Dictionary

female external genitalia The external genital structures of the female, including the labia minora, labia majora, and the clitoris.

female chromosome complement The whole set of chromosomes for a female. The large majority of females have a 46, XX chromosome complement (46 chromosomes, including 2 X chromosomes). A minority of females have other chromosome complements, such as 45, X (45 chromosomes, including 1 X chromosome) or 47, XXX (47 chromosomes, including 3 X chromosomes).

female An individual of the sex that bears young or that produces ova or eggs, or a person who has a particular physical appearance, chromosome constitution, or gender identification. See also female chromosome complement.

Felty syndrome An uncommon complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis defined by the presence of an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and an abnormally low white blood cell count. Patients may have an increased susceptibility to infection. The cause of Felty syndrome is not known. Treatment of Felty syndrome is not always required beyond treatment for the underlying…

feet As a measure of length, the plural of foot.

feeding, breast See breastfeeding.

feedback A process in which the factors that produce a result are themselves modified, corrected, and strengthened by that result. Many biologic processes are controlled by feedback, just as the temperature in a home (from a furnace or air conditioner) can be regulated by a thermostat. This principle is the basis for the practice of…

fecundity See fertility.

fecund See fertile.

feces The excrement discharged from the intestines.

fecalith A hard stony mass of feces in the intestinal tract. A fecalith can obstruct the appendix, leading to appendicitis. Fecaliths can also obstruct diverticuli. Also known as coprolith and stercolith.

fecal occult blood test A test to check for hidden blood in the stool.