Dictionary

enzootic Endemic in animals. An enzootic disease is constantly present in an animal population, but usually only affects a small number of animals at any one time.

endoscope A lighted optical instrument that is used to get a deep look inside the body. An endoscope, which may be rigid or flexible, can be used to examine organs, such as the throat or esophagus. Specialized endoscopes are named for where they are intended to look. Examples include the cystoscope (bladder), nephroscope (kidney), bronchoscope…

endoscopic gastrostomy, percutaneous See gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography See ERCP.

endoscopy Examination of the inside of the body by using a lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope. In general, an endoscope is introduced into the body through a natural opening such as the mouth or anus. Although endoscopy can include examination of other organs, the most common endoscopic procedures evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and portions…

endoscopy, upper A procedure that enables the examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine the esophagus, the stomach, and the first portion of small bowel (duodenum) by using a thin, flexible tube that can be looked through or seen through on a TV monitor. Also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

endostatin A fragment of a protein, collagen 18, that is found in all blood vessels. Endostatin is normally secreted by blood vessels in response to tumors. Endostatin appears to halt the process of developing new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is necessary to tumor development.

endothelial Relating to the endothelium.

endothelium The single layer of cells that lines the inner surfaces of the blood vessels and the heart. The endothelium is where cholesterol can accumulate as plaque in arteries affected by arteriosclerosis. The endothelium is a specific form of epithelium. See also epithelium.

endotracheal tube A flexible plastic tube that is put in the mouth and then down into the trachea (airway). A physician inserts an endotracheal tube under direct vision, with the help of a laryngoscope, in a procedure called endotracheal intubation. The purpose of using an endotracheal tube is to ventilate the lungs.

endourologist A urologist with special expertise in navigating inside the kidneys, ureter, and bladder, using endoscopic optical instruments and other tools. Endourologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating diseases of these organs.

engagement The sensation that a pregnant woman feels when the lowermost part of the fetus descends and is engaged in the mother’s pelvis, an event that typically occurs 2 to 3 weeks before labor begins. Women who have had two or more prior viable pregnancies (multiparas) may not experience engagement until labor actually begins. When…