Category: U

An instrument for cutting extremely thin sections of tissue (not more than 0.1 μm thick) for electron microscopy. A microtome that makes extremely thin slices of tissue.  

A microscope for examining particles suspended in a gas or liquid under intense illumination from one side. Light is scattered or reflected from the particles, which can be seen through the eyepiece as bright objects against a dark background.  

A wall of tissue, or septum, that separates the uterus into two parts. If a woman is unable to achieve conception as a result, surgical intervention is sometimes used to correct this unusual defect. The surgeon removes the septum by using hysteroscopy.  

A receptacle for urine. A urinal is used for urination by a bedridden man. A receptacle designed for holding urine, particularly beneficial for immobilized men (while women typically employ a bedpan). A container designed to collect urine.  

Consumption of alcohol by a person younger than the legal drinking age, which is 21 years old in most states and 18 in the remainder. Since alcohol is widely available, it is the drug most likely to be abused by adolescents, who often face peer pressure to drink illegally. It is estimated that as many…

Damage to the clear outer covering of the eye (cornea) from short-term exposure to intense light, such as strong sunlight or an arc welder’s flame. Ultraviolet keratopathy is commonly known as snow blindness. Symptoms include reddening of the eve, severe pain, feelings of grit on the eye, tearing, sensitivity to light, and involuntary twitching of…

Insertion of a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the bladder to drain urine. Catheters may be used temporarily, such as during surgery and recovery, or continuously in people who cannot retain urine normally or empty their bladder. Typically, the catheter has a balloon tip that is inflated with air or sterile liquid to hold it…

The use of high-frequency sound (several MHz or more) to image internal structures by the differing reflection signals produced when a beam of sound waves is projected into the body and bounces back at interfaces between those structures. Ultrasound diagnosis differs from radiological diagnosis in that there is no Ionizing radiation involved.  

Laboratory studies of a sample of urine to determine the health of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract or to help diagnose some disorders such as diabetes or kidney disease.  

A surgical procedure that reroutes the flow of urine from the kidneys. Urinary diversion is usually performed when the bladder must be removed because of cancer or a birth defect. A number of surgical procedures can be performed, depending on the abnormality and the health of the person. One of a variety of procedures for…