Dictionary

catalepsy A body’s persistence in unusual postures, with waxy rigidity of the limbs, mutism, and complete inactivity, regardless of outside stimuli, as is sometimes seen in catatonic schizophrenia.

catabolism See metabolism.

cat scratch fever An infection caused by the Bartonella henslae bacteria. Almost half of all domestic cats carry these bacteria and can transmit it to humans through a scratch or bite. Cat scratch fever causes swelling of the lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, fever, chills, sweats, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. There is…

cat scratch disease See cat scratch fever.

CAT scan Computerized axial tomography scan. CAT scanning is a painless X-ray test in which a computer generates cross-section views of a patient’s anatomy. It can identify normal and abnormal structures, and it can be used to guide procedures. Iodine-containing contrast material is sometimes used in CAT scanning. A patient who is allergic to iodine…

castration Removal or destruction of the sex glands. The term is usually used in reference to the testicles, but it also can apply to the ovaries.

casting, serial The use of successive casts to reshape deformed or spastic limbs or contracted joints.

casting The application of a molded orthopedic appliance, usually composed of plaster or fiberglass, to immobilize part or all of a limb for the purpose of healing injured tissues.

cast 1 A protective shell of plaster and bandage that is molded to protect a broken or fractured limb as it heals. 2 An abnormal mass of dead cells that forms in a body cavity. For example, casts of cells that form in the tubules of the kidneys are sometimes detected in urine samples.

casein The main protein found in milk and other dairy products.

cartilage Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A flexible kind of cartilage makes up other parts of the body, such as the larynx and the outside parts of the ears.

carrier test A test designed to detect carriers of a gene for a recessive genetic disorder. For example, carrier testing is done for the sickle cell trait, thalassemia trait, and Tay-Sachs gene.