Medical terms glossary - M

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.

Macro- - Large.

Macrocytosis - Abnormally large red blood cells.

Malar - Of or relating to the cheek

Malleolar screw - A screw for fixating ankle bones.

Mal-union - Bones failing to properly align after an operation, resulting in deformity.

Mammoplasty - Breast reduction.

Mandible - Lower jaw.

Manipulation - Relocation after a dislocation or movement of a joint to eliminate stiffness.

Mastectomy - Removal of breast.

Mastication - Chewing.

Maxilla - Upper jaw bones.

McMurray's test - Test to detect tearing in new cartilage.

Medial - Inner, nearer to the centre of the body.

Medullary cavity - The core of a bone.

Meniscetomy - Knee cartilage removal.

Meniscus - Cartilage found in joints.

Mesothelioma - Malignant tumour found in the lung, commonly caused by inhalation of asbestos.

Metaphysis - Bone between the tips and the main shaft.

Metatarsalgia - Pain in the metatarsal region of the foot.

Metrorrhexis - Breach in the womb lining.

Micro- - Small.

Microcytosis - Abnormally small red blood cells.

Migraine - Severe headache caused by variation in blood flow to the brain.

Monoplegia - Paralysis in one limb.

Muscle spasm - Involuntary muscle contraction.

Myectomy - Removing part of a muscle through surgery.

Myelin sheath - Neuron covering.

Myelo- - Of or relating to the spinal cord.

Myelogram - Spinal x-ray.

Myocardium - Part of heart muscle tissue.

Myo- - Of or relating to muscle.

Myodynia - Muscular pain.

Myopia - Short sightedness.

Myotomy - Surgical procedure in which a muscle is cut.

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