Dictionary

UTI Urinary tract infection.

utility In the analysis of health outcomes, a number between 0 and 1 that is assigned to a state of health or an outcome. Perfect health has a utility value of 1. Death has a utility value of 0.

UV Ultraviolet. See ultraviolet radiation.

UVA Ultraviolet A. See ultraviolet radiation.

UVB Ultraviolet B. See ultraviolet radiation.

UVC Ultraviolet C. See ultraviolet radiation.

uvea An inner layer of the eye that includes the iris, the blood vessels that serve the eye (choroid), and the connective tissue between the iris and the choroid (the ciliary body).

uveitis Inflammation of the uvea. Uveitis is a serious form of eye inflammation and requires aggressive treatment with medications to reduce the inflammation that can permanently impair vision. Uveitis can occur by itself or as a feature of an underlying disease, such as Behcet’s disease, sarcoidosis, and others.

uvula The anatomic structure that dangles downward at the back of the mouth and is attached to the rear of the soft palate.

urethroscope A device for examining the inside of the urethra.

URI Upper respiratory infection. Infection of the air passages of the nose, the throat, and/or bronchial tubes.

uric acid A substance that is produced when proteins are metabolized. In gout, elevated levels of uric acid are commonly found in the blood (hyperuricemia). However, only a small portion of people with hyperuricemia actually develop gout. See also gout.