Health, diseases terms glossary - Starting with L

Labor: Labor- the interval from onset of contractions to birth of a baby
Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis- inflammation of the fluid-containing chamber of the inner ear (called the labyrinth) that maintains balance; can cause a feeling that one's surroundings are spinning around (known as vertigo)
Lactase deficiency: Lactase deficiency- an inherited disorder in which a person does not have the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose (the sugar found in dairy products); lactase deficiency leads to lactose intolerance, which means the inability to digest lactose
Lactic acid: Lactic acid- an acid produced by glucose-burning cells when these cells have an insufficient supply of oxygen
Lactose: Lactose- the sugar found in dairy products
Lactose intolerance: Lactose intolerance- inability to break down and absorb the sugar lactose
Laparoscope: Laparoscope- a viewing instrument used to examine and treat disorders in the abdominal cavity; consists of a long tube with an eyepiece, a lens, and often a camera, which allows the image to be viewed on a monitor
Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy- a procedure done to examine the abdominal cavity using a laparoscope, usually to investigate pelvic pain or gynecologic conditions such as infertility
Laryngitis: Laryngitis- inflammation of the voice box, usually caused by a viral infection; characterized by a hoarse voice
Larynx: Larynx- the medical term for the voice box, the organ in the throat that produces voice and also prevents food from entering the airway
Laser treatment: Laser treatment- the use of a laser (a concentrated beam of light) to perform medical procedures, such as the destruction of tumors
Laser Treatment: Laser Treatment- Using a special strong beam of light of one color (laser) to heal a damaged area. A person with diabetes might be treated with a lesser beam to heal blood vessels in the eye.
Legumes: Legumes- Any member of the pea family, including chickpea, runner beans, soyabeans & lentils. The seeds of these plants are known as pulses.
Leukemia: Leukemia- a group of bone marrow cancers in which white blood cells divide uncontrollably, affecting the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets
Leukocyte: Leukocyte- another name for white blood cells
Leukocyte count: Leukocyte count- the number of white blood cells in the blood, which is used as a measure of health and possible infection
Leukodystrophy: Leukodystrophy- a group of childhood genetic disorders in which the protective coverings of the nerves are destroyed
Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia- white patches that can develop in the mouth or on the penis or the opening of the vagina and are potentially cancerous
Lichen planus: Lichen planus- a common skin disease in which itchy, small, pink or purple spots appear on the arms or legs
Ligament: Ligament- a tough, elastic band of tissue that connects bones and suupports organs

Glossary