Porth's Essentials of Pathophysiology, 4e

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Glossary

Epizootic  A diffuse, rapidly spreading outbreak of a disease affecting many animals in any region at the same time, often with the implication that it may extend to humans, such as bird flu. Erectile  Capable of being erected or raised to an erect position. Erythema  The redness or inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes produced by the congestion of superficial capillaries. (Adjective: erythematous) Etiology  The study or theory of all factors that may be involved in the development of a disease, includ- ing susceptibility of an individual, the nature of the disease agent, and the way in which an individual’s body is invaded by the agent; or the cause of a disease. Eukaryotic  Pertaining to an organism with cells having a true nucleus; that is, a highly complex, organized nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane contain- ing organelles and exhibiting mitosis. Euploid  Pertaining to an individual, organism, strain, or cell with a balanced set or sets of chromosomes, in any number, that is an exact multiple of the nor- mal, basic haploid number characteristic of the spe- cies; or such an individual, organism, strain, or cell. Evisceration  The removal of the viscera from the abdominal cavity, or disembowelment; or the extru- sion of an internal organ through a wound or surgi- cal incision. Exacerbation  An increase in the severity of a disease as marked by greater intensity in any of its signs and symptoms. Exfoliation  Peeling and sloughing off of tissue cells in scales or layers. (Adjective: exfoliative) Exocytosis  The discharge of cell particles, which are packaged in membrane-bound vesicles, by fusion of the vesicular membrane with the plasma membrane and subsequent release of the particles to the exterior of the cell. Exogenous  Developed or originating outside the body, as a disease caused by a bacterial or viral agent foreign to the body. Exophthalmos  A marked or abnormal protrusion of the eyeball. Extension  A movement that allows the two elements of any jointed part to be drawn apart, increasing the angle between them, as extending the leg increases the angle between the femur and the tibia. Extrapyramidal  Pertaining to motor systems supplied by fibers outside the corticospinal or pyramidal tracts. Extravasation  A discharge or escape, usually of blood, serum, or lymph, from a vessel into the tissues. Extubation  The process of withdrawing a previously inserted tube from an orifice or cavity of the body. Exudate  Fluid, cells, or other substances that have been slowly exuded or have escaped from blood ves- sels and have been deposited in tissues or on tissue surfaces. (Adjective: exudation) Fascia  A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue that may be separated from other specifically organized structures, such as the tendons, aponeuroses, and ligaments.

Febrile  Pertaining to or characterized by an elevated body temperature, or fever. Fibrillation  A small, local, involuntary contraction of muscle resulting from spontaneous activation of a single muscle fiber or of an isolated bundle of nerve fibers. Fibrin  A stringy, insoluble protein formed by the action of thrombin on fibrinogen during the clotting process. Fibrosis  The formation of fibrous connective tissue, as in the repair or replacement of parenchymatous elements. Filtration  The process of passing a liquid through or as if through a filter, which is accomplished by gravity, pressure, or vacuum. Fimbria  Any structure that forms a fringe, border, or edge or the processes that resemble such a structure. Fissure  A cleft or a groove, normal or otherwise, on the surface of an organ or a bony structure. Fistula  An abnormal passage or communication from an internal organ to the body surface or between two internal organs. Flaccid  Weak, soft, and lax; lacking normal muscle tone. Flatus  Air or gas in the intestinal tract that is expelled through the anus. (Adjective: flatulent) Flexion  A movement that allows the two elements of any jointed part to be brought together, decreasing the angle between them, as bending the elbow. Flora  The microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, both normally occurring and pathologic, inhabiting the external or internal surfaces of the body. Focal  Relating to, having, or occupying a focus. Follicle  A sac or pouchlike depression or cavity. Fontanel  A membrane-covered opening in or between bones, such as the soft spot covered by tough mem- branes between the bones of an infant’s incompletely ossified skull. Foramen  A natural opening or aperture in a membra- nous structure or bone. Fossa  A hollow or depressed area, especially on the surface of the end of a bone. Fovea  A small pit or depression in the surface of a structure or organ. Fundus  The base or bottom of an organ or the portion farthest from the mouth of an organ. Ganglion  One of the nerve cell bodies, chiefly collected in groups outside the central nervous system. (Plural: ganglia) Genotype  The entire genetic constitution of an indi- vidual, as determined by the particular combination and location of the genes on the chromosomes; or the alleles present at one or more sites on homolo- gous chromosomes. Glia  The neuroglia, or supporting structure of nervous tissue. Globulin  One of a broad group of proteins classified by solubility, electrophoretic mobility, and size. Gluconeogenesis  The formation of glucose from any of the substances of glycolysis other than carbohydrates.