condom, female A sheath made of plastic or latex that is anchored outside the vagina and lines the interior of the vagina. It collects semen, preventing the semen from reaching the cervix, and thereby preventing conception. It also provides some protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including the HIV virus. See also barrier method; birth control.
condom A barrier method of contraception consisting of a sheath made of latex, lambskin, or other material that collects semen and thereby prevents conception. There are both male and female condoms. When not specified, the term condom usually refers to a male condom. See also barrier method; birth control; condom, female; condom, male.
conditioning, Pavlovian Use of a system of rewards and punishments to influence behavior. Named after the Russian physiologist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, who conditioned dogs to respond in what proved to be a predictable manner by giving them rewards.
conditioning 1 Exercise and practice to build up the body for either improved performance, as in physical therapy, or in preparation for sports performance. 2 The development of certain predictable behavior as a result of repetitive activity or exposure.
concussion A traumatic injury to soft tissue, usually the brain, as a result of a violent blow, shaking, or spinning. A brain concussion can cause immediate but temporary impairment of brain functions, such as thinking, vision, equilibrium, and consciousness. After a person has had a concussion, he or she is at increased risk for recurrence….
conception 1 The union of a sperm and an egg to create the first cell of a new organism. The term conception has also been used to imply the implantation of the blastocyst, the formation of a viable zygote, and the onset of pregnancy. 2 Related to the formulation or understanding of an idea. See…
computerized axial tomography scan See CAT scan.
computed tomography scan See CAT scan.
compression fracture See fracture, compression.
compress Cloth or another material applied under pressure to an area of the skin and held in place for a period of time. A compress can be any temperature, and it can be dry or wet. It may also be impregnated with medication or an herbal remedy. Most compresses are used to relieve inflammation.
compound microscope A microscope that consists of two microscopes in series, the first serving as the ocular lens (close to the eye) and the second serving as the objective lens (close to the object to be viewed).
compound fracture See fracture, compound.