Medical Glossary
Terms starting with U
- UlcerUlkus
- An ulcer is a sore, that is, a deep defect of the skin or mucous membrane that heals poorly. Well-known examples are the gastric ulcer and the «open leg» in circulatory disorders.
- Ulcus cruris
- Ulcus cruris is an open, poorly healing ulcer on the lower leg, colloquially known as an «open leg». The cause is usually a circulatory disorder of the veins or arteries.
- Ulna
- The ulna is one of the two bones of the forearm. Together with the radius it enables the rotating and bending movements of the forearm.
- UltrasoundUltraschall
- Ultrasound is an examination method that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is painless, involves no radiation and is used, among other things, during pregnancy and to examine organs.
- UremiaUrämie
- Uraemia is a poisoning of the body by waste substances normally excreted in the urine, which build up in the blood in severe kidney failure. It can lead to nausea, fatigue and impaired consciousness.
- Ureter
- The ureter is the thin tube that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder. Every person has two ureters, one per kidney.
- Urethra
- The urethra is the passage through which urine leaves the bladder and exits the body. In men it also runs through the penis and serves for ejaculation as well.
- UrineUrin
- Urine is the fluid produced by the kidneys, through which the body excretes water and waste substances. Examining it provides indications of diseases of the kidneys, the bladder or the metabolism.
- UrologyUrologie
- Urology is the medical speciality concerned with the urinary organs in women and men as well as the male reproductive organs. It deals, for example, with kidney stones, bladder complaints and prostate disorders.
- Urosepsis
- Urosepsis is a life-threatening blood poisoning that originates from an infection of the urinary tract. It is an emergency and must be treated promptly in hospital.
- UrticariaUrtikaria
- Urticaria is an itchy skin rash with weals, similar to that following contact with stinging nettles. It can be triggered by allergies, infections or other stimuli.
- Uterus
- The uterus is the womb, the female organ in which the child develops during pregnancy. During menstruation the lining of the uterus is shed.
- Uveitis
- Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris among other structures. It can lead to redness of the eye, pain and visual disturbances.
- Uvula
- The uvula is the small projection at the rear edge of the soft palate. It is involved in swallowing and in the formation of sounds.