MASTER HERBALIST

Unit Nineteen CLINICAL MEDICINE

The Learning Outcomes for this assignment are:Element Learning Outcome

1

Understand the organisation of body systems

Identify various disease states.

The Digestive System

The digestive system is automatic, provided it gets the nutrients it requires for
health. The food we eat is often factory processed and many nutrients that would
normally be there, had the food been prepared fresh, are missing. The immune
system lets digested molecules of food into the bloodstream and keeps allergens
and waste food out. The whole system runs from the mouth to the anus and is
considered to be outside the body.

When we smell food our brain registers hunger in anticipation. This fills the
mouth with saliva and sends a message to the stomach to prepare to receive
food. It begins to secrete various juices including enzymes and hydrochloric acid.
When we eat in a rush, or if we are not hungry, this step is missed out because
the brain is unprepared. The main function of the mouth is to accept the food we
put into it. We chew food to increase its surface area and to make it digestible by
the addition of saliva, which is added by glands found under the tongue. Saliva
contains sIgA that attacks any bacteria, toxins and allergens and also amylase
that helps to split the carbohydrates; if we do not chew our food properly the
stomach receives it in an indigestible state. Food is wasted because the nutrients
are not taken out in the process of digestion.

The oesophagus is a tube along which chewed foods go down to reach the
stomach. At the junction of the stomach and oesophagus there is a sphincter
that is kept closed until food arrives, this prevents food from returning into the
mouth.

Enzymes turn the food we eat into fuel for every single cell wherever it is in the
body, fuel is carried by the blood to cells in response to signals put out by them.
Enzymes within these cells turn the fuel into useable energy, which ensures that
homeostasis takes place.

A diet deficient in sIgA and protein will lead to insufficient gastric secretions for
proper digestion. This in turn leads to an insufficient release of pancreatic
enzymes. The stomach is a reservoir for food. It makes pepsin, a protein splitting
enzyme, which cuts the bonds between some amino acids into short chains of
just 4 to 12 from the 200 or so amino acids that make up each one. It also
produces small amounts of lipase, an enzyme that digests fat. Alcohol, water and
some salts are absorbed directly from the stomach in to the blood stream. The
stomach is protected by a thick coating of mucopolysaccharides, which keeps the
hydrochloric acid [HCI] from burning through the stomach lining. HCI also kills
any unwanted microbes in the stomach.

Once the stomach has churned the food and it has been mixed with digestive
enzymes, it becomes chyme. This leaves the stomach through the pyloric valve
and enters the first section of the duodenum; at this point the gall bladder and
pancreas are stimulated to pour out their contents.

The gall bladder is a storage bag for bile that is produced by the liver. This bile
emulsifies fats to make them water-soluble and increases their surface area so
that the lipase enzyme can split the fat particles for the cells to use. If a person
has had this organ taken out, they will be unable to tolerate much fat in their
diets because the body has lost its method of preparing it for assimilation.

The pancreas has many functions; it produces up to five pints of digestive juices
daily, which contains three specific types of enzymes. Lipase breaks down fats
into fatty acids and glycerol, amylase splits carbohydrates into simple sugars and
protease digests the links between the amino acids from the protein. The
pancreas makes bicarbonate that changes the acid chyme to alkaline, thus
preventing the HCI causing problems in the intestines. Without this acid,
neutralisation would stop and no further digestion could take place in the small
intestine. In this alkaline state, food is broken down to molecules to be absorbed
by the blood stream.

The role of the pancreas is also the regulator of the blood sugar levels. If this
system breaks down then diabetes and hypoglycaemia can result.

The liver takes all the food molecules from the intestines and detoxifies, stores,
excretes or sends it round the body, according to its demands. It is the largest
organ in the body and performs many tasks. The liver has three lobes; the main
lobe produces enzymes and some chemicals necessary for body functions. The
left lobe regulates and maintains body functions (people with toxic left lobes are
often allergic to many things). The lower lobe is where the liver stores vitamins
A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins. It also stores the cholesterol and
hormones that are produced. It manufactures over 13,000 chemicals and has
2,000 enzyme systems plus thousands of synergists that help with the body
functions.

The small intestine is in three parts, the duodenum, jejunum and the ileum. In
the intestines the mixture of molecules that have been produced are acidified,
liquefied, neutralised and sterilised. Protein is broken down into amino acids,
starches in to glucose and fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Enzymes, vitamins
and minerals are also absorbed. Each nutrient is absorbed along a specific
stretch of the intestinal wall. If certain areas of the wall are inflamed or irritated
then a person may absorb some nutrients and not others. This process of
diffusion allows nutrients to cross into the blood stream from the small intestines,
the lining of which is covered with villi and microvilli. The desmosomes form tight
junctions and do not allow large molecules to pass through but if inflamed open
up allowing large molecules through. The substances that pass through are seen
by the immune system as foreign and it sets up an antibody reaction. The
greater the amount of inflammation that is evident in the tract, the greater the
size of molecules that can get through the lining into the body. Blastocystis
hominis bacteria normally in the gut have been seen in the knee of an arthritic
patient.

When all the nutrients have been absorbed, water, bacteria and fibre pass
through the ileocaecal valve to the large intestine (colon). Sometimes it can
remain open and causes much pain, this pain is often confused with an inflamed
appendix. The appendix is nearby and as it contains lymphatic material it is
thought to be part of the immune system. The colon has three parts, ascending,
transverse and descending. Most tissues of the body prefer to use glucose as a
fuel but the colon prefers to burn butyric acid. Low butyric acid levels or an
inability of the colon bacteria to properly metabolise butyric acid has been
associated with causing ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel
disease.

When the stool is finally formed it gets pushed down into the descending colon
and then into the rectum. It is held there until there is sufficient volume to have a

bowel movement. Two sphincters control bowel movements. When enough stool
has collected the internal sphincter relaxes and the mind is sent a message - go
to the toilet. The external sphincter opens when you command it to.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The system is made up of structural components such as the lymphatic organs,

and by many cells and molecules. These protect the body from infections and
diseases. Maintaining the state of the fluid around each body cell is possible only
if numerous homeostatic mechanisms function effectively together. The
circulatory system brings many needed substances to cells and removes the
waste products that accumulate as a result of metabolism. This exchange of
substances between blood and tissue fluid occurs in the capillary beds. Many
additional substances that cannot enter or return through the capillary walls,
including excess fluid and protein molecules, are returned to the blood as lymph.
Lymph is a fluid formed in the tissue spaces and is transported by lymphatic
vessels to eventually re-enter the circulatory system. In addition to lymph and
the lymphatic vessels, the lymphatic system includes lymph nodes and
lymphatic organs such as the thymus and spleen.

Lymphatic and blood capillaries are similar in many ways. Both types of vessels
are microscopic and are formed from a cell layer of simple squamous epithelium.
The cells that form blood capillaries fit tightly together so that large molecules
cannot enter or exit from them. The fit between endothelial cells forming the
lymphatic capillaries is not as tight. They are more porous and allow proteins and
other substances, as well as the fluid itself, to enter the vessel and eventually
return to circulation. The movement of lymph in the lymphatic vessels is oneway. Lymph flowing through the lymphatic capillaries moves into successively
larger and larger vessels called lymphatic venules and veins. They eventually
empty into two terminal vessels called the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic
duct. They in turn empty their lymph into the blood in veins in the neck region.
Lymph from about three-quarters of the body eventually drains into the thoracic
duct, the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. Lymph from the right upper
extremity and from the right side of the head, neck, and upper torso flows into
the right lymphatic duct.

As lymph moves from its origin in the tissue spaces toward the thoracic or right
lymphatic ducts it is filtered by moving through lymph nodes. These are located
in clusters along the pathway of lymphatic vessels. Some of these nodes may be
as small as a pinhead, others as large as a butter bean. With the exception of a
comparatively few single nodes, most lymph nodes occur in groups or clusters in
certain areas.

The thymus is a small lymphoid tissue organ located in the neck. It is composed
of lymphocytes and weighs less than an ounce. It is large at puberty but is
gradually replaced by fat and connective tissue. As a baby and child develop it is
part of the bodys immune mechanism. It is a source of lymphocytes before birth
and is important in the development of specialized lymphocytes that leave the
thymus to circulate in the spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, and other lymphatic
tissues. These immature T-lymphocytes develop from stem cells that originate
from the bone marrow and migrate to the thymus gland to mature as Tlymphocytes. They migrate chiefly to the lymph nodes where they develop into
sensitised T-lymphocytes by antigen binding to their surfaces. The functions of Tlymphocytes are that of a cell-mediated immunity. They kill invading cells by
releasing a substance that poisons them and release chemicals that attract and
activate macrophages to kill cells by phagocytosis.

Masses of lymphoid tissue called tonsils are located in a protective ring under
the mucous membranes in the mouth at the back of the throat. They help protect
us against any bacteria that may invade the body via the mouth and nose. The
tonsils serve as the first line of defence from the exterior and as such are subject
to chronic infection.

The spleen is the largest Iymphoid organ in the body and is an integral part of
the lymphatic system. Its main function is to act as a filter for the blood and to
make antibodies. The spleen lies just below the diaphragm at the top left-hand
side of the abdomen. It is normally about 13cm (5in) long. It is located along the
line of the 10th rib. The spleen usually weighs about 200gm (about 8ozs) in
adults but in cases where it is enlarged it can weigh up to 2kg (4lb) or more.
Although the lower ribs protect the spleen, it can be injured by abdominal
trauma.

The spleen has a very rich blood supply and is a mass of lymphoid tissue. The
spleen consists of white and red pulp and contains over 1 pint (or half a litre) of
blood. The organ is supplied with blood via the splenic artery, which after being
split into smaller arteries emerges as tiny arterioles. The arterioles of the spleen
are wrapped in lymphatic tissue as they pass through the pulp of the spleen.
They empty out directly into the substance of the spleen itself. This allows any
abnormal proteins to come into contact with lymphocytes, which can form
antibodies to them. After entering the spleen, blood flows through dense, pulp
like accumulations of lymphocytes. As it flows through the pulp, the spleen
removes by filtration and phagocytosis many bacteria and other foreign
substances that have accumulated and destroys worn out red blood cells.

There are many different cells of the Immune System. The most important are
phagocytes are neutrophils and monocytes. These blood phagocytes migrate out
of the blood and into the tissues in response to infection. The neutrophils are
functional but short lived in the tissues. Once in the tissues, monocytes develop
into phagocytic cells called macrophages, these wander through the tissues
engulfing bacteria wherever it is encountered. Other macrophages become
permanent residents of other organs, for example the spleen and lymph nodes.

B-lymphocytes are the most numerous of immune system cells. They migrate
from bone marrow as immature B-cells, small lymphocytes with antibody
molecules in their plasma membranes. They bind to surface antibodies and form
plasma and memory cells. Plasma cells secrete antibodies into blood; the
memory cells are stored in the lymph nodes. If there is a subsequent exposure to
antigen then the activated B-lymphocyte becomes a plasma cell and secretes
antibodies.
REPRODUCTION

The MALE anatomy is made up of the testes (testicles), epididymis, vas

deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, prostate gland, penis and scrotum.

The Testes have two functions to produce testosterone and spermatozoa. They
are about 5 centimetres long, 2.5 centimetres thick and shaped somewhat like a
flat egg. The testes grow near the kidneys before descending gradually until at
birth, they are enclosed in the scrotum. Wound within each testes are approx
1000 convoluted tubules, which begin to produce spermatozoa at puberty. They
produce about 200 million sperm every day, which pass into a series of
communicating ducts. The mature sperm are about 0.03 millimetres long and
consist of a head, body and tail. The head is covered by a cap and contains a
nucleus of dense genetic material from the 23 chromosomes, it is attached by a
neck to the body that contains mitochondria this supplies the sperm with energy.
Its tail is made of protein fibres and is needed to enable it to swim to the egg to
fertilise it.

The epididymis is situated on top of the testes; it is a twisted mass of long ducts,
each of which is as long as 6m when stretched. The spermatozoa from the testes
are stored here for between ten to twenty days.

Vas deferens leading from the epididymis passes through the groin into the
pelvis, and from there it passes through the perltoneum into the abdominal
cavity. When the vas deferens reaches the lower left region of the bladder, it
enters the prostate gland, and becomes the ejaculatory duct. Each ejaculatory
duct opens separately into the left and right side of the urethra.

The prostate gland weighs about 20gms in the adult male and is shaped like a
walnut. It lies around the first part of the urethra at the base of the bladder, and
its secretions aid the mobility of the sperm.

The penis surrounds the fibroelastic urethra. Normally the penis is limp, but if
the muscles at its base contract around the veins, the spongy tissue surrounding
it becomes congested with blood and an erection occurs. The scrotum, which
houses the testes, hangs behind the penis.

The FEMALE anatomy consists of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the
vagina.

The female reproductive system not only has to produce an ovum, it also has to
nurture the fertilized ovum and protect it until the pregnancy ends. At the
entrance to the vagina is a pair of lip-like folds. The larger thicker labia majors
and the smaller, inner labia minora, lie along either side of the vaginal entrance.
The vagina is a 10 to 15 centimetre elastic tube. Lining the entrance to the
vagina is a large number of smaller, lubricating glands. At the top of the vagina
the uterus is held in place by muscle and four strong fibrous ligaments of the
pelvic floor. It is held at the side of the pelvis by pairs of round ligaments,
running in folds of the peritoneum.

The uterus is a small pear-shaped organ, covered with peritoneum, with a thick
wall of interweaving muscle fibres. It is lined with special endometrial cells. The
openings to the fallopian tubes are found at the upper corners. The two fallopian
tubes are about 10 centimetres long, with finger-like fimbriae at the ends to
encircle the ovaries. The ova are swept down the tube by a combination of
ciliated epithelium and peristaltic muscular contraction.

The menstrual cycle for about the first 4 or 5 days is characterised by sloughing
of bits of the uterine lining with bleeding. The proliferative phase varies in length
and is the time when the body repairs the endometrium. The secretory phase is
composed of the days between ovulation and the beginning of next menses. This

is where the lining thickens in preparation for fertilisation. The combined actions
of the anterior pituitary hormones and follicular stimulating hormones [FSH] with
the luteinising hormones [LH] cause a sudden sharp decrease in oestrogens and
progesterone. This results in menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.

The ovary has two functions, the production of ova and the secretion of
oestrogen and progesterone. It is about 2 centimetres across and 1 centimetre
thick.

Fertilization is the moment of conception and is the most important stage of

sexual reproduction. The joining of the two nuclei, which each contain 23
chromosomes, form a cell of 46 chromosomes, the number required to produce
an embryo. The fathers chromosomes, the XY sex pair, decide the sex of the
baby. When the primary spermatocyte divides by meiosis to form the secondary
spermatocytes, containing 23 chromosomes, either an X or a Y chromosome will
move into each cell. The female pair of chromosomes is the same, XX; so all ova
will contain the X chromosome. The fertilizing sperm will join the ova to form an
XY male or XX female embryo.
RESPIRATION

The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx, the lower
respiratory tract, the trachea, bronchial tree and lungs.

As the air enters the nasal cavity larger dust particles are filtered out by the cilia
in the nostrils. The air passes through them and over an area of moist mucous
membrane, which acts to warm and moisten inhaled air. It also contains the
sense organs of smell. The two nasal cavities, mouth, oesophagus, larynx, and
auditory tubes all have openings into the pharynx.

The larynx is the complex cartilage structure between the pharynx and trachea.
It divides the respiratory passage from that used for swallowing. Its functions are
to prevent food and water entering the trachea by closing the glottis, and to
produce sound. The two vocal cords are membranes that run backwards inside
the larynx. Normally they remain open and still during breathing. When the
laryngeal muscles draw them towards each other, the passage of air will make
them vibrate and produce sound. The faster the air, the louder the sound. The
tighter the cords are drawn together, the higher the note. Voice production is a

highly complex matter of co-ordinating the breathing muscles and the vocal
cords with the lips and tongue.

Respiration is the use of oxygen in the metabolism of the body; it involves the
production of carbon dioxide. The exchange of these gases is through the alveoli
in the lungs. The two lungs are housed in a protective cage formed by the ribs.
The left lung consists of two lobes and is slightly smaller than the right, which
has three. The pleura is a double layer of membrane lining the inside of the ribs.
It is a moist, smooth, slippery membrane and completely covers the outer
surface of the lungs; this reduces the friction between the lungs and chest wall
during breathing.

When taking a breath the air enters the body through the nose and mouth to
reach the back of the throat, called the pharynx. Here there is a region of
lymphoid tissue that removes bacteria and viruses from the inhaled air. The air
now passes through the larynx (voice-box), to reach the windpipe, the trachea.
The trachea is about 12 centimetres long and at its base branches into the right
and left bronchi. Each of these branches into smaller and smaller tubes until they
become bronchioles. These bronchioles have alveoli in bunches at the ends. Any
dust particles that have been breathed in and that have travelled to the lungs
are mainly passed up through the system to the throat and thence to the
stomach. Any bacterium is dealt with by the immune system.

The alveoli work by allowing gases to diffuse across the surface of the
membrane. Haemoglobin combines with carbon dioxide to form
carbaminohaemoglobin. The carbon dioxide moves out of lung capillary blood
into the alveolar air and out of the body in expired air. Oxygen moves from the
alveoli into the lung capillaries. Here the haemoglobin in the blood combines with
oxygen to produce oxyhaemoglobin. This is taken to the cells in the circulation of
the blood while the oxygen moves out of the capillary blood into the tissue cells.
At the same time the waste products and carbon dioxide move from the tissue
cells into the tissue capillary blood. This then goes back to the lungs to be
replenished with oxygen.

There are five types of breathing. These are:

Normal breathing

Hyperventilation - this is caused by rapid and deep respirations

Hypoventilation - this is caused by slow and, shallow respirations

Dyspnoea, where there is laboured or difficult respirations

Apnoea, where breathing has stopped

The respiratory centre has two sources of information about breathing. It needs
to know how far the lungs are stretched and the level of carbon dioxide in the
blood. Branches of the vagus nerve that are responsible for telling the body
when to breathe detect the stretching of the lungs through inspiration. The
fluctuations in the level of carbon dioxide are detected by nerve endings in the
aorta and carotid arteries. During normal breathing the diaphragm contracts and
becomes flatter whilst the rib cage expands. This increases the volume of the
thorax and air is drawn down the trachea into the lungs. This is called inspiration.
Expiration takes place as gases are breathed out. The main muscles for
breathing are the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles, which run between the
ribs.

A deep breath that is followed by closing of the glottis causes coughing. The
expiratory muscles then contract, causing increased pressure within the lungs.
The glottis opens and an explosion of air, the cough, occurs.

Sneezing is caused by an irritation of the nasal mucosa that produces a reflex

similar to that of the cough. The air is violently expelled from the lungs. As this
happens the tongue blocks the back of the mouth and the air passes through the
nose.

Hiccups are caused by a spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm that causes

the air to be rapidly inhaled. As this happens the glottis suddenly closes giving
the characteristic noise.

Rhinitis is usually caused by an allergy and is an inflammation of the nasal

passages. Sinusitis, also caused quite often by an allergy, is an inflammation of
the mucous lining of the sinuses (N.B. This may be caused by intolerance to cows
milk).
URINARY SYSTEM AND EXCRETION

The body has five organs of excretion:

The skin excretes water, salts and urea.

The lungs excrete carbon dioxide, unwanted body gases and water.

The liver excretes bile salts, pigment and bilirubin.

The intestines excrete food wastes, water, salts and dead cells.

The kidneys excrete urine.

Most of the above has been mentioned in previous sections.

Excretion is the process by which the body rids itself of waste products. The
body is continuously producing by-products of metabolism. These toxic products
must be eliminated.

The kidneys are located under the back muscles, behind the parietal pentoneum
and just above the waistline. The right kidney is usually a little lower than the
left. Between them they filter 25% of the cardiac output at every heartbeat. Each
kidney is about 12 centimetres long, 3 centimetres thick and 7 centimetres wide,
and weighs about 135 grams. Kidneys have a cortex that is the outer layer of the
kidney and a medulla that is the inner portion. The pyramids, which are the
triangular divisions of the medulla, have many thousands of nephrons. These
carry out three functions; filtering the plasma, reabsorbing certain fragments like
salts, proteins and water to ensure water balance, and the secretion of waste.

Blood is forced under high pressure into the capillaries of the Bowmans
capsules that are the goblet-shaped collecting cups of each nephron. The
pressure of the blood forces 20% of the plasma into each of them in the form of
water, salts, urea, glucose and smaller molecules. Larger protein molecules and
blood corpuscles cannot be forced through. The kidneys functions include the
excretion of many toxins and nitrogenous wastes. They regulate the levels of
many of the chemicals found in the blood, maintain water balance, and help
regulate the blood pressure by the secretion of rennin.

The ureters are long, narrow tubes of circular and longitudinal peristaltic
involuntary muscle, and are about 25 centimetres long. They lie behind the
peritoneum entering the posterior wall of the bladder at the base of the trigone.
Their function is to drain urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.

The urinary bladder is an elastic muscular organ, and is capable of great

expansion. It lies in the pelvis, in front of the rectum and behind the pubis. In
women it lies in front of the uterus. Supported by the muscles and ligaments of
the pelvic floor, this muscle is formed from strong, interwoven, longitudinal,
transitional and circular fibres, and is lined with mucous membrane epithelium.
The sacral nerves and autonomic nervous system control the bladder, which can
contain up to 500 millilitres of urine. Its function is to store the urine till it gives a
message to the brain that it needs emptying. The sphincter usually remains
closed until that point; only when the inner one is released is the urge to go to
the toilet felt. The final sphincter is under voluntary control - unless we do not
heed the warning!

The urethra is a narrow tube that leads from the urinary bladder to the exterior
of the body. It is a fibroblastic tube lined with a mucous membrane. In men it is
about 20 centimetres long, passing through the prostate gland, pelvic floor and
the corpus spongiosum of the penis. In women it is about 4 centimetres long,
adjacent to the anterior wall of the vaginal opening, behind the clitoris.

It has two functions in men, that of being a passage of male reproductive fluid
(semen) from the body, and a passage of urine from bladder to the exterior of
the body. In women it just acts as a passage for urine, though being short many
bacteria find an entrance to the body very easy. This can lead to women
suffering from many diseases that men do not.

The kidneys produce urine continually during the day and night. The amount can
vary from day to day and is controlled by the kidney tubule that may absorb
more or less of the filtered fluid journeying down it. The instructions to absorb
extra water, if the body is becoming dehydrated, come from the hormone ADH
(anti-diuretic hormone) secreted from the pituitary gland in the brain.

Urine is a pale yellow, slightly acid solution of salts, urea, uric acid, creatinine
and metabolised hormones. Dilute urine will be less than the plasmas specific
gravity of 1010, while concentrated urine may reach 1030. By selective excretion
of acid or alkaline salts, the slight alkalinity of the blood is kept constant. The
total amount of urea, which is passed out of the body remains about the same. It
is dissolved in more or less water, which affects the colour of the urine.
CIRCULATORY

The circulatory system is composed of the heart and blood vessels. Blood
vessels are of three types, arteries, veins and capillaries.

Arteries have to have thick muscular walls to be able to withstand the high
pressure, and as such are fairly elastic. Veins carry low-pressure blood back to
the heart. Capillaries carry nutrients to every cell and have thin walls to allow
nutrients to diffuse through them.

Transportation is the circulatory systems main function.

Blood returns to the heart via the veins. It enters the right atrium via the vena
cava and goes through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle. From here
deoxygenated blood is pumped via the pulmonary artery to the lungs. At this
juncture blood picks up oxygen and travels back to the heart via the pulmonary
vein to the left atrium. The oxygenated blood is pumped via the bicuspid valve
into the left ventricle and then, after passing through the aorta artery, it is recirculated around the body.

Blood contains oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, red and white blood cells and
waste products. Other items that are introduced, like medication, have to be
carried to all the bodys cells.

Red cells are made in the bone marrow; they are specifically shaped like a
flattened doughnut to carry haemoglobin (a protein), which combines with
oxygen in the tissues. When combined it is called oxyhaemoglobin. Blood that
contains a lot of oxyhaemoglobin is red but when blood has only a little
oxyhaemoglobin it is deeper red or purple coloured. This is why blood in arteries
looks red and in the veins looks blueish.

All of the bodys organs will take substances and change or modify them to suit
their needs at that time.

The circulatory system also helps to keep the body at a constant temperature.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

This system is composed of specialised glands that secrete chemicals, known as

hormones, into the blood stream. These hormones affect our daily lives and
metabolism.

N.B. The following list is not a complete list of hormones.

Adrenal cortex - secretes many hormones including Cortisol which affects the
metabolism of glucose protein and fats and Aldosterone that controls electrolytes
and androgens - sex hormones.

Adrenal medulla - Adrenalin is the hormone needed for what is known as panic
attacks, fear and fight and flight, and Noradrenaline that aids in maintaining an
even blood pressure.

Heart - Atrial Natriuretic hormone controls fluid and electrolyte management.

Hypothalamus - releases hormones that instruct the Anterior Pituitary gland to

release or inhibit hormones. It can be said that it controls the pituitary gland.

Ovary - Oestrogen is secreted to help determine female sex characteristics and

Progesterone - male sex characteristics. Both are needed for the 28-day fertility
cycle of women.

Pancreas - secretes Insulin that enables the glucose level to the blood to remain
stable and the cells to have a ready supply when needed.

Parathyroid - Parathyroid hormone stimulates the breakdown of bone and causes

an increase in blood calcium concentration.

Pineal - secretes Melatonin that helps to maintain the body clock, it also affects
the ovaries.

Pituitary secretes Thyroid Stimulating hormone, Follicle Stimulating hormone,

Growth hormone and many others to control pregnancy and the sexual cycles of
men and women. Examples include the making of sperm, milk and the
development of the ovum.

Testis secretes Testosterone that aids in male sex characteristics.

Thymus secretes Thymosin, which promotes the development of the immune

system cells.

Thyroid secretes Thyroxine [T4] and Triiodothyronine [T3] that controls the cell
metabolism. Also Calcitonin that acts to prevent the breakdown of bone mass.

INTERGUMENTARY SYSTEM

The skin is the largest and most important organ in this system. It accounts for
more than 16% of total body weight and is the bodys heaviest organ.

The intergumentary system includes the skin and all its appendages, including
the nails, sweat glands and hair.

The skins primary function is protection because it stops the body being
invaded by bacteria, chemicals and water (think of getting soap bubbles from the
bath water inside you). It helps to regulate the body temperature by sweating
and lets us know whether we are cold or hot, in pain or injured. It also keeps the
brain informed of changes in the environment. In short, it is a sophisticated
sense organ.

There are two layers to the skin - the epidermis and dermis.

Epidermis - a thin sheet of stratified squamous epithelium. New cells are made
in the stratum germinativum, the innermost layer of the epidermis, and these
gradually move towards the surface. As they approach the surface they become
filled with a waterproof protein called keratin. It takes about three weeks for a
cell to reach the skins surface.

This outer layer is firmly attached to the dermis by tiny bulges; it is these that
give us the ridges on our outer skin and on our fingerprints.

The dermis is made up of bundles of collagen and elastin fibres. The number of
elastin fibres decreases with age, this process contributing to wrinkle formation.

The Dermis also contains sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles, muscle
fibres, nerves and blood vessels.

Eccrine sweat glands assist in heat regulation. The apocrine sweat glands found
in the axilla and genitalia areas secrete a thicker secretion than the eccrine
sweat glands. Sweat glands are made up of a coiled tube of epidermal cells,
which are controlled by the nervous system. It is the breakdown of the apocrine
sweat by the bacteria that live on the skin that produces an odour. When hot or
emotional they are stimulated to release sweat. Sebaceous glands are controlled
by sex hormones that open into hair follicles. Their function is to lubricate the
hair shaft and surrounding skin. Sebum may darken to form black heads.

A thick layer of loose connective tissue and fat-filled subcutaneous tissue, which
insulates the body against extremes of temperature, supports the layers of the
skin.

The membranes in the body are a type of skin. Membranes are layers of tissues
that cover, line or divide. Every cell, every organ and tissue is enclosed, covered
or divided by a type of membrane.

Mucous membranes line the body surfaces opening directly to the exterior. They
secrete mucus, which helps to protect the body and fight infections. Synovial
membranes are found in joints that enable movement to take place. Serous
membrane is composed of two layers of tissue and in reality one layer of
membrane covering one surface and another the other surface. In the Thoracic
cavity the serous membranes are called Pleura, and in the abdominal area,
Peritoneum. Parietal membranes line the walls of the body cavity and visceral
membranes line the surface of organs in the body cavity. A membrane called an
amniotic sac surrounds the developing foetus.

Nails are produced by cells in the epidermis; the terminal ends of fingers and
toes become filled with keratin, which becomes hard as a nail!

Hair growth begins when cells of the epidermal layer grow down into the dermis,
forming a small tube called the hair follicle.
THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

Muscles are attached to bone and enable movements by contracting (shortens)

and relaxing (lengthens). Apart from movement, muscles aid in keeping
homeostasis.

An easy example is in the bending of the arm - the biceps contract and the
triceps relax. In straightening the arm once more the triceps contract and biceps
relax.

There are three kinds of muscles.

Voluntary muscles we use as we need to. They operate via signals that originate
from the brain. These are striated or skeletal muscles and consist of fibres
crossed with alternate light and dark bands. They are ideal for moving parts of
the skeleton but become tired after prolonged periods of activity. Conscious
messages from the brain control the strength and speed of contractions.

Smooth muscles are found in the digestive system and are not under our
voluntary control. They contract and relax slowly, and are suited to the job of
continuous movement of substances through the organs of the body, e.g.
intestines and blood vessels.

Cardiac muscle is found in the heart. It is striated but the fibres branch and
connect with one another, so allowing nerve impulses to spread throughout the
whole tissue.

Tendons or sinews join the muscle to the bone or whatever it is intended they
move. They are extensions of the muscle and are formed by connective tissue
that binds bundles of muscle fibres together. They have few nerve endings and
little blood supply.

Ligaments join two bones that form a joint to keep them in place by restricting
the amount of movement they can make. The knee, internal organs like the liver,
the breasts and uterus are examples of where ligaments can be found.

In walking, the body is thrown forward by the powerful muscles in the lower leg,
the gastrocenemius and soleus. These muscles pull on the ankle joint, that is
used as a lever. The extensor (tendons) muscles in the foot bend the toes for the
final thrust forward.

Moving the leg forwards from the hip involves the tensor fasciae latae that joins
the pelvis with the femur and the longest muscle in the body - the sartorious.
The three adductor muscles brevis, magnus and longus pull the leg back to its
original position.
THE SKELETAL SYSTEM

Most people will have seen a skeleton. This section is only intended to remind
students about bones and not to learn the name for every bone. It is inevitable
that you learn the names of some bones (If you look at a chart you think you
know it if you have to look up anything then you probably will learn it).

There are four types of bones, long (e.g. femur), short (e.g. phalanges), flat as
found in the skull and irregular as found in the neck and spine.

Functions of the skeleton are:

To support and give shape to the body - bones form the bodys supporting
framework.

To enable movement to take place - muscles are anchored to the bones. As these
contract and shorten movement takes place.

To protect internal organs - for example, the bones of the skull protect the brain;
the breastbones and ribs protect the heart and lungs.

To provide a storage place - bone supplies calcium to satisfy the needs of the
body. Red and white blood cells are produced in the marrow, which is inside the
bones.

Bones have a hard outer layer and contain a matrix inside. This gives the bones
strength yet lightness.

The human skeleton has two main divisions, the Axial and Appendicular. The
axial skeleton is made up of the bones of the skull, spine, thorax (ribs and
sternum) and the hyoid. In all there are 80 bones. The Appendicular skeleton
consists of the bones of the shoulder, arms, wrists and hands, hip, legs, ankles
and feet. In all this comes to 126 bones.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The organs of the nervous system include the brain and spinal cord, all of the
nerves in the body and sense organs. The system is divided into two divisions,
the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System.

Cells of the Nervous System

There are two main types; these are called neurons and glia.

Neurons are classified according to the direction in which they transmit

impulses. Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the spinal cord and brain from
the body. Motor neurons transmit impulses from the brain and spinal cord to the
muscles and glandular epithelial tissue. Interneurons transmit impulses from the
sensory neurons to the motor neurons.

Glia do not transmit impulses but keep the neurons together in a protective way.
Some glia are quite large and look like stars, because of this they are called
astrocytes. These form a blood brain barrier, a protective sheath that separates
the blood tissue from the nervous tissue. Microglia are small cells that are found
in inflamed brain tissue. By phagocytosis they try to clear up the inflammation.

Neurons provide a communication system between cells and organs. They also
survey where the body is in relation to its surroundings.

Nerve cells do not actually touch each other but send messages via a chemical
fired from one nerve to the next.

The Central Nervous System consists of the brain stem, cerebellum,

diencephalons and cerebrum. The spinal cord has sensory tracts that conduct
impulses to the brain, and motor tracts that conduct impulses from the brain. It
is also the primary reflex centre of the body.

The Peripheral Nervous System is the name given to all the nerves that connect
the brain and spinal cord. The twelve pairs of cranial nerves are attached to the
underside of the brain. These conduct impulses from all our senses; balance,
tongue movements and chewing are examples. The 31 spinal nerves carry the
impulses necessary for sensations and voluntary movements.

The Autonomic Nervous System consists of motor neurons that conduct

impulses to the smooth and cardiac muscles, and the glands. It is concerned with
regulating functions of the body over which we have little control. Examples
include the heartbeat (we can breath in and slow the beat down), gland
secretions and peristalsis.

It is subdivided into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems that

aid each other. The whole balances the homeostasis of the body; the
sympathetic and parasympathetic systems act as a brake to ensure the systems
do no go too fast or too slow or beyond their normal functions.

Examples include the sympathetic system that can accelerate the heartbeat
whilst the parasympathetic slows it down. The sympathetic decreases peristalsis
while the parasympathetic increases it.

Front View of Male Skeleton

Back View of Male Skeleton

Front View of Muscles of the Body

Back View of Muscles of the Body

The following is a list of about 900 diseases and other terms. Included is a brief
resume of the clinical diseases. If you require further information please look at
(worth buying) Mosbys Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. ISBN 1 55664 - 566 - X about 25 and over 2000 pages!

You should try and learn as many as possible, though a good therapist will
always look everything up as necessary.

ABDOMEN - The portion of the body between the thorax and the pelvis - often
referred to as the tummy

ABDOMEN PAINS - Generally abdominal pains needs medical intervention,

especially if nausea, vomiting, fast pulse and/or fever are present

ABDOMINAL BLOATING - The abdomen may be tender and look pregnant,

causes may include constipation, pre-menstruation or excessive gas e.g. from
beans

ABDOMINAL CRAMPS - Sagging feeling or tightness

ABDOMINAL DISTENSION - Causes may include constipation, air swallowing,

malabsorption, cysts or kidney problems

ABDOMINAL - SELF-HELP - Massaging clockwise with the knee bent may help

ABRASIONS - Rubbing off of the skin - sometimes called a graze

ABSCESS - A cavity containing pus usually surrounded by inflammation

ABSENT-MINDEDNESS - Temporary forgetfulness - not as bad as forgetting!

ABUSE-SEXUAL - Often causing long-term emotional problems and a sense of

dirtiness

ACHES - Dull persistent pains usually of chronic intensity.

PAINS - Intense pain, more acute than aches. A symptom of inflammation

ACID/ALKALI BALANCE - pH scale where 7 is acid above 7 alkali. Human skin is

5.5 - slightly acid

ACIDITY - pH of stomach is usually 0.9-1.5

ACIDOSIS - Abnormal increase in hydrogen-ion concentration. An accumulation of

ketones may be caused by poorly managed diabetes. Blood pH is below normal

ACITES - Gland inflammation

ACNE - Sebaceous glands, an abnormality of keratization and desquamation

within a follicle that causes secretion blockage

ADDICTIONS - Uncontrollable dependence on something

ADDISONS DISEASE - Adrenocortical malfunctioning - life threatening

ADENITIS - Inflamed lymph node

ADENOID - Pharyngeal tonsils - may cause respiratory obstruction if enlarged

ADIPOSITY - Adipose tissue inflammation, may be a benign tumour called lipoma

or an adipose tumour

ADRENAL GLAND - Small gland on top of the kidneys that secretes hormones

ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION - Inability of a gland to produce or not provide in

adequate amounts cortical hormones (Addisons)

ADRENAL EXHAUSTION - The adrenal gland provides hormones for preparing the
body for stress. If over-stressed it causes adrenals to fail to keep up with amount
needed

ADRENAL FATIGUE - Follows on from exhaustion and needs medical help

ADRENAL GLAND STIMULATED - Herbs/drugs to encourage the adrenal gland to

work, must also include diet/lifestyle changes

ADRENALINE LEVELS REDUCED - Usually a pre-cursor to adrenal

exhaustion/fatigue

ADRENOCORTICAL DEFICIENCY - See adrenal exhaustion and fatigue above

AGEING SKIN - Can come at any age if skin has been mistreated. Too much makeup, sun, wind, rain or other diseases can all affect the skin. The skin becomes
less elastic, thin and wrinkled.

AGITATION - A psychomotor excitement, symptoms include restless and lethargy

or being highly strung

ALBUMINURIA - Also called Proteinuria. Recognised by the presence of large

amounts of protein in the urine, mostly albumin. May be caused by heavy
exercise, kidney or heart disease

ALCOHOL POISONING - Drinking ethanol (whisky, gin and other spirits) in a large
quantity within a short time. May be lethal

ALCOHOLISM - Dependence on alcohol of any amount. May lead to central

nervous system depression, liver and kidney diseases.

ALIMENTARY CANAL - Another name for the digestive tract

ALLERGIC NASAL PROBLEMS - Headaches, sinus problems and nasal discharge.

See also rhinitis

ALLERGIC RASHES - Almost any allergy can appear on the skin as a rash or spots,
vascular inflammation, wheals or ulcers.

ALLERGIES - An immediate (or within 12 hours), reaction to something

(food/drug/dust etc) that the body does not like.

ALOPECIA - Complete or partial lack of hair that may be caused by age,

medication, shock or skin diseases.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS - The barometric pressure is reduced when above sea level.
The higher one travels - mountain climbing - the worse it is. At 5500m there is
50% less oxygen than at sea level

ALZHEIMERS DISEASE - Progressive mental deterioration mostly affecting those

over 65.

AMAUROSIS - Blindness caused by a systemic disease of the optic nerve or brain,

diabetes or addictions.

AMOEBA - A single celled parasitic organism

AMOEBIASIS - A liver or intestinal infection caused by amoebas. (Parasites)

AMOEBIC DYSENTERY - Inflammation of the intestines caused by infestation with

entamoeba histolytica - may also involve the liver.

ANABOLIC/ISM - The way food is changed into the complex compounds or

chemicals of living matter.

ANAEMIA - A decrease in haemoglobin to levels below normal (4.2m/mm3 to

6.1m/mm3)

ANAESTHETIC - Any substance that causes a lack of feeling

ANAL ASTRINGENT - A substance that causes a contraction of the anal tissue perhaps to alleviate haemorrhoids. E.g. witch-hazel.

ANAL FISTULAS - Ulceration of the skin on the margin (outside) of the anus. Most
are painful when passing faeces

ANAL MEMBRANES - The thin layer of tissue lining the tissue surfaces

ANAL ULCERS - Open wounds at the entrance or just outside of the anus

ANGINA - Paroxysmal thoracic pain caused by myocardium anoxia as a result of

atherosclerosis

ANGIOSCLEROSIS - Thickening and hardening of the walls of blood vessels

ANIMAL BITES - Bites of animals may cause many types of diseases; these must
be avoided. The treatment of bites is aimed at alleviating problems

ANKLES SWOLLEN - Aside from accidents, swollen ankles can be a symptom of

lymph not draining, heart disease or inactivity. (Massage could help, see
aromatherapy)

ANKYLOSTOMA - Nematode that is an internal parasite and causes hookworm

disease

ANOREXIA - Lack or loss of appetite that eventually means a person cannot eat,
this causes tissue dysfunctions and wasting

ANOSMIA - The inability to smell, it may be a temporary condition, like a cold, or

it may be permanent.

ANTHRAX - A disease that is usually confined to animals, humans can get

anthrax from infected cuts or by breathing in the spores.

ANURIA - Urine production ceasing, may be caused by a kidney disease or

dysfunction

ANUS PROLAPSE - The anus mucous membrane protrudes through the external
sphincter

ANXIETY - A vague term that is used to describe undue levels of stress or feelings
that a person is unable to cope with

ANXIOUS - The state of being in anxiety.

APATHY - Suppression of concern, care or emotions that cause a person to be cut

off from reality, sometimes intentionally

APHRODISIACAL - The use of any substance that enhances the enjoyment of sex
or promotes sexual arousal.

APHTOUS SORES - Sores that usually appear as ulcers, named after the part of
the body that is being attacked. E.g. Aphtous stomatitis (mouth)

APPENDICITIS - Appendix inflammation

APPETITE - A yearning for food

APPETITE POOR - Not wanting food or eating little

APPETITE LACK - Not wanting or needing food

APPETITE STIMULANT - A substance that helps to increase the need to eat

ARRHYTHMIA - The heartbeat deviating from normal

ARTERIAL CONDITION - General substance to help arteries to work properly

ARTERIAL SPASMS - The transient constriction of an artery

ARTERIES HARDENING - Ageing, non-activity and the wrong diet may cause
thickening of the insides of the arteries so that they cannot work properly - aim
to clean them out and advise exercise to ensure their elasticity.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS - Pathalogic thickening and loss of elasticity of the artery

walls

ARTHRALGIA - Joint pain

ARTHRITIC JOINTS - Joint inflammation caused by arthritis

ARTHRITIC PAIN - Pain caused by arthritis

ASCARIS - A large parasitic intestinal round worm

ASCITIS - Fluid accumulations, a symptom f disease

ASSIMILATION PROBLEMS - The body is unable to change nutritive foods into

living tissues

ASTHENIA - Loss of energy and strength causing weakness

ASTHMA - Lung disorder that includes paroxysmal dyspnoea and wheezing. May
be life threatening

ASTHMA BRONCHIAL - As above

ASTHMA SPASMODIC - Lung obstruction includes paroxysms of wheezing and

coughing caused by spasms of the bronchioles and inflammation of the bronchial
mucosa

ASTHMATIC BREATHING - breathing that includes prolonged wheezing on

exhalation caused by spasmodic contractions of the bronchi

ATHEROSCLEROSIS - The artery insides become covered with yellowish plaques

of cholesterol, lipids and cellular debris causing the artery tube to become
narrower

ATHLETES FOOT - Fungal infection of the feet but can appear in any damp areas
of the body - under the breasts and the groin are common areas

ATONIC DYSPEPSIA - The feeling of fullness

ATOPIC DERMATITIS - Any eczema that is found on allergy prone people. Think of
it as top, i.e. skin dermatitis

AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS - A large group of diseases where the body cells

attach themselves to other cells

AUTO TOXICITY - Auto means self and implies poisoning of self by self. That is,
one part of the body is poisoning or causing sickness in another

BACK PAIN - Any pain in the back - many causes - find out the true cause before
treating.

BACK WEAKNESS - Again a too general term - find cause and treat it

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS - Any inflammation caused by bacterium. Bacteria are

small unicellular microorganisms; they attach themselves to cells to proliferate

BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS) - Breath is offensive from bacterium, foods eaten,

addictions, e.g. alcohol, or bad teeth

BALDNESS - See alopecia

BED SORES - Are ulcers on any part of the body caused by the pressure of flesh
on a bed and immobility

BEHCETS SYNDROME - A rare illness usually affecting males with severe uveitis
and retinal vasculitis

BELCHING (ERUCTATION) - The act of expelling air from the stomach

BELLS PALSY - Facial nerve paralysis. May be facial trauma of unknown cause or
even stress

BILE STIMULATE - Any substance that improves the flow of bile from the liver to
the alimentary tract to emulsify fats

BILE DUCTS - Transport the bile from the liver to the gall bladder

BILE STIMULATED - Any substance that stimulates the bile flow from the liver to
the gall bladder to the duodenum

BILIARY COLIC - Visceral pain of smooth muscle associated with the passing of
stones through the bile ducts. Also called cholecystalgia

BILIARY DYSPEPSIA - Caused when he flow of bile from the duodenum has an
inadequate supply thus causing a digestion assimilation problem

BILIOUS HEADACHE, BILIOUSNESS - A bile dysfunction of any sort that affects the
balance of body salts. Dehydration is also a cause. Treat medically first in case of
an underlying disease

BILIRUBIN LEVELS - Orange-yellow pigment of bile, if raised it is usually a sign of

liver disease, jaundice etc. Treat medically in the first instance

BLADDER CANCER - Usually aggressive, risk increases rapidly by smoking and by

chemical exposure. Use herbs/essential oils and massage plus cranberry
capsules (preferred), or cranberry drink

BLADDER PROBLEMS - Hernia - where the bladder may protrude through an

opening in the abdominal wall

BLADDER STONE - Vesicle calculus - a stone in the bladder vesicle haematuria bright red blood in the urine is a sign that the bladder wall is bleeding and that
medical help is needed

BLADDER IRRITABLE - Urge to drink that is constant. May be a symptom of

either a disease or of nervousness

BLEEDING GUMS - See also gingivitis. Bleeding gums are often a sign of poor
dental care or of teeth grinding

BLENNURIA - A sign of too much mucous

BLEPHARITIS - The eyelash follicles and meibomian glands of the eyelids become
inflamed. If ulcerous = Bacterial infection Non - ulcerative = non bacterial and
possibly caused by seborrhoea, allergy to eye make-up or sun cream or psoriasis

BLOATED STOMACH - Anything that is bloated is generally the result of too much
air (or gas) in the area

BLOOD FLUKE - Parasitic flatworm - trematoda

BLOOD OXIDANT - A substance that causes illness in the blood, oxidants are byproducts of living tissue but the end result is a build up of toxins

BLOOD PLATELETS - Blood cells that are essential for blood coagulation

BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERED (See HYPER/HYPOTENSION) - Any substance or life

style change that lowers the blood pressure

BLOOD PURIFIER - Any substance, like vitamin E or garlic that cleans the blood
or/and arteries especially of fat and oxidants

BLOOD SUGAR - (See HYPER/HYPO GLYCAEMIA) - The amount of glucose in the

blood essential for cellular metabolism

BLOOD SUGAR BALANCED - The average amount should be around 5 or less than
7. Above 7 is diabetes

BLOOD TONIC - Any substance that enhances the state of blood

BLOOD-SHOT EYES - Redness of the conjunctiva or sclera of the eye caused by

dilation of the tissues blood vessels

BLURRED VISION - A usual cause is ageing but causes can include becoming
short-sighted, or by the formation of cataracts, eyestrain or make-up

BODY TEMPERATURE - Heat is generated by food and metabolism and is lost

through perspiration and radiation. Inflammation causes body heat and often the
cause of any fever is more important to deal with than lowering the temperature

BODY LICE - Small wingless insects that live on the skin. Pediculosis is an
infection of blood-sucking lice that may carry disease e.g. typhus

BODY ODOUR - Stale perspiration causes a fedid smell, perspiration is odourless

until bacteria causes it to smell. Odours can also be caused by diet, disease or
the environment (work).

BOIL - Skin abscess

BONE - Bone is a dense, hard connective tissue

BONE DEGENERATION - May have many causes including diet, other diseases
and accidents. See arthritis and osteo prefixed diseases

BONE MARROW - The semi-liquid tissue that fills the spaces in cancellous bone of
the epiphyses

BONE WEAKNESS - See degeneration above

BOWEL CLEANSER - Often not needed. Most often what is needed is a bowel
movement - the bowel is largely self-cleaning if the right diet is followed.

BOWEL MOVEMENT - Burning may be caused by an allergy to milk (author had

this), diet or acid in foods. May be wise to check sample of faeces medically

BRAIN TONIC - Largely a problem of diet.

BREAST CANCER - A malignant neoplastic disease of the breast tissue. A late

menopause, smoking, drinking alcohol, diabetes, hyper-tension and genes can all
cause either men or women to develop breast cancer to one degree or another

BREAST ENLARGEMENT - This occurs when too much milk is made for comfort.
Some may be expressed off or the cells encouraged to dry up.

BREAST INFLAMMATION/BREAST LUMPS - Can be the result of physical activity

with the breasts being shaken or have been caused by abscesses, bruises, cysts
etc. Check and abnormality with doctors. Some lumps appear and disappear with
the womans cycle. Self-examination is a must for self-preservation

BREAST FIBROCYSTIC - Cysts that are palpable in the breast, vitamin E and no
caffeine are remedies. For breast tenderness cysts may be aspirated and a
biopsy performed to check that the cause is not cancer.

BREATH SHORTAGE - Exercise is a typical example but other causes may

include asthma, shallow breathing of a nervous person or shock. It is the cause
that needs to be found and treated and not the effect of breath shortage

BREATHING DIFFICULTIES - See above

BRONCHI - Part of the inner lung. Small windpipe structures

BRONCHIAL ASTHMA - See Asthma

BRONCHIAL CATARRH - Discharge of mucous thickened because of some

inflammation in this case in the respiratory system

BRONCHIAL DILATOR - A substance that opens up the lungs enabling the toxins
to be expelled

BRONCHIAL INFECTIONS - Any disease associated with the respiratory system

BRONCHIAL SPASMS - Excessive and prolonged contraction of the involuntary

muscle fibres in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles

BRONCHITIS - Acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the

tracheobronchial tree

BROODING - Chronic worrying

BRUCELLOSIS - An animal disease that humans, especially farmers, can get. Also
transmitted through drinking untreated milk. Symptoms include fever, anorexia,
muscle and joint pains. Use antibiotics plus herbs to build the body up when in
the chronic stage

BRUISES - The leaking of blood from capillaries

BUERGERS DISEASE - Called thromboangiitis obliterans, a vascular condition

usually of the leg or foot in which the small and medium-sized arteries become
inflamed and thrombotic

BUNION - Great toe joint enlargement caused by inflammation of the bursa. Can
be caused by degenerative bone disease, or badly fitting shoes or can be
genetic.

BURN - Injury to body tissue caused by heat, chemicals etc. There are grades of
burns dependent on type of burn, position and severity

BURNOUT - Physical or mental energy depletion after a period of stress.

Emotional, psychological and physical help is needed.

BURSITIS - Bursa inflammation leading to joint pain

CACHEXIA - Severe generalised muscle wasting may be caused by malnutrition

or diseases such as aids or cancer.

CALLUSES - Usually painless. A thickening of the stratum corneum where there is

pressure or friction such as on the soles of the feet.

CALMING THE SPIRIT - Chinese theory states that the heart houses the shen or
mind and that if a person is agitated for any reason then calming the shen may
bring peace to him/her.

CANCER PREVENTION - The seven warning signs of cancer are;

Changes is bowel or bladder habits
A sore that will not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickening in the breast or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Obvious changes in the appearance of a wart or mole
Nagging cough or hoarseness

1990 American Cancer Society

CANCER - Unregulated growth of cells

CANDIDA - Yeast like fungus normally living in the body that may grow
uncontrollably causing many problems. When treating find the cause and treat it
as well

CANKER SORES - An ulcer or sore in the mouth or associated with the genitals.

CAPILLARY - Minute blood vessel.

CAPILLARY FRAGILITY - Weakened capillaries that rupture easily when stressed causing bruises

CARBUNCLE - A large site of staphylococcal infection. Contains purulent matter

in deep subcutaneous pockets.

CARCINOMA - A malignant tumour composed of epithelial calls with a tendency

to metastasise

CARDIAC ASTHMA - An attack of asthma associated with heart disease. E.g. left
ventrical failure

CARDIAC DEPRESSANT - Decreases the heart rate and contractility

CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY - An abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle

CARDIAC OEDEMA - Accumulation of serum fluid from blood plasma in the

interstitial tissues - a result of congestive heart failure.

CARDIAC STIMULANT - A substance that increases the action of the heart

CARIES - An infectious disease beginning with the progressive destruction of the

external surface of the tooth crown

CARPEL TUNNEL SYNDROME - Wrist and hand pain induced by compression on

the median nerve between the inelastic carpel ligament and other structures
within the carpel tunnel

CARTILAGE - Nonvascular supporting tissue composed of chondrocytes and

other fibres

CATARACT - Abnormal progressive condition of the eye lens where gradually

there is a loss of transparency

CELL MUTATION PREVENTED - See CANCER PREVENTION

CELLULITE - Non-medical term for fat and fibrous deposits that result in dimpling
of the skin.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) - Brain and spinal cord. This system
processes information to and from the peripheral nervous system. It controls the
whole body

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT - Any substance including

tranquillisers, hypnotic and alcohol that decreases the function of the CNS

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANT - Any substance that quickens activity of

the CNS including caffeine, amphetamines and many addictive drugs.

CEREBRAL - The largest and uppermost section of the brain

CEREBRAL PALSY - A motor function disorder caused by a permanent nonprogressive brain defect

CEREBROSPINAL INFLAMMATIONS - Include, spinal problems generally, spinal

meningitis. Spinal meningitis is an inflammation of the spinal cord

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - The fluid that protects the four ventricles of the brain
and spinal canal.

CERVICAL - Means any constricted area that has a necklike structure such as the
neck of a tooth, cervix of the womb entrance or the neck region

CERVICAL ADENITIS - Enlarged tender lymph nodes of the neck

CERVICAL CANCER - Neoplasm of the uterine cervix.

CERVICAL CYST - mucous cyst of the uterine cervix

CERVICAL EROSION - The lining of the uterus spreads to cover the tip of the
cervix. Not cancerous but usually inflamed and/or prone to infections.

CERVICAL POLYPS - Small fragile bulbous growths on stalks protruding through

the cervix from the lining inside the uterus.

CERVICITIS - Inflammation or infection of the cervix Acute - with symptoms of

viral or/and bacterial attack Chronic - long-term infections that may or may not
have symptoms

CHAFE - Irritation of the skin by friction

CHAPPED SKIN - Skin that is exposed to the weather may become roughened,
reddened or cracked by cold or excessive moisture evaporation

CHEMICAL TOXICOSIS - Any toxic chemical

CHEST - Includes the thorax and the cavity enclosed by the ribs, sternum and
diaphragm.

CHEST PAINS - Nearly always cause anxiety. 90% are caused by coronary
diseases, spinal problems or psychology. Other causes include indigestion, lung,
gall bladder and gastrointestinal problems.

CHEST TIGHTNESS - Improper breathing, respiratory problems or gastrointestinal

problems can all mena that breathing is uncomfortable or painful. Pleurisy can
also be a cause, the cause must be treated and not the effect.

CHEST CONGESTION - See above

CHICKENPOX - A highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpes virus

varicella zoster virus

CHILBLAINS - Excessive exposure to cold causes redness and swelling of the skin
when suddenly warmed.

CHILLINESS - Shivering with cold. May be caused by hypothyroidism.

CHOLECYSTSTIS - Acute or chronic inflammation of the gal bladder

CHOLELITHIASIS - Presence of gall stones in the gallbladder

CHOLERA - A bacterial infection of the small intestine

CHOREA - A nervous disorder that makes a person have an involuntary muscle

twitching or it may be part of a disease pattern

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME - Sometimes called immune dysfunction

syndrome. Fatigue that is disabling accompanied by a myriad of other problems aches, pains etc.

CIRRHOSIS - Chronic scarring of the liver leading to a loss of the normal liver
function

COLD SORES - Herpes simplex - HSV 1. Fluid filled blisters on the skin and
mucous membranes. Infectious.

COLD SORES - HSV 2. Herpes gentalis - infections confined to the genitalis

COLD SORES - See also herpes zoster

COLIC - Sharp visceral pain resulting from torsion obstruction or smooth muscle
spasm, usually of the intestines

COLITIS - Inflammatory condition of the colon

COLONIC POLYPOSIS - Multiple polyps in the large intestine (colon)

COLORECTAL CANCER - Malignancy of the colon

COLOPROCITIS - Inflammation of the colon and rectum (Also called

COLOPRACITIS RECTOCOLITIS)

COMA - State of deep unconsciousness

CONCUSSION - Damage to the brain caused by violent shaking. Can also be the
result of compression due to accident

CONDYLOMA - A wart like growth on the anus, vulva or glans penis. Usually
sexually transmitted

CONFUSION - A state of not knowing the time, place, situation, a person, or

where one is

CONGESTION - Abnormal accumulation of fluid in an organ or body area

CONGESTIVE DYSMENORRHOEA - A form of secondary dysmenorrhoea caused

by pelvic congestion

CONJUNCTIVITIS - Inflammation of the eyelids underside and the white part of

the eye. (may occur in new born infants if the mother has gonorrhoea)

CONNECTIVE TISSUE - Any tissue that binds or supports any other body part

CONSTIPATION - The inability to pass faeces

CONSTITUTION - The general body health and lifestyle of a person

CONVULSIONS - Seizures.

COOLING - Reducing body temperature (or part)

CORN - Horny mass of condensed epithelial cells overlying a bony prominence,

they are natures way of protecting a bone from friction or pressure

CORNEAL - Convex, transparent anterior part of the eye

CORONARY - To do with structures of the heart

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE - Hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries,

which provide the blood, supply to the heart. Called coronary artherosclerosis or
ischaemic heart disease.

CORTICOSTEROID - Steroids produced by adrenal cortex include glucocorticoids cortisol and corticostererone. Chronic overproduction may lead to Cushings
syndrome. High blood levels of glucorticoids increases the numbers of

eosinophils and decreases the size of lymphatic tissues especially in the thymus
and lymph nodes

COUGH - A common symptom of many diseases as the body tries to rid itself of
unwanted toxic material an expectorant will reduce debris

CRADLE CAP - Common seborrhoea on infants

CRAMP - Painful contractions of muscles - can occur anywhere in the body

CROHNS DISEASE - An inflammatory disease of the ileum, the lower part of the
small intestine. (Ileo colitis or regional ileitis)

CROUP - An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract that usually affects
infants under three years of age

CUT - A split in the skin that may be deep or shallow

CYANOSED - A bluish discolouration of the skin, fingernails and/or mucous

membranes caused by a deficiency of oxygen in the blood

CYSTIC - Can be a cyst or can refer to a fluid filled sac

CYST - A closed sac containing fluid or semisolid material. May be in or under

the skin and lined with epithelium cells

CYSTICERCOSIS - An infection of the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, (taenia

solium) or the beef tapeworm (taenia saginata)

CYSTITIS - Inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder and ureters. Many

causes include bacterium and tumours.

DANDRUFF - An excessive amount of a scaly material composed of dead cells.

DEBILITY - Loss of strength, weakness or feebleness

DEGENERATION - The gradual deterioration of the bodily functions or cells.

DEHYDRATION - The excessive loss of water from body tissues that affects the
balance of the electrolytes (especially sodium, potassium and chloride)

DELIRIUM - State of frenzied excitement, wild enthusiasm or an acute disease

causing confusion, restlessness and a feeling of not living in the real world.

DELIRIUM TREMENS - They are a psychotic reaction caused by the cessation of

an excessive intake of alcohol. May be fatal

DEPRESSION - The feeling of continuing sadness, despondency or hopelessness.

(other forms of depression are similar)

DEPRESSION AGITATED - State of chronic restlessness and increased

psychomotor activity and severe anxiety

DERMATITIS - Skin inflammation. Treatment is aimed at finding and treating the

cause. This may mean a change of diet, lifestyle, clothing etc.

DERMATOSIS - A skin disorder that is usually not associated with inflammation

DESPONDENCY - Loss of hope, reality and the feeling of hopelessness

DIABETES INSIPIDUS - A temporary disorder of the hormone system centred on

the pituitary gland

DIABETES MELLITUS - Type 1 diabetes - insulin dependent. A chronic disease

affecting the metabolism caused by the bodys inability to produce enough
insulin to process carbohydrates, fat and protein efficiently. Complementary
medicine can support the body but cannot provide the insulin needed

DIABETES MELLITUS - Type 2 diabetes - non-insulin dependent. A disease of the

metabolism caused by the bodys inability to provide enough insulin - found
mainly among obese adults or those with a poor diet

DIABETES- MALNUTRITION RELATED - Mostly seen in tropical countries where

severe malnutrition is found, also in young people of more affluent countries with
very poor diets

DIABETES-IMPAIRED GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE - Showing abnormal response to

oral glucose tests. 10% will convert to type 2 diabetes within 10 years

DIABETES (BORDERLINE) - See above

DIARRHOEA - The frequent passing of loose watery faeces. Usually a symptom of

other diseases, e.g. food poisoning. Inflammations or gastrointestinal disease.

DIGESTION OF FATS - Certain hormones such as insulin, growth hormone,

adrenocorticotropic hormone and the glucorticoids control the metabolism. If
deficient in these or bile of pancreatic enzymes fat metabolism will be poor. It is
important to balance the intake of fat especially Omega 6 - Omega 3 types.

DIPHTHERIA - An acute bacterial disease that produces a toxin and false

membrane lining of the throat. The toxin damages the heart and the CNS.

DISCONTENTEDNESS - The feeling of not belonging or of being cut off from

society or normal living

DISLOCATION - Displacement of any part of the body from its normal position

DISORIENTATION - Similar to being confused or disconnected

DISTENSION - The state of being swollen

DIVERTICULITIS - Faecal matter can sometimes pass through the thin walls of the
diverticula causing inflammation and abscess in surrounding tissue of colon. May
be caused from growth of polyps

DIVERTICULOSIS - Presence of pouch like herniations through the muscular layer

of the colon and may be the result of poor diet.

DIZZINESS - Inability to maintain normal balance. May be the result of inner ear
problems, weakness, mental confusion or a lack of food.

DRUG DEPENDENCE - Craving for or habitual use of drugs, or a physiological

reliance on a chemical substance. Withdrawal from creates many problems in the
short term

DUODENUM - The first part of the small intestine

DUODENITIS - Inflammation of the duodenum

DYSENTERY - Inflammation of the intestines and colon caused by chemical

irritants, bacteria, protozoa or parasites. Frequent and bloody faeces, abdominal
pain and tenesmus (spasms of rectum or bladder)

DYSMENORRHOEA - Menstruation pain

DYSPEPSIA - Feeling of epigastric discomfort felt after eating may be a symptom

of an underlying disease e.g. peptic ulcer, gallbladder disease or stress.

DYSURIA - Painful urination - usually caused by a bacterial infection or an

obstructive condition in the urinary tract. A burning sensation on passing urine is
common, often a symptom of an underlying disease

ECZEMA - Dermatitis often caused by an allergy to milk, wheat and/or eggs.

ELEPHANTIASIS - End stage of filariasis (type of worm infestation)

EMACIATION - Extreme loss of subcutaneous body fat

EMBOLISM - An abnormal circulatory condition in which a foreign body travels

through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a blood vessel.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE - The debasement of a persons feelings that causes an

individual to perceive him/herself as inept or worthless.

EMOTIONAL AMALGAM - An unconscious effort to deny or counteract anxiety

EMPHYSEMA - Chronic lung condition in which air sacs in the lungs become
overstretched, destroying the elasticity of fibres that open and close the air sacs
during breathing. Eventually the alveolar walls are destroyed.

ENDOCRINE - A process in which some cells produce hormones that are

circulated in the blood or lymph.

ENDOCRINE DIABETES MELLITUS - A form of diabetes associated with diseases

of glands such as the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands.

ENDOCRINE GLAND - A ductless gland that carries out endocrine processes

ENDOCRINE STIMULANT - Any substance that helps the gland to enhance

performance.

ENDOMETRIOSIS - Tissue that resembles the inner lining of the uterus (the
endometrium) that appears at unusual locations in the lower abdomen.

ENDOMETRITIS - Inflammation of the uterine wall or endometrium

ENTERITIS - Inflammation of the mucosal lining of the small intestine - may be

caused by virus, bacterium or inflammatory

ENURESIS - Incontinence of urine - includes bed-wetting

EPIGASTRIC - The area above the stomach

EPIGASTRIC HERNIA - Protrusion of internal organs through the linea alba

EPIGASTRIC PAIN - Pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen

EPIGASTRIC REGION - Part of the abdomen in the upper zone between right and
left hypochondriac regions

EPILEPSY - Disorder of the brain function. Sudden seizures, brief attacks of

inappropriate behaviour, a change in state of consciousness or bizarre
movement are all symptoms. Epilepsy is not a disease it is an uncontrolled
electrical discharge from the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex.

EPISTAXIS - Nose bleeds proper name

EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS (EBV) - The name of the herpes virus that causes
infectious mononucleosis Burkitts lymphoma and other diseases.

EROTOMANIA - Wanting more than normal sexual love or desire

ERYSIPELAS - Infectious skin disease caused by Group A Beta-haemolytic

streptococci

EXHAUSTION - A state of extreme loss of physical or mental abilities caused by

fatigue or illness

EXOSTOSIS - Abnormal benign growth on the surface of a bone, also called

hyperostosis

EYE FLOATERS - Small dark spots in the visual field. Each floater is a shadow of a
mobile vitreous opacity cast on the retina. They are generally harmless but may
be caused by diabetic retinopathy, hypertension or some other disease

EYE TUMOURS - A growth in the eye in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled

and progressive. Eye tumours are of three types retinoblastoma, malignant
melanoma or secondary tumours that have spread from other areas of the body

FACIAL NEUROSIS - Occurrence of pain in the middle ear and auditory canal
caused by inflammation of the optic ganglion

FACIAL TIC - Any repetitive, spasmodic and involuntary contraction of groups of

facial muscles

FAINTINGS (SYNCOPE) - Sudden temporary loss of consciousness

FAT INTOLERANCE - The body lacks the enzymes to assimilate fat. Look for the
cause and treat that. Enzyme tablets may help.

FATTY LIVER - Accumulation of triglycerides in the liver

FATTY FAECES - A stool that contains a large amount of fat. Take enzymes after
checking no underlying disease

STEATORRHOEA - See above

FEET AND HANDS COLD - See Raynaulds disease

FEVER - Body temperature above 98.6F of 37C caused by disease. Fever is

caused by an imbalance between the elimination and the production of heat

FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE OF THE BREAST - The presence of single or multiple cysts

that are palpable in the breast. They are usually benign but need to be observed
for changes.

FIBROID/FIBROMA - A benign neoplasm consisting largely of fibrous connective

tissue

FIBROMYALGIA - Form of nonarticular rheumatism. Symptoms include

musculoskeletal pain, spasms and stiffness, fatigue and sleep disturbance

FIBROSIS - Proliferation of fibrous connective tissue often found in scar tissue as

the body repairs itself from a trauma

FILARIASIS - worm parasites spread by insect bites in tropical climates. The body
tissues attacked are the lymph glands

FISSURE - May be a cleft or groove on the surface of an organ or a cut (lesion) in

the outermost skin of the body entrance

FISTULAE - Abnormal passage from an internal body organ to the body surface or
between two internal organs

FLATULENCE - Air or gas present in large amounts in the stomach causing organ
distension and in some cases mild to moderate pain

FOLLICULITIS - Hair follicle inflammation

FRIGIDITY - Lacking warmth of feeling, unemotional or being unresponsive to

sexual advances

FROSTBITE - Extreme cold on the skin causes temporary or permanent tissue

damage. Can also be caused by the overuse of local anaesthesia for the relief of
muscle and tendon strains

FURUNCLE - Localised suppurative staphylococcal skin infections originated in a

gland or a hair follicle. Also called Boil

GALLSTONES - See cholelithiasis

GANGLION-WRIST - Cystic enlargement of a tendon sheath on the back of the

wrist

GANGRENE - Necrosis or death of body tissue caused by accidents. Diabetes

when the flesh fails to receive a blood supply. Bacteria invade and ulcers
develop. Fatal unless treated

GASTRIC - In the stomach

GASTRIC EMESIS - Vomiting associated with a stomach disorder

GASTRITIS - Inflammation of the lining of the stomach

GASTRITIS ACUTE - Caused by severe burns, surgery or anti-inflammatory drugs

GASTRITIS CHRONIC - Caused by an underlying disease, e.g. a peptic ulcer,

cancer or pernicious anaemia

GASTRITIS-ATROPHIC - Chronic inflammation of the stomach associated with

degeneration of the gastric mucosa

GASTRO-ENTERITIS - Inflammation and infection of the digestive tract - often a

symptom of an under-lying disease.

GENITALS - The sex or reproductive organs that are visible on the outside to the
body

GENITOURINARY - Refers to the genital and urinary systems of the body

GIARDIASIS - Inflammatory condition caused by a common genus of flagellate

protozoans, usually caused by drinking untreated water

GINGIVITIS - Gum infection

GLANDULAR FEVER - Infection of Epstein-Barr virus

GLAUCOMA - The fluid which normally drains into and out of the eye becomes
obstructed - causes blindness if untreated.

GLOMERULONEPHRITIS - Inflammation of the glomeruli (small round filters of the

kidney). A damaged glomeruli cannot effectively filter waste products from the
bloodstream.

GLOSSITIS - Inflammation of the tongue

GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE - There are many types of this disease most of
which are inherited. Disorder of glycogen metabolism caused by a missing
enzyme

GOITRE - Enlarged thyroid gland

GONORRHOEA - A sexually transmitted disease that causes many other diseases

GOUT - Disease associated with an inborn error of uric acid metabolism. Excess
uric acid is converted to sodium urate crystals that are deposited in the joints.

GRANULOMA - A chronic skin disorder - not malignant or infectious, treatment

depends on the cause

GRIPES/GRIPPING - Severe spasmodic pain in the abdomen

GUM BOIL - An abscess of the gingival and periosteum

HAEMATEMISIS - Vomiting of bright red blood. Treat as a medical emergency

HAEATURIA - Abnormal presence of blood in urine

HAEMOGLOBIN - A complex protein-iron compound found in the blood that

carries oxygen to the cells from the lungs and carries carbon dioxide away from
the cells to the lungs.

HAEMOPHILIA - A group of hereditary bleeding disorders caused by a deficiency

of the blood to coagulate

HEMIPLEGIA - Paralysis of one side of the body.

HAEMOPTYSIS - Coughing up blood

HAEMORRHAGE - Losing a lot of blood in a short time

HAEMORRHOIDS - Dilated varicose veins of the rectum or anus

HAEMOSTASIS - Termination of bleeding by chemical or mechanical means

HAEMOSTATIC - The procedure of haemostasis

HALLUCINATION - Sensory perception that does not result from an external

stimulus and occurs in a waking state

HASHIMOTOS DISEASE - Autoimmune thyroid disease

HAY FEVER - Seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by a pollen allergy

HEADACHES - Many causes - the cause must be treated not the actual pain

HEARING LOSS - Conductive hearing loss - the result of damage to the outer or
middle ear

HEARING LOSS - Sensorineural hearing loss is a result of damage to the cochlea

or auditory nerve

HEART ATTACK (MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION) - necrosis of a portion of cardiac

muscle caused by an obstruction in a coronary artery through either
arteriosclerosis or a thrombus or spasm. Treat as an emergency

HEART BURN - Painful burning sensation in the oesophagus

HEART FAILURE - Heart cannot pump enough blood round the body to meet its
needs

HEAT CRAMP - Painful spasms of the voluntary muscles in the abdomen or limbs
caused by a depletion of water and salts. A hot environment or excessive
exercise or shock or fever can cause it.

HEAT EXHAUSTION - As above but without spasms - causes include the above
plus an inability to acclimatize to heat

HEAT STROKE - A sudden and sometimes fatal condition resulting from failure of
the temperature regulating mechanism. This can be caused by prolonged
exposure to the sun or to a high temperature. Treat as an emergency

HEAT HYPERPREXIA - See above

HEBERDENS NODES - Abnormal cartilaginous or bony enlargement of a finger

joint usually seen in degenerative diseases

HELICOBACTER-PYLORI - A bacterium that lives in the stomach wall. Can cause

many diseases but boost people do have the bacterium

HELPLESSNESS - Feeling of loss of control - unable to make autonomous choices

or decisions.

HEPATIC - Pertaining to the liver

HEPATIC COMA - Acute or chronic liver disease that has caused neuropsychiatric
damage where toxins enter the brain

HEPATITIS - Liver inflammation. WARNING There ere five types or hepatitis and it
is important that the type is identified before treatment is started

HERNIA - Protrusion of an organ through the abdominal wall

HERPES SIMPLEX - Skin and nervous blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus.
HSV

HSV1 Oral herpes infections on the facial area usually

HSV2 Herpes genitalis, infections in the genital region

Varicella Zoster virus is the Epstein-Barr virus

HERPES ZOSTER (called SHINGLES) - An acute infection caused by the

reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus. Painful vesticular skin eruptions
that follow the underlying route or the cranial or pinal nerves which have been
inflamed by the virus

HIATAL HERNIA - The protrusion of a portion of the stomach

HIATUS HERNIA - See above

HICCUP/HICCOUGH - The involuntary contraction of the diaphragm

HOARSENESS - Inflammation of the throat and larynx

HODGKINS DISEASE - Malignant disorder that is seen as a progressive

enlargement of the lymphoid tissue

HOOKWORM - The larva enters the human body by penetration of the skin and
travel to the intestines via the circulatory system and lungs. These case
abdominal pains and anaemia

HOT FLUSH - Transient sense of warmth experienced during the menopause

caused by an autonomous vasomotor disturbance

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS - A virus that gradually destroys the immune

system

HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) - A virus that causes warts on the hands and
feet as well as lesions of the mucous membranes of the oral, anal and genital
cavities. A precursor to cervix cancer.

HYDRA DENITIS - Sweat gland inflammation

HYDROCELE - Accumulation of fluid in any sac like cavity or duct

HYDROPHOBIA - An extreme fear of water

HYDROTHORAX - Non-inflammatory accumulation of serous fluid in a pleural

cavity

HYPERACIDITY - Excessive amount of acid in the stomach

HYPERAESTHESIA - Extreme sensitivity of a sense organ such as pain or touch

receptors in the skin

HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA - High concentration of cholesterol in the blood

HYPERGLYCAEMIA - High concentration of glucose in the blood. Associated with

diabetes

HYPERGONADISM - Excessive activity of the ovaries or tested

HYPERIRRITABILITY - Excessive excitability or sensitivity

HYPERKALAEMIA - Excessive amounts of potassium in the blood

HYPERLIPEMIA - Excessive level of blood fats (lipids = fat)

HYPERLIPIDAEMIA - Excessive lipids including glycolipids, lipoproteins and

phospholipids in the plasma. There are several types, check which type.

HYPERPROLACTINAEMIA - Excessive amount or prolactin in the blood caused by

a hypothalamus - pituitary dysfunction

HYPERSENSITIVITY - Excessive response of the immune system to an antigen

HYPERINSOMNIA - Excessive amount of sleep caused by psycholgic rather than

physical factors

HYPERTENSION - High blood pressure over 140/90mm Hg

HYPERTHERMIA - Much higher than normal body temperature

HYPERTHYROIDISM - Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland - causes the metabolic

process of the body to be accelerated

HYPERTONIA - Abnormal increase of muscle tone or strength

HYPERTROPHY - An increase in the size of an organ caused by an increase in the

size of the cells rather than in the number of cells

HYPERURICAEMIA - See gout

HYPOCALCAEMIA - Deficiency of calcium in the serum - many causes.

HYPOCHONDRIA/HYPOCHONDRIASIS - Chronic abnormal concern about the

health of the body

HYPODIPSIA - Health is threatened by abnormally low body fluid intake

HYPOFUNCTION - Diminished or inadequate levels of activity of an organ system

or its parts

HYPOGLYCAEMIA - Less than normal amount of glucose in the blood often caused
by an excessive amount of insulin. My lead to a coma if not dealt with urgently

HYPOGLYCAEMIA - REACTIVE Low levels of glucose in the circulating blood. <45

to50Mg/dl. May be the result of an insulin sensitivity, not eating, poor diet, an
excess of hormones or pancreatic insufficiency (of a lack of enzymes)

HYPOINSULINISM - Deficiency of insulin secretion - diabetes

HYPOKALAEMIA - inadequate amounts of potassium, the major intercellular

cation (positive charged ion), is found in the circulating blood stream. The cause
may be starvation, diabetic acidosis, adrenal tumour or diuretic therapy.

HYPOTENSIVE - Low blood pressure

HYPOTHALMIC AMENORRHOEA - Cessation of menses caused by disorders that

inhibit the hypothalamus from initiating the cycle of neurohormonal interaction

HYPOTHERMIA - Temperature of the body is too low. Usually below 95o F or 35o
C

HYPOTHYROIDISM - Decreased activity of the thyroid gland - many causes

HYSTERIA - General state of tension or excitement - unmanageable fear and loss

of control over emotions

ILEOCAECAL VALVE - The valve between the small and large intestines or
precisely between the ilium and the caecum. It allows the contents to pass in a
forward direction; sometimes it goes into a spasm or abnormal mode causing
pain.

IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISEASE - A health condition caused by a defect in the

immune system generally causing sensitivity to allergens and many infections
and chronic disorders

IMPETIGO - Contagious common bacterial infection of the skin that affects the
superficial layers of the skin

IMPOTENCE - The inability of the adult male to achieve a penile erection

INCONTINENCE - The inability to control urination or defecation

INDIGESTION - See dyspepsia

INFERTILITY - The inability to produce children. Causes can be caused by

deficiencies of either the male or the female

INFLAMMATION - Protective response of body tissues to irritation or injury - may

be acute or chronic. Signs are redness - rubor, heat - calor, swelling - tumour,
pain - dolor. (medical word is second)

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE - Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis

INFLAMMATORY DYSMENORRHOEA - Menstrual pain that accompanies pelvic

infection, fibroids or endometritis

INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE - Tissue reaction to injury or to an antigen

INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM - See rheumatism

INFLUENZA - A contagious infection of the respiratory tract

INGUINAL HERNIA - Loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal. Of all hernias
75% are inguinal

INSANITY - A mental illness that is so severe that a person cannot function

within normal society

INSOMNIA - Chronic inability to sleep or to remain asleep throughout the night.

INTELLECTUALISATION - A defence mechanism in which reasoning is used as a

means of blocking a confrontation with an unconscious conflict. Also the
emotional stress associated with it.

INTERCOSTAL NEURALGIA - Pain in the intercostal spaces of the chest wall

involving intercostals nerves

INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION - Cramp-like pains in the calves caused by poor

circulation to the leg muscles

INTESTINAL COLIC - Spasmodic pains in intestinal disorders

INTOLERANCE TO FOOD/DRUGS - Inability to absorb or metabolise a nutrient or

medication

INTROVERSION - Tending to direct ones interests, thoughts and energies

inwards or toward things concerned with self

IRITIS - Inflammatory condition concerned with the eye

IRRITABILITY - Abnormal excitement or sensitivity

IRRITABLE BLADDER - Constant urge to urinate despite lack of evidence or a

cause

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - Also called Spastic Colon or Mucous Colitis. An

intestine inflammatory, causes can include stress, fast foods, poor diet, fast
eating etc

ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE - A pathological condition of the myocardium caused

by a lack of oxygen in the tissue cells.

ISCHEMIC NECROSIS - Death of tissue caused by an interruption of its blood

supply

ISCHEMIC PAIN - Severe excruciating pain caused by an obstruction of the blood

flow

JAUNDICE - Yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes caused by excessive

amounts of bilirubin in the blood. It is a symptom of other diseases

JOINT SUBLUXATION - Dislocation of a joint

KERATITIS - Any inflammation of the cornea

KIDNEY STONE or RENAL CALCULUS - A stone in the kidney that may stop urine
flowing down the ureters.

LARYNGITIS - Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the larynx

LAXATIVE - Implies the elimination of a soft-formed stool whereas cathartic

implies a fluid evacuation

LEPROSY - A chronic disease caused by a bacterium

LEPTOSPIROSIS - An acute infectious disease caused by a bacterium. The most

serious form of this disease is called Weils disease which is caused by contact
with the urine of wild animals.

LETHARGY - State or quality of dullness, prolonged sleepiness, sluggishness or

serious drowsiness

LEUCORRHOEA - White discharge from the vagina

LEUKAEMIA - A group of malignant diseases

LICE - Small wingless insects

LIGAMENT - White shiny flexible band of fibrous tissue binding joints together
and connecting various bones and cartilages

LIGHT HEADEDNESS - Condition of feeling feint, dizzy and or delirious

LIPOMA - Tumour made up of fatty tissues that are usually benign

LIPS AND TONGUE BLUE - See cyanosis

LIVER CANCER - Malignant neoplastic disease, usually a metastasis from another

site

LIVER FLUKE - Parasitic trematode that is usually acquired by eating uncooked or

partially cooked fish

LOCHIA - The discharge that flows from the vagina after childbirth

LORDOSIS - An abnormal anterior concavity of the lumbar part of the back

LUMBAGO - Pain in the lumbar region caused by muscle strain, rheumatoid

arthritis or other causes. Pain is located in the lower back or the buttock.

LYME DISEASE - An acute recurrent inflammatory infection transmitted by a tick

borne spirochete

LYMPHADENITIS - Inflammation of the lymph nodes

LYMPHADENOMA - Infectious granuloma of the lymphatic system

LYMPHOGRANULOMATOSIS - See above

LYMPHANGITIS - Inflammation of one or more lymphatic vessels usually from

acute streptococcal infection

LYMPHEDEMA - Accumulation of lymph in soft tissue caused by the inflammation,

obstruction or removal of lymph channels

LYMPHOMA - Neoplasm of lymphoid tissue, usually malignant but may be benign

LYMPHOSARCOMA - Malignant tumour involving lymphoid tissue

NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA - See above

MACULAR DEGENERATION - Progressive deterioration of the maculae of the

retina and choroids of the eye

MACULAR DYSTROPHY - Damage of the central part of the retina - symptom of

many diseases

MALABSORPTION - Impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal

tract. Many causes

MALAISE - Vague uneasy feelings of body weakness and distress or discomfort,

may be the forerunner of a disease occurring

MALARIA - Severe infectious illness caused by a species of protozoan

MALNUTRITION - A disorder of nutrition. May be caused by eating an unbalanced

diet or an insufficient diet, or by eating a balanced diet but suffering from
impaired absorption, assimilation or a disease such as celiac disease.

MANGE - Cutaneous disease of both domestic and wild animals caused by skin
burrowing mites. See scabies

MASTITIS - Inflammation condition of the breast

MEASLES - Viral disease involving the respiratory tract

MELANCHOLIA - Severe form of depression

MELANOMA - Malignant neoplasm originating in the skin and composed of

melanocytes

MENIERES DISEASE - Chronic disease of the inner ear, symptoms include

vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus

MENOPAUSE - Cessation of menses, as a the hormones change so various bodily

problems occur all of which are normal, natures way of ending a womans cycle
to start a new one.

MENORRHAGIA - Abnormally long or heavy menstrual periods

MENOSSHOEA - Normal uterine menstrual cycle of discharging of blood and

tissue monthly

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS - Lob abdominal pain at the start of menses (periods)

MENTAL ILLNESS - Any disturbance of emotional normality

MERCURIAL - Any side effect such as mercurial tremor

METABOLIC ACIDOSIS - Acidosis in which excess acid is added to the body fluids
or bicarbonate is lost from them. Acidosis is indicated by a pH below 7.4 of blood.

METABOLIC ALKALOSIS - The opposite to acidosis. E.g. loss of acid plus too much
bicarbonate

METABOLIC BALANCE - An equilibrium between the intake of nutrients and their

eventual loss through absorption or excretion

METABOLIC CIRRHOSIS - Cirrhosis of the liver associated with a metabolic

disease

METABOLIC DISORDER - Any pathophysiologic dysfunction that results in a loss

of metabolic control of homeostasis in the body.

METABOLISM - The total of all chemical processes that take place in living
organisms, resulting in growth, generating of energy and the elimination of
waste material.

MICTURITION - The act of passing urine

MIGRAINE - Recurring vascular headache

MONONUCLEOSIS - Abnormal increase in the number of mononuclear leukocytes

in the blood

MOOD - Prolonged subjective emotional state that influences ones whole

personality and perception of the world

MOTION SICKNESS Condition caused by erratic or rhythmic motions in any

combination of directions. Includes air, car and seasickness.

MUCOUS COLITIS - Irritable bowel syndrome

MUCOUS MEMBRANE - Any kind of four kinds of thin sheets of tissue that cover
or line various parts of the body.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - A progressive disease, caused by a disseminating

demyelination of the nerve fibres of the brain and spinal cord.

MUMPS - Acute viral disease identified by a swelling of the paratoid glands

caused by a paramyxovirus

MUSCLE - Tissue composed of fibres or cells that are able to contract enabling
the movement of bones, organs and body parts.

MUSCLE CRAMP - Sudden intermittent pain in almost any part of the body

MUSCULAR ATROPHY - Condition of motor unit dysfunctions.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY/MYODYSTROPHY - Group of genetically transmitted

diseases

MUSCULAR FATIGUE - Refactory condition in which the contractile tissue of a

muscle loses its response to stimulation as a result of overactivity

MUSCULAR TENSION - Strain that results from muscular contractions

MYALGIA - Muscle pain usually with malaise (also suffix)

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS - Abnormal condition seen as chronic fatigue and muscle

weakness especially in the face and throat as a result of a defect in the
conduction of nerve impulses at the myoneural junction

MYELOMALACIA - Abnormal softening of the spinal cord caused primarily by an

inadequate blood supply

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - Necrosis of a portion of cardiac muscle caused by an

obstruction in a coronary artery through atherosclerosis, thrombosis or spasm

MYOCARDITIS - Inflammatory condition of the thick contractile middle layer of

the muscle cells that form the bulk of the heart wall

MYOMA - A common benign fibroid tumour of the uterine muscle

NASAL POLYP - Rounded elongated bit of pulpy dependent mucosa that projects
into the nasal cavity.

NAUSEA - Sensation of the urge to vomit but one not always leading to vomiting

NEBULA - Murkiness in the urine

NEBULA CORNEAL - Slight opacity or scar that seldom obstructs the vision

NECROSIS - Localised tissue death usually in response to disease (gangrene or

lack of blood etc) or injury (burns).

NEOPLASM - Any abnormal growth of new tissue benign or malignant.

NEPHRITIS - Any of a large group of diseases of the kidney. Inflammation and/or

abnormal function.

NEPHROSIS/NEPHROTIC SYNDROME - Kidney abnormality marked by proteinuria,

hypoalbuminemia and oedema symptoms, or complications of other diseases.

NERVOUS BREAKDOWN - Non technical term for a mental illness serious enough
to interfere with daily activities.

NERVOUS TACHYPNEA - Neurotic symptom of quick shallow breathing

NEUROLOGICAL - Referring to the bodys nervous system.

NEUROMA - Tumour on nerve tissue

NEUROSIS - Mental illness in which anxiety is controlled by avoidance, blaming

others, developing bodily complaints or by other mechanisms

NEURALGIA - A severe stabbing pain that is caused by a variety of disorders of

nervous system origin

NEURASTHENIA - Abnormal condition that includes nervous exhaustion and

fatigue that often follows depression.

NEURINOMA - Tumour of the nerve sheath

NEURITIS - Inflammation of a nerve, it is a symptom of a disease.

NEUROPATHY - Inflammation and/or degeneration of the peripheral nerves

NEUROSIS - Disease of the nerves or a mental disorder

NIGHT BLINDNESS - Poor vision in dim light or at night

NYCTALOPIA - See above

NODE - Small rounded mass

NODULE - Small node

NODULAR GOITRE - An enlarged goitre that contains nodules

OBSESSION - Persistent thought or idea with which the mind is continually and
involuntarily preoccupies and cannot be changed by logic or reasoning

OEDEMA - Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues. Many

causes, treat as a symptom.

OLIGURIA - Diminished capacity to form and pass urine.

OPACITY CORNEAL - Opaque quality of a substance. E.g. cataract

OPHTHALMIC - Pertaining to the eyes

ORCHITIS - Testes inflammation, a symptom of many diseases including mumps,

syphilis or tuberculosis

OREXIGENIC - Substance that stimulates the appetite

OSTEOARTHRITIS - Non inflammatory form of arthritis in which one or more

joints undergo degenerative changes

OSTEOMA - A tumour composed of bone tissue

OSTEOMALACIA - Bone that is soft because it has lost its calcification

OSTEOMYLITIS - infection of bone and bone marrow by a bacterium

OSTEOPOROSIS - A disorder in which abnormal loss of bone density occurs. (Do

not take only calcium; take also magnesium and preferably boron)

OSTEOPHYTES - Proliferation of bone spurs as found in many bone/joint

disorders

OTITIS - Inflammation or infection of the ear

OTITIS EXTERNAL/INTERNAL/MEDIA - Shows which part of the ear has the

inflammation or infection.

OVARIAN CANCER / CARCINOMA - Malignant neoplasm of the ovaries

OVARIAN CYST - Globular sac in the ovary

OVARIAN VARICOCELL - Varicose swelling of the veins of the uterine broad

ligament.

OVULATION PAINS - Sharp lower abdominal pains at times of ovulation

OXALATE - An anion of oxalic acid

OXALIC ACID - Acid found in many plants including rhubarb and parsley,
poisonous if ingested. In foods containing it the substance binds with calcium
and forms renal calculus. (Kidney stones)

OXYTOCIC - Stimulator of uterine smooth muscle - contracts it

PAGETS DISEASE - Non-metabolic disease of bone causing excessive bone

destruction and unorganised bone repair

PALPITATIONS - Pounding or racing heart - may or may not be a cause of

diseasePANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY - Inadequate production and secretion of
pancreatic hormones and/or enzymes

PANCREATITIS - Inflammatory condition of the pancreas

PANIC - Intense sudden or overwhelming fear

PANIC ATTACK - Episode of acute anxiety

PANOPHTHALMITIS - Inflammation of the entire eye

PARANOIA - Having a very suspicious system of thinking

PARAPLEGIA - Motor or sensory loss in the lower limbs and trunk

PARASITE - An organism living in or on and obtaining nourishment from another

organism

PARENSI - Incomplete or partial paralysis

PARAESTHESIA - Pins and needles - numbness, tingling

PARKINSONS DISEASE - Slowly degenerative neurological disorder

PAROTITIS - Inflammation or infection of one or both of the parotid salivary

glands

PARTURIENT - The actual act of childbirth

PECTORAL - Pertaining to the thorax or chest

PEDICULOSIS SYNDROME - Abnormal gynaecological condition with low back

pain, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia

PELVIC INFLAMMATION DISEASE - Any inflammation of the female pelvic organs

PEMPHIGUS - Uncommon chronic disease of the skin and muscle membranes

PERICARDITIS - Inflammation of the pericardium

PERINEAL BODY - A mass of tissue composed of muscle and fascia between the
vagina and rectum in females and between the scrotum and rectum in males

PERIODONTITIS - Inflammation of the periodontium (mouth)

PERIOSTEUM - Fibrous vascular membrane covering the bones

PERIOSTITIS - inflammation of the periosteum

PERISTALSIS - The co-ordinated rhythmic serial contraction of the smooth

muscle that forces food through the digestive tract, urine through ureter etc.

PERITONEUM - External membrane that lines the abdomen wall

PERITONITIS - Inflammation of the peritoneum

PHAGOCYTOSIS - Part of the immune system in which vitamin cells engulf and
destroy microorganisms and cellular debris

PHARYNGEAL - Pertaining to the pharynx

PHARYNGITIS - Inflammation or infection of the pharynx

PHLEBITIS (also called THROMBOPHLEBITIS) - Inflammation of a vein often

accompanied by formation of a clot

PHLEGM - Thick mucus secreted by the tissues lining the airways to the lungs

PHOBIA - Obsessive intense fear of an object

PHOTOPHOBIA - Abnormal sensitivity to light

PITUITARY GLAND - Gland situated in the brain supplying numerous hormones

that govern many vital processes

PITYRIASIS - Number of skin diseases that have in common lesions that

resemble dandruff like scales

PLASMA - The liquid part of the blood

PLEURISY - Inflammation of the parietal pleura of the lungs

PNEUMOCONIOSIS - Any disorder of the lungs caused by chronic inhalation of

dust

PNEUMONIA - Acute inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling streptococcus

pneumoniae. The alveoli and bronchioles of the lungs become plugged with
fibrous exudates.

POLIOMYELITIS - Infectious disease caused by a virus

POLYMYALGIA - Chronic inflammatory disease of the large arteries

POLYURIA - Excretion of a large quantity of urine

POST-PARTUM - The time after childbirth

POST-PARTUM BLUES - Feelings of sadness after childbirth usually to do with the

trauma of birth

POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION - An abnormal psychiatric condition

POST-PARTUM UTERINE SUBINVOLUTION - Inability of the uterus to return to its

normal size

POST VIRAL FATIGUE - Also called M.E. Chronic muscle fatigue unrelieved by rest.
(Often an imbalance of minerals - author)

PREMENSTRUAL TENSION - A syndrome of nervous tension, oedema, headache,

mastalgia and other symptoms thought to be an imbalance of hormones
connected to the womans cycle

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME - See above

PRESSURE SORES/ULCERS - Inflammation, sore or ulcer on the skin over a bony

prominence - can be serious if not treated.

PRIAPISM - Prolonged or constant penile erection, often painful and seldom

associated with sexual arousal

PROLAPSE - Feeling or sinking of any organ from its normal position

PROPHYACTIC - Preventing the spread of disease

PROSTATIS - Acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland

PRURITUS - Symptom of itching

PRURITUS ANI - Symptom of chronic itching round the skin of the anus

PRURITUS VULVAE - Symptom of chronic itching round the genitalia of a female

PSORIASIS - A common chronic skin disorder, red patches covered by dry silvery
adherent scales that are the result of excessive development of epithelial cells

PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS - A form of arthritis associated with psoriatic lesions of the

skin and nails.

PSYCHOSIS - A serious mental disorder

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGIC - Having physical symptoms usually under the control of

the autonomic nervous system

PSYCHOSOMATIC - Having emotional origins and involving a single organ system

PUERPERAL - The period of time immediately after childbirth

PULMONARY - Pertaining to the lungs or respiratory system

PURULENCE - Condition of producing or discharging pus

POSTULE - Small elevation of skin controlling fluid usually puerperal

PUTREFACTION - Decay of enzymes, especially proteins that produce foul

smelling compounds

PYELITIS - Inflammation of the pelvis

PYELONEPHRITIS - Diffuse pyogenic infection of the pelvis and parenchyma of

the kidney.

PYOGENIC - Pus producing

PYORRHOEA - Discharge of pus or a purulent inflammation of the tissues

surrounding the teeth

QUINSY or called medically PERITON SILLAR ABSCESS - Infection of tissue

between the tonsil and pharynx

RABIES - Acute and usually fatal viral infection of the C.N.S

RADIATION - Emission of energy, rays or waves

RADIOTHERAPY - Treatment of neoplastic disease by using Gamma or X-rays.

RAYNAUDS PHENOMENON - Intermittent attacks of ischemia of the extremities

of the body especially fingers, toes, ears and nose, caused by exposure to cold or
an emotional stimuli.

REACTIVE DEPRESSION - An emotional condition that includes an acute feeling

of despondency, sadness and depressive dysphoria which varies in intensity and
duration

REACTIVE HYPOGLYCAEMIA - Low levels of glucose in the circulating blood

related to the diet, pancreas insufficiency, hormones or emotions. It is not the
same as hypoglycaemia of a diabetic

RECTAL ABSCESS - Abscess in the perianal area

RED EYE - See allergic conjunctivitis

REFLUX - Abnormal or return flow of a liquid

REFLUX OESOPHAGITIS - Oesophageal irritation and inflammation that results

from the stomach contents (or part) returning or flowing back into the
oesophagus

RENAL - Pertaining to the kidney

RESPIRATION - The process of the molecular exchange of oxygen and carbon

dioxide within the bodys tissue from the lungs to cellular oxidation processes

RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME - Benign condition that includes an irritating

sensation and itching deep within the muscles of the leg with some twitching and
pain.

RETINAL DETACHMENT - Separation of the retina from the choroids in the back of
the eye

RETINITIS - Inflammation of the retina

RETINOPATHY - Non inflammatory eye disorder caused by changes in the retinal

blood vessels

RHEUMATIC AORITIS - Inflammatory condition of the aorta occurring in

rheumatic fever

RHEUMATIC CHOREA - See Sydenhams chorea

RHEUMATIC FEVER - An inflammatory disease that may affect any parts or all of
the body

RHEUMATIC NODULES - Aggregations of fibroblasts and lymphoid cells that may

accumulate in soft tissues and over bony prominences of patients, usually toes
and fingers.

RHEUMATIC SCOLIOSIS - Form of scoliosis associated with muscle spasms and

acute inflammation.

RHEUMATISM - Name used to cover a large number of inflammatory conditions

of the bursae, joints and muscles. All will include pain and degeneration of parts
of the musculaskeletal system

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - Inflammation of the arterial walls associated with a

rheumatic disorder

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) - chronic, inflammatory, destructive, sometimes

deforming, collagen disease that has an autoimmune component. Seropositive
means the person has the RF (Rheumatoid factor) in their body and will get the
full disease. Seronegative means without the RF factor and will have RA but not
the full-blown disease.

RHINITIS - Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose usually

accompanied by swelling of the mucosa and a nasal discharge.

RICKETS - Abnormal bone formation caused by a vitamin D deficiency.

RINGWORM - See TINEA

SALPINGITIS - Inflammation or infection of the fallopian tube

SATYIASIS - Excessive uncontrolled sexual desire in a male

SCABIES - Contagious disease caused by the itch mite

SCAPULA PAIN - Shoulder blade pain

SCARLET FEVER - A contagious disease caused by haemolytic streptococcus.

Causes enlarged lymph nodes and a red rash.

SCHISTOSOMIASIS - A parasitic infection caused by a species of blood flukes

SCHIZOPHRENIA - Psychotic disorder - includes a gross disorder of reality

SCIATICA - Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

SCLERITIS - Inflammation of the sclera of the eye

SCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine

SCROFULA - A form of tuberculosis with abscesses in the cervical lymph nodes

SCURVY - Severe ascorbic acid deficiency (Vitamin C)

SEBORRHOEA - Overproduction of sebum results in excessive oiliness, may

become infected with bacterium

SEBORRHEIC BLEPHARITIS - Form of seborrheic dermatitis in the eyelids

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS - Inflammatory skin disease recognised by dry or

moist greasy scales and yellowish crusts.

SELF ESTEEM - Degree of worth and competence one attributes to oneself.

SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS - Defect of the inner ear or the auditory nerve
that results in a hearing loss.

SEPTICAEMIA - Blood stream pathogen having spread from an infection that

causes the circulating blood to be infected

SEPTIC ARTHRITIS - An acute form of arthritis caused by bacterial inflammation

of a joint

SHINGLES - See Herpes Zoster

SHOCK - Inadequate blood flow to the bodys peripheral tissues with life
threatening cellular dysfunction.

SILICOSIS - Lung disorder caused by continual inhalation of dust or an inorganic

compound i.e. silicon dioxide

SINEW - The tendon of a muscle

SINUSITIS - Inflammation of one or more paranasal sinuses

SJOGRENS SYNDROME - Immunologic disorder seen by a deficiency of moisture

production on the salivary glands

SMALLPOX - Contagious viral disease that attacks only humans

SPASMODIC ASTHMA - Airway obstruction caused by paroxysms of wheezing and

coughing caused in turn, by spasms of the bronchioles and inflammation of the
bronchial mucosa.

SPASMODIC DYSMENORRHOEA - Difficult menstruation accompanied by painful

uterine contractions

SPRAIN - Traumatic injury to the tendons, muscles or ligaments round a joint.

STOMATITIS - Inflammatory condition of the mouth

STRAINS - Muscular damage usually from physical effort

STRESS - Any emotional, physical, social or economic problem that is more than
a persons intellect, emotions or otherwise can cope with.

STRETCH MARKS/STRIA - A streak of lineal scar that is caused by skin tension

such as pregnancy

STRICTURE - Narrowing of a hollow organ caused by inflammation.

STYE - Purulent infection of a meibomian sebaceous gland of the eyelid

SYCOSIS - Inflammation of hair follicles

SYDENHAMS CHOREA - Associated with rheumatic fever, the cause is a

streptococcal infection

SYNDROME - A complex of signs and symptoms resulting from a common cause

SYPHILIS - A sexually transmitted disease of which there are several stages.

TACHYCARDIA - Rapid heartbeat that is not caused but over exertion

TEMPORAL ARTHRITIS - Progressive inflammatory disorder of the cranial blood

vessels.

TENDONITIS - Inflammatory condition of a tendon usually from strain

TENDON - Dense fibrous connective tissue that attach muscle to bone

TENESMUS - Persistent ineffectual spasms of the rectum or bladder

TENSION - Condition resulting from reaction to stress

TETANUS - An acute fatal infection of the Central Nervous System

THROMBOSIS - Vascular condition in which a thrombus (or clot) develops within

a blood vessel of the body

THYROID - See Hyper/Hypothyroidism

TINEA - Group of fungal skin diseases caused by dermatophytes. Also called

Ringworm

TINNITUS - Noise sensation heard in the ear but inaudible to anyone else

TOXAEMIA - Pressure of bacterial toxins in the bloodstream

TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME - Severe acute disease caused by infection with

strains of staphylocococcus aureus that produces a unique toxin

TOXICOSIS - Disease condition caused by absorption of metabolic or bacterial

poisons.

TRACHEITIS - Inflammatory condition of the trachea

TRACHOMA - Chronic infectious bacterial disease of the eye

TRAUMA - Physical injury caused by violent or disruptive action or by the

introduction into the body of toxins. Can also be caused by a psychic injury from
a severe emotional shock

TREMOR - Rhythmic, purposeless, quivering movements caused by involuntary

contraction and relaxation of opposing groups of skeletal muscles. Many causes.

TRICHOMANIA or TRICHOTILLOMANIA - Pulling ones own hair out

TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS - Parasite protozoan flagellate that causes many

diseases including vaginitis, cystitis etc.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA - Neurological condition of the trigeminal facial nerve,

causes paroxysms of flashing stablike pain radiating along the course of a branch
of the nerve from the angle of the jaw

TRIGGER POINT - A sensitive point to touch on the body, when it is touched it

becomes the site of a painful neuralgia

TUBERCULOSIS - Chronic granulomatous infection caused by an acid-fast

bacterium - mycobacterium tuberculosis.

TUMOURS - Swelling occurring in inflammatory condition or also caused a

neoplasm, which is a growth of uncontrolled proliferation of cells. May be
localised, invasive, benign or malignant.

TWITCH - Contraction of small muscle units - causes a quick spasmodic

contraction or a jerk.

TYPHOID FEVER - A bacterial infection usually caused by Salmonella Typhi

transmitted by contaminated foodstuffs.

TYPHUS - Group of infectious diseases caused by various species of rickettsia

TYRAMINE - An amino-red synthesised in the blood from the essential acid

tyrosine. Tyramine stimulates the release of catecholamines epinephrine and
norpinephrine. It is important that peoples taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MOR or MOI) avoid the ingestion of foods containing tyramine.

ULCER - Crater like lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting from
necrosis that is found in conjunction with inflammatory, malignant or/and
diabetic conditions

ULCERATION - process of ulcer formation

ULCERATIVE BLEPHARITIS - Blepharitis plus ulcers as sticky weeping crusts

ULCERATIVE COLITIS - Chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum

ULCERATIVE INFLAMMATION - Development of an ulcer over the area of

inflammation

ULCERATIVE STOMATITIS - Infectious disease of the mouth. Symptoms Include

swollen spongy gums, ulcers and loose teeth.

URAEMIA - Presence of excessive amounts of urea and other nitrogenous waste

products in the blood - a symptom of other diseases.

URETERITIS - Inflammatory condition of a ureter may be a kidney stone or a

bacterium

URETHRITIS - Inflammatory condition of urethra usually the result of a bladder or

kidney infection

URINARY CALCULUS - Stone in the urinary tract

URINARY TRACT - All organs and ducts involved in the secretion and elimination
of urine from the body.

URTICARIA - Pruritic skin eruption caused by capillary dilation of the dermis that
results from the release of vasoactive mediators including histamine. Often a
result of drugs or allergies. NB If from drugs or foods NEVER have that substance
again without seeing a doctor.

UTERINE - Pertaining to the uterus

UTERINE FIBROID - Growth of fibrous tissue in the uterus

UTERINE ISCHEMIA - Decreasing or an ineffective uterus blood supply

UTERINE POLYPS - Sinking of the uterus from its normal position in the body

UVULITIS - Inflammation of the uvula - often allergy or infection

VAGINAL DISCHARGE - Discharge is secretions from the endocervical glands, any

increase is usually due to inflammation and may have a foul odour. May be
perineum and/or genitalia pruritus.

VAGINITIS - Inflammation of the vaginal tissues, such as trichomonas vaginitis

VARICOSE - Vein abnormality. Permanently distended as seen in bulging veins.

VARICOSE VEINS - Tortuous, dilated vein with incomplete valves

VARICOSIS - Common condition as seen in tortuous abnormally dilated veins.

VASODILATION - Increase in the diameter of a blood vessel caused by inhibition

of its constrictor nerves or stimulation of dilated nerves.

VENTRICULO - Ventrice of the heart or brain (prefix)

VERRUCA - Benign viral warty skin lesion

VERTIGO - Sensation of instability caused by a disturbance in the semicircular

canal of the inner ear or the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem

VESICAL - Pertaining to a fluid filled sac e.g. Bladder

VESICLE - Small bladder or blister containing clear fluid.

VESICULAR - Pertaining to a blister-like condition.

VIRULENCE - Power of a microorganism to produce a disease

VIRUS - Minute parasitic microorganism that has no metabolic activity. It can

only replicate within a cell in a living plant or an animal host.

VISCERA - Internal organs enclosed within a body cavity. Includes the abdominal,
thoracic, pelvic and endocrine organs

VITILIGO - Benign skin disease of unknown cause. The skin pigment is lacking it
appears in irregular areas.

VULVITIS - Inflammation of the vulva

WARTS - See VERRUCA

WEEPING ECZEMA - Inflammatory form of skin disease marked by fluid exudates.

WHITLOW - Inflammation of the end of finger or toe that results in suppuration

(producing pus)

WHOOPING COUGH - Serious contagious bacterial infection of the bronchial

tubes and lungs

WORTHLESSNESS - A component of low self esteem having feelings of

uselessness and inability to contribute to society.

WRIST GANGLION - Cystic enlargement of a tendon sheath on the back of the

wrist

WRITERS CRAMP - Painful involuntary contraction of the hand muscles when

attempting to write. Repetitive strain injury.

XANTHO - Prefix meaning yellow

XANTHOMATOSIS BULBI - Fatty degeneration of the cornea

XEROSIS - Dry skin

ZYGOMYCOSIS - Fungal infection of the lungs - usually fatal

ZYMOPROTEIN - Any protein that functions as an enzyme

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