Random Facts
Today's Medical Fact Every two weeks the human stomach produces a new layer of mucous lining, otherwise the stomach would digest itself.
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Medical Dictionary
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c - Calorie
- A calorie is the measurement for a unit of energy. Calories are used to measure energy in food and to measure amount of energy burned during physical activity. The body needs calories to perform bodily processes and physical activity, but when more calories are consumed than expended it causes excess weight to accumulate on the body. Foods and beverages are made up of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and alcohol. Carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram, proteins have 4 calories per gram, fat has 9 calories per gram, and alcohol has 7 calories per gram.
- Cancer
- Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body that invade healthy tissue and destroy it. Cancer may spread from the original site into adjacent tissue by direct growth (invasion) or to other parts of the body through the blood stream or lymphatic system (metastasis).
- Carbohydrate
- Carbohydrates are a group of organic compounds that are an important source of energy in the diet. Carbohydrates are usually found in food from plant sources and include simple carbohydrates (sugar) and complex carbohydrates (starches and fiber). Carbohydrates are found naturally in fruit, vegetables, bread, cereals, rice, and dairy products. Foods high in sugar (simple carbohydrates) include cakes, pies, cookies, candy, ice cream, soft drinks, sugar cereals, and fruit drinks.
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac Arrest is when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, usually due to an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Cardiac Arrest is not the same as a heart attack, although a heart attack can cause Cardiac Arrest. Also known as Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) or Sudden Cardiac Death.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, thumb, and fingers.
- CAT Scan
- A CAT (Computerized Axial Tomographic) Scan is a type of X-ray.
- Cataracts
- Cataracts are a common eye disorder in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded, impairing vision, due to natural aging or trauma to the eye.
- Chest
- The chest is the portion of the body located between the neck and abdomen. The area includes the lungs, heart, trachea, esophagus, and diaphragm as well as many muscles, arteries and veins, and bone structures. The internal area is mostly protected by the ribcage, spine, and collarbone.
- Cholesterol
- Cholesterol is a soft, fatty substance (lipid) that is found in the body's bloodstream and cells. Cholesterol can be good and bad. The "good" type of cholesterol is HDL (high-density lipoprotein). The "bad" type of cholesterol is LDL (low-density lipoprotein).
- Colon
- The colon is another word for the large intestine, a part of the digestive system.
- Colon Cancer
- Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine), which is part of the body's digestive system. Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body.
- Comorbidity
- A comorbidity is a medical condition that exists in addition to the primary disease or disorder.
- Congenital
- Congenital refers to a condition that is present at birth resulting from either heredity or environmental factors or both.
- Congestive
- Congestive refers to the accumulation of excess blood or other fluids in the body, usually due to the inability of the heart to pump effectively.
- Contraindication
- A contraindication is a symptom or condition that is a reason for not using a certain treatment or procedure.
- Corticosteroids
- Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones naturally produced in the body by the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are involved in many physiological processes, including the stress response, immune response, regulation of inflammation, and behavior. Synthetic corticosteroid medications are used to treat a range of conditions, including skin diseases, brain tumors, joint pain or inflammation (arthritis), asthma, and allergies.
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