Glossary

Category: E

  • Eastern equine encephalitis

    Encephalitis caused by the eastern equine arbovirus, which is transmitted from horses to humans by mosquitoes; the incubation period is 1 to 2 weeks. Although this is the least common of the arboviruses, mortality is approx, 25%, and those who survive often have neurological problems. In the U.S. it occurs on the East Coast, Gulf…

  • Encatarrhaphy

    Insertion of an organ or tissue into a part where it is not normally found.  

  • Encapsulated delusion

    An isolated mistaken but unshakable belief in something for which there is neither evidence nor common acceptance, occurring in the absence of other signs or symptoms of psychiatric illness.  

  • Enantiomorph

    One of a pair of isomers, each of which is a mirror image of the other. They may be identical in chemical characteristics, but in solution one rotates a beam of polarized light in one direction and the other in the opposite direction. Isomers are called dextro if they rotate fight to the right, and…

  • Enantiobiosis

    The condition in which associated organisms are antagonistic to each other.  

  • Enamel hypoplasia

    Incomplete formation of tooth enamel, caused by local trauma to the tooth, infections such as syphilis, exposure to fluoride during dental development, and genetic and metabolic diseases. A flaw in the tooth enamel, which may be a result of a condition known as amelogenesis imperfecta. This defect could also arise from vitamin deficiencies, physical harm,…

  • Enablement

    Creation of the opportunity to participate in life tasks and occupations despite physical or mental limitations and environmental barriers.  

  • Empyesis

    Any skin eruption marked by pustules.  

  • Empty-sella syndrome

    A condition, shown by radiography of the skull, in which the sella turcica, which normally contains the pituitary gland, is found to be empty. Clinically, patients may show no endocrine abnormality or may have signs of decreased pituitary function. Hormonal replacement is given to patients with hypopituitarism. In autopsy studies, empty-sella syndrome has been found…

  • Empty follicle syndrome

    In in vitro fertilization investigations, the absence of oocytes in the stimulated follicle of the ovary. This may be a cause of infertility in some individuals.