Glossary

BioScience.com.pk try the best to avoid the use of medical terms that could make it more difficult to understand the information on this website. Still, there are a number of terms that can’t be avoided and that are useful to know because they are so often used by the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals with whom you might speak. The list below includes the terms used on BioScience.com.pk for which we have provided definitions.

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Term Definition
Hyperlipoproteinemia

Higher than normal lipoprotein levels in the blood
Hyperlipidemia

Higher than normal cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels in the blood
Hyperkalemia

Higher than normal potassium levels in the blood
Hyperinsulinemia

Elevated levels of insulin in the blood
Hyperglycemia

Higher than normal glucose levels in the blood
Hypercalcemia

Higher than normal calcium level in the blood
Hydropic

Retaining excessive amounts of fluids
Hydrocephalus

A condition in which the chambers (ventricles) within the brain become enlarged due to an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid
Human leukocyte antigens

Also known as: HLA


Group of proteins present on the surface of white blood cells (leukocytes) and other nucleated cells (containing a nucleus). These proteins help the body’s immune system to identify its own cells and to distinguish between “self” and “nonself.” Each person has an inherited combination of HLA antigens and, while not as unique as a fingerprint, the presence or absence of each antigen creates a distinctive HLA combination for each person. HLA antigens are divided into types: Class I (A, B, C) and Class II (DR, DP, DQ).
Hirsutism

Abnormal hairiness, especially an adult male pattern of hair distribution in a female
Heterozygous

Having two different copies of a particular gene, one of which may be abnormal
Heterophile Antibody

A human antibody that reacts with proteins from another species; may lead to innaccurate results in immunoassay tests; sometimes used to refer to antibodies associated with infectious mononucleosis
Hereditary

Genetic; passed from parent to offspring
Hepatocellular carcinoma

Also known as: HCC

Cancer that originates in the cells of the liver; this type of cancer may develop in those who have certain forms of cirrhosis or who have had a hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection; may develop years after initial infection.
Hemostasis

The stopping of bleeding or the flow of blood