Glossary
-
u
Ulcer
A break or erosion of the skin or surface lining of an organ which can grow resulting in deeper erosion into the underlying tissue.
-
Ultrasound
The use of ultrasonic waves in order to aide a diagnosis or to provide therapy. An example of an ultrasound used for therapy would be a deep heat treatment of a joint, and an example of an ultrasound used for diagnostics would be the imaging of an internal structure such as the gallbladder or the prostate. Diagnostic ultrasound procedures are also often referred to as sonograms.
-
Urethra
The canal that carries off the urine from the bladder and in the male serves also as a passageway for semen
-
Uric Acid
A chemical that the body produces when it breaks down foods or beverages containing purines. Purines are found in liver, beer, wine and anchovies. Uric acid is usually eliminated from the body but in persons with Gout it may crystallize in the kidney or in a joint causing pain and other problems.
-
Urology
A branch of medicine dealing with the urinary and related organs especially the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate and related parts of the genitalia.