Dictionary

furuncle See boil.

frozen shoulder Permanent severe limitation of the range of motion of the shoulder due to inflammation and subsequent scarring around the shoulder joint (adhesive capsulitis). Frozen shoulder may occur following an injury or immobilization of the shoulder joint, and it occurs more commonly in people with diabetes and certain other health conditions than in the…

FSH Follicle-stimulating hormone.

ft. Abbreviation for foot, a measure of length.

FTT Failure to thrive.

fucosidosis An inherited lysosomal storage disease characterized by lack of the enzyme fucosidase. Without fucosidase, there is accumulation of fucose in the tissues. Fucosidosis is an autosomal recessive disorder. The gene that is responsible for fucosidosis, FUCA1, is on chromosome 1. Fucosidosis in its most severe form can cause neurologic deterioration, growth retardation, visceromegaly (enlargement…

fugue state An altered state of consciousness in which a person may move about purposely and even speak but is not fully aware. A fugue state is usually a type of complex partial seizure. See also seizure, complex partial.

functional food See food, functional.

functional gene test A test for a specific protein which indicates not only that the corresponding gene is present but also that it is active.

fundoplication A surgical treatment for GERD. Usually a specific type of this procedure, called Nissen fundoplication, is performed, in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen this structure, prevent acid reflux, and repair a hiatal hernia. The procedure may be performed by laparoscopy. See also gastroesophageal…

fundus In medicine, the bottom or base of an organ. For example, the fundus of the eye is the retina. However, the fundus of the stomach is inexplicably the upper portion. From the Latin for “the bottom.”

fungal nail infection See onychomycosis.