Dictionary

upper GI series A series of X-rays of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine) that are taken after a patient drinks a barium solution. See also barium solution; barium swallow.

unsteadiness Loss of one’s equilibrium in respect to the environment, often with a feeling of almost falling and often as a result of bumping into something. There are many causes for unsteadiness, including problems in the cerebral or cerebellar portions of the brain, the spinal cord, vestibular system, or inner ear. See also dizziness; lightheadedness;…

unsaturated fat A fat that is liquid at room temperature and comes from a plant, such as olive, peanut, corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean oil. Unsaturated fat tends not to raise the level of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the blood.

unresectable Unable to be removed (resected) by surgery.

UNOS United Network for Organ Sharing.

universal colitis See colitis, ulcerative.

United States Public Health Service The part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that is responsible for the public health of the US population. Abbreviated USPHS. USPHS administers a number of important health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National…

United Network for Organ Sharing A medical agency in the US that coordinates organ donations, including matching potential donors and recipients. Abbreviated UNOS.

unipolar depression See depression.

uniparous Having one offspring in a birth. See also multiparous.

unilateral Having, or relating to, one side. For example, a unilateral rash is one that is only on one side of the body.

unicornuate Having one horn, or being horn shaped. For example, the uterus is normally unicornuate.