Medical dictionary

What is the medial collateral ligament? The medial collateral ligament, also called the tibial collateral ligament, is one of the four most important ligaments of the knee. It extends from the inside of the lower thigh bone to the inside of the upper shin bone.   What is the function of the medial collateral ligament? The medial collateral ligament provides stability to the kn

What is the median nerve?   The median nerve is one of the nerves in your arm, extending into the hand. It is the only nerve which passes through the carpal tunnel, one of the passageways that connects the hand to the forearm. The median nerve controls the function and feeling in most of the fingers in your hand, as well as part of your palm. The only fingers the median nerve does no

What is a mediastinal tumour? Mediastinal tumours are a type of cancer that develops in the area of the middle of the chest (mediastinum) between the sternum, spine and the lungs. This cancer usually forms as abnormal tumorous growths.   Where do mediastinal tumours develop? Mediastinal tumours and develop in one of three areas of the mediastinum and usually depend on your ag

What is medical cannabis? Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its compounds, primarily THC and CBD, for therapeutic purposes. It is prescribed by healthcare professionals to alleviate symptoms and treat various medical conditions. THC can relieve pain, promote a sense of relaxation, and stimulate appetite, while CBD has anti-inflammatory and potential anti-seizure pro

What are medically unexplained symptoms? Medically unexplained symptoms refer to symptoms that don’t have an obvious cause. People can have persistent physical complaints that medical diagnostic tests and tools can’t explain. There are many possible unexplained symptoms, including: Dizziness Heart palpitations Chest pain Stomach pain Diarrhoea Constipation

What is malpractice? Malpractice, or clinical negligence, is when a medical professional or organisation breaches its duty of care towards a patient. It can be caused by several types of errors: Imprudence: acting with lack of wisdom, judgement and care. Negligence: omission, carelessness or lack of effort. Inexperience: not having enough training or experience to perform a particular

What is medical psychotherapy? Medical psychotherapy is a treatment used to help people struggling with their emotional and mental well-being. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encourages patients to explore past issues or events that impact their present-day life and cause persistent problems. The patient's thought process is examined to identify the root cause of the mental condition or emo

What is meibomian gland dysfunction?   Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as meibomianitis, is a common eye problem where your meibomian glands fail to secrete enough oil onto the surface of the eye. This oil mixes with water and mucus to keep the surface of your eye from becoming dry. When the glands secreting the oil are blocked, the water on the surface evaporates more

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from the skin cells called melanocytes, which give the skin its pigment. This type of skin cancer can also be called malignant melanoma and is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, with a mortality rate of around 20 per cent if the cancer goes undetected.   What causes melanoma? Melanoma is most often caused by over-exposure to