Dictionary

U Uracil, one of the nucleotide bases in RNA.

UA Urinalysis.

UAL Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction. See liposuction, ultrasonic-assisted.

UBT Urea breath test.

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase A liver enzyme that is essential to the disposal of bilirubin, the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. An abnormality of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase results in a condition called Gilbert syndrome. See also Gilbert syndrome.

ulcer A lesion that is eroding away the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers can have various causes, depending on their location. Ulcers on the skin are usually due to irritation, as in the case of bedsores, and may become inflamed and/or infected as they grow. Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract were once attributed to stress,…

ulcer, apthous See canker sore.

ulcer, duodenal An ulcer in the lining of the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine. See also ulcer; ulcer, peptic.

ulcer, esophageal An ulcer in the lining of the esophagus that is corroded by the acidic digestive juices secreted by the stomach cells. See also ulcer; ulcer, peptic.

ulcer, gastric An ulcer in the lining of the stomach that is corroded by the acidic digestive juices secreted by the stomach cells. See also ulcer; ulcer, peptic.

ulcer, peptic An ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Peptic ulcers affect millions of people in the US yearly. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking. Peptic ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration. Complications…

ulcer, stasis A skin ulcer that develops in an area in which the circulation is sluggish and the return of venous blood toward the heart is poor. A common location for stasis ulcers is on the ankles. Stasis refers to a stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood (or other body fluid, such as…