Dictionary

herpes, genital See genital herpes.

herpes 1 Infection with one of the human herpes viruses, particularly herpes simplex 1 or 2. 2 The family of herpesviruses.

heroin A semisynthetic drug derived from, but more potent than, morphine. Heroin is now better known as a drug of abuse than for its medical uses. Heroin may be injected into a vein, injected under the skin, snorted, or smoked. It is highly addictive, and overdose is an ever-present possibility due to the varying purity…

herniation Abnormal protrusion of tissue through an opening.

herniated disk A disk, situated between two vertebrae, that protrudes and tends to press on a nerve root, causing radiating pain. A herniated disk may cause sciatica (pain in the lower back, leg, and behind the knee). Treatment options include use of anti-inflammatory medications, local injection of steroids, and surgical procedures. Also known as herniated…

hernia, Velpeau A protrusion of tissue in front of the femoral blood vessels in the groin. Treatment is via surgery.

hernia, hiatal Protrusion of the stomach up into the opening that is normally occupied by the esophagus in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. A hiatal hernia can be congenital, or it can be acquired through strenuous physical activity. Hiatal hernias may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease with associated…

hernia A general term referring to a protrusion of a tissue through the wall of the cavity in which it is normally contained. Also known as rupture.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome A group of genetic diseases characterized by a deficiency of pigment in the skin and eye, a bleeding tendency resulting from a platelet storage pool deficiency, and systemic disorders related to deficient function of lysosomes. Abbreviated HPS. Albinism that occurs in the eyes results in significant reduction in visual acuity. Pulmonary fibrosis and…

heritable Capable of being transmitted from parent to child.

heritability The degree to which something is inherited.

heredity The genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to child.