Category: P

Accumulation of pus and other inflammatory material (e.g., white blood cells) within either of the two psoas muscles of the abdomen and pelvis that flex the trunk and rotate the thigh; may be caused by several bacteria, including those responsible for tuberculosis. A cold abscess originating from a tuberculous infection in the spine travels down…

Form of arthritis characterized by a painful, sudden attack of a hot, very swollen, red joint, caused by calcium crystals in the joint. Severe attacks of pseudogout often occur in the knees and can incapacitate someone for days or weeks. The wrists, shoulders, ankles, elbows, or hands may also be affected. Clinically, the presentation may…

Small tumor containing sand-like particles and occurring in the meninges, ovaries, and certain other organs; also called sand tumor. A tumor containing gritty sand-like particles (psammoma bodies). Such tumors may be found in the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain), the ovary, etc. A small tumor of the brain, the choroid plexus, and other areas,…

Any disease, such as malaria, caused by a protozoan.  

Discharge from the prostate, usually the result of prostate infection. An abnormal discharge of fluid from the prostate gland. This occurs in some patients with acute prostatitis, who complain of a profuse discharge from the urethra. The discharge is usually thin and watery and is often sterile on culture. The discharge usually subsides when the…

Mild narcotic analgesic used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Adverse effects include liver disorders and over-sedation.  

Drag that decreases smooth muscle activity and is used to treat peptic ulcer and certain other gastrointestinal disorders. Adverse effects include rapid heart rate, dry mouth, allergic reactions, and central nervous system disturbances. A drug that decreases activity of smooth muscle and is used to treat disorders of the digestive system, including stomach and duodenal…

Antiarrhythmic designed for treatment of severe, refractory, and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias; side effects include gastrointestinal reactions or an increase in the frequency of dysrhythmias.  

Pronuclei, nucleus of the ovum or the spermatozoon after fertilization but before fusion of the pronuclei to form the nucleus of the zygote. Each pronucleus contains the haploid chromosome number. The nucleus of either the ovum or spermatozoon after fertilization but before the fusion of nuclear material. The pronuclei are larger than the normal nucleus…

Antineoplastic used to treat Hodgkin’s disease and other neoplasms. Adverse effects include bone marrow depression, nausea, and vomiting. A drug that inhibits growth of cancer cells by preventing cell division and is used to treat such cancers as Hodgkin’s disease. It is administered by mouth; common side-effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and…