Clinical Definition Measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable viral respiratory disease caused by the virus rubeola. Droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of an infected person transmit the virus, with symptoms (e.g., red rash, fever and runny nose) typically appearing eight to 12 days after exposure. There is no cure, but bed…
Melanoma
Clinical Definition Meaning black tumor in Latin, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can affect any part of the body. Risk of melanoma is increased through exposure to UV radiation and time spent outdoors, in tanning beds or under sun lamps. Because it affects the melanocytes (i.e. pigment cells), melanomas are…
Meningitis
Clinical Definition Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or a virus, but it can also be caused by certain physical injuries, cancers or drugs. In Our Own Words Although relatively rare, meningitis is…
Menopause
Clinical Definition When a womans ovaries no longer release eggs and she hasnt menstrated in one year, she has entered menopause. It marks the end of a womans reproductive period, when her body begins to produce less estrogen and progesterone. In Our Own Words A women officially enters menopause when she hasnt had a menstrual…
Menstruation
Clinical Definition Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining that happens if a pregnancy does not occur. The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long but can range from 21 to 35 or even 45. To menstruate three to five days is typical, but as few as two and as many as seven…
Mental Breakdown
Clinical Definition Mental breakdown is a term used to describe an acute psychiatric condition precipitated by intense stressors. Mental breakdown is not defined by the American Psychiatric Association, but is a common euphemism used to describe a reactive psychiatric condition causing impaired concentration and normal functioning. In Our Own Words A mental breakdown is a…
Metabolic Syndrome
Clinical Definition Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a cluster of risk factors for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. There are five characteristics of the syndrome including elevated triglyceride levels, hypertension and central obesity. Additional characteristics include insulin resistance and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In Our Own Words…
Metabolism
Clinical Definition Metabolism is the chemical process occurring in the cells, which involves releasing energy from nutrients. Metabolism is an ongoing process and necessary in order to maintain life. The process of metabolism not only involves the digestion of foods but also involves processes which use energy, such as the contracting of muscles, temperature regulation,…