carcinoembryonic antigen A protein found in many types of cells that is associated with a developing fetus and tumors and measurable by blood testing. Abbreviated CEA. Conditions that increase CEA include smoking, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and some benign tumors (in the same organs that have cancers with increased CEA)….
carbuncle A skin abscess (boil) that extends into subcutaneous layers of skin, usually caused by local infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment includes antibiotics (typically in the form of topical creams) and, in severe cases, surgical drainage. See also abscess.
carboxyhemoglobin Hemoglobin that has carbon monoxide instead of the normal oxygen bound to it. Carbon monoxide has a much stronger binding to hemoglobin than oxygen. Carboxyhemoglobin is formed in carbon monoxide poisoning and leads to oxygen deficiency in the body. The source of the carbon monoxide may be exhaust (such as from a car, truck,…
carbon monoxide poisoning A potentially deadly condition caused by breathing carbon monoxide gas, which prevents oxygenation of the blood. Common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning include malfunctioning furnaces and the use of kerosene heaters or similar devices in unventilated indoor spaces. Carbon monoxide is also emitted by automobile and other engines, so these should not…
carbohydrate One of the three nutrient compounds, along with fat and protein, used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Carbohydrates take the form of simple sugars or of more complex forms, such as starches and fiber. Complex carbohydrates come naturally from plants. Intake of complex carbohydrates, when they are substituted for saturated fat, can…
caps Abbreviation for capsules.
capitation In US health services, a fixed “per capita” amount that is paid to a hospital, clinic, or physician for each person served. If that person uses few services, the excess amount paid is potential profit for the payee. If the person uses many services, the payee may lose money.
capillary hemangioma See hemangioma, capillary.
capillary A tiny blood vessel that connects an arteriole (the smallest division of an artery) with a venule (the smallest division of a vein). Although tiny, the capillary plays an imortant role in the circulatory system. The walls of capillaries act as semipermeable membranes that permit the exchange of various substances, including fluids and the…
cannula A hollow tube with a sharp, retractable inner core that can be inserted into a vein, an artery, or another body cavity.
cannabis Marijuana (Cannibis sativa), a drug derived from the family of plants that includes hemp. Cannabis can be smoked or eaten. Use of cannabis produces a mild sense of euphoria, as well as impairments in judgment and lengthened response time. Although cannabis use is illegal in most parts of the world, the plant appears to…
canker sore A common small, frequently painful and sensitive crater in the lining of the mouth. Also known as aphthous ulcer. Sores typically last for 10 to 14 days and generally heal without scarring.