epilation Removal of body hair, including the hair root, by means of electrical device, tweezers, or wax. Epilation may be performed by a dermatologist, but is more commonly done for cosmetic purposes by a facial technologist or esthetician. After epilation, the skin may be particularly sensitive. Also known as depilation.
epiglottis The flap that covers the trachea during swallowing, so that food does not enter the lungs.
epigastrium The part of the abdominal wall that is above the umbilicus (belly button).
epidural hematoma See hematoma, epidural.
epidural anesthetic An anesthetic that is injected into the epidural space surrounding the fluid-filled sac (the dura) around the spine to partially numb the abdomen and legs. An epidural is used fairly commonly in childbirth, if anesthesia is requested, and during birth by caesarean section.
epidural Outside of the dura mater, the outermost and most fibrous of the three membranes (dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater) covering the brain and the spinal cord. See also epidural anesthetic.
epididymitis Inflammation of the epididymis. Epididymitis can be caused by sexually acquired bacteria, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia; or by bacteria that come from somewhere else, such as E. coli from the bowel. Sometimes no bacteria are found to be associated. Bacterial epididymitis is treated with antibiotics. If no bacterial cause is detected, medications to…
epididymis A structure within the scrotum that is attached to the back side of the testis. The epididymis is a coiled segment of the spermatic ducts that stores spermatozoa while they mature and then transports the spermatozoa between the testis and the tube connecting the testes with the urethra (vas deferens).
epidermolysis bullosa One in a group of blistering skin conditions. The skin is so fragile in people with epidermolysis bullosa that even minor rubbing may cause blistering.
epidermoid carcinoma See carcinoma, squamous cell.
epidermis The upper, or outer, layer of the two main layers of cells in the skin (the other being the dermis). The epidermis is mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Under the squamous cells are round cells called basal cells. The deepest part of the epidermis also contains melanocytes, cells that…
epidemiology, clinical Epidemiology focused specifically on patients with diseases of clinical importance.