Glossary
-
a
Anemia
A condition where red blood cells are not providing adequate oxygen to body tissues. There are many types and causes of anemia.
-
Anesthesia
A loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. General anesthesia causes loss of consciousness; local or regional anesthesia causes loss of feeling only to a specified area.
-
Angiography
This is an X-ray examination of arteries and veins in which a dye is injected through a thin tube to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems
-
Anti-Inflammatory
Drugs that reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammation.
-
Antibody
An immunoglobin (a specialized immune protein), that is produced in response to the body's defense system if an antigen is present. Antibodies are produced by type of white blood cell called a B cell.
-
Anticoagulant
A blood thinner
-
Antidote
A medicine that relieves, prevents, or counteracts an unwanted effect of a poison, disease, etc.
-
Aorta
The blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body; it is the largest blood vessel in the body.
-
Aortic Valve
The valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta.
-
Aplastic Anemia
Anemia that is characterized by defective function of the blood-forming organs (as the bone marrow) and is caused by toxic agents (as chemicals or X-rays)