Medical terms starting with L
32 entries
- -logistSpecialist in the study and treatment of a body part or disease.
- -logyStudy of.
- -lysisBreaking down, destruction, or dissolving.
- LLiter, a metric unit of volume. Write a capital L; a lowercase l can be misread as the number 1.
- lacerationA deep cut or tear in the skin.
- lacrim/oTears or the tear glands.
- lact/oMilk.
- lancetA small, sharp device used to puncture the skin for a capillary blood sample.
- large intestineThe final part of the digestive tract, made up of the cecum and colon; it is responsible for bowel elimination.
- laryng/oLarynx (voice box).
- larynxThe voice box, between the pharynx and trachea.
- lateralToward the side of the body, away from the midline.
- laxativeA medicine that promotes bowel movements to relieve constipation.
- LDLLow-density lipoprotein, often called bad cholesterol.
- leadA view of the heart's electrical activity, recorded as the voltage difference between electrodes; the word may also…
- leading zeroA zero written before a decimal point, as in 0.5 mg. Always use it; a dose written .5 mg can be misread as 5 mg.
- leuk/oWhite.
- leukocyteWhite blood cell; defends the body against infection and disease.
- LFTLiver function tests: a group of blood tests that check the liver.
- libelFalse, damaging statements about a person made in writing.
- ligamentA band of dense connective tissue that connects bone to bone.
- limb leadsThe six frontal-plane views of a 12-lead EKG: leads I, II and III and the augmented leads aVR, aVL and aVF.
- lip/oFat or lipid.
- lipemiaExcess fat (lipid) in a blood sample, which can cause erroneous test results.
- lipidA fat or fat-like substance that does not dissolve in water, such as triglycerides and cholesterol.
- lith/oStone or calculus.
- lithotomy positionLying on the back with the feet in stirrups, used for pelvic examinations.
- liverThe largest gland in the body; its main digestive job is making bile.
- living willA type of advance directive that lists acceptable medical treatments, especially at the end of life.
- lord/oCurve or swayback.
- LPNLicensed practical nurse (licensed vocational nurse, LVN, in some states).
- lymph/oLymph, the fluid of the lymphatic system.