ear tube A small plastic tube that is inserted into the eardrum (tympanum) to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. To put an ear tube in place, a tiny surgical incision is made in the eardrum. Any fluid is removed. Water should not be allowed to enter the ear canal…
ear tumor A formation of benign (noncancerous) bumps on the external ear or within the external ear canal. Most of these lumps and bumps are harmless sebaceous cysts. However, some are bony overgrowths known as exostoses or osteomas. If they are large and interfere with hearing, they can be surgically removed with relative ease.
eardrum The tympanic membrane of the ear, or tympanum. The eardrum separates the middle ear from the external ear.
earthquake supplies kit See disaster supplies.
earwax A natural wax-like substance secreted by glands in the skin on the outer part of the ear canal. Earwax repels water and traps dust and sand particles. Usually small amounts of wax accumulate and then dry up and fall out of the ear canal, carrying unwanted particles. Earwax is helpful in normal amounts. The…
Ebola virus A virus that causes a deadly form of hemorrhagic fever that is characterized by a rise in temperature and bleeding problems. Ebola virus epidemics have occurred mainly in Sudan and Zaire. The initial symptoms are fever and headache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea, muscle pain, rash, and bloody nose, spitting up of blood…
EBV Epstein-Barr virus.
ecchymosis Nonraised skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels. Ecchymoses can occur in mucous membranes (for example, in the mouth).
ecchymotic Characterized by ecchymosis.
ECG Electrocardiogram.
echocardiography A diagnostic test of the heart that uses ultrasound waves to form images of the heart chambers, valves, and surrounding structures. Echocardiography can measure cardiac output, and it is a sensitive test for detecting inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). It can also be used to detect abnormal anatomy and infections of the heart valves.
echolalia The involuntary, parrot-like repetition (echoing) of a word or phrase just spoken by another person. Echolalia is a feature of schizophrenia (especially the catatonic form), Tourette syndrome, and other disorders. See also echopraxia; schizophrenia; Tourette syndrome.