Medical Dictionary: Glossary (C)

What is calcinosis?

Calcium salts get abnormally deposited in body tissues. Examples include the calcifications in the skin from scleroderma and in the muscle from polymyositis.

What is calorie?

A unit of food energy. The word calorie is the one usually used instead of the more precise, scientific term kilocalorie.

What is carotid artery?

The two important arteries located in the front of the neck, through which blood from the heart goes to the brain. The right and left common carotid arteries are located on each side of the neck. Together, these arteries provide the principal blood supply to the head and neck.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.

What is cholecyst?

This is another name for the gallbladder. The word cholecyst is not much used today but used in words like Cholecystectomy which means removal of the gallbladder.

What is cilia?

The fine hairlike projections from cells such as those in the respiratory tract that sweep in unison and help to sweep away fluids and particles.

What is colon?

The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaining material moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus as stools.

What is colostrum?

A sticky white or yellow fluid secreted by the breasts during the second half of pregnancy and for a few days after birth, before breast milk comes in. It is high in protective antibodies that boost the newborn’s immune system.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This refers to any disorder that persistently obstructs airflow into lungs . COPD is frequently related to cigarette smoking.

What is cyanosis?

A bluish discolouration of the skin and the mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.