a group of bacteria that are among the most common causes of gastrointestinal disorders.
Campylobacter
canal of Nuck
An abnormal pouch of peritoneum that extends into the outer folds of skin that protect the vagina.
cancer
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.
cancerous
Malignant, a tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.
cancrum oris
A gangrenous disease that leads to destruction of the tissue of the face.
candida
A type of yeast or fungus. The term is sometimes also used to describe the infection resulting from it (candidiasis). The most common is Candida albicans, which causes thrush infections, most often of the vagina or mouth
candidiasis
An infection caused by fungi of the Candida species, also known as thrush
capillaries
The tiniest blood vessels, linking the arterial and venous circulations.
capsulitis
Inflammation of a capsule around an organ or joint.
carbamazepine
An anti-convulsant and mood stabilising drug.
carbohydrates
A group of compounds that are an important energy source, including sugars and starch.
carbon monoxide
A highly poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion (burning), for example by faulty boilers or wood stoves, car exhaust fumes or tobacco smoke.
carcinoid syndrome
This refers to a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumours.
carcinoid tumour
A tumour of the neuroendocrine system.
carcinoma
A malignant tumour (cancer) that is formed from the epithelium, the tissue that covers the open surfaces of organs.
cardiac
Relating to the heart
cardiac enzymes
Enzymes released by damaged heart muscle. Detecting raised levels in the blood stream helps to confirm the diagnosis of a heart attack.
cardiac rehabilitation
A staged programme of exercise and lifestyle changes to help recovery from a heart attack and help to prevent a repeat heart attack.
cardioembolism
A blood clot originating in the heart.
cardiogenic shock
A lack of sufficient blood supply to the vital organs due to cardiac pump failure.
cardiomyopathy
Inflammation of the heart muscle
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency life support, with artificial respiration and cardiac massage.
cardiorespiratory
Relating to the heart and lungs.
cardiovascular disease
Disease of the heart and blood vessels, usually due to atherosclerosis.