Dictionary

acute leukemia Cancer of the blood cells that characteristically comes on suddenly and, if not treated, progresses quickly. In acute leukemia, the leukemic cells are not able to mature properly.

acute membranous gingivitis A progressive and painful infection of the mouth and throat due to the spread of infection from the gums. Symptoms include ulceration, swelling, and sloughing off of dead tissue from the mouth and throat. Certain germs (including fusiform bacteria and spirochetes) have been thought to be involved, but the actual cause is…

acute mountain sickness The physical effect of being in a high-altitude environment. Abbreviated AMS, it is common at altitudes above 2,440 meters (approximately 8,000 feet). Three-fourths of people have mild symptoms of AMS at altitudes over 3,048 meters (approximately 10,000 feet). Occurrence depends on the altitude, rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Symptoms begin 12…

acute myelogenous leukemia See leukemia, acute myeloid.

ACL Anterior cruciate ligament.

acne Localized skin inflammation resulting from overactivity of the oil glands at the base of hair follicles or as a response to contact with irritating substances. See also acne vulgaris.

acne rosacea See rosacea.

acne vulgaris The common form of acne, in teens and young adults, that is due to overactivity of the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin that become plugged and inflamed. Acne typically develops when the oil glands come to life around puberty and are stimulated by male hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands…

ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a professional organization for women’s health care providers that also does advocacy work to improve the care of female patients.

acoustic nerve The eighth cranial nerve which is concerned with hearing, balance, and head position. It branches into two parts—a cochlear part that transmits sound reception for hearing and a vestibular part that senses balance and head position. Also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve.

acquired Not inherited, or present at birth (congenital), but developing after birth. For example, AIDS is an acquired, not an inherited, form of immune deficiency.

acquired immunodeficiency disease See AIDS.