terminology (A)

Abdomen

The area of the body between the lower ribs and the pelvis.

Abdominal

Relating to or situated in the region between the chest and the pelvis.

Abortion

The termination of a pregnancy using either medications or an operative procedure.

Acute

Sudden in onset, severe in intensity, and typically of short duration.

Adenomyosis

A condition in which endometrial tissue grows abnormally into the muscular wall of the uterus.

Adhesions

Bands of fibrous scar tissue that abnormally bind two or more internal organs or body structures together.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal diagnostic test performed after week 15 where a sample of fluid from the womb is removed using a fine needle through the belly to test for conditions like Down syndrome.

Amniotic fluid

The clear, watery liquid that surrounds and cushions the developing fetus inside the womb.

Amniotic sac

The membranous fluid-filled bag inside the womb in which the fetus develops.

Anaemia

A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.

Anaesthesia

The administration of medications to induce temporary loss of sensation or awareness, preventing pain during surgery or procedures.

Anaesthetist

A specialized medical doctor who manages pain relief, sedation, and vital signs during surgical procedures.

Anal sphincter

A ring of muscular tissue at the lower end of the rectum that controls the release of stool and gas.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, rapid, and potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction.

Anomaly scan

A detailed mid-pregnancy ultrasound examination performed between 18 and 21 weeks to screen for structural fetal conditions.

Antiphospholipid syndrome

An autoimmune condition where antibodies mistakenly attack normal blood proteins, increasing the risk of blood clots, recurrent pregnancy loss, or stillbirth.

Antenatal

Pertaining to the period of time occurring before childbirth.

Anthracyclines

A class of antibiotic medications used as cytotoxic agents in cancer chemotherapy.

Antibiotics

Medicines used to treat or prevent microbial infections by inhibiting the growth of or destroying bacteria.

Antibody

A specialized blood protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign targets such as viruses and bacteria.

Anticoagulant medication

Therapeutic substances designed to reduce blood clotting and prevent thrombosis.

Anti-D immunoglobulin

An injection administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent their immune systems from generating immune reactions against Rh-positive fetal red cells.

Antigen

A foreign substance or cellular marker that triggers an immune response and the production of specific protective proteins.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Medications that diminish tissue swelling, redness, and pain.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Pharmacological treatment used to halt the replication of retroviruses, such as HIV, and control infection progression.

Antispasmodic drugs

Medications that relieve cramps or involuntary spasms in smooth muscle organs such as the intestines, bladder, and womb.

Anus

The external opening at the end of the digestive tract through which solid waste leaves the body.

Arthritis

A medical disorder involving pain, inflammation, and stiffness in one or more joints.

Assisted birth

A vaginal delivery aided by instruments such as forceps or a ventouse suction cup during active labour.

Assisted reproductive techniques (ART)

Clinical methods and treatments, such as IVF or ICSI, used to achieve pregnancy in cases of infertility.

Autoimmune response

A pathological process where the immune system generates immune attacks against the body's own healthy cells and tissues.