costochondritis Inflammation and swelling of the cartilage of the chest wall, usually involving the cartilage that surrounds the breastbone (sternum) but sometimes including the adjacent tip of a rib. Costochondritis causes local pain and tenderness of the chest around the sternum. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications and, in severe cases, corticosteroid injections. Also known as…
costal margin The lower edge of the chest (thorax), formed by the bottom edge of the rib cage.
cosmetic surgeon See plastic surgeon.
coryza A head cold that includes a runny nose.
cortisone A naturally occurring adrenocorticoid hormone that is produced in minute amounts by the adrenal gland. Synthetic cortisone is also available; it is metabolized by the body into cortisol. Uses for synthetic oral, intramuscular, and intravenous cortisone medications include treatment of adrenocortical deficiency and treatment of conditions associated with inflammation. A popular topical form is…
cortisol A metabolite of the primary stress hormone cortisone. Cortisol is an essential factor in the proper metabolism of starches, and it is the major natural glucocorticoid (GC) in humans.
corticosteroid Any of the steroid hormones made by the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland. There are two sets of these hormones: the glucocorticoids, which are produced in reaction to stress and also help in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins; and the mineralocorticoids, which regulate the balance of salt and water within…
cortical desmoid tumor See desmoids tumor, cortical.
cortical Having to do with the cortex, the outer layer of an organ.
cortex, cerebral The gray outer portion of the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum. Because it has thousands of complex folds, the cerebral cortex has a much larger surface area than one might think. Specific areas of the cerebral cortex govern sensory perception, voluntary response to stimuli, thought, memory, and the unique human capability…
cortex The outer layer of any organ.
Corrigan pulse A pulse that is forceful and then suddenly collapses. It is usually found in patients with aortic regurgitation, a condition caused by a leaky aortic valve. The left ventricle of the heart ejects blood under high pressure into the aorta. Then the aortic valve normally shuts tight so that blood cannot return to…