Click on the alphabet and there you go!

Facelift surgery: Procedure to make the face appear younger. Recovery time is usually one week. Results last approximately ten years. Additional procedures to supplement the facelift—including necklift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), liposuction, autologous fat injection, removal of buccal (cheek) fat pad, forehead lift, browlift, chemical or laser peel, and malar (cheek), submalar or chin implants—may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Facelift surgery risks: Although infrequent, the risks and complications of facelift surgery include: bleeding, hematoma, bruising; infection; neurological dysfunction (loss of muscle function or sensation), which is usually temporary; widened or thickened scar; loss of hair (around the incision site), asymmetry (unevenness between two sides); and skin necrosis (loss of skin from tissue death).

Facies: A direct borrowing from the Latin, facies means face.

Factor, rheumatoid: Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is measurable in the blood. It is commonly used as a blood test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in about 80% of adults (but a much lower proportion of children) with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also present in patients with other connective tissue diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus) and in some with infectious diseases (such as infectious hepatitis).

Factor VIII: A coagulation (clotting) factor. Classic hemophilia (hemophilia A) is due to a congenital deficiency in the amount (or activity) of factor VIII. Factor VIII is also known as antihemophiliac factor (AHF) or antihemophiliac globulin (AHG). The gene for factor VIII (that for classic hemophilia) is on the X chromosome so females can be silent carriers without symptoms and males can be hemophiliacs.

FAE (fetal alcohol effects): A softer diagnosis than fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The diagnosis of possible FAE is considered when: 1. The person has some signs of FAS; 2. The person does not meet all of the necessary criteria for FAS; and 3. There is a history of alcohol exposure before birth.

Falciparum malaria: The most dangerous type of malaria. Persons carrying the sickle cell gene have some protection against malaria. Persons with a gene for hemoglobin C (another abnormal hemoglobin like sickle hemoglobin), thalassemia trait or deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) are thought also to have partial protection against malaria.

Fallopian tubes: The fallopian tubes normally transport the egg of the female from the egg sac, or ovary, to the womb, or uterus. Normal tubes have small hair like projections on the lining cells called cilia. These cilia are important to movement of the egg through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. If the tubal cilia are damaged by infection, the egg may not get 'pushed along' normally and can settle in the tube. Likewise, if infection causes partial blockage of the tube with scar tissue, this can also act to prevent the egg from getting to the uterus. Any process that narrows the tube and thus decrease the caliber of the passage way can increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy. Examples of these would be endometriosis, tumors, or scar tissue in the pelvis (pelvic adhesions) that cause twisting or chinking of the tube.

Familial: A condition that is more common in certain families than in the general population.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): Genetic disease with numerous precancerous polyps in the colon and rectum. Also called familial polyposis.

Familial cancer: Cancer or a predisposition (tendency) to it that runs in families.

Familial hypercholesterolemia: This is the most common inherited type of hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels in blood). It is recognizable in childhood. Familial hypercholesterolemia is due to genetic defects in the receptor (target) for LDL (low density lipoprotein). Familial hypercholesterolemia predisposes to premature arteriosclerosis including coronary artery disease with heart attacks at an unusually young age.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): A inherited disorder of unknown cause featuring short recurring bouts of fever together with pain in the joints, chest or abdomen. Between attacks, the patient seems healthy (when FMF is more difficult to diagnose). The gene for FMF (autosomal recessive, on chromosome 16) was reportedly identified in August, 1997. FMF is found in persons of Mediterranean ethnic background.

Familial mental retardation 1: See FMR1.

Familial mental retardation protein: See FMRP.

Familial polyposis: An inherited condition in which several hundred polyps develop in the colon and rectum.

FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome): The sum total of the damage done to the child before birth as a result of the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FAS always involves brain damage, impaired growth, and head and face abnormalities. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy. Women who are or may become pregnant are advised to avoid alcohol.

FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome) diagnosis: To establish the diagnosis of FAS, the following signs must be present: 1. Small size and weight before and after birth (pre- and postnatal growth retardation); 2. Brain involvement with evidence for delay in development, intellectual impairment, or neurologic abnormalities; and 3. Specific appearance of the head and face with at least 2 of the following groups of signs: a. Small head size (microcephaly); b. Small eyes (microphthalmia) and/or short eye openings (palpebral fissures); c. Underdevelopment of the upper lip, indistinct groove between the lip and nose (the philtrum), and flattened cheekbones.

Fascia: The fascia is a lining tissue under the skin that covers a surface of underlying tissues. Fascia also encloses muscles. Inflammation of the fascia is referred to as fasciitis.

Fasciitis: Inflammation of the fascia (a lining tissue under the skin that covers a surface of underlying tissues).

Fasciitis, eosinophilic (Shulman’s syndrome): A disease which leads to inflammation and thickening of the skin and fascia. (The fascia is a lining tissue under the skin that covers a surface of underlying tissues. When the fascia is inflamed, the condition is referred to as "fasciitis.") In eosinophilic fasciitis, the involved fascia is inflamed with the eosinophil white blood cells. There is progressive thickening, and often redness and warmth, and hardness of the skin surface.

Fasciitis, plantar: Inflammation of the plantar fascia (fasciitis), the "bowstring-like" tissue stretching underneath the sole which attaches at the heel.

Fat: Comes from the Old English faett meaning to cram or adorn. A slang term for obese or adipose. In chemistry, fats are compounds formed from chemicals called fatty acids. These fats compose a greasy, solid material found in animal tissues and in some plants. Fats are the major component of flabby material of our bodies, commonly known as blubber.

Fetal circulation: The blood circulation in the fetus before birth. Before birth, the blood from the heart headed for the lungs in the aptly named pulmonary artery is shunted away from the lungs and returned to the greatest of arteries, the aorta. This arterial shunting occurs through a short vessel called the ductus arteriosus. When the shunt is open, it is said to be patent (pronounced pá tent). The ductus arteriosus usually tourniquets itself off at or shortly after birth. After closure of the ductus, blood is permitted from that time on to course freely to the lungs. Sometimes, however, the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) persists and simply will not close by itself. Surgery is then done to ligate (tie off) the ductus PDA ligation is a closed-heart operation. Historically, it was one of the earliest surgical procedures performed in children with cardiovascular disease.

Fauces: The throat. The word fauces is the plural of the Latin faux meaning a small passage.

Fava bean: The broad bean to which many people react adversely with an acute hemolytic anemia with sudden breakup of red blood cells (see Favism). Fava beans look like large tan lima beans. They are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, are eaten raw when very young, cooked in soups and many other dishes, and made into fava brittle (like peanut brittle) as candy. The botanical name for fava is Vicia fava. Fava is Italian for bean and refers specifically to the broad bean. Fava beans are the main commercial source of the drug L-DOPA.

Favism: A condition characterized by hemolytic anemia (breakup of red blood cells) after eating fava beans (Vicia fava) or being exposed to the pollen of the fava plant. This dangerous reaction occurs exclusively in people with a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an X-linked genetic trait. However, not all G6PD-deficient families appear at risk for favism, indicating the additional need for a single autosomal (not X-linked) gene to create the susceptibility to favism of G6PD-deficient persons. The active hemolytic principle in fava beans is > likely DOPA-quinone. Differences in susceptibility to favism may be related to differences in the enzymatic system that converts L-DOPA to DOPA-quinone.

Febrile: Feverish.

Fecal occult blood test: A test to check for hidden blood in stool. (Fecal refers to stool. Occult means hidden.)

Feces: The proper medical term for the "excrement discharged from the intestines." The word "feces" (or its English version "faeces") in Shakespeare in this context until the 17th century "feces" merely meant the "dregs or sediment" of wine or some other fermented product.

Fecund: Fruitful. Just as a writer is prolific, a woman may be fecund, able to reproduce plentifully.

Fecundity: The ability to have children, usually lots of them with ease.

Feedback: Many biologic processes are controlled by feedback, just as the temperature in a home from a furnace is regulated by a thermostat.

Feeding, breast: The ability of the breast to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby to fight off infections. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which aid the baby’s digestion. Breast and formula feeding can be used together.

Feet: As a measure of length, the plural of foot. See Foot.

Femoral: Having to do with the femur.

Femur: The femur is a large bone of the lower extremity that extends from the hip to the knee.

Female: The traditional definition of female was "an individual of the sex that bears young" or "that produces ova or eggs". However, things are not so simple today. Female can be defined by physical appearance, by chromosome constitution (see Female chromosome complement), or by gender identification. Female chromosome complement: The large majority of females have a 46, XX chromosome complement (46 chromosomes including two X chromosomes). A minority of females have other chromosome constitutions such as 45,X (45 chromosomes including only one X chromosome) and 47,XXX (47 chromosomes including three X chromosomes).

Fenstration: Literally, the making of a window -- fenestra in Latin (and fenetre in French) is a window -- fenestration refers to the creation of a new opening.

Ferritin: A blood protein that serves as an indicator of the amount of iron stored in the body.

Fetal alcohol effects (FAE): A softer diagnosis than fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The diagnosis of possible FAE is considered when: 1. The person has some signs of FAS; 2. The person does not meet all of the necessary criteria for FAS; and 3. There is a history of alcohol exposure before birth.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): The sum total of the damage done to the child before birth as a result of the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FAS always involves brain damage, impaired growth, and head and face abnormalities. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy. Women who are or may become pregnant are advised to avoid alcohol.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) diagnosis: To establish the diagnosis of FAS, the following signs must be present: 1. Small size and weight before and after birth (pre- and postnatal growth retardation); 2. Brain involvement with evidence for delay in development, intellectual impairment, or neurologic abnormalities; and 3. Specific appearance of the head and face with at least 2 of the following groups of signs: a. Small head size (microcephaly); b. Small eyes (microphthalmia) and/or short eye openings (palpebral fissures); c. Underdevelopment of the upper lip, indistinct groove between the lip and nose (the philtrum), and flattened cheekbones.

Fertile: Able to conceive and bear offspring.

Fertility: The ability to have children.

Fertilization: Fertilization is the process of combining the male gamete, or "sperm," with the female gamete, or "ovum." The product of this combination is a cell called a zygote.

Fetal distress: Compromise of the fetus during the antepartum period (before labor) or intrapartum period (birth process).

Fetal mortality rate: The ratio of fetal deaths divided by the sum of the births (the live births + the fetal deaths) in that year. In the United States, the fetal mortality rate plummeted from 19.2 per 1,000 births in 1950 to 9.2 per 1,000 births in 1980.

Fetoprotein, Alpha-: A plasma protein, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is normally produced by the fetus. The level of AFP in the blood serum of pregnant women provides a screening test for open neural tube defects (anencephaly and spina bifida) and for Down syndrome (and other chromosome abnormalities). The maternal serum AFP (MSAFP) tends to be high with open neural tube defects and low with Down syndrome. AFP is also paradoxically produced by liver tumors (hepatomas) and germ cell tumors (teratocarcinoma and embryonal cell carcinomas) and so can be used to help detect and monitor the treatment of these tumors.

Fetoscope: There are two types of fetoscopes: one is a fiberoptic scope for looking directly at the fetus within the uterus; the other is a stethescope designed for listening to the fetal heart beat.

Fetoscopy: A technique for looking directly at the fetus within the uterus (using a fetoscope).

Fetus: The postembryonic stage before birth. In humans, the embyronic stage runs from conception to the beginning of the third month of pregnancy and the fetal stage runs from the start of the third month of preganancy until birth.

Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C.). The temperature is measured with a thermometer.

Fever blisters: Common with a wide range of infectious diseases.

Fever, five-day: See Fever, trench.

Fever, Mediterranean: See Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Fever, Meuse: Named for the Meuse River area, one of the great battlegounds of World War I. See Fever, trench.

Fever, Q: An acute (abrupt-onset), self-limited febrile illness first reported in 1935 in Queensland, Australia. The Q is said not to be for Queensland, but for Query since the cause of the disease was long a query (question mark). It is now known to be due to Coxiella burnetti, a rickettsia (a peculiar group of bacteria). Aside from sudden onset of fever, there is headache, malaise, and pneumonia (interstitial pneumonitis) but no rash.

Fever, quintan: Quintan means recurring every 5 days. See Fever, trench.

Fever, Rocky Mountain spotted (RMSF): An acute febrile (feverish) disease initially recognized in the Rocky Mountain states, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii transmitted by hard-shelled (ixodid) ticks. Occurs only in the Western Hemisphere. Anyone frequenting tick-infested areas is at risk for RMSF. Onset of symptoms is abrupt with headache, high fever, chills, muscle pain. and then a rash .The rickettsiae grow within damaged cells lining blood vessels which may become blocked by clots. Blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) is widespread Early recognition of RMSF and prompt antibiotic treatment is important in reducing mortality. Also called spotted fever, tick fever, and tick typhus.

Fever, shin bone: See Fever, trench.

Fever, splenic: Known also as anthrax, splenic fever is a serious bacterial infection. It is not primarily a human disease but rather an infection of animals. Cattle, sheep, horses, mules, and some wild animals are highly susceptible. Humans (and swine) are generally resistant to anthrax. Anthrax can take different forms. With the lung form of the disease. People inhale the anthrax spores and, if untreated, are likely to die. An intestinal form is caused by eating meat contaminated with anthrax. But most human anthrax comes from skin contact with animal products. Cutaneous (skin) anthrax was once well known among people who handled infected animals, like farmers, woolsorters, tanners, brushmakers and carpetmakers in the days when the brushes and carpets were animal products. The hallmark of skin anthrax is a carbuncle, a cluster of boils, that ulcerates in an ugly way. Typically this lesion has a hard black center surrounded by bright red inflammation. This accounts for its name, "anthrax", the Greek word for "coal."

Fever, spotted: See Fever, Rocky Mountain spotted.

Fever, tick: See Fever, Rocky Mountain spotted.

Fever, trench: A louse-borne disease first recognized in the trenches of World War I, again a major problem in the military in World War II, seen endemically in Mexico, N. Africa, E, Europe, and elsewhere. The cause, Rochalimaea quintana, is an unusual rickettsia that multiplies in the gut of the body louse. Transmission to people can occur by rubbing infected louse feces into abraded (scuffed) skin or conjunctiva (whites of the eyes). Onset of symptoms is sudden, with high fever, headache, back and leg pain and a fleeting rash. Recovery takes a month or more. Relapses are common. Also called Wolhynia fever, shin bone fever, quintan fever, five-day fever, Meuse fever, His’ disease, His-Werner disease, Werner-His disease.

Fever, Wolhynia: See Fever, trench.

Fiber: The parts of fruits and vegetables that cannot be digested. Also called bulk or roughage.

Fiber and bowel disorders: High fiber diets help delay the progression of diverticulosis and, at least, reduce the bouts of diverticulitis. In many cases, it helps reduce the symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis, and nervous colon syndrome.) It is generally accepted that a diet high in fiber is protective, or at least reduces the incidence, of colon polyps and colon cancer.

Fiber and cholesterol: Soluble fiber substances are effective in helping reduce the blood cholesterol. This is especially true with oat bran, fruits, psyllium and legumes. High soluble-fiber diets may lower cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins ( the ‘bad’ lipoproteins ) by 8% to 15%.

Fiber and constipation: Insoluble fiber retains water in the colon, resulting in a softer and larger stool. It is used effectively in treating constipation resulting from poor dietary habits. Bran is particularly rich in insoluble fiber.

Fiber and diabetes: Soluble fibers (oat bran, apples, citrus, pears, peas/beans, psyllium, etc.) slow down the digestion of carbohydrates (sugars), which results in better glucose metabolism. Some patients with the adult-onset diabetes may actually be successfully treated with a high-fiber diet alone, and those on insulin, can often reduce their insulin requirements by adhering to a high-fiber diet.

Fiber, soluble and insoluble: Fiber is classified as soluble (oat bran, apples, citrus, pears, peas/beans, psyllium, etc.) and insoluble (wheat bran, cabbage, peas/beans, rne through bacterial action).

Fibril: The diminuitive of fiber. A small fiber, a fine thread.

Fibrillation: In matters of the heart (cardiology), incoordinate twitching of muscle fibers.

Fibrillation, atrial: An abnormal irregular heart rhythm whereby electrical signals are generated chaotically throughout the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Although many persons with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms, the most common symptom is palpitations, an uncomfortable awareness of the rapid and irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots that travel from the heart to the brain, causing stroke. Treatment of atrial fibrillation involves controlling the risk factors, medications to slow the heart rate and/or convert the heart to normal rhythm, and preventing complications of blood clotting.

Fibrillation, auricular: Essentially the same as atrial fibrillation.

Fibrillation, ventricular: An abnormal irregular heart rhythm whereby there are very rapid uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Venticular fibrillation disrupts the synchrony between the heartbeat and the pulse beat. Ventricular fibrillation is commonly associated with heart attacks or scarring of the heart muscle from previous heart attack. Ventricular fibrillation is life threatening.

Fibrin: The protein formed during normal blood clotting that is the essence of the clot.

Fibrinogen: The protein from which fibrin is formed/generated in normal blood clotting

Fibroid: A benign uterine tumor. Medically known as a leiomyoma (plural:leiomyomata) of the uterus.

Fibromyalgia: Also known as fibrositis, fibromyalgia chronically causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity. However, undue fatigue plagues 90% of patients with fibromyalgia. Sleep disorder is common in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic conditions. Irritable bowel syndrome can occur with fibromyalgia. There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Treatment is most effective when it incorporates combinations of education, stress reduction, exercise, and medication.

Fibrosarcoma: A form of bone cancer that occurs mainly in middle-aged and elderly people. It usually starts in the pelvis.

Fibrositis: Also known as fibromyalgia, this disorder chronically causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity. However, undue fatigue plagues 90% of patients with fibromyalgia. Sleep disorder is common in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic conditions. Irritable bowel syndrome can occur with fibromyalgia. There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Treatment is most effective when it incorporates combinations of education, stress reduction, exercise, and medication.

Fibula: The smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. The word fibula comes from the Latin meaning clasp or brooch. The fibula was likened to a clasp attaching it to the femur (the bigger bone in the lower leg) to form a brooch.

Fièvre boutonneuse: African tick typhus, one of the tick-borne rickettsial diseases of the eastern hemisphere, similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but less severe, with fever, a small ulcer (tache noire) at the site of the tick bite, swollen glands nearby (satellite lymphadenopathy), and a red raised (maculopapular) rash. The French word "boutonneuse" means pimply. Also called boutonneuse and Conor and Bruch’s disease.

Fifth disease (Erythema infectiosum): In the pre-vaccination era, it was frequently the "fifth disease" that a child would develop. It is caused by a virus known as parvovirus B 19. Symptoms include low-grade fever, fatigue, a "slapped cheeks rash," and a rash over the whole body. While the illness is not serious in children, 80% of adults have joint aches and pains (arthritis) which may become long-term with stiffness in the morning, redness and swelling of the same joints on both sides of the body (a "symmetrical" arthritis), most commonly involving the knees, fingers, and wrists. Pregnant women (who have not previously had the illness) should avoid contact with patients who have fifth disease. The fifth disease virus can infect the fetus prior to birth. And, while no birth defects have been reported as a result of fifth disease, it can cause the death of the unborn fetus. The risk of fetal death is 5-10% if the mother becomes infected.

Fine needle aspiration: The use of a thin needle to withdraw tissue from the body. FISH: An acronym for Fluorescent In Situ Hybrization, an important molecular cytogenetic method for identifying chromosomes and parts of chromosomes and for deciphering chromosome rearrangements. Fluorescent means emitting light that comes from a reaction within the emitter.

Fire ants: Originally from S. America. Among the worst insect pests ever to invade the U.S. Red or yellowish ants of small-to-medium size with a severe sting that burns like fire. They normally feed on small insects but, with denser populations, they eat seeds and seedling plants, damage grain and vegetable crops, invade kitchens, attack newly hatched poultry and the young of ground-nesting wild b irds. Fire ants can kill newborn domestic and wild animals. Each colony is composed of a queen, winged males and females and 3 kinds of workers. A nest averages about 25,000 workers, but far larger populations are common. Semipermanent nests are large mounds of excavated soil with openings for ventilation. Since nests may number 50-100 (or more) in a heavily infested field, cultivating becomes difficult (or impossible). Fire ants belong to the genus Solenopsis.

Fire ant stings: A scourge, these red or yellow ants of small-to-medium size, originally from South America, have a severe sting that burns like fire. Their sting—like that of bees, yellow jackets, hornets and wasps -- can trigger allergic reactions varying greatly in severity. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective. (The three "A’s" of insect allergy are Adrenaline, Avoidance and Allergist.)

FISH: Abbreviation for fluorescence in situ hybridization, a molecular approach to chromosome mapping. FISH uses fluorescein tags that glow to detect the hybridization (the combination) of probes with chromosomes.

Fish bowl granuloma: Localized nodular skin inflammation (small reddish raised areas of skin) caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium marinum. Fish bowl granuloma is typically acquired by occupational or recreational exposure to salt or fresh water, often resulting from minor trauma during caring for aquariums. The diagnosis is suggested by the history of exposure and confirmed by culturing tissue specimens which yield the microscopic organism, mycobacterium marinum. The infection can be treated with a variety of antibiotics, including doxycycline, minocycline, clarithromycin, rifampin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Also called "swimming pool granuloma."

Fisher’s exact test: A statistical test of independence much used in medical research. It tests the independence of rows and columns in a 2 X 2 contingency table (with 2 horizontal rows crossing 2 vertical columns creating 4 places for data) based on the exact sampling distribution of the observed frequencies. Hence it is an "exact" test. Devised by the British geneticist and biostatistician R. A. Fisher (1890-1962).

Fish-odor syndrome: An inborn error of metabolism associated with an offensive body odor, the smell of rotting fish, due to the excessive excretion of trimethylaminuria (TMA) in urine, sweat, and breath. Persons with TMA may experience tachycardia (fast heart rate) and severe hypertension (high blood pressure) after eating cheese (which contains tyramine) and after using nasal sprays containing epinephrine. TMA is caused by a mutation (change) in the gene for an enzyme, flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 (FMO3) encoded by a gene on chromosome #1. The FMO3 enzyme metabolizes tyramine (which is in cheese). The syndrome is associated with various psychosocial reactions, including social isolation, clinical depression and attempted suicide.

Fistula: An abnormal passageway. For example, with an anal fistula the hallmark is an opening in the skin near the anus: this opening may lead to a tunnel into the rectal canal or to a passage that ends in a blind pouch.

Five-day fever: See Fever, trench.

Flail chest: When enough ribs are broken (usually from a crush injury) to compromise the rigidity of the chest wall. On inspiration, the chest wall moves inward instead of outward and the opposite on expiration.

Flat feet: All babies have flat feet because their arches are not yet built up (anf their feet tend to be plump).

Flatulence: Excess gas in the intestinal tract. But what is excess flatulence is difficult to define without a yardstick to measure the "normal" frequency of gas passages. Symptom-free individuals have recorded approximately 14 passages of gas per 24 hours.

Flatus: Gas in the intestinal tract or passed through the anus. The intestinal gases are hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, all of which are odorless. The unpleasant smell of flatus is the result of trace gases such as indole, skatole, and, most commonly, hydrogen sulfide.

Flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 (FMO3): See Fish-odor syndrome.

Flexion: The process of bending or the state of being bent. Flexion of the fingers results in a clenched fist.

Floppy baby syndrome: A general medical reference to an abnormal condition of newborns and infants manifest by inadequate tone of the muscles. Hypotonia (inadequately toned muscles resulting in floppiness) in the newborn period and infancy can be due to a multitude of different neurologic and muscle problems.

Flow cytometry: Analysis of biological material by detection of the light-absorbing or fluorescing properties of cells or subcellular fractions such as chromosomes passing in a narrow stream through a laser beam. Flow cytometry can be used with automated sorting devices to sort successive droplets of the stream into different fractions depending on the fluorescence emitted by each droplet.

Flow karyotyping: Use of flow cytometry to analyze and/or separate chromosomes on the basis of their DNA content.

Flu: Short for influenza. The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract which are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. Most people who get the flu recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia. Much of the illness and death caused by influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination.

Flu shots: The flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended for persons at high risk for serious complications from influenza infection, including everyone age 65 or more; people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys, diabetes, immunosuppression, or severe forms of anemia; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities, children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy (and who may therefore be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after an influenza virus infection), people in close or frequent contact with anyone at high risk. People with an allergy to eggs should not receive influenza vaccine.

Flu, stomach: A misnomer that has nothing to do with influenza (flu) virus, the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe gastrointestinal illnesses caused by other microorganisms.

Flu vaccine: The flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended for persons at high risk for serious complications from influenza infection, including everyone 65 or over; people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys, diabetes, immunosuppression, or severe forms of anemia; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities, children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy (and who may therefore be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after an influenza infection), and those in close or frequent contact with anyone at high risk. Persons with an allergy to eggs should not receive influenza vaccine.

Fluorescent in situ hybridization: See FISH.

Fluorescent microscope: A microscope equipped to examine material that fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Fluoroscopy: An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion.

Fluorouracil: An anticancer drug. Its chemical name is 5-fluorouracil, commonly called 5-FU.

FMO3: Abbreviation for the enzyme, flavin-containing monooxygenase-3. See Fish-odor syndrome.

FMF: See Familial Mediterranean Fever.

FMR1: The gene responsible for the production of a protein called FMRP. Lack of FMRP results in the fragile X syndrome. (FMRP is an acronym composed of the first letters of Familial Mental Retardation Protein).

FMRP: As stated in the entry for FMR1, FMRP is an acronym composed of the first letters of Familial Mental Retardation Protein.

Folate (folic acid): Folic acid is an important factor in nucleic acid synthesis (the genetic material of all cells). Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia.

Follicles: Shafts through which hair grows.

Fondation Jean Dausset-CEPH: The Centre d’Etudes du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH), an internationally reknowned research laboratory created in Paris in 1984 by Professor Jean Dausset (Nobel Prize, Medicine and Physiology, 1980) to provide the scientific community with resources for human genome mapping.

Fong disease: Also, called the nail-patella syndrome or onychoosteodysplasia. Fong disease, an hereditary condition with abnormally formed (dysplastic) or absent nails and absent or underdeveloped (hypoplastic) kneecaps (patellae). Other features include iliac horns, abnormality of the elbows interfering with full range of motion (pronation and supination) and kidney disease resembling glomerulonephritis which.is often mild but can be progressive and lead to renal failure. Fong disease is inherited as dominant gene. This means that the disease can be transmitted by one affected parent. This condition is named after the physician who in 1946 discovered it in a patient on whom he performed intravenous pyelography while investigating hypertension and albuminuria related to pregnancy. On X-ray Dr. Fong saw the ‘iliac horns’ (symmetrical bilateral central posterior iliac processes) which are now known to be a characteristic feature of nail-patella syndrome.

Fontanel (fontanelle): The word fontanel comes from the French fontaine for fountain. The medical term fontanel is a "soft spot" of the skull. The "soft spot" is soft precisely because the cartilage there has not yet hardened into bone between the skull bones. There are normally two fontanels, both in the midline of the skull, one (the anterior fontanel) well in front of the other (the posterior fontanel). The posterior fontanel closes first, at latest by the age of 8 weeks in a full-term baby. The anterior fontanel closes at 18 months of age on the average but it can close normally as early as 9 months. If fontanels close too early or too late, that may be a sign of a problem.

Foot: In length, 12 inches or a third of a yard or, metrically, 30.48 centimeters. The foot, along with the inch and yards, are Old World creations to which the USA has stubbornly clung. The foot was originally the length of a man’s foot and served as a measurement of land. (Better to have had big feet when stepping off your land). The abbreviation is ft.

Foot, athlete’s: A skin infection caused by a fungus called Trichophyton which can thrive and infect the upper layer of the skin when the feet (or other areas of the body) remain moist, warm, and irritated. The fungus can be found on floors and in socks and clothing and can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects. However, without proper growing conditions (a warm, moist environment), the fungus will not infect the skin.

Foot fungus: Athlete’s foot causes foot itching, burning, pain, and scaling. It is caused by a fungus and is treated with antifungal medications, many of which are available over-the-counter. Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and breathable shoes helps prevent athletes foot.

Foramen: A natural opening. Although a foramen is usually through bone, it can be an opening through other types of tissue, as with the foramen ovale.

Foramen ovale: An oval opening between the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria) that is a normal feature of the fetal and neonatal (newborn) circulation. The foramen ovale normally closes by 3 months of age.

Foramen magnum: The large hole at the base of the skull which allows passage of the spinal cord.

Forestier’s disease: A form of degenerative arthritis characteristically associated with flowing calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine and commonly with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of the tendons at their attachments points to bone. Because areas of the spine and tendons can become inflamed, antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such ibuprofen, can be helpful in both relieving pain and inflammation. Also called diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Formula feeding: The ability of the breast to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby to fight off infections. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which aid the baby’s digestion. Breast and formula feeding can be used together.

Founder effect: A population (a colony) with an unusual frequency of a gene due to there having been only a small number of original settlers (founders) one or more of whom had that gene. For example, the gene for Huntington disease was introduced into the Lake Maracaibo region in Venezuela early in the 19th century. So there are now over a hundred persons with Huntington disease and at least 900 persons at risk for that deadly disease in that region, the largest known aggregation with the Huntington gene in the world.

Fracture: A fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage. It usually is a result of trauma. It can, however, be a result of disease of the bone, such as osteoporosis, or an abnormal formation of the bone in rare congenital (from time of birth) diseases, such as osteogenesis imperfecta. Fractures are classified by their character and location. Examples of classification include "spiral fracture of the femur," "greenstick fracture of the radius," "impacted fracture of the humerus," "linear fracture of the ulna," "oblique fracture of the metatarsal," "compression fracture of the vertebrae," and "depressed fracture of the skull." A "comminuted fracture" is a fracture in which bone is broken into a number of pieces. (This should be distinguished from the "compound fracture" as described below).

Fractures are also named by the trauma event that caused the bone breakage. Examples include "boxer's fracture" of the metacarpal bone of the hand, "blowout fracture" of the bones behind the eye, and "stress fracture" of the bones of tibia." Some fractures are also named by conditions associated with the bone breakage. For example, a "compound fracture" is a fracture in which there is an associated open wound of the skin which leads directly to the broken bone.

Fragile site: A term devised in 1969 by Frederick Hecht to denote a heritable point on a chromosome where gaps and breaks tend to occur.

Fragile X chromosome: X chromosome with a fragile site associated with a frequent form of mental retardation. The fragile X chromosome was first sighted by Herbert A. Lubs in 1969. The fragile X is also called FRAXA (the second A signifies it was the first FRAgile site found on the X chromosome). It is due a trinucleotide repeat (a recurring motif of 3 bases) in the DNA at that spot.

Fragile X syndrome: The most common heritable form of mental retardation. Fragile X syndrome is due to mutation (changes) at the fragile X site and so perforce is X-linked (carried on the X chromosome). Although it is usually more severe in males than females, the syndrome is due to a dynamic mutation (a trinucleotide repeat) that can change in length and hence in severity from generation to generation, from person to person, and even within a given person. The fragile X syndrome is also known as the Martin-Bell syndrome in honor of their discovery of it in 1943.

Fraternal twins: Fraternal twins are siblings who have shared a common uterine environment. They are due to fertilization of two different ova by different sperm. Fraternal twins are also called dizygotic twins.

Frenulum: From the diminutive of the Latin for a bridle, that is something that has a restraining function. For example, the frenulum of the tongue attaches it to the floor of the mouth and appears to restrain it. An unusually short lingual frenulum (tongue-tie) often worries parents. Although this frenulum has been clipped innumerable times to "free the tongue," in truth it is rarely the cause of poor eating or speech delay.

Frequency, urinary: Urinating too often, at too frequent intervals, not due to an unusually large volume of urine, but rather to a decrease in the capacity of the bladder to hold urine.

Freudian: Adjective from the name of the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud (1856-1939).

Frostbite: Frostbite is damage to tissues as a result of extreme cold exposure. The tissues become injured from blood clotting and ice crystal formation. Severe frostbite can result in death of the tissues (gangrene).

ft.: Abbreviation for foot, a measure of length. For example, 6 ft. is 1.83 meters.

Functional gene test: Test for a specific protein iwhich indicates that the corresponding gene is not only present but active.

Fundus: Latin word for the bottom. In medicine, fundus refers to the bottom or base of an organ. For example, the fundus of the eye (the retina), the fundus of the uterus, and so on. The fundus of the stomach is inexplicably the upper portion.

Fungal nail infection: The most common fungus infection of the nail is onychomycosis. Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. Older women (perhaps because estrogen deficiency may increase the risk of infection) and men and women with diabetes or disease of the small blood vessels (peripheral vacscular disease) are at increased risk. Artificial nails (acrylic or "wraps") increase the risk because when an artificial nail is applied, the nail surface is usually abraded with an emery board damaging it, emery boards can carry infection, and water can collect under the nail creating a moist, warm environment for fungal growth. Alternative names include tinea unguium and ringworm of the nails.

Fungus: Fungus is a plantlike organism that feeds on organic matter. An example of a common fungus is the yeast organism which causes thrush and diaper rash (diaper dermatitis).

Fungus, foot: Athlete’s foot causes foot itching, burning, pain, and scaling. It is caused by a fungus and is treated with antifungal medications, many of which are available over-the-counter. Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and breathable shoes helps prevent athletes foot.

Funny bone: As in "it tickled my funny bone." When the elbow is bumped, the ulnar nerve rnning past the elbow is stimulated and produces a strange (funny) electric sensation.

Funnel chest (pectus excavatum): "Caved-in" chest. Usually an unimportant isolated finding evident at birth. (Funnel chest can occasionally be part of a connective tissue disorder such as Marfan syndrome).

Furuncle: Nothing more nor less than a "boil" with a fancy name. A boil is a collection of pus. Antibiotics are often not very helpful in treating abscesses. The main treatments include hot packs and draining ("lancing") the abscess, but only when it is soft and ready to drain. If you develop an abscess and. have fever, a long-term illness (such as cancer or diabetes) or are on medication that suppresses the immune system, you should contact your healthcare practitioner.