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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) A pattern of retarded growth and development, both mental and physical, with cranial, facial, 1imb, and cardiovascular defects, found in some children of mothers whose alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be classed as hazardous. The commonest abnormalities are: prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, microcephaly, developmental delay or mental retardation, short palpebral fissures, a short upturned nose with sunken nasal bridge and a thin upper lip, abnormal palmar creases, and cardiac (especially septal) defects. Many other more subtle abnormalities have also been attributed to the effects of alcohol on the fetus.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Development
The process of growth and differentiation.
Cranial
The anatomical term for towards the head; also the general term for of the head. i.e. the lungs are cranial to the pelvis. See Caudal/Inferior/Superior
Cardiovascular
Of, relating to, or involving the heart and the blood vessels.
Alcohol
An organic chemical in which one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups are attached to carbon (C) atoms in place of hydrogen (H) atoms. Common alcohols include ethyl alcohol or ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages), methyl alcohol or methanol (can cause blindness) and propyl alcohol or propanol (used as a solvent and antiseptic). Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and ethyl alcohol. In everyday talk, alcohol usually refers to ethanol as, for example, in wine, beer, and liquor. It can cause changes in behavior and be addictive.
Consumption
"1. Using up. 2. Wasting of the body; especially used in reference to advanced tuberculosis."
Microcephaly
A small skull with small cranial capacity. Usually indicates mental retardation.
Retardation
Delay or halt of any process such as mental or physical development.
Bridge
Stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Cardiac
Pertaining to the heart.
Fetus
The stage of human development from 10 weeks' gestation until birth.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Fetal
Having to do with the fetus.
Fetal alcohol effects (FAE)
A softer diagnosis than fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The diagnosis of possible FAE is considered when: 1. The person has some signs of FAS; 2. The person does not meet all of the necessary criteria for FAS; and 3. There is a history of alcohol exposure before birth.
Fetal alcohol syndrome
The sum total of the damage done to the child before birth as a result of the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) always involves brain damage, impaired growth, and head and face abnormalities.
Fetal circulation
The blood circulation in the fetus before birth. Before birth, the blood from the heart headed for the lungs in the aptly named pulmonary artery is shunted away from the lungs and returned to the greatest of arteries, the aorta. This arterial shunting occurs through a short vessel called the ductus arteriosus. When the shunt is open, it is said to be patent (pronounced pá tent). The ductus arteriosus usually tourniquets itself off at or shortly after birth. After closure of the ductus, blood is permitted from that time on to course freely to the lungs. Sometimes, however, the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) persists and simply will not close by itself. Surgery is then done to ligate (tie off) the ductus. PDA ligation is a closed-heart operation. Historically, it was one of the earliest surgical procedures performed in children with cardiovascular disease.
Fetal distress
When a fetus's life is believed to be in danger, most often because of too little oxygen. Signs of fetal distress -- including slowed heartbeat or absence of fetal movement -- call for immediate delivery of the baby.
Fetal dystocia
Difficult labor and delivery caused by the size (too big), shape or position of the fetus.
Fetal fibronectin
A protein produced during pregnancy and the basis of a test for preterm delivery. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) functions as a "glue" attaching the fetal sac to the uterine lining. The presence of fFN during weeks 22-34 of a high-risk pregnancy, along with symptoms of labor, suggests that the "glue" is disintegrating ahead of schedule and raises the possibility of a preterm delivery. To test fFN, a cotton swab is used (as in a Pap smear) to collect samples of cervico-vaginal secretions. A negative fFN test result is a highly reliable predictor that delivery will not occur within the next 2 weeks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not recommend the test for routine screening, as its use has not been shown to be clinically effective in predicting preterm labor in low-risk, asymptomatic pregnancies. ACOG recommends fFN testing only for symptomatic, high-risk pregnancies, where preterm labor is suspected.
Fetal infant
An extremely low birth weight infant. A very, small infant. One, for example, with a birth weight of 400 to 500 grams.
Fetal monitoring
Tracking a fetus's heartbeat and a woman's uterine contractions during labor.
Fetal mortality rate
The ratio of fetal deaths divided by the sum of the births (the live births + the fetal deaths) in that year
Fetal pleural effusion
In the fetus, excess fluid between the two membranes (the pleurae) that envelop the lungs. The pleural effusion may be unilateral (in one lung) or bilateral (in both lungs) and it may be an isolated finding in an otherwise normal fetus or be associated with generalized edema (hydrops). If untreated, fetal pleural effusion often causes severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory insufficiency in the neonatal period. Treatment is by the prenatal insertion of a thoracoamniotic shunt (to shunt the pleural effusion into the amniotic fluid). Survival after this procedure is over 90% in fetuses with isolated pleural effusion and about 50% in those with associated hydrops.
Fetal presentation
The position of the baby -- such as feet down (breech) or head down (vertex) -- inside a woman's uterus. About 96 percent of babies present in the vertex position; some who present in breech position can be turned around by a doctor before delivery begins.
Fetal rubella effects
The constellation of abnormalities, also called the rubella syndrome, caused by infection with the rubella (German measles) A virus before birth. The syndrome is characterized by multiple congenital malformations (birth defects) and mental retardation. The individual features of the syndrome include growth retardation, microcephaly (abnormally small head), cataracts, glaucoma, microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes), cardiovascular malformations, hearing loss, and mental retardation. Deafness is common. After birth the child may develop diabetes due to gradual destruction of the pancreas by the rubella virus.
Fetal surgery
The surgical treatment of the fetus before birth. Also called prenatal or antenatal surgery. Fetal surgery is done when the fetus is not expected to live long enough to make it through to delivery or to live long after birth unless fetal surgery is performed. For instance, if a fetus has a severe form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, in which the liver is located in the chest and lung development is severely restricted, fetal surgery is done to lessen the severity of the problem and permit the baby to live to birth to undergo further corrective surgery. Fetal surgery can be done in various ways. Fetoscopic surgery uses a fiberoptic scope to enter the uterus through small surgical openings. The aim is to correct congenital malformations (birth defects) without major incisions and without removing the fetus from the womb. This is generally less traumatic than open fetal surgery and reduces the chances of preterm (premature) labor.
Fetal-maternal exchange
The transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby and thetransfer of waste from the baby to the mother.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Fibula
Smaller of the two bones in the lower leg; runs from the knee to the ankle along the outside of the lower leg.
Foot
The distal portion of the leg, upon which an individual stands and walks. It consists, in man, of the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges and the tissues encompassing them.
Fibrositis
Inflammation of fibrous connective tissues in muscles. It often affects the muscles of the trunk and back. It may be a symptom of another disease, such as Sciatica, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Pain and stiffness.
Fifth disease
Slapped cheek disease (erythema infectiosum) is also known as fifth disease because it was the last of five "red rash" childhood diseases to be defined after scarlet fever, measles, rubella, and roseola. It is characterised by fever and red cheeks.
Foot and Mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe, highly communicable viral disease of cattle and swine. It also affects sheep, goats, deer and other cloven-hooved ruminants. The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated. It causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk. The disease is caused by a virus. There are at least seven separate types and many subtypes of the FMD virus.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited cause of mental impairment, and the most common known cause of autism. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation of the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, a mutation found in 1 out of every 2000 males and 1 out of every 4000 females. Typically the FMR1 gene contains between 6 and 53 repeats of the CGG codon. In people with the disorder, the FMR1 allele has over 230 repeats.
Follicle
The tiny shaft in the skin through which a hair grows, and sebum is excreted from sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin.
Festination
Walking with a series of quick, small, shuffling steps as if hurrying forward to keep balance.
Flexor muscle
Any muscle that causes the bending of a limb or other body part.
Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Development
The process of growth and differentiation.
Cranial
The anatomical term for towards the head; also the general term for of the head. i.e. the lungs are cranial to the pelvis. See Caudal/Inferior/Superior
Cardiovascular
Of, relating to, or involving the heart and the blood vessels.
Alcohol
An organic chemical in which one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups are attached to carbon (C) atoms in place of hydrogen (H) atoms. Common alcohols include ethyl alcohol or ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages), methyl alcohol or methanol (can cause blindness) and propyl alcohol or propanol (used as a solvent and antiseptic). Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and ethyl alcohol. In everyday talk, alcohol usually refers to ethanol as, for example, in wine, beer, and liquor. It can cause changes in behavior and be addictive.
Consumption
"1. Using up. 2. Wasting of the body; especially used in reference to advanced tuberculosis."
Microcephaly
A small skull with small cranial capacity. Usually indicates mental retardation.
Retardation
Delay or halt of any process such as mental or physical development.
Bridge
Stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space.
Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).
Cardiac
Pertaining to the heart.
Fetus
The stage of human development from 10 weeks' gestation until birth.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Fetal
Having to do with the fetus.
Fetal alcohol effects (FAE)
A softer diagnosis than fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The diagnosis of possible FAE is considered when: 1. The person has some signs of FAS; 2. The person does not meet all of the necessary criteria for FAS; and 3. There is a history of alcohol exposure before birth.
Fetal alcohol syndrome
The sum total of the damage done to the child before birth as a result of the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) always involves brain damage, impaired growth, and head and face abnormalities.
Fetal circulation
The blood circulation in the fetus before birth. Before birth, the blood from the heart headed for the lungs in the aptly named pulmonary artery is shunted away from the lungs and returned to the greatest of arteries, the aorta. This arterial shunting occurs through a short vessel called the ductus arteriosus. When the shunt is open, it is said to be patent (pronounced pá tent). The ductus arteriosus usually tourniquets itself off at or shortly after birth. After closure of the ductus, blood is permitted from that time on to course freely to the lungs. Sometimes, however, the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) persists and simply will not close by itself. Surgery is then done to ligate (tie off) the ductus. PDA ligation is a closed-heart operation. Historically, it was one of the earliest surgical procedures performed in children with cardiovascular disease.
Fetal distress
When a fetus's life is believed to be in danger, most often because of too little oxygen. Signs of fetal distress -- including slowed heartbeat or absence of fetal movement -- call for immediate delivery of the baby.
Fetal dystocia
Difficult labor and delivery caused by the size (too big), shape or position of the fetus.
Fetal fibronectin
A protein produced during pregnancy and the basis of a test for preterm delivery. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) functions as a "glue" attaching the fetal sac to the uterine lining. The presence of fFN during weeks 22-34 of a high-risk pregnancy, along with symptoms of labor, suggests that the "glue" is disintegrating ahead of schedule and raises the possibility of a preterm delivery. To test fFN, a cotton swab is used (as in a Pap smear) to collect samples of cervico-vaginal secretions. A negative fFN test result is a highly reliable predictor that delivery will not occur within the next 2 weeks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not recommend the test for routine screening, as its use has not been shown to be clinically effective in predicting preterm labor in low-risk, asymptomatic pregnancies. ACOG recommends fFN testing only for symptomatic, high-risk pregnancies, where preterm labor is suspected.
Fetal infant
An extremely low birth weight infant. A very, small infant. One, for example, with a birth weight of 400 to 500 grams.
Fetal monitoring
Tracking a fetus's heartbeat and a woman's uterine contractions during labor.
Fetal mortality rate
The ratio of fetal deaths divided by the sum of the births (the live births + the fetal deaths) in that year
Fetal pleural effusion
In the fetus, excess fluid between the two membranes (the pleurae) that envelop the lungs. The pleural effusion may be unilateral (in one lung) or bilateral (in both lungs) and it may be an isolated finding in an otherwise normal fetus or be associated with generalized edema (hydrops). If untreated, fetal pleural effusion often causes severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory insufficiency in the neonatal period. Treatment is by the prenatal insertion of a thoracoamniotic shunt (to shunt the pleural effusion into the amniotic fluid). Survival after this procedure is over 90% in fetuses with isolated pleural effusion and about 50% in those with associated hydrops.
Fetal presentation
The position of the baby -- such as feet down (breech) or head down (vertex) -- inside a woman's uterus. About 96 percent of babies present in the vertex position; some who present in breech position can be turned around by a doctor before delivery begins.
Fetal rubella effects
The constellation of abnormalities, also called the rubella syndrome, caused by infection with the rubella (German measles) A virus before birth. The syndrome is characterized by multiple congenital malformations (birth defects) and mental retardation. The individual features of the syndrome include growth retardation, microcephaly (abnormally small head), cataracts, glaucoma, microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes), cardiovascular malformations, hearing loss, and mental retardation. Deafness is common. After birth the child may develop diabetes due to gradual destruction of the pancreas by the rubella virus.
Fetal surgery
The surgical treatment of the fetus before birth. Also called prenatal or antenatal surgery. Fetal surgery is done when the fetus is not expected to live long enough to make it through to delivery or to live long after birth unless fetal surgery is performed. For instance, if a fetus has a severe form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, in which the liver is located in the chest and lung development is severely restricted, fetal surgery is done to lessen the severity of the problem and permit the baby to live to birth to undergo further corrective surgery. Fetal surgery can be done in various ways. Fetoscopic surgery uses a fiberoptic scope to enter the uterus through small surgical openings. The aim is to correct congenital malformations (birth defects) without major incisions and without removing the fetus from the womb. This is generally less traumatic than open fetal surgery and reduces the chances of preterm (premature) labor.
Fetal-maternal exchange
The transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby and thetransfer of waste from the baby to the mother.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Fibula
Smaller of the two bones in the lower leg; runs from the knee to the ankle along the outside of the lower leg.
Foot
The distal portion of the leg, upon which an individual stands and walks. It consists, in man, of the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges and the tissues encompassing them.
Fibrositis
Inflammation of fibrous connective tissues in muscles. It often affects the muscles of the trunk and back. It may be a symptom of another disease, such as Sciatica, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Pain and stiffness.
Fifth disease
Slapped cheek disease (erythema infectiosum) is also known as fifth disease because it was the last of five "red rash" childhood diseases to be defined after scarlet fever, measles, rubella, and roseola. It is characterised by fever and red cheeks.
Foot and Mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe, highly communicable viral disease of cattle and swine. It also affects sheep, goats, deer and other cloven-hooved ruminants. The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated. It causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk. The disease is caused by a virus. There are at least seven separate types and many subtypes of the FMD virus.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited cause of mental impairment, and the most common known cause of autism. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation of the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, a mutation found in 1 out of every 2000 males and 1 out of every 4000 females. Typically the FMR1 gene contains between 6 and 53 repeats of the CGG codon. In people with the disorder, the FMR1 allele has over 230 repeats.
Follicle
The tiny shaft in the skin through which a hair grows, and sebum is excreted from sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin.
Festination
Walking with a series of quick, small, shuffling steps as if hurrying forward to keep balance.
Flexor muscle
Any muscle that causes the bending of a limb or other body part.
Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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