Dictionary

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging.

mRNA Messenger RNA.

MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

MS Multiple sclerosis.

MSAFP Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein.

MSUD Maple syrup urine disease.

mtDNA Mitochondrial DNA.

mucocele A swelling consisting of an accumulation of mucus. See also mucus.

mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome See Kawasaki disease.

mononeuritis Inflammation of a single nerve. The many causes of mononeuritis include diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Lyme disease. The treatment for mononeuritis depends on the underlying cause. See also mononeuritis multiplex.

mononeuritis multiplex Inflammation of two or more nerves, typically in unrelated parts of the body. Mononeuritis multiplex causes a loss of function in the muscle tissue that is innervated by the affected nerves. For example, sudden loss of the ability to lift the foot normally while walking (foot drop) can be caused by mononeuritis multiplex,…

mononucleosis A condition resulting from infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, human herpesvirus 4 [HHV-4]) in which there is an increase of white blood cells that have a single nucleus (monocytes). The infection can be spread by saliva. Its incubation period is 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph…