Dictionary

controlled substance A drug or chemical that is regulated by the government. This regulation applies to manufacture, possession, and usage.

control In research, the group of participants that does not receive the treatment under investigation. The control group may be given a placebo treatment or receive a treatment with known results to permit comparison with the results of the experiment. In lab research that does not use live participants (in vitro research rather than in…

contralateral Of or pertaining to the other side. The opposite of iposilateral (the same side). For example, a stroke involving the right side of the brain may cause contralateral paralysis of the left leg.

contraindication A condition which makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.

contraindicate To make a treatment or procedure inadvisable because of a particular condition or circumstance. For example, certain medications are contraindicated during pregnancy because of the danger they pose to the fetus, and the use of aspirin is contraindicated in small children because of the danger of Reye’s syndrome.

contraction, uterine The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During labor, contractions cause the cervix to thin and dilate, and they aid the baby in its entry into the birth canal and then its progress through the birth canal.

contraction The tightening and shortening of a muscle.

contraceptive device, intrauterine See intrauterine device.

contraceptive, implanted A time-release contraceptive that is surgically implanted under the skin.

contraceptive, emergency An oral contraceptive that can be taken after unprotected intercourse. For example, emergency contraceptives may be given to victims of rape as part of aftercare procedures. Also known as the morning-after pill.

contraceptive Something capable of preventing conception from taking place. See also barrier method; birth control; cervical cap; condom; condom, female; condom, male; contraceptive, emergency; contraceptive, implanted; DepoProvera; diaphragm; intrauterine device; oral contraceptive.

continuous positive airway pressure A treatment for sleep apnea that involves wearing over the face a breathing mask that forces air through the nasal passages at a steady rate, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. Abbreviated CPAP. See also sleep apnea.