Dictionary

monosomy Missing one chromosome from a pair. For example, if a female has one X chromosome (X monosomy) rather than two, she has Turner syndrome.

monostotic fibrous dysplasia Excessive growth in a single bone of hard-fibrous tissue that replaces the normal bone tissue. Symptoms of monostotic fibrous dysplasia may include pain and fracture of the bone. Most cases are diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood and remain unchanged throughout life. The outlook is usually very good. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia appears…

monozygous twins Identical twins. They are called monozygous because they originate from a single fertilized egg (zygote).

morbidity Illness, disease.

morbilli See measles.

morgue A place where dead bodies are kept before autopsy, funeral, or burial.

morning sickness The common phenomenon of nausea between the 6th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Morning sickness is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and metabolic changes that involve carbohydrate digestion. Suggested treatment includes eating crackers or other high-carbohydrate foods first thing in the morning (even before getting out…

morning-after pill See contraceptive, emergency.

morphea Skin changes that are localized to one or more patchy areas of skin that become hardened, dry, smooth, and slightly pigmented. Morphea is called “localized scleroderma” but it rarely, if ever, evolves into full-fledged scleroderma, an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue.

morphine A powerful narcotic agent that has strong analgesic (pain relief) action and other significant effects on the central nervous system. It is dangerously addicting. Morphine is a naturally occurring member of a large chemical class of compounds called alkaloids. The name, which derives from Morpheus (the mythologic god of dreams) was coined in 1805…

morphology 1 Literally, the study of form (structure). 2 A form itself.

Morquio syndrome A form of mucopolysaccharidosis that is characterized by an inability to break down keratan sulfate, which leads to abnormal accumulation of keratan sulfate in muscle and skeletal tissues. This in turn can lead to abnormalities of the skeleton, muscles, skin, teeth, and muscular organs. Diagnosis is made by examining leukocytes and cultured skin…