Dictionary

REM Rapid eye movement of the eyes during sleep. During REM sleep, the eyeballs appear to flick around under the closed eyelids. See REM sleep.

REM sleep The portion of sleep during which rapid eye movements (REMs) occur. Dreams occur during REM sleep, and people typically have three to five periods of REM sleep per night. These periods occur at intervals of 1 to 2 hours and can vary in length from 5 minutes to over an hour. REM sleep…

remedy Something that consistently helps treat or cure a disease.

remission Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission can be temporary or permanent.

remission induction chemotherapy See induction therapy.

remote telesurgery A surgical procedure that is carried out from a great distance using computer and robotic technology.

renal Having to do with the kidney. For example, renal cancer is cancer of the kidneys.

renal aneurysm An aneurysm that involves the renal artery, the main artery to the kidney.

renal artery stenosis Narrowing of the major artery to the kidney that can lead to seriously elevated blood pressure. Common causes of renal artery stenosis include atherosclerosis and thickening of the muscular wall (fibromuscular dysplasia) of the renal artery.

renal calculus See kidney stones.

renal cancer See cancer, kidney.

renal capsule The fibrous connective tissue that surrounds each kidney.