Dictionary

lumbar vertebrae The five vertebrae situated between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae in the spinal column. The lumbar vertebrae are represented by the symbols L1 through L5.

lumpectomy The surgical removal of a small tumor, which may be benign or cancerous. In common use, lumpectomy refers especially to removal of a lump from the breast. Lumpectomy, often with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can be an alternative to mastectomy in cases of nonmetastatic breast cancer.

lung One of a pair of three-lobed breathing organs located within the right and left sides of the chest. The lungs remove carbon dioxide from the blood and bring oxygen into the blood. Air comes into the lungs via the trachea, traveling evenly into the left and right lungs by means of the left and…

lung, collapsed See atelectasis.

lung transplant Surgery to replace a diseased or damaged lung with a healthy lung from an organ donor. Lung transplant is sometimes done in tandem with heart transplant. See also transplant.

lupus A chronic inflammatory disease that is caused by autoimmunity. Patients with lupus have in their blood unusual antibodies that are targeted against their own body tissues. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. The first symptom is a red (or dark), scaly rash on the nose and…

lupus, discoid A chronic inflammatory condition that is limited to the skin and is caused by an autoimmune disease. Up to 10 percent of persons with discoid lupus eventually develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Heredity, viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may also be involved. Skin symptoms associated with discoid lupus include patchy redness with areas…

LUQ Left upper quadrant (quarter). For example, the LUQ of the abdomen contains the spleen.

Luschka, foramina of See foramina of Luschka.

luteinizing hormone A gonadotropin (a hormone that affects the function of the sex organs) that is released by the pituitary gland in response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. Abbreviated LH. In females, LH controls the length and sequence of the female menstrual cycle, including ovulation, preparation of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, and…

lochia The fluid that is discharged from the vagina for a week or so after childbirth. At first the lochia is primarily blood, followed by a more mucousy fluid that contains dried blood, and finally a clear-to-yellow discharge.

loci Plural of locus.