Dictionary

paralysis Loss of voluntary movement (motor function). Paralysis that affects only one muscle or limb is partial paralysis, also known as palsy; paralysis of all muscles is total paralysis, as may occur in cases of botulism.

parainfluenza A disease due to an acute respiratory infection caused by a parainfluenza virus. Parainfluenza usually occurs in children. The clinical picture can range from a relatively mild influenza-like illness to bronchitis, croup, and pneumonia.

paragonimiasis Infection with the trematode (parasitic worm) Paragonimus, most commonly with Paragonimus westermani, the oriental lung fluke. Human infection with P. westermani occurs by eating inadequately cooked or pickled crab or crayfish that harbor the parasite. The parasites penetrate through the intestinal wall into the peritoneal cavity, then through the abdominal wall and diaphragm into…

paraffin dip A treatment for the symptoms of joint and muscle conditions, such as arthritis, that involves applying melted mineral wax derived from petroleum to a body area. Paraffin dips can be especially helpful in relieving the pain and stiffness of arthritis involving the small joints of the hands. The hands are repeatedly dipped into…

paracetamol See acetaminophen.

paracentric chromosome inversion See chromosome inversion, pericentric.

paracentesis The removal of fluid from a body cavity via a needle, a trocar, a cannula, or another hollow instrument. A paracentesis may be used for diagnosis or treatment, as, for example, in ascites, where there is free fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. If the cause of the ascites is uncertain, diagnostic paracentesis is…

para- A prefix with many meanings, including alongside, beside, near, resembling, beyond, apart from, and abnormal, as in parathyroid glands (glands that are adjacent to the thyroid) and paraumbilical (alongside the umbilicus).

papule A solid, rounded growth that is elevated from the skin. A papule is usually less than 1 cm (0.5 in.) across. Papules may open when scratched and become crusty and infected.

papular Referring to papules.

papillomatosis A disorder that is characterized by the growth of numerous papillomas (warts). For example, laryngeal papillomatosis is the presence of multiple papillomas on the vocal cords.

papilloma, intraductal See intraductal papilloma.