Medical Glossary

Terms starting with A

AbdomenAbdomen: The abdomen is the medical term for the belly, or the abdominal cavity. It contains organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen and pancreas.
AbductionAbduktion: Abduction refers to moving a body part away from the midline of the body, for example lifting the arm out to the side. The opposite is adduction, moving a part back towards the midline.
AblationAblation: An ablation is a procedure in which tissue is deliberately destroyed or removed, for instance using heat, cold or electrical current. In heart medicine, this is used, for example, to treat an area that triggers cardiac arrhythmias.
AbscessAbszess: An abscess is an enclosed collection of pus in the tissue caused by inflammation, usually triggered by bacteria. It often appears as a painful, swollen and reddened area.
ACE inhibitorACE-Hemmer: ACE inhibitors are a group of medicines used mainly for high blood pressure and heart failure. They widen the blood vessels and thus relieve the strain on the heart.
Achilles tendonAchillessehne: The Achilles tendon is the strong tendon at the back of the lower leg that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It transmits the force used when walking, running and jumping.
acralakral: «Acral» refers to the parts of the body furthest away from the trunk, that is, the hands, feet, nose, chin and ears. These regions are often the first to be affected, for example in circulatory disorders.
acuteakut: «Acute» describes an illness or complaint that begins suddenly and usually runs a short and intense course — in contrast to «chronic» (long-lasting).
AdductionAdduktion: Adduction refers to moving a body part towards the midline of the body, for example bringing an outstretched arm back against the trunk. The opposite is abduction.
AdenomaAdenom: An adenoma is a benign tumour that arises from glandular tissue, for example in the bowel, thyroid gland or pituitary gland. Benign means that it does not form secondary tumours; however, some adenomas can change over time.
ADHDADHS: ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a disorder that usually begins in childhood and involves inattentiveness, impulsivity and often a pronounced urge to move.
adjuvant: «Adjuvant» describes a supportive, complementary treatment. In cancer medicine, it refers to a therapy that follows the actual main treatment in order to secure its success.
AdnexaAdnexe: In gynaecology, the adnexa are the appendages of the uterus, that is, the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Inflammation of this area is called adnexitis.
aerobicaerob: «Aerobic» means «with oxygen». The term describes processes or living organisms that require oxygen, such as aerobic bacteria or aerobic energy production in the body.
AlbuminAlbumin: Albumin is the most common protein in the blood and is produced in the liver. It keeps fluid within the blood vessels and transports substances; a low value can indicate liver or kidney problems.
Alkaline phosphataseAlkalische Phosphatase: Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is an enzyme measured in the blood that comes mainly from the liver, bile ducts and bones. Altered values can indicate diseases of these organs.
AllergyAllergie: An allergy is an excessive defence reaction of the immune system to substances that are actually harmless, such as pollen, animal hair or certain foods. It shows itself, for example, with sneezing, a skin rash or breathing difficulties.
AlopeciaAlopezie: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can occur in limited patches or over large areas and can have various causes, for example hereditary, hormonal or as a consequence of illnesses.
ALT: ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is a liver value that is measured in the blood. Elevated values indicate damage to or inflammation of the liver cells.
AlveolusAlveole: Alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place: here oxygen is taken up into the blood and carbon dioxide is released. The term also refers to the tooth socket in the jaw.
Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer-Krankheit: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Nerve cells in the brain progressively die off, which leads to increasing memory loss and impaired thinking.
AmnesiaAmnesie: Amnesia refers to a loss of memory in which memories are wholly or partly missing. It can relate to the time before or after a triggering event, for example after a head injury.
AmniocentesisAmniozentese: Amniocentesis is a prenatal examination in which a fine needle is used to take a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus. This allows certain hereditary diseases and abnormalities in the unborn child to be investigated.
AmputationAmputation: An amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, usually an arm, a leg or individual fingers or toes. It becomes necessary when tissue is severely damaged, for example by circulatory disorders, injuries or infections.
AmylaseAmylase: Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly in the pancreas and in saliva, which breaks down carbohydrates. An elevated blood value can indicate inflammation of the pancreas.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosisAmyotrophe Lateralsklerose: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease of the nervous system in which the nerve cells that control the muscles die off. This leads to increasing muscle weakness and paralysis.
ANA: ANA stands for antinuclear antibodies, that is, antibodies directed against components of the cell nucleus. Detecting them in the blood can be an indication of an autoimmune disease such as lupus.
anaerobicanaerob: «Anaerobic» means «without oxygen». The term describes processes or organisms that do not require oxygen, such as anaerobic bacteria, which grow in environments low in oxygen.
Anal fissureAnalfissur: An anal fissure is a small, painful tear in the skin of the anal canal. It often causes sharp, stabbing pain and bright red blood during bowel movements.
AnalgesiaAnalgesie: Analgesia refers to the elimination or relief of pain without necessarily switching off consciousness. It can be achieved with medication or with targeted procedures.
AnalgesicAnalgetikum: An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. They are available in different strengths, from mild painkillers to strongly acting preparations.
AnamnesisAnamnese: The medical history (anamnesis) is the conversation with the doctor at the start of an examination, in which the doctor asks about your medical history — current complaints, previous illnesses, medications and living circumstances. It is often the most important step towards a diagnosis.
AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxie: Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and can become life-threatening within minutes. Typical signs are a skin rash, swelling, shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure, up to circulatory shock.
AnemiaAnämie: Anaemia is the medical term for a lack of blood: either the red blood pigment (haemoglobin) is lacking or there are too few red blood cells. As a result, the body is supplied with less oxygen, which can cause tiredness, paleness and weakness.
AnesthesiaAnästhesie: Anaesthesia refers to the elimination of pain and, in some cases, of consciousness during an operation or examination. A distinction is made between general anaesthesia (full narcosis) and local numbing (local or regional anaesthesia).
AnesthesiologyAnästhesiologie: Anaesthesiology is the medical speciality concerned with anaesthesia, pain elimination and the monitoring of vital functions during procedures. Anaesthetists also work in emergency and intensive care medicine as well as in pain therapy.
AnestheticAnästhetikum: An anaesthetic is an agent used to numb or induce insensibility. Local anaesthetics switch off pain in a limited area, while general anaesthetics produce full anaesthesia.
AneurysmAneurysma: An aneurysm is a pathological bulging or widening of an artery wall. If it ruptures, it can lead to dangerous internal bleeding; the main artery and vessels in the brain are commonly affected.
Angina pectorisAngina pectoris: Angina pectoris refers to attacks of pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest, triggered by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle. It is an important warning sign of a disease of the coronary arteries.
AngiographyAngiographie: Angiography is an examination that produces images of blood vessels, usually with the help of a contrast agent and X-rays. This makes it possible to detect narrowings, blockages or bulges in the vessels.
AngiologyAngiologie: Angiology is the medical speciality concerned with diseases of the blood and lymph vessels. These include, for example, circulatory disorders, varicose veins and thromboses.
AngiomaAngiom: An angioma is a usually benign growth arising from blood or lymph vessels. A well-known example is the «strawberry mark» of the skin.
AngioplastyAngioplastie: Angioplasty is a procedure for widening narrowed or blocked blood vessels. A small balloon on a catheter is guided into the vessel and inflated, often in combination with a vessel support (stent).
AnosmiaAnosmie: Anosmia is the complete loss of the sense of smell. It can be temporary, for example with a cold, or permanent, and is also known as an accompanying symptom of certain infections.
AntacidAntazidum: An antacid is a medicine that neutralises excess stomach acid. It is used for heartburn and acid-related stomach complaints.
anterior: «Anterior» is an anatomical term of position and means «at the front» or «towards the front side». The opposite is «posterior» (at the back).
AntibioticAntibiotikum: An antibiotic is a medicine that kills bacteria or inhibits their multiplication. It only works against bacterial infections, not against viruses such as cold or flu viruses.
AntibodyAntikörper: Antibodies are proteins of the immune system that specifically recognise substances foreign to the body, such as pathogens, and render them harmless. Detecting them in the blood shows that the body has had contact with a particular pathogen.
AnticoagulantAntikoagulans: An anticoagulant is a medicine that inhibits blood clotting and thus prevents the formation of blood clots. In everyday language it is often called a «blood thinner».
AnticonvulsantAntikonvulsivum: An anticonvulsant is a medication that suppresses or prevents seizures. It is used above all in epilepsy, and in some cases also for certain types of nerve pain.
AntidepressantAntidepressivum: An antidepressant is a medicine used to treat depression and, in some cases, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders as well. It influences messenger substances in the brain that are involved in mood and drive.
AntiemeticAntiemetikum: An antiemetic is a medicine against nausea and vomiting. It is used, for example, for travel sickness, after operations or during chemotherapy.
AntifungalAntimykotikum: An antifungal is a medicine against fungal infections. It is used, for example, for fungal infections of the skin, nails or mucous membranes.
AntigenAntigen: An antigen is a structure, usually a protein, that is recognised as foreign by the immune system and triggers a defence reaction. Antigens are found, for example, on the surface of pathogens.
AntihistamineAntihistaminikum: An antihistamine is a medicine that inhibits the effect of the body's own messenger substance histamine. It is used above all for allergic complaints such as itching, sneezing and hives.
AntihypertensiveAntihypertensivum: An antihypertensive is a medication used to lower high blood pressure. There are various groups of active substances, which are often also used in combination.
AntipyreticAntipyretikum: An antipyretic is a fever-reducing medicine. Many of these medicines also relieve pain at the same time.
Anxiety disorderAngststörung: An anxiety disorder is a mental illness in which anxiety occurs excessively strongly, frequently or without any real threat and impairs everyday life. It includes, for example, panic disorders, phobias and generalised anxiety disorder.
AortaAorta: The aorta is the largest artery in the body and arises directly from the heart. It carries the oxygen-rich blood from the heart into the entire circulation of the body.
AphthaAphthe: An aphtha (canker sore) is a small, painful inflamed spot on the lining of the mouth. It appears as a whitish-yellow patch with a reddened border and usually heals on its own.
ApneaApnoe: Apnoea refers to a temporary stopping of breathing. In sleep apnoea, such pauses in breathing occur repeatedly during sleep, which can lead to restless sleep and daytime sleepiness.
AppendicitisAppendizitis: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix on the large intestine, commonly known as «inflammation of the caecum». Typical signs are abdominal pain that shifts to the lower right abdomen, often with nausea and fever.
AppendixAppendix: The appendix (vermiform appendix) is a small, worm-shaped attachment at the beginning of the large intestine. In everyday language, its inflammation is incorrectly called «inflammation of the caecum».
ArrhythmiaArrhythmie: An arrhythmia is a disturbance of the normal heart rhythm: the heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, others can endanger the circulation.
ArterioleArteriole: Arterioles are the smallest arteries, which pass the blood on into the fine hair-like vessels (capillaries). Through their width they regulate blood pressure and the blood supply to the tissues.
ArteriosclerosisArteriosklerose: Arteriosclerosis is the «hardening» of the arteries: fat, calcium and connective tissue are deposited on the vessel walls, causing the vessels to narrow and stiffen. It is an important cause of heart attack and stroke.
ArteryArterie: Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart into the body. They usually transport oxygen-rich blood; the exception is the pulmonary artery.
ArthritisArthritis: Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints, often accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. It can be triggered by infections, metabolic disorders (such as gout), rheumatic diseases, or as an inflammatory flare of osteoarthritis (activated osteoarthritis).
ArthroscopyArthroskopie: Arthroscopy is an examination of the inside of a joint: a camera and fine instruments are inserted into a joint through small skin incisions. This allows joint damage to be examined and often treated during the same procedure.
AspirationAspiration: Aspiration refers, on the one hand, to drawing off fluid or tissue with a needle or syringe for examination and, on the other hand, to the accidental breathing in of saliva, food or fluid into the airways.
AST: AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is measured in the blood and occurs above all in the liver, heart and muscles. Elevated values can indicate damage to these organs.
AsthmaAsthma: Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways in which the bronchial tubes narrow and become inflamed in attacks. Typical signs are shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
asymptomaticasymptomatisch: «Asymptomatic» means that a disease or infection is present without the person affected noticing any symptoms. The illness is then often only discovered by chance.
AsystoleAsystolie: Asystole refers to the complete standstill of heart activity, in which the heart no longer sends out electrical signals and no longer pumps. It is a life-threatening emergency, known as cardiac arrest.
AtaxiaAtaxie: Ataxia refers to a disturbance of movement coordination, in which movements are imprecise, unsteady and poorly coordinated. It shows itself, for example, as an unsteady gait or clumsy grasping and usually has a cause in the nervous system.
AtriumAtrium: The atrium is an upper chamber of the heart. The two atria receive the blood flowing back to the heart and pass it on to the ventricles.
AtrophyAtrophie: Atrophy refers to the shrinking or wasting away of tissue or organs, for example the shrinking of muscles when they are not used for a longer period. It can result from ageing, illness, inadequate nutrient supply or lack of use.
atypicalatypisch: «Atypical» describes a finding or course that deviates from the usual, expected pattern. An atypical course of illness, for example, does not show the classic symptoms.
AudiometryAudiometrie: Audiometry is an examination to measure hearing ability. It tests which tones and volumes a person can perceive, in order to determine the type and extent of a hearing impairment.
AuscultationAuskultation: Auscultation is listening to the body with a stethoscope, usually to the heart, lungs and bowel. From the sounds, the doctor can obtain indications of diseases of these organs.
Autoimmune diseaseAutoimmunerkrankung: In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly turns against the body's own tissue and damages it. Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and the thyroid disease Hashimoto's.
AutopsyAutopsie: An autopsy is an internal post-mortem examination in which a deceased body is examined in order to determine the cause of death and any disease-related changes. It also serves quality assurance and medical research.
AV blockAV-Block: An AV block is a disturbance of the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart between the atria and the ventricles. Depending on its extent, the heartbeat slows down or beats are missed, which can cause dizziness or fainting.
AxillaAxilla: The axilla is the medical term for the armpit. Important blood vessels, nerves and lymph nodes run through it.
ContraceptionAntikonzeption: Contraception (anticonception) is the technical term for the prevention of conception, that is, measures intended to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. These include, for example, the «pill», coils (IUDs) and barrier methods such as the condom.
General medicineAllgemeinmedizin: General medicine is the specialty of family doctors. It is usually the first point of contact for health problems and provides comprehensive, long-term care for people, regardless of their age and the type of complaints.
ObesityAdipositas: Obesity is the medical term for severe overweight with a pathologically increased body fat percentage. It increases the risk of secondary conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and joint problems.
OphthalmologyAugenheilkunde: Ophthalmology is the medical speciality that deals with diseases of the eye and of vision. This includes, for example, refractive errors, cataract and glaucoma as well as diseases of the retina.
OsteoarthritisArthrose: Osteoarthritis is a progressive wearing away of the joint cartilage, which leads to pain and restricted mobility. The knees, hips and hands are frequently affected.
outpatientambulant: «Outpatient» means that a treatment or examination takes place without an overnight stay in hospital — the patient comes for the appointment and goes home again the same day. The opposite is «inpatient».
RashAusschlag: A rash (medically: exanthema) is a visible change of the skin over a larger area, for example with redness, patches, small bumps or blisters. It can be caused by infections, allergies or other illnesses.
SeizureAnfall: An attack or seizure is the sudden, usually time-limited occurrence of symptoms. An epileptic seizure, for example, is caused by a temporary functional disturbance in the brain and can show itself with convulsions and impaired consciousness.
StrokeApoplex: Apoplexy is a technical term for a stroke, a sudden disturbance of the blood supply to the brain caused by a blocked or ruptured vessel. It is an emergency that can lead to paralysis and to speech and vision problems.
SwabAbstrich: A swab is the taking of a sample from a body surface or mucous membrane using a cotton-tipped applicator, for example from the throat, nose or cervix. The sample is then examined for pathogens or suspicious cells.