Dictionary

comminuted fracture See fracture, comminuted.

comedones The plural of comedo. See also comedo.

comedo The primary sign of acne, consisting of a widened hair follicle filled with keratin skin debris, bacteria, and sebum (oil). A comedo may be closed or open. A closed comedo (called a whitehead) has an obstructed opening to the skin and may rupture to cause a low-grade inflammatory skin reaction in the area. An…

coma A state of deep, unarousable unconsciousness. A coma may occur as a result of head trauma, disease, poisoning, or numerous other causes. Coma states are sometimes graded based on the absence or presence of reflexive responses to stimuli.

colpotomy A surgical incision in the vagina.

colposcopy A procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope (or vaginoscope) is used to examine the vagina and cervix.

colporrhaphy Surgical repair of the vagina.

colpoptosis A condition in which the vagina has dropped from its normal position against the abdominal wall.

colpopexy The use of stitches to bring a displaced vagina back into position against the abdominal wall.

colpo- Prefix referring to the vagina.

colostrum A sticky white or yellow fluid secreted by the breasts during the second half of pregnancy and for a few days after birth, before breast milk comes in. It is high in protective antibodies that boost the newborn’s immune system.

colostomy bag A removable, disposable bag that attaches to the exterior opening of a colostomy (stoma) to permit sanitary collection and disposal of bodily wastes.