Dictionary

PDA Patent ductus arteriosus. See ductus arteriosus.

PDR 1 Physicians’ Desk Reference. 2 Postdelivery room, used as a staging room for the mother after delivering her baby in the delivery room.

peak flow meter A hand-held device that measures air flow (how fast air is blown out of the lungs during forced expiration). Patients can use peak flow meters at home to measure their own air flow regularly.

pecs See pectoral muscle.

pectoral muscle One of the muscles of the front of the upper chest. The pectoral muscles are familiarly known as the pecs and are the muscles underneath the breasts. Pectoral muscles are used by the upper extremities to push objects in front of the body. For example, these are the muscles that are exercised in…

pectoralis muscle absence with syndactyly See Poland syndrome.

pectus carinatum See pigeon breast.

pectus excavatum See funnel chest.

pediatric Pertaining to children.

pediatric arthritis See arthritis in children.

pediatrics The field of medicine that is concerned with the health of infants, children, and adolescents; their growth and development; and their opportunity to achieve full potential as adults.

pediculosis See head lice.