Dictionary

levocardia Reversal of all the abdominal and thoracic organs (situs inversus) except the heart, which is still in its usual location on the left. Levocardia virtually always is associated with a congenital heart disease.

levo- Prefix meaning on the left side, as in levorotation (turning or twisting to the left). The opposition of levo- is dextro-.

leukotriene One of a group of chemicals produced by the body that accompanies inflammation. Leukotrienes are believed to play a major role in causing the symptoms of hay fever and asthma.

leukoplakia A white spot or patch on the mucous membranes in the mouth (for instance, inside the cheeks, on the gums, on the tongue) that may become cancerous.

leukopenia A shortage of white blood cells.

leukodystrophy, globoid-cell See Krabbe disease.

leukodystrophy A disorder of the white matter of the brain. The white matter mainly consists of nerve fibers rather than nerve cells themselves, and it is concerned with conduction of nerve impulses.

leukocytosis A condition in which the number of white blood cells is higher than normal.

leukocyte count A laboratory test performed to measure the white blood cell (WBC) count. See also leukocyte.

leukocyte, polymorphonuclear A type of granulocyte that has a nucleus that is so deeply lobated (divided) that the cell appears to have multiple nuclei. Informally called a poly. Also known as neutrophil. See also blood cell; leukocyte; granulocyte.

leukocyte A blood cell that helps the body fight infections and other diseases. Also known as white blood cell (WBC). See also blood cell.

leuko- Prefix meaning white, as in leukocyte (white blood cell).