Glossary: U
- ulcer
sore on the skin surface or on the stomach lining.
- ulcerative colitis
a serious disease that causes ulcers and irritation in the inner lining of the colon and rectum.
- ulnar bone
the longer of the two bones in the forearm.
- ultrafast CT (computed tomography) scan
a type of radiology diagnostic procedure in which an x-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ or structure, and provides much greater detail. The x-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the x-ray data and displays it in 2-dimensional form on a monitor.
- ultrasound
a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- ultraviolet radiation
invisible rays that come from the sun. UV radiation can damage the skin and cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
- umbilical cord
a rope-like cord connecting the fetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord contains two arteries and a vein, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and waste products away from the fetus.
- umbilical cord blood transplant
a procedure in which stem cells are taken from an umbilical cord immediately after delivery of an infant.
- umbilical hernia
a weakness in the abdominal muscles.
- unilateral
affecting one side of the body. For example, unilateral kidney cancer occurs in one kidney only.
- upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called barium swallow)
a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.
- upper GI endoscopy
looking into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum with an endoscope.
- urea
the nitrogen part of urine produced from the breakdown of protein.
- urea breath test
test used to detect Helicobacter pylori infection. The test measures breath samples for urease, an enzyme H. pylori produces.
- ureterocele
the portion of the ureter closest to the bladder becomes enlarged because the ureter opening is very tiny and obstructs urine outflow; urine backs up in the ureter tube.
- ureteroscope
an optical device which is inserted into the urethra and passed up through the bladder to the ureter; to inspect the opening of the ureters.
- ureters
two narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- urethra
narrow channel through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body.
- urethritis
infection limited to the urethra.
- urge incontinence
the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a restroom.
- urgent surgery
an operation performed immediately as a result of an urgent medical condition. (See also emergency surgery.)
- urinalysis
laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein.
- urinalysis
the loss of bladder control.
- urinary retention
the inability to empty the bladder.
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
an infection that occurs in the urinary tract; often caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli. A urinary tract infection often causes frequent urination, pain, and burning when urinating, and blood in the urine.
- urine flow study
a test in which the patient urinates into a special device that measures how quickly the urine is flowing. A reduced flow may suggest benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
- urogenital
refers to the urinary and reproductive systems.
- urology
the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in both genders, and with the genital tract or reproductive system in the male.
- urticaria (also called hives)
a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin - usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medications.
- urushiol
resin in poison ivy plants that causes an allergic skin reaction.
- Usher's syndrome
A hereditary disease that affects hearing and vision.
- uterine wall
the wall of the uterus.
- uterus
also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ of the female reproductive system that is located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum.
