Medical Dictionary: Glossary (E)

What is ECMO?

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This is a life support system that circulates the blood through an oxygenating system. This is much like a heart-lung machine that takes over the work of the heart and lungs during open heart surgery.

What is ectomy?

The surgical removal of something. For example, a lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a lump, a tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils, and an appendectomy is removal of the appendix.

What is ectopic pregnancy?

A pregnancy that is not situated in the uterus. The fertilized egg settles and grows in any location other than in the inner lining of the uterus.

What is edema?

The swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess fluid accumulation. Edema is often most prominent in the lower legs and feet toward the end of the day.

What is ELISA?

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a rapid immunochemical test that involves an enzyme used for measuring a wide variety of tests of body fluids.

What is elliptocytosis?

A blood related disease characterized by elliptically shaped red blood cells with possible breakup of red cells (hemolysis) and anemia.

What is embolism?

The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign substance or a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream, lodging in a blood vessel, clogging up the vessel.

What is embryo?

An organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation, from fertilization to the beginning of the third month of pregnancy.