Dictionary

lingual Having to do with the tongue.

linkage The tendency for genes to be inherited together as a package because of their location near one another on the same chromosome.

lip One of the two fleshy folds that surround the opening of the mouth. The upper lip is separated from the nose by the philtrum, the area that lies between the base of the nose and the pigmented edge (called the vermillion border or the carmine margin) of the upper lip. The upper and lower…

lipectomy, suction-assisted See liposuction.

lipid A fat. Lipids are vital parts of cells and, with carbohydrates and proteins, are the main constituents of cells. Lipids are easily stored in the body and serve as fuel. Among the well-known lipids are cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, and steroids (such as cortisone). Lipoproteins, glycolipids, and phospholipids are all compound lipids (lipids in…

lipid profile A pattern of lipids in the blood. A lipid profile usually includes the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and the calculated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

lipid storage disease One of a number of disorders that are due to inborn errors in lipid metabolism. Lipid storage diseases result in the abnormal accumulation of lipids in various organs. Examples include Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, NiemannPick disease, and metachromatic leukodystrophy.

lipodystrophy syndrome A disturbance of lipid (fat) metabolism that involves the partial or total absence of fat, and often abnormal deposition and distribution of fat in the body. There are a number of different lipodystrophy syndromes. Some of them are present at birth (congenital), and others are acquired later. Some are genetic (inherited), and others…

lipoma A benign tumor of adipocytes (fat cells). Lipomas are common in the skin and are found anywhere on the body. They may be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.

lipomatosis, familial benign cervical See cephalothoracic lipodystrophy.

lipoprotein A molecule that is a combination of lipid and protein. Lipids do not travel in the blood by themselves, but they are carried through the bloodstream as lipoproteins.

liposarcoma A type of malignant tumor that arises from fat cells in deep soft tissue, such as inside the thigh. Most frequently seen in older adults (age 40 and above), liposarcomas are the most common of all soft-tissue sarcomas. See also sarcoma.