Dictionary

mediastinum The area between the lungs. The organs in the mediastinum include the heart and its large veins and arteries, the trachea, the esophagus, the bronchi, and lymph nodes.

Medicaid A number of US programs of public assistance for persons whose income is insufficient to pay for health care, regardless of age. Medicaid is administered on a state level, with the federal government providing matching funds to state Medicaid programs. Services and options can vary from state to state. Disabled persons who receive Social…

Medical College Admissions Test A test that is required of all applicants to medical school in the US and Canada, which assesses applicants’ science knowledge, reasoning, and communication and writing skills. It is given under the aegis of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Abbreviated MCAT.

medical examiner A physician (pathologist) who performs an autopsy when the cause of death is suspicious, including cases when death is accidental or violent. The physician may also serve in some jurisdictions as the coroner.

medical symbol See Aesculapius.

Medicare The US government’s national health insurance program for people aged 65 and older who have worked for at least 10 years in Medicarecovered employment, and who are citizens or permanent residents of the US. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, and Medicare Part B covers physician and outpatient services.

medication 1 A drug that is used to medicate, a medicine, or a medicament or medical substance. Although the terms medication and drug are sometimes used interchangeably, the term medication is not used to speak of a recreational substance. 2 The administration of a drug or medicine.

MedicineNet.com A premier online health and medical information website. MedicineNet.com provides easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information for consumers. Since 1996, MedicineNet.com has become nationally recognized for providing quality information that is produced by a network of board-certified physicians from across the US.

Medigap An insurance policy sold by private insurance companies in the US that supplements Medicare benefits, presumably filling the gaps in health care coverage.

meditation A typically self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. Most meditative techniques have come to the West from Eastern religious practices, particularly India, China, and Japan, but can be found in many cultures of the world. Until recently, the primary purpose of meditation has been religious, although its health benefits have…

Mediterranean anemia See thalassemia major.

mastitis Inflammation of one or more mammary glands within the breast, usually in a lactating woman. Mastitis can be felt as a hard, sore spot within the breast. Mastitis can be caused by an infection in the breast or by a plugged milk duct. Treatment includes resting and applying warm compresses to the affected area,…