Medical terms glossary - L

This medical term glossary provides explanations in plain English of a number of technical terms you may encounter in the process of pursuing a clinical negligence claim.

Labial - Of or relating to either the lips of the mouth or vulva.

Labioplasty - Surgical repair of the labia.

Laceration - Cut in tissue.

Lachrymal - Tear production.

Lag screw - A fracture fixation device.

Laminectomy - Spinal surgery to reach the discs, nerve roots or spinal cord.

Laparoscopy - Technique used for visual inspection of pelvic organs by inflating the cavity.

Laparotomy - Cut in the abdomen to investigate or treat disease.

Laryngectomy - Surgical removal of part of the larynx or ‘voice box’.

Lateral - Away from the midline.

Left homonymous hemianopia - Left side of vision disabled.

Lesion - Damage.

Leucocyte - White blood cells.

Leucocytosis - Increased concentration of white blood cells, commonly associated with infection.

Leukaemia - Disease causing abnormal creation of white blood cells, potentially fatal.

Ligament - Fibrous tissue linking bones.

Lobe - A section of the brain.

Lordosis - Normal curvature of the spine.

Lumbago - The lower part of the back.

Lumbar - Of or relating to the lower back.

Lumbosacral spine - Lower back spine.

Lumen - Cavity within structures such as the intestines.

Lunate bone - A bone of the wrist.

Lymph gland - A structure in the system of lymphatic vessels which transfer the fluid that fills the space between organs.

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