The organ that nourishes the embryo during pregnancy and also eliminates waste.
placenta
placental abruption
A separation of all or part of the placenta from the wall of the uterus before the baby is delivered.
plantaris tendon
The tendon located at the back of the calf.
plaque
Any flat, raised patch; for example, a raised patch on the skin, fatty deposit in the inner wall of an artery, or layer over the surface of a tooth.
plasma
Fluid in which the blood cells are suspended.
plasma electrophoresis
A method for separating the proteins found in blood.
plasma osmolality
A test that measures the concentration of substances such as sodium,potassium and other ions, in the blood.
platelet
Structure in the blood that helps the blood to clot.
platelets
Structures in the blood that help the blood to clot.
pleural effusion
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, the membrane-lined space between the lungs and the chest wall
Pleural tap
A test, also known as thoracentesis or pleural aspiration, in which a small sample of fluid is removed through a needle from the fluid-filled space between the lungs and the chest wall.
pleurisy
Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs
Plummer-Vinson syndrome
A rare condition characterised by iron-deficiency anaemia, nail abnormalities and difficulty in swallowing.
PMR
polymyalgia rheumatica
pneumococcal
Relating to the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia.
pneumonia
Inflammation of one or both lungs.
pneumothorax
Air inside the space between the lungs and the chest wall. It may cause the lung to collapse partially or completely
podiatrist
Another term for chiropodist, a healthcare professional (not medically qualified doctor) specialising in foot care.
poliomyelitis
An infectious viral disease (also called polio) that in serious cases can attack the brain and spinal cord.
polyarteritis nodosa
An autoimmune disease (where the immune system attacks the body) that causes inflammation of the arteries.
polyarthritis
Inflammation in more than four joints.
polycystic kidney disease
An inherited disorder in which multiple cysts form in the kidneys.
polycystic ovary syndrome
A hormonal disorder characterised by scanty or absent periods.
polycythaemia
An increase in the proportion of cells (haematocrit) in the blood, owing to an increased volume of red blood cells or reduced volume of blood fluid (plasma).