Dictionary

relapse The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission.

relaxant Something that relaxes, relieves, or reduces tension. For example, a muscle relaxant is often administered during abdominal surgery to relax the diaphragm and keep it from moving during the surgery.

relaxin A hormone that is produced during pregnancy that facilitates the birth process by causing a softening and lengthening of the cervix and the pubic symphysis (the place where the pubic bones come together). Relaxin also inhibits contractions of the uterus and may play a role in determining the timing of delivery.

REM Rapid eye movement of the eyes during sleep. During REM sleep, the eyeballs appear to flick around under the closed eyelids. See REM sleep.

REM sleep The portion of sleep during which rapid eye movements (REMs) occur. Dreams occur during REM sleep, and people typically have three to five periods of REM sleep per night. These periods occur at intervals of 1 to 2 hours and can vary in length from 5 minutes to over an hour. REM sleep…

remedy Something that consistently helps treat or cure a disease.

remission Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission can be temporary or permanent.

remission induction chemotherapy See induction therapy.

remote telesurgery A surgical procedure that is carried out from a great distance using computer and robotic technology.

renal Having to do with the kidney. For example, renal cancer is cancer of the kidneys.

renal aneurysm An aneurysm that involves the renal artery, the main artery to the kidney.

renal artery stenosis Narrowing of the major artery to the kidney that can lead to seriously elevated blood pressure. Common causes of renal artery stenosis include atherosclerosis and thickening of the muscular wall (fibromuscular dysplasia) of the renal artery.