Medical Glossary Index:

U

Ulcer- an open sore that occurs on the skin or on a mucous membrane because
of the destruction of surface tissue

Ulcerative colitis- a chronic condition in which ulcers occur on the mucous membrane lining of the colon (the end of the large intestine) and the rectum

Ultrasound scanning- an imaging procedure used to examine internal organs in which high-frequency sound waves are passed into the body, reflected back, and used to build an image; also sometimes called sonography

Ultraviolet light- a form of invisible light in sunlight that is responsible for the tanning and burning of skin and can cause cataracts and skin cancer

Umbilical cord- the tubal structure (consisting of two arteries and one vein) that connects the fetus to the placenta, supplying the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and removing some waste products

Umbilical hernia- a condition present at birth in which a part of the baby's intestines bulge through a weak area of the abdominal wall, creating a swelling
around the navel

Unconsciousness- a temporary or prolonged loss of awareness of self and of surroundings

Undescended testicle- a testicle that has not moved down from the abdomen, where it develops, into the scrotum

Unsaturated fat- a fat or oil found mainly in vegetables; thought to reduce the
risk of coronary heart disease

Urea- a waste product of the metabolism of proteins that is formed by the liver and secreted by the kidneys

Uremia- abnormally high levels of waste products such as urea in the blood

Ureters- two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder

Urethra- the tube by which urine is released from the bladder

Urethritis- inflammation of the urethra

Urethrocele- a bulging of the urethra into the vagina

Urethrocystitis- inflammation of the urethra and the bladder

Urinalysis- a group of physical and chemical tests done on a sample of urine to check for various disorders, including those of the kidneys and urinary tract

Urinary diversion- an operation to allow urine passage when the bladder or urethra has become blocked or been removed

Urinary incontinence- the involuntary release of urine because of the inability to control bladder muscles; may occur as a natural part of the aging process or be caused by an injury or disorder

Urinary tract- the structures in the body that are responsible for the production and release of urine, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra

Urticaria- an allergic reaction in which itchy white lumps surrounded by areas of inflammation appear on the skin; commonly called "hives"

Uterine prolapse- a condition in which the uterus moves downward into the vagina due to a weakness of the ligaments and muscles that hold the uterus in place

Uterus- the hollow female reproductive organ in which a fertilized egg is
implanted and a fetus develops

Uvea- a structure consisting of the colored area of the eye and the middle layer
of the eye that contains blood vessels

Uveitis- inflammation of the uvea