Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"FD&C Yellow Number Five" is more commonly referred to as "Tartrazine" in the medical community. Tartrazine
Also Known As: "Yellow Number Five"
A commonly used yellow dye that is known to cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. The reaction is commonly associated with hives or swelling. More Information on Tartrazine: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"FDA" is more commonly referred to as "Food and Drug Administration" in the medical community. Food and Drug Administration
Under authorization of Congress, FDA researchers and investigators enforce public health laws and safety by monitoring the production, transport and sale of many American goods and services, including food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and more.
Treatment methods for cancer may seem frightening at times. Yet these treatments offer hope for remission and cure. Patients may want to discuss fear with a physician or other health professional to reduce anxiety.
"Feather Allergies" is more commonly referred to as "Bird Allergies" in the medical community. Bird Allergies
Also Known As: "Inhaled Bird Allergen"
Allergic reaction to birds related to inhaling bird allergens. People with a bird allergy are also often sensitive to eating eggs or egg-based products. More Information on Bird Allergies: Animal & Insect Allergies
A test to evaluate how well fat is broken down and absorbed by measuring the amount of fat in the stool after a few days on a fat-free diet. More Information on Fecal Fat Test: Digestive Lab Tests
Also Known As: "Soiling, Loss of Bowel Control, Bowel Incontinence"
Lack of control of bowel (fecal) function. It involves the inability to control the anal sphincter, resulting in the involuntary passage of stool and gas. Causes may be physical or psychological. More Information on Fecal Incontinence: IBS & Bowel Function
Lack of control of bowel (fecal) function. For some women, it may occur as a result of muscle or pelvic floor damage caused by pregnancy or childbirth. More Information on Fecal Incontinence & Women: ObGyn Signs & Symptoms
Also Known As: "FOBT, Immunologic Fecal Occult Blood Test, Immunoassay Fecal Occult Blood Test, Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test, IFOBT"
A test to detect hidden blood in the stool, which may be a sign of cancer. It is not a test of the blood, but rather a test for blood in a stool sample. It may be used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer. More Information on Fecal Occult Blood Test: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
Laboratory tests to determine the composition of feces, which are useful in the diagnosis of many gastrointestinal disorders. More Information on Fecal Tests: Digestive Lab Tests
"FEEP" is more commonly referred to as "Family to Family Education Program" in the medical community. Family to Family Education Program
A self-help approach to psychological education focusing primarily on family-member outcomes and secondarily on the well-being of the patient. More Information on Family to Family Education Program: Therapy & Support
A syndrome occurring in young female athletes that is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. Only one of the conditions needs to be present to diagnose this syndrome. More Information on Female Athlete Triad: Eating Disorders
"Female Cancers" is more commonly referred to as "Women's Reproductive Cancers" in the medical community. Women's Reproductive Cancers
Also Known As: "GYN Cancers, Gynecologic Cancers"
Cancerous cells that develop in a woman's reproductive system, including the vulva, cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina and other structures. More Information on Women's Reproductive Cancers: ObGyn Cancer
Also Known As: "Clitoridectomy, Clitoridotomy, Female Infibulation, Female Genital Cutting, FGM"
Removal of part or all of the female genitalia. A controversial practice usually performed before age 8 in some cultures. Types include infibulation, clitoridectomy and clitoridotomy. More Information on Female Circumcision: Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Female Condoms" is more commonly referred to as "Condoms" in the medical community. Condoms
Also Known As: "Rubbers, Male Condoms"
A sheath, usually made of latex, that forms a barrier to prevent pregnancy or the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during intercourse. There are male and female versions, but the male condom is the most common. More Information on Condoms: Contraception
Also Known As: "Clitoridectomy, Clitoridotomy, FGM, Female Circumcision, Female Infibulation"
Removal of part or all of the female genitalia. A controversial practice usually performed before age 8 in some cultures. Types include infibulation, clitoridectomy and clitoridotomy. More Information on Female Genital Cutting: Vaginal & Cervical Health
Also Known As: "FGM, Clitoridectomy, Female Circumcision, Clitoridotomy, Female Infibulation, Female Genital Cutting"
Removal of part or all of the female genitalia. A controversial practice usually performed before age 8 in some cultures. Types include infibulation, clitoridectomy and clitoridotomy. More Information on Female Genital Mutilation: Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Female Genital Tract Culture" is more commonly referred to as "Endocervix Culture" in the medical community. Endocervix Culture
Also Known As: "Cervix Culture, Vaginal Culture"
A culture (or sample) of tissue taken from the endocervix for laboratory analysis. The endocervix is the lining of the cervix, which connects the uterus and the vagina. More Information on Endocervix Culture: Vaginal & Cervical Health
Also Known As: "Clitoridectomy, Clitoridotomy, Female Genital Cutting, FGM, Female Circumcision"
Removal of part or all of the female genitalia. A controversial practice usually performed before age 8 in some cultures. Types include infibulation, clitoridectomy and clitoridotomy. More Information on Female Infibulation: Vaginal & Cervical Health
"Female Orgasmic Disorder" is more commonly referred to as "Orgasmic Disorders" in the medical community. Orgasmic Disorders
Also Known As: "Premature Ejaculation, Male Orgasmic Disorder"
Conditions in which sexual climax is either absent or delayed despite sufficiently long and intense sexual stimulation. The source of the problem can be physical or psychological, or a combination. Women are more often affected. More Information on Orgasmic Disorders: Emotional Health Basics
The most common type of hair loss in women. Hair thins predominantly over the top and front of the head. Hair loss usually occurs after menopause but can begin as early as puberty. More Information on Female Pattern Alopecia: Alopecia (Hair Loss)
The most common type of hair loss in women. Hair thins predominantly over the top and front of the head. Hair loss usually occurs after menopause but can begin as early as puberty. More Information on Female Pattern Baldness: Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Also Known As: "Female Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Alopecia"
The most common type of hair loss in women. Hair thins predominantly over the top and front of the head. Hair loss usually occurs after menopause but can begin as early as puberty. More Information on Female Pattern Hair Loss: Alopecia (Hair Loss)
"Female Pseudo-Turner Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Noonan Syndrome" in the medical community. Noonan Syndrome
Also Known As: "Turner-Like Syndrome, Ullrich-Noonan Syndrome, Male Turner Syndrome, Turner Phenotype With Normal Karyotype, Familial Turner Syndrome, Pseudo-Ullrich-Turner Syndrome, Turner Syndrome In Female With X Chromosome"
A type of multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that affects the heart, normal growth and development, blood clotting and more. About two thirds of Noonan Syndrome patients have some form of congenital heart disease. More Information on Noonan Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
The body system in females that helps produce an embryo and nourishes and harbors a fetus until birth. Includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina and vulva. More Information on Female Reproductive System: Puberty & Sexual Maturity
A disorder marked by either a loss of interest in sexual activity or an inability to attain or maintain the physical aspects of sexual arousal, such as lubrication.
"Female Sterilization Reversal" is more commonly referred to as "Tubal Reversal" in the medical community. Tubal Reversal
Also Known As: "Uterotubal Implantation, Microsurgical Tubotubal Anastomosis, Tubal Implantation, Tubal Anastomosis, Tubotubal Anastomosis, Tubouterine Implantation, Tubal Reanastomosis"
A surgical procedure to reverse tubal ligation (in which a woman's fallopian tubes are tied closed to prevent pregnancy). It either reconnects two severed sections of a fallopian tube or implants the end of a severed tube directly in to the uterus. More Information on Tubal Reversal: Fertility Issues
"Female Sterilization Surgery" is more commonly referred to as "Tubal Ligation" in the medical community. Tubal Ligation
Also Known As: "Getting the Tubes Tied"
A surgical procedure to close the fallopian tubes, preventing any eggs released from the ovaries from reaching the uterus for fertilization. This form of female sterilization is usually permanent, but can sometimes be reversed with tubal anastomosis More Information on Tubal Ligation: Contraception
"Femoral Access Closure Device" is more commonly referred to as "Hemostatic Device" in the medical community. Hemostatic Device
Also Known As: "Vascular Sealing Device, Collagen Plug, Puncture Closure Device, Vascular Hemostasis Device"
A device that may be used to more quickly stop the femoral artery from bleeding after a catheter-based test or procedure. More Information on Hemostatic Device: Catheter Tests & Procedures
The artery in the thigh that serves as the principal provider of oxygen-rich blood to the leg. In each leg, it branches off near the knee into smaller arteries that supply blood to the lower leg and foot. More Information on Femoral Artery: Heart Basics
"Femoral Endarterectomy" is more commonly referred to as "Endarterectomy" in the medical community. Endarterectomy
Also Known As: "Thromboendarterectomy, Intracranial Gas Endarterectomy, Gas Endarterectomy, Thoracic Endarterectomy"
The surgical removal of atherosclerotic plaque buildup on the walls of blood vessels. It is most commonly performed on the carotid arteries of the neck, but can be performed on blood vessels to the brain, heart and other areas of the body. More Information on Endarterectomy: Stroke
A form of proximal neuropathy affecting the front of the thigh. Nerve damage causes muscle weakness and pain which may progress to complete deterioration of muscle. More Information on Femoral Neuropathy: Neuropathy
The vein in the thigh that serves as the principal vessel for returning oxygen-poor blood from the legs and feet back toward the heart. More Information on Femoral Vein: Heart Basics
"Fenestrated Fontan" is more commonly referred to as "Fontan Procedure" in the medical community. Fontan Procedure
Also Known As: "Fontan Operation"
A surgery to correct one or more severe birth defects of the heart. It is the final stage of a series of three surgeries called the Norwood procedure. The repairs made should grow with the patient and provide a smooth flow of blood to the lungs. More Information on Fontan Procedure: Pediatric Heart
"Fenofibrate" is more commonly referred to as "TriCor" in the medical community. TriCor
A brand name medication (generic fenofibrate) belonging to a class of drugs called fibrates -- cholesterol-reducing medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol. More Information on TriCor: Heart Drug & Medication
The chemical process that splits complex organic compounds into relatively simple substances. Most commonly, it involves the anaerobic conversion of sugar to carbon dioxide and alcohol by yeast. More Information on Fermentation: Carbs & Sugars
An iron storage protein found mainly in the liver. A blood test can measure a patient's iron reserves and reveal whether or not iron treatment is necessary. More Information on Ferritin: Minerals
"Fertility and Breast Cancer" is more commonly referred to as "Reproduction Issues & Breast Cancer" in the medical community. Reproduction Issues & Breast Cancer
Also Known As: "Pregnancy and Breast Cancer"
Planning a pregnancy and/or becoming pregnant raises numerous issues, including the risk of accelerating the growth of tumors, whether to wait (and for how long to wait) for treatment to finish before becoming pregnant, nursing and other topics. More Information on Reproduction Issues & Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer
Planning a pregnancy and/or becoming pregnant raises numerous issues and a number of factors can lead to difficulties conceiving. Women should discuss plans to become pregnant or a pregnancy with a physician. More Information on Fertility Issues: Fertility Issues
Methods of increasing the ability to conceive. Types include artificial (intrauterine) insemination, ovarian stimulation, and assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization. More Information on Fertility Treatments: Fertility Issues
The point at which sperm penetrates an egg, resulting in the combining of genetic material. This leads to the development of an embryo, the first stage of pregnancy. More Information on Fertilization: Growth & Development
A compound related to vanillin that may have health benefits as an antioxidant and anti-cancer substance. It is found in the leaves and seeds of many plants, but especially in cereals such as brown rice, whole wheat and oats. More Information on Ferulic Acid: Herbs & Supplements
Short, shuffling steps characteristic of illnesses such as Parkinson's disease. Festination also is sometimes used to describe speech in which the space between words becomes shorter. More Information on Festination: Movement Disorders
Term used to describe different collections of defects due to fetal alcohol exposure. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe. Also includes alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder and alcohol-related birth defects. More Information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Growth & Development
A group of birth defects that may occur in an infant whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Characterized by stunted growth, abnormal facial features and problems with the central nervous system. More Information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"Fetal Development" is more commonly referred to as "Prenatal Development" in the medical community. Prenatal Development
A fetus grows quickly during the months of pregnancy from an embryo to a fully formed infant capable of survival outside the womb. More Information on Prenatal Development: Growth & Development
"Fetal Heart" is more commonly referred to as "Developing Human Heart" in the medical community. Developing Human Heart
Also Known As: "Prenatal Heart, Fetal Heart Development"
A maturing human embryo has developed its first functional system, a basic circulatory system (including the heart),by the end of the first month of life. The heart continues to evolve until a few months after birth. More Information on Developing Human Heart: Pediatric Heart
"Fetal Heart Development" is more commonly referred to as "Developing Human Heart" in the medical community. Developing Human Heart
Also Known As: "Prenatal Heart, Fetal Heart"
A maturing human embryo has developed its first functional system, a basic circulatory system (including the heart),by the end of the first month of life. The heart continues to evolve until a few months after birth. More Information on Developing Human Heart: Pediatric Heart
A condition in which a baby is born abnormally large (over 4000 grams or 8.8 pounds). It may be more severe in mothers with diabetes. More Information on Fetal Macrosomia: Growth & Development
"Fetal Maternal Blood Incompatibility" is more commonly referred to as "Rh Incompatibility" in the medical community. Rh Incompatibility
Also Known As: "Blood Incompatibility"
A condition in which a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells (usually from the fetus). The Rh antibodies that develop in the mother can cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells. More Information on Rh Incompatibility: Pregnancy Basics
A recently-approved device that uses light waves of different wavelengths to measure an unborn baby's blood oxygen levels before and during labor and delivery. More Information on Fetal Oxygen Monitor: Pediatric Heart
The period of rapid growth from the end of the embryonic stage (roughly nine weeks after fertilization) until birth. During this period, cells multiply, move and change. More Information on Fetal Stage: Pregnancy Basics
"Fetal Testing" is more commonly referred to as "Prenatal Testing" in the medical community. Prenatal Testing
Also Known As: "Prenatal Diagnosis"
Use of various assessments to diagnose health of the fetus. Techniques include ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villi sampling, embryoscopy, fetoscopy and genetic testing. More Information on Prenatal Testing: Pregnancy Basics
An obsession or reliance on an inanimate object for gratification, particularly sexual gratification. More Information on Fetishism: Impulse Control Disorders
A procedure to produce images of the fetus and womb during pregnancy. A tube equipped with a camera is inserted into the womb through a small incision in the abdomen. It can perform other tasks, such as taking tissue samples for biopsy. More Information on Fetoscopy: ObGyn Imaging Tests
The stage of human development beginning when all major organs are developed and continuing until birth. The fetal stage usually begins around the third month of pregnancy. More Information on Fetus: Growth & Development
"FEV1" is more commonly referred to as "Spirometry" in the medical community. Spirometry
Also Known As: "Forced Expiratory Volume, Spirogram"
Lung measurement made with a spirometer used to evaluate airway obstruction. It measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled in a given time period. It is often performed to diagnose the presence and severity of asthma. More Information on Spirometry: Lung Tests
Body temperature that rises above its normal level, typically defined as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), though it varies. It is part of an immune-system response and usually indicates an infection. More Information on Fever: Infectious Disease Basics
A body temperature above 37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Very high fevers may cause seizures in young children. More Information on Fever in Children: Pediatric Signs & Symptoms
Medications that reduce fever. They may belong to a variety of drug classes, including analgesics (pain relievers) and anti-inflammatories. More Information on Fever Medications: Cold & Infections Medications
Medications that reduce fever. They may belong to a variety of drug classes, including analgesics (pain relievers) and anti-inflammatories. More Information on Fever Reducers: Cold & Infections Medications
"FFI" is more commonly referred to as "Fatal Familial Insomnia" in the medical community. Fatal Familial Insomnia
Also Known As: "Sporadic Fatal Insomnia"
An extremely rare form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that is almost always inherited but can occur sporadically. It involves deterioration of a specific area of the brain that influences sleep (thalamus). More Information on Fatal Familial Insomnia: Encephalopathy
Also Known As: "Clitoridectomy, Female Circumcision, Clitoridotomy, Female Infibulation, Female Genital Cutting"
Removal of part or all of the female genitalia. A controversial practice usually performed before age 8 in some cultures. Types include infibulation, clitoridectomy and clitoridotomy. More Information on FGM: Vaginal & Cervical Health
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