Rheumatoid Arthritis Glossary of Terms

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Abdomen: The belly, that part of the body that contains all of the structures between the...

Abnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient.

Acetaminophen: A nonaspirin pain reliever or analgesic. Acetaminophen may be given alone t...

Acupuncture: The practice of inserting needles into the body to reduce pain or induce anes...

Adjacent: Lying nearby. Related terms include superjacent, subjacent, and circumjacent. Fr...

Aerobic: Oxygen-requiring. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen to grow. Aerobic exercise requires...

Amyloidosis: A group of diseases that result from the abnormal deposition of a protein, ca...

Analysis: In psychology, a term for conversation-based therapeutic processes used to gain ...

Anemia: The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity ...

Ankylosis: Stiffness or, more often, fusion of a joint. From the Greek ankylsis, meaning s...

Anti-CCP: See: Citrulline antibody.

Anti-citrulline antibody: See: Citrulline antibody.

Antibody: An immunoglobulin, a specialized immune protein, produced because of the introdu...

Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, w...

Arthrocentesis: A procedure in which a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain fluid ...

Arthroscopy: A surgical technique in which a tube-like instrument is inserted into a joint...

Aspiration: Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle. Aspiration also re...

Aspirin: Once the Bayer trademark for acetylsalicylic acid, now the common name for this a...

Atrophy: A wasting away or diminution. Muscle atrophy is a decrease in muscle mass, often ...

Autoimmune: Pertaining to autoimmunity, a misdirected immune response that occurs when the...

Autoimmune disease: An illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own i...

Bacterial: Of or pertaining to bacteria, as in a bacterial lung infection.

Bacterium: The singular of bacteria.

Blood clots: Blood that has been converted from a liquid to a solid state. Also called a t...

Blood count: The calculated number of white or red blood cells (WBCs or RBCs) in a cubic m...

Blood pressure: The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is...

Bone density: Bone density is the amount of bone tissue in a certain volume of bone. It ca...

Bone marrow: The soft blood-forming tissue that fills the cavities of bones and contains f...

Bone marrow transplantation: See: Bone marrow transplant.

Breathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through ...

Bumps: The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured b...

Bypass: An operation in which a new pathway is created for the transport of substances in ...

C-reactive protein: An acute-phase plasma protein whose blood concentration reflects the p...

Calcium: A mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is ...

Cancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ...

Cardiac: Having to do with the heart.

Cardiovascular: Relating to the circulatory system, which comprises the heart and blood ve...

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression and irritation of the median nerve as it passes under ...

Cartilage: Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A flexible kind of cartilag...

Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of any living thing. Each cell is a small c...

Cervical: Having to do with any kind of neck, including the neck on which the head is perc...

Cholesterol: The most common type of steroid in the body. Cholesterol has a reputation for...

Chronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ...

Complete blood count: A set values of the cellular (formed elements) of blood. These meas...

Complication: In medicine, an unanticipated problem that arises following, and is a result...

Compress: Cloth or another material applied under pressure to an area of the skin and held...

Connective tissue: A material made up of fibers forming a framework and support structure...

Connective tissue disease: A disease (autoimmune or otherwise) that attacks the collagen o...

Coronary arteries: The vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood rich in oxygen. The...

Cortisone: A naturally occurring adrenocorticoid hormone that is produced in minute amount...

Cough: A rapid expulsion of air from the lungs, typically in order to clear the lung airwa...

Cox-1: Cyclooxygenase-1, an enzyme that acts to speed up the production of certain chemica...

Cox-2: Cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that acts to speed up the production of certain chemica...

Cox-2 inhibitor: An antiinflammatory drug that selectively blocks the cox-2 enzyme. Blocki...

CRP: C-reactive protein.

Cure: 1. To heal, to make well, to restore to good health. 2. A time withou...

Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot within a deep vein, typically in the thigh or leg. The ...

Diabetes: Refers to diabetes mellitus or, less often, to diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mell...

Diagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ...

Dry mouth: The condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. This is due to...

Effusion: Too much fluid, an outpouring of fluid. For example, a pleural effusion is an ab...

Embolism: The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign substance or a blood clot that tr...

Emphysema: 1) A lung condition featuring an abnormal accumulation of air in the lung's ma...

Enzyme: A protein (or protein-based molecule) that speeds up a chemical reaction in a livi...

Erosion: An erosion is an eating away of a surface. ("Erodere" in Latin means to eat out.)...

Erythrocyte: A cell that contains hemoglobin and can carry oxygen to the body. Also called...

Essential: In medicine, of unknown cause, as in essential hypertension (high blood pressur...

Fatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ...

FDA: Food and Drug Administration.

Felty's syndrome: A complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. See: Felty syndrom...

Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degr...

Flu: Short for influenza. The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract w...

Food and Drug Administration: An agency within the US Public Health Service that provides ...

Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.

Gastrointestinal: Adjective referring collectively to the stomach and small and large inte...

Genetics: The scientific study of heredity. Genetics pertains to humans and all other orga...

Heart: The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. ...

Heart attack: The death of heart muscle due to the loss of blood supply. The loss of bloo...

Heart disease: Any disorder that affects the heart. Sometimes the term "heart disease" is ...

Heart muscle: A type of muscle with unique features only found in the heart. The heart mus...

Heart valves: There are four heart valves. All are one-way valves. Blood entering the ...

Hemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying pigment and predominant protein in the red blood cells. He...

Herbal: 1. An adjective, referring to herbs, as in an herbal tea.
2. A...

Heredity: The genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to child.

Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat pa...

Immune: Protected against infection, usually by the presence of antibodies.

Immune response: Any reaction by the immune system. For example, poison ivy can cause an i...

Immune system: A complex system that is responsible for distinguishing a person from every...

Incision: A cut through skin or other tissue performed by a health care professional.

Incurable: Not amenable to a cure. Incapable of being cured, healed and made well again. ...

Indicate: In medicine, to make a treatment or procedure advisable because of a particular ...

Infarction: The formation of an infarct, an area of tissue death, due to a local lack of o...

Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an...

Inflammation: A localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a ...

Injury: Harm or hurt. To harm, hurt, or wound. The word injure may be in physical or emot...

Interleukin-1: A protein produced by various cells, including macrophages, interleukin-1 ...

Internal medicine: The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment ...

Isotope: A form of a chemical element that has a different-from-normal atomic mass. Isotop...

Jaw: The movable junction of the bones below the mouth (the mandible) and the bone just ab...

Joint: The area where two bones are attached for the purpose of permitting body parts to m...

Joint aspiration: A procedure whereby a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain joint...

Juvenile: Between infantile and adult. Used in medicine to indicate onset in childhood, as...

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: See: Arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid.

Kidney: One of a pair of organs located in the right and left side of the abdomen. The kid...

Knee: The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (the femur) meets the lar...

Knuckle: The top of the flexed finger joint.

Leg: In popular usage, the part of the body from the top of the thigh down to the foot, an...

Lethargy: Abnormal drowsiness, stupor.

Leukopenia: A shortage of white blood cells.

Liver: The largest solid organ in the body, situated in the upper part of the abdomen on t...

Lung cancer: Cancer of the major organ of respiration - the lung. Lung cancer kills more m...

Lungs: The lungs are a pair of breathing organs located with the chest which remove carbon...

Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, carrying cell...

Lymphoma: A tumor of the lymphoid tissue. The major types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's diseas...

Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that ingests foreign material. Macrophages are key ...

Magnesium: A mineral involved in many processes in the body including nerve signaling, the...

Magnetic resonance imaging: A procedure that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer t...

Malaise: A vague feeling of discomfort, one that cannot be pinned down but is often sensed...

Malaria: An infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites from the Plasmodium family th...

Marrow: The bone marrow.

Medical device: 1. Broadly, any physical item used in medical treatment, from a c...

Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a 'surface.

Mouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con...

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging.

Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T...

Myocardial infarction: A heart attack. Abbreviated MI.

Neck: The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders. Also, any narrow or constric...

Necrosis: The death of living cells or tissues. Necrosis can be due, for example, to ische...

Neuropathy: Any disease or malfunction of the nerves.

NIAMS: Stands for National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, o...

NSAID: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a medication that is commonly prescribed or pu...

Nutrition: 1) The science or practice of taking in and utilizing foods. 2) A nourishing ...

Occupational therapist: A licensed health professional who is trained to evaluate patients...

Onset: In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness as, for ex...

Ophthalmologist: A physician who practices ophthalmology.

Organ: A relatively independent part of the body that carries out one or more special func...

Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss ...

Osteoporosis: Thinning of the bones, with reduction in bone mass, due to depletion of calc...

Oxygen: The odorless gas that is present in the air and necessary to maintain life. Oxygen...

Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa...

Pain management: The process of providing medical care that alleviates or reduces pain. Mi...

Parasite: A plant or an animal organism that lives in or on another and takes its nourishm...

Participant: 1. In a clinical trial, someone who takes part in it. A participant ma...

Pericardial: Referring to the pericardium, the sac of fibrous tissue that surrounds the he...

Pericardial effusion: Too much fluid within the pericardium, which normally contains a sma...

Periodontal: Having to do with the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Peripheral: Situated away from the center, as opposed to centrally located.

Peripheral neuropathy: A problem with the functioning of the nerves outside the spinal cor...

Pharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup...

Physical therapist: A person who is trained and certified by a state or accrediting body t...

Physical therapy: A branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises...

Placebo: A "sugar pill" or any dummy medication or treatment.

Platelet: An irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting....

Pleural: Pertaining to the pleura, the thin covering that protects the lungs. The term "pl...

Pleural effusion: Excess fluid between the two membranes that cover the lungs (the viscera...

Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleurae, the membranes surrounding the lungs. Symptoms inclu...

Pleuritis: Inflammation of the pleura. When the pleura becomes inflamed, it can produce m...

Potassium: The major positive ion (cation) found inside cells. The chemical notation for p...

Pregnant: The state of carrying a developing fetus within the body.

Primary care: A patient's main source for regular medical care, ideally providing continui...

Prognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan...

Progressive: Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a ...

Prostate: A gland within the male reproductive system that is located just below the blad...

Protein: One of the three nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Protein...

Proteins: Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific orde...

Pulmonary: Having to do with the lungs.

Pulmonary embolism: Sudden closure of a pulmonary artery or one of its branches, caused by...

Pulmonary fibrosis: Scarring throughout the lungs that can be caused by many conditions, s...

Purpura: Hemorrhage (bleeding) into the surface of the skin. The area of skin with purpura...

Radioactive: Emitting energy waves due to decaying atomic nuclei. Radioactive substances a...

Radioisotope: A version of a chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radia...

Randomized: The use of chance alone to assign the participants in an experiment or trial t...

Range of motion: The full movement potential of a joint, usually its range of flexion and ...

Recurrent: Appearing or occurring again. For example, a recurrent fever is a fever that ha...

Red blood cells: The blood cells that carry oxygen. Red cells contain hemoglobin and it is...

Rejection: In transplantation biology, when the body's immune system attacks transplanted ...

Remission: Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer or other disease. A remission...

Retina: The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and c...

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of joint...

Rheumatoid factor: An antibody that is measurable in the blood and is used to diagnose rhe...

Rheumatoid nodules: Rheumatoid nodules are firm lumps in the skin of patients with rheumat...

Rheumatologist: A specialist in the non-surgical treatment of rheumatic illnesses, espec...

Rheumatology: A subspecialty of internal medicine that involves the nonsurgical evaluation...

Scan: As a noun, the data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of...

Sclera: The tough white outer coat over the eyeball that covers approximately the posterio...

Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera. Scleritis causes local pain and can cause vision lo...

Sedimentation rate: A blood test that detects and monitors inflammation in the body. Abbre...

Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing. Medically referred to as dyspnea. Shortness ...

Silica: The chief component of sand and a substance responsible for lung disease and cance...

Skeleton: The skeleton is composed of bones and is the framework of the body.

Sore: 1. (adjective) A popular term for painful, such as a sore throat. 2. (...

Sore throat: Pain in the throat. Sore throat may be caused by many different causes, inclu...

Spinal cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies with...

Spine: 1) The column of bone known as the vertebral column, which surrounds and protects ...

Spleen: An organ that is located in the upper-left part of the abdomen, not far from the s...

Stage: As regards cancer, the extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spre...

Stomach: The digestive organ that is located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The upp...

Strain: 1. An injury to a tendon or muscle resulting from overuse or trauma. 2. A heredita...

Stress: In a medical or biological context stress is a physical, mental, or emotional fact...

Stroke: The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood...

Subcutaneous: Under the skin. For example, a subcutaneous injection is an injection in whi...

Substance: 1. Material with particular features.
2. The material that...

Surgery: The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or inj...

Symptom: Any subjective evidence of disease. In contrast, a sign is objective. Blood comin...

Syndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process.

Synovectomy: Surgical removal of the joint lining. A synovectomy may be done to remove the...

Synovial fluid: The slippery fluid that lubricates joints. Also known as synovia.

Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane, the lining of the joints.

Systemic: Affecting the entire body. A systemic disease such as diabetes can affect the wh...

Tear: A drop of the salty secretion of the lacrimal glands which serves to moisten the con...

Tendon: The soft tissue by which muscle attaches to bone. Tendons are somewhat flexible, b...

Tension: 1) The pressure within a vessel, such as blood pressure: the pressure within t...

Therapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment.

Throat: The throat is the anterior (front) portion of the neck beginning at the back of th...

Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot in a blood vessel. The vessel may be...

Tired: A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment,...

Tobacco: A South American herb (Nicotiana tabacum) whose leaves contain 2 to 8 percent nic...

Tobacco smoking: The direct inhalation of tobacco smoke, the basis of major health hazards...

Transplant: The grafting of a tissue from one place to another, just as in botany a bu...

Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are a classic sign of inflammation, and can be ...

Tumor necrosis factor: One of multiple proteins capable of inducing necrosis (death) of tu...

Tylenol: See: Acetaminophen.

Ulcer: A lesion that is eroding away the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers can have various ...

Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves. Ultra-sound waves can be bounced off tissues by us...

Urine: Liquid waste produced by the kidneys. Urine is a clear, transparent fluid that norm...

Vasculitis: A general term for a group of uncommon diseases that feature inflammation of t...

Vein: A blood vessel that carries blood that is low in oxygen content from the body back t...

Vertebrae: The preferred plural of vertebra. (The alternate plural is vertebras.) See also...

Virus: A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that cannot grow or reproduce apar...

Vitamin C: An essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requires ...

Vitamins: The word "vitamin" was coined in 1911 by the Warsaw-born biochemist Casimir Funk...

Voluntary: Done in accordance with the conscious will of the individual. The opposite of i...

Weight loss: Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (die...

White blood cell: One of the cells the body makes to help fight infections. There are seve...

White blood cell count (leukocyte count): The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the b...

Wrist: The part of the hand that is nearest the forearm and consists of the carpal bones a...

X-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used...