lipodystrophy syndrome A disturbance of lipid (fat) metabolism that involves the partial or total absence of fat, and often abnormal deposition and distribution of fat in the body. There are a number of different lipodystrophy syndromes. Some of them are present at birth (congenital), and others are acquired later. Some are genetic (inherited), and others…
lipid storage disease One of a number of disorders that are due to inborn errors in lipid metabolism. Lipid storage diseases result in the abnormal accumulation of lipids in various organs. Examples include Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, NiemannPick disease, and metachromatic leukodystrophy.
lipid profile A pattern of lipids in the blood. A lipid profile usually includes the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and the calculated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
lipid A fat. Lipids are vital parts of cells and, with carbohydrates and proteins, are the main constituents of cells. Lipids are easily stored in the body and serve as fuel. Among the well-known lipids are cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, and steroids (such as cortisone). Lipoproteins, glycolipids, and phospholipids are all compound lipids (lipids in…
lipectomy, suction-assisted See liposuction.
lip One of the two fleshy folds that surround the opening of the mouth. The upper lip is separated from the nose by the philtrum, the area that lies between the base of the nose and the pigmented edge (called the vermillion border or the carmine margin) of the upper lip. The upper and lower…
linkage The tendency for genes to be inherited together as a package because of their location near one another on the same chromosome.
lingual Having to do with the tongue.
limb An arm or a leg.
lights, flashing A sensation that is created when the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye (vitreous humor) shrinks and tugs on the retina. These flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months. As a person ages, flashes are likely to occur increasingly often. Flashes usually do…
lightheadedness A feeling that one is about to faint. Lightheadedness is medically distinct from dizziness, unsteadiness, and vertigo. See also dizziness; unsteadiness; vertigo.
lightening See engagement.