Health, diseases terms glossary - Starting with M

Macula: Macula- the area of the retina that allows fine details to be observed at the center of vision; also refers to any small, flat spot on the skin
Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration- gradual loss of vision due to deterioration of nerve tissue in the retina
Magnesium: Magnesium- a mineral that is essential for many body functions, including nerve impulse transmission, formation of bones and teeth, and muscle contraction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create high-quality cross-sectional images of the body without using radiation
Maintenance Nutrition: Maintenance Nutrition- is providing nutrition in accordance with the daily recommended dieteary allowance.
Malabsorption: Malabsorption- an impaired ability of the lining of the small intestine to absorb nutrients from food
Malaria: Malaria- a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes that causes chills and fever; potentially fatal complications in the liver, kidneys, blood, and brain are possible
Malformation: Malformation- abnormal development of an organ or tissue
Malignant: Malignant- a word used to describe a condition that is characterized by uncontrolled growth and/or that can be fatal, such as a cancerous tumor
Malt Extract: Malt Extract- Malt is a sweet powder made from barley grains that have germinated for about sweets. When is dissolved in hot milk the malted powder becomes an easily digested liquid food that provide vital calories for patients who have lost their appetite for some or other reasons, or are unable to eat. Malted milk drinks supply useful amounts of vitamin B12, vitamin B2 & Calcium.
Mammography: Mammography- an X-ray procedure done to detect breast cancer
Mammoplasty: Mammoplasty- a general term for a cosmetic operation on the breasts; includes breast reduction, enlargement, and reconstruction after a mastectomy
Marfan's syndrome: Marfan's syndrome- a rare genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, leading to abnormalities of joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, arteries, and/or the heart
Margarine: Margarine- Hydrogenated derivatives of vegetable oils. Soft margarines are liquid at room temperature. They serve as cooking oils. They are less hydrogenated than hard margarines which solidify at room temperature. Hard margarines are often used for deep frying or as butter substitutes.
Mastectomy: Mastectomy- a surgical procedure in which all or part of the breast is removed to prevent the spread of cancer
Megaloblastic anemia: Megaloblastic anemia- a type of anemia in which a lack of the vitamin B12 or folic acid interferes with red blood cells and causes them to be enlarged and deformed, resulting in tiredness and weight loss
Melanin: Melanin- the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color
Melanocyte: Melanocyte-stimulating hormone- a hormone that coordinates pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair
Melanocytes: Melanocytes- cells that produce the pigment melanin
Melanoma: Melanoma- a skin tumor composed of cells called melanocytes

Glossary