Dictionary

hemoglobin F Normal fetal hemoglobin, the main type of hemoglobin found in the fetus and newborn baby. The F stands for fetal.

hemoglobin E Normal embryonic hemoglobin, the main type of hemoglobin found in the human embryo. The E stands for embryonic and also for epsilon, a chain that is unique to embryonic hemoglobin. Originally known as Gower-2.

hemoglobin A1c A minor component of hemoglobin to which glucose is bound. Abbreviated HbA1c. HbA1c levels depend on the blood glucose concentration: The higher the glucose concentration in blood, the higher the level of HbA1c. Levels of HbA1c are not influenced by daily fluctuations in the blood glucose concentration but reflect the average glucose levels…

hemoglobin A Normal adult hemoglobin, the main type of hemoglobin found after infancy. The A stands for adult.

hemoglobin The oxygen-carrying protein pigment in the blood, specifically in the red blood cells. Abbreviated Hb. Hb is usually measured as total Hb expressed as the amount of Hb in grams (gm) per deciliter (dl) of whole blood. The normal ranges are approximately 14 to 17 gm/dl for adult men and 12 to 15 gm/dl…

hemodialysis See dialysis.

hemochromatosis An inherited disorder characterized by abnormally high absorption of iron by the intestinal tract, resulting in excessive storage of iron, particularly in the liver, skin, pancreas, heart, joints, and testes. Common early symptoms include abdominal pain, weakness, lethargy, and weight loss. The onset of symptoms is usually between 30 to 50 years of age…

hemizygous Having only a single copy of a gene instead of the customary two copies. All the genes on the single X chromosome in the male are hemizygous.

hemithorax Half of the thorax or, more simply, one side of the chest.

hemiplegia Paralysis on one side of the body.

hemiparesis Weakness on one side of the body.

hemidiaphragm Half of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and that serves as the main muscle of respiration. The right hemidiaphragm is protected by the liver and is stronger than the left. The left hemidiaphragm is more often subject to rupture and hernia than the right. See also diaphragm;…