Dictionary

penetrance The likelihood that a given gene will result in disease.

Pendred syndrome A genetic disease that is characterized by congenital deafness, abnormalities of the inner ear, and goiter. Pendred syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is caused by mutations in the gene known as SLC26A4 (also referred to as the PDS gene) on chromosome 7. Also known as deafness with goiter, goiter-deafness…

pelvis, gynecoid See female pelvis.

pelvis, android See male pelvis.

pelvis The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones. Structures in the female pelvis include the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. Structures in the male pelvis include the bladder, rectum, prostate, testicles, and penis.

pelvic inflammatory disease Ascending infection of the upper female genital tract, usually caused by bacteria migrating upward from the urethra and cervix into the upper genital tract. Abbreviated PID. Many different organisms can cause PID, but most cases are associated with gonorrhea and chlamydial infections, two very common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Symptoms include fever,…

pelvic exam An examination of the organs of the female reproductive system. During a typical pelvic exam, a speculum is used to open the vagina so that the physician can see the uterine cervix. A sample of cells may be taken from the surface of the cervix for a Pap test, or a sample may…

pelvic 1 Having to do with the pelvis. 2 Colloquially, a pelvic exam.

pellagra Extreme niacin deficiency, characterized by a rash (dermatitis) on areas of the skin that are exposed to light, trauma and ulcerations within the mouth, diarrhea, mental disorientation (dementia), confusion, delusions, and depression. Pellagra can be fatal if untreated. Proper intake of niacin, a readily available B vitamin, both prevents and cures pellagra. See also…

PEG Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. See gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic.

peer review The process used by medical journals to screen articles that are submitted for publication. Peer-reviewed articles are scrutinized by members of the biomedical community before publication.

pedophilia Adult sexual fondness for and activity with children. Pedophilia is a form of paraphilia (deviant sexual behavior). If acted out, pedophilia is legally defined as sexual child abuse. Pedophilia includes fondling a child’s genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation of children through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials. Pedophiles who…