A jejunostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening (stoma) is created in the jejunum (a part of the small intestine), which is then brought to the surface of the abdomen. This operation is typically performed when there is a need for long-term enteral nutrition, bypassing the stomach, or in cases where the upper…
jejunal Having to do with the jejunum.
JC virus A virus that commonly causes infections of no consequence in children with a normal immune system, but which is responsible for an infection of the brain and spinal cord called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in people with AIDS and other forms of immune system impairment. Abbreviated JVC. The JC virus is a human…
jaw The movable junction of the bones below the mouth (the mandible) and the bone just above the mouth (the maxilla).
jaundice, obstructive Jaundice caused by obstruction of the drainage through the bile ducts, as may occur with gallstones. Symptoms of obstructive jaundice include the typical yellowing of jaundice as well as dark urine, pale feces, and itching. Also known as post-hepatic jaundice. Sometimes the cause of obstructive jaundice is cancer, a condition referred to as…
jaundice, neonatal Jaundice in newborn babies. Neonatal jaundice is usually due to the breakdown of red blood cells, which release bilirubin that the immature liver cannot metabolize and prepare for excretion into the urine. This type of neonatal jaundice typically appears between the second and fifth days of life and clears with time, as the…
jaundice, hepatocellular Jaundice caused by liver disease, as by hepatitis. See also hepatitis.
jaundice, hemolytic Jaundice caused by destruction of red blood cells. Hemolytic jaundice can be an inborn condition (as in hereditary spherocytosis) or it can be caused by a blood transfusion from a different blood group, infection in the bloodstream (sepsis), or some type of poisoning. Also known as pre-hepatic jaundice. See also spherocytosis, hereditary.
jaundice, congenital hemolytic See spherocytosis, hereditary.
jaundice A yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclerae) with bilirubin, the pigment found in bile. Jaundice can be an indicator of liver or gallbladder disease, or it may result from the rupture of red blood cells (hemolysis). In newborn babies it is usually, but not always, a normal condition. Also…
jamais vu The illusion that the familiar does not seem familiar. See also déjà vu; seizure disorders.
JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association, one of the two leading general medical journals published in the US. JAMA is published by the American Medical Association (AMA). It carries original, generally well-documented, peer-reviewed medical articles on many clinical and research topics in medicine.