Lipid profile (aka lipid panel) is a panel of blood tests that screens for abnormalities in lipids (e.g. cholesterol and triglycerides). Purpose Identify certain genetic diseases Determine approximate risks for CVD, certain forms...

Cancer (aka malignant tumor, malignant neoplasm) involves abnormal cell growth, with the potential to invade/spread to other parts of the body. [faq]What is a cancer? Or a malignancy? They mean the same thing....

Leukopenia (aka leukocytopenia, from Greek "leuko" meaning "white", "penia" meaning "deficiency") is a decrease in the number of WBC's (leukocytes) found in the blood, which places Pt's at an increased...

Uterine malformation is a type of female genital malformation, due to abnormal development of the Mullerian duct(s) during embryogenesis. Sx Amenorrhea Infertility Recurrent pregnancy loss Pain Can be noraml functioning, depending on nature of the defect Classification Mullerian...

Ventilation-perfusion mismatch (aka V/Q mismatch) is when the ventilation and perfusion of a gas exchanging unit are not matched. Physiology Ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q ratio) is the measurement used to assess the efficiency and...

Mitochondrial myopathy are types of myopathies associated with mitochondrial disease. Dx On biopsy, the muscle tissue of patients with these diseases are usually demonstrated ragged red muscle fibers. These ragged-red fibers contain...

Menstruation (aka period, monthly) is the periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the endometrium (i.e. inner lining of the uterus) through the vagina. [faq]What's menstruation? It's where a woman bleeds periodically,...

Earwax (aka cerumen) is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans. It protects the skin and human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also...

Atrial flutter is abnormal heart rhythm that occurs in the atria of the heart. [faq]What is atrial flutter, and how does it differ from atrial fibrillation? Let's start with atrial fibrillation. It's...

Pulse is measuring heart beat by palpating a peripheral artery by the fingertip (with the exception of using the thumb). Sometimes, there is delay, which is indicative of pathology. Method Pulses can...