Health A-Z

Labor

Clinical Definition The natural and physical process of delivering a baby from the uterus, followed by the placenta, is known as labor. It involves contractions of the uterus and effacement and dilation of the cervix, which allows for passage through the birth canal. Labor is triggered by the pituitary gland hormone oxytocin, which starts uterine

Lactose intolerance

Clinical Definition Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a milk sugar, usually due to an intestinal deficiency of the enzyme lactase. In Our Own Words When people suffer with the digestive condition lactose intolerance, they are—to varying degrees—unable to digest lactose, which is a form of sugar found in dairy products and many

Laparoscopy

Clinical Definition Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed with a laparoscope, a thin viewing tube that is inserted in the body through a small incision. It is considered less invasive than open surgery, which requires a much larger incision. In Our Own Words Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a thin viewing

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