Glossary U's
urinary tract
Definition:the structures in the body that are responsible for the production and release of urine, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
urinary incontinence
Definition:involuntary release of urine due to the inability to control bladder muscles; may occur as a natural part of the aging process or be caused by an injury or disorder
urinalysis
Definition:group of physical and chemical tests done on a sample of urine to check for various disorders, including those of the kidneys and urinary tract
ulcerative colitis
Definition:chronic condition in which ulcers occur on the mucous membrane lining of the end of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum
ulcer
Definition:open sore that occurs on the skin or on a mucous membrane because of the destruction of surface tissue
umbilical hernia
Definition:condition present at birth in which a part of the baby's intestines bulge through a weak area of the abdominal wall, creating a swelling around the navel
unconscious
Definition:descriptive of temporary or prolonged loss of awareness of self and of surroundings
unconsciousness
Definition:temporary or prolonged loss of awareness of self and of surroundings
urea
Definition:waste product of the metabolism of proteins that is formed by the liver and secreted by the kidneys
uremia
Definition:abnormally high levels of waste products such as urea in the blood
ureters
Definition:two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
urethra
Definition:tube by which urine is released from the bladder
urethritis
Definition:inflammation of the urethra
urticaria
Definition:condition, usually temporary, in which itchy lumps surrounded by areas of inflammation appear on the skin; commonly called hives
uterus
Definition:hollow female reproductive organ in which a fertilized egg is implanted and a fetus develops
ultrasound scan
Definition:imaging procedure used to examine internal organs in which high-frequency sound waves are passed into the body, reflected back, and used to build an image; also, sometimes called sonography or just ultasound