Dictionary

physiology The study of how living organisms function, including such processes as nutrition, movement, and reproduction.

physiologic jaundice Jaundice that is within normal limits. A newborn may have physiologic jaundice due to the release of the pigment bilirubin (from red blood cells) that the immature liver cannot process for excretion in the urine. Physiologic jaundice causes no illness and clears up in a few days.

physiologic Something that is normal, that is due neither to anything pathologic nor significant in terms of causing illness. For example, physiologic jaundice is jaundice that is within normal limits.

Physicians’ Desk Reference A book that provides a guide to all the prescription drugs available in the US. Abbreviated PDR. PDR is a key reference to the US pharmacopeia and is published annually.

physician-assisted suicide The provision of equipment, medication, or information to a patient by a physician for the purpose of assisting the patient in ending his or her own life.

physician assistant A midlevel practitioner who is able to practice medicine under the auspices of a licensed physician (MD or DO). Abbreviated PA. Although the physician need not be present during the time the PA performs his or her duties, there must be a method of contact between the supervising physician and the PA at…

physician A person who is trained in the art of healing. In the UK, a physician is a specialist in internal or general medicine, whereas in the US a physician is any doctor of medicine. The term generally refers to a person who has earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or…

physical therapy A branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. Abbreviated PT. PT is appropriate for many types of patients, from infants born with musculoskeletal birth defects, to adults suffering from sciatica or the after effects of injury or surgery, to elderly…

physical therapist A person who is trained and certified by a state or accrediting body to design and implement physical therapy programs. Abbreviated PT. PTs may work in hospitals or clinics, in schools that provide assistance to special education students, or as independent practitioners.

physical map A map of the locations of identifiable landmarks on chromosomes. Physical distance between landmarks is measured in base pairs. The physical map differs from the genetic map, which is based purely on genetic linkage data. In the human genome, the lowest-resolution physical map is the banding patterns of the 24 different chromosomes. The…

physiatrist A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists specialize in restoring optimal function to people with injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues, or nervous system, such as stroke victims.

PHS Public Health Service. See United States Public Health Service.