Dictionary

fluorescence microscope A microscope that is equipped to examine material that fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) light.

fluoroscopy An X-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to produce real-time video images. Instead of using film, fluoroscopy captures X-rays with a device called an image intensifier and converts the X-rays into light. The light is then captured by a camera and displayed on a video…

fluorouracil An anticancer drug whose chemical name is 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

flush 1 A redness of the skin, typically over the cheeks or neck. A flush is usually temporary and brought on by excitement, exercise, fever, or embarrassment. Flushing is an involuntary (uncontrollable) response of the nervous system that leads to widening of the capillaries of the involved skin. Also referred to as a blush (or,…

fluvastin A cholesterol-lowering drug (brand name: Lescol) that is prescribed to prevent medical problems associated with high cholesterol levels, such as atherosclerosis and heart disease. Fluvastin is also used to treat inherited lipid disorders and similar disorders caused by liver or kidney disease.

FMF Familial Mediterranean fever.

fingers, six See hexadactyly.

fire, St. Anthony’s An intensely painful burning sensation in the limbs and extremities that is caused by ergot, which is the consequence of a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat. See also ergot.

fire ant Originally from South America, a red or yellowish ant of small to medium size that has a severe sting that burns like fire. The sting of a fire ant causes a pustule to form within 24 hours that takes several days to resolve. Fire ant toxin can trigger an allergic reaction, particularly in…

fire supplies kit See disaster supplies.

first do no harm A classic slogan that is used in medicine, often in the Latin wording primum non nocere that is attributed to Hippocrates.

first stage of labor The part of labor when the cervix dilates fully, to approximately 10 centimeters in diameter. Also known as the stage of dilatation.