Dictionary

anorexigenic Causing anorexia (loss of appetite) as, for example, an anorexigenic drug. See also anorexia.

anorgasmia Failure to achieve orgasm (climax) during sexual intercourse. Anorgasmia has many causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, worry, guilt, fear of painful intercourse, fear of pregnancy, the undesirability of a partner, the undesirability of a setting, and the use of alcohol or prescription or illicit drugs.

anosmia The failure of the development of or the loss of the sense of smell.

anotia The absence from birth of the external, visible part of the ear (the auricle).

angina, variant See angina, Prinzmetal.

angina, Vincent See acute membranous gingivitis.

angina pectoris See angina.

angioedema A skin condition that resembles hives but affects a deeper skin layer causing localized swellings of soft tissues, such as the tongue or lips. Angioedema can be a sign of an allergic reaction. See also angioedema, hereditary.

angioedema, hereditary A genetic form of angioedema. Persons with it are born lacking the enzyme C1 esterase inhibitor, a protein that normally inhibits the activation of a cascade of proteins. Without this inhibitor protein, angioedema occurs, resulting in recurrent attacks of swollen tissues, pain in the abdomen, and swelling of the voice box (larynx), which…

angiogenesis The process of developing new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is critically important during the normal development of the embryo and fetus. It also appears to be important during tumor formation.

angiogram An X-ray image of blood vessels. The vessels can be seen because a contrast dye within them blocks the X-rays from developing an imaging film.

angioid streaks Tiny breaks in the elastin-filled tissue in the retina in the back of the eye. Angioid streaks are seen in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a rare disorder of degeneration of the elastic fibers with tiny areas of calcification in the skin, retinae, and blood vessels, and they are visible during an examination using…