Dictionary

CSF 1 Cerebrospinal fluid. 2 Colony-stimulating factor.

CT scan See CAT scan.

CTL Cytotoxic T lymphocytes. See T lymphocyte, cytotoxic.

CTS Carpal tunnel syndrome.

cuboid bone The cube-shaped outer bone in the instep of the foot. The cuboid bone has a joint in back that allows it to articulate posteriorly with the calcaneus (the heel bone). It also has a joint in the front that permits it to articulate anteriorly with the fourth and fifth metatarsals (the bones just…

cul-de-sac In anatomy, a blind pouch or cavity that is closed at one end. The term cul-de-sac is used specifically to refer to the rectouterine pouch (the pouch of Douglas), an extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus.

culdocentesis The puncture and aspiration (withdrawal) of fluid from the rectouterine pouch (the pouch of Douglas), an extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus.

CREST syndrome A limited form of scleroderma, a disease of connective tissue that involves the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and sometimes also in other organs of the body. “CREST” is an acronym for Calcinosis (the formation of tiny deposits of calcium in the skin), Raynaud’s phenomenon (spasm of the tiny artery…

cretinism Congenital hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland at birth), which results in growth retardation, developmental delay, and other abnormal features. Cretinism can be due to deficiency of iodine in the mother’s diet during pregnancy.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease A degenerative disease of the brain that causes dementia and, eventually, death. It is believed to be caused by an unconventional microbe called a prion, rather than by bacteria or a virus. Abbreviated CJD. Symptoms of CJD include forgetfulness, nervousness, trembling hand movements, unsteady gait, muscle spasms, chronic dementia, balance disorder, and loss…

crib death See SIDS.

crippled A medically outmoded and politically incorrect term that implies a serious loss of normal function through damage or loss of an essential body part or element. The term has been replaced by handicapped.