Dictionary

Na The chemical symbol for sodium. The symbol for sodium chloride (table salt) is NaCl. See also sodium.

myxoma A benign tumor derived from connective tissue that has a gelatinous appearance. A myxoma is the most common type of primary tumor of the heart.

myringotomy A tiny surgical incision in the eardrum. A myringotomy can be used to drain any fluid behind the eardrum and to remove thickened secretions. A tiny tube (tympanostomy tube) is often inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. See also ear tube.

myotonic dystrophy See dystrophy, myotonic.

myositis Inflammation of muscle tissue. There are many causes of myositis, including injury, medications, and diseases, such as dermatomyositis. Myositis may require no treatment, stopping medications, or treatment of an underlying disease, if present.

myopia Nearsightedness, the inability to see distant objects well. Myopia can be caused by either a longer-than-normal eyeball or a condition that prevents light rays from focusing on the retina. Most forms of myopia can be managed with corrective lenses. Surgery is available to permanently correct some forms of myopia.

myopathy, mitochondrial See MELAS syndrome.

myopathy Any and all diseases of muscle.

myopathic pseudo-obstruction See pseudoobstruction, myopathic.

myometrium The muscular outer layer of the uterus.

myomectomy Surgery to remove a fibroid from the uterus.

myoma A tumor of muscle. Myoma can refer specifically to a benign tumor of uterine muscle, also called a leiomyoma or a fibroid.