Dictionary

clavus See corn.

clavicle See collarbone.

claudication, venous Limping and/or pain resulting from inadequate venous drainage.

claudication, intermittent Pain in the calf that comes and goes, typically felt while walking, and usually subsiding with rest. Intermittent claudication can be due to temporary artery narrowing due to vasospasm, permanent artery narrowing due to atherosclerosis, or complete occlusion of an artery to the leg. The prognosis is generally favorable because the condition often…

claudication Limping. From the Latin claudicare, which means “to limp.” The Roman emperor Claudius was so named because he limped, probably because of a birth defect.

clasped thumbs and mental retardation See adducted thumbs.

clap Slang term for gonorrhea. See gonorrhea.

Cl The chemical symbol for the element chlorine.

citrulline antibody An immune protein (antibody) that binds to a non-standard amino acid, citrulline, which is formed by removing amino groups from the natural amino acid, arginine. Citrulline antibody is present in the blood of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis when evaluating patients with unexplained joint…

cirrhosis, primary biliary A scarring liver disease caused by an abnormality of the immune system. Small bile ducts within the liver become inflamed and obliterated from scarring. Backup of bile causes intense skin itching and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Lack of bile decreases absorption of calcium and vitamin D, leading to osteoporosis. See also…

cirrhosis Liver disease characterized by irreversible scarring. Alcohol and viral hepatitis, including both hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are among the many causes of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can cause yellowing of the skin (jaundice), itching, and fatigue. Diagnosis is suggested by physical examination and blood tests, and it can be confirmed by liver biopsy. Complications of…

circumcision, male Surgery that removes the protective ring of loose skin (foreskin) that normally covers the glans of the penis. Circumcision dates back to prehistoric times, and it may be performed for religious or cultural reasons, or to promote cleanliness. Newborn circumcision decreases the risk of urinary tract infections and lowers the risk of sexually…