Dictionary

fishbowl granuloma See granuloma, fishbowl.

Fisher’s exact test A statistical test used to determine whether there is a nonrandom association between two variables that is much used in medical research. It tests the independence of rows and columns in a 2 × 2 contingency table (a table with two horizontal rows crossing two vertical columns, creating four places for data)…

fish-odor syndrome An inborn error of metabolism that is associated with an offensive body odor whose scent is similar to the smell of rotting fish. Fish-odor syndrome is due to the excessive excretion of trimethylamine (TMA) in urine, sweat, and breath. This syndrome is caused by a mutation in the gene for the enzyme flavin-containing…

fistula An abnormal passageway between organs, vessels, or other structures that are not normally connected. For example, an anal fistula is an opening in the skin near the anus: This opening may lead to a tunnel into the rectal canal or to a passage that ends in a blind pouch.

five-day fever See trench fever.

flail chest A condition that occurs when enough ribs are broken (usually from a crush injury) to compromise the rigidity of the chest wall. On inspiration, the chest wall moves inward instead of outward, and it does the opposite on expiration.

flat feet Absence of an arch in the sole of the foot that causes the foot to lie flat when the person is standing. All babies have flat feet because their arches are not yet built up (and their feet tend to be plump). This condition may persist into adulthood, or an arch may form…

flatulence The passing of gas from the intestinal tract. Also commonly known as farting. See also flatus.

flatus Gas in the intestinal tract or gas passed through the anus. Intestinal gas contains numerous gases including oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane. The foul smell usually is caused by small traces of gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane.

flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 FMO3.

flavivirus One of a family of viruses transmitted by mosquitos and ticks that cause some important diseases, including dengue, yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile fever. Flaviviruses have single-stranded RNA as their genetic material.

flexion The process of bending, or the state of being bent. For example, flexion of the fingers results in a clenched fist.