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Diaphragm
Diaphragm The muscle wall between the chest and the abdomen. It is the major muscle that the body uses for breathing.
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Muscle
Tissue made up of bundles of long, slender cells that contract when stimulated.
Chest
The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. The chest contains the lungs, the heart and part of the aorta. The walls of the chest are supported by the dorsal vertebrae, the ribs, and the sternum.
Abdomen
The area between the chest and the hips. Contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
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Diaper rash
Also called "diaper dermatitis," a diaper rash is a skin inflammatory reaction localized to the area usually covered by the diaper. It can have many causes including infections (yeast, bacterial or viral), friction irritation, chemical allergies (perfumes, soaps), sweat and plugging of sweat glands.
Diaper rash, yeast
Infection in the diaper area caused by a yeast formerly called Monilia and now called Candida. These organisms are part of the germs normally found in various parts of the body and ordinarily do not cause any symptoms.
Diaphoresis
Excessive sweating.
Diaphragm (contraceptive)
A barrier method of contraception that is available by prescription only and must be sized by a health professional to achieve a proper fit.
Diaphragm (muscle)
The muscle that separates the chest (thoracic) cavity from the abdomen. The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration. Contraction of the diaphragm muscle expands the lungs during inspiration when one is breathing air in. We rely heavily on the diaphragm for our respiratory function so that when the diaphragm is impaired, it can compromise our breathing. The nerve that controls the diaphragm is the phrenic nerve, which originates much high (at C3-C5). During development the diaphragm moves down and drags the phrenic nerve with it.
Diaphragm pacing
A procedure to help patients with spinal cord injuries to breathe. Their breathing is helped by setting the respiratory rate by electrical stimulation (pacing) of the phrenic nerve. The pacing is accomplished via electrodes surgically implanted into the diaphragm, which is innervated by the phrenic nerve.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A hole in the diaphragm that allows abdominal contents to push into thechest cavity. In severe instances, a baby's stomach and part of the large intestines will displace the heart and lungs, requiring emergency surgery.
Diaphyseal aclasis
A syndrome in which there are multiple enchondromata.
Diapid
Diapid is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): lypressin.
Diaplopia
Double vision.
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Defibrillator
An electronic device used to establish normal heartbeat.
Dehydration
Loss of fluids from the body, often caused by diarrhea. May result in loss of important salts and minerals.
Delayed gastric emptying
Gastroparesis.
Dermatology
The branch of medicine that is concerned with the physiology and pathology of the skin.
Descending colon
The part of the colon where stool is stored. Located on the left side of the abdomen.
Diaphragm
Diastolic blood pressure
The lowest blood pressure measure in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.
Dietitian
A specialist in the study of nutrition.
Digestants
Medicines that aid or stimulate digestion. An example is a digestive enzyme such as Lactaid for people with lactase deficiency.
Digestion
The process the body uses to break down food into simple substances for energy, growth, and cell repair.
Digestive system
The organs in the body that break down and absorb food. Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Organs that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
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