anemia, aplastic Anemia due to failure of the bone marrow to produce red and white blood cells as well as platelets. Aplastic anemia frequently occurs without a known cause. Known causes include exposure to chemicals (for example, benzene, toluene in glues, insecticides, solvents), drugs (for example, chemotherapy drugs, gold, seizure medications, antibiotics), viruses (for instance,…
anemia, Addisonian See anemia, pernicious.
anemia The condition of having a lower-thannormal number of red blood cells or quantity of hemoglobin. Anemia diminishes the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen. Patients with anemia may feel tired, fatigue easily, appear pale, develop palpitations, and become short of breath. Children with chronic anemia are prone to infections and learning problems. The…
androsterone A male sex hormone that is found in the blood and urine of men and women. It is seven times weaker than testosterone.
androstenedione A steroid produced in the adrenal gland that is a precursor to testosterone and other male hormones (androgens). Known popularly as andro, it has been used as a supplement to increase muscle strength. Taking andro raises testosterone levels above normal. Side effects include acne, male baldness, and a decrease in “good” cholesterol (which may…
android pelvis See male pelvis.
androgen A group of hormones, including androsterone, that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. Androgen production is stimulated by the hormone testosterone. See also testosterone.
Anderson-Fabry disease See Fabry disease.
anatripsis The use of friction as a treatment modality for a medical condition. Anatripsis may or may not also involve the application of a medicament.
anatomy, microscopic The study of normal structure of an organism under the microscope. Known among medical students simply as “micro.” Also known as histology.
anatomy, gross In medicine, the study of human structures that can be seen with the naked eye. Known among medical students studying human anatomy simply as “gross.”
anatomy The study of human or animal form, by observation or examination of the living being, examination or dissection of dead specimens, microscopic examination, and/or textbooks.