Dictionary

critical care The specialized care of patients whose conditions are life-threatening and who require comprehensive care and constant monitoring, usually in intensive care units. Also known as intensive care.

Crohn’s colitis Crohn’s disease involving only the large intestine (colon). See also Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that primarily involves the small and/or large intestine. Crohn’s disease can be a chronic, recurrent condition, or it can cause minimal symptoms. In mild forms, Crohn’s disease causes scattered, shallow, ulcers in the inner surface of the bowel. In more serious cases, deeper and larger ulcers can develop,…

Crohn’s enteritis Crohn’s disease involving only the small intestine. See also Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s enterocolitis Crohn’s disease involving both the small and large intestines. See also Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s ileitis Inflammation of the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) due to Crohn’s disease. See also Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s ileocolitis Crohn’s disease involving the ileum (the lowest portion of the small intestine) and the colon (the large intestine). See also Crohn’s disease.

cross-section In anatomy, a transverse cut through a structure or tissue. The opposite is longitudinal section.

cross-sectional study A research study done at one time, not over the course of time. A cross-sectional study might be a study of a disease such as AIDS at one point in time, to learn its prevalence and distribution within the population. Also known as a synchronic study.

cross-training Doing two or more aerobic activities, such as jogging, bicycling, and swimming, on a regular basis.

crossed embolism See embolism, paradoxical.

crossing over Exchanging genetic material between two paired chromosomes. Crossing over is a way to recombine the genetic material so that each person (except for identical twins) is genetically unique.