Medical Glossary: U

Ultrasound

A method of creating a graphical image of internal body structures by using a machine that measures and records the reflection of pulsed or continuous high frequency sound waves. Also called a sonogram.

Umbilical Cord

A flexible structure that connects the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. It carries blood, oxygen, nourishment and waste to the placenta. It is first formed during the fifth week of pregnancy and contains the yolk sac and body stalk.

Umbilical Vein Sampling

A procedure during pregnancy in which a needle is inserted into the fetal vein in the umbilical cord permitting fetal blood to be analyzed, blood to be transfused or drugs to be injected directly into the baby. Also known as cordocentesis.

Umbilicus

The point on the stomach where the umbilical cord joined the fetus, marked in adult life by a depression, or in some cases a protrusion. Popularly called the bellybutton.

Undescended Testis

The failure of one or both of the testicles to descend into the scrotum. Should descent not have occured by the age of one, hormones may be administered. If unsuccesful prior to the age of five, surgery called orchipexy will probably be performed. Also called cryptorchidism.

Uniovular Twins

A pregnancy in which two children are produced from the same ovum, which has split during early embryonic development.

Uniovular twins are always of the same sex, share the same genetic makeup and blood groups.

Both children resemble each other physically, mentally and psychologically.

Uniovular twins are also called Monozygotic twins, Enzygotic twins, true twins or identical twins.

Ureters

A pair of tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. In women the pelvic portion forms the rear boundary of the ovarian fossa and runs along the vagina.

The tubes are composed of three sheaths, a fibrous, a muscular and a mucus coat designed to pump urine through the tubes by means of peristaltic waves that occur three times a minute.

Urinary Calculus

Popularly called kidney stones, urinary calculus refers to the creation of calculi in the urinary tract. The size of the calculi may be large enough to impede the flow of urine, or small enough to be passed with the urine.

Urinary Tract Infection

A bacterial infection of one or more structures in the urinary tract including the kidneys and bladder. The most common gramnegative bacteria include Escherichia coli, or a species of Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas or Enterobacter.

Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. They are characterized by an increased need to urinate, a burning sensation and in severe cases blood and pus in the urine.

Treatment includes antibacterials, analgesics, and urinary antiseptic medications. Urinary tract infections include cystitis, pyelonephritis and urethritis. Abbreviated to UTI.

Uterine Atony

A term used to describe a lack of muscle tone in the uterus.

Uterine Inertia

A term used to describe weak and ineffective contractions in the uterus.

Uterus

A hollow muscular organ in the female body in which the fetus develops and from which it is born at the end of pregnancy.

The uterus is pear shaped and about three inches long, although it expands greatly during fetal development. It is supported by a hollow neck, the cervix, and two ligaments which connect it to the pelvic wall on each side.

Two fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, connect the uterus to the ovaries and form the passageway for the ovum during fertilization. Also called the womb.

UTI

Abbreviation of urinary tract infection, a bacterial infection of one or more structures in the urinary tract including the kidneys and bladder. The most common gramnegative bacteria include Escherichia coli, or a species of Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas or Enterobacter.

Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. They are characterized by an increased need to urinate, a burning sensation and in severe cases blood and pus in the urine.

Treatment includes antibacterials, analgesics, and urinary antiseptic medications. Urinary tract infections include cystitis, pyelonephritis and urethritis.

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