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M GlossaryA | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | MN | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A non-invasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord. The MRI may show abnormal nodules in bones or lymph nodes - a sign that cancer may be spreading from the prostate. malabsorption syndromes - Conditions that happen when the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients from foods. malformation - Abnormal or anomalous formation or structure; deformity. malignant - A condition, such as cancer, that tends to become progressively worse, is resistant to treatment, and frequently fatal. malignant tumor - A mass of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. mallory-weiss tear - A tear in the lower end of the esophagus. Caused by severe vomiting. Common in alcoholics. mammography - A low-dose x-ray of the breasts. manometry - Tests that measure muscle pressure and movements in the GI tract. marrow - The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in color. mast cells - Cells, which synthesize and store histamines, found in most body tissues, particularly just below the epithelial surfaces, serous cavities and around blood vessels. In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. mastectomy - Surgical removal of all or part of the breast. mastitis - Infection of the milk ducts in the breast. maxilla - Either of a pair of bones of the human skull fusing in the midline and forming the upper jaw. maxillofacial - Of or relating to the upper jaw and face (particularly with reference to specialized surgery of the maxilla). meckel's diverticulum - A birth defect in which a small sac forms in the ileum. medicaid – Federally and state-funded health care program for low-income individuals. medicare – Federally funded health care program for individuals over age 65. megacolon - A huge, swollen colon. Results from severe constipation. In children, megacolon is more common in boys than girls. See also Hirschsprung's Disease. melanoma - The most serious, life-threatening form of skin cancer. melena - Blood in the stool. ménétrier's disease - A long-term disorder that causes large, coiled folds in the stomach. Also called giant hypertrophic gastritis. meningitis - An inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain. menopause - The cessation of a woman's menstrual periods. metabolism - The way cells change food into energy after food is digested and absorbed into the blood. metastasis - The spread of cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or blood stream. miscarriage - Spontaneous termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus. microelectrodes - Electrodes with an extremely small tip, used in a voltage clamp or other apparatus to stimulate or record bioelectric potentials of single cells intracellularly or extracellularly. micrographia - A change in handwriting characterized by the script becoming smaller and more cramped. mitral valve - The valve that controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle in the heart. mitral valve prolapse - A bulge in the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes backward flow of blood into the atrium. monoamine oxidase (MAO) - An enzyme that breaks down dopamine. There are two types of MAO, "A" and "B." In Parkinson's disease, it is beneficial to block the activity of MAO B. monounsaturated fats - Dietary fats, such as olive oil or canola oil, that don't seem to have any affect on blood cholesterol. morning-after pills - Hormonal medications to prevent pregnancy, taken within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse. Morton's Neuroma - A pinched nerve usually causing pain between the third and fourth toes. motility - The movement of food through the digestive tract. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - A non-X-ray study to allow an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots. mucosal lining - The lining of GI tract organs that makes mucus. mucosal protective drugs - Medicines that protect the stomach lining from acid. mucous colitis - See irritable bowel syndrome. mucus - A clear liquid made by the intestines. Mucus coats and protects tissues in the GI tract. multidisciplinary - Health care provided by multiple services. multiple sclerosis (MS) - A disease of the central nervous system that is an unpredictable condition that can be relatively benign, disabling, or devastating, sometimes leaving the patient unable to speak, walk, or write. murmur - A blowing or rasping sound heard while listening to the heart that may or may not indicate problems within the heart or circulatory system. muscular dystrophy - The name given to a group of diseases that are, for the most part, genetically determined and that cause gradual wasting of muscle with accompanying weakness and deformity. musculoskeletal - Relating to or involving the muscles and the skeleton. myoclonus - Jerking, involuntary movements of the arms and legs. May occur normally during sleep. myocardial infarction (heart attack) - Occurs when one of more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged decrease in oxygen supply caused by a blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. myocardial ischemia - Insufficient blood flow to part of the heart. myocardium - The muscle wall of the heart. myomectomy - Surgical procedure done to remove fibroids from the uterus, leaving the uterus intact. mycoplasma - Very common sexually transmitted disease or
urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like organism in the urethra and
reproductive
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