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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Cortisol
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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.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Hormone
A chemical substance formed in the body that is carried in the bloodstream to affect another part of the body; an example is thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, which affects growth, temperature regulation, metabolic rate, and other body functions.
Stress
Mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Glucose
The only simple carbohydrate that circulates in the bloodstream. Glucose is the primary fuel used by the brain. It can also be stored in the liver and muscles in a polymer form known as glycogen.
Mode
The most frequently occurring value in a data set.
Eicosanoid
A hormone derived from a polyunsaturated fat. Eicosanoids are made by every cell in the body. As autocrine hormones, they are constantly produced by the cell to sample the external environment. "Good" eicosanoids generate AMP.
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.
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
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.
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.
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--------------------------------------
COX-2 inhibitor
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that specifically inhibits an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These drugs are used to treat pain and may be less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding than other NSAIDs.
COX-2
Cyclooxygenase-2.
Cyclooxygenase
An enzyme that is responsible for formation of important biological mediators called prostanoids (including prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane). Pharmacological inhibition of COX can provide relief from the symptoms of inflammation and pain. This is the method of action of well-known drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Cytosine
One of the pyrimidine nitrogenous bases occurring in both DNA and RNA.
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.
Cortisol
Cyclic AMP
A second messenger that begins the biological response initiated by a hormone. Cyclic AMP is derived from ATP. Many endocrine hormones use cyclic AMP as their second messenger.
Cyclic GMP
A second messenger that begins the biological response initiated by a hormone. Cyclic GMP is the second messenger induced by nitric oxide.
Cartilage
A firm, flexible connective tissue. In vertebrates, the cartilage forms the skeleton in the early stages of development, after which it is largely replaced by bone. Some cartilage remains at the joints to give flexibility and support.
Cellulitis
An inflammation of the connective tissue underlying the skin that can be caused by a bacterial infection. Cellulitis can be caused by normal skin flora or by exogenous bacteria, and often occurs where the skin has previously been broken: cracks in the skin, cuts, burns, insect bites, surgical wounds, or sites of intravenous catheter insertion.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
A procedure in which a small sample of cells are taken from the placenta through a small catheter placed up through the vagina and the cervix. This is done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis and is used to test for chromosomal and other biochemical abnormalities that may affect the health and well being of the baby.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Hormone
A chemical substance formed in the body that is carried in the bloodstream to affect another part of the body; an example is thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, which affects growth, temperature regulation, metabolic rate, and other body functions.
Stress
Mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Glucose
The only simple carbohydrate that circulates in the bloodstream. Glucose is the primary fuel used by the brain. It can also be stored in the liver and muscles in a polymer form known as glycogen.
Mode
The most frequently occurring value in a data set.
Eicosanoid
A hormone derived from a polyunsaturated fat. Eicosanoids are made by every cell in the body. As autocrine hormones, they are constantly produced by the cell to sample the external environment. "Good" eicosanoids generate AMP.
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.
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
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.
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.
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--------------------------------------
COX-2 inhibitor
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that specifically inhibits an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These drugs are used to treat pain and may be less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding than other NSAIDs.
COX-2
Cyclooxygenase-2.
Cyclooxygenase
An enzyme that is responsible for formation of important biological mediators called prostanoids (including prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane). Pharmacological inhibition of COX can provide relief from the symptoms of inflammation and pain. This is the method of action of well-known drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Cytosine
One of the pyrimidine nitrogenous bases occurring in both DNA and RNA.
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.
Cortisol
Cyclic AMP
A second messenger that begins the biological response initiated by a hormone. Cyclic AMP is derived from ATP. Many endocrine hormones use cyclic AMP as their second messenger.
Cyclic GMP
A second messenger that begins the biological response initiated by a hormone. Cyclic GMP is the second messenger induced by nitric oxide.
Cartilage
A firm, flexible connective tissue. In vertebrates, the cartilage forms the skeleton in the early stages of development, after which it is largely replaced by bone. Some cartilage remains at the joints to give flexibility and support.
Cellulitis
An inflammation of the connective tissue underlying the skin that can be caused by a bacterial infection. Cellulitis can be caused by normal skin flora or by exogenous bacteria, and often occurs where the skin has previously been broken: cracks in the skin, cuts, burns, insect bites, surgical wounds, or sites of intravenous catheter insertion.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
A procedure in which a small sample of cells are taken from the placenta through a small catheter placed up through the vagina and the cervix. This is done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis and is used to test for chromosomal and other biochemical abnormalities that may affect the health and well being of the baby.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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