Dictionary

otitis externa See ear infection, external.

oto- Prefix meaning ear, as in otology (the study and medical care of the ear) and otoplasty (plastic surgery to reshape the outer ear).

otolaryngologist See ENT.

otology The study and medical care of the ear.

otopharyngeal tube See Eustachian tube.

otoplasty Plastic surgery to reshape the outer ear.

otosclerosis The abnormal formation of new bone in the middle ear that gradually immobilizes the stapes (stirrup bone) and prevents it from vibrating in response to sound, causing progressive loss of hearing. Otosclerosis usually affects both ears.

otoscope An instrument for looking in the ear.

osteoclast A type of large bone cell that plays a role in the growth and repair of bones. Osteoclasts may also appear abnormally. See also osteoclastoma.

osteoclastoma A tumor of bone characterized by massive destruction of the end (epiphysis) of a long bone. The site most commonly struck by this tumor is the knee — the far end of the femur and the near end of the tibia. The tumor is often coated by new bony growth and may grow aggressively….

osteocyte A bone cell.

osteodystrophy A bone disorder that adversely affects bone growth and development. Osteodystrophy is most commonly caused by chronic kidney failure, but it can be inherited, such as in Albright hereditary osteodystrophy. Osteodystrophy can require treatment with vitamin D. See also osteodystrophy, renal.