MALT lymphoma A low grade type of malignancy that arises in cells in mucosal tissue which are involved in antibody production. These lymphomas occur most often in the stomach but can also arise in the lung, thyroid, salivary glands, eye, skin, or soft tissues. MALT stands for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. MALT lymphomas are typically slow…
malrotation of the intestine Failure of the intestine to rotate normally during the development of the embryo. One of the dangers of malrotation of the intestine is that the intestine may be obstructed by abnormal bands or twist on its own blood supply, a condition called volvulus. Malrotation of the intestine is usually not apparent…
malrotated ear See ear, slanted.
malleus A tiny bone in the middle ear that is shaped like a minute mallet.
malleolus The rounded bony prominence on either side of the ankle joint.
malleability, brain See brain plasticity.
malignant giant cell tumor A type of bone tumor that is characterized by massive destruction of bone near the end (epiphysis) of a long bone and causes pain and restricts movement. The most common site of malignant giant cell tumor is the knee. Diagnosis is made by examining a sample of the affected area. Treatment…
malignant 1 Tending to be severe and become progressively worse, as in malignant hypertension. 2 In regard to a tumor, having the properties of a malignancy. See also malignancy.
malignancy A tumor that is malignant (cancerous), that can invade and destroy nearby tissue, and that may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
malformation, arteriovenous A malformation of blood vessels in the brain, brainstem, or spinal cord that is characterized by a complex tangled web of abnormal arteries and veins connected by one or more fistulas (abnormal communications). Abbreviated AVM. An AVM has no capillary bed. The fistulas in the AVM permit high-speed, high-flow shunting of blood from…
malformation An abnormality in which the development of a structure is arrested, delayed, or misdirected early in embryonic life, and the effect is permanent. See also congenital malformation.
male pelvis The lower part of the abdomen that is located between the hip bones in a male. The male pelvis is more robust, narrower, and taller than the female pelvis. The angle of the male pubic arch and the sacrum are narrower as well.