Dictionary

palmar surface The palm or grasping side of the hand.

palpable Something that can be felt. For example, a palpable growth is one that can be detected by touch.

palpate To touch or feel. For example, a physician may palpate the liver’s edge when examining the abdomen.

palpebra Medical term for eyelid. The plural is palpebrae.

palpebral fissure The opening for the eyes between the eyelids.

palpebral gland See gland, Meibomian.

palpitations Unpleasant sensations of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart. In some patients with palpitations, no heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms can be found. In others, palpitations result from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

palsy Paralysis, generally partial, whereby a local body area is incapable of voluntary movement. For example, Bell’s palsy is localized paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.

oxygen mask A mask that covers the mouth and nose and is hooked up to an oxygen tank. It delivers oxygen directly to the patient.

oxygen tent A tent-like device that is used in a medical setting to deliver high levels of oxygen to a bedridden patient. The tent covers the entire head and upper body, and oxygen is pumped in from a tank.

oxygenation 1 The process of treating a patient with oxygen. 2 The process of combining a medication or another substance with oxygen.

oxymetholone A synthetic male steroid hormone that is sometimes used to treat wasting in patients with HIV disease. Since it promotes large gains in body mass, it has sometimes been used illegally by bodybuilders and athletes. It has also been used in the treatment of anemia.