Glossary
-
m
Macular Degeneration
Gradual loss of sharp central vision from slow damage to the back lining of the eye called the macula lutea.
-
Malignant
Uncontrolled sickness which causes death or stops parts of the body from working normally. It also tends to spread to other parts of the body. A common example is cancer that spreads to other parts of the human body, stopping normal body functions and resulting in death.
-
Malnutrition
The condition that happens when the body does not get enough of the proper foods, vitamins, minerals or liquids. This may come from a poor diet, gut problems, or other medical reasons.
-
Mammogram
A picture of the breasts using X-rays which is mostly used to detect lumps on the breasts that could be cancer.
-
Mastectomy
Surgery that removes of all or part of the breast and sometimes nearby lymph nodes and muscles.
-
Median Nerve
One of the main nerves controlling the hand and the arm. It arises from two roots of the network of nerves in the armpit and neck, and passes down the middle of the front of the arm.
-
Medicare
A health care insurance program for the elderly and disabled which is run by the U.S. government.
-
Melatonin
A hormone made by the body that helps to control the body's sleep-wake cycle.
-
Metered-Dose Inhalers
Hand-held devices that use pressure to give standard doses of medicine when the patient breathes in.
-
Micronutrients
An organic compound that in small amounts is important to the growth and health of a person.