Dictionary

penis, inflammation of the foreskin and glans See balanoposthitis.

penis, inflammation of the head of the See balanitis.

Pavlovian conditioning A method to cause a reflex response or behavior by training with repetitive action. The Russian physiologist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov conditioned dogs to respond in what proved to be a predictable manner. For example, when he customarily rang a bell before feeding them, the dogs would begin to salivate whenever the bell rang….

PBC Primary biliary cirrhosis. See cirrhosis, primary biliary.

p.c. Post cibum. Abbreviation meaning after meals. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

PCL Posterior cruciate ligament.

PCM Protein-calorie malnutrition. See kwashiorkor.

PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

PCR Polymerase chain reaction.

PDA Patent ductus arteriosus. See ductus arteriosus.

PDR 1 Physicians’ Desk Reference. 2 Postdelivery room, used as a staging room for the mother after delivering her baby in the delivery room.

peak flow meter A hand-held device that measures air flow (how fast air is blown out of the lungs during forced expiration). Patients can use peak flow meters at home to measure their own air flow regularly.