Unit 6 Vocabulary: Bodily Functions

Noun (thing)
Alopecia
loss of hair in the top of the head due to genetics and/or hormones
There are several treatments for alopecia including pills and lotions.
Noun (thing)
Coma
a prolonged state of deep unconsciousness
She was in a coma for 37 days before she woke up.
Adjective
Conscious
the state of being awake and aware
During a local anesthetic you remain fully conscious.
Noun (thing)
Diuretic
medication used to force excess water out of the body in the form of urine
As he had difficulty urinating, he was given a diuretic.
Noun (thing)
Excretion
the process of expelling a substance from the body
An excretion from the human body can come in one of three forms: gas, liquid and solid.
Noun (thing)
Feces
waste matter expelled from the body during bowel movements
A wide range of biological information can be gathered by studying feces.
Adjective
Humeral
related or connected to the upper part of the arm
The skin discoloration and pain in the patient's arm indicated a humeral fracture.
Adjective
Intraocular
inside of the eye
You can expect a slight burning sensation during an intraocular injection.
Adjective
Medial
moving toward or having to do with the middle
The middle toe is located at the medial point of the foot.
Noun (thing)
Menopause
the period in a woman’s life when menstruation stops
Many women experience depression during menopause.
Noun (thing)
Menstrual period
the time of menstruation
The regular menstrual period is 28 days long.
Noun (thing)
Menstruation
the monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus
Stomach cramps and bloating often accompany menstruation.
Verb (infinitive)
Micturate
urinate
He claimed that he felt a burning sensation when he needed to micturate.
Noun (thing)
Miotics
substances which constrict the pupil
Miotics are often used to reduce pressure in the eye.
Noun (thing)
Mydriatics
substances that dilate the pupil
Mydriatics such as tropicamide are used by doctors to examine the pupil.
Noun (thing)
Myopia
the state of being short-sighted or near-sighted
Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is the most common vision impairment.
Noun (thing)
Puberty
the period during which sex organs develop
Puberty or adolescence can be a very difficult period of intense change in a young person's life.
Adjective
Urinary
related or connected to passing liquid waste
The human urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder and urethra.
Noun (thing)
Urinary retention
abnormal accumulation of liquid waste
There are many causes of urinary retention which require medical attention.
Noun (thing)
Urination
the act of passing liquid waste
During urination liquid waste passes through the urethra and outside the body.