The last part of the large intestine, where faeces are stored before being passed.
rectum
rectus sheath haematoma
A relatively rare condition often misdiagnosed. The covering of one of the muscles on the abdominal wall, called the rectus, sometimes splits. Rectus sheath rupture typically occurs following straining or coughing.
reducible
Used of a swelling, most often a hernia, to mean it is not fixed but can be displaced or pushed back, either due to body position (for example on lying down) or with manual pressure.
referred pain
Pain felt in one area of the body due to a disease or other cause in a different part of the body.
reflexology
An integrated approach based on the concept that each body part has a corresponding point on the feet, which is massaged during therapy.
reflux
Backflow of a bodily fluid in the wrong direction
rehabilitation
The treatment of a person with an illness or disability to improve their function and health.
Reiter's syndrome
A type of reactive arthritis where inflammation in the joints develops following an infection in another part of the body.
relapse
A return or worsening of the symptoms of a disease after a period of remission.
reminiscence therapy
A technique to help dementia sufferers recall past memories using old and familiar music, photos or other memorabilia.
remission
The lessening or disappearance of the symptoms or signs of a disease.
remodelling
Restructuring.
renal
Relating to the kidney.
renal colic
Spasms of severe pain in one side of the back usually caused by a kidney stone passing down the ureter.
reperfusion
Restoration of blood flow through a previously blocked vessel.
replication
The process by which DNA makes copies of itself when a cell divides.
resection
The surgical removal of part of the body.
resistance
The ability of a microbe, such as a type of bacteria, to resist the effects of antibiotics or other drugs.
resistant
A microbe, such as a type of bacteria, that is able to resist the effects of antibiotics or other drugs.
respiratory tract
The parts of the body that are involved in respiration. The respiratory tract includes the nasal passages, throat (pharynx), windpipe (trachea), bronchi and lungs.
respite care
The provision of short-term relief for long-term carers.
retina
The light sensitive membrane that lines the back, inner surface of the eye and enables sight.
retinal
Relating to the retina, the innermost layer of the eye.
retinal detachment
Separation of the inner and outer layers of the retina, the innermost layer of the eye, with associated visual loss.