Dictionary

clinical trial See clinical research trial.

clip A device used to hold something or things together. For example, a surgical clip may be used to prevent a blood vessel from bleeding into the brain, or in a vasectomy to pinch together the sides of the vas deferens.

clitoridectomy The surgical excision (removal) of the clitoris to reduce a woman’s ability to be sexually stimulated during intercourse. Also known as female circumcision and female genital mutilation. See also circumcision, female.

clitoris A small mass of erectile tissue in the female that is situated at the anterior apex of the vulva, near the meeting of the labia majora (vulvar lips). Like the penis, the clitoris is highly sensitive to stimulation during sex. The clitoris corresponds to the penis in the male.

CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. See leukemia, chronic lymphocytic.

clone 1 A replica. For example, a clone can be made of a group of bacteria or a macromolecule such as DNA. 2 A group of cells derived from a single ancestral cell. 3 An individual developed from a single somatic (nongerm) cell from a parent, representing an exact replica of that parent.

clone, recombinant A clone that contains recombinant DNA molecules.

clone bank See genomic library.

cloning The process of creating a genetically identical copy.

cloning, cell The process of producing a group of cells (clones), all genetically identical, from a single ancestral cell.

circle of Willis A critical arterial circle at the base of the brain. The circle of Willis receives all the blood that is pumped up the two internal carotid arteries that come up the front of the neck. All the principal arteries that supply the two halves of the brain (hemispheres) branch off from the…

circulation In medicine, the movement of fluid through the body in a regular or circuitous course. The circulatory system, composed of the heart and blood vessels, functions to produce circulation. Heart failure is an example of a problem with circulation.