Menu Close

Glossary

Showing 861-870 out of 1154 Terms

We're sorry, it looks like there has been an error. Please try again soon.

  • Osteoporosis

    (OS-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sis)

    A condition in which there is a decrease in the amount and thickness of bone tissue. This causes the bones to become weak and break more easily. Osteoporosis may be caused by older age, hormone changes, taking certain medicines, and not eating enough foods with calcium and vitamin D. It may also be caused by certain types of cancer and cancer treatment.

  • Osteosarcoma

    OS-tee-oh-sar-KOH-muh

    A cancer of the bone that usually affects the large bones of the arm or leg. It occurs most commonly in young people and affects more males than females. Also called osteogenic sarcoma.

  • Otic

    Relating to the ear.

  • Otitis

    Ear infection.

  • Ovaries

    (OH-vuh-rees)

    A pair of female glands in which the eggs form and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are made. These hormones play an important role in female traits, such as breast development, body shape, and body hair. They are also involved in the menstrual cycle, fertility, and pregnancy. There is one ovary on each side of the uterus.

  • Over-the-counter

    (OH-ver-the-KOWN-ter)

    Refers to a medicine that can be bought without a prescription (doctor's order). Examples include analgesics (pain relievers), such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Also called nonprescription and OTC.

  • Ovulation

    (ov-yoo-LAY-shun)

    The release of an egg from an ovary during the menstrual cycle.

  • Oxygen

    (OK-sih-jen)

    A colorless, odorless gas. It is needed for animal and plant life. Oxygen that is breathed in enters the blood from the lungs and travels to the tissues.

  • Oxygen mask

    An implement to enable breathing.

  • PET Scan

    A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is taken up. Because cancer cells often take up more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called positron emission tomography scan.