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.
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.
endothelial Relating to the endothelium.
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.
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).
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…
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography See ERCP.
endoscopic gastrostomy, percutaneous See gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic.
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…
endorphin A hormonal compound that is made by the body in response to pain or extreme physical exertion. Endorphins are similar in structure and effect to opiate drugs. They are responsible for the so-called runner’s high, and release of these essential compounds permits humans to endure childbirth, accidents, and strenuous everyday activities.
endonuclease An enzyme that cleaves a nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) at specific sites in the nucleotide base sequence.
endometrium The inner layer of the uterus.