Dictionary

fièvre boutonneuse See typhus, African tick.

fifth disease A mild disease occurring typically in children that is caused by parvovirus B-19. The characteristic symptoms of fifth disease include lowgrade fever, fatigue, a “slapped cheeks” rash, and a rash over the whole body. Transmission is by droplets in the air (respiratory secretions) or through blood. Some children with immunodeficiency (such as those…

filariasis A parasitic disease caused by the African eye worm, a microscopic thread-like worm. The adult worms can only live in the human lymph system. Lymphatic filariasis affects people in the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of Central and South America. The disease spreads from person to person by…

film Slang shortening of X-ray film.

film, AP An X-ray picture in which the beams pass from front to back (anteroposterior). See also film, PA.

film, lateral An X-ray picture taken from the side.

film, PA An X-ray picture in which the beams pass from back to front (posteroanterior). See also film, AP.

filovirus A virus in the family filoviridae that causes hemorrhagic fever. Filoviruses have singlestranded RNA as their genetic material. Ebola virus and the Marburg virus are both filoviruses.

fine needle aspiration The use of a thin needle to withdraw material from the body for analysis. For example, when a nodule is felt in the thyroid, fine needle aspiration may be done to remove a tissue sample that can be examined to determine whether the nodule is benign or malignant. The aspirated material is…

fingernail A covering for the tip of the finger that is produced by living skin cells in the finger. A fingernail consists of several parts, including the nail plate (the visible part of the nail), the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail plate), the cuticle (the tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the…

fiber, cholesterol and Cholesterol blood levels can be influenced by intake of fiber. Soluble fiber substances are effective in helping reduce the level of blood cholesterol.

fiber, constipation and Constipation can be influenced by intake of fiber. Insoluble fiber retains water in the colon, resulting in softer and larger stools. Fiber is used effectively in treating constipation that results from poor dietary habits. Bran is particularly rich in insoluble fiber.