Medical Terminology Glossary: [U]
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Ulcer A pathological break in the skin or a mucous membrane.

Ulcerative Colitis A disease of the large bowel, characterised by ulceration of the lining of the bowel, bleeding, abscess formation; the pathological appearances are usually characteristic and the cause is unknown.

Ulnar Pertaining to, or towards, the long bone on the fifth finger side of the forearm.

Ultrasound (Diagnostic) The use of the differential reflection of waves with frequencies beyond the range of human hearing to produce images for medical diagnostic purposes, frequencies ranging from 1.6 to about 10 MHz.

Ultrasound, Abdominal The use of the differential reflection of waves with frequencies beyond the range of human hearing to produce images of the abdominal organs for medical diagnostic purposes, frequencies ranging from 1.6 to about 10 MHz.

Ultrasound, Diagnostic (Obstetric or Pregnancy) (Abdominal) The use of the differential reflection of waves with frequencies (ranging from 1.6 to about 10 MHz) beyond the range of human hearing to produce images of the uterus and fetus for medical diagnostic purposes; the probe generating and receiving the ultrasound waves is placed on the abdomen.

Ultrasound, Translabial, Diagnostic (Obstetric)(Vaginal) The use of the differential reflection of waves with frequencies (ranging from 1.6 to about 10 MHz) beyond the range of human hearing to produce images of the uterus and fetus for medical diagnostic purposes; the probe generating and receiving the ultrasound waves is placed in the upper vagina. Umbilical Artery One of (normally) two high-pressure, narrow-calibre, bloodvessels carrying oxygen-poor blood from the fetus to the placenta, and accompanying a single umbilical vein.

Unfavourable, of Cervix Tightly closed and not yet softened in preparation for labour.

Upper g[astro] i[ntestinal] series Radiographic examination of the gullet (esophagus), stomach and first part of the upper bowel (duodenum): the follow-through refers to visualisation of the remainder of the upper bowel.

Upper G[astro]I[ntestinal] Series Radiographs to delineate the inner surfaces of the gullet (esophagus), stomach and upper small bowel after ingestion of a dye opaque to xrays.

Upper g[astro-]i[ntestinal] series Sequential radiographs to delineate the internal structure of the lower gullet, stomach and upper small bowel, after swallowing of a liquid opaque to xrays.

Ureter Tube draining urine from a kidney to the urinary bladder.

Ureterectomy Surgical removal of the ureter.

Ureterostomy Surgical cut into the ureter.

Urethra The anatomical tube which drains the urinary bladder.

Urethral Stenosis Pathological narrowing of the anatomical tube which drains the urinary bladder.

Urinary Tract Infection Refers to anywhere in the whole length of the urinary system from the kidneys, through their collecting channels, the ureters, bladder and urethra.

Urinoma A pathological collection of urine in body tissues.

Uroflo[w]metry Measurement of pressures generated in the bladder during voiding.

Urticaria Itchy, raised rash, changeable in size and shape.

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