Dictionary

esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus.

esophagogastric tamponade See balloon tamponade.

esophagogastroduodenoscopy See endoscopy, upper.

esophagoscopy Examination of the esophagus by using a thin, lighted instrument.

esophagram A series of X-rays of the esophagus. The X-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a barium solution that coats and outlines the walls of the esophagus. See also barium swallow.

esophagus The tube that connects the throat with the stomach. The esophagus lies between the trachea (windpipe) and the spine. In an adult, the esophagus is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of…

esotropia A condition in which a person is cross-eyed or, in medical terms, has convergent or internal strabismus.

essential In medicine, of unknown cause, as in essential hypertension (high blood pressure of unknown cause). Also known as idiopathic.

essential fatty acid An unsaturated fatty acid that is essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured in the body. Abbreviated EFA. There are three types of EFAs: arachnoidic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. When linoleic acid is obtained in the diet, it can be converted to both arachnoidic and linolenic acid. Linoleic acid…

ergonomics The science of making things fit people. Ergonomics uses knowledge from the fields of anatomy, mechanics, physiology, and psychology to utilize human energy most effectively. Something that is ergonomic is designed for safe, comfortable, and efficient use. For example, a computer keyboard with an ergonomic design is intended to help the user avoid carpal…

ergot A fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat and that produces substances (alkaloids) called ergotamines. Ergotamines constrict blood vessels and cause the muscle of the uterus to contract. They have been much used for the treatment of migraines. They have also been used and misused to induce abortion. In excess, ergotamines can cause…

erotomania The false yet persistent belief that one is loved by a person (often a famous or prominent person), or the pathologically obsessive pursuit of a disinterested object of love. Erotomania can be a symptom of schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders that are characterized by delusional symptoms.