Dictionary

ectopic In the wrong place, out of place. For example, an ectopic kidney is a kidney that is not in the usual location.

ectopia cordis A birth defect that results in an abnormal location of the heart, usually outside the chest.

-ectomy The surgical removal of something. For example, a lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a lump, a tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils, and an appendectomy is removal of the appendix.

ectodermal dysplasia A genetic disorder in which the skin and associated structures (the hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands) develop abnormally. X-linked anhidrotic (nonsweating) ectodermal dysplasia is most common; because it is an X-linked trait, it mainly affects males. There is also an autosomal dominant form that affects both males and females. The term ectodermal…

ectoderm The outermost of the three primary germ cell layers (the other two being the mesoderm and endoderm) that make up a very young embryo. The ectoderm differentiates (specializes) to give rise to many important tissues and structures, including the outer layer of the skin and its appendages (such as the sweat glands, hair, and…

ECT Electroconvulsive therapy.

ecstasy 1 A state of rapture and trancelike elation. 2 A street name for 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic, mind-altering drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties—other street names include “Adam” and “XTC.” Its chemical structure is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine. See also designer drug.

economy-class syndrome See deep vein thrombosis.

ecogenetics The interaction of genetics with the environment. For example, persons with the genetic disease phenylketonuria (PKU) lack an enzyme that is needed to process the amino acid phenylalanine, and they require a special environment: a diet low in phenylalanine.

eclampsia The presence of one or more convulsions in a pregnant woman who has preeclampsia. Eclampsia is a frequent cause of maternal death in underdeveloped countries, and it is a serious problem even in developed countries. Treatment is with antispasmodic medication, notably magnesium sulfate. See also HELLP syndrome; preeclampsia.

echovirus A group of viruses found in the intestinal tract. The “echo” part of the name is an acronym for enteric cytopathic human orphan viruses. “Orphan” implied that these viruses were not associated with any disease. However, it is now known that echoviruses can cause a number of different diseases, including rashes, diarrhea, respiratory infections…

echopraxia The involuntary imitation of the movements of another person. Echopraxia is a feature of schizophrenia (especially the catatonic form), Tourette syndrome, and some other neurologic diseases. See also echolalia.