited by unwanted side-effects which may sometimes be serious.
Corticotropin
Corticotropin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): corticotropin.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone
A hormone made by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of corticotropin by the anterior pituitary gland. Corticotropin-releasing hormone is abbreviated and often referred to as CRH.
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)
The hormone released from the hypothalamus. It interacts with the pituitary to produce ACTH. This hormone uses cyclic AMP for its second messenger.
Cortifoam
Cortifoam is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone acetate.
Cortisol
The hormone released from the adrenal glands in response to stress or low blood glucose. Its primary mode of action in times of stress is to shut down eicosanoid synthesis. Its synthesis in the adrenal gland requires the second messenger, cyclic AMP.
Cortisone
An adrenocorticoid hormone, a naturally occurring hormone made by and secreted by the adrenal cortex, the outer part (the cortex) of the adrenal gland.
Cortisone acetate
Cortisone acetate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cortisone acetate.
Cortisporin
Cortisporin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): bacitracin zinc; hydrocortisone; neomycin sulfate; polymyxin b sulfate.
Cortone
Cortone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cortisone acetate.
Cortril
Cortril is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortrophin-zinc
Cortrophin-zinc is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): corticotropin-zinc hydroxide.
Cortrosyn
Cortrosyn is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cosyntropin.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Colour blindness
The inability to perceive differences between some or all colors that other people can distinguish. It is most often of genetic nature, but might also occur because of eye, nerve, or brain damage, or due to exposure to certain chemicals.
Concussion
Any alteration in cerebral function caused by direct or indirect (rotation) force transmitted to the head resulting in one or more of the following: a brief loss of consciousness, lightheadedness, vertigo, cognitive and memory dysfunction, tinnitus, difficulty concentrating, amnesia, headache, balance disorder, nausea or vomiting.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract and it can involve any part of it - from the mouth to the anus.It typically affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel with relatively normal bowel. It is often associated with auto-immune disorders outside the bowel, such as aphthous stomatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cystic fibrosis
A disease that most commonly affects the lungs and digestive system, especially the pancreas. It causes the exocrine glands, which produce mucus and sweat, to produce abnormal secretions. CF causes the cells in the lung tissue to produce an abnormal amount of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the airways of the lungs, resulting in pulmonary obstructions and life-threatening bacterial infections.
Colitis
Inflammation of the large intestine (colon), especially of its mucous membranes. Spastic colitis is commonly "nervous," or psychosomatic, in origin and is usually a temporary upset rather than a chronic inflammation; this disorder may account for 50 percent of all digestive-tract illnesses. Its symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (sometimes alternating with constipation), and erratic frequency of bowel movements. Treatment of this disorder is basically supportive and psychological in approach.
Corticosteroid
Cardiolipin
One of the components of a cell membrane.
Cirrhosis
A disease involving the destruction of liver cells and diminished liver function. Cirrhosis can block blood flow to the liver causing high blood pressure and/or jaundice.
Chiropractic medicine
Chiropractic medicine is a form of treatment that uses manipulative therapy to correct subluxation, which many chiropracters hold are the cause of most disease. Although manipulative therapy has been shown to have some efficacy in treating back pain, headache, and other symptoms of spinal-related conditions, the application of chiropractic medicine as a cure or outside of this specific area is controversial and generally rejected by medical doctors in most countries. Practictioners of chiropractic medicine generally hold themselves out as doctors of chiropratic (D.C.). The use of manipulative therapy by D.C.'s to treat back pain, headache, and other spinal and musculo-skeletal symptoms enjoys wide acceptance by government medical authorities in many nations, where it is covered by many health plans such as Medicare in the United States. Although some medical doctors (M.D.'s) and many doctors of osteopathy (D.O.'s) do perform manipulative therapy, more than 90% of the treatment of back pain by manipulative therapy is performed by D.C.'s. The studies have shown a high level of patient satisfaction with manipulative therapy by persons with back problems.
Chorionic gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone produced in pregnancy, that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by the trophoblast (part of the placenta). Its role is to prevent the demise of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. hCG may have additional functions, for instance it is thought that it affects the immune tolerance of the pregnancy.
Cytoskeleton
System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives the cell a polarized shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Hormones
Biological compounds that communicate information at a distance. Hormones require specific receptors to begin their biological action and use second messengers to initiate the cellular process that uses that information.
Gland
An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct.
Glucocorticoids
Generic name for hormones secreted by the adrenocortical glands that are not mineralocorticoids. The glucocorticoids are typified by cortisol or cortisone and are deficient in the syndrome of CVAH.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Carbohydrate
One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells). The body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use. If the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, which are the basic problems in most forms of diabetes, then the body will not be able to use carbohydrates for energy the way it should.
Metabolism
The chemical activity that occurs in cells, releasing energy from nutrients, or using energy to create other substances, such as proteins.
Electrolyte
One of the substances in the blood that helps to regulate the proper balance of body fluids. Examples of electrolytes include sodium and potassium.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Cort-dome
Cort-dome is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortalone
Cortalone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisolone.
Cortan
Cortan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisone.
Cortef
Cortef is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortef acetate
Cortef acetate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone acetate.
Cortenema
Cortenema is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortex
The outer layer of the cerebrum, densely packed with nerve cells.
Cortex, adrenal
The outer portion of the adrenal gland located on top of each kidney. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones which regulate carbohydrate and fat metabolism and mineralocorticoid hormones which regulate salt and water balance in the body.
Cortical
Having to do with the cortex, the outer portion of an organ.
Cortical Blindness
A person with cortical blindness will have normal eyes and normal optic nerves but, nevertheless, will not be able to see. The cause of the blindness is with the cortex or surface of the brain that contains 32 or more sites for visual information processing. More recently, the preferred term for such individuals is cortical visual impairment, because many people will not be totally blind but will exhibit unusual visual losses; for example, they may be blind to stationary objects but be able to see moving objects.
Cortical blindness
Blindness due to loss or injury to the visual cortex, that section of the cerebral cortex responsible for vision, as through a stroke or traumatic brain damage.
Cortical magnification factor
Defined as millimeters of cortex per degree of visual angle.
Corticaltectal pathway
Pathway from the cortex to the superior colliculi.
Corticoids
Substances similar to the hormone of the adrenal glands called cortisone; corticoids are differentiated into two groups – mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids applied both locally and systemically, mainly as anti-phlogistics, immunosuppressives, anti-asthmathics or in the treatment of an allergy.
Corticosteroid allergy
A delayed allergic reaction to corticosteroid (drugs similar to cortisone). This occurs in 1-4% of people who use corticosteroids for asthma or other allergic diseases. A positive patch test to a corticosteroid means the patient cannot use that particular steroid. Although cross allergy between corticosteroids is common, such patients usually can tolerate another corticosteroid.
Corticosteroid drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs that interfere with the immune system, suppress it and thereby dampen the inflammatory overreaction. They can be used to treat a number of allergic diseases - e.g. allergic rhinitis, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid drugs come as creams, inhalants, tablets and eye drops.
Corticosteroid hormones
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Corticosteroids
Sometimes referred to just as 'steroids'. Hormones (which occur naturally) which have a variety of actions when given therapeutically. Usually administered for their anti-inflammatory effect. Their use is limited by unwanted side-effects which may sometimes be serious.
Corticotropin
Corticotropin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): corticotropin.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone
A hormone made by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of corticotropin by the anterior pituitary gland. Corticotropin-releasing hormone is abbreviated and often referred to as CRH.
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)
The hormone released from the hypothalamus. It interacts with the pituitary to produce ACTH. This hormone uses cyclic AMP for its second messenger.
Cortifoam
Cortifoam is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone acetate.
Cortisol
The hormone released from the adrenal glands in response to stress or low blood glucose. Its primary mode of action in times of stress is to shut down eicosanoid synthesis. Its synthesis in the adrenal gland requires the second messenger, cyclic AMP.
Cortisone
An adrenocorticoid hormone, a naturally occurring hormone made by and secreted by the adrenal cortex, the outer part (the cortex) of the adrenal gland.
Cortisone acetate
Cortisone acetate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cortisone acetate.
Cortisporin
Cortisporin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): bacitracin zinc; hydrocortisone; neomycin sulfate; polymyxin b sulfate.
Cortone
Cortone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cortisone acetate.
Cortril
Cortril is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydrocortisone.
Cortrophin-zinc
Cortrophin-zinc is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): corticotropin-zinc hydroxide.
Cortrosyn
Cortrosyn is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cosyntropin.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Colour blindness
The inability to perceive differences between some or all colors that other people can distinguish. It is most often of genetic nature, but might also occur because of eye, nerve, or brain damage, or due to exposure to certain chemicals.
Concussion
Any alteration in cerebral function caused by direct or indirect (rotation) force transmitted to the head resulting in one or more of the following: a brief loss of consciousness, lightheadedness, vertigo, cognitive and memory dysfunction, tinnitus, difficulty concentrating, amnesia, headache, balance disorder, nausea or vomiting.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract and it can involve any part of it - from the mouth to the anus.It typically affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel with relatively normal bowel. It is often associated with auto-immune disorders outside the bowel, such as aphthous stomatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cystic fibrosis
A disease that most commonly affects the lungs and digestive system, especially the pancreas. It causes the exocrine glands, which produce mucus and sweat, to produce abnormal secretions. CF causes the cells in the lung tissue to produce an abnormal amount of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the airways of the lungs, resulting in pulmonary obstructions and life-threatening bacterial infections.
Colitis
Inflammation of the large intestine (colon), especially of its mucous membranes. Spastic colitis is commonly "nervous," or psychosomatic, in origin and is usually a temporary upset rather than a chronic inflammation; this disorder may account for 50 percent of all digestive-tract illnesses. Its symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (sometimes alternating with constipation), and erratic frequency of bowel movements. Treatment of this disorder is basically supportive and psychological in approach.
Corticosteroid
Cardiolipin
One of the components of a cell membrane.
Cirrhosis
A disease involving the destruction of liver cells and diminished liver function. Cirrhosis can block blood flow to the liver causing high blood pressure and/or jaundice.
Chiropractic medicine
Chiropractic medicine is a form of treatment that uses manipulative therapy to correct subluxation, which many chiropracters hold are the cause of most disease. Although manipulative therapy has been shown to have some efficacy in treating back pain, headache, and other symptoms of spinal-related conditions, the application of chiropractic medicine as a cure or outside of this specific area is controversial and generally rejected by medical doctors in most countries. Practictioners of chiropractic medicine generally hold themselves out as doctors of chiropratic (D.C.). The use of manipulative therapy by D.C.'s to treat back pain, headache, and other spinal and musculo-skeletal symptoms enjoys wide acceptance by government medical authorities in many nations, where it is covered by many health plans such as Medicare in the United States. Although some medical doctors (M.D.'s) and many doctors of osteopathy (D.O.'s) do perform manipulative therapy, more than 90% of the treatment of back pain by manipulative therapy is performed by D.C.'s. The studies have shown a high level of patient satisfaction with manipulative therapy by persons with back problems.
Chorionic gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone produced in pregnancy, that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by the trophoblast (part of the placenta). Its role is to prevent the demise of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. hCG may have additional functions, for instance it is thought that it affects the immune tolerance of the pregnancy.
Cytoskeleton
System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives the cell a polarized shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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