Dictionary

male organs of reproduction The sum total of all the genital organs—internal and external—of the male that are concerned with reproduction. See also male external genitalia; male internal genitalia.

male internal genitalia The internal genital structures of the male that are concerned with reproduction, including the testis, epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct, bulbourethral gland, and prostate.

male gonad A testis, one of a pair of organs located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testes produce and store sperm and are also the body’s main source of male hormones. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male characteristics, such as body and…

male external genitalia The external genital structures of the male, comprising the penis, the male urethra, and the scrotum.

male chromosome complement The whole set of chromosomes for a human male. The large majority of males have a 46,XY chromosome complement: 46 chromosomes, including 1 X and 1 Y chromosome. A minority of males have other chromosome constitutions, such as 47,XXY (47 chromosomes, including 2 X chromosomes and 1 Y chromosome) or 47,XYY (47…

male 1 Of the sex that produces sperm cells rather than eggs. 2 Having the physical appearance, by chromosome constitution or by gender identification, of the sex that produces sperm cells rather than eggs.

malaria, falciparum The most dangerous type of malaria, which is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Falciparum malaria is associated with high levels of parasites in the blood and has the highest death rate and rate of complications of all types of malaria. Red blood cells that are infected with the parasite tend to sludge…

malaria An infectious disease that affects many millions of people and is caused by protozoan parasites from the Plasmodium family. These parasites can be transmitted by the sting of the Anopheles mosquito or by a contaminated needle or transfusion. The symptoms of malaria include cycles of chills, fever, sweats, muscle aches, and headache that recur…

malar rash Rash over the cheeks. See also butterfly rash.

malar bone The zygoma. See also zygoma.

malar Referring to the cheek. For example, a malar rash is a rash that appears over the cheeks.

malaise A vague feeling of discomfort, one that cannot be pinned down but is often sensed as “just not right.”