Dictionary

abscission To remove tissue by cutting it away, as in surgery. See also resection.

abscess, skin A confined collection of pus in the skin. The common boil is a type of skin abscess. See also boil.

abscess, peritonsillar An abscess behind the tonsils that pushes one of the tonsils toward the uvula (the prominent soft tissue dangling from the back of the palate in the back of the mouth). A peritonsillar abscess is generally very painful and associated with difficulty opening the mouth. If a peritonsillar abscess is untreated, the infection…

abscess, perianal An abscess next to the anus that causes tenderness, swelling, and pain on defecation.

abscess A local accumulation of pus anywhere in the body. See also boil; pus.

abs Slang term for the abdominal muscles.

abruptio placentae Premature separation (abruption) of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, often in association with high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Abruption is a potentially serious problem both for mother and fetus because the area where it occurs bleeds and the uterus begins to contract. Shock may result. See also placenta; preeclampsia.

abrasion 1 A wearing away of the upper layer of skin as a result of applied friction force. See also scrape. 2 In dentistry, the wearing away of a tooth surface.

ABP American Board of Pediatrics, a professional organization for physicians who treat infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

abortive polio A minor, abbreviated form of infection with the polio virus. Full recovery occurs in 24 to 72 hours, and the condition does not involve the nervous system or permanent disabilities. See also polio.

abortive Tending to cut short the course of a disease, as in abortive polio (polio cut short).

abortion, spontaneous Miscarriage.