Dictionary

African tapeworm See Taenia saginata.

AFP Alpha-fetoprotein.

AFO Ankle-foot orthosis.

AFLP Acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

afferent vessel A vessel that carries blood toward the heart. A vein or venule.

afferent nerve A nerve that carries impulses toward the central nervous system.

Afferent refers to something that carries information or substances toward a central point. In biology and physiology, it often refers to vessels, nerves, or pathways that carry signals or fluid toward a particular organ or area. For example, veins are afferent vessels because they carry deoxygenated blood from the body toward the heart. The opposite…

affective disorder A psychiatric disorder that affects the control of mood. See bipolar disorder; cyclothymia; depression; seasonal affective disorder.

Aesculapius The ancient Roman god of medicine, whose staff with a snake curled around it is commonly used as a symbol of medicine. According to mythology, Aesculapius’s children included Hygeia, the goddess of health, and Panaceia, the goddess of healing.

aerotitis Middle ear problems due to changing atmospheric pressures, as when a plane descends to land. Symptoms include ear pain, ringing ears, diminished hearing and, sometimes, dizziness. Also known as aerotitis media, barotitis, barotitis media, and otic barotrauma.

aerosol A fine spray or mist. Medications in aerosol form can be administered via a nebulizer and inhaled.

aerosinusitis Painful sinus troubles due to changing atmospheric pressures. Aerosinusitis is the cause of sinus pain when going up or down in a plane. Also known as barosinusitis and sinus barotrauma.