Glossary:
Abdomen: The part of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, gallbladder, and bladder.Acute: Sudden, brief, and severe form of illness.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): An infection due to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) that severely damages the immune system.
Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.
Anemia: A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Autoimmune response: Reaction of the body against one or some of its own tissues that are perceived as foreign substances, resulting in production of antibodies against that tissue.
Basal Cells: Small, round cells found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
Brain: he brain is that portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It functions as a primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called "hemispheres."
Chronic: Of long duration, often years; recurring.
Computed Tomography (CT) scanning: An imaging technique that uses a computer to organize the information from multiple x-ray views and construct a cross-sectional image of areas inside the body. Also called computerized axial tomography (CAT) or CT scan.
