Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Barnes dilator

    A rubber bag filled with fluid for dilation of the cervix uteri.  

  • Stomach dilatation

    Distention of the stomach caused by food or gas. Acute dilatation of the stomach or acute gastro-mesenteric ileus may occur as a postoperative or postpartum condition and usually results from reflex spasm of the gastric outlet rather than mechanical obstruction of the organ.  

  • Digital dilatation

    Dilatation of an opening or a cavity by use of the fingers.  

  • Cervical dilatation

    The gradual opening of the cervical os during labor to allow the fetus to leave the uterus.  

  • Diktyoma

    A tumor of the ciliary epithelium.  

  • Diisocyanate

    Any of a group of low molecular weight compounds used to manufacture polyurethanes in paints, varnishes, and other industrial applications. Diiosocyanates are a common cause of occupational asthma.  

  • Dihydroxycholecalciferol

    One of the vitamin D analogs and metabolites that influence the body’s absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D and its analogs prevent and are used to treat rickets, osteodystrophy, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia.  

  • Dihydrotachysterol

    A hydrogenated tachysterol; a steroid obtained by irradiation of ergosterol. It aids the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract in hypoparathyroidism.  

  • Dihydrosphingosine

    A long-chain amino alcohol present in sphingolipids, also known as sphinganine.  

  • Dihydropyridine calcium antagonist

    A calcium channel blocking drug that resembles or is based on pyridine. It is a potent relaxer of smooth muscle cells and is used to treat hypertension among other diseases and conditions.