ARCHIVED Medical Glossary - English-Inuktitut-French Glossary

Nunavut Arctic College, Nunatta Campus (Iqaluit, Nunavut)

Alphabetical index – Medical Glossary

Navigation menu providing access to the glossary terms, arranged in alphabetical order.

Glossary – letter A Glossary – letter B Glossary – letter C Glossary – letter D Glossary – letter E Glossary – letter F Glossary – letter G Glossary – letter H Glossary – letter I Glossary – letter J Glossary – letter K Glossary – letter L Glossary – letter M Glossary – letter N Glossary – letter O Glossary – letter P Glossary – letter Q Glossary – letter R Glossary – letter S Glossary – letter T Glossary – letter U Glossary – letter V Glossary – letter W Glossary – letter X Glossary – letter Y

A

Abdomen: ᓈᖅ: Naaq: Abdomen

The part of the body which lies below the lungs and above the pelvis. It contains the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, appendix, gallbladder, urinary bladder and other structures.

Abduct: ᓯᓚᒻᒧᑦ ᓅᓐᓂᖅ: Silammut Nuunniq: Écarter de la ligne médiane

To move away from the middle or centre of the body.

Abnormal: ᐃᓕᖅᑯᓯᖅᓱᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Iliqqusiqsungittuq: Anormal

Not like the usual state.

Abortion: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᖏᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Najjiangiqsiniq: Avortement

The ending of a pregnancy before the fetus (baby) is able to live outside the mother. This can happen naturally, as in a miscarriage, or it may be a planned procedure.

• Induced Abortion: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᖏᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Najjiangiqsiniq: Avortement provoqué: Also called a therapeutic abortion. A procedure performed by a doctor to take the fetus (baby) out of the womb before it is able to live on its own.
• Spontaneous Abortion: ᐱᕐᓗᒃᑐᖅ, ᓱᕋᐃᔪᖅ: Pirluktuq, Suraijuq: Avortement spontané: Commonly called a miscarriage, this is the delivery of the fetus (baby) before it is able to live on its own. Often, the cause is not known. Some causes may be a problem with the fetus, cervix, uterus or placenta. The symptoms may include bleeding from the vagina or pain in the lower abdomen. This usually happens early in pregnancy.
• Threatened Abortion: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᕐᓗᑐᐃᓐᓇᕆᐊᓕᒃ (ᓱᕋᐃᑐᐃᓐᓇᕆᐊᓕᒃ): Najjiarlutuinnarialik (Suraituinnarialik): Risque d'avortement: A condition in which there is some bleeding from the vagina but the cervix is not opening; there is a chance that the fetus will be delivered.

Abscess: ᐃᒻᒪᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Immaksimajuq: Abcès

A sac of pus, which may cause pain. An abscess forms when germs get into a part of the body and destroy the surrounding tissue. The body tries to stop the germs from spreading by trapping them inside a strong membrane. The pus stays inside this membrane.

• Brain Abscess: ᖃᕆᓴᖅ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Qarisaq Immaksimajuq: Abcès au cerveau: An abscess found in the brain. Germs can get into the brain by the spreading of a nearby infection (e.g. an ear infection) or by travelling to the brain through the blood. Surgery is done to take out a brain abscess and antibiotics are given to kill all the germs that caused it to form.
• Breast Abscess: ᐃᕕᐊᖏᖅ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Iviangiq Immaksimajuq: Abcès au sein: An abscess found in the breast. It is most likely to form when a woman is breast feeding or weaning a baby from breast milk.
• Dental Abscess: ᑭᒍᑦᓯᖅᕕᒃ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Kigutsiqvik Immaksimajuq: Abcès alvéolaire: Also called alveolar abscess. An abscess found just below the root of a tooth inside the gum. Germs often get into the gum through a hole in a tooth (cavity).
• Peri-Anal Abscess: ᐃᑎᖅ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Itiq Immaksimajuq: Abcès péri-anal: An abscess found under the skin of the anus.

Abuse: ᐱᓂᕐᓘᓐᓂᖅ: Pinirluunniq: Abus, mauvais traitements

This word can be used in two ways:

1. to use a substance too much; or
2. the bad treatment of a person by another person.

• Child Abuse: ᓱᕈᓯᕐᒥᒃ ᐱᓂᕐᓘᓐᓂᖅ: Surusirmik Pinirluunniq: Mauvais traitements d'enfants: When a person hurts or neglects a child on purpose. The abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional.
• Domestic Abuse: ᐃᓪᓗᒥᐅᖃᑎᒥᓂᖅ ᐱᓂᕐᓘᓐᓂᖅ: Illumiuqatiminiq Pinirluunniq: Mauvais traitements en milieu familial: Abuse of a person by someone who lives with them or by someone who has a close relationship with them. The abuse can be emotional, sexual or physical.
• Substance Abuse: ᐊᖓᔭᕐᓇᖅᑐᓂᒃ ᐱᓂᕐᓘᓐᓂᖅ: Angajarnaqtunik Pinirluunniq: Toxicomanie: The overuse of any substance that changes your mood or behavior. Substances that are commonly abused include alcohol, cocaine, valium, painkillers, marijuana, hash, etc.

Achilles Tendon: ᑭᒻᒥᖁᕐᓗᒍᑦ: Kimmiqurlugut: Tendon d'Achille

The strong string-like cord above the heel that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon pulls up the back of the heel.

Acne: ᒪᕿᑎᒐᖅ, ᓯᑎᒐᓕᑦᑐᖅ, ᐃᓕᒡᖅ, ᐊᔪᐊᖑᖅ: Maqitigaq, Sitigalittuq, Iligjaq, Ajuangujaq: Acné

A skin problem, often called pimples. It can be mild or severe. The more severe types can leave scars. Acne is found most often in teenagers or young adults. It tends to show up on the face, chest and back. Acne is due to the blocking of small openings in the skin (pores) with oil. Germs (bacteria) can then grow in the pore causing the pore to swell up and become filled with pus. It usually goes away on its own. Washing the face two times a day with warm soapy water may stop it from spreading. More serious acne can be treated with medicines that are put on the skin or taken in a pill form.

Acute: ᐋᖅᑭᒃᑕᐅᓴᕋᐃᑐᖅ, ᐱᔪᓐᓇᐃᖅᓴᕋᐃᑦᑐᖅ: Aaqqiktasaraittuq, Pijunnaiqsaraittuq: Aigu, intense

A word used to describe an illness that has come on quickly or that will get better in a short period of time; it is the opposite of chronic.

Addict: ᑎᒻᒥ ᐅᐃᕆᓯᒻᒪᔪᖅ: Timmi Uirisimmajuq: Intoxiqué, toxicomane

A person who has a strong need for something which they cannot control. The person may either think they must have the drug or their body has become so used to the drug that they will suffer withdrawal symptoms like pain, sweating, shaking, etc. when the drug is not taken.

Addiction: ᐅᐃᕆᓯᒻᒫᓂᖅ: Uirisimmaaniq: Dépendance

Strong need for some drug or way of doing something.

• Chemical Addiction: ᐊᖓᔭᓇᖅᑐᓄᑦ ᐃᒻᒥᐊᓗᒻᒧᓗᓂᑦ ᐅᐃᕆᓯᒻᒪᓂᖅ: Angajanaqtunut Immialummulunit Uirisimmaniq: Toxicomanie: Using a habit-forming drug too much. When the drug has not been taken, the addict gets emotionally upset withdrawal symptoms such as shaking and sweating occur, and the person really wants to take the drug again.

Adduct: ᐃᓗᒻᒧᑦ ᓅᓐᓂᖅ: Illummut Nuunniq: Écarter de la ligne médiane

To move toward the centre of the body.

Adenoidectomy: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᕐᓇᐃᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ ᐃᒡᒋᐊᑉ ᖁᓪᓛᓂᑦᑐᓂᒃ: Qiliqsirnaiqtauniq Iggiap Qullaanik: Excision des végétations adénoïdes

An operation to take out the adenoids. This operation is done if the doctor thinks that the adenoids are too big causing a blockage of the breathing passage or a blockage of the flow of fluids from the ear or nose. Large adenoids can lead to frequent ear or sinus infections. It is usually done at the same time as a tonsillectomy.

Adenoids: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᕐᓈᒃ ᐃᒡᒋᐊᑉ ᖁᓪᓛᓂ: Qiliqsirnaak Iggiap Qullaani: Adénoïdes

The two gland-like things found at the top of the throat (behind the nose area). Also called the pharyngeal tonsils. They are bigger in children than in adults. They help fight infection and often swell in children who are fighting an infection.

Adenoma: ᑕᖏᓕᒃ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ: Tangilik Riruqtuq: Adénome

A noncancerous growth that looks like a gland and grows from the cells lining organs. Adenomas cause problems if they block an important pathway or if they press on an organ. If an adenoma grows on a gland, the gland will give off too much of its hormone and this will cause illness.

Adhesion: ᐅᖓᔾᔪᑎᔪᖅ, ᒪᒥᔾᔪᑎᔪᖅ: Ungajjutijuq, Mamijjutijuq: Adhérence

It is like a scar but is found below the skin. It joins two things that are normally separate. An adhesion can form after an operation, after an infection, or it can be present from birth. It can cause pain or block the intestines (gut). If an adhesion is causing problems, it will be cut out.

Adhesive Tape: ᓂᐱᔫᖅ: Nipijuuq: Ruban adhésif

A strip of material that has glue on one side which sticks when you press it against something.

Adipose: ᑕᖏᓕᒃ ᐅᖅᓱᖅ: Tangilik Uqsuq: Adipose

Fatty tissue. It is found just below the skin and around certain organs. Fatty tissue gives the body energy when the body is low on food.

Adolescence: ᐅᕕᒃᑲᖅ: Uvikkaq: Adolescence

The period of time that lasts from when a person starts puberty until he has stopped growing (usually from about the age of 11 years until 19 years).

Adrenal Glands: ᑕᖅᑑᒃ ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᖏᒃ: Taqtuuk Qiliqsinangik: Glandes surrénales

There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. They produce several chemical messengers (hormones) which travel in the blood. They are made up of two parts, an inside and an outside. The inside part makes hormones that help us to act quickly in times of danger. The outside part makes many hormones. One of these hormones makes sure that there is enough fluid in the blood to keep the blood pressure healthy; others help balance the body's use of energy or give men their male sex characteristics (i.e. deep voice, hair on the face, strong muscles, etc.).

Adrenalin: ᐊᐅᓚᔾᐃᔪᑦ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᑎᓪᓕᕐᓂᖓᓂᒃ: Aulajjaijut Uummatiup Tillirninganik: Adrénaline

A drug company's name for epinephrine. See Epinephrine.

Afterbirth: ᐊᕐᕌᖅ: Arraq: Arrière-faix

The things that are delivered from the birth canal (vagina) after the birth of baby. It includes the placenta and the baby's sac. See Placenta.

Aggression: ᓲᖑᓂᖅ: Suunguniq: Agression

Thoughts or actions that are angry, mean or hostile and are meant to hurt someone either physically or emotionally.

Agitation: ᐅᐃᒪᔮᕐᓂᖅ: Uimajaarniq: Agitation

The very restless behaviour that is often seen in people who have some kind of mental problem.

AIDS: ᐊᓐᓇᐅᒪᔾᔪᑎᖃᕈᓐᓃᖅᑐᖅ: Annaumajjutiqarunniiqtuq: Syndrome d'immuno-déficience acquise (SIDA)

The abbreviation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. A breakdown of the immune system so that a person is not able to fight off disease. It is caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It is spread by getting blood or other body fluids from an HIV-infected person inside your body. There is no vaccine against the virus. Although some medicines and treatments can help a person to live longer, there is no cure. This disease was most common in gay (homosexual) men, but it is now found in all groups. The best protection against the disease is the use of condoms during sex. People who have HIV usually develop the symptoms of AIDS within ten years. A person is said to have AIDS when the immune system stops working properly. Until then, they are said to be HIV-positive (i.e. the virus is in the body, but they do not have AIDS yet). People with AIDS get infections and some types of cancer very easily, and these diseases eventually kill them. If a person thinks they may have had sexual contact with someone who has HIV, they should not have sex without using a condom and should get a blood test. It can take up to six months for the virus to show up on a blood test, so the test needs to be repeated in six months.

Air: ᓯᓚ, ᐊᓂᕐᓂᒃᓴᖅ: Sila, Anirniksaq: Air

The invisible gases that we bring into the lungs when we breathe in. Air is made up of different chemicals; 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and small amounts of other things. Without air, death occurs within a few minutes.

Airway¹: ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᕕᒃ: Aniqtirivik: Voies respiratoires

The passageway that air follows as it goes into and out of the lungs. This passageway begins at the nose or mouth and ends in the lungs. See Airway².

Airway²: ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᔪᑎ: Aniqtirijuti: Tube respiratoire

A tube passed through the nose or mouth to help air pass into the lungs. Airways are used when a patient is put to sleep, or at any time that the patient is not breathing well.

• Oral Airway: ᓱᓪᓗᓕᒃ ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᔾᔪᑦ: Sullulik Aniqtirijjut: Tube aérien oral: A curved, hollow tube that is put into the mouth to keep the breathing way open. It stops the tongue from slipping back in the throat and closing off the airway.
• Endotracheal Airway: ᐊᓂᑎᕆᔾᔪᑦ ᑐᖅᓱᒧᖓᔪᖅ: Anitirijjut Tuqsumungajuq: Tube trachéen: A hollow tube that is put into the mouth or nose and passed down into the windpipe (trachea). It allows air or gases to be brought to the lungs. It is used during surgery and when a patient is using a breathing machine.

Alcohol: ᐃᒥᐊᓗᒃ: Imialuk: Alcool

The chemical found in drinks that can make you drunk if you have too much. It is the drug found in beer, wine and hard liquor (rum, vodka, gin, etc.).

Alcoholic: ᐃᒥᐊᓗᒻᒧᑦ ᐊᔪᓕᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Imialummut Ajuliqsimajuq: Alcoolique

A person who has a strong need to drink too much alcohol. Alcoholics find it very hard to stop drinking even when they know it is causing problems in their lives and harming their physical health. Physical and mental withdrawal symptoms often occur when drinking is stopped. Alcoholics can die because of damage to their bodies caused from drinking too much alcohol. Alcoholics can have thinking problems after many years of drinking because of brain damage.

Alcoholism: ᐃᒥᖅᓯᒪᒍᒪᐃᓐᓇᓂᖅ: Imiqsimagumainnaniq: Alcoolisme

The name of the condition in which a person drinks too much alcohol. A person who suffers from alcoholism is known as an alcoholic. See Alcoholic.

Alimentary Canal: ᓂᕆᔭᑦᑎᓐᓄᑦ ᐊᖁᑎ: Nirijattinnut Aquti: Tube digestif

Sometimes called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, digestive tract or alimentary tract. It is the pathway that food takes as it travels through the body from the mouth to the anus. The organs that make up this pathway include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.

Allergen: ᑎᒻᒥᐅᑉ ᓇᒻᒪᒋᖏᑕᖓ: Timmiup Nammagingitanga: Allergène

Anything that causes an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can include anything from sneezing to watery eyes, a stuffy nose, diarrhea, etc. Things that cause reactions in some people include medicines, dog fur, perfumes, smoke, etc. All of these things would then be considered allergens.

Allergic (To Medication): ᐄᔭᒐᕆᐊᖃᓐᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Iijagariaqanngittuq: Allergique (aux médicaments)

A reaction to a medicine. The reaction could include a number of different symptoms, like sneezing, itchiness, rash, diarrhea or a severe life-threatening total-body reaction.

Alopecia: ᓄᔭᐃᕐᓂᖅ: Nujairniq: Alopécie

Loss of hair or baldness. There are a number of causes; it can result from a disease, from cancer treatment, or it can run in families. It is more common to find baldness in men.

Alveoli: ᓄᕕᖅᓲᑉ ᐳᕕᖅᑕᖅᑐᖓ: Nuviqsuup Puviqtaqtunga: Alvéoles

The tiny, thin-walled bulbs at the end of the airways of the lungs. They are surrounded by many small blood vessels (capillaries). There are millions of alveoli in our lungs. Oxygen travels down the airway to the alveoli when we breathe in. The oxygen leaks through the thin walls of the alveoli into the thin walls of the capillaries. That is how we get oxygen in our blood. The capillaries bring the waste gas carbon dioxide to the alveoli. The carbon dioxide leaks from the thin walls of the capillaries into the thin walls of the alveoli. The carbon dioxide is then breathed out of the airway.

Alzheimer's Disease: ᓯᓚᐃᓕᕙᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ: Silailivallianiq: Maladie d'Alzheimer

An incurable brain disease that gets worse over time. Sometimes mispronouced or called "old-timer's" disease. It generally occurs in older people. People who suffer from this disease have changes in the way their brain looks. They are not as smart as they once were, do not remember things or people, get lost even when they know the place well, have changes in their personality, and may have a difficult time cooking, washing themselves, cleaning their house, driving a car, etc. There is no test which can tell doctors if someone has this disease; it is diagnosed when someone develops some of the symptoms mentioned above and no other cause can be found. Doctors are only sure that someone has had Alzheimer's when his brain is looked at after death. No one knows what causes it, but it does seem to run in families.

Amenorrhea: ᐊᐅᓈᖃᑦᑕᕈᓂᕐᓂᖅ: Aunaaqattarunirniq: Aménorrhée

The absence of menstruation (the monthly bleeding, commonly called a period). Amenorrhea can have many causes but the most common is pregnancy. Other causes include hormonal problems, stress, ovary problems or the taking of certain medicine.

Amnesia: ᐃᓅᓯᕐᒥᓂᒃ ᐳᐃᒍᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ (ᑭᓇᐅᔭᕆᐊᒃᓴᖅ): Inuusirminik Puiguqsimajuq (Kinaujariaksaq): Amnésie

The inability to remember certain things or a period of time in your life. The cause can be brain damage or emotional problems.

Amniocentesis: ᐃᒪᖁᑎᖓᑕ ᓇᔾᔨᐊᑉ ᐲᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Imaqutingata Najjiap Piiqsiniq: Amniocentèse

A test done during pregnancy to see if there is anything wrong with the growing baby. It is usually done early in pregnancy. A needle is put through the skin into the uterus and some of the "waters" which are around the baby are taken out. The woman is awake for this test but the doctor may freeze the area. The water is looked at under a microscope to see if the baby's cells look normal. This test is done when there is a chance that something could be wrong with the baby such as when the mother is over the age of 35 years or if there is a disease that runs in the family. It sometimes causes a miscarriage. If there is something wrong with the baby, the woman and her partner will decide if they want to stop the pregnancy with an abortion.

Amniotic Fluid: ᐴᐹᑉ ᐃᒪᖓ (ᐃᒪᖁᑦ): Puupaap Imanga (Imaqut): Liquide amniotique

The fluid found in the sac of skin that is around the growing baby. This fluid is commonly called "waters." It is made by the sac which is around the baby. Normally there is about 500 ml of clear amniotic fluid in the sac by the time the baby is ready to be born. The baby floats in the amniotic fluid which gives it a warm place to grow. The fluid also acts as a cushion so that the baby won't get hurt if the mother's stomach is hit. It helps the baby's digestive tract and kidneys begin working; the baby swallows the fluid and gets rid of the waste the fluid makes in the body by peeing it back into the fluid. The sac which holds the fluid breaks before delivery of the baby, and the waters flow out of the vagina.

Amniotic Sac: ᐴᐹᖅ, ᐴᖅ: Puupaaq, Puuq: Poche des eaux

The sac of skin which attaches to the placenta and goes around the growing baby. It holds in the "waters" (amniotic fluid). See Placenta.

Amputation: ᓇᑲᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Nakatauniq: Amputation

To cut off an arm, leg, finger or any other part growing on the body. The common reasons for having a part of the body cut off include damage due to an accident, frostbite or circulation problems.

Analgesic: ᐊᓐᓂᐊᓇᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Annianangittuq: Analgésique

A medicine that helps stop pain. Commonly used analgesics are Aspirin, Tylenol, codeine, Demerol and morphine.

Anaphylaxis: ᑎᒻᒥᐅᑉ ᓈᒻᒪᒋᖏᑕᖓᓄᑦ ᐊᑦᑕᓇᕈᓐᓇᖅᓂᖅ: Timmiup Naammagingitanganut Attanarunnarniq: Anaphylaxie

A very bad reaction to something that normally doesn't cause any harm. It can cause death so the person should be brought to the hospital right away. The person that has this reaction is said to be allergic to the substance. Things that are most likely to cause this bad reaction include antibiotics (e.g. penicillin), local anesthetics (e.g. xylocaine), codeine, insulin, x-ray dyes, vaccines, bee stings, pollen, nuts and molds.

Anatomy: ᑎᒥᒥᑦ ᐃᓕᓐᓂᐊᕐᓂᖅ, ᑎᒥᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Timimit Ilinniarniq, Timiliriniq: Anatomie

The study of where body parts are found, how the body is put together and what the parts look like to the naked eye and under a microscope.

Anemia: ᐊᐅᓪᓗᑦᑐᖅ: Aulluttuq: Anémie

Commonly called "low blood." This happens when there is not enough of the chemical hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and has the job of carrying oxygen around the body. When a person has anemia, they may get headaches, feel tired, dizzy and lazy. They may also look pale and have ligher than normal pinkness of the skin inside the eyelids and mouth. The doctor can tell if a person has anemia by doing a blood test. Anemia is often due to not eating enough iron in the diet. Iron is found in things like liver, eggs and green vegetables. However, anemia has many other causes such as a problem with the body making blood cells or the body killing the blood cells too quickly. Tests are done to find out what is causing the problem before it is treated. See Red Blood Cell.

Anesthesia: ᐃᑉᐱᓂᐊᒍᓐᓃᖅᑎᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Ippiniagunniiqtitauniq: Anesthésie

The loss of feeling in a part or all of the body. It may be caused by an injury, a disease or a drug. Doctors give drugs which cause anesthesia when they do surgery or other painful things, or if a patient is having a lot of pain as in childbirth. The patient may be awake or asleep. When the patient is put to sleep, it is called general anesthesia; when the patient is awake, it is called local anesthesia.

• Epidural Anesthesia: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᑉᐱᓂᐊᒍᓐᓃᖅᑎᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Qimirlukkut Ippiniagunniiqtitauniq: Anesthésie épidurale: A way of stopping pain in a patient. A needle is put between the bones of the spine and left in place during a painful event. A numbing drug is added to stop feeling below the needle. The needle is taken out when the pain has lessened or the procedure is over. This is often done to stop pain during childbirth.
• General Anesthesia: ᓯᓂᑦᑎᑕᐅᓂᖅ, ᓯᓂᓕᖅᑎᕈᑦ: Sinittitauniq, Siniliqtirut: Anesthésie générale: Known as being "put to sleep." Drugs are put into the patient's vein or breathed in by him to put him to sleep during surgery. While he is asleep, he will not feel or remember anything.
• Local Anesthesia: ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᒍᓐᓃᖅᑎᑕᖅ ᐃᓚᐃᓐᓇᖓ: Ikpinniagunniiqtitaq Ilainnanga: Anesthésie locale: Loss of feeling in one part of the body. Sewing up a cut is usually done after the injection of a drug which freezes or numbs the area.

Aneurysm: ᑕᖄᖅᑐᖅ: Taqaaqtuq: Anévrisme

A bulge in a blood vessel (artery) caused by blood passing through a weakened area. The weakness in the artery may have been present from birth, due to damage or a disease like hardening of the arteries. Aneurysms are common in the head, in the abdomen or around the heart. Because the wall of the artery is weak, it can break open causing blood to leak out; this is called a ruptured aneurysm. A ruptured aneurysm can cause death if it is not treated quickly.

• Abdominal Aneurysm: ᐊᔾᔨᑎᒃ ᑕᖄᖅᑐᖅ: Ajjitik Taqaaqtuq: Anévrisme à l'abdomen: The most common type of aneurysm. It is a weakness in part of the abdominal aorta, which is the vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the abdomen and legs. It is usually due to hardening of the arteries. Before it breaks open, a patient may have a lot of pain in his abdomen, or the doctor may hear or see it throbbing in the abdomen. It can be fixed with surgery before it breaks open; this gives good chances for getting better. However, an aneurysm is often found after it has broken open. A ruptured aneurysm is very serious, and surgery may not save the patient.
• Cerebral Aneurysm: ᖃᕋᓴᖅ ᑕᖄᖅᑐᖅ: Qarasaq Taqaaqtuq: Anévrisme au cerveau: Sometimes called berry aneurysm. It is a weakness in part of one of the arteries that brings blood to the head. The weakened artery can break open causing blood to flow into the head. The leaking blood puts a lot of pressure on the brain which can lead to death or brain damage. It is treated with surgery and the chances for survival depend on how quickly the operation starts and how much blood is leaking out of the blood vessel.

Angina Pectoris: ᐊᐅᖓ ᐃᓄᖅᓯᑕᖅᑐᖅ: Aunga Inuqsitaqtuq: Angine de poitrine

Chest pain caused by a blockage of part of the blood vessels that give oxygen to the heart muscle. It is usally due to a disease called hardening of the arteries in which fat builds up on the inside of the arteries making them too narrow for blood to pass freely through. It may also be caused by spasms, temporarily narrowing the heart's arteries. It can lead to a heart attack if it lasts too long. The pain usually gets better within a few minutes with rest and/or medicine. The medicine used most often is nitroglycerin which the patient puts under his tongue. Attacks of angina can be controlled with heart medicine but if attacks start increasing the patient may need surgery called coronary artery bypass or angioplasty. People who have this need to make changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight and eating less fat in their diet.

Angiocardiography: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᑕᖃᖏᓐᓂᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Uummatitaqanginnit Qaujirniq: Angiocardiographie

Sometimes called coronary angiography cardiac catheterization. A test done to see if there are any blockages or narrowings of the blood vessels that bring the heart oxygen. To do this test the doctor puts a needle into the groin (the place where the leg joins the body) and threads a special hollow tube all the way into the heart's vessels. When the tube gets to the heart, a special dye is then put into the vessels which causes them to show up on an x-ray.

Angiography: ᑕᖃᖏᓐᓂᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Taqanginnit Qaujirniq: Angiographie

Sometimes called arteriogram. A test done to see if there is a problem with the blood vessels going to a certain part of the body. A dye is put into the vessels being looked at so that they will show up on an x-ray. The vessels in any part of the body can be looked at, such as those in the brain, heart, kidneys, etc.

Ankle Joint: ᓯᖏᕐᓂᖅ: Singirniq: Cheville

The joint between the leg and the foot, which lets us move our foot. It is formed by the meeting of the tibia (shinbone) and fibula (outer bone of the lower leg) with the talus (top bone in the foot). The ankle allows the foot to move up and down, and around.

Anorexia: ᐃᒻᒥᓂᒃ ᐱᕐᓕᑎᕐᓂᖅ (ᖁᐃᓂᒍᒪᓐᖏᕐᒧᑦ): Imminik Pirlitirniq (Quinigumanngirmut): Anorexie

Loss of appetite for food. It has many causes but the most common is sickness. When a person is sick, he often does not feel like eating.

Antacid: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᕐᒧᑦ ᓰᕇᒃᑯᑎ, ᓰᕈᓗᒍᓐᓃᖅᓴᐅᑎ: Aqiarurmut Siiriikkuti, Siirulugunniiqsauti: Antiacide

Any substance that makes the stomach less acidic. Taken to help with heartburn, indigestion or stomach ulcers. Examples of antacid medicines are baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), Tums, Gaviscon, Mylanta, etc.

Antepartum: ᓇᔾᔨᓂᓕᒫᖓ: Najjinilimaanga: Avant l'accouchement

Before childbirth.

Anterior: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᓵᖓ: Timiup Siinga: Antérieur

Describes direction, toward the front of the body. For example, the nose is on the anterior part of the head. This word is the opposite of posterior.

Antibiotics: ᒪᒥᓴᐅᑎ: Mamisauti: Antibiotique

A group of medicines used to treat infections caused by germs called bacteria. The first antibiotics were made made by tiny living organisms (bacteria or fungi) but now they can be made in chemistry labs. Examples of antibiotics include penicillins like Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, etc. Some antibiotics can only kill one kind of bacteria whereas others can kill many different types. The doctor/nurse decides the best antibiotic for each type of infection by taking a swab of the infected area and seeing what type of bacteria grows from the swab. Many people want their doctors to give them antibiotics for flus or colds. It is important to remember that these illnesses are not caused by bacteria: they are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will not help. In fact, taking antibiotics when they are not necessary can be harmful as antibiotics do have side effects. Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, diarrhea or rash. Some people are allergic to antibiotics and can have a very serious reaction that can cause death.

• Antibiotic Resistant: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᕋᓛᑦ ᓴᙱᑦᑎᐸᓪᓕᐊᔪᑦ: Qupirruralaat Sanngittipalliajut: Résistant aux antibiotiques: Sometimes a few of the strongest bacteria are still alive after a person has finished taking an antibiotic. These strong bacteria can grow and reproduce. The offspring that they produce are also strong and not affected by the antibiotic. These bacteria are said to be antibiotic resistant.

Antibody: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᓴᐳᓐᓂᐊᖅᑎᖏᑦ: Timiup Sapunniaqtingit: Anticorps

Something (a protein) found in blood that helps the body fight disease. Antibodies are made by special cells in the body called white blood cells. An antibody sticks on to foreign invaders (e.g. bacteria or viruses). When an antibody sticks on to a foreign substance, it makes the substance harmless and kills it. New and different antibodies are formed every time the body comes into contact with a different foreigner.

Anticoagulant: ᐃᔾᔪᖃᕈᔭᐃᒃᑯᑏᑦ: Ijjuqarujaikkutiit: Anticoagulant

Any drug that stops blood from clotting. These drugs need to be taken when there is a danger of a clot forming inside a blood vessel like when a person is lying in bed for a long time, has had surgery, has had a heart attack or a stroke, etc. Examples of anticoagulants include Heparin and Coumarin. See Clot.

Anticonvulsant: ᖀᕐᓱᖅᔭᐃᒃᑯᑏᑦ: Qiirsuqjaikkutiit: Médicament anticonvulsif

A drug that helps a person have fewer seizures, e.g. Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Phyenytoin and Diazepam. Anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Antidepressant: ᐃᓱᒪᔮᓗᐊᔭᐃᒃᑯᑏᑦ: Isumajaaluajaikkutiit: Antidépresseur

A drug used to help a patient feel less depressed or sad. Examples include Prozac, imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortiptyline (Pamelor) and trimipramine (Surmontil).

Antiemetic: ᒥᕆᐊᖑᔭᐃᒃᑯᑏᑦ: Miriangujaikkutiit: Médicament anti-émétique

A drug that helps you vomit less, for example, Gravol.

Antigen: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᓈᒻᒪᒋᖏᑕᖓᑦ: Timiup Naammagingitangat: Antigène

Something that gets into or on the body that the body reacts to by making special proteins called antibodies. The antibodies make the substance harmless to the body. The body makes antibodies to things that it recognizes as not belonging to itself. Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, tissues from another person (organ transplant), etc. See Antibody.

Antihypertensive: ᐊᐅᑉ ᓯᖑᔭᕐᓂᖓᓄᑦ ᖁᕝᕙᓯᓗᐊᔭᐃᒃᑯᑏᑦ: Aup Singujarninganut Quvvasiluajaikkutiit: Antihypertenseur

A drug that lowers blood pressure. Many different types of drugs are used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Examples of antihypertensives include Captopril, Atenolol, Hydrochlorothiazide, etc. See Hypertension.

Antipyretic: ᐆᓇᓗᐊᖅᔭᐃᒃᑯᑏᑦ: Uunaluaqjaikkutiit: Médicament contre la fièvre

A drug that lowers a fever. Examples of these types of drugs include Aspirin (ASA) and Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Antiseptic: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃᔭᐅᑎ: Qupirruijauti: Antiseptique

Something used on skin that slows the growth of bacteria (germs). Antiseptics are used in treating and preventing infections. Examples of antiseptics include rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine and Savlon solution.

Anus: ᐃᑎᖅ, ᐃᑎᐅᑉ ᐊᒻᒪᓂᖓ: Itiq, Itiup Ammaninga: Anus

The last part of the digestive tract. It is a tube of muscle about four cm long that forms a reddish ring through which feces leaves the body. Sometimes children are born with a condition called imperforate anus in which the anus covered so that there is no opening for feces to leave the body. Another common condition that affects the anus is hemorroids. See Hemorrhoid.

Aorta: ᖃᓪᓗᕕᐊᖅ: Qalluviaq: Aorte

The largest blood vessel in the body. It is at the top of the heart beginning at the left ventricle (the part of the heart that pumps blood to the body). It carries blood away from the heart to all parts of the body through its many branches.

• Abdominal Aorta: ᐊᔾᔨᑎᒃ, ᐊᐅᖃᐅᑦ: Ajjitik, Auqaut: Aorte abdominale: The lower branch of the aorta that passes behind the heart and lies close to the back. It extends from the diaphragm (the large flat breathing muscle) to the pelvis where it divides into one branch for each leg.

Aortic Stenosis: ᖃᓗᕕᐊᑉ ᖂᑉᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: Qalluviap Quuppallianinga: Sténose de l'aorte

Narrowing of the valve that separates the heart from the aorta. Because the valve is too narrow, the top part of the heart (left ventricle) has to work extra hard to push the blood through. This could be something that someone is born with, or due to a disease like hardening of the arteries or rheumatic fever. Once it is discovered, surgery is done to replace the valve.

Apgar Score: ᐃᓅᓕᕐᓂᖓᑕ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖓ: Inuulirningata Qaujisaqtauninga: Cotation d'Apgar

A chart used to figure out a baby's health at birth. The infant is given a score from 0 to 2 on five items:

1. heart rate,
2. breathing effort,
3. muscle tone,
4. reflex irritability, and
5. colour.

The highest score is 10 (i.e. 2 × 5 = 10). Each of the five items is rated at 60 seconds, five minutes and ten minutes after birth.

Aphasia: ᐅᖃᑦᓯᐊᕈᓐᓇᖏᓐᓂᖅ: Uqatsiarunnanginniq: Aphasie

Complete loss of language skills. This word is usually used incorrectly to refer to people who have difficulties with language not a complete loss of language. It can happen to patients who have had strokes or types of brain diseases. It can include problems with reading, writing, speaking or understanding language.

Apnea: ᐋᔪᖅ, ᐊᓂᖅᓵᕈᓐᓇᐃᓪᓕᓲᖅ: Aajuq, Aniqsaarunnaillisuuq: Apnée

Absence of breathing. A condition called sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing throughout the night for more than ten seconds. Sleep apnea is often found in overweight people, especially those that snore. It is also common in premature babies.

Appendectomy: ᕿᐱᙳᐃᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Qipinnguiqtauniq: Appendicectomie

An operation in which the appendix is taken out. This is a common operation.

Appendicitis: ᕿᐱᓐᖏᕆᔪᖅ, ᐃᓇᓗᓐᓇᓗᒃᑐᖅ: Qipinngirijuq, Inalunnaluktuq: Appendicite

An infection of the appendix. An infected appendix must be taken out. When the operation is done early, it is simple and safe. If the appendix ruptures before it is taken out, it can cause serious illness. The appendix can get infected when a lump of feces or some other thing gets stuck in it. The symptoms of appendicitis are pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation and a slight temperature. The pain usually starts around the belly button and eventually moves to the lower right side of the abdomen which is over the site of the appendix. Appendicitis is sometimes difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are the same as those for many other diseases. See Appendix.

Appendix: ᕿᐱᓐᖑᖅ, ᐃᓇᓗᓐᓇᖅ: Qipinnguq, Inalunnaq: Appendice

A small, finger-like growth near the joining site of the small and large intestine. It is found in the lower right side of the abdomen. It is a hollow tube in which partly digested food or other objects can occasionally get stuck which causes the appendix to become infected. Nobody knows what an appendix does. See Appendicitis.

Apyrexia: ᐆᑎᕐᓇᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Uutirnangittuq: Apyrexie

There is no fever present; the temperature is normal.

Aqueous Humor: ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᐃᒪᖓ ᓯᕗᕌᓂᑦᑐᖅ: Ijiup Imanga Sivuraaniittuq: Humeur aqueuse

The clear, watery fluid filling the front section of the eye behind the cornea (the clear covering of the eye) and in front of the lens (the focusing part of the eye). See Cornea, Lens.

Areola: ᒧᓕᐅᑉ ᐊᕙᓗᐊ ᕿᕐᓂᖅᑕᐅᓂᖓ: Muliup Avalua Qirniqtauniga: Aréole

A ring-like, coloured area around a central point. For example, the reddish or brownish area around the nipple on the breasts.

Arm: ᑕᓕᖅ: Taliq: Bras

The upper limb of the human body from the shoulder to the wrist.

Armpit: ᐅᓂᖅ: Uniq: Aisselle

The same as axilla. See Axilla.

Arrhythmia: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᒪᓕᑦᑎᒋᖅᑕᙱᓐᓂᖓ: Uummatiup Malittigiiqtanginninga: Arythmie cardiaque

Often used when talking about a cardiac arrhythmia. See Cardiac Arrhythmia.

Arteriogram: ᑕᖃᖏᓐᓂᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Taqanginnit Qaujisarniq: Artériogramme

The same as angiography. See Angiography.

Arteriole: ᑕᖃᕐᔪᐊᖅ: Taqarjuaq: Artériole

A very small artery. The largest arteries are close to the heart. These arteries have branches which get smaller and smaller so blood can be brought to all areas of the body. The smallest branches of the arteries are called arterioles. Arterioles branch even smaller to form the capillaries. See Blood Vessel.

Arteriosclerosis: ᑕᖃᕐᔪᐊᑉ ᑎᓯᑦᑎᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: Taqarjuap Tisittipallianinga: Artériosclérose

A group of diseases in which arteries get thicker and lose elasticity usually called "hardening of the arteries." There are three main forms of arteriosclerosis:

1. atherosclerosis, which causes fat to build up inside the vessels;
2. Monckeberg's disease, which causes a chemical called calcium to stick to the lining of the arteries; and
3. arteriolosclerosis, where the arteries become stiff because stiff fibers replace the elastic fibers in the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is the most common form.

Artery: ᑕᖃᕐᔪᐊᖅ, ᑕᖃᕕᒃ: Taqarjuaq, Taqavik: Artère

A blood vessel or a hollow tube which carries blood away from the heart to all the different parts of the body. The job of an artery is opposite to that of a vein which carries blood toward the heart. There are many arteries in the body. All arteries except the pulmonary arteries carry oxygenated blood (blood that has oxygen in it). The pulmonary arteries bring blood that does not have oxygen to the lungs but since they are still carrying blood away from the heart, they are considered arteries. Blood with oxygen in it is bright red. Arteries are thick and strong because the blood inside of them is under a lot of pressure since it has just been forced out of the heart. When we measure blood pressure, it is the pressure of the blood inside of an artery that we are measuring. The following are the largest and most common arteries in the body:

• Aorta: ᖃᓪᓗᕕᐊᖅ: Qalluviaq: Aorte: The largest artery in the body. It leaves the left ventricle and goes down behind the heart. It continues down the back of the abdomen to the pelvis where it branches into two arteries (one heading to each leg).
• Carotid: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᓂᐊᖁᕐᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqavik Niaqurmuungajuq Uummatimmit: Carotide: One of the four main arteries that bring blood to the head. See Carotid.
• Coronary: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓯᓚᑖᓅᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqavik Uummatiup Silataanuungajuq Uummatimmit: Coronarien: Any of the arteries that bring blood with oxygen in it to the heart muscle.
• Femoral: ᑕᖃᖅᔪᐊᖅ ᓂᐅᓐᓄᖓᔪᖅ: Taqaqjuaq Niunnungajuq: Fémoral: Brings blood to the legs. You can feel this artery pulsing if you press in the groin area.
• Iliac: ᑕᖃᖅᔪᐊᖅ ᓈᕐᒧᖓᔪᖅ: Taqaqjuaq Naarmungajuq: Iliaque: Brings blood to the lower abdomen and pelvis.
• Pulmonary: ᑕᖃᕐᔪᐊᖅ, ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᐳᕙᒻᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqarjuaq, Taqavik Puvammuungajuq Uummatimmit: Pulmonaire: The two arteries that take blood to the lungs so that it may pick up oxygen.
• Radial: ᑕᖃᖅᔪᐊᖅ ᑖᓕᕐᒧᖓᔪᖅ: Taqaqjuaq Taalirmungajuq: Radial: Supplies the forearm and hand with blood. It is found on the same side of the arm as the thumb.
• Renal: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᑕᖅᑐᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqavik Taqtumuungajuq Uummatimmit: Rénal: Supplies the kidneys with blood.

Arthritis: ᓇᒡᒍᐊᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Nagguallunniq: Arthrite

Swollen, painful and stiff joints: can be found in any age group but is most common in older individuals. There are many different types, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.

• Osteoarthritis: ᓇᒡᒍᐊᖏᕈᑎᕙᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ: Nagguangirutivallianiq: Ostéoarthrite: This is the kind of arthritis that most people think of when arthritis is mentioned. It refers to stiff, swollen joints and is common in older people. Often due to wear and tear on the joints over the years.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: ᑐᒪᕐᓂᖅ: Tumarniq: Rhumatisme articulaire: A disease, found in any age group from young children to older adults. A person may have one attack, or it may gradually get worse. It begins with slight fever, weight loss and morning stiffness. It mostly affects the joints of the fingers, but any joint may become swollen and painful. Joints may eventually become deformed, and muscles become weak. Sometimes there is breakdown in the lungs, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. It is due to the body's own disease-fighting system attacking the body by mistake. It is treated with drugs, special exercises or surgery.

Asthma: ᐊᓂᖅᓴᖅᑐᕈᑎᖏᑦ ᒥᑭᓪᓕᓯᒪᔪᑦ: Aniqsaqturutingit Mikillisimajut: Asthme

A condition in which a person has attacks of wheezing caused by difficulty with breathing. It usually starts in childhood and improves as the person gets older; however, it can start at any age. It tends to run in families. During the attack, the airways become narrower, making it hard for air to pass down to the lungs. The attack can be triggered by a number of different things depending on the patient. Some patients are triggered by dust, smoke, animal fur, flowering plants, etc., whereas others are triggered by stress. Some patients are not sure what causes their attacks. Attacks can be mild or severe enough to be life-threatening, and they can last from a few seconds to several hours. There is no cure for asthma. There are different types of medications for asthma; some control the number of attacks a patient has, and others open up airways during the attacks to make breathing easier.

Astigmatism: ᖃᕈᕕᐊᖓ ᒪᓃᑦᑐᖅ: Qaruvianga Maniittuq: Astigmatisme

Blurred vision resulting from a bumpy cornea which is the clear and normally smooth covering over the front of the eye. This is common and can be corrected with eye glasses.

Asystole: ᐅᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓄᖃᕐᓂᖓ: Ummatiup Nuqarninga: Asystolie

The heart has stopped beating.

Atelectasis: ᐳᕙᐅᑉ ᐊᑐᕈᓐᓂᕐᓂᖓ: Puvaup Aturunnirninga: Atélectasie

Collapse of all or part of a lung. The lung collapses because air is not reaching that section of the lung due to a blockage of the airway. In an adult, the other parts of the lungs can take over the job of the collapsed lung; in children, the condition is more serious. The airway can become blocked by a tumour, mucous, an inhaled object or a swollen lymph node (a gland-like clump of tissue that helps the body fight infection). Once the blockage has been treated, the lung gradually goes back to its old shape.

Atherosclerosis: ᐅᖅᓱᖅ ᑕᖃᐅᑉ ᐃᓗᐊᓂ ᐅᓂᐅᖅᑲᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: Uqsuq Taqaup Iluani Uniuqqapallianinga: Athérosclérose

The build-up of fat on the inside of arteries which causes them to become narrow and hard. It is difficult for blood to flow through these narrow arteries so the tissues they serve can lack oxygen. Blood clots form easily due to the slow flow of blood, and these clots can block the supply of blood to an area. Arteries that have this problem are also more likely to break open. This condition is associated with strokes, heart attacks and aneurysms.

Athlete's Foot: ᐃᓯᒐᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Isigallunniq: Pied d'athlète

A infection of the foot which is caused by a fungus. It causes itching, blisters and cracks. Fungi grow easily on the feet because they are usually kept in a moist, warm and dark area (the shoes). It can be treated with ointments or medicine that you swallow. It is also important to keep the feet dry and open to the air as much as possible.

Atrial Fibrillation: ᑎᓪᓕᓪᓕᐅᒥᔮᖅᑐᖅ, ᑎᓪᓕᓪᓛᔪᖅ: Tillilliumijaaqtuq, Tillillaajuq: Fibrillation auriculaire

A type of abnormal heartbeat in which the top two sections of the heart (known as the atria) are beating too fast. This causes an irregular heartbeat and a problem getting enough blood around the body. A patient that has this problem will feel the heart fluttering and may feel dizzy. An ECG (electrocardiogram) which shows a picture of the heart's activity will show this problem. It is treated with heart medicine or by defibrillation (an electrical shock to the heart).

Atrium: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓇᑉᐸᖓ ᖁᓪᓕᖅ: Uummatiup Nappanga Qulliq: Oreillette

One of the two upper sections of the heart. The plural form of atrium is atria. There is a right atrium and a left atrium. They are divided from each other by the muscular tissue of the heart. The right atrium receives blood that does not have any oxygen. The blood comes into the right atrium through a large vein called the vena cava after it has been around the body. The left atrium receives blood which has oxygen from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. From the atria, blood is pumped into the lower sections of the heart.

Atrophy: ᓄᑭᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ: Nukiqpallianiq: Atrophie

Shrinking or wasting away of part of the body that was once a normal size. It often happens to a leg or arm that has been inside a cast for a long time or to the whole body if someone has been in bed for a long time. It may also happen if someone has nerve damage to an area; for example, if the legs have been paralyzed by a spinal injury they will get smaller.

Attention Deficit Disorder: ᐅᐃᒪᔭᕐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐃᓕᑦᓯᕆᕐᓂᖅ: Uimajarnimmut Ilitsirirniq: Trouble déficitaire de l'attention

Not able to pay attention to anything for very long. People who have this are also likely to be overactive and impulsive. This condition makes learning difficult.

Audiologist: ᓯᐅᑎᓕᕆᔨ: Siutiliriji: Audiologiste

A health professional who is concerned with the sense of hearing. They do hearing tests and will try to find out the cause of a hearing loss. They fit patients with the right type of hearing aids and teach lip reading and sign language.

Autoclave: ᖃᓛᖅᑐᖅ, ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃ, ᐅᑦ: Qalaaqtuq, Qupirruijaut: Autoclave

A steam machine used to kill all the germs (micro-organisms) on an object.

Autopsy: ᑐᖁᖓᔪᒥᒃ ᐱᓚᒃᑐᐃᓂᖅ: Tuqungajumik Pilaktuiniq: Autopsie

Examination of a body after death to find out the cause of death. The doctor that does this is called a pathologist. The pathologist cuts open the body to look at the organs and also takes out tissue samples which are examined under a microscope.

Axilla: ᐅᓂᖅ: Uniq: Aisselle

The same as armpit. The part of the body directly under the shoulder where the arm meets the body.

B

Bacteria: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐊᕐᔪᐃᑦ ᒪᒥᓴᕋᑦᓴᐃᑦ: Qupirruarjuit Mamisaratsait: Bactérie

Tiny, one-celled living things. There are many different types of bacteria; some are harmful (commonly referred to as germs), while some are not harmful. Bacteria can live in many places: human bodies, animals, water, soil, on objects, etc. Many bacteria are a healthy, normal part of the human body; these bacteria can even be quite helpful in fighting diseases. However, many bacteria can also cause disease. Different kinds of bacteria affect different organs and systems of the body and produce different diseases. Many infections are due to bacteria invading a part of the body. Examples of diseases that can be caused by bacteria are ear infections, gonorrhea, syphilis, food poisoning, pneumonia, meningitis, rheumatic fever, tetanus, etc. Most diseases that are caused by bacteria are cured by antibiotics, but it is important to remember that some infectious diseases are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not kill viruses. See Antibiotics, Virus.

Bacteriuria: ᐃᑎᕈᓪᓗᓂᖅ: Itirulluniq: Bactériurie

Bacteria in the urine. See Bacteria.

Bandage: ᒪᑦᑐᑎᑦᓴᔭ: Mattutitsaja: Bandage

A strip or roll of material used to wrap any part of the body. It has many uses: to stop or slow down bleeding, to stop germs from getting on or in a wound, to stop movement, etc.

Barbiturate: ᐃᓄᓕᓴᐅᑏᑦ ᑎᒥᒧᑦ ᖃᓱᖓᔾᔪᑏᑦ: Inulisautiit Timimut Qasungajjutiit: Barbiturique

A drug which can only be taken on doctor's order to help a person relax. These drugs are habit-forming if used too much. Sleeping pills are an example of barbiturates.

Barium Swallow: ᐃᖅᑐᖅᐸᓯᒃᑯᑦ ᑕᕐᕋᖅᑐᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Iqtuqpasikkut Turraqtuqtauniq: Médicament oral au barium

An x-ray of the first part of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum). The x-ray is taken as the patient swallows a dye called barium. The barium sticks to the lining of the digestive tract causing it to show up on the picture. This test is done to find out what is causing a swallowing problem, abdominal pain, or blood in the vomit or stool.

Bath: ᐅᕕᓂᓐᓂᐊᖅ: Uvininniaq: Bain

Putting the body into a liquid (e.g. water, mud, milk) to wash the body or treat some problem.

• Sitz Bath: ᑭᓂᖅᓯᓂᖅ ᐃᑦᓯᕙᕐᓗᓂ: Kiniqsiniq Itsivarluni: Bain de siège: A bath of the vaginal and buttock area. Used to help with pain and stop infection after surgery in the genital or anal area or the delivery a child.

BCG Vaccine: ᐳᕝᕙᓪᓗᔾᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎ ᑲᐴᑦ: Puvvallujjaikkuti Kapuut: Vaccin BCG

A needle given to stop someone from getting tuberculosis. This needle is usually given to people living in a place where there is a lot of tuberculosis (like the Baffin Region).

Bedpan: ᐃᓪᓕᕐᒥ ᖁᕝᕕᒃ: Illirmi Quvvik: Bassine

A pan used to catch urine and feces. It is used by patients who cannot get out of bed.

Bedsore: ᓂᑕᖅᑐᐊᓂᖅ: Nitaqtuaniq: Plaie de lit

A sore caused by lying in one spot too long. Changing positions often can stop a bedsore from occuring. It starts out as a reddened spot which slowly breaks open. It must be kept very clean as it can become infected easily.

Belly Button: ᖃᓚᓯᖅ: Qalasiq: Ombilic (nombril)

Common name for the umbilicus. See Umbilicus.

Benign: ᐱᕈᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᓯᐊᒻᒪᒍᓐᓇᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Piruqsimajuq Siammajunnangittuq: Bénin

This word may be used in different ways. When talking about a growth (tumour), it means that it is not cancerous and therefore unlikely to spread throughout the body, as a malignant tumour might. When talking about a benign disease, it means that it is not dangerous to the person and may not need to be treated. See Malignant.

Berry Aneurysm: ᖃᕋᓴᖅ ᑕᖄᖅᑐᖅ: Qarasaq Taqaaqtuq: Anévrisme au cerveau

The same as cerebral aneurysm. See Cerebral Aneurysm.

Bestiality: ᐅᒪᔪᓂᒃ ᑯᔭᓐᓂᖅ: Umajunik Kujanniq: Bestialité

A human having sex with an animal.

Biceps: ᑲᑦᓱᐊᖅ: Katsuaq: Biceps

The muscle in the front of the upper arm that forms a bump when you bend your elbow. It is the muscle that allows you to bend your arm.

Bile: ᓱᖓᖅ: Sungaq: Bile

A yellow, green or brown fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile travels from the gallbladder into the small intestine through a small tube called the bile duct. Bile makes the food leaving the stomach less acidic so that it doesn't damage the intestines, it helps in the breakdown of fatty foods in the small intestines, and it carries waste away from the liver.

Biopsy: ᐲᖅᓯᓂᖅ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᔪᑦᓴᒥᒃ: Piiqsiniq Qaujisaqtaujutsamik: Biopsie

A test in which tissue is taken out of a living body and looked at under a microscope. It is often done to find out if a growth (tumour) is benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous). It may also tell more about the type of infection a patient may have. The patient is not usually put to sleep but the area being examined is made numb. The doctor may use a needle to pull a sample of tissue out or may cut out a sample.

Birth Control Pill (BCP): ᓇᔾᔨᓇᓐᖏᑦᑐᑦ ᐄᔭᒐᐃᑦ: Najjinanngittut Iijagait: Pilule contraceptive

Commonly called the pill. A pill to stop pregnancy. It is made with chemicals which are the same as the natural chemicals found in women. These chemicals normally control the woman's monthly periods, but when they are taken every day in a pill they trick the body into thinking that it is pregnant so that it doesn't make an egg every month. Besides not having sex or getting sterilized, the best way to stop pregnancy is to take "the pill" every day. If a pill is forgotten one day, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. It is suggested that a condom or other method of birth control be used if a pill is forgotten to make sure that pregnancy does not occur. If you think you are pregnant, the pill must be stopped right away because it won't stop the pregnancy but it might hurt the baby. Most people have no problems with taking the pill but some people have side effects such as headaches or bleeding between their periods. There is a small chance of developing a blood clot when you take the pill if you are over the age of 35 or if circulation problems run in you family. If you take the pill, you should not smoke because it makes you more likely to have a serious problem such as a blood clot. The pill is not recommended for those over 35 who smoke, but non-smokers should be able to take the pill for as long as it is needed.

Birthmark: ᓄᑎᓪᓖᑦ: Nutilliit: Tache de naissance

A spot on the skin that is a different colour from the rest of the skin and is present from birth. The most common birthmarks are moles and freckles. Sometimes children are born with bright red marks called strawberry marks or purple marks called port wine stains. Strawberry marks usually fade by the time the child is 10, whereas, port wine stains do not go away unless taken out by a special treatment called laser treatment.

Blackhead: ᕿᕐᓂᖅᑕᓖᑦ: Qirniqtaliit: Comédon

A pore (a tiny opening in the skin) that is filled with an oily substance and appears black on the skin. The colour of blackheads is not caused by dirt; the oily substance in the pore gets dark when it is touched by air. Blackheads occur most often on the face, chest and back.

Bladder: ᓇᑲᓱᒃ: Nakasuk: Vessie

Any sac that is able to store a substance. This term is most often used when talking about the bladder which holds urine. The bladder is found behind the pelvic bone. It is a hollow, muscular organ which can hold 500 ml or more of urine. It is connected at the back to the kidneys by two tubes called the ureters. Urine slowly drips down the ureters from the kidneys into the bladder, where it is stored until the bladder gets full. When the bladder is full the urge to void (pee) is felt. Urine leaves the bladder through a tube called the urethra.

Bleeding: ᐊᐅᒃᑐᖅ, ᐊᐅᓈᖅᑐᖅ: Auktuq, Aunaaqtuq: Saignement

The leaking of blood from a damaged blood vessel. Bleeding may be seen because the blood is flowing out of the body (external bleeding), or it may not be seen because the blood is staying inside the body (internal bleeding). If too much blood is lost too quickly, the person may go into shock which means that the blood pressure is seriously low. Shock can lead to death if it is not treated. If a vein is cut, the blood is dark and flows out of the body, whereas if an artery is cut, the blood is bright red and comes out in spurts. A cut artery is more dangerous and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Pressure should be put over a cut to help it stop bleeding.

Blind: ᐃᔨᑐᐊᓕᕈᕐᑐᖅ: Tautunngittuq: Cécité

The inability to see. Blindness cannot be corrected with glasses. It can be present from birth, or it can be due to a disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, nerve problems, etc. Some types of blindness are permanent.

Blood: ᐊᐅᒃ: Auk: Sang

The fluid that travels through the heart and blood vessels. The colour of blood changes from bright red in the arteries (because it has a lot of oxygen) to dull red in the veins (because it has very little oxygen). Things travel throughout the body in the blood; for example, oxygen travels from the lungs to the body's tissues in the blood, carbon dioxide travels from the body tissues to the lungs in the blood, and hormones and important chemicals travel to wherever they are needed in the blood. Blood can be thought of as the fluid which provides the river in which solid particles flow. The blood's fluid is a light yellow colour when the solid parts are taken out; this fluid is called plasma. The solid particles include chemicals, hormones, cells which carry oxygen (red blood cells), cells which fight disease (white blood cells), things which stop bleeding (platelets) and several other things.

• Whole Blood: ᐊᐅᑉᐃᓚᓐᖓᐃᕕᐅᓯᒪᓐᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Auk Ilanngaiviusimanngittuq: Sang complet: Blood from which nothing has been removed. When you donate blood, it can be left whole or special things can be separated from the whole blood. A patient may only need red blood cells, so these cells will be separated from the whole blood. Another patient may need the fluid portion (plasma) which can also be separated. The separation of special parts from whole blood gives the best possible use of each bag of donated blood.

Blood Cells: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅ, ᖏᑦ: Aup Ijaruvaujangit: Globules

Small living things (cells) that are found in the blood. There are three types of cells in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Blood Count: ᐊᐅᖏᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Aungiqtauniq: Numération globulaire

A common blood test that counts the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are in a certain amount of blood. There should be a certain number of each type of blood cell. If the number of cells is not normal, a disease is present.

Blood Gas Analysis: ᐊᓂᕐᓂᓴᖅᑕᖃᕐᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᐊᐅᖓᒍᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Anirnisaqtaqarninganik Aungagut Qaujisarniq: Analyse du taux d'oxygène

A blood test that tells the doctor how well the lungs and kidneys are working. It measures the amount of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acid in the blood. The blood is often taken from an artery because it carries blood that has just received oxygen from the lungs, so it can give a better idea of how well the lungs are working. The most common site for this test is the wrist. The blood sample should be kept on ice.

Blood Group: ᐊᐅᑦ ᐊᔾᔨᒌᓐᖐᓐᓂᖏᑦ: Aut Ajjigiinnginningit: Groupe sanguin

A way of grouping blood. Blood type is inherited from the parents. There can be one of four different proteins (chemicals) on the surface of their blood cells, and this determines the blood group. There are four groups of human blood: A, B, O and AB. Another way of grouping blood is called Rh factoring. Most people are Rh positive but some are Rh negative. A person may be O positive or O negative, A positive or A negative, etc. Therefore, there are in fact eight main groups of blood. People with Rh negative blood should not be given Rh positive blood. If an Rh negative woman marries a Rh positive man, she may have a Rh positive baby. This will not cause a problem if she is given an injection after the birth of her first baby. If a transfusion is needed, it is important to know the correct blood group. If the blood groups are not the same, there is a reaction that could lead to death.

Blood Pressure: ᐊᐅᑉ ᓯᖑᔭᕐᓂᖓ: Aup Singujarninga: Pression sanguine

The pressure that the blood puts against the walls of the blood vessels. Several things can change blood pressure. For example, if there is very little blood inside a blood vessel, the pressure against the walls will be low; if the vessels get smaller, then the blood will be pushing hard against the walls and the pressure will be high; if the heart is weak, then it can not pump the blood hard enough and the blood the pressure will be low, etc. Blood pressure is usually given as two numbers: a top number and a bottom number. The top number is higher and gives the pressure inside the vessels when the heart pumps. The lower number is the pressure inside the vessels when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is around 120-80 for most people.

Blood Transfusion: ᐊᐅᓕᖅᓱᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Auliqsuqtauniq: Transfusion sanguine

Giving blood or some part of blood through an IV. Transfusions are needed when a lot of blood has been lost or some part of the blood is missing. For instance, some people may only need the fluid part of the blood (plasma), whereas others may need the things that help the blood to clot (platelets). Before blood can be given to a patient, it is important to find out his blood type so that he may be given the same type. This is called cross-matching. If a patient is given the wrong type of blood, he may have a serious reaction and may even die. If there is no time to cross-match blood, patients are given type O blood. See Blood Group. Patients who are getting a blood transfusion will be checked often by the nurse to make sure that there is no reaction to the blood. If there is a reaction, the blood transfusion is stopped.

Blood Vessel: ᑕᖃᒃ: Taqak: Vaisseau sanguin

A hollow tube made of tissue through which blood can travel around the body. There are several types of blood vessels: veins (carry blood toward the heart), arteries (carry blood away from the heart), venules (tiny veins), arterioles (tiny arteries) and capillaries (join arterioles and venules). All blood vessels are connected to each other. Arteries leave the heart branching off and becoming smaller until they are called arterioles, arterioles become smaller until they become capillaries, capillaries then become larger until they form venules, and venules become larger until they form veins. Veins bring the blood back to the heart.

Boil: ᐊᔪᐊᖅ: Ajuaq: Furoncle

A swollen, red and painful area on the skin that looks something like a large flat pimple. Found most often on the neck and buttocks, but can be found anywhere. It is caused by germs getting inside the skin through a scratch or some other opening in the skin. Sometimes boils heal on their own, but they may need to be cut open so that the pus can drain. Do not try to burst a boil as this may spread the infection and cause it to get worse. Some patients are also given antibiotics to kill the germs.

Bone: ᓴᐅᓂᖅ: Sauniq: Os

The hard, stiff tissue that makes up the skeleton. The human body has 206 bones which are joined together by stiff cords called ligaments. The muscles are joined to the skeleton by tendons. Bones protect important organs (for example, the brain and heart), give shape to the body, allow movement, give us calcium and make blood cells. Bones are covered with a thin, shiny tissue called periosteum. Since bone is alive and must, therefore, have its own blood supply, the periosteum contains blood vessels and nerves for the bone. Inside the bone is a soft, spongy tissue called bone marrow which makes the blood cells.

Bone Marrow: ᐸᑎᖅ, ᖦᖑᑎᓂᖏ: Patiq, lhngutiningi: Os à moelle

The soft, sponge-like, red or yellow material that is inside bones (it gets dark red-brown when it is cooked). It makes red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Bowel: ᐊᓇᐅᑦ, ᐃᖅᑐ: Anaut, Iqtu: Intestin

The large intestine, sometimes incorrectly called the colon. It goes from the small intestine to the anus. In the abdomen, the large intestines go around the outside of the small intestines. Food that cannot be broken down goes into the bowel from the small intestine; this food is known as waste. The bowel takes water and some vitamins out of the waste. The bowel then stores the waste until it leaves the body through the anus. The bowel starts on the lower right side of the abdomen, travels up the right side to just below the ribs, then across toward the stomach and then down the left side of the abdomen. The part that goes up the right side is called the ascending colon, the part that goes across is called the transverse colon, and the part that goes down the left side is the descending colon.

Bradycardia: ᑎᓪᓕᕐᓂᖓ ᓱᒃᑲᐃᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Tilliirninga Sukkailuaqtuq: Bradycardie

A slow heart beat, usually any heart that is beating less than 60 times per minute. Some very fit people have fewer than 60 heart beats per minute. In others, it may mean there is a blockage in the nerves that supply the heart or a problem with the thyroid gland (the gland that controls how energy is used in the body).

Brain: ᖃᕋᓴᖅ: Qarasaq: Cerveau

The soft, spongy, pinkish-gray tissue found inside the skull and connected to the spinal cord. It is made up of billions of nerve cells which are connected to each other. It controls our breathing, circulation and temperature, allows us to understand what we see, hear, taste, smell and feel, as well think, remember and feel emotions. See Neuron. The brain is divided into three main sections: the brain stem, the cerebellum, and the cerebrum. The brain stem controls breathing, heart beat and blood pressure; the cerebellum controls balance and coordination; and the cerebrum is concerned with higher thinking. The brain is covered by a tissue called the meninges which protects the brain from infections and injury. It is also bathed in a fluid called the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which gives it food and cushions it from injury.

• Brain Abscess: ᖃᕆᓴᖅ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Qarisaq Immaksimajuq: Abcès au cerveau: See Abcess.

Brain Stem: ᖃᕆᓴᐅᑉ ᐊᑦᑕᑎᖓ, ᖃᕆᓴᕐᒧᑦ ᑲᓱᖅᓯᒪᓂᖓ: Qarisaup Attatinga, Qarisarmut Kasuqsimaninga: Tronc cérébral

The bulge at the top of the spinal cord which is responsible for breathing, heart beat and blood pressure. It is the lowest part of the brain and we are not aware (conscious) of the things controlled by this part of the brain.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: ᓄᖅᑲᐃᓐᓇᕈᔾᔭᖅ, ᐱᕐᓂᓱᑲᓴᑦᑐᖅ: Nuqqainnarujjaq, Irnisukasattuq: Contractions gravidiques

Light contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy. They may get stronger and happen more often closer to the delivery date. They can sometimes be mixed up with true labour contractions but they are different because they do not get closer together, become regular or cause the birth canal to get wider.

Breast: ᐃᕕᐊᓐᖏᒃ, ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Ivianngik, Qaujirniq: Sein

The upper, front part of the chest which is usually larger in women than men. In women, the breasts produce milk after the birth of a baby. In men, the breasts do not become larger at puberty, nor do they produce milk. In women, the breast has milk-making glands inside of fatty tissue. The milk-making glands connect together at the nipple where the milk leaves the body.

Breathing: ᐊᓂᖅᓛᓵᑐᕐᓂᖅ: Aniqsaaturniq: Respiration

The passing of air into and out of the lungs. Breathing brings oxygen into the body and gets rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide (CO₂). Adults breathe about 15-17 times per minute, teenagers breathe about 12-20 times per minute, children from 2 to 12 years breathe about 20-30 times per minute, and newborns breathe 30-50 times per minute. However, during exercise or times of stress the body needs more oxygen so the breathing rate can be much faster. The breathing rate is controlled by the brain which tells the diaphragm to flatten down and the rib cage to move up and out; this makes more room for the lungs so that they can fill up with air. Air is pushed out of the lungs when the diaphragm goes back up and the rib cage goes back in.

Breech Presentation: ᑭᖑᑉᐱᖓᔪᖅ: Kinguppingajuq: Présentation par le siège

A baby is upside down inside the womb so that the first part to come through the vagina is the buttocks or feet instead of the head. Most babies turn so that the head is down before the woman goes into labour. If a baby does not turn into the head-down position, the doctor will try to turn the infant around while it is still in the womb. Sometimes it is not possible to turn the baby; the doctor will then decide if it best for the woman to have a Cesarean section. Delivery of breech babies is more difficult for the baby and the mother. If the woman's pelvis appears wide enough, a vaginal delivery may be OK.

Bronchi: ᓄᕕᖅᓱᐃᑦ: Nuviqsuit: Bronches

The airways in the lungs. Each bronchus divides into several bronchi. See Bronchus.

Bronchiole: ᓄᕕᖅᑐᒃ, ᓄᕕᖅᓱᒃ, ᓄᕕᖅᖢᒃ: Nuviqtuk, Nuviqsuk, Nuviqtak: Bronchiole

One of the tiny branches of the bronchi that spread throughout the lungs. In the lungs, there are hundreds of these tiny air tubes. See Bronchus.

Bronchitis: ᐳᕝᕕᕆᓂᖅ: Puvviriniq: Bronchite

A swelling of the large breathing tubes in the lungs which are called the bronchi. Bronchitis can be a sudden disease which will last a short time or it can be a disease that is never cured. The causes of these two forms of the disease are different.

The type of bronchitis that only lasts for a short time is called acute bronchitis. It usually follows a cold or flu and is caused by a germ called a virus. Acute bronchitis can also be caused by a bacteria, or by breathing in cigarette smoke or air pollution. The symptoms are like those of an ordinary cold at first; later there may be wheezing, shortness of breath, a dry, irritating cough or a cough with mucous from the lungs and a fever. The patient should inhale steam and drink a lot of fluids. If it is a dry cough, medicines which stop the coughing (cough suppressants) may be used but these medicines should not be used if any mucous is being coughed up. If the bronchitis is due to a bacteria (not a virus), then the patient should take antibiotics.

The type of bronchitis that cannot be cured is called chronic bronchitis. This is due to a narrowing of the airways because of blockage with mucous. It is most often caused by smoking which causes a lot of mucous to be made by the lining of the airways. The lungs try to get rid of this mucous by coughing which further irritates the lining and eventually there is a permanent thickening of the airways. Patients with chronic bronchitis have shortness of breath, a cough that will not go away and get chest infections very easily. Sometimes they get heart problems because the heart has to work so hard to get blood into the lungs. They are treated with drugs that open the airways. Oxygen may help the patient feel less short of breath. The damage is permanent so the patient must be taught how to live with it. The patient must stop smoking right away or more damage will occur.

Bronchoscopy: ᓄᕕᖅᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᕿᙳᒻᒥᒐᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Nuviqtukkut Qiinngummigaqtauniq: Bronchoscopie

Looking inside the trachea and bronchi with a special tube called a bronchoscope. This tube has a light at the end that goes down the throat and a glass eye piece on the end which the doctor looks through. Besides using this tube to see inside the trachea, the doctor can suck out a sample of mucous, take out a piece of tissue to check for a disease or remove anything that might be blocking the airway. The patient is not usually put to sleep for this procedure but they may be given some medication which will help them to relax. The throat is sprayed with a medication which makes it numb and the tube is passed through the patient's mouth, down the back of the throat to the bronchi.

Bronchus: ᓄᕕᖅᓱᒃ, ᓄᕕᖅᑐᒃ: Nuviqsuk, Nuviqtuk: Bronche

The windpipe (trachea) divides into two branches; each branch is called a bronchus. Therefore, each lung has one main bronchus. The bronchus of each lung divides into smaller tubes called bronchi. The bronchi branch into even smaller tubes called bronchioles. The airways can be thought of as an upside-down tree: the trachea is the trunk, each bronchus is a large branch, the bronchi are smaller branches, and the bronchioles are the tiny branches.

Brucellosis: ᑐᓯᐊᓪᓗᑦᑐᖅ, ᐃᒪᕆᐊᑦᑐᖅ: Tusialluttuq, Imariattuq: Brucellose

A disease that people can catch from animals which is due to a germ called a bacteria. Most animals that live on farms, such as pigs or cows, are treated for this disease but wild animals such as caribou can still have it. It is hard to know when an animal has this disease, but you can sometimes see swollen joints. The males also have swollen testicles. It is thought that between 15-30% of the caribou in the North have this disease. The symptoms in humans are hard to notice in the beginning and include weight loss and irritability. Later the symptoms include headache, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and a fever that goes up and down at regular periods of time. The doctor can tell if you have this disease by doing a blood test. Patients must take antibiotics for a few months.

Bulimia Nervosa: ᖁᐃᑦᑎᒋᐊᑦᓴᖅ ᑲᑉᐱᐊᓱᓐᓂᖅ: Quittigiatsaq Kappiasunniq: Boulimie

People who have this disorder eat huge amounts of food and then force themselves to vomit. They may also take medications which cause diarrhea. The reason for this behaviour is a very strong fear of becoming fat. They need counselling to help them to deal with this fear because their behaviour can lead to health problems.

Burn: ᐅᕕᓂᖅ ᐆᒃᑐᖅ: Uviniq Uuktuq: Brûlure

Damage to the skin caused by getting too close to something hot or certain chemicals, touching live electricity or by being exposed to too much radiation. Burns are grouped by doctors so that we know how serious they are. The least serious burn is a first-degree burn. A more serious burn is a second-degree burn. The most serious type is a third-degree burn because this type of burn destroys the skin and leaves a scar. Other important things to consider are:

1. how much of a body is burned, because any type of burn is serious if it covers a lot of the body;
2. how old the person is, because the very young or very old are at more risk for infections and other complications; and
3. if there is damage to the lungs or airways, because this could interfere with breathing.

• First Degree Burn: ᐅᕕᓂᐅᑉ ᖄᖓ ᐆᒃᑐᖅ: Uviniup Qaanga Uuktuq: Brûlure au premier degré: This type of burn is the least serious burn. It is painful and causes reddening of the skin. It only affects the top layer of skin. It heals quickly with no permanent scarring.
• Second Degree Burn: ᐅᕕᓂᐅᑉ ᒪᙳᖃᕐᕕᖓ ᐆᒃᑐᖅ (ᐊᒦᖅᑐᖅ): Uviniup Mannguqarvinga Uuktuq (Amiiqtuq): Brûlure au second degré: This type of burn causes blisters (fluid-filled sacs) to form because it goes deeper into the skin than a first degree burn. It does not leave scars.
• Third Degree Burn: ᐃᕿᔫᑦ (ᐆᒃᑐᐹᓗᒃ, ᐆᓪᓚᕆᑦᑐᖅ): Iqijuut (Uuktupaaluk, Uullarittuq): Brûlure au troisième degré: This type of burn destroys the full thickness of the skin. The skin may be black or white, and the underlying muscles may be seen. This type of burn may not be painful because the nerves in the skin have been destroyed. It leaves permanent scarring and may need skin grafting (this is when skin is taken from one part of the body and put on another).

Bursa: ᐃᒪᕉᔭᖅ, ᐃᒪᕈᐊᖅ: Imaruujaq, Imaruaq: Bourse

A fluid-filled pad in the body's tissues. They are found in places where certain body parts rub together. They help muscles glide easily over bones without getting worn away. There are many in the body but the most important ones are found at the shoulder, elbow, knee and hip.

Bursitis: ᐃᒪᕈᕕᐊᓪᓗᕐᓂᖅ: Imaruviallurniq: Hygroma

A painful swelling of the bursa. This is caused by over-using a joint. Any joint can be affected but the most common one is the shoulder. Treated with rest and ice packs. If the swelling does not go down, a doctor may put a needle into the area to take out the extra fluid or give a needle with a drug called corticosteroid. See Bursa.

Buttocks: ᐅᒃᐸᑏᒃ, ᓄᐊᒃ: Ukpatiik, Nuluak: Fesse

Commonly called the bum.

C

Caesarean Section: ᐱᓚᑦᑕᐅᓪᓗᓂ ᐃᕐᓂᑎᑕᖅ: Pilattaulluni Irnititaq: Opération césarienne

See Cesarean Section.

Calcaneus: ᑭᒻᒥᐅᑉ ᓴᐅᓂᖓ: Kimmiup Sauninga: Calcaneum

The heel bone. It is found at the back of the foot. The Achilles tendon is attached to the back of the heel bone and is responsible for the up and down movement of the foot.

Calcium: ᓴᐅᓂᑦᓴᖅ: Saunitsaq: Calcium

An important chemical (mineral) that is found in the human body, which when it joins with phosphorus (another mineral) makes the very hard material that forms bones and teeth. Calcium is also important in the formation of blood clots, the normal beating of the heart and muscle movement. Calcium is an important part of a healthy diet. Milk and cheese have a lot of calcium; spinach, broccoli and clams have some calcium. If there is not enough calcium in the blood, the body takes it from the bones, which can make them weaker. If there is not enough calcium in the diet, it can lead to rickets or osteoporosis.

Calculus: ᓯᑎᒃᑎᓐᓂᑯᑦ: Sitiktinnikut: Calcul

Commonly called a stone. It is a hard piece of material which is made from the build-up of things like calcium and phosphorus that are normally found in the body. The body usually gets rid of these things when there is too much, but if it does not, they can form into stones. Stones are most likely to form in the kidney or in the gallbladder.

Cancer: ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑎᖏᑦ ᐃᓕᖅᑯᓯᖅᓱᕈᓐᓃᖅᑐᑦ: Uumajjutingit Iliqqusiqsurunniiqtut: Cancer

This word refers to a group of diseases in which the tiny living things (cells) that make up the body get changed somehow into cells that are not normal. Once a normal cell has been changed into an abnormal cell, it makes more cells which are abnormal. These cells grow much faster than normal cells and they do not work for the body in the same way that healthy cells do. Because they grow so fast, they interfere with the normal cells by taking up the space that the healthy cells should have and can press on important organs or pathways in the body.

Any cell in the body can be changed into an abnormal cell. For example, if bone cell is changed, then bone cancer will result; or if a lung cell is changed, lung cancer will result. The abnormal cells grow so fast that eventually they form a ball of cells called a tumour. Cancerous tumours are called malignant. Some of the abnormal cells can fall off this tumour and travel in the blood or other body fluids to other places in the body where they can grow.

There is no one thing that causes all cancers. It is thought that a combination things in our environment and things in our own bodies cause cancer. Things that cause cancer are known as carcinogens. Examples of things in our environment that could cause cancer include cigarette smoking (which is known to cause 90% of all cancers of the lung) and staying in the sun too much (which can cause cancer of the skin). Other forms of cancer seem to run in families. Cancers are also more likely to occur in people who have weak immune systems. See Tumour.

Candidiasis: ᐊᓂᐊᓚᑦᓯᔪᖅ ᓱᕈᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᓕᕐᒥᒃ: Anialatsijuq Surujunnaqtulirmik: Candidiase

Commonly called a yeast infection. It is caused by a tiny living thing called a fungus. This fungus normally lives in the human mouth and vagina, but if it grows too fast, or if there are too many of them, they can cause an infection. This is most likely to happen if a person is on antibiotics or birth control pills. It may also happen during pregnancy or if the immune system is weakened. A yeast infection of the mouth is called thrush. Thrush is most common in babies and can be seen as thick creamy white patches either in the mouth or as a diaper rash. It can be treated with a special mouthwash or medicines like nystatin or clotrimazole. A yeast infection in the vagina is called moniliasis. It can cause severe itching and a thick whitish discharge. This type of infection can be treated with creams that are put inside the vagina. It is not usually passed on to sexual partners, but if it keeps reoccurring, the sexual partner should be tested.

Canine Tooth: ᑐᓗᕆᐊᖅ: Tuluriaq: Canine

Sometimes called a cuspid, or eyetooth in the upper jaw. One of the four sharp, pointed cone-shaped teeth that tears and shreds food.

Capillary: ᑕᖃᕈᓯᖅ, ᑕᖃᓛᖅ: Taqarusiq, Taqalaaq: Vaisseaux capillaires

One of the tiny thin blood vessels which connect arterioles to venules. When the arteries leave the heart, they are big with many branches which get smaller and smaller until they eventually connect to the capillaries. Capillaries join on the other end to tiny venules which get larger and larger until they become veins, which bring blood back to the heart. It is through the thin walls of the capillaries that oxygen and food leak from our blood into all of our body's cells. Things that our cells don't need anymore leak from the cells through the thin capillary walls into our blood.

Carbon Dioxide: ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᔪᓐᓃᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Aniqtirijunniinaqtuq: Anhydride carbonique

A gas which has no smell or colour, it is found in the air as is oxygen. It is also the waste gas that is made by the cells. The body gets rid of carbon dioxide through the air we breathe out of our lungs. When there is a lot of carbon dioxide in the blood, we breathe faster to get rid of it. It is a high level of carbon dioxide, not a low level of oxygen, that triggers breathing.

Carcinoma: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖏᑦ ᐱᕈᑲᒻᒪᑦᑐᑦ: Timiup Ijaruvaujangit Pirukammattut: Carcinome

A type of cancer that grows on the surface of organs or on the inside lining of an organ. It is the most common type of cancer. It can spread easily to other parts of the body and can sometimes cause death. Many cancers are this type, for example, breast, lung, prostate, skin and throat.

Cardiac: ᐆᒻᒪᑎ: Uummati: Cardiaque

Anything that has to do with the heart. For example, cardiac muscle means heart muscle, cardiac medication means heart medication, cardiac arrest means heart attack, etc.

Cardiac Arrest: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓄᖅᑲᕐᓂᖓ: Uummatiup Nuqqarninga: Arrêt du cœur

When the heart stops beating. This is not the same as a heart attack. All deaths are ultimately due to a cardiac arrest because if the heart stops beating death occurs in a few minutes. However, a cardiac arrest is treated if it is due to a disease that can be treated; it is not treated if it is due to a disease like cancer. A cardiac arrest can be caused by a heart attack, but it can also be due to a breathing problem, loss of a lot of blood, electric shock, drug overdose, etc. Cardiac arrest can cause permanent damage, but when it is treated properly, the patient lives. If the heart stops beating because of a treatable disease, it is important to start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) as soon as possible. CPR is the pressing on the chest and breathing into the mouth of the unconscious person. The longer the heart has stopped, the less likely the patient will recover.

Cardiac Arrythmia: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᒪᓕᑦᑎᒌᖅᑕᙱᓐᓂᖓ: Uummatiup Malittigiiqtanginninga: Arythmie cardiaque

The heart beat is not normal. The heart is either not beating regularly (the space between heart beats is not even), or it is beating too fast or too slow. It is due to an electrical problem in the heart. The heart is triggered to beat by a clump of electrical tissue in the heart. If there is a problem with this electrical tissue, the heart will not beat normally. The electrical tissue is most likely to become damaged if someone suffers from hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Hardening of the arteries causes the electrical tissue to become starved for oxygen leading to damage.

Cardiac Catheterization: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒥᒃ ᑕᖃᕐᔪᐊᒃᑯᑦ ᓱᓪᓗᓕᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Uummatimik Taqarjuakkut Sullulikkut Qaujisarniq: Cathétérisme intracardiaque

The same as angiocardiography. A test done to see if the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart (coronary arteries) are clogged or if there are any other abnormalities of the heart. A dye may be put into the bloodstream (usually through a needle in the upper chest or the groin). An x-ray picture is then taken which will show the coronary arteries. The patient must tell someone if he feels strange at any time during the test.

Cardiology: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒥᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ, ᐆᒻᒪᑎᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Uumatimik Qaujisarniq, Uumatiliriniq: Cardiologie

The study of how the heart works. A doctor who works in this field is called a cardiologist. This type of doctor has special training in finding and treating problems with the heart. It takes at least four years of training after a doctor finishes medical school to become a cardiologist.

Caries: ᐊᐅᓂᖅ: Auniq: Caries

Tooth decay or the rotting of a tooth. When a enough of a tooth rots away, a cavity develops and should be filled by the dentist. It can be prevented by carefully brushing and flossing the teeth, and eating food that does not have too much sugar.

Carotid Artery: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᓂᐊᖁᕐᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqavik Niaqurmuungajuq Uummatimmit: Carotide

The four main arteries found in the neck which bring blood with oxygen in it to the head. There are two on each side of the windpipe (trachea): two are deep and can not be felt, and the other two are closer to the surface. You can feel the pulsing of the two surface carotids when you put your fingers on either side of the windpipe.

Carpal Bones: ᐸᕝᕕᐅᑉ ᓴᐅᓂᖏᑦ, ᐸᕝᕕᒃ, ᐊᕐᕙᑦ, ᐊᒡᒐᐅᑎ: Pavviup Sauningit, Pavvik, Arvat, Aggauti: Métacarpes (os du poignet)

The eight bones of the wrist which join the hand to the lower arm and allow the hand to move in many directions.

Cartilage: ᖃᖅᑯᓛᖅ, ᓇᑕᖅᑯᖅ: Qaqqulaaq, Nataqquq: Cartilage

The bluish-white or grayish substance that makes up part of the skeleton in adults. It can be found between the ribs, in the nose, the outside of the ear, between the spinal bones and at the ends of bones which are at joints (where two bones meet). Cartilage helps to protect bones from rubbing against each other and wearing away.

Cast: ᖁᐊᖅᑎᓯᒪᔪᖅ, ᕿᑯᒃ: Quaqtisimajuq, Qikuk: Plâtre

A solid mold which is most often used to treat a broken bone. A cast is made from a special wet material that is put over the site of the broken bone. This material gets hard when it dries and it stays in the shape of the body part. Patients with a new cast should be told to tell a nurse or doctor about any blueness or coldness of the area around the cast. If they are having too much pain or if funny smells are coming from the cast they should also let someone know. Never scratch inside the cast. If the the skin breaks open, germs can easily grow inside the cast and cause an infection.

Cataract: ᖁᕕᖅᑎ: Quviqti: Cataracte

A painless clouding of the lens of the eye. You can see a white film over the eye of someone who has a cataract, and it causes blurred or dim vision. They are found most often in older people and thought to be a normal part of aging. However, some babies are born with cataracts. Cataracts in babies may be due to infection of the mother or to drugs she has taken while she was pregnant. In adults, too much sunlight and being around certain chemicals may cause cataracts to form. Cataracts are treated by surgery which removes the cataract or the entire lens of the eye. If the lens is taken out, man-made one is put in its place.

Catheterization: ᓱᓪᓗᓕᒻᒧᑦ ᖁᐃᕕᓕᖅᑎᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Sullulimmut Quiviliqtitauniq: Cathétérisme

The process of putting a catheter into the body. A catheter is a hollow, rubber tube. The most common catheterization is a urinary catheterization in which a catheter is put into the urethra up to the bladder to allow urine to flow out or to put medicine into the bladder.

Cauterize: ᐆᑎᕐᓂᖅ: Uutirniq: Cautériser

To stop bleeding by putting a hot or electrical rod-like instrument on a blood vessel to sear the end shut. It can also be used to destroy tissue in infected wounds.

Cavity: ᐃᓗᓕᒃᓴᕐᕕᒃ: Iluliksarvik: Cavité

A hole or space. It may be a hole in a tooth caused by tooth decay, or it may be a hollow space in the body.

• Abdominal Cavity: ᐃᕐᕋᕕᖃᕐᕕᒃ: Irraviqarvik: Cavité abdominale: The hollow space between the flat breathing muscle under the rib cage (diaphragm) and the pubic bone. In this space, all the organs of the abdomen are kept, (e.g. stomach, liver, intestines, kidneys, etc.).

CBC: ᐊᐅᒻᒦᒦᑦᑐᓕᒫᑦ ᓈᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖏᑦ: Aummiittulimaat Naasaqtauningit: Numération globulaire

The short way to write complete blood count. See Complete Blood Count.

Cell: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ, ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑎ: Ijaruvaujaq, Uumajjuti: Cellule

The smallest living part of any living thing. All living things are made up of cells. Things that are not alive do not have cells. The human body is made up of trillions of cells; every tissue, body part, etc. is made up of many cells living close together. A cell can only be seen under a microscope. There are many different sizes and shapes of cells; their size and shape depend on the job that they must do in the body. For example, muscle cells look different from nerve cells, and skin cells look different from bone cells. Cells can make exact copies of themselves and they do so whenever there is a need. Cells make copies of themselves so that we can grow from infants to adults or to replace dead cells. Cells can die as a result of sickness, injury or because they are old. In order to work properly, the body must always have about the same number of cells: that is why they must be replaced.

Cell Membrane: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᑉ ᐴᐹᖓ: Ijaruvauiaup Puupaanga: Membrane cellulaire

The skin of a cell. It holds the cell together and keeps out all things that are not supposed to be inside the cell. See Cell.

Central Nervous System: ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᕐᔪᑎᑦ ᑲᓱᖅᑕᕐᕕᖓ: Ikpinniarjutit Kasuqtarvinga: Système nerveux central

The part of the nervous system that is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. It works with the peripheral nervous system which includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system gets information from the sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin) and sends messages out to the body. For example, to lift the leg, the brain sends a message down the spinal cord to the nerves in the leg, and the nerves in the leg then tell the leg muscles to contract which lifts the leg.

Centriole: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐅᑉ ᐊᕕᑦᑕᐅᑎᖓ: Ijaruvaujaup Avittautinga: Centriole

One of the two cylinder-shaped things found inside a cell. They are close together just outside of the nucleus (control centre) of the cell. They have an important job to do when one cell divides into two cells. When a cell is dividing, they move away from each other to opposite ends of the cell and help to pull the cell apart.

Cerebellum: ᖃᕋᓴᖅᐸᖅ, ᖃᕆᓴᕕᒃ: Qarasaqpaq, Qarisavik: Cervelet

A part of the brain which is a clump of tissue found at the top of the spinal cord. It is often called the small brain because it is a separate section found under the biggest part of the brain. Its job is to coordinate movements and keep us balanced. Most things we do take the coordination of many muscles; for example, to eat food, we use about 30 different muscles in the hand, arm and shoulder. The cerebellum makes all the muscles involved in movements act smoothly together so that movements are not jerky. It is also responsible for keeping us balanced by letting us know where we are in relation to other things.

Cerebral Cortex: ᖃᕋᓴᐅᑉ (ᐴᕈᕕᐊᖓ): Qarasaup (Puuruvianga): Cortex cérébral

The outside layer of the biggest part of the brain (cerebrum). The cerebral cortex is the thinking part of the brain, so it is responsible for how smart we are. It receives messages from all of our senses so that we know what things look, smell, sound, taste or feel like. It tells a part of the body to move when we want it to. For example, if we want to lift our arm, this is the part of the brain that sends a message to the muscles which lift the arm.

Cerebral Hemorrhage: ᖃᕆᓴᑕᕐᒦᑦᑐᖅ ᖄᖅᑐᖅ: Qarisatarmiittuq Qaaqtuq: Hémorragie cérébrale

Bleeding into the brain due to the breaking open of a blood vessel. If a person has high blood pressure, it may cause a blood vessel to break open. Blood vessels are also more likely to break open if an aneurysm (a weakness of the blood vessel) is present or if there is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Cerebral hemorrhage is one cause of a stroke. See Stroke.

Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA): ᓄᑮᖅᑎᑦᑐᖅ: Nukiiqtittuq: Accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC)

Also called stroke. See Stroke.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): ᕿᑎᕋᐅᑉ ᐃᒪᖓ, ᕿᒥᕐᓘᑉ ᐃᒪᕋᖓ: Qitiraup Imanga, Qimirluup Imaranga: Liquide rachidien

The clear fluid which surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. It is also found deep inside the brain in the spaces called ventricles; this fluid is made in the ventricles. The CSF acts as a watery cushion helping to protect the brain and spinal cord from injury when we fall or get hit. It also keeps the brain moist and gives it food. A sample of cerebral spinal fluid can be taken through a needle placed in between the spine bones (lumbar puncture). This test is done when the doctor thinks there may be an infection like meningitis or some other type of brain problem.

Cerebrum: ᖃᕋᓴᖅ, ᖃᕆᑕᖅ: Qarasaq, Qaritaq: Cerveau

The main part of the brain which is found inside the skull. It is soft, pink-gray tissue which looks wavy. It is divided into two halves, called hemispheres, which are joined by a bridge. This bridge lets information go from one side of the cerebrum to the other. Different parts of the cerebrum are responsible for different things. The front part, behind our forehead, is responsible for thinking. The side above the ear is responsible for hearing, speech, reading and writing. The back is for sight. Its outside covering is called the cerebral cortex.

Cervix: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᑉ ᐹᖓ: Illiap Paanga: Col de l'utérus

The narrow, lower end of the uterus which is at the top of the vagina; it is the neck of the uterus. In the centre of the cervix, is a tiny opening into the uterus. Through this opening, sperm enter the uterus, and the monthly blood leaves (menstruation). During labour and delivery, the opening in the cervix widens so that the baby can leave the uterus and enter the vagina. The cervix is a common site for cancer and should be checked every year or two by a Pap smear test. See Pap Smear.

Cesarean Section: ᐱᓚᑦᑕᐅᓪᓗᓂ ᐃᕐᓂᑎᑕᖅ: Pilattaulluni Irnititaq: Opération césarienne

Delivery of a baby by cutting into the abdomen and uterus and taking the baby out by hand. It is done when there is some problem which prevents a normal delivery through the vagina. Problems which lead to a Cesarean section include:

1. the baby's head is bigger than the opening through which it has to pass;
2. the placenta has fallen away from the uterus which means that the baby cannot get oxygen or food from the mother's blood;
3. the baby is not in the right position with his head facing downward; he may be feet first or sideways;
4. the baby's heart is going too fast or too slow which means that he is not doing well with the stress of being delivered normally;
5. the cervix is not opening up the way it is supposed to;
6. the uterus is not pushing down often enough;
7. the waters have been broken for more than one day but the baby has not been delivered; and
8. labour is lasting a very long time but the baby has not been delivered.

It is a safe procedure but it is usually better for the mother and baby when there is a normal delivery.

Chemical: ᑲᓄᔾᔪᑎᑦ, ᑲᑎᑎᒐᐃᑦ: Kanujjutit, Katitigait: Produit chimique

The basic building blocks that combine in many different ways to form all living and non-living things in the world. Everything is made up of chemicals. The way in which the different chemicals join together will make them either dangerous or not dangerous. Many chemicals used in industries are poisonous. If a chemical mixture is swallowed or comes in touch with the body, phone the hospital or health centre to find out if it is poisonous.

Chest: ᑐᓂᕐᔪᒃ, ᖃᑎᒐᖅ: Tunirjuk, Qatigaq: Thorax

The upper part of the body from below the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. The medical name for this part of the body is thorax.

Chickenpox: ᐊᐅᐸᓪᓛᖅ: Aupallaaq: Varicelle

A contagious disease that is most commonly found in children. It is caused by a germ called a virus. It is a mild disease in children but can be more serious in adults, especially in pregnant woman. If you have had it once you will not get it again. It spreads most easily from two days before the rash appears until a week after. Symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite and the appearance of small red spots which in a few hours get bigger and fill with clear fluid. The fluid eventually turns yellow and a crust forms on the spot. The crusty spots are very itchy, but they should not be scratched because they will lead to permanent scarring. To help stop the itching, you can put calamine lotion or Vaseline on the spots. Acetaminophen will help with the fever. The sleeping form of the chickenpox virus can stay inside the body for many years and later cause a disease called shingles.

Chin: ᑕᓪᓗ: Tallu: Menton

The front part of the jaw bone under the bottom front teeth.

Chiropractic: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᒃᑯᑦ ᐃᓱᐊᖅᓴᐃᓂᖅ: Qimirlukkut Isuaqsainiq: Chiropraxie

Treatment of disease by putting pressure on the spine and joints. People who practice this form of medicine believe that many diseases are caused by pressure on nerves from bones in the spine. Chiropractors are not medical doctors and cannot give out prescription medicine. They get their training from schools which believe in this way of looking at disease. This type of treatment works well on some types of back pain, but many medical doctors do not agree with this way of treating other diseases such as heart disease, cancer, etc.

Chiropractor: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᓕᕆᔨ: Qimirluliriji: Chiropracteur

A person who puts pressure on the spine in order to treat diseases of the back or other parts of the body. See Chiropractic.

Chlamydia: ᖁᐱᕐᕆᓯᒪᓂᖅ (ᐊᐃᑉᐸᖃᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ): Qupirrisimaniq (Aippaqarniikkut): Chlamydie

A germ that causes an infection in the sex organs of men and women. It is easily passed from one person to another during sex; therefore, it is known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can be treated with medicines called antibiotics. It is important to treat all people that you have had sex with because, if they do not get treated, they can give the germ back to you or to someone else. It is the most common type of STD, and people often do not know that they have it because the symptoms may not be very noticeable. Symptoms can be pain when urinating and a watery fluid coming from the penis in men. Women might have itching and burning around the vagina, a thick, yellow-whitish fluid coming from the vagina, a pain in the lower abdomen or bleeding in between periods. If it is not treated, it can lead to bad infections in the uterus or scars in the fallopian tubes of women and infections in the testicles of men. Sometimes people who have not had this disease treated quickly enough are unable make babies. It is also a common cause of tubal pregnancies because the egg gets stuck in the scars of the fallopian tubes. Babies who are born to women that have this disease may get pneumonia (a lung infection) or conjunctivitis (an eye infection). When given medicine for this disease, it is important to take all of it so that all the germs are killed.

Cholesterol: ᐃᒡᓇᐅᑦ (ᑭᓂᖅᑎᕈᑎ), ᐅᖅᓱᖅ: Ignaut (Kiniqtiruti), Uqsuq: Cholestérol

A chemical found in animal fat and made by the liver. It is thought to cause fat to build up on the inside of blood vessels. When the fat on the inside of vessels gets too thick, it can block blood from getting through. If this happens in the heart, it can cause a heart attack; if it happens in the brain, it can cause a stroke. A tendency to build up fat on the inside of blood vessels seems to run in families. It is recommended that we do not eat too many foods high in cholesterol such as egg yolks, shrimp, cheese, kidney, heart and animal fat. A doctor can find out how much cholesterol is in the blood by doing a blood test. There are two main types of cholesterol in the body: a good cholesterol (called HDL) and a bad cholesterol (called LDL). The bad cholesterol is the type that builds up on the blood vessels. When you get the results of a cholesterol blood test, it is important to know how much of each type of cholesterol you have in your blood. If your total cholesterol is high, you may have more of the good cholesterol than the bad and this would be OK; if you have more bad cholesterol than good cholesterol, then you should increase your exercise level and lower the amount of animal fat in your diet.

Chromosome: ᐃᓅᑉ ᐱᒋᐊᕐᓂᖓ ᓈᒪᔾᔪᑎ: Inuup Piigiarninga, Naamajjuti: Chromosome

A strand of material made up of a chemical called DNA that is found inside the control centre of each cell in the body. The chemical DNA can be thought of as a small bead; when several beads string together, they form a strand called a chromosome. There are 46 chromosomes found in all cells in the body, except sperm and eggs which have only 23. One small section of a strand of DNA is called a gene; the whole strand is called a chromosome. It is the genes on the chromosome that make us who we are—they determine our hair colour, skin colour, height, weight, the shape of our eyes, nose, etc. We inherit 23 of our chromosomes (and therefore genes) from our mother and 23 from our father.

Chronic: ᒪᒥᔪᐃᑦᑐᖅ, ᐋᓐᓂᐊᑯᑖᒃᑐᖅ, ᐋᖅᑭᒃᓯᕇᑦᑐᖅ: Mamijuittuq, Aanniakutaaktuq, Aaqqiksiriittuq: Chronique

A disease that lasts for a long time or that can not be cured. People with a chronic disease have symptoms that stay with them day after day without much change. It means the opposite of acute.

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: ᐊᓂᕐᓂᑭᑦᑐᖅ: Anirnikittuq: Congestion pulmonaire chronique

A group of incurable diseases in which air does not flow easily into or out of the lungs. Caused by permanent damage to the lungs and airways which is most often due to smoking. The lungs become stiff, the little hairs which line the airways do not sweep dirt out like they are supposed to, and too much mucous is made in the airways and lungs. The mucous can block air from getting into the lungs. The lungs are not able to give oxygen to the blood or take away the waste gas (carbon dioxide) from the blood very well because the tissue in the lungs is breaking down. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two diseases which belong in this group. It is found most often in heavy smokers, those who live or work around a lot of air pollution, or those that have had asthma or many chest infections. The early symptoms are shortness of breath, smoker's cough and feeling tired after a bit of exercise. As time goes on it gets more and more difficult to breathe air out of the lungs. The cough gets worse and thick mucous develops.

This disease causes a lot of problems for the body. It can cause breathing to suddenly stop. It stresses the heart because it must work harder to give the body oxygen and must pump harder to push blood into the very stiff lungs. There is an increase in the cells which carry oxygen in the blood, which can make the blood thicker. There is an increase in chest infections because the lungs have a lot of mucous and coughing up germs or other things is difficult. The body is not able to fight off other diseases very well because eating and sleeping are difficult. A doctor knows this disease is present if a patient has difficulty breathing, coughs and tires easily. A lung test where the patient must breath into a tube also shows that some air is left in the lungs after breathing out. A blood test will show low amounts of oxygen and a high amount of the waste gas, carbon dioxide.

These patients will often be given medicine which they breathe in. They should rest a lot but gradually increase their activity if they can, drink a lot of water and have an air humidifier in their room to loosen up the mucous in their lungs, stay away from people who have colds or other sickness that they might catch, and get a flu shot each year. They can be taught special breathing exercises and a way of coughing which will improve breathing and remove things from the lungs. They may need an oxygen machine in their home if they get very short of breath. It is very important that they stop smoking because it will make the disease much worse.

Chyme: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᕐᒥᖏᑦ: Aqiarurmingit: Chyme

Forms in the stomach and passes into the intestines. It is food mixed with the stomach juices; it looks like food that has been through a blender.

Circulatory System: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᓂᖓ: Aup Ingirraninga: Appareil circulatoire

The parts of the body that keep blood continuously moving around the body. It is made up of the heart, the blood vessels and the blood. The blood is pumped through the body and lungs by the heart. The blood carries important things throughout the body in the blood vessels. The blood has oxygen, food, chemicals, special cells, etc. which are brought to where they are needed by the circulatory system. It also brings waste to the kidneys, liver and lungs so that the body can get rid of it. The heart keeps the blood continuously circulating around the body. The blood drains into the heart from the body after all of the oxygen has been taken out of it by the tissues. The heart then sends it to the lungs to pick up more oxygen. From the lungs, the blood goes back to the heart to be pumped back to the body.

Cirrhosis: ᑎᖑᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Tingullunniq: Cirrhose du foie

A disease due to breakdown of liver tissue. It can be present for a long time before the symptoms show up. The patient may have swelling of the stomach, feet and legs, stomach pain, a yellow colour of the skin (jaundice), and he may throw up blood. A blood test will show that the liver is not working right. In the late stages of this disease, food is not absorbed, there is a lot of swelling of the abdomen, the skin becomes more yellow, and confusion, thinking problems and possibly coma may develop. One of the biggest concerns with this disease is that the patient will bleed to death because the chemicals that help the blood clot are not being made in the liver. Another reason for this fear of bleeding is due to the fact that the blood is blocked from going into the liver, which causes a build-up of pressure in the veins around the stomach. Because these veins are under a lot of pressure, they can easily break open.

Often caused by drinking too much alcohol over many years. However, it can be due to an infection in the liver (hepatitis), heart problems, taking too many medicines or street drugs that are poisonous to the liver. Sometimes no cause can be found. There is no cure for this disease, and it can lead to death if it is not treated.

Since there is no cure, treatment is aimed at stopping further damage, relieving symptoms and helping the liver to repair its damage. First, the cause of the disease must be dealt with—if it was caused by alcohol or drugs, these things must be stopped; if it is caused by an infection, it must be treated, etc. Surgery may be needed to lessen the swelling of the stomach. A tube is put from the intestines to the heart so that fluid can drain from the abdomen into the heart where it mixes with the blood. The extra fluid can then mix with urine and leave the body.

Clavicles: ᐅᓯᓗᓗᖕᒍᑕᓂᖃᐅ: Usilulunngutanaqau: Clavicules

The two collar bones; they go from the top of the breast bone to the top of the shoulder blades. Found just under the front of the neck.

Clitoris: ᐅᕕᐅᖅ: Uviuq: Clitoris

The piece of pink-red tissue that is a quarter to half an inch long, found approximately half an inch in front of the opening through which urine leaves the body (urethra). It is very sensitive to touch. It becomes larger during sexual excitement because it fills with blood. Its purpose is to produce pleasure for females during sex.

Clot: ᐊᐅᒋᐊᖅ: Augiaq: Caillot

A piece of dried blood or fluid that covers a hole in a blood vessel to stop blood from leaking out.

Coccyx: ᐸᒥᐊᓪᓗᕈᓯᖅ, ᐸᒥᐊᓪᓗᒍᓯᖅ: Pamiallurusiq, Pamiallugusiq: Coccyx

The tailbone. It is the small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine. Formed by the joining of three to five tiny bones of the lower spine.

Cochlea: ᐅᕕᓗᐃᑦ: Uviluit: Limaçon

The snail-shaped organ found deep inside each ear; it is behind and slightly below; the eyeball. The cochlea is filled with fluid and lined on the inside with little hairs. When sound vibrations are brought to the cochlea, they cause the fluid inside to move, which in turn causes the little hairs to move. When the little hairs move, a message is sent to the brain by the hearing nerve (called the acoustic-auditory nerve). The brain then knows a sound was present.

Colon: ᐃᖅᑐᒃ: Iqtuk: Côlon

Another word for bowel and large intestine. See Bowel.

Colostomy: ᐃᖅᑐᖅᐸᓯᐊᒍᑦ ᐊᒻᒪᓂᖅ ᐊᓂᐊᕕᒃ: Iqtuqpasiagut Ammaniq Aniavik: Côlostomie

An opening made into the colon. The abdomen is cut and part of the colon is pulled outside and then cut in two. The diseased part of the colon is taken out or sewn together; nothing can pass through this part after the surgery. The remaining healthy piece of colon is then sewn to the top of the skin on the abdomen. Waste can leave the body through this opening. A bag is placed over the opening which collects any waste. This procedure can be temporary or permanent depending on why it was done. If it is temporary, the pieces of the colon are joined together again later. A few reasons for this procedure are:

1. a blockage in the bowel which stops waste from leaving the body;
2. cancer of the bowel;
3. a birth defect;
4. giving the bowel a rest when a patient has a disease like ulcerative colitis which causes a lot of diarrhea; and
5. after the bowels have been damaged somehow by trauma (e.g. a gun shot wound or knife in the abdomen).

There are many other reasons for this procedure. Since the colon's job is to remove water, the further along the colon that the opening is made the less watery the waste will be. The skin around the opening must be kept dry and clean so that it will not become infected.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): ᐊᐅᒻᒦᒦᑦᑐᓕᒫᑦ ᓈᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖏᑦ: Aummiittulimaat Naasaqtauningit: Numération globulaire complète

A blood test which counts the number of different types of cells and platelets found in the blood. There is a normal amount of these that should be found in a healthy person.

Condom: ᐅᓱᒻᒧᑦ ᐴᖅ: Usummut Puuq: Condom

A thin rubber covering worn over the penis to stop pregnancy or to avoid getting a disease like gonorrhea, syphillis, or AIDS, which can be passed on through having sex with a person who has one of these diseases.

Congenital: ᐃᓗᓯᖅ: Ilusiq: Congénital

Something that is present from the time of birth. It may be something that the baby inherited from the parents. It may be due to an infection or exposure to something in the uterus, or due to damage during childbirth.

Conjunctivitis: ᐃᓗᐱᐊᓗᕐᓂᖅ: Ilupialurniq: Conjonctivite

A swelling of the pink membrane that is on the inside of the eyelids, and/or swelling of the covering of the eyeball. It is uncomfortable and gives off pus. It can be an infection which is caused by a germ (bacteria or virus), or it can be irritation from chemicals in the air. Pinkeye is the word usually used to describe the infection, which can easily be passed from one person to another. This is very common in children. The eyes should be bathed in warm water being careful not to put the infected cloth from one eye into the other eye. Eye drops may be prescribed by the doctor.

Consent: ᐊᖏᕈᑎᒃ, ᐊᖏᕐᓂᖅ: Angirutik, Angirniq: Consentement

A voluntary agreement to do something that someone else asks you to do. In a hospital or health centre, it is important to get the patient's consent to do tests or procedures. In order for a consent to be legal, the patient must understand what is going to be done, know the risks, advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, know what the other choices are, be over a certain age, not be forced in any way and be in their right mind (not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or suffering from a mental illness). In terms of understanding what is going to be done, the interpreter has an important job to do. He must be sure that the patient really does understand. If the interpreter feels that the patient does not understand or has not been given enough information, he should tell the nurse or doctor.

Constipation: ᑕᑦᑐᐃᓂᖅ, ᐊᓇᕈᓐᓇᐃᓕᖅᑲᓂᖅ: Tattuiniq, Anarunnailiqaniq: Constipation

A problem with getting rid of solid waste from the bowels. The waste can be too hard to come out easily or the bowel movements are not happening often enough. This can give an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pain in the abdomen. Most people have one or two bowel movements a day. When bowel movements happen less than usual and are difficult, the person is said to be constipated. Drinking more water, eating vegetables and whole-wheat-bran bread, and getting more exercise help the bowels get back to a regular pattern. Sometimes a patient might need a medicine called a laxative, which they can either swallow or put in the anus, to help get rid of waste.

Contagious: ᐊᐃᑦᑐᕐᓗᕐᑐᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Aitturlurtutaujunnaqtuq: Contagieux

A disease which can be easily passed on from one person to another. We say that a contagious disease is easy to catch or catching.

Contamination: ᓱᕈᐃᔪᓐᓇᕈᑎ: Suruijunnaruti: Contamination

Making something dirty or getting germs on it. In the hospital, there are rules which nurses and doctors follow to make sure that they do not get germs inside the patient's body or on cuts. If germs get in either of these places, it is possible to get an infection.

Contraceptive: ᓇᔾᔨᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎᒃ: Najjijaikkutik: Contraceptif

Something which stops pregnancy. There are many different ways of stopping pregnancy:

1. the birth control pill;
2. condom or diaphragm (a plastic-covered ring that is put over the cervix);
3. intrauterine device (IUD) (stops the egg from sinking into the uterus);
4. rhythm methods (not having sex around the time an egg should be released);
5. creams which are put in the vagina to kill the sperm called spermicides; and
6. a drug called Depoprevra, which is given as a needle once every few months.

Contraction: ᓯᓪᓕᒪᓂᖅ: Sillimaniq: Contraction

Drawing together or shortening something. Often used to talk about muscles which contract so that we can move. The uterus (which is also a muscle) contracts during labour to help push the baby out.

Convulsion: ᕐᑮᖅᓱᕐᓂᖅ: Qiiqsurniq: Convulsion

Also called a seizure. Too much electrical activity in the brain causing uncontrollable movements; it may also cause a person to hear, see, taste or feel something unusual. The effect on the body depends on what part of the brain is affected. If the whole brain is involved, then the whole body is involved; the person becomes unconscious and shakes uncontrollably. This is not remembered, although the person knows something strange has happened. If this happens often, it is known as epilepsy. Convulsions are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in the body. When whatever is causing the convulsions is fixed, they will not happen. The causes of convulsions include:

1. too much or not enough of the body's important chemicals;
2. damage to the brain from something hitting the brain;
3. an abnormal growth on the brain;
4. lack of blood to the brain;
5. infection or very high fever; and
6. withdrawal from alcohol or some other drug.

If someone is having a seizure, you can hold them lightly to prevent them from hitting themselves, but do not hold too tightly because that could hurt them more. Do not try to put something in the mouth because the teeth may break, and the gums or lips may be hurt. Do not move the patient useless they are in danger (near a fire, electricity, etc.).

Cornea: ᖄᕈᕕᐊᖅ, ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᐴᖓ: Qaaruviaq, Ijiup Puunga: Cornée

The clear, see-through covering on the front of the eye. It covers the coloured part of the eye and the middle black part (the pupil).

Coronary Artery: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓯᓚᑖᓄᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqavik Uummatiup Silataanuungajuq Uummatimmit: Coronarien

One of the blood vessels that brings blood to the heart muscle. If one or more of these arteries get clogged with fat or some other thing, it can cause damage to the heart muscle because blood cannot bring food and oxygen beyond the clog. See Heart Attack.

Corpus Callosum: ᖃᕋᓴᕐᒧᑦ ᑲᑎᓐᓂᖅ: Qarasarmut Katinniq: Corps calleux

A band of tissue between the right and left side of the brain. Its job is to act like a bridge bringing messages from one side of the brain to the other so that each side of the brain knows what the other side is doing. The right and left sides of the brain control different things. For example, in right-handed people, the left side of the brain seems to be more important in understanding and using language. If the corpus callosum is cut, the right side of the brain will not know what the left side is doing. Some patients who have very bad seizures have had surgery in which the corpus callosum is cut. Most of the time this does not cause any problems and helps lower the number of seizures. However, a few things can be affected. For example, if such a patient holds an object in his left hand he may know what it is but will be unable to tell you because the right side of the brain (where the information from the left hand will go) does not have much language ability.

Crabs: ᑯᒪᐃᑦ, ᑎᖏᓐᓂ ᑯᒻᒪᓯᒪᓂᖅ: Kumait, Tinginni Kummasimaniq: Morpions

Common word used for pubic lice. These are very small insects that live in the pubic hair; they can barely be seen. They suck blood which causes an itchy bite. They are usually spread through sexual contact. They can be treated with a lotion. All clothes and bed sheets need to be washed in very hot water to kill any eggs that may still be on these things.

Cramp: ᕿᓗᔨᓂᖅ, ᐊᑯᐊᓐᖑᓂᖅ: Qilujiniq, Akaunnguniq: Crampe

A painful tightening of a muscle, used to describe sharp pains that come and go in the stomach, leg, hand or any other body part.

Cranium: ᓂᐊᖁᖅ: Niaquq: Crâne

Commonly called the skull. It includes all of the head, except the jawbone.

Cross-Eyed: ᓇᑯᖓᓂᖅ, ᕿᒃᓯᒥᖓᓂᖅ: Nakunganiq, Qiksiminganiq: Strabisme

A squint. Common word used to describe the medical condition strabismus, when one eye is not in the right position. It moves inward, upward, downward, or outward causing blurred vision in that eye. Often present from birth, it will not fix itself. It is usually caused by a weakness in the muscles around the eye; the stronger muscles pull the eye in one direction and the weaker muscles cannot pull it back. It can be due to a blow on the head, or some type of disease. The brain usually ignores the message coming to the brain from the "bad" eye, which makes it weaker. A patch may be placed over the stronger eye for a while, forcing use of the weaker eye, special eye glasses may be worn and eye exercises may help. If these things do not help, an operation on the eye muscles may be done. This surgery is not dangerous to vision because the muscles are outside the eye.

Curettage: ᑭᓕᐅᖅᑐᐃᓂᖅ, ᑭᓕᐅᖅᓵᕆᓂᖅ: Kiliuqtuiniq, Kiliuqsaarijniq: Curetage

Removing something from the surface of an organ or part of the body with a spoon-shaped instrument. This procedure is often done to clean blood and other material out from the inside of the uterus, called D&C (which is short for dilation and curettage).

CVA: ᓄᑮᖅᑎᑦᑐᖅ: Nukiiqtittuq: AVC (Accident Vasculaire Cérébral)

The short way of writing cerebral vascular accident. It means the same thing as stroke. See Stroke.

Cyst: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓐᓴᖅ, ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᓂᖅ: Qiliqsinnaq, Immaksimaniq: Kyste

A closed sac filled with fluid found inside the body. Most cysts are harmless but may have to be taken out because they can block a pathway in the body, get infected or become cancerous. It is common for women to get cysts in the breasts or on the ovaries.

Cystitis: ᓇᑲᓱᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Nakasullunniq: Cystite

An infection of the bladder, often called urine infection. Germs reach the bladder either through the tube through which urine leaves the body or by coming down to the bladder from the kidneys. Most often germs travel up. It causes pain and burning during urination, a feeling of having to urinate often because the bladder does not feel empty, and there may be some blood in the urine. It can usually be treated easily with medicine. It is found more often in women because the tube through which urine leaves the body is much shorter than in men, and germs can reach this tube easily because it is close to the anus. To help stop these infections women should:

1. always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement;
2. avoid wearing tight pants or nylon underwear because they keep the genital area moist;
3. not take too many bubble baths or wash underclothes in strong detergents because it irritates the genital area; and
4. see the doctor about any unusual discharge from the vagina.

Cytoplasm: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐅᑉ ᐃᒪᕈᐊᖓ: Ijaruvaujaup Imaruanga: Cytoplasme

The jelly-like fluid found inside a cell, which holds all of the cell's parts in place. It contains food for the cell.

D

Decay: ᐊᐅᓂᖅ: Auniq: Carie

The slow breakdown of something that was once alive. To rot.

Deciduous: ᑭᒍᑕᐃᔭᕐᓂᖅ: Kigutaijarniq: Temporaire

Something that falls off (like leaves off a tree or antlers off a caribou). Most often used when talking about baby teeth which fall out before the permanent (or adult) teeth come in.

Decubitus Ulcer: ᓂᑕᖅᑐᐊᓂᖅ: Nitaqtuaniq: Escarre de décubitus

Another word for a bed sore or pressure sore. It is caused by cutting off the blood supply to part of the body. When blood is not going to an area, oxygen and food are not going there either so the tissue dies. These sores are found most often in people who are unable to move well by themselves (e.g. old or paralyzed people, or those unable to control their bowels or bladder). When someone sits or lies down in one position for too long, the blood supply can be cut off to an area by the weight of their body. Urine and stool irritate the skin further, allowing it to break down easily. Patients who are in bed or a chair for long periods of time should be turned or helped to a different position at least every two hours and their skin must be kept dry and clean.

Dehydration: ᑎᒥ ᐃᑦᑎᑭᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Timi Ittikiluaqtuq: Déshydratation

Too little water in the body. It can happen when there is not enough water being taken into the body, a lot of vomiting or diarrhea, or a high temperature. Half of the body weight is made up of water. We lose a lot of water everyday through breathing and sweating and in urine and stool. This water must be replaced so that everything stays in balance and we stay healthy. Most often found in small children and should be treated right away because dehydration can lead to death.

Deltoid: ᐃᖅᑎ: Iqti: Muscle deltoïde

The triangular muscle on the shoulder that forms the upper arm. It raises the arm.

Dentin: ᑭᒍᑎᐅᑉ ᒪᓐᖑᖓ: Kigutiup Mannguga: Dentine

Something found in teeth under the hard outside covering.

Dentist: ᑭᒍᑎᓕᕆᔨ: Kigutiliriji: Dentiste

A person who has been to a school to learn how to look after the teeth and mouth.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA): ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐋᖅᑭᑦᓱᐃᔨᖓ: Timiiup Aaqqitsuijinga: Acide désoxyribonucléique (ADN)

A chemical found in all cells that make the genes and chromosomes. Genes are the things that make us who we are. DNA can be thought of as a chemical bead; when many are strung together they form a chromosome. A section of the chromosome is called a gene. Each person has a different combination of genes because DNA beads combine in many different ways. See Chromosome, Gene.

Depressant: ᐸᓚᖅᓯᔪᑎ, ᐃᓂᓪᓚᐅᒥᔾᔪᑎ: Palaqsijjuti, Inilaumijjuti: Dépresseur

A drug or medicine that slows down the body and thinking. These drugs slowly put the brain to sleep. Examples of depressants include Valium, Dalmane, alcohol and Phenobarbital. At first, the effects of alcohol seem to make you more excited and stimulated but that is because the first part of the brain that it puts to sleep is the part the keeps us from doing things that we wouldn't normally do (the inhibitory centre). If enough alcohol is consumed, it will eventually put you to sleep.

Depression: ᓂᑲᓪᓗᖓᔪᑦ, ᓄᒫᓱᑦᑐᖅ, ᖁᓱᔪᖅ: Nikallungajuq, Numaasuttuq, Qusujuq: Dépression

A feeling of sadness and hopelessness that is greater than normal. Depression is most often found in those who do not feel good about themselves. Mild depression that lasts a short time is experienced by most people sometimes. Signs of a deeper depression are a loss of interest in appearance, a change in eating habits (e.g. eats more or less than usual), not wanting to talk to others, no desire to do anything and thoughts of suicide. Depression can be treated with medicines called antidepressants. Sometimes it helps to talk with a doctor trained in looking after mental illness (psychiatrist). People suffering from this can be admitted to the hospital. A depressed person should be watched carefully so that he does not cause any harm to himself. See Antidepressant.

Dermatitis: ᐅᕕᓂᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Uvinillunniq: Dermatite

A swelling and/or reddening of the skin. There are many causes which include allergic reaction to something, constant rubbing by something, invasion of the skin by a germ or emotional stress. The symptoms may include itching, blisters, watery discharges, cracks in the skin or redness. Treatment depends on the cause; creams can help.

Dermatology: ᐅᕕᓂᓕᕆᓂᑦ, ᐅᕕᓂᓪᓗᒃᑐᓕᕆᓂᑦ: Uviniliriniq, Uvinilluktuliriniq: Dermatologie

The branch of medicine concerned with the skin and skin problems. A doctor who specializes in this field is a dermatologist.

Diabetes: ᑎᒥᖓ ᓱᑲᖃᓗᐊᓕᓲᖅ: Timinga Sukaqalualisuuq: Diabète

A disease in which the pancreas does not make enough insulin. Insulin is the chemical that changes the sugar we eat into a storage form of sugar that can be kept in the liver. A healthy pancreas produces extra insulin after we have eaten a meal so that the extra sugar can be changed into the storage form of sugar and put in the liver. We need to store sugar so that it can be used between meals when the amount of sugar in the blood in low. With diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, so the sugar can't be changed into the storage form. The extra sugar in the blood leaks into the urine. Signs of diabetes include feeling thirsty and hungry, and urinating often. The doctor can tell if you have this disease by doing a blood test or a urine test. There is no cure for diabetes. It can either be treated with diet and exercise or with medication. There are two types of medication: a pill which causes the pancreas to make more insulin, or a needle which contains insulin.

Note: This is a very basic explanation of diabetes. A doctor can give more information if it is needed.

Diagnosis: ᓱᖅᑯᐃᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ, ᖃᐅᔨᔭᐅᓂᖅ: Suqquiqtauniq, Qaujijauniq: Diagnostique

A description of the disease a person has and what is causing the disease. For example, a patient has fallen on his arm and is experiencing a lot of pain and swelling. The doctor takes an x-ray which shows a break; the diagnosis would be fracture of the arm. The fracture is what is causing his symptoms.

Dialysis: ᑕᖅᑐᒥᒃ ᐊᐅᓚᑎᑦᓯᔾᔪᑦ: Taqtumik Aulatitsijjut: Dyalise

This word is often used when talking about kidney dialysis. See Kidney Dialysis.

Diaphragm¹: ᑲᓂᔭᐅᑎ, ᑲᓂᕙᐅᑦ: Kanijauti, Kanivaut: Diaphragme

This word has two different meanings (see below). The large, flat breathing muscle that is found under the lungs and ribs. It is attached to the ribs on the sides, to the breast bone in the front and to the spine in the back. It changes the amount of space inside the rib cage by moving up or down. When we breathe in, it moves down, making more space in the rib cage which gives room for air to move into the lungs. When we breathe out, it moves up, making less space in the rib cage which pushes the air out of the lungs.

Diaphragm²: ᐊᕐᓇᐅᑉ ᐴᒐᖓ (ᓇᔾᔨᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎ): Arnaup Puuganga (Najjijaiikkut): Diaphragme

This word has two different meanings (see above). This is one form of birth control. It is a round ring covered with a flexible piece of plastic. It is put into the vagina and pushed up until it covers the cervix. When it is in place, it looks like a cap covering the cervix. It stops the sperm from getting to the egg by covering the cervix. It is usually used with a chemical that kills the sperm called a spermicide. It should be put in place about an hour before sex.

Diastole: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᖃᓱᑦᑕᕐᓂᖓ ᐃᓱᕆᑦᑕᕐᓂᖓ: Uummatiup Qasuttarninga, Isurittarninga: Diastole

One beat of the heart can be thought of as including a pumping phase and a relaxing phase. The relaxed phase is known as diastole. The pressure inside the blood vessels goes up when the heart pumps and goes down when the heart relaxes. When blood pressure is taken, there are two numbers given: a top and bottom number. The top number gives the pressure inside the blood vessels when the heart is contracting (i.e. pumping) and the bottom number gives the pressure when the heart is relaxed. The bottom number is the diastolic number.

Diet: ᓂᕆᐅᓯᖅ, ᓂᕆᔾᔪᓯᖅ: Niriusiq, Nirijjusiq: Régime alimentaire

The type and amount of food someone eats every day. There are special diets that patients can be put on either to help them lose weight or to help relieve the symptoms of certain diseases.

Digestion: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᓂᕆᔾᔪᑎᖏᑦ, ᓂᕆᔭᒃᑎᓐᓂᑦ ᐊᕕᒃᑎᕆᔾᔪᑎᑦ: Timiup Nirijjutingit, Nirijaktinnit Aviktirijjutit: Digestion

The breakdown of food into smaller parts that can be taken into the blood and used by the body. Food can be broken down by chemicals and by breaking it up physically (i.e. by chewing and mashing it). The parts of the body that help break food down are the mouth, teeth, tongue, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas. These things together make up the digestive system. Each part of this system has a special job to do in breaking down food. To find out what each of these parts does, you can look them up in this glossary.

Dilation And Curettage: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᒃᑯᑦ ᑭᓕᐅᖅᑐᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Illiakkut Kiliuqtuqtanuniq: Curetage de l'utérus pratiqué après dilatation

Also called D&C. It is a procedure in which the lining of the uterus is scraped away. The neck of the uterus (the cervix) is widened and a spoon-shaped instrument, called a curet, is put inside. This is done to take off any extra build-up of blood or tissue on the walls of the uterus. It is also an abortion method as scraping the lining of the will remove a fertilized egg. If the doctor numbs the cervix, this procedure can be done while the patient is awake; however, patients are often put to sleep. The patient should be told to watch for too much bleeding after this procedure.

Diphtheria: ᐃᒡᒋᐊᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Iggialunniq: Diphtérie

A disease, found mostly in children, which is caused by a germ that causes the membranes of the throat and nose to swell up. The germ also gives off a poison which can cause heart problems or nerve damage. It can be passed from one person to another. If the throat swells up too much, the airway will be blocked; this can cause death if is not treated. The symptoms are sore throat, fever, headache, nausea, patches of grayish or yellowish tissue in the throat and swelling of the throat. It can be treated with two types of medicine; one type kills the germ and the other type gets rid of the poison it produces. Since children have been receiving immunization or shots against this disease, it has become rare.

Disability: ᐱᒡᒐᕈᑎᓕᒃ, ᐊᔪᕈᑎᖃᕐᓂᖅ: Piggarutilik, Ajurutiqarniq: Infirmité

The inability to do things that most people can do. Something that makes it hard to do the things normally. For example, a back injury would interfere with lifting heavy things, or a mentally disabled child may not be able to read at the same level as other children his own age, etc. A disability can either be physical or mental, or temporary or permanent. It can be something that you are born with or the result of an accident. Sometimes called a handicap.

Disc: ᕿᓯᕋᖅ, ᐃᓯᕆᓂᖅ: Qisiraq, Isiriniq: Disque (intervertébral)

See Spinal Disc.

Discharge (Of A Fluid): ᐊᓂᐊᑕᖅ, ᐊᓂᐊᑦᓯᓂᖅ: Aniataq, Aniatsiniq: Rejet (d'une substance)

The leaking of fluid from a part of the body. Sometimes a sign of an infection.

Disease: ᖃᓂᒪᓇᖅ, ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕐᓇᖅ: Qanimanaq, Aanniarnaq: Maladie

Something wrong with the whole body or part of the body. When we have a disease, we have signs that something is wrong: vomiting, rash, swelling of a body part, etc. There are many different types of disease, each with different signs, depending on what part of the body is affected. A disease can be present from birth, caught from someone else, be due to an accident, run in a family due to something in the environment, or be due to a breakdown of body parts. The cause of a disease may not be known.

Disinfectant: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᓂᑦ ᑐᖁᓴᐃᔾᓂᖅ: Qupirrunit Tuqusainiq: Désinfectant

Something that kills germs that cause infections. Usually disinfectants are strong chemicals that are not used on skin; antiseptics are used to kill germs on the skin.

Dislocation: ᐱᓪᓗᐃᓴᓂᖅ: Pilluiniq: Luxation

A bone coming out of its socket due to a fall or some other accident. It happens most often to fingers, thumbs or shoulders. When this has happened to a bone once, it can do so more easily again because the things that hold it in place (called ligaments) become stretched. It should be put back into place by a doctor; non-medical people should not try to do this because they can cause more damage. Put a sling or something else on the patient to hold the bones still until a doctor can be seen.

Dissolve: ᐊᐅᒃᑎᕆᓂᖅ, ᐊᐅᓪᓗᓂ ᓄᖑᓂᖅ: Auktiriniq, Aulluni Nunguniq: Dissoudre

When a solid substance disappears in a liquid. For example, sugar dissolves when it is put in tea.

Distal: ᖃᒧᕋᖅᐸᓯᒃᑐᑦ (ᑭᒍᑎᑦ): Qamuraqpasiktut (Kigutit): Distal

A word used to describe direction. It means that a part of the body is farther away from the trunk of the body. For example, the fingers are distal to the elbow.

Dizziness: ᐅᐃᔾᔭᓐᖑᓂᖅ, ᑲᐃᔾᔭᐃᓂᐊᕐᓂᖅ: Uijjannguniq, Kaijjainiarniq: Étourdissements

Unsteadiness which is due to the feeling that the world is spinning around. Dizziness may mean that there a problem with the inner ear. Dizziness is different from lightheadedness, which may be how one feels if he stands up too quickly.

Doctor: ᓘᒃᑖᖅ, ᐃᓗᐊᖅᓴᐃᔨ: Luuktaaq, Iluaqsaiji: Médecin

Someone who has studied medicine and is able to diagnose and treat illness.

Dorsal: ᐃᖅᑎᐸᒃᐸᓯᒃᑐᑦ (ᑭᒍᑎᑦ): Iqtipakpasiktut (Kigutit): Dorsal

Toward the back or on the back.

Dosage: ᐄᔭᒐᖁᓯᖅ: Iijagarusiq: Posologie

How much and how often medicine should be taken.

Down's Syndrome: ᐱᕈᕈᑎᖏᑦ ᐊᒥᓲᓗᐊᖅᑐᑦ: Pirurutingit Amisuuluaqtut: Syndrome de Down

A disorder that someone is born with, in which there is some physical deformity and mental retardation. These people look like they have widely spaced, slanted eyes and flat faces, their tongue may stick out a little, and they are shorter than normal. They are slower than normal at learning new things. The mental retardation may be mild or severe. It is due to a problem with the chromosomes; there is one extra chromosome so instead of having the normal 46 chromosomes, there are 47 chromosomes. This happens more often to children who are born to mothers over the age of 40.

Dressing: ᒪᑦᑐᓰᓂᖅ, ᒪᒥᑦᑕᒃ: Mattusiiniq, Mamittak: Pansement

Something used to cover and protect a wound. Sometimes called a bandage.

Drug (Medicine): ᐃᓅᓕᓴᐅᑎ: Inuulisauti: Médicament

A medicine that a doctor orders for a patient so that an illness will improve or not get worse.

Drug (Psychoactive): ᐄᔭᒐᖅ ᐃᓱᒪᓗᐊᕇᒃᑯᑎ: Iijagaq Isumaluariikkuti: Médicament psychoactif

Something that someone takes which changes their mood or the way they see, hear, feel, taste or smell. Some medicines prescribed by the doctor act in this way. A common drug used in this way is alcohol. Most of these types of drugs are not legal, and the police can arrest you for taking, selling or having them. Examples include cocaine, marijuana, hash, heroin, gas, speed, etc. Different drugs have different effects on the body, but all of them affect behavior or mood in some way.

Duct: ᐊᒻᒪᓂᖅ: Ammaniq: Canal

A tube that connects two organs or drains fluid from one part of the body to another. For example, there is a duct that connects the pancreas to the intestines so that pancreatic juice can go from the pancreas into the intestines to help break down food.

Duodenum: ᐃᓇᓗᐊᒨᖓᓂᖓ ᐊᕿᐊᕉᑉ: Inaluamuunganinga Aqiaruup: Duodénum

The first part of the intestines after the stomach. It is about 10 inches long. A tube connects this part of the intestine to the liver and the pancreas. Fluid from the liver and pancreas travel through this tube into the duodenum so that we can digest fat and protein. It is common to get ulcers in the duodenum because it is close to the stomach which has a lot of acid.

Dyspnea: ᐃᐱᓂᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Ipiniaqtuq: Dyspnée

Feeling short of breath. It may be a sign that there is not enough oxygen getting into the blood. It can be due to a number of diseases and can last a short or long time. The types of things which can cause short-lasting breathing include pneumonia (lung infection), swelling of the airways (bronchitis), asthma, choking or a chest injury like a stab wound, fractured ribs, etc. A disease which can cause longer-lasting problems is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

E

Ear: ᓯᐅᑎ: Siuti: Oreille

The organ of hearing and balance. We have two ears which are found on each side of the head above the jaw. The ear has three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The part of the ear that can be seen, called the outer ear, is made of cartilage. The job of the outer ear is to bring sound into the ear. Sound travels into the ear through the ear canal. The ear canal has tiny hairs and wax which trap dirt, keeping the inner part of the ear clean. The canal is separated from the middle ear by a thin tissue called the ear drum. The ear drum attaches to three tiny bones which vibrate when sound hits the ear drum. These vibrations then travel to the inner ear. The middle ear is attached to the throat by a tube called the eustachian tube; germs can travel up this tube and cause an ear infection. This tube also keeps the pressure between the air and the ear the same. The inner ear is where the organs of hearing and balance are found. The inner ear is deep within the skull, behind and slightly below your eyeball. The hearing cells are located in a part of the inner ear which is shaped like a snail called the cochlea. The vibrations from the three bones hit the cochlea causing the little hairs inside to move, which in turn send a message to the brain along the hearing nerve (acoustic nerve). Also in the inner ear is the organ of balance, called the semicircular canal. When we move our head, little hairs inside this canal move, which tell the brain if we are balanced or not.

• Ear Canal: ᓯᐅᑎᐅᑉ ᓱᓪᓗᐊ: Siutiup Sullua: Canal auditif: The canal that goes from the outer part of the ear to the middle ear. It is lined with tiny hairs and has two wax producing glands. The hair and the wax trap dirt, stopping it from going to the middle ear.
• Ear Drum: ᓯᐅᑎᐅᑉ ᐃᒐᓚᐅᔭᖓ: Siutiup Igalaujanga: Tympan: The thin piece of tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. It vibrates with sound causing the bones in the middle ear to vibrate. The vibrations are then passed on to the hearing part of the ear.
• Ear Lobe: ᒪᒃᓴ: Maksa: Lobe: The fleshy part of the outer ear. It is found on the lower end of the ear near the face. Some women get this part of ear the pierced, in order to wear earrings.
• Middle Ear: ᓯᐅᑎᐅᑉ ᓴᐅᓂᖏᑦ, ᑐᓪᓖᑦ: Siutiup Sauningit, Tulliit: Oreille moyenne: The space beween the eardrum and the inner ear. It contains three tiny bones which vibrate with sound. These bones bring sound to the inner ear.

Earache: ᓯᐅᓯᕆᓂᖅ: Siusiriniq: Mal d'oreille

Pain in the ear. Can be due to an ear infection or some other type of ear disease. Earaches are very common in children. Most often it is the middle ear that becomes infected: this is called otitis media. Earaches can be treated with pain medication like Tylenol. If the earache is due to an infection, antibiotics can be given.

ECG: ᑎᑎᕋᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᐆᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᖓᓂ ᖃᓄᐃᓘᕐᓂᖓᓂ: Titiraqsimajuq Uumatiup Aulaningani Qanuiluurningani: Électrocardiogramme

The short way of writing electrocardiogram. Some people write EKG instead. See Electrocardiogram.

Echocardiogram: ᐊᑭᐅᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐃᓂᖅ: Akiurnikkut Qaujisainiq: Échocardiogramme

A painless test on the heart. A special instrument which gives off sounds that humans cannot hear is rubbed on the skin over the heart. The sound bounces off the heart, giving a picture of the heart and showing how the blood is moving through it. This will tell the doctor if the heart has all the right parts, is in the right place, has the right shape or if there is any problem with blood flow.

Eczema: ᑯᒥᓛᑦ: Kumilaat: Eczéma

A word used to describe many different types of skin diseases that have the symptoms of redness, itching, scaling of the skin or leaking fluid. It is sometimes due to an allergy, but often no cause can be found. The skin may be sensitive to certain materials or soaps. It is found on the face, neck, elbows, knees or hands. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but it can be treated with creams.

Edema: ᐳᕕᑦᑐᖅ, ᐳᕕᓐᓂᖅ: Puvittuq, Puvinniq: Oedème

The build-up of extra fluid in the body. This build-up can occur in the tissues, inside the cells or inside a part of the body like the lungs or brain. It can be caused by a number of different things like a heart problem, a kidney problem, a problem with the lymphatic system (the system which brings the fluid that leaks out of the blood vessels back to the heart), taking certain types of medicine or too little protein in the diet. In order to treat the edema, the doctor has to figure out what is causing it and treat that. Eating less salt, or walking and putting the legs up throughout the day may help lower the amount of fluid collecting in the legs.

EKG: ᑎᑎᕋᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᐆᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᖓᓂ ᖃᓄᐃᓘᕐᓂᖓᓂ: Titiraqsimajuq Uumatiup Aulaningani Qanuiluurningani: Électrocardiogramme

The short way of writing electrocardiogram. Some people write ECG instead. See Electrocardiogram.

Elbow: ᐃᑯᓯᒃ: Ikusik: Coude

The bend of the arm. It is the joint which connects the upper arm and the lower arm. Three bones form this joint (two from the lower arm and one from the upper arm). These bones are held together by hard, string-like tissues called ligaments. The bones are covered at this joint by a softer, rubbery tissue called cartilage. The cartilage stops the bones from wearing away because of rubbing against each other. A common injury around the elbow area is called tennis elbow; this is caused by using the elbow joint too much, which causes the tendons holding the muscles to swell up. It is treated with rest and medications which bring down the swelling.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): ᑎᑎᕋᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᐆᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᖓᓂ ᖃᓄᐃᓘᕐᓂᖓᓂ: Titiraqsimajuq Uumatiup Aulaningani Qanuiluurningani: Électrocardiogramme

A painless test of the heart. In this test, a machine draws a picture of the heart's activity on a piece of paper. The machine has wires coming from it which are placed on the patient's chest with tape or sticky pads. The wires pick up the electricity given off by the heart and bring it to the machine which changes the electricity into a graph (picture). An ECG can show if there is a problem with the heart muscle, the heart valves or the heart rhythm. If a patient is having a heart attack, it will show up on the ECG. An ECG will also show heart damage from old heart attacks. There are many heart diseases that will not show up with this test.

Electrode: ᐅᐊᔭᐃᑦ: Uajait: Électrode

A wire that is attached to the skin on one end and, at the other end, to a machine which draws a picture of the electrical activity in a part of the body.

Electroencephalography (EEG): ᑎᑎᕋᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓲᖅ ᖃᕆᓴᐅᑉ ᖃᓄᐃᓐᓂᖓᓂᑦ: Titiraqpalliasuuq Qarisaup Qanuinninganit: Électroencéphalographie

A painless test of the brain. In this test, wires are glued (with washout glue) to the head at one end, and at the other end they are connected to a machine which draws a picture of the electrical activity of the brain. Some brain diseases, such as epilepsy, brain tumours or head injuries, can show up on an EEG. This test cannot tell what a person is thinking. The patient should be as relaxed as possible before this test and not under the influence of any drugs. This test is sometimes used to prove that someone should be taken off of a breathing machine (ventilator). If there is no electrical activity in the brain, the person dies when taken off the breathing machine.

Embolism: ᓯᒥᒋᓕᐅᑦᑐᖅ: Simigiliuttuq: Embolie

The sudden blocking of a blood vessel which is caused by something travelling through the blood. The piece of material gets stuck in a blood vessel and blocks the blood flow. The material can be a loose blood clot, a piece of fat, an air bubble, a piece of tissue or a clump of germs. All of these things have travelled from some other place in the body to the place of blockage. The symptoms of an embolism depend on where the blockage occurs. Usually the patient has a lot of pain at the site of blockage. If the blockage is in an arm or leg, the limb will become cold, pale and numb. Unless the blockage is removed or treated, it will result in the arm or leg having to be removed. It can occur anywhere in the body including an organ, like the lung or brain. The most common cause of an embolism is a travelling blood clot. The blood clot has formed somewhere in the body it becomes loose in the blood and later it gets stuck in a different blood vessel. Patients who have to lie in bed for a long time are more likely to get these types of clots because their blood is not moving around as well and therefore forms clots easily. These patients are often given medicines to prevent the blood from clotting. Treatment of an embolism includes surgery to take out the blockage. If the blockage was due to a blood clot, then blood-thinning medicine can also be given.

Embryo: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᖅ ᐃᓗᑦᓯᖅᑖᓐᖏᑦᑐᖅ, ᑲᑎᖅᓱᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖓ: Najjiaq Ilutsiqtaanngittuq, Katiqsuqpallianinga: Embryon

An unborn human in its first two months of growth. When the sperm gets inside the egg, the egg is said to be fertilized. The egg then begins to grow into a human being. The growing egg is considered an embryo from ten days until eight weeks after fertilization. During the rest of the pregnancy, it is known as a fetus.

Embryology: ᐱᐊᕋᒃᓴᓂᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ, ᓄᑕᕋᒃᓴᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Piaraksanit Qaujisarniq, Nutaraksaliriniq: Embryologie

The study of how a fertilized egg grows from the time sperm gets inside the egg until delivery.

Emergency: ᑐᐊᕕᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ, ᐅᐃᒪᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Tuavirnaqtuq, Uimanaqtuq: Urgence

Something that must be dealt with right away or serious damage will result.

Emphysema: ᓄᕕᖅᑐᖏᑦ ᓄᕙᒻᒥᑦ ᓯᒥᒃᓯᒪᔪᑦ: Nuviqtungit Nuvammit Simiksimajut: Emphysème

One type of COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease). This is a lung disease which makes breathing very difficult and gives a constant feeling of being short of breath. The tiny air sacs (alveoli) have become damaged; the airways have become plugged with mucous; and the lungs are stiff. Stiff lungs are not able to push the air out and the air gets trapped inside the lungs. It is found most often in people who smoke a lot. See Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

Enamel: ᑭᒍᑎᑉ ᓯᓚᑖ, ᓯᓚᓪᓕᖓ: Kigutip Silataa, Silallinga: Émail

The white, hard material that covers and protects the teeth.

Endemic: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕈᑕᐅᖏᓐᓇᓲᖅ: Aanniarutaunginnasuuq: Endémique

Any disease that is found in a particular group of people (e.g. Inuit) or in a certain area (e.g. the North) at all times. The number of people within the group who have this disease may increase or decrease at different times, but it is never gone completely. The disease can be found in other groups of people but not as often. For example, in the Baffin Region, tuberculosis is always present in some people; it can also be found in people living in the South but not as often or in as many people.

Endocrine System: ᐃᖏᕐᕋᐃᔾᔪᑎᑦ ᐊᐅᒻᒨᖓᔪᑦ: Ingirraijjutit Aummuungajut: Endocrine

The endocrine system is a chemical control system for the body. This system could also be called the hormonal system. It includes all the glands in the body which make and give off hormones. The glands of this system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. For more information on these glands look each one up separately in this glossary. The things that the endocrine system control include how fast the body's chemical reactions take place, how much the cells grow and when the cells take in the chemicals. The glands know how much of a hormone to make and when to make it because the hormone level is watched by a main gland (pituitary gland). The pituitary gland sends out chemical signals to the all the other glands. When a hormone level is too high or too low, the pituitary glands sends a message to the gland that makes that hormone and it adjusts how much it makes; this keeps hormones balanced.

Endocrinology: ᕿᓂᖅᓯᓂᒃ, ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Qiniqsinik, Qiliqsinaliriniq: Endocrinologie

The study of the endocrine system. See Endocrine System.

Endoscopy: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐃᓗᐊᓂᒃ ᕿᓐᖑᕐᒥᒐᕐᓂᖅ: Timiup Iluanik Qinngurmigarniq: Endoscopie

Looking inside a part of the body with a hollow tube called an endoscope. The tube has a light at one end and a glass lens at the other so that the doctor can see. Sometimes the doctor may use the tube to cut a piece of tissue out of the body or to take some fluid out. When things are taken out of the body, they can be tested to see if they are normal. Endoscopic examinations take on the name of the body part that is being looked at. For example, an endoscopic examination of the colon is called a colonoscopy, an endoscopic examination of the bronchi is called a bronchoscopy, etc.

Enema: ᐊᓇᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ, ᐊᓇᖅᑎᓯᔾᔪᑎ, ᐊᓇᖅᑎᓯᔾᔪᑎ: Anarnaqtuq, Anaqtisijjuti, Anaqtisijjuti: Lavement

Putting fluid into the rectum (the place where waste is stored) through a tube passed through the anus (the round muscle through which stools leave the body). An enema is most often done to force the waste out of the rectum, but it may also be done to give a patient a medicine or to coat the rectum with a special dye so that it will show up on an x-ray. This procedure causes some cramping; the patient should hold the fluid in as long possible.

Energy: ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎ: Uummaquti: Énergie

Power to do something. All the things that go on inside the human body need energy. We get the energy our body needs from the food we eat. If we eat more energy than our body needs, it is stored as fat.

Enzymes: ᓱᖁᓪᓗᐃᔩᑦ, ᐊᐅᓴᐃᔩᑦ: Siqulluijiit, Ausaijiit: Enzymes

Things found in the body that speed up chemical reactions inside the body. There are about 10,000 different enzymes in the body. An enzyme can help the body build things or break things down. They work by holding the chemicals in the position they need to be in order to react together. Some children are born without the ability to make certain enzymes. There are many different diseases which result from the absence of an enzyme; the symptoms depend on which enzyme is missing. For example, a disease called PKU happens when an enzyme that helps to break down proteins (things found in many foods like meat, eggs, fish, milk, etc.) is not made. Foods which have protein in them cannot be eaten by these children because they will cause mental retardation. All children born in Canada have a test for this disease before they go home from the hospital.

Epidemic: ᐊᐃᑦᑐᐃᖃᑦᑕᐅᑎᓯᒪᓂᖅ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᒥᒃ: Aittuiqattautisimaniq Aanniamik: Épidémie

A lot of people in a certain area getting a disease at the same time. The disease is said to be contagious as it can pass easily from one person to another. The disease is not normally found in the area. For example, occasionally there are outbreaks of chickenpox or measles in certain regions of the country.

Epidemiology: ᐊᐃᑦᑐᐃᓇᖅᑐᓂᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Aittuinaqtunit Qaujisarniq: Épidémiologie

The study of where, when and why a disease happens in a certain area. The people who work in epidemiology (epidemiologists) find out where diseases happen, and then they look at what might be causing the disease. With this information, doctors and nurses can then try and prevent a disease from happening often in an area.

Epidermis: ᐅᕕᓂᒃ: Uvinik: Épiderme

The top layer of skin that covers the outside of the body. This layer does not have any blood vessels; therefore, when it is damaged, it does not bleed.

Epididymis: ᖃᐸᖃᐅᑎ, ᖃᐸᒃᑯᕕᒃ: Qapaqauti, Qapakkuvik: Épididime

A coiled tube found on the back of the testicles (the egg-shaped organs in the sac of skin underneath the penis). Sperm finish growing and are stored in the epididymis until they leave the testicles. The epididymis connects at the bottom to the tube which brings sperm out of the body (vas deferens).

Epigastric: ᓴᖅᑲᖅᐸᓯᒃ, ᓈᕐᒥ ᖁᑦᓯᓂᖅᓴᖅ: Saqqaqpasik, Naarmi Qutsiniqsaq: Épigastrique

The part of the body that is between the two sides of the rib cage (about four to seven inches straight above the belly button).

Epiglottis: ᓂᕆᓕᒃᑕᖅ, ᓂᕆᓕᒌᒃᑯᑎ, ᓂᕆᓕᔾᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎ: Niriliktaq, Niriligiikkuti, Nirilijjaikkuti: Épiglotte

The flap of tissue which covers the entrance of the trachea (airway). This flap of tissue is connected to the root of the tongue so that when we swallow it covers the airway and food can not get into the lungs. If a person is talking or breathing in at the same time that he is swallowing food, it can "go down the wrong way" into the airway. This is because the epiglottis has not been given the chance to close properly before swallowing.

Epilepsy: ᖀᖅᓱᕐᓂᖅ, ᖃᐅᔨᒪᓐᖏᖅᑕᐅᑎ: Qiiqsurniq, Qaujimanngiqtauti: Épilepsie

A condition which causes seizures (sometimes callled convulsions). There are many different causes of epilepsy: for example, brain damage, a brain tumour, a stroke, a chemical problem, stopping certain drugs like alcohol, or an infection. It can also be something you are born with for which no cause can be found or it may run in a family. EEGs (electroencephalograms), blood tests, spinal taps (removing some fluid from the spine) and CAT scans (special x-rays of the brain) are useful in finding out the cause of seizures. A seizure occurs when there is too much electrical activity in the brain. If the whole brain is affected, then the patient will probably fall to the floor, and the whole body will become stiff and shake. If only a small part of the brain is involved, then the patient will show signs in the part of the body being affected. For example, if the electricity is in the hearing part of the brain, then the patient may hear sounds that aren't there. Some patients get a sign that they are going to have a seizure before it happens; they may taste, smell, or see something that isn't there, or they may feel strange. This is called an aura. The number of seizures that a patient has can be lowered by taking medicine (e.g. Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Tegretol, Phenytain, Carbamazepine, etc.). See Convulsion for more information on what to do if someone is having a convulsion or seizure.

Epinephrine: ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᐃᔪᑦ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᑎᓪᓕᕐᓂᖏᓂᒃ: Aulajjaijut Uummatiup Tillirninginik: Adrénaline

Sometimes called adrenaline. This is a chemical messenger (hormone) that travels in the blood. It is made by the inside part of the adrenal glands, the glands that sit on top of the kidneys. The job of this hormone is to help prepare the body for emergency situations where extra energy is needed. It raises blood pressure, increases the heart rate and gives extra strength to the heart beat. A man-made form of this hormone is given when the heart has stopped beating or when a patient is having a very bad allergic reaction.

Episiotomy: ᓰᑦᑕᖅ: Siittaq: Épisiotomie

A cut made into the tissues around the opening to the vagina. This cut is made during delivery of a child to make it easy for the baby to come out or to stop the tissue from tearing. It is thought that since a surgical cut makes straighter edges it will heal better than a natural tear. It is stiched together after the birth of the baby.

Erythrocyte: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ ᐊᐅᐸᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᐅᒻᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Ijaruvaujaq Aupaqtuq Aummiittuq: Globule rouge

The same as red blood cell (RBC). See Red Blood Cell.

Eschar: ᐆᓐᓂᒥᓂᖅ: Uunniminiq: Escarre

The thick, crusty covering which forms over a badly burned or damaged area of skin. It helps to protect the tissue underneath it from germs or injury.

Esophagus: ᐃᒡᒋᐊᖅ: Iggiaq: Oesophage

The hollow tube that goes from the throat to the stomach. It is about 10 to 12 inches long in an adult. It has a layer of muscle which squeezes food down to the stomach when we swallow; this squeezing action works even if we are upside down. A mucous coating on the inside of the esophagus helps things slide down easily. It is separated from the stomach by a ring of muscle which opens to let food pass into the stomach. This ring of muscle also stops acid from leaking upwards into the esophagus from the stomach.

Estrogen: ᐊᕐᓇᐅᔾᔪᑎ: Arnaujjuti: Oestrogène

One of the female sex hormones. Small amounts of this hormone can be found in men as well. Most of this hormone is made by the ovaries (the two egg-shaped things on each side of the womb) in women. However, this hormone is also made by the glands that sit on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands). In women, this hormone causes the growth of breasts, and helps the body to accept and feed a fertilized egg. In men, it is not known what its job is.

Eustachian Tube: ᓯᐅᑎᑉ ᓱᓪᓗᖓ: Siutip Sullunga: Trompe d'Eustache

The narrow tube which connects the middle ear with the throat. The middle ear is between the outer and inner ear. It is behind the thin membrane called the ear drum and in front of the organs of balance (semicircular canal) and hearing (cochlea). Its job is to keep the pressure in the ear the same as the pressure in the air around us. If it is not the same, your ears hurt and pop, like on a plane. This tube is always closed at one end except when we yawn, sneeze or swallow. Germs can travel up the eustachian tube from the throat to the middle ear, which can cause an ear infection. Since this tube is shorter and wider in children, germs travel easily up this tube; this is why children get more ear infections than adults.

Examination: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Qaujisaqtauniq: Examen

To look someone over carefully or to do special tests to find out if there is anything wrong. This is done by a doctor, nurse or other health-care professional.

Examination Table: ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᐊᕐᓗᓂ ᓇᓪᓚᕐᕕᒃ: Qaujisaqtauniarluni Nallarvik: Table d'examen

The table that a patient lies on when he is being looked at by a doctor or nurse.

Excision: ᐃᓚᓐᖓᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Ilanngaqtauniq: Excision

To cut something out of the body or to cut open a sore area so that the infected fluid can drain out.

Exhalation: ᐊᓂᖅᓵᖅᑐᕐᓂᖅ ᓯᓚᒻᒧᑦ: Aniqsaaqturniq Silammut: Exhalation

The act of breathing out.

Exocrine: ᐃᖏᕐᕋᐃᔾᔪᑎᑦ ᐊᐅᒻᒨᓐᖓᖏᑦᑐᑦ: Ingirraijjutit Aummuunngangittut: Exocrine (glande)

Something that gives off a fluid which travels to a nearby place through a tube. This word is often used when talking about glands. For example, the salivary glands give off saliva which goes into the mouth through a tube which opens under the tongue. Glands which do this are called exocrine glands.

Eye: ᐃᔨ: Iji: Œil

The organ that allows sight. The eyes tell the brain about what we see. Eyes receive information from light rays. Light rays travel from the sun or another light source to objects around you. Objects that absorb all the light rays appear black; those that reflect all the rays appear white. Objects that absorb some light and reflect some, look coloured. When you look at something, the light rays reflected from an object pass through the see-through covering of the eye (cornea). The object is brought into focus by the lens. The lens can change shape depending on how far away something is; it gets thin and long when something is far away, and short and fat when something is close. From the lens, light rays go onto the retina which change the light into electrical signals which go to the part of the brain responsible for seeing. When eyesight is tested, two numbers are given which tell how good the vision is. The numbers 20-20 mean that vision is normal, and 20-40 means that vision is not normal because you have to be 20 feet away from what the normal eye can see at 40 feet. 20-200 is considered legally blind; this means that you see at 20 feet what the normal eye sees at 200. See Cornea, Lens, Pupil, Retina.

Eyebrow: ᖃᓪᓗ: Qallu: Sourcil

The hairs which grow on the skin covering the bone over the eye.

Eyelash: ᕿᒥᕆᐊᖅ: Qimiriaq: Cil

One of the many hairs that grows on the edge of the skin which surrounds the eyeball.

Eyelid: ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᓯᓈ ᐊᓪᓕᖅ, ᐅᒃᑯᔮᖅ, ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᑐᓄᐊ: Ijiup Sinaa Alliq, Ukkujaaq, Ijiup Tunua: Paupière

Either of the two moveable folds of skin which surround the front part of the eye. There is an upper and lower eyelid which meet at the middle of eye thereby covering the front of the eye. The inner layer of both eyelids is covered by the same see-through membrane as the eye and is called the conjunctiva.

F

Face: ᑮᓇᖅ: Kiinaq: Visage

The front part of the head from the forehead to the chin.

Fallopian Tube: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᑉ ᐃᐱᐅᑕᖓ: Illiap Ipiutanga: Trompes de Fallope

One of the two tiny, hollow tubes that go from each ovary to the uterus. The egg made each month by the ovary travels to the uterus inside either one of these tubes (depending on which ovary produced the egg—if the right ovary makes the egg, then it travels down the right fallopian tube). The sperm travel up the tubes in search of the egg. If the sperm meets and gets inside of the egg, the egg is said to be fertilized. This usually happens in the fallopian tubes. Sometimes the egg makes a mistake and starts to grow inside the fallopian tube. This is called a tubal or ectopic pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy is very dangerous because it can cause the fallopian tube to rupture which can lead to a lot of bleeding. If one of the fallopian tubes is destroyed, the woman may still get pregnant because she has one tube remaining. A woman may be unable to have a child if there is a blockage or infection in these tubes because the egg cannot pass through. The tubes become blocked if the woman has had a lot of infections which have caused damage to the tubes, leaving thick scars on the inside of the tubes.

Farsighted (Presbyopia): ᑕᑉᐲᑦᑐᖅ ᖃᓂᑦᑐᒧᑦ: Tappiittuq Qanittumut: Presbytie

This is when it is easier to see things that are far away than things that are close. Some people have this condition from birth. Farsightedness is also a normal part of getting older. Glasses may correct the problem. If it is present from birth, it is due to the eyeball being shorter than normal, which causes the light to fall behind the retina (the part of the eye which sends messages to the brain). As we get older, the lens (the part of the eye that moves to focus on things) gets stiff. These changes to the lens can start around the age of 40. People who have this will often hold things far away in order to see better. It is easily fixed with glasses. This type of farsightedness is called presbyopia.

Fat: ᐅᖅᓱᖅ: Uqsuq: Cellules graisseuses

The greasy, yellow material underneath the skin of an animal or mixed in with its flesh. Fat is also found in plants, but it doesn't look the same. It is like the oil you use for cooking. Fat from plants is better for you than animal fat. Butter, margarine and cheese all have a lot of fat. When we eat too much food, the extra calories are stored by our bodies as fat. Too much fat in the diet is not healthy and can lead to many diseases including heart problems and strokes. Fat builds up on the inside of the blood vessels making them narrow and hard for blood to pass through. If the blood supply is slowed down to an area, there is a possibility of tissue damage or tissue death.

Febrile: ᐆᓇᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ ᑎᒥᖓ: Uunaluaqtuq Timinga: Fièvre

Having a fever. A body temperature of greater than 38.5°C by oral thermometer. When a patient does not have a fever, he is said to be afebrile. See Fever.

Femur: ᖁᑐᕋᐅᑉ ᓴᐅᓂᖓ: Quturaup Sauninga: Fémur

The thigh bone. It goes from the hip down to the knee. It is the largest, strongest and heaviest bone in the body.

Fertilization: ᐃᓄᑦᓴᐅᑉ ᑲᑎᓐᓂᖓ, ᐃᓄᑦᓴᓐᖑᕐᓂᖓ: Inutsaup Katinninga, Inutsanngurninga: Fécondation

Also called conception. It is when a sperm gets inside an egg which begins the development of a child. Millions of sperm are released from the penis inside the vagina with each ejaculation. The sperm travel up the womb to the fallopian tubes. Many sperm die on this journey. Fertilization takes place inside the fallopian tubes. Only one sperm out of the millions manages to get inside the egg and fertilize it. Once a sperm is inside the egg, no other sperm are able to get in, and the egg is said to be fertilized. The fertilized egg then travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus where it attaches and starts to grow into a baby. Since only one egg is released in a month, there are about four days each month that an egg can be fertilized. The egg can live for about four days after it is released from the ovary. If it meets a sperm, it becomes fertilized; if not, it dies and leaves the body.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᖑᓪᓗᓂ ᐋᓐᖓᔮᖃᑦᑕᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᐋᓐᓂᐊ: Najjiangulluni Aanngajaaqattanirmut Aannia: Syndrome alcoolique foetal

A condition found in children who are born to a mother who drinks too much alcohol while pregnant. The children have birth defects which include mental and physical problems. These problems can range from mild to severe. The children can have be mental disabilities which can lead to learning problems and hyperactivity. They have a small head, their face looks different, they are smaller than normal, and they may have heart, kidney or genital problems. Doctors are not sure how much alcohol during pregnancy causes this condition, but more than two drinks a day is considered dangerous. To be safe women really should not drink at all during pregnancy.

Fetus: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᖅ, ᓄᑕᕋᒃᓴᖅ: Najjiaq, Nutaraksaq: Foetus

A developing child in the uterus is called a fetus from eight weeks after the egg has been fertilized until it is born. Before eight weeks, the unborn child is called an embryo.

Fever: ᐆᓇᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ ᑎᒥᖓ: Uunaluaqtuq Timinga: Fièvre

A higher than normal body temperature. Sometimes called pyrexia. A person suffering from a fever is said to be febrile. Normal body temperature is about 37°C (some people may have a slightly higher or lower body temperature). Body temperature is controlled by a special part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Body temperature is measured using a thermometer, and the temperature reading will be slightly different depending on where the thermometer is placed.

For example, if the thermometer is put in the mouth, the temperature shows as 0.5°C lower than if the thermometer is placed in the rectum and 0.5°C higher than if the thermometer is placed under the arm. A person is usually said to have a fever if the thermometer reads more than 38.5°C in the mouth.

Fevers occur when there is an infection or inflammation somewhere in the body. These things cause the brain to reset the normal body temperature to a higher temperature. That is why when a fever starts we feel cold and shiver; the body is trying to reach the new higher temperature set by the brain. Shivering helps to warm up the body. Once the body temperature reaches the new temperature, the shivering and chills stop. The brain raises the body temperature so that more blood will move around the body. In the blood, there are special cells which eat up the germs that cause infection. So a slightly high body temperature can be helpful for the body.

In most cases, it is important to find out what is causing the high temperature before it is treated because a fever is a symptom of some other disease. It is common for children to have seizures if their temperature is too high. These seizures go away when the temperature is brought down, and they do not usually cause harm. It is not always necessary to bring a fever down. A fever is only harmful if it is extremely high. If the fever is very high, it should be lowered so that it will not cause brain damage. Temperatures can also be treated to help make a patient feel more comfortable.

The most commonly used drugs to treat a fever are Aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is better for children or if the patient has stomach or blood clotting problems. The body temperature can also be lowered by giving a cool sponge bath or by placing a fan behind a pan of ice. However, if the patient is complaining of being cold, a warm blanket should be given. Since a fever can also cause a lot of fluid loss, the patient should drink a lot of liquids or have an IV.

Fibroid: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᖓᓂ ᓄᑭᖓᒍᑦ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ ᓯᐊᒻᒪᒍᓐᓇᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Illiangani Nukingagut Piruqtuq Siammagunnangittuq: Fibroïde

A harmless growth of muscle inside the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are common and thought to be due to the female hormone estrogen. They don't usually cause any problems but the can cause periods to be heavier or longer than normal. However, if they become very large they may make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant, or they may press on the bladder. If they are causing problems, they can be cut out.

Fibula: ᑲᓈᑉ ᐊᒥᓕᕋᖓ: Kanaap Amiiliranga: Péroné

The outside, smaller bone of the lower leg.

Finger: ᐃᓄᒐᓐᖑᐊᖅ: Inugannguaq: Doigt

One of the five extensions on each hand.

Fissure: ᑭᒍᑎᐅᑉ ᐃᖅᓴᖓ: Kigutiup Iqsanga: Fissure

A narrow cut or crease. Mostly used to talk about the folds in the brain or crack in the anal area. Anal fissures are caused by straining to pass hard and large stools through the anus. Anal fissures cause pain during bowel movements and may cause some bright red blood to be present in the stool.

Fistula: ᐊᔪᐊᑉ ᐹᖓ, ᒪᕿᕕᐊ, ᐊᒻᒪᓂᖓ: Ajuap Paanga, Maqivia, Ammaninga: Fistule

An abnormal tube-like passage inside the body. The tube either joins two organs that are not normally joined or connects a part of the body with the body's surface. Some fistulas are made by a doctor (for patients who are having dialysis), others form because of injury or are present from birth. The most common place for fistulas to occur are around the anus and from the vagina into the bladder or the rectum.

Flank: ᑭᖑᕋᖅ, ᓴᓂᕋᖅ: Kinguraq, Saniraq: Flanc

The side of the body between the ribs and the top of the hip bone.

Flu (Influenza): ᓴᐅᓂᓐᖑᔪᖅ, ᓴᐅᓐᓂᕆᔪᖅ: Sauninngujuq, Saunnirijuq: Grippe

The common word used for the term influenza. It is a short-lasting illness that is caused by a germ known as a virus. The virus is very easy to catch and spreads quickly from one person to another. The germ gets inside the body through the airways but it can cause symptoms anywhere in the body. The symptoms of the flu vary depending on the type of virus that is caught. The symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, sore muscles, etc. There is no drug that will cure the flu. Antibiotics do not work against the germ that causes the flu. The body's immune system usually manages to kill the germ within seven to ten days. The best things to do for a flu are to rest, drink fluids and take Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) which will help with the pain and fever. There is a needle that patients can take to stop them from getting some flus. This needle does not always stop a patient from getting all flus but it helps. This needle (often called the flu shot) is mostly suggested for people over 65 and people who have other serious illnesses like heart, lung, kidney diseases or diabetes.

Fluoridation: ᓱᕈᖅᑎᔭᐃᒃᑯᓕᖅᓱᐃᓂᖅ: Suruqtijaikkuliqsuiniq: Fluorer

Putting the chemical called fluoride into something. Usually a very small amount of fluoride is put into water, because it helps to build strong tooth enamel (the covering of teeth). Strong tooth enamel stops tooth decay. If it is not put in the water, the dentist may recommend adding it to juice or water. When adding this chemical, one must be very careful because too much of it is poisonous. Dentists usually give a fluoride treatment to the teeth during visits.

Foot: ᐃᓯᒐᒃ: Isigak: Pied

Found at the end of the each leg. It is used for standing and walking on. We have two feet each with five toes.

Forceps: ᑮᒻᒥᔾᔪᑎ: Kiimmijjuti: Forceps

A two-bladed instrument with a handle. It is used to hold things. Often used to handle things which must be kept free from germs, like dressings or other equipment. They look like scissors but do not have the sharp edges.

Fracture: ᒥᓛᕐᓂᖅ, ᒥᓕᕐᓂᖅ, ᓄᑎᓐᓂᖅ, ᓴᐅᓈᖅᑐᖅ: Milaarniq, Milirniq, Nutinniq, Saunaaqtuq: Fracture

The breaking of a part of the body. Usually refers to the breaking of a bone. Bones most often break due to a fall or some other type of injury. However, some diseases cause the bones to become fragile, and they can break without much force or for no apparent reason. The symptoms of a broken bone include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity or not being able to move properly. Most broken bones are diagnosed by an x-ray A broken bone should be held in position by a splint until a doctor can be seen. Do not try to pull the bones back into shape. The doctor pulls the bones back into their correct position. Sometimes a bone can not be put back into the right position while the patient is awake. This is either because the muscles are too cramped, the patient is experiencing too much pain or because of the type of damage that has been done. The doctor will then put the patient to sleep in order to put the bones straight. A cast is usually put on to stop the bones from moving out of the right position. With a bad break, metal pieces or screws may be put in the bone to hold it in place.

Frenulum: ᕿᓪᓗᑕᖅ, ᕿᓪᓗᑦ: Qillutaq, Qillut: Frein

A small string of tissue that attaches two things together to stop them from moving away from each other. There are a few of these in the body: under the tongue, between the upper and lower gums and the lips, etc.

Frostbite: ᖁᐊᕐᓂᖅ: Quarniq: Gelure

Injury to tissues due to cold. Usually the first areas of the body to freeze are the nose, ears, fingers and toes. The flesh feels cold to the touch, and frozen parts become pale and lose feeling. There may also be some prickly or itchy feelings. A person suffering from frostbite may feel no warning pain. Mild frostbite does not lead to permanent damage, but severe frostbite may cause the tissues to die and may make it necessary to cut off the affected area to prevent a very serious infection. Mild frostbite causes the skin to look white until the area warms up, then it looks red for a few hours. If the frostbite is more serious, the area looks waxy and when it rewarms it swells up. It also may feel itchy, burning and quite painful. Eventually, it may develop a blister which will harden and peel. The new skin is healthy but may be more likely to develop frostbite in the future. With a very severe frostbite, the skin is damaged down to the bone. The area is hardened and looks lifeless. There is no feeling in the area and the patient can not move the affected area. When it rewarms, there may not be any feeling in the area. If there is no feeling, the area may have to be cut off to stop a severe infection from starting in the dead tissue, which can spread the rest of the body.

Fungus: ᐅᖁᒃ: Uquk: Fongus, champignon

A term used to describe living things like mushrooms, yeasts, molds, etc. Some of these things may be very small (only seen under a microscope), and some can be very large (like mushrooms). They can be found in the air, water or soil. Some types can cause disease. Common diseases caused by these include ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, vaginal yeast infections, etc. These things can be treated with medicines. The plural form of this word is fungi.

G

Gallbladder: ᓱᖓᐅᑉ ᐴᐹᖓ, ᐴᖓ: Sungaup Puupaanga, Puunga: Vésicule biliaire

The pear-shaped organ which is found underneath the liver. The liver produces a liquid called bile which is stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps the body break down fatty foods. When we eat something fatty, the intestine sends a chemical messenger to the gallbladder causing the gallbladder to squeeze some bile into the intestine where the fat is waiting to be digested. The bile leaves the liver through a tube which branches off at the gallbladder and then continues on to the small intestine. If the gallbladder is removed, the bile can still get to where it is needed through the other branch of the tube. The gallbladder is a common spot for disease. The most common is gallstones. Diseases of the gallbladder can be discovered through blood tests, ultrasound, and different types of dying and x-rays tests. If there is a problem with the gallbladder, it is often taken out (this is called a cholecystectomy).

Gallstone: ᐅᔭᕋᖅ (ᓱᖓᕐᒥ): Ujaraq (Sungarmi): Calcul biliaire

The medical term for this problem is cholelithiasis. These are stones which have formed in the gallbladder. The stones are made up of bile salts, calcium, cholesterol, bilirubin (a chemical given off when red blood cells die) and proteins. An increase of any of these things in the bile may cause a stone to form. Most stones are made of cholesterol. The bile tube leaves the liver and has one branch leading to the gallbladder and one branch leading to the intestine. This tube can be blocked by a stone Gallstones can be present in the gallbladder for a long time without causing too much trouble; but there can be some symptoms like discomfort and pain in the right upper abdomen, or indigestion and nausea after eating a fatty meal. If a stone gets stuck somewhere in the bile tube, it can cause pain. The pain can start in the middle upper abdomen and then move to the right. It can sometimes be felt in the back under the shoulder blade or near the right shoulder. With this pain, there can be nausea and vomiting, sweating, chills, fever and a fast heart rate. Patients having this sort of blockage will need medicine to stop the pain. Most often they are given Demerol. Depending on where the tube is blocked, the patient's skin may also become yellowish (this is called jaundice). The most common treatment for gallstones that are causing problems is surgery which takes out the gallbladder and the stones. If the gallbladder is removed, the bile can still get to where it is needed through a tube which comes from the liver but does not pass through the gallbladder. If the gallstones are not causing any problems for the patient, surgery is not done.

Gangrene: ᐸᖅᑭᔮ: Paqqijaa: Gangrène

Dead tissue. Tissues die when the blood supply is cut off, causing the tissues to be starved for food and oxygen. Dead tissue is called gangrenous tissue. Germs invade dead tissue causing it to break down and become infected. The body cannot stop the infection because the area does not have a blood supply. Infections are fought by special cells that travel through the blood and eat up germs and dead tissue, but with gangrenous tissue there is no blood reaching the tissue so there is no way to fight off the infection. Gangrenous tissue must be completely removed before healing can occur.

Gastric: ᓈᕐᒥᒃ ᐱᔪᖅ: Naarmik Pijuq: Gastrique

Having to do with the stomach. For example, gastric pain would mean stomach pain. Gastric juice is the fluid found in the stomach.

• Gastric Juice: ᐊᕿᐊᕉᑉ ᐆᑎᕈᓐᑎᖓ: Aqiaruup Uutiruntinga: Acide gastrique: The fluid that is made by special cells that line the wall of the stomach. This fluid is acidic and contains special chemicals which break food down into tiny pieces. The tiny pieces of food can then leak through the stomach or intestines into the blood. This is how our body gets the things from food that it needs.

Gastrocnemius: ᓇᑲᓱᓐᓇᖅ: Nakasunnaq: Mollet

The calf muscle; it is the muscle that gets bigger when the toe is pointed. Connects the lower part of the thigh bone to the heel bone. This muscle helps bend the knee and lift the heel off the ground.

Gastroscopy: ᐃᒡᒋᐊᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᕿᐊᕈᕐᒥᒃ ᕿᓐᖑᕐᒥᒐᕐᓂᖅ: Iggiakkut Aqiarurmik Qinngurmigarniq: Gastroscopie

A medical test done to see if the stomach is healthy. A special instrument called a gastroscope is put in the mouth and passed down into the stomach. This instrument is a hollow tube made from a material which bends easily. The tube has a light inside it and a eyepiece at one end through which the doctor can look at the inside of the stomach. The patient is not allowed to eat for six to eight hours before this test. He is given an IV and some medicine which helps him to relax because he is not usually put to sleep for this test. The back of the mouth is sprayed with a medicine which makes it numb and stops him from gagging. Since this medicine stops gagging, the patient is not usually allowed to eat for a few hours after this procedure to prevent him from choking.

Gastrostomy: ᐊᒻᒪᖅᑕᐅᓯᒪᓂᖅ ᐊᕿᐊᕈᒃᑯᑦ: Ammaqtausimaniq Aqiarukkut: Gastrotomie

An opening into the stomach through which a tube is passed. This is done when a patient is unable to swallow because of a problem with the mouth or esophagus. A cut is made through the skin and muscle which cover the stomach and a hole is made into the lining of the stomach, through which the rubber tube is passed. Ordinary meals can be put into a blender until the food becomes liquid, or pre-made milkshakes can be bought at the drugstore. The food is put into a container which is attached to the tube and the food drains into the stomach. Once the food has finished draining into the stomach, the container is disconnected from the tube. The patient should be shown how to keep the area around the opening clean and dry so that an infection does not develop.

Gene: ᐃᓗᑦᓯᕈᑎ, ᐋᖅᑭᒃᓯᒪᐅᕈᑎ, ᓯᕗᓕᖅᓲᑎ: Ilutsiruti, Aaqqiksimauruti, Sivuliqsuuti: Gène

Things which are inherited from our parents and are responsible for making us who we are. They determine our hair colour, skin colour, height, etc. They are found inside our cells. Thousands of genes make up the chromosomes. See Chromosome.

General Practitioner: ᖃᓄᐃᑦᑐᑐᐃᓐᓇᕐᒧᑦ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᖅᑐᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Qanuittutuinnarmut Aanniaqtuliriniq: Médecine générale

This is a doctor who has graduated from medical school and has some knowledge in all areas of medicine but has not specialized in one particular area. In order to specialize in an area of medicine like pediatrics, obstetrics, etc., a Canadian doctor usually has to study an extra four years in that field. Often, when we see a doctor, we are seeing a GP. If the GP thinks that we may be better helped by a specialist, he will arrange an appointment with one.

Geriatrics: ᐃᓄᑐᖃᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Inutuqaliriniq: Gériatrie

The branch of medicine which deals with the diseases and health of older people. A doctor who specializes in this area is called a gerontologist. This doctor has studied this area of medicine for an extra four years following medical school.

Germ: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᖅ ᑕᑯᑦᓴᐅᓐᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Qupirruq Takutsaunngittuq: Germes

The common word used to describe a very small living thing that causes a disease, for example, a bacteria, virus or fungus. Some types of bacteria, viruses or fungi do not cause diseases, but those that do are known as germs. Many germs are easily spread from one person to another. Examples of diseases caused by germs are infections, colds, flus, STDs, hepatitis, measles, etc. Germs can live in many places including the human body. Different types of germs like different temperatures, amounts of light and types of food. Since many germs are easily spread, it is important to wash hands and objects often in order to kill the germs and stop them from getting into or on the body where they can cause harm. See Bacteria, Fungus, Virus.

German Measles (Rubella): ᐊᐅᐸᓪᓛᓂᖅ (ᓇᔾᔨᐊᒧᑦ ᖃᓄᐃᒍᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᒥᒃ): Aupallaaniq (Najjiamut Qanuigutaujunnaqtumik): Rubéole

A disease which is caused by a virus. This is different from the disease that is just called measles. It is usually a mild disease which causes a slight fever, swollen lymph nodes (commonly called swollen glands) in the neck, and a rash which starts on the face and lasts four to eight days. It is most often found in children. This disease is not usually a problem unless it occurs in a pregnant woman; then it can cause deafness, blindness or mental retardation in the unborn baby. It spreads easily from one person to another; you may not know right away that you have it, because the rash may not show up for two weeks.

Gestation: ᓇᔾᔨᐊᖑᓂᖓ, ᓄᑕᕋᒃᓴᐅᓂᖓ, ᓇᔾᔨᓂᖓ: Najjianguninga, Nutaraksauninga, Najjininga: Gestation

Another word for pregnancy. It is the period of time from when the egg and sperm meet until the baby is delivered. In humans, the normal pregnancy period is about nine months (280 days or 40 weeks).

Gingiva: ᐊᑦᑕᑎᑦ, ᑭᒍᑎᑦ ᐊᑦᑕᑖ: Attatit, Kigutit Attataa: Gencive

The medical word used to describe the gums. The gums are inside the mouth and stick tightly to the bone around the teeth.

Gland: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᖅ: Qiliqsinaq: Glande

A clump of tissue which makes and gives off a special fluid. There are many different glands in the body and each one of them makes a different type of fluid. Each type of fluid has a different a job to do in the body. Glands are divided into two groups. One group drains its fluid through a connecting tube to a nearby place; these are called exocrine glands. The second group leaks its fluid out into the blood; these do not have a draining tube but are surrounded by tiny blood vessels into which the fluid leaks. Once the fluid is inside these blood vessels, it can travel anywhere in the body. These of glands are known as endocrine glands.

The exocrine glands include the salivary glands, the glands in the skin which make sweat and oil, the liver, the glands which line the stomach and make digestive juices, the pancreas, the breasts, the tear glands (lacrimal) and the prostate gland. The endocrine glands are the ones which make hormones (chemical messengers which travel in the blood) and include the adrenal glands, the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, the thymus, the ovaries, the testicles and the pancreas.

A lot of people say that they have swollen glands in their neck when they have some sort of infection, but it is actually the lymph nodes which are swollen. Lymph nodes are not glands but are clumps of tissue which help trap germs and often get swollen when we are fighting an infection. Lymph nodes do not leak fluid.

Glaucoma: ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᖄᕐᓂᐊᕐᓂᖓ: Ijiup Qaarniarninga: Glaucome

A disease which affects the eyes. This disease can cause blindness if it is not treated. It is due to a build-up of fluid at the front of the eye which causes the eyeball to press on the blood vessels at the back of the eye. This can slow down or stop the blood supply to the nerves of the eye and eventually cause blindness. The eye is continually producing fluid which fills the eye behind the cornea (this fluid is called aqueous humor). Normally, as new fluid is made the older fluid drains out of the eye through a tiny tube down to the nose. When this tube is blocked, the fluid cannot drain out of the eye and eventually a lot of pressure builds up in the eye. The cause of this disease is not known but it does tend to run in families. It is most often found in adults over the age of 40 years, but it can happen in babies. It is important to treat this disease early before any permanent damage results.

The main symptoms of this disease are blurry vision, the appearance of coloured rings around bright things or gradual loss of side vision. This is often called tunnel vision because it is similar to looking through a tunnel. The tunnel becomes narrower and narrower until eventually the patient is blind. Glaucoma may come on gradually, or the patient may suddenly develop eye pain and be unable to see well. Once blindness has occurred, it can not be fixed. If the disease is caught early enough, blindness can be avoided. The disease is first treated with medicine (pills or eyedrops) and, if the medicine does not work, then surgery can be done. If the medicine does work, the patient will have to take it for the rest of his life. If surgery is needed, the doctor makes an opening for the fluid to leave the eye. A patient who has had surgery may not have to take the medicine anymore, but the surgery does not always work.

Glucose: ᐊᐅᑉ ᓱᑲᖓ: Aup Sukanga: Glucose

A type of sugar that is found in the blood and some foods. It is not the same type of sugar as we add to our food. Glucose is the type of sugar that the body makes by breaking down food. It is the main source of energy used by the body. The amount of glucose used by the body is controlled by insulin (a hormone made in the pancreas). If there is too much glucose in the body, it is changed into a storage form which is kept in the liver; when the body gets low on sugar, the storage form of glucose can be change back into ordinary glucose. High levels of glucose in the blood may be a sign of a disease such as diabetes or a gland problem. Those suffering from diabetes must carefully watch their glucose level; they are often taught to test their own glucose level by doing a skin prick. Low levels of glucose may also be a sign of diseases such as a kidney liver, or gland problem.

Gluteus Maximus: ᐅᒃᐸᑏᒃ: Ukpatiik: Muscle grand fessier

The large muscle of the buttocks (bum). This muscle turns the leg out.

Gluteus Medius: ᐃᖐᖅᓴᐅᑦ: Ingiiqsaut: Muscle moyen fessier

A muscle of the buttocks. It lies above and is smaller than the gluteus maximus.

Gout: ᓇᒡᒍᐊᓪᓗᑦᑐᖅ ᐊᐅᓪᓗᕐᓂᖓᓄᑦ: Naggualluttuq Aullurninganut: Goutte

A very painful type of arthritis that mostly effects the big toe joint. It often runs in families and tends to affect men much more often than women. It is caused by a build-up of a chemical called uric acid. Uric acid is the chemical that is left over after some foods are broken down. Most people get rid of this chemical in their urine but those that have this disease do not. It is not known why these people are not getting rid of this chemical. Attacks of gout tend to come and go at first; later the attacks may last longer or continue without much relief between attacks. This disease can affect other parts of the body besides the big toe joint. There is no cure for this disease but it can be helped with medication and a lot of rest. Patients should drink a lot of fluid. They may also need to take medications which will help their bodies get rid of the extra uric acid between attacks.

GP: ᖃᓄᐃᑦᑐᑐᐃᓐᓇᕐᒧᑦ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᖅᑐᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Qanuittutuinnarmut Aanniaqtuliriniq: Médecine générale

The short way of writing general practitioner. See General Practitioner.

Gracilis: ᐃᓗᑕᓪᓗᒍᑦ, ᐃᓗᑕᖅ: Ilutallugut, Ilutaq: Muscle droit interne de la cuisse

A muscle on the inner thigh that goes from the pubic bone to just below the knee. This muscle helps the leg bend at the knee and bring the legs together. This is the longest muscle in the body.

Gravida: ᓇᔾᔨᓕᖃᑦᑕᖅᓯᒪᓂᕆᔭᖓ: Najjiliqattaqsimanirijanga: Femme enceinte

The same as pregnant. A woman in her first pregnancy is called Gravida I, in her second, Gravida II, etc. This word is usually used with another term, para, which gives the number of live births. A woman may have had more pregnancies than live deliveries due to miscarriages, still births, etc. Therefore, if you see Gravida III, para I on a patient's chart, it means that she has been pregnant three times but has only delivered one live child.

Groin: ᐊᑯᐊᖅ, ᓈᖅ: Akuaq, Naaq: Aine

The area where the legs join the body. It forms a fold when we sit down.

Growth¹: ᒪᓂᕐᓇᖅ, ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ: Manirnaq, Piiruqtuq: Tumeur

The same as tumour. This word has another meaning—see definition below. See Tumour.

Growth²: ᐱᕈᖅᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ, ᐱᕈᖅᓴᓂᖅ, ᐊᓪᓕᕙᓪᓕᐊᓂᖅ: Piruqpallianiq, Piruqsaniq, Allivallianiq: Excroissance

The gradual development of a living thing. Humans grow from infancy to adulthood, increasing in size, changing the way they look and developing sexual organs. Growth occurs in spurts and is controlled by genes (the things we inherit from our parents) and by a chemical called growth hormone which is given off by a gland in the brain known as the pituitary gland.

Gum: ᐃᒃᑭᖅ, ᒪᓐᖑᖅ: Ikkiq, Mannguq: Gencive

The same as gingiva. The gums are inside the mouth and stick tightly to the bone around the teeth.

Gynecologist: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᓕᕆᔨ: Illialiriji: Gynécologue

A medical doctor who specializes in diseases that affect women, especially the diseases that affect the breasts, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and vagina.

Gyrus: ᖃᕋᓴᐅᑉ ᖃᑦᓯᓐᓂᖏᑦ: Qarasaup Qatsinningit: Gyrus

One of the many folds of brain tissue that are seen on top of the brain.

H

Hamstring: ᐊᓕᒋᐊᑦ, ᑭᖑᕐᓗᒍᑎᑦ: Aligiat, Kingurlugutit: Tendon du jarret

The muscle of the back of the thigh.

Hand: ᐊᒡᒐᒃ: Aggak: Main

The part of the body found at the end of the arm to which the thumb and fingers are attached.

Headache: ᓂᐊᖁᓐᖑᓂᖅ: Niaqunnguniq: Mal de tête

A pain or ache in the head. A very common complaint that is a symptom that something else is wrong. It can be a symptom of many different things, from the flu to stress. Headaches are usually due to the blood vessels in the head getting larger or from muscle tension in the neck or at the back of the head. Most headaches are not serious. However, if it is very bad and comes on quickly, causes a problem with seeing or is only in one spot, it should be checked by a doctor. Most headaches can be treated with Aspirin, Tylenol, Anacin, etc. See Migraine.

Health: ᐃᓗᓯᖅ, ᐃᓅᓯᓕᒫᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᓄᐃᓐᖏᓐᓂᖅ: Ilusiq, Inuusilimaakkut Qanuinnginniq: État de santé

How a person feels physically and mentally. When a person is healthy, it usually means that he is free from physical and mental illness and is able to do the things he wants to.

Heart: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒃ, ᐆᒻᒪᑦ: Uummatik, Uummat: Cœur

The muscle that pumps blood around the body. The heart normally pumps between 60-100 times each minute in adults. It is found in the chest slightly to the left of centre between the lungs. It has four hollow spaces; two on top and two on the bottom. The top two are called atria and the bottom two are called ventricles. The atria collect blood and the ventricles pump blood. The heart is divided into a right side and left side by a thick band of muscle. The upper right side is called the right atrium and it collects blood that has no oxygen in it from the body. From the right atrium, blood is sent to the lower right side (right ventricle), which then pumps it to the lungs so that it can pick up oxygen. The upper left side (left atrium) collects the blood after it has been to the lungs and sends it down to the lower left side (left ventricle), which then pumps it to the body.

Heart Attack: ᐆᒻᒪᓯᕆᔪᖅ, ᐆᒻᒪᓰᔪᖅ, ᐆᒻᒪᓯᔪᖅ: Uummasirijuq, Uummasiijuq, Uummasijuq: Crise cardiaque

The medical term for this is myocardial infarction (MI). This is heart damage due to part of the heart going without oxygen for too long. It is caused by a sudden blockage of one of the blood vessels that brings blood to the heart. Oxygen travels to the heart in the blood through the heart's blood vessels (coronary arteries). If one of these coronary arteries becomes blocked, then the blood (and the oxygen it carries) cannot get beyond that point. This causes the area supplied by this blood vessel to die. The larger the area that dies the more serious the heart attack. If enough of the heart is damaged, the patient can die; if it is only a small area, the patient will not be affected too badly. Scars form over the damaged area and these can show up later on an ECG (electrocardiogram).

The most common cause of a heart attack is the build up of fat along the inside of the heart's blood vessels (hardening of the arteries.) The blood vessel can also become blocked by a blood clot, which is far more likely to happen in people who have hardening of the arteries. Pain is the usual sign that someone is having a heart attack. Often the patient complains of sudden, severe, crushing pain in the chest. This pain may spread to the left (or sometimes the right) arm, to the back or up the sides of the neck and jaw. At other times, it may cause stomach pain and vomiting. People often get restless and short of breath. The heart beats faster than normal, and the blood pressure is low. Not all heart attacks cause pain; sometimes a person may not know that they have had a heart attack. The doctor can tell if you are having a heart attack by doing some tests. There are changes in the pattern shown on an ECG. A blood test will show a high level of chemicals that are normally found inside the cells of the heart. These chemicals are called cardiac enzymes. Cardiac enzymes are found in the blood of heart attack patients at a higher level soon after the attack. The cells in which the enzymes used to be found have died, and everything that was inside them has leaked out.

Heartburn: ᓰᕈᓗᒃ: Siiruluk: Pyrosis

A burning pain in the chest. It is not really heart pain but pain in the tube which goes from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). It is due to the fluid in the stomach backing up the esophagus. This may be caused by too much acid in the stomach or some other type of disorder (e.g. hiatus hernia). The stomach's fluid is very acidic and irritates the tissue lining the esophagus. The pain can be helped with antacids. If this happens often, tests should be done to find out what is causing it.

Heart Murmur: ᐆᒻᒪᑎ ᓯᒥᒃᑕᐅᑎᓪᓗᒃᑐᖅ (ᓴᕙᕐᕙᓗᑦᑐᖅ): Uummati Simikktautilluktuq (Savarvaluttuq): Murmure au cœur

A swishing sound that can be heard around the heart. Any problem with the heart can cause unusual sounds. A common cause of murmurs is a valve problem. The heart has four separate sections: two on top (atria) and two on bottom (ventricles). The ventricles have a valve at their beginning and a valve at their end. These four valves shut to stop blood from being pushed backwards when the ventricles pump. If these valves do not shut properly, some blood goes backward and causes a sound.

Heel: ᑭᒻᒥᒃ: Kimmik: Talon

The back part of the foot.

Hematemesis: ᐊᐅᒻᒥᒃ ᐲᖅᑎᕆᓂᖅ: Aummik Piiqtiriniq: Hématémèse

The vomiting of blood. The blood may be bright red to dark brown depending on how long it has been in the stomach. If it is bright red, it means that it is fresh and most likely due to the rupture of a blood vessel in the food tube (esophagus), stomach, nose or throat. This can be serious if it cannot be stopped. If the blood is darker, it is older blood. Dark blood could be from bleeding in the first part of the digestive tract like a slow-bleeding hole in the lining of the stomach (ulcer) or from swallowed blood from the nose or throat. Blood in the vomit should always be checked out by a doctor.

Hematology: ᐊᐅᒻᒨᓕᖓᔪᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Aummuulingajuliriniq: Hématologie

The branch of medicine which deals with the blood and the parts of the body that make blood.

Hematuria: ᐊᐅᒃ ᐃᑎᕈᕐᒦᒃᑐᖅ: Auk Itirurmiiktuq: Hématurie

Blood in the urine. The urine may have a little or a lot of blood. Many different things can cause this including a urinary tract infection (commonly called urine or bladder infection), the passing of small kidney stones or tumours in the bladder. When the cause of the bleeding is treated, the bleeding will stop. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Hemiplegia: ᑎᒥ ᐃᓪᓗᐃᓐᓇᖓᑎᒍᑦ ᓄᑮᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Timi Illuinnangatigut Nukiiqsimajuq: Hémiplégie

Paralysis of one side of the body. It is due to a problem with the brain. If the brain is affected on one side, then the opposite side of the body will be affected because the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. Things that affect the brain and may cause this include a stroke, brain injury caused by an accident, or an abnormal growth (tumour) on one side of the brain.

Hemispheres: ᖃᕋᓵᒃ ᐃᓪᓗᒌᒃ: Qarasaak Illugiik: Hémisphères (du cerveau)

The brain can be thought of as being made up of two halves; each of these halves is called a hemisphere. The right side is called the right hemisphere and the left side, the left hemisphere. Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body; the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the right side. The right and left hemisphere also control different things in the body. The right hemisphere is thought to have more control over emotions, artistic abilities and imagination; the left hemisphere is thought to play a bigger role in language skills, science, math and logic.

Hemodialysis: ᑕᖅᑐᒥᒃ ᐊᐅᓚᑎᑦᓯᔾᔪᑎ: Taqtumik Aulatitsijjuti: Hémodyalise

See Kidney Dialysis.

Hemophiliac: ᐊᐅᓈᕈᓐᓃᕈᓐᓇᐃᓕᑦᑕᐅᑎᓕᒃ: Aunaarunniirunnailittautilik: Hémophile

A person who has hemophilia. Hemophilia is a disease that is passed on from a mother to her sons. It is extremely rare for women to get this disease. Women get this gene from their fathers and can pass it on to their sons. People who have this disease are missing the chemical in their blood that stops bleeding. Some patients bleed more than others depending on how much of the chemical is in their blood; the less they have the more they bleed. They bleed and bruise easily and can bleed to death if they have a bad injury. They often bleed into their joints which gives them large painful joints. These patients are given the chemicals that they are missing through an IV. These chemicals have been taken out of donated blood.

Hemorrhage: ᐃᓗᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᐅᓈᖅᑐᖅ, ᐊᐅᖏᖅᓯᔪᖅ: Ilukkut Aunaaqtuq, Aungiqsijuq: Hémorragie

The leaking of blood from a broken blood vessel. The blood can be leaking out of or into the body. This can be serious if too much blood is lost. Bleeding that is inside the body is harder to notice but the patient's blood pressure will go down, the heart rate will go up and their skin will feel cold. To stop a bad cut from bleeding, you should put a cloth (if you have one) over the cut and press fairly hard. If this does not stop the bleeding, tie a piece of cloth above the cut. If the patient seems to be getting weaker, lay him down putting his feet higher than his head and cover him with a blanket.

Hemorrhoid: ᐃᖅᑐᒻᒥ ᐊᐅᒋᔾᔨᕐᓂᖅ: Iqtummi Augijjirniq: Hémorroïde

A swollen vein in the lining of the anus (the round muscle through which waste leaves the body). It is similar to a varicose vein in the leg except it is found around the anus. It can be inside or outside the anus. Sometimes bleeding can happen with hemorrhoids. They often cause pain and itching. Hemorrhoids can be caused by constipation (not going to the bathroom often enough) and they tend to run in families. They are common in women during pregnancy; this is because there is a lot of pressure and blood pooling in this area. They can be treated by putting something cold on the area, using special creams like Preparation H or by soaking the area in warm water (i.e. sitz bath). In bad cases they may be removed by surgery.

Hepatitis: ᑎᖑᓪᓗᑦᑐᖅ, ᓱᖓᕐᓗᑦᑐᖅ: Tingulluttuq, Sungarluttuq: Hépatite

Any disease which causes swelling of the liver. There are many different things that can cause this including germs (bacteria and viruses), taking in too much alcohol or taking other chemicals which can be poisonous to the liver. The symptoms of hepatitis are different depending on the cause. Germs (viruses) cause most cases of hepatitis; there have been many different types of viruses found which can cause hepatitis.

• Hepatitis A: ᑎᖑᓪᓗᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ (ᐊᐅᒃᑯᑦ): Tingullunnaqtuq (Aukkut): Hépatite A: A swelling of the liver caused by a germ (virus). This is passed from one person to another through contact with the feces (solid waste) of an infected person: for example, if someone with the infection does not wash their hands well after using the bathroom and they touch something that is touched or eaten by another person, the infection can be passed on. In some countries the germ that causes this lives in the water. This germ can be passed on before a person even knows that they have the disease. The symptoms tend to come on quickly and can be very mild, feeling like the flu, or they can be much worse and last for a few weeks. The person may feel very ill with stomach pain, high temperature and aching. The stool can be grayish in colour, the urine very dark, and the skin yellow (jaundiced); these things are all related to a problem with the liver. Hepatitis A does not usually cause lasting damage to the liver. See Liver.
• Hepatitis B: ᑎᖑᓪᓗᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ (ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐃᑦᑎᖓᒍᑦ ᐊᐅᒃᑯᓪᓗ): Tingullunnaqtuq (Timiup Ittingagut Aukkullu): Hépatite B: A swelling of the liver caused by a germ (virus). This disease is passed from one person to another by contact with the body fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids) of an infected person. Because it is found in semen vaginal fluids, it can also be thought of as a sexually transmitted disease (i.e. passed from one person to another through sexual contact). A mother can pass it on to her unborn baby. It can also be passed on to IV drug users through contaminated needles. All donated blood is tested for this germ before it is given to a patient who needs blood. Some people can have this germ living inside their body, but they do not get sick from it. They can, however, still pass it on; they are known as carriers of the disease. The germ can live for years (even a lifetime) in those who have had this disease. The symptoms tend to develop slowly over time so people cannot really say when they became sick. The symptoms can be mild or severe, with jaundice, joint pain and a rash. There is also a chance that the patient can bleed inside because the liver has chemicals that help the blood to clot. People who have had the long-lasting form of this disease or who carry it are much more likely to get liver cancer or have long-lasting damage to their livers. There is a needle (vaccination) against hepatitis B. This vaccine is given as three separate needles with the second and third needles being given one and six months after the first.

Hereditary: ᓯᕗᓕᖅᓱᖅᑐᖅ, ᑭᖑᕚᒥᓂᒃ ᐊᐃᑦᓱᐃᖃᑦᑕᕐᓃᑦ: Sivuliqsuqtuq, Kinguvaaminik Aitsuiqattarniit: Héréditaire

Something that can be passed from parents to their children. Some diseases are inherited from parents (e.g. hemophilia). Many diseases that we get are not directly passed on from our parents, but if our parents have the disease we are more likely to get it. Examples are high cholesterol, diabetes, allergies, etc.

Herpes: ᐃᒻᒥᒎᓪᓛᔪᒥᒃ ᐊᒻᒪᓪᓛᔪᖅ: Immiguullaajumik Ammallaajuq: Herpès

A disease which is caused by a germ (virus) that causes small clusters of fluid-filled sacs to develop. There are two main types of herpes: one type affects the area around the mouth, and the other type affects the area around the genitals. These are caused by two different germs; you can have one type but not have the other, or you can have both at the same time. The type that affects the mouth is commonly called cold sores. The germ that can give you either form of herpes can be easily passed from one person to another by coming in contact with the fluid that is inside these sores. There is no cure for this disease; once you have the germ, you may have an outbreak of the sores at any time. The germs stay sleeping between breakouts. There are some ointments available which help shorten the amount of time the outbreaks last.

Hiatus Hernia: ᖃᓚᓯᕐᖑᓕᒃ: Qalasirngulik: Hernie hiatale

This is when part of the stomach bulges through the opening in the diaphragm (the large flat muscle found under the lungs). There is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) passes. The esophagus is attached at the bottom end to the stomach, and sometimes the stomach can slip up through the opening in the diaphragm; this is a hiatus hernia. Small hernias of this type are found in most people, but they usually don't cause any problems; if they do, it is usually after a large meal. These patients should sit up straight after a big meal. Larger hernias cause more pain and may require surgery.

High Blood Pressure: ᐊᐅᑉ ᖁᕝᕙᓯᓗᐊᕐᓂᖓ: Aup Quvvasiluarninga: Hypertension

The same as hypertension. See Hypertension.

Hip: ᑰᑦᑎᖅ, ᑰᑦᓯᖅ: Kuuttiq, Kuutsiq: Os iliaque

The broadest bone of the skeleton to which the leg attaches.

Hormone: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᐃᔨᖓ: Timiup Aulajjaijinga: Hormone

A chemical messenger which is made by cells in the body and brought to other places in the body by the blood. Hormones control different things in the body: for example, how fast things go on in the body (metabolism), growth of the body and sexual organs, emotions, etc. There are many different kinds of hormones in the body and each one of them controls a different thing in the body. Examples of hormones are insulin, epinephrine, thyroxine, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, antidiuretic hormone, cortisol, etc. To find out more about a certain hormone look up the word in this glossary.

Humerus: ᐊᑦᓴᖅᑯ: Atsaqqu: Humérus

The bone of the upper arm which goes from the shoulder to the elbow.

Hygiene: ᓴᓗᒪᓂᖅ: Salumaniq: Hygiène buccale

Things that people do to keep themselves and the things around them clean. Cleanliness helps lower the number of germs (bacteria/viruses) and, therefore, lowers the chance of getting sick.

Hyperactive: ᐆᒻᒪᕆᑦᑐᖅ, ᐅᐃᒻᒪᒃ, ᐱᕋᓪᓚᒃ: Uummarittuq, Uimmak, Pirallak: Hyperactif

Hyper means too much, so the word hyperactive means too active. This word is used to describe children who are not able to sit still for very long cannot pay attention to one thing for very long, and are easily excitable. Even though these children may be smart, they often do not do well in school because of their behaviour. There are a lot of things that doctors think might cause this; for example, it may run in families, there may be some slight brain damage, the mother may have drunk or taken other drugs during pregnancy, it may be a food allergy, etc., but no one knows for sure. It is found more often in boys than girls. These children are hard for parents to deal with; parents often need help from therapists to learn how to best treat and live with this type of child. Sometimes medicines can help but there is no cure for this problem. The child's behaviour may improve as he gets older.

Hypertension: ᐊᐅᑉ ᖁᕝᕙᓯᓗᐊᕐᓂᖓ: Aup Quvvasiluarninga: Hypertension

This is the medical word used to describe high blood pressure. Most doctors agree that blood pressure higher than 140-90 is too high. There is no agreement as to when it is best to treat high blood pressure; some doctors prefer not to use medicine until blood pressure is very high and cannot be controlled by diet, exercise and life style changes. The cause of high blood pressure is not often known but it may be due to a kidney problem or hardening of the arteries. It does tend to run in families and is more common in fat people, those that smoke and those that are under a lot of stress. Most of the time people cannot tell if their blood pressure is too high. However, sometimes high blood pressure causes tiredness, headaches, nosebleeds, a fast heart rate or palpitations (short bursts of fast heart beating). If the blood pressure stays high for too long, it can cause heart disease, kidney disease, strokes or many other problems. High blood pressure can be treated with many different kinds of medicines, some of which get rid of extra water and others which slow the heart down or change the width of the blood vessels (wider blood vessels lower the blood pressure). Patients may also be told to lose weight, eat foods that are less fatty, stop smoking and start exercising.

Hyperthyroidism: ᑐᖅᑯᔮᑉ ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᖓ (ᐆᒻᒪᒍᑎᓄᑦ) ᐃᓱᐊᖅᓯᔾᔪᑎᓕᐅᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Tuqqujaap Qiliqsinanga (Uummagutinut) Isuaqsijjutiliuluaqtuq: Hyperthyroïdisme

The disease which is caused by the thyroid gland making too much of its hormone (a chemical messenger which travels in the blood). The thyroid gland is found at the front and in the middle of the neck (it is quite difficult to feel unless it is swollen). The hormone made by the thyroid is called thyroxine and it controls the metabolic rate (how fast energy is used up by the body), how quickly we grow and our ability to make babies. The cause of this disease is not known, but it does tend to run in families. The symptoms of this disease include weakness, not sleeping well, weight loss, fast heart rate, shakiness, shortness of breath and mood swings. This disease can be treated with a medicine that destroys part of the thyroid gland so that it cannot make as much thyroxine. Sometimes part of the thyroid may be taken out by surgery.

Hypnotic: ᓯᓂᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Sininnaqtuq: Hypnotique

A drug or medicine that makes you fall asleep.

Hypotension: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐊᑉᐸᓯᓗᐊᕐᓂᖓ: Aup Appasilurninga: Hypotension

This is the medical word used to describe low blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is said to be around 120-80 (normal may be a bit higher or lower for each person). Some people normally have low blood pressure (i.e. lower than 100-60). The lower the blood pressure, the better it is for you unless you are having symptoms like feeling weak, or dizzy, or having fainting spells. People with lower blood pressure tend to live longer and are healthier. However, if the person is having symptoms, it should be treated. Low blood pressure can be a sign of problems, like the loss of a lot of blood or a very weak heart.

Hypothenar: ᐊᑯᐊᖅ: Akuaq: Éminence hypothénar

The fleshy part of the palm that is underneath the little finger.

Hypothermia: ᓂᓪᓕᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ ᑎᒥ, ᐃᓗᐃᖅᑐᖅ: Nilliluaqtuq Timi, Iluiqtuq: Hypothermie

A below normal body temperature; the normal body temperature is about 36°-37°C. This can happen when the body is exposed to cold air or water. The body cannot work properly when its temperature is below 34°C or 35°C. When it is very cold, the most important parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, heart and brain stay warm the longest because the body forces warm blood to stay around these vital organs. Fingers and toes get cold first because the warm blood doesn't go to them. When a person starts to get too cold, he may slur his speech and shiver. As his body temperature becomes even lower, he may become confused and sleepy, but he stops shivering and may eventually lose consciousness (unable to wake up). To help someone who is experiencing hypothermia, you should do the following: replace any wet clothing, cover him with warm blankets, build a shelter from the wind and give him food and drink. Do not rub cold hands, feet, arms or legs, or handle the person roughly because these things may send very cold blood back to the heart, which may cause a serious heart problem.

Hypothyroidism: ᑐᖅᑯᔮᑉ ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᖓ (ᐆᒻᒪᒍᑎᓄᑦ) ᐃᓱᐊᖅᓯᔾᔪᑎᓕᐅᓐᖏᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Tuqqujaap Qiliqsinanga (Uummagutinut) Isuaqsijjutiliunngiluaqtuq: Hypothyroïdie

A disease in which the thyroid gland makes too little of its hormone (a chemical messenger which travels in the blood). The thyroid gland is found in the middle front of the neck (it is quite difficult to feel unless it is swollen). The hormone made by the thyroid is called thyroxina which controls our metabolic rate (how fast energy is used up by the body), how quickly we grow and our ability to make babies. A child can be born with this disease. In adults, it can be due to a problem with the thyroid itself or a problem with the pituitary gland, which is the gland that controls the thyroid. Sometimes this happens when too much of the thyroid gland is destroyed in treatment for hyperthyroidism (when too much thyroxine is made). Patients with this disease may feel tired, weak or cold and gain weight. Women may have changes in their monthly periods. This disease can be treated by taking man-made form of the hormone thyroxine (levothyroxine).

Hysterectomy: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᖏᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Illiangiqtauniq: Hystérectomie

Removal of the uterus. Patients may have a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and the ovaries) or partial hysterectomy (removal of the uterus but not the ovaries). The uterus is removed when it is diseased or is causing a lot of pain which cannot be treated. Conditions which may require a hysterectomy, if other treatments are not working, are cancerous growths, cysts, endometriosis, long-lasting infections of the uterus (pelvic inflammatory disease—PID) and uncontrollable bleeding, etc.

I

Ileum: ᐃᓇᓗᐊᑉ ᐊᓪᓕᖅᐸᓯᐊ: Inaluap Alliqpasia: Iléon (extrémité de l'intestin grêle)

The last part of the small intestine. The small intestine is the part of the intestine which goes from the stomach to the large intestine. The small intestine is divided into three sections: the first section is the duodenum; the second section is the jejunum; the last part is the ileum.

Immunization: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕇᒃᑯᓯᖅᑕᐅᓯᒪᓂᖅ: Aanniariikkusiqtausimaniq: Immunisation

Also called vaccination. A needle is given which contains a small amount of a weakened form of a germ that causes a disease. When the body is given a germ, it develops special chemicals, called antibodies, which are designed especially to fit into that particular germ and kill it (germs which cause different diseases look different from each other). Once the body has made that antibody, it will always remember how to make it again. The second time the germ comes into the body (or when the real germ gets inside), the body quickly recognizes the germ and makes a lot of the antibodies which were designed especially for that germ. This way the body kills all of the germs before any of the symptoms show up.

Immunology: ᓴᐳᒻᒥᔾᔪᑎᓕᕆᓂᖅ, ᐊᓐᓇᐅᒪᔾᔪᑎᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Sapummijjutiliriniq, Annaumajjutiliriniq: Immunologie

The study of how the immune system works. The immune system includes all parts of the body which help us fight disease: for example, the cells in the blood (white blood cells), the antibodies (disease-fighting proteins) and the lymphatic system (the system designed to trap germs in clumps of tissue that is lined with special germ killing cells).

Impetigo: ᐊᒥᕐᓗᑦᑐᖅ: Amirluttuq: Impétigo

A disease caused by a germ (bacteria) that is found most often in children. It causes small fluid-filled blisters mostly on the face, but these sores can grow anywhere on the body. These blisters eventually break open, and a yellow crust forms over them. The germ that causes impetigo lives in the fluid that leaks out of the blister. It can spread easily to other people or other parts of the body if this fluid touches an open area of skin. The germs are able to live for a little while on other things that are touched with the fluid. It is important that you do not touch the sores and spread the germs. It is treated with a cream which is put on the sores. If the cream does not work, pills can be given. It is also important to keep the area around the sores clean and dry.

Impotence: ᑎᑦᓴᓕᕈᓐᓇᖏᑦᑐᖅ: Titsalirunnangittuq: Impuissance

The name of the condition in which the penis does not get hard enough or stay hard long enough to have sexual intercourse or to have an orgasm. This can be caused by a physical disease, reaction to a drug or an emotional problem. Diseases which can cause impotence include diabetes, glandular problems, nerve damage or diseases of the blood vessels. Too much alcohol can also cause impotence.

Incisor Tooth: ᓯᕗᐊᑦ: Sivuat: Incisive

One of the front teeth. There are four incisors in either jaw. It is a flat, chisel-shaped tooth that is designed to cut through food.

Incontinence: ᓄᓄᔪᓐᓇᖏᓐᓂᖅ: Nunujunnanginniq: Incontinence

The inability to control when you pee (urinate) or have a bowel movement.

Indigestion: ᓈᓐᖑᓂᖅ: Naannguniq: Indigestion

Feeling uncomfortable after eating a meal. Symptoms of indigestion include heartburn, nausea, gas, cramps or burping. It can be due to eating too much, eating too fast, eating when you are upset, or eating foods that are too spicy or fatty.

Infection: ᐊᒻᒪᑎᕐᓂᖅ, ᓱᔪᑦᑐᖅ, ᓱᐃᓐᓇᕈᕐᓇᖅ: Ammatirniq, Sujuttuq, Suinnarurnaq: Infection

A germ (a bacteria, virus or fungus) is growing inside the body causing tissue damage and sickness. The body fights germs by bringing a lot of blood to the places where the germs are. A lot of blood in an area makes it red and swollen. The blood carries special germ-killing cells called white blood cells. The body also makes things called antibodies which travel in the blood and stick to the germs, causing them to die. If the infection is caused by a bacteria and the body needs some help in fighting the bacteria, the doctor may order antibiotics.

Inferior Vena Cava: ᓄᕕᖅᓱᒃ: Nuviqsuk: Veine cave inférieure

The lower part of the vein called the vena cava. The vena cava is the largest vein in the body. It brings blood into the heart. See Vena Cava.

Infertile: ᕿᑐᓐᖓᖅᑖᖅᑎᑦᓯᓱᐃᑦᑐᖅ: Qitunngaqtaaqtitsisuittuq: Infertile

The inability to have children. A couple is said to be infertile if they have been trying to have a child for more than a year and they have been having regular sexual intercourse. The problem may lie with the man or the woman. In the man, there may be a problem with the sperm or the tubes that bring the sperm outside the body. In the woman, there may be a problem with the eggs, the tubes that bring the eggs to the womb, the lining of the womb, the opening to the womb or the lining of the vagina.

Inguinal: ᑰᑦᓯᓈᕐᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Kuutsinaarmiittuq: Inguinal (iliaque)

The area of the body where the leg joins the trunk of the body. This is where the legs bend when you sit down. It is a common site for men to have a hernia.

Inhalation: ᓂᐅᖅᑐᖅ, ᐃᓗᒻᒧᑦ ᐊᓂᖅᓵᕐᓂᖅ: Niuqtuq, Ilummut Aniqsaarniq: Inhalation

Breathing air or other things into the lungs.

Insulin: ᓱᑲᖃᓗᐊᔾᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎ ᑎᒥᒥ: Sukaqaluajjaikkut Timimi: Insuline

A fluid made by the pancreas which helps to change the sugar that the body gets from food into a storage form of sugar which is kept in the liver until it is needed by the body for energy. If the body is not able to make enough of its own insulin, as happens with diabetes, man-made insulin can be given in a needle or through an IV.

Intern: ᓘᒃᑖᓐᖑᕆᐅᖅᓴᔪᖅ: Luuktaannguriuqsajuq: Interne

Someone who has graduated from medical school but is not allowed to practice medicine without supervision. In Canada, medical students graduate after three or four years of medical school but must work for two years in a hospital under the supervision of experienced doctors. When finished the two intern years, these people can then practice medicine on their own.

Intervertebral Disc: ᕿᓯᕋᖅ, ᐃᓯᕆᓂᖅ: Qisiraq, Isiriniq: Disque intervertébral

The spongy, round sacs found between each of the 33 bones of the spine. They act like cushions between the bones. They are hard on the outside with a soft, spongy material inside. A common back injury is a slipped disc. This happens when there is a weakness in the hard material on the outside of the disc and the soft material inside is not kept in place; part of the disc then hangs outside the spine. Pain occurs if this part of the disc touches any nearby nerves.

Intestine: ᐃᓇᓗᐃᑦ, ᐃᓇᓗᐊᑦ: Inaluit, Inaluat: Intestins

The long, hollow tube which starts at the stomach and ends at the anus. The intestine can be divided into the small and large intestines; the small intestine begins after the stomach and the large intestine follows the small intestine. The small intestine absorbs most of the good things from food and the large intestine stores the waste.

Intrauterine Device: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᒧᑦ ᐴᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᓇᔾᔨᔭᐃᒃᑯᑦ: Illiamut Puuqsimajuq Najjijaikkut: Stérilet

Also called IUD for short. This is a small wire or piece of plastic that is put into the womb through the cervix in a doctor's office. It stops a woman from getting pregnant. The IUD is good at stopping pregnancy, but it should not be used in women who have not had children or those who often have infections of the uterus or vagina. After speaking with a woman, the doctor will recommend what he thinks is the best method for a particular person.

Intravenous: ᐃᒻᒥᓱᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ ᑕᖃᒃᑯᑦ: Immisuqtauniq Taqakkut: Intraveineux

Inside of a vein. Often used to describe a needle that is put into a vein to give fluid or medicine. Also called IV.

Iris: ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᕿᓐᖓᕇᑯᑎᖓ: Ijiup Qirnngarikutinga: Iris

The coloured part of the eye that circles the black part of the eye (pupil). Most often this part of the eye is a shade of brown, blue or green. It is made up muscles that can change the size of the pupil, depending on how much light there is. If there is a lot of light, the iris squeezes the pupil making it small, and if there is very little light, the iris relaxes and makes the pupil large.

Iron: ᓴᕕᕋᔭᑦᓴᔭ: Savirajatsaja: Fer

A chemical that is found in nature and in the human body. It is important to the body because it is used to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in the blood and brings oxygen to the tissues. If there is not enough iron in the body, then hemoglobin cannot be made; this problem is commonly called low blood or thin blood. The medical word for this condition is anemia, and it causes a person to feel weak. Since the body needs a constant supply of iron, it is important that there is enough of it in the diet. Iron can be found in liver, kidney beans, egg yolks and vegetable greens. The doctor may order iron pills for patients who have a very low level of iron in their diet. Iron pills can cause constipation and dark stools.

IUD: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᒧᑦ ᐴᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᓇᔾᔨᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎ: Illiamut Puuqsimajuq Najjijaikkuti: Stérilet

This is the short way of writing intrauterine device. See Intrauterine Device.

IV: ᐃᒻᒥᓱᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ ᑕᖃᒃᑯᑦ: Immisuqtauniq Taqakkut: Intraveineux

The short way of writing intravenous. See Intravenous.

J

Jaundice: ᑎᖑᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Tingullunniq: Jaunisse

Yellowness of the skin and the white part of the eyes due to a build-up of a yellow chemical in the blood. The yellow chemical is called bilirubin. Bilirubin is found in red blood cells, and when these cells die, the bilirubin falls off and floats to the liver in the blood. If the liver is healthy, it can get rid of the extra bilirubin by putting it in the intestines where it leaves the body in the stool. If there is a problem with the liver, such as an infection, or if the tube going from the liver to the intestines is blocked, then the bilirubin will build up in the blood. Bilirubin can also build up if a lot of red blood cells are dying at the same time because the liver can only handle a certain amount of bilirubin. Jaundice is often seen in babies shortly after birth because a lot of unneeded red blood cells are dying.

Jaw: ᐊᓪᓕᕈᖅ: Alliruq: Mâchoire

The part of the body from which the teeth grow. There is an upper and a lower jaw: the medical word for the upper jaw is maxilla, and the lower jaw is called a mandible.

Jejunum: ᐃᓇᓗᐊᑉ ᕿᑎᖅᐸᓯᐊ: Inaluap Qitiqpasia: Jéjunum

Part of the small intestine. The small intestine is divided into three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. The duodenum is the first part, the jejunum is the middle part and the ileum is the last part. The small intestine absorbs all of the good things from food.

Joint: ᓇᒡᒍᐊᖅ: Nagguaq: Articulation

A place where two or more bones meet. Bones are usually covered by a soft material at a joint so that they do not rub against each other, and they are held together by strong strings called ligaments. Examples of joints are the elbow, knee, wrist and ankle.

K

Kidney: ᑕᖅᑐ: Taqtu: Rein

One of the two bean-shaped organs that cleans the blood. They are found just inside the lowest ribs at the back. Each kidney is about five inches long and two inches wide. All the blood in the body is brought to the kidneys in millions of tiny blood vessels. The poisons and wastes leak out of these tiny blood vessels into tiny tubes. Once the waste is mixed with water inside these tubes, it is called urine. Urine leaves the kidneys and is stored in the bladder until we urinate (pee).

• Kidney Stone: ᑕᖅᑐᒥ ᐅᔭᕋᒃ: Taqtumi Ujarak: Calcul: Tiny stones found anywhere along the urinary tract which are formed from things in the urine or blood. These stones can cause a lot of pain when they travel down the tube which brings urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters). Some stones are too big to pass through the urine tubes on their own and they may either be removed by surgery or by a newer technique which uses sound waves to break up the stone into small enough pieces so that they can pass through the urine tubes. This technique is less painful and causes fewer problems since it does not involve cutting into the body. People who have had kidney stones should drink a lot of fluid because this helps stop stones from forming again.
• Kidney Dialysis: ᑕᖅᑐᒥᒃ ᐊᐅᓚᑎᑦᓯᔾᔪᑦ: Taqtumik Aulatitsijjut: Hémodyalise: This is also called hemodialysis. This is a way of cleaning the blood when the kidneys are not working right. The blood is cleaned of wastes and poisons by pumping it through a machine. This has to be done every few days in order to keep the blood clean. The patient is hooked up to the cleaning machine for a few hours at a time. The blood is usually drained and returned through an IV-like tube in the arm. Most patients on kidney dialysis are waiting to receive a healthy kidney from another person.

Knee: ᓰᖅᑯ: Siiqqu: Genou

The place where the lower leg meets the thigh bone: the leg joint. The name of the bones which meet at the knee are the tibia and the femur. The knee is formed by the meeting point of these two bones and their covering which is called the kneecap (patella).

L

Labial: ᖃᖅᑐᑉᐸᓯᒃᑐᖅ, ᓯᕗᕌᑕ ᓯᓚᑖ: Qaqtukpasiktuq, Sivuraata Silataa: Labial

Having to do with the lips.

Laboratory: ᐊᖏᓇᖅᑐᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᕕᒃ, ᐊᐅᖏᖅᓯᕕᒃ: Anginaqtukkut Qaujisarvik, Aungiqsivik: Laboratoire

The place where tests are done. In a hospital or health centre, it is the place where body tissues or fluids (blood, urine, sputum, stools, etc.) are sent to be checked. Tests are done in the laboratory which help the doctor or nurse figure out what may be wrong with a patient.

Labour: ᐃᕐᓂᓱᑦᑐᖅ: Irnisuttuq: Travail

The clamping down of the uterus, which gradually pushes the baby out of the mother's body. This can last from a couple of hours to many hours. If it is taking too long, and the baby is not coming out, the doctor may have to give medicines or do a Cesarean section. Labour begins when the uterus starts to contract and ends when the afterbirth or placenta has been delivered.

Lactation: ᐃᒻᒧᒥᒃ ᐃᒻᒪᓚᑦᓯᔪᖅ: Immumik Immalatsijuq: Lactation

This is the medical word used to describe the making of milk by the breasts. This happens about three days after a woman has delivered a baby and lasts until the baby stops sucking milk. For the first few days, the breasts make a fluid called colostrum which is a clear yellow and contains many good things for the baby. Breasts start to develop milk because of the hormones (chemical messengers) that are found in the blood when a woman has just delivered a baby.

Laryngitis: ᓂᐱᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Nipilunniq: Laryngite

Swelling of the tissues lining the voice box (larynx) which often causes the voice to sound different. It may also cause a sore throat, a cough and difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by using the voice too much, being around too much smoke or other chemicals, swallowing something harmful or a germ (a bacteria or virus). Treatment will depend on the cause. Antibiotics should only be used when the doctor knows for sure that it is caused by a bacteria or if it is possible that the patient will get a bacterial infection because of a weak immune system.

Larynx: ᑐᖅᑯᔮᖅ, ᓂᐱᖃᐅᑎ: Tuqqujaaq, Nipiqauti: Larynx

The medical term for the voice box. It contains the vocal cords which give sound to the voice. It is found just below the root of the tongue at the top of the windpipe (trachea). It is made up of nine pieces of rubbery bone-like material (cartilage), the biggest of which is the Adam's apple which sticks out at the front of the neck in many men.

Lateral: ᕿᑎᕐᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Qitirmiittuq: Latéral (lombaire)

On the side. If something is closest to the side, it is said to be the most lateral.

Latissimus Dorsi: ᓴᓂᕋᕐᓗᒍᑦ: Sanirarlugut: Muscle grand dorsal

The muscle that go from the side of the rib cage to the mid and lower back.

Laxative: ᐊᓇᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Anarnaqtuq: Laxatif

A medicine that loosens the bowels and makes it easier to get rid of stool. This type of medicine can be mild or strong. Mild laxatives can be used to help relieve constipation (when a person is unable to go to get rid of feces). Stronger laxatives are used if the bowels need to be cleaned out for a test or surgery and are called enemas.

Leg: ᓂᐅ: Niu: Jambe

One of the two lower limbs. They join the body at the hip and allow walking.

Lens: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᖅ: Ijaruvaq: Cristallin

The part of the eye that can change shape to allow you to see things clearly whether they are far away or close up. The lens is round and found just behind the black part of the eye (pupil). It is surrounded by tiny muscles which squeeze or relax to change the shape of the lens making it more or less round.

Leukemia: ᐸᑎᕐᓗᑦᑐᖅ: Patirluttuq: Leucémie

A disease of the bone marrow (the spongy, red material found inside the bones that makes the blood cells). With this disease, the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells (WBCs) too fast, and the WBCs end up being under-developed (they are called immature). The immature WBCs are not able to fight off infection like ordinary WBCs. These immature WBCs take up so much space in the blood that there is not much room left for the other cells in the blood like red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. Since RBCs bring food and oxygen to the body and there is not enough room for them, the patient suffers from anemia (low blood). Since the platelets stop bleeding, the patient bleeds easily. There are different types of leukemia; some occur mostly in children and others occur mostly in adults. Leukemia is treated with chemotherapy (strong medicines that are put into the veins). When the disease stops for a while (remission), a bone marrow transplant may be done. This is when bone marrow from a healthy person is put into the leukemic person. Not all leukemias are curable and some patients will die; the length of time they live depends on the type of leukemia and how bad it is when it is discovered.

Leukocyte: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ ᖃᑯᖅᑕᖅ ᐊᐅᒻᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Ijaruvaujaq Qakuqtaq Aummiittuq: Globule blanc (leucocyte)

The same as white blood cell (WBC). See White Blood Cell.

Lice: ᑯᒻᒪᓐᓂᖅ: Kummanniq: Poux

The singular form of lice is louse. Tiny insects which are found in hair. Lice are tiny grayish insects which do not fly. Some types of lice attach themselves to head hair while other types attach themselves to pubic hear or eye lashes. They can spread very easily from one person to another person and commonly spread quickly through schools. These insects bite the head or skin and suck blood to stay alive; this can cause itchiness. Female lice lay eggs in the hair, called nits, and these hatch producing more lice. Lice can be easily treated with a medicated soap or shampoo called Kwellada. See Nit.

Ligament: ᓄᕕᖅᓱᒃ, ᓄᑭᒃ: Nuviqsuk, Nukik: Ligament

The strong, string-like material that connects bones to each other.

Linea Alba: ᐊᓗᒃᓴᐅᑦ: Aluksaut: Ligne blanche

The thin, whitish line that is sometimes noticeable in the middle of the abdomen. It is most often seen in pregnant women.

Lipoma: ᐅᖅᓱᖅ ᑲᑎᓐᓂᖅ: Uqsuq Katinniq: Lipome, adipome

A lump under the skin. The lump is harmless and is made up of fat.

Liver: ᑎᖑᒃ: Tinguk: Foie

The large organ which is found in the upper right side of the abdomen just under the diaphragm (the large, flat breathing muscle). Its main jobs are to store and clean blood; break down old, worn-out blood cells; store sugar, fats and some vitamins; make bile which is a fluid which helps to break down fats; and make things which help in blood clotting. The main diseases that affect the liver include hepatitis and cirrhosis. Problems with the liver often cause jaundice (yellow skin).

Lockjaw: ᐊᓪᓕᕉᑉ ᓄᑭᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᐋᓐᓂᐊ: Alliruup Nikinginnik Aannia: Tétanos

Common name for tetanus. See Tetanus.

Locum: ᐃᓇᖐᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Inangiisimajuq: Suppléant

A doctor who is not permanently employed in one place. He may be filling in for another doctor who has gone on holidays, or working for a hospital or clinic for just a certain amount of time.

Louse: ᑯᒻᒪᓐᓂᖅ: Kummanniq: Pou

The word louse is the singular form of lice. One is called a louse; two or more are lice. See Lice.

Low Blood Pressure: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐊᑉᐸᓯᓗᐊᕐᓂᖓ: Aup Appasilurninga: Hypotension

The same as hypotension. See Hypotension.

Lumbar¹: ᑯᑦᓯᓃᑦ: Kutsiniit: Lombaire

The part of the back that is found between the last ribs and hip bones.

Lumbar²: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᒻᒥᑦ ᐃᒪᕆᐊᖏᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Qimirlummit Imariangiqsiniq: Ponction lombaire

Putting a hollow needle in lower part of the back (lumbar area) between the bones of the spinal column. Also called a spinal tap or L.P. This is done for six reasons:

1. to get a sample of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord to make sure that it is normal;
2. to measure the pressure of the fluid;
3. to take away some fluid to lower the pressure in the spinal column if it is too high;
4. to take away any blood or pus;
5. to put in anesthetic to stop pain; and
6. to put some dye in so the spinal cord will show up on an x-ray.

Often done to make sure that a patient does not have meningitis.

Lung: ᐳᕙᒃ: Puvak: Poumon

Organ used for breathing. There are two lungs, and they are found inside the rib cage on either side of the heart. The right lung is bigger than the left lung because the heart lies more to the left, leaving less room for the left lung. The right lung has three sections or lobes, whereas the left lung has two lobes. The lungs are made of elastic material which can stretch when full of air and return to their original shape when empty. The lungs bring in oxygen with the air we breath in and the blood vessels that lie on top of the lung absorb this oxygen and carry it to the body's cells. The body's cells give off a waste gas called carbon dioxide which is absorbed into nearby blood vessels. These blood vessels then bring this gas back to the lungs where it is breathed out. Air comes into the lungs because the breathing muscle, the diaphragm, flattens down making more space in the rib cage for the lungs. Air leaves the lungs when the diaphragm pushes up.

Lymph Node: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᑦ: Qiliqsinat: Ganglion lymphatique

A clump of tissue along the path of thin vessels called lymphatic vessels. The lymph nodes and the lymphatic vessels make up a system in the body called the lymphatic system. This system helps the body fight off infection and keep the right amount of fluid in the blood. The lymph nodes trap germs that pass through them. They also make special cells which eat up bacteria. Lymph nodes often get swollen and painful when the body is fighting off an infection; this is sometimes called swollen glands, but lymph nodes are not really glands since they do not make a hormone or any other fluid.

Lymphoma: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᓕᒫᓃᒍᓇᖅᑐᖅ ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ: Qiliqsinalimaaniigunnaqtuq Piruqtuq: Lymphome

Cancer of the lymph nodes. It causes a rise in the number of cells made by the lymph nodes. This disease often causes death but a few patients are cured. Treatment will increase the survival time of the patient. Treatment includes chemotherapy (drugs) and radiation therapy (a special type of x-ray designed to kill cancer cells).

M

Malignant: ᐱᕈᖅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᓯᐊᒻᒪᓲᖅ: Piruqsimajuq Siammasuuq: Malin, maligne

A serious form of a disease: used to describe a disease that gets worse and may cause death. It can spread to nearby tissues or to anywhere else in the body. This word is used most often when describing cancer. Opposite to benign which means noncancerous or less severe.

Mammogram: ᐃᕕᐊᓐᖏᒃᑯᑦ ᐊᔾᔨᓕᐅᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Ivainngikkut Ajjiliuqtauniq: Mammogramme

An x-ray of the breast. Used to check for cancer of the breast. Not all doctors agree about how often and when woman should have this x-ray.

Mandible: ᐊᓪᓕᕉᑉ ᓴᐅᓂᖓ, ᐊᓪᓕᕈᖅ: Alliruup Sauninga, Alliruq: Maxillaire inférieur

The lower jaw. The lower teeth start inside this bone.

Mantoux Test: ᐳᕙᓪᓗᕐᓂᖃᕐᒪᖔᖅ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐅᑎ (ᑲᐴᑎᒃᑯᑦ): Puvallurniqarmangaaq Qaujisauti (Kapputikkut): Test Mantou

A type of skin test done to see if a person has tuberculosis (TB). It is a test in which a needle with a very small amount of a weakened form of the germ that causes TB is put under the skin with a needle. If there is no skin reaction (redness or swelling), it means that the person has not had the TB germ inside their body, whereas a reaction means that they have had the germ inside the body.

Marrow (Bone): ᐸᑎᖅ: Patiq: Os à moelle

See Bone Marrow.

Masseter: ᐃᖅᓴᖅᑯᖅ: Iqsaqquq: Muscle masséter

The muscle that is on the side of the face that goes from just below the cheek bone to just below the lower jaw bone. It is the muscle that gets hard when the teeth are clenched together.

Mastication: ᑕᒧᐊᓂᑦ: Tamuanit: Mastication

This is the medical word for chewing.

Maxilla: ᑲᒃᑭᕕᐊᖅ, ᐅᒥᕐᕈᖅ: Kakkiviiaq, Umirruq: Maxillaire supérieur

The upper jaw. The upper teeth start inside this bone.

Measles: ᐊᐅᐸᓪᓛᑦ: Aupallaat: Rougeole

Also called rubeola. This is different from German measles. Measles is a disease caused by a germ (virus) that can spread easily from one person to another. It is most commonly found in children. This disease tends to occur in spurts (epidemics) where a lot of people in a certain area come down with it at the same time. The symptoms of measles are worse than those of German measles. When you catch measles, you may feel like you have the flu. You may be tired, have a cough, runny nose and a slight fever. Your eyes may hurt in the light. After three or four days of this, you get a higher fever and white spots inside the mouth. Reddish spots then start to come out on the skin; these spots may later join together making the skin look blotchy. This rash fades after three or four days. The rash may be itchy. Patients who have the measles should rest until the rash goes away, and they should stay away from those who have not had measles. They should drink a lot of fluids and take Tylenol for the fever. Calamine lotion will help the itchiness. There is a vaccine (a needle) which will stop someone from ever getting the measles. Those that were given a measles vaccine in the 1960s may need another vaccine, since the vaccine made in those years does not work well.

Medial: ᓯᕗᒨᖓᔪᖅ: Sivumuungajuq: Mésial

The middle. Something close to the middle line of the body.

Melanoma: ᐅᕕᓂᐅᑉ ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖏᑦ ᐱᕈᑲᒻᒪᒃᑎᑕᐅᔪᑦ: Uviniup Ijaruvaujangit Pirukammaktitaujut: Mélanome

A growth on the skin. These growths are cancerous (malignant), which means that they can cause death if they are not removed soon enough. Melanomas are seen most often in people who spend too much time in the sun. The sun damages the skin even if it is cold out. The skin should be covered with a cream which stops sunburns whenever a person is outside. Malignant melanomas are usually dark in colour but may be yellowish or bluish. They are not perfectly round. Any new growth on the skin or a change in a mole should be looked at by a doctor who will take out any unusual-looking growth and have it checked for cancerous cells (biopsied). The earlier a growth is taken off, the better the patient's chance of surviving. If the growth is cancerous, cancer medications and radiation treatments will be started to stop the cancer from spreading.

Membrane: ᑲᕙᓯᖅ: Kavasiq: Membrane

A thin layer of tissue that covers something. Membranes look something like the flimsy white layer found just under the shell of an egg.

Meninges: ᕿᒥᕐᓘᑉ ᖃᕋᓴᐅᓪᓗ ᐃᒪᕆᐊᖓ: Qimirluup Qarasaullu Imarianga: Méninges

The thin layer of tissues that cover the brain.

Meningitis: ᖃᕆᓴᐅᑉ ᑲᕕᓯᐊ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Qarisaup Kavisia Immaksimajuq: Méningite

A swelling of the layer of tissues that covers the brain. It can be caused by different things. For example, it may be caused by germs (bacteria or viruses) or by poisonous chemicals, cancerous cells or allergic reactions to dyes used for medical tests. Meningitis is mostly due to germs, with bacteria causing a more serious illness than viruses. Sometimes the germ gets into the brain tissue after causing an infection in some other part of the body—for example, in the lungs or ears. If the doctor thinks that a patient has meningitis, he will take some fluid out of the spinal cavity in a test called a lumbar puncture. If the patient has meningitis, the germs will be in this fluid. The symptoms usually start with a headache, nausea and a stiff neck. The patient may get confused or have a seizure. If the disease is caused by a virus, the symptoms may be milder. Patients will have to rest and will be given drugs to stop seizures if necessary. If it is due to a bacteria, IV antibiotics will be given. If meningitis is not treated early enough or if it is a bad case, the patient may die or have permanent brain damage.

Menopause: ᐊᕐᓇ ᐊᐅᓈᖃᑦᑕᕈᓐᓇᐃᖅᑐᖅ ᐃᓐᓇᕐᒧᑦ: Arnaq Aunaaqattarunnaiqtuq Innarmut: Ménopause

The time in a woman's life when her monthly periods begin to stop. This time can last from six months to three years or more. It usually starts between the ages of 35 and 58. Menopause occurs because the ovaries stop making the female hormone estrogen. They also stop making an egg every month. One of the first signs that menopause may be starting is uneven spacing between the monthly bleeding. Other symptoms are vaginal dryness, sweating, and having to pee often. Hot flashes, which are short bursts of feeling very hot and which can cause redness of the face, neck and upper body, are common. Some women are irritable or experience emotional problems. However, some women have no symptoms at all. If the symptoms are difficult for a woman to deal with, her doctor may decide to put her on a man-made form of the female hormone estrogen. This drug has some side effects so it is important that the woman and her doctor decide what is best.

Menstruation: ᐊᐅᓈᕐᓂᖓ ᐊᕐᓇᐅᑉ: Aunaarninga Arnaup: Menstruation

The medical word for the monthly bleeding that occurs in women. The common word for menstruation is period. For most women, a period occurs about every 28 days and lasts about five days. When a woman is pregnant, bleeding stops. Periods usually begin between the ages of 11-14 years and stop when a woman is around 50 years. Menstruation is controlled by the female hormones progesterone and estrogen. Every month the lining of the uterus gets thick with blood and other nutrients just in case the woman's egg meets a sperm and she becomes pregnant. The fertilized egg would then become stuck in this thick, bloody lining which would provide good nutrition for the egg. If the woman does not get pregnant, then she will not need the lining so the uterus clamps down and pushes out the lining. The contracting of the uterus is the cause of menstrual cramping. This pain can be helped with Tylenol, Midol, Ponstan or other medications. Occasionally, a woman's period may get off its normal schedule, but this is not usually a problem as periods can be affected by emotions and health.

Mental Retardation: ᐃᓱᒪᖃᑦᓯᐊᖏᓐᓂᖅ: Isumaqatsianginniq: Arriération mentale

Below-average intelligence. People with mental retardation have a difficult time learning, acting properly in different social situations, and they may act younger than their age. Different things can cause this problem. It can be something that a child is born with, or it may happen as a result of brain damage from an accident or a disease. Mental retardation can be mild or severe; the milder the retardation, the easier it is for the person to get along normally in the world. Special education programs in schools help people with mental retardation learn.

Metabolism: ᖃᓂᒃᑰᖅᑐᑦ ᐊᓯᔾᔨᐸᓪᓕᐊᓂᖏᑦ: Qanikkuuqtut Asijjipallianingit: Métabolisme

All the things that go on inside the body that make and use energy. Metabolic reactions use nutrients and energy from the food we eat to build, repair and keep the body alive. Other metabolic reactions break down damaged or unneeded things so that their parts may used to make other things needed in the body. All of these things together are considered metabolism. The term basal metabolic rate refers to how fast the body uses up energy when you are sleeping. Some people use up energy faster than others; this may be why some people seem to eat all the time but are very thin, while others who never seem to eat much are overweight. The metabolic rate, however, can be made faster or slower by changing the amount of exercise a person does; exercise increases the metabolic rate.

Metacarpals: ᐊᒡᒐᐅᑉ ᑲᑎᓐᓂᖏᑦ: Aggaup Katinningit: Métacarpes (os du poignet)

The five bones of the hand. The fingers attach to these bones.

Metastasis: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᑉ ᓯᐊᒻᒪᕐᓂᖓ: Aanniap Siammarninga: Métastase

The spreading of a disease from one part of the body to another part of the body. Used when talking about cancer. When cancer spreads from the breast to the brain, it has metastasized.

Metatarsals: ᐃᓯᒐᐅᑉ ᑲᑎᓐᓂᖏᑦ: Isigaup Katinningit: Métatarses (os de la cheville)

The five bones of the foot. The toes attach to these bones.

Microbiology: ᐊᖏᓇᖅᑐᓄᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Anginaqtunut Qaujisarniq: Microbiologie

The study of microorganisms (small life forms) like bacteria, fungi and viruses. See Bacteria, Fungus, Virus.

Microcephaly: ᓂᐊᖁᑭᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Niaqukiluaqtuq: Microcéphalie

A smaller than normal head. Usually associated with other health problems.

Microorganism: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐊᕐᔪᒃ: Qupirruarjuk: Micro-organisme

A very small living thing. There are many different types of microorganisms. They can only be seen under a microscope. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi and other very small life forms. See Bacteria, Fungus, Virus.

Midwife: ᐃᕐᓂᓱᒃᓰᔨ: Irnisuksiiji: Sage-femme

Someone who helps deliver babies. This person may be a nurse or someone who has special training from a hospital or university program, or it may be someone who has learned how to deliver babies through experience and knowledge passed down from others.

Migraine: ᑲᐃᔾᔭᐃᓂᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Kaijjainiaqtuq: Migraine

A severe headache. People will often call a bad headache a migraine; however, a real migraine is much more painful. Migraines usually cause nausea and vomiting and the person suffering from a migraine is most comfortable lying down in a quiet, dark room. The headache may only be on one side of the head. Migraines can be triggered by certain things in a person's diet or by emotional stress. Foods which can cause migraines in some people include cheese, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine (found in coffee and Coke or Pepsi). Pain medications like Tylenol with codeine or Demerol can help a person who is suffering from a migraine. People who suffer often from migraines can be given medication which should be taken just before the headache starts.

Mineral: ᓈᒻᒪᒍᑎᖓᑎᒥᐅᑉ: Naammagutingatimiup: Minéraux

A chemical found in nature. There are many different minerals and some of them should be included in a healthy diet. Examples of important minerals are calcium, iron, zinc, iron, copper and potassium. The body needs these minerals in order to survive. Certain foods are high in certain minerals. For instance, milk is high in calcium, liver is high in iron, bananas are high in potassium.

Miscarriage: ᐱᕐᓗᒃᑐᖅ, ᓱᕋᐃᔪᖅ: Pirluktuq, Suraijuq: Fausse couche

The same as spontaneous abortion. See Spontaneous Abortion.

Mitochondria: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐃᑦ ᓄᑭᓕᐅᕈᑎᖏᑦ: Ijaruvaujait Nukiliurutingit: Mitochondrie

Small, rod-shaped things found inside cells. There are many of these in each cell, and their job is to make energy for the cells. The cells need energy in order to keep the body healthy and alive.

Mitral Valve: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓴᐅᒥᐊᓃᑦᑐᖅ ᐅᒃᑯᔮᖅ: Ummatiup Saumianiittuq Ukkujaaq: Valvule mitrale

One of the four valves in the heart. It is found on the left side of the heart between the upper and lower halves (between the left atrium and left ventricle). Its job is to stop the blood from leaking back into the upper part (the left atrium) of the heart once it has passed into the lower part (left ventricle).

Mouth: ᖃᓂᖅ: Qaniq: Bouche

The opening in the face that contains the teeth and tongue and is surrounded by the lips.

Mucous Membrane: ᐃᐱᓂᖅ: Ipiniq: Membrane muqueuse

A thin, reddish layer of tissue which lines many of the body's organs. This tissue has cells inside it which make mucous. Mucous is a slippery fluid. An example of a mucous membrane is the tissue lining the inside of the mouth.

Mumps: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓴᐃᑦ: Qiliqsinait: Oreillons

An illness found mainly in children. It is caused by a germ (virus) and affects the parotid glands (the glands which squirt saliva into the mouth). There are two parotid glands; one on each side of the mouth. This is not usually a serious illness unless it affects the testicles (the place where sperm are made). If the testicles become infected, the man may be unable to make sperm and therefore unable to get a woman pregnant. If a person has mumps, they can spread the disease to others. They are contagious from about a week before they know they know they have mumps until two weeks after the symptoms go away. Children get a needle against this disease (a vaccination) after the age of one year.

Muscle: ᓄᑭ: Nuki: Muscle

A type of tissue which is able to contract (get shorter and thicker). Muscle allows movement. There are hundreds of muscles in the body. Some muscles are attached to bones, some to other muscles and some to skin. The muscles which are attached to bones are under our conscious control, (we decide when they should contract), whereas the muscle that makes the heart pump or those found in the stomach, are not under our control.

Myelin Sheath: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐅᑉ ᐊᖅᑯᑎᖓᑕ ᐅᖅᓱᖓ: Ijaruvaujaup Aqqutingata Uqsunga: Gaine myélique (de Schawn)

The fatty covering of some nerves. Nerves which have this covering can carry messages hundreds of times faster than those that do not have this covering. This covering is destroyed by some diseases (e.g. MS—multiple sclerosis) which makes it harder and harder to move muscles because the nerves can't work properly.

Myocardial Infarction: ᐆᒻᒪᓯᕆᔪᖅ, ᐆᒻᒪᓰᔪᖅ, ᐆᒻᒪᓯᔪᖅ: Uummasirijuq, Uummasiijuq, Uummasijuq: Infarctus du myocarde

The same as heart attack. See Heart Attack.

Myopia: ᖃᓂᑦᑐᒧᑦ ᑭᓯᐊᓂ ᑕᑯᓐᓇᑦᓯᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Qanittumut Kisiani Takunnatsiaqtuq: Myopie

Sometimes called shortsightedness or nearsightedness. A common eye problem which causes a person to see things that are close better than things that are far away. It is due to the eyeballs being slightly longer from front to back than normal. Eyeglasses help a person with this problem to see better. This is the opposite of farsightedness.

N

Narcotic: ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᒌᒃᑯᑎᑦ, ᐃᒃᐱᓂᐊᔾᔭᐃᒃᑯᑎᑦ: Ikpinniagiikkutit, Ikpiniajjaikkutit: Narcotique

A drug that makes you think or feel differently from normal and that can be addictive. These drugs can be given to a patient by a doctor for pain. Examples are morphine, heroin and Demerol.

Nasal Cavity: ᐃᕗᔭᐅᑎᑉ ᓇᐃᒪᔾᔪᑖ, ᓱᕐᓗ, ᐃᒧᔭᐅᑎ: Ivujautip Naimajjutaa, Surlu, Imujauti: Fosse nasale

The hole or cavity that is found behind the nose.

Nasogastric Feeding: ᓱᕐᓗᖓᒍᑦ ᓱᓪᓗᓕᒻᒧᑦ ᓂᕆᑎᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Surlungagut Sullulimmut Nirititauniq: Alimentation par voie nasogastrique

A way of feeding a patient who is not able to swallow. A hollow, plastic tube called a nasogastric tube is passed through the nose down the back of the throat into the stomach. Liquid food is then poured down this tube.

Nasogastric Tube: ᓱᕐᓗᖓᓂᑦ ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖓᓄᑦ ᓱᓪᓗᓕᒃ: Surlunganit Aqiarunganut Sullulik: Tube nasogastrique

A soft plastic tube that is passed through the nose down the back of the throat into the stomach. This tube is used to give food or medicine to a patient. It may also be used to take away stomach fluids which may build up in the stomach if the intestines are not working properly.

Nasopharynx: ᓱᕐᓘᑉ ᑲᖏᐊ: Surluup Kangia: Nasopharynx

The upper end of the throat. It is directly behind the nose and above the soft part of the roof of the mouth.

Nearsightedness: ᖃᓂᑦᑐᒧᑦ ᑭᓯᐊᓂ ᑕᑯᓐᓇᑦᓯᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Qanittumut Kisiani Takunnatsiaqtuq: Myopie

The same as shortsightedness or myopia. See Myopia.

Neck: ᖁᖓᓯᖅ: Qungasiq: Cou

The part of the body which connects the head to the trunk or torso.

Necrosis: ᐆᒪᔾᔪᑎᕕᓃᑦ, ᐆᒪᔪᒦᑦᑐᑦ: Uumajjutiviniit, Uumajumiittut: Nécrose

Death. Dead tissue is necrotic tissue. This happens when a lot of cells in a certain area have died. It can happen anywhere in the body or on the skin and is a sign of damage. Cells die when their blood supply has been cut off or there has been some physical trauma to an area.

Neoplasm: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ ᐱᕈᑲᒻᒪᑦᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Ijaruvaujaq Pirukammatsimajuq: Néoplasme

A tumour. A growth anywhere in the body. It can sometimes be felt as a bump. It is a clump of abnormal cells. A growth can be harmless (benign) or cancerous (malignant); in either case, any abnormal growths are cut out. The doctor can tell if the growth is harmful or not by looking at the cells that are found in it under a microscope.

Nerve: ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᕐᔪᑎ: Ikpinniarjuti: Nerf

A string-like thing that is made up of nerve fibers which can carry messages to and from the brain. Some nerves bring information from the outside world to the brain. For example, a nerve called the optic nerve connects each eyeball to the seeing part of the brain; without the optic nerve, we would be unable to see even if the eyes were normal. Other nerves bring information to the body's muscles from the brain. For example, if we wish to move a leg, the message travels down a nerve from the brain to the muscles in the leg, which pull together and cause the leg to move.

Nerve Block: ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᓂᐅᑉ ᓴᐳᑎᐊ: Ikpinnianiup Saputia: Anesthésie par blocage nerveux

A way of controlling pain. The doctor injects some medication which stops pain near a nerve, and this stops the nerve from sending pain messages to the brain.

Nervous: ᓴᔪᑦᑐᖅ, ᓯᕋᔪᖅ, ᖁᒃᓴᓱᑦᑐᖅ: Sajuttuq, Sivuurajuq, Quksasuttuq: Nerveux

A feeling of being afraid and restless. This happens to many people when they are in an unfamiliar situation. For example, a person may feel nervous speaking to a group of people, while writing an exam or during a job interview.

Nipple: ᒧᓕᒃ: Mulik: Mamelon

The brown or red piece of tissue that sticks out from the tip of each breast. It is where the milk leaves the breast during breast feeding. It is surrounded by a round area of skin of the same colour called the areola.

Nit: ᐃᖅᑭ: Iqqi: Lente

The egg of a louse (the plural of louse is lice). A person who has lice will have many nits or eggs attached to the hair. These eggs contain baby lice. They can be combed out of the hair with a fine-toothed comb, but the hair should also be washed with a special shampoo called Kwellada which kills lice and nits.

Nitroglycerin: ᐄᔭᒐᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᑕᖃᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᐊᖅᑯᓯᒍᑦ: Iijagaq Uummatiup Taqanginnik Aqqusigut: Nitroglycérine

A medicine that makes blood vessels get wider. It is often used to treat a heart condition, called angina pectoris, which causes chest pain because the blood vessels in the heart have become narrower. This medicine can be a pill which is placed under the tongue, a liquid which can be put in IV fluid, or a cream which is placed on paper and taped on the skin. Some people are given nitroglycerin pills to put under their tongue when they have heart pain. One pill should be taken every five minutes until three pills have been taken. If the pain has not gone away, then the person should see a doctor.

Nose: ᕿᖓᖅ: Qingaq: Nez

The part of the body through which we breath and smell. It is found in the middle of the face; it starts between the eyes and ends above the lips. It has two holes in it called nostrils, which are separated by rubbery bone-like material.

Nostrils: ᓱᕐᓗᒃ: Surluk: Narines

The two holes in the nose.

Nucleus: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔪᑎᖓ: Ijaruvaujaup Aulajjutinga: Noyau

The part of the cell that contains all the information that a cell needs in order to do its job in the body and to make other cells that are exactly like it. See Cell.

Nurse: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᓯᐅᖅᑎ: Aanniasiuqti: Infirmière

A person who has been trained in a nursing school or university to practice the profession of nursing and has been licensed to practice nursing. To practice nursing, a person can take a two or three-year diploma in a hospital and then write the licensing exam. If this person passes this exam, he is considered a registered nurse (RN) and may practice nursing. Another way of becoming a nurse, is to take a four-year degree at a university and then write the licensing exam. This person would also be considered an RN but in addition he would have a bachelor of science in nursing (B.Sc.N.) or a bachelor of nursing (B.N.). Nurses are taught do things which encourage good health in others and to look after those that are not in good health.

Nurse's Aide: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᓯᐅᖅᑎᐅᑉ ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑎᖓ: Aanniasiuqtiup Ikajuqtinga: Aide-infirmière

Sometimes called a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Someone who has been trained to help a nurse do her job. A nurse's aide does many of the things that a registered nurse (RN) does. Since a nurse's aide does not have as much training as an RN, she cannot do all of the things that an RN does. Generally, nurse's aides are not given full responsibility for their patients as they work under an RN, and they are not allowed to give medications.

Nystagmus: ᕿᕐᓂᑕᖅᑕᖏᒃ ᐊᐅᓚᐃᓐᓇᓲᒃ, ᓴᔾᔨᖅᑐᖅ: Qirnitaqtangik Aulainnasuuk, Sajjiqtuq: Nystagmus

Movement of the eyes which is not done on purpose and which the person is not able to stop. The eyes can be moving up and down, from side to side or in circles. Blind people often have this type of eye movement. It can also be a sign of a problem with the brain.

O

Obesity: ᖁᐃᓂᓗᐊᕐᓂᖅ: Quiniluarniq: Obésité

Being overweight or fat. A person is considered obese when their weight is much above normal for their height, age and bone structure. However, it is important to also note how much of a person's weight is body fat, because some people can weigh a lot but not be fat. For example, an athlete can have large body frame with a lot of muscle and this would cause him to weigh more than normal for his height. Obesity is a concern because it can cause a lot of health problems. Eating less and exercising more will usually help an obese person to lose weight.

Obstetrician: ᓯᖓᐃᔪᓕᕆᔨ, ᓇᔾᔨᔪᓕᕆᔨ: Singaijuliriji, Najjijuliriji: Obstétricien

A medical doctor who has specialized in pregnancy, childbirth and looking after women who have just had a baby.

Occipital Lobe: ᖃᕋᓴᖅ ᑐᓄᓱᒻᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Qarasaq Tunusummiittuq: Lobe occipital

The part of the brain that is found at the back of the head just above the neck.

Occlusion: ᑭᒻᒥᓂᖅ, ᑭᒻᒥᐊᕐᓂᖅ: Kimminiq, Kimmiarniq: Occlusion

Blocking or closing something off.

Optic Nerve: ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᐃᐱᐅᑕᖓ: Ijiup Ipiutanga: Nerf optique

The nerve that goes from the back of the eye to the part of the brain which allows us to see. If there is a problem with the optic nerve, sight will not be normal; if the optic nerve is missing, the person will be blind even if his eyes are perfectly normal.

Orderly: ᐊᖑᑎ ᐱᔨᑲᑖᖅ, ᐱᔨᑦᓯᕋᖅᑎ: Anguti Pijikataaq, Pijitsiraqti: Brancardier

A person who works in a hospital under the supervision of a registered nurse. His job is to help lift and move people, and to help with cleaning and caring of patients.

Organ: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔪᑎᖓ: Timiup Aulajjutinga: Organe

A part of the body that does a special job for the body. For example, the heart is an organ that has the job of pumping blood around the body, and the stomach is an organ that has the job of mashing food and mixing it with acid.

Organelle: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᐅᑉ ᓄᑭᖓ: Ijaruvaujaup Nukinga: Organite

A tiny organ found inside of a cell. Cells have organs which do special jobs for it just like the body has organs. For example, the nucleus is an organelle which has the job of controlling all of the things that go on inside of the cell.

Oropharynx: ᐄᔮᖅ, ᐄᒋᐊᖅ: Iijaaq, Iigiaq: Pharynx, oropharynx

The part of the throat that is at the back of the mouth. The oropharynx starts below the soft part of the roof of the mouth and ends at the flaps of skin which cover the opening for the lungs.

Orthopedics: ᓴᐅᓂᓕᕆᓂᖅ: Sauniliriniq: Orthopédie

The area of medicine that deals with problems of the bones and joints.

Osteoarthritis: ᓇᒡᒍᐊᖕᒋᕈᑎᕙᓪᓕᐊᓂᖏ: Nagguangirutiivallianiq: Ostéoarthrite

Painful joints. This is the most common type of arthritis. It happens in older people or in people who have damaged their joints. It is due to the wearing away of the rubbery coating of the bones at the joints (where two bones meet). Most often affects the knees, toes, lower back and fingers. It is painful, and is treated with special exercises and pain medications such as Aspirin or Entrophen.

Osteomylitis: ᓴᐅᓂᖅ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᓐᓂᕐᒧᑦ ᓱᕋᒃᐸᓪᓕᐊᔪᖅ: Sauniq Immaksimannirmut Surakpalliajuq: Ostéomiélite

An infection in a bone. It is caused by a germ that gets into the bone from a cut in the skin, the spreading of an infection that is near a bone or a germ that travels in the blood to a bone from an infection somewhere else in the body. For example, tuberculosis is an infection that starts in the lung but can spread to the bone when the germ that causes it gets into blood. This infection can cause a fever, redness of the skin covering the bone and pain in the bone. It is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the bone may need to be cut open to drain pus that has collected.

Osteoporosis: ᓴᐅᓂᕐᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Saunirlunniq: Ostéoporose

A disease in which there is a weakening of the bones. The bones are weak because they have more hollow spaces in them than normal, making them less heavy and strong. This is a common bone disease and is often found in older women. It is thought that this disease can be prevented by eating and drinking a lot of food that contains calcium, such as milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, and by exercising. Bones will get stronger when they are used more, so exercise helps. When someone has this disease, they become hunchbacked and break bones easily; sometimes a bone will break without having been hit or hurt in any way.

Ostomy: ᓰᒃᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Siiktauniq: Ostomie

Sometimes called stoma. An opening which has been made by an operation into a part of the body. The opening may be made into the colon, the bladder, the stomach, the intestines, etc. The word ostomy is usually placed at the end of a word so that one may know where the opening is found. For example, if the opening is in the colon, it is called a colostomy. If the opening is in the stomach, it is called a gastrostomy. This opening is made either to let things come out of the body or to put things into the body. For example, if a person's colon has become damaged, waste may not be able to pass through it. An opening can be made so that the waste can come out of the body; a bag is placed over the opening to catch the waste. If a person could not swallow food because of damage to the food tube (esophagus), an opening could be made into the stomach for food and medicine.

Otitis Media: ᓯᐅᓯᕆᓂᖅ: Siusiriniq: Otite (infection de l'oreille moyenne)

An infection in the middle ear. The ear is divided into three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. See Ear. These infections are most often found in children. It is usually caused by a germ that gets into the middle ear through the tube that goes from the middle ear to the back of the throat, called the eustachian tube. This tube is shorter and straighter in children than it is in adults, which makes it easier for germs to get into the middle ear. The germ is usually a bacteria that makes pus. If too much pus builds up in the middle ear, it can cause the eardrum to break open, and the pus will drain out of the ear. The eardrum most often heals on its own but sometimes an operation may be needed. The doctor can often tell if an eardrum has been broken because it will have a scar. Ear infections cause pain and may be treated with medicines called antibiotics. If someone suffers from ear infections too often, an operation may be needed which creates an opening for the pus to drain out of the ear.

Ovary: ᒪᓐᓂᖃᐅᑎ: Manniqauti: Ovaire

An ovary is the small two-inch sac which contains a woman's eggs. Each woman has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries also make female chemicals (called hormones) which go into the blood. These hormones make breasts grow and control the monthly periods. Each month, one of the two ovaries pushes an egg out. If a woman has sex with a man around the same time that the egg is pushed out, she may get pregnant. If one or both of the ovaries become diseased, they may have to be taken out. If both of them are taken out, the woman may take medicine which acts like her natural female hormones, but she will be unable to have children.

Oxygen: ᐊᓂᕐᓂᖅ, ᐊᓂᖅᓵᖅᑑᑎ: Anirniq, Aniqsaaqtuuti: Oxygène

A gas which is found in the air. It is brought into the lungs with every breath. We cannot live without oxygen.

P

Palate: ᕿᓚᒃ, ᕿᓛᖅ: Qilak, Qilaaq: Palais

The roof of the mouth. The roof of the mouth has a hard part and a soft part; together they make up the palate. The hard part called the hard palate is made up of bone and separates the mouth from the nose. Behind the hard palate, is the soft palate, and when we swallow, it moves up and blocks the back of the nose off from the throat so that food will go down the throat instead of up into the nose.

Palm: ᑯᓪᓘᑉ ᓄᑭᖓ, ᐃᑎᒪᒃ: Kulluup Nukinga, Itimak: Paume

The soft part of the hand. It is the area below the fingers and above the wrists.

Pancreas: ᕿᑦᓴᓕᑳᖅ: Qitsalikaaq: Pancréas

The long, leaf-shaped gland that is found just below and to the back of the stomach. It makes a fluid called pancreatic juice which helps in the digestion of food. This juice travels through a tube which leaves the pancreas and goes to the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas makes two other fluids which are put in the blood; these two fluids have the job of keeping a steady level of sugar in the blood. These fluids are called insulin and glucagon; insulin lowers blood sugar, and glucagon raises blood sugar. After a meal, the level of sugar is high in the blood. The pancreas makes insulin so that the extra sugar can be taken out of the blood and brought to the liver where it can be stored until it is needed. If we haven't eaten for a while, the level of sugar in the blood is low. The pancreas makes glucagon which takes the sugar which is stored in the liver and puts it in the blood. Diabetes mellitus (usually called diabetes) happens when the pancreas is not making enough insulin. See Diabetes.

Pandemic: ᐊᒥᓱᓄᑦ ᖃᓂᒻᒪᓐᓇᐅᔪᖅ: Amisunut Qanimmannaujuq: Pandémie, pandémique

A disease that is common throughout the world at the same time. For example, sexually transmitted diseases appear in high numbers among many people in many different countries; we can, therefore, say that sexually transmitted diseases are pandemic.

Pap Smear: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᑉ ᐹᖓᓂᑦ ᐊᓪᓚᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Illiap Paanganit Allaqsiniq: Test de Papanicolaou

A test done by a doctor or nurse to check for any signs of cancer of the cervix (the cervix is the narrow opening to the uterus). To do this test, the vagina is opened with a plastic or metal instrument, some cells are scraped off the cervix and are placed on a piece of glass. The cells are then looked at under a microscope to see if they look normal. If the cells do not look normal, another Pap smear may be done. If the cells are abnormal on the second smear, the doctor may take a piece of tissue from the cervix and look at it under a microscope (this is called a biopsy). If the biopsy shows cancer, the cancer will have to be destroyed. There are different ways of doing this. Depending on how bad the cancer is, the uterus may need to be taken out. Not all doctors agree on how often women should have Pap smears. But most agree that if a woman has different partners, or if her partner sleeps with different women, she should have a Pap smear once a year. If a woman has one partner and has been having normal Pap smears for many years, she may wait two years between Pap smears.

Paraplegia: ᕿᑎᖓᓂᒃ ᐊᒻᒧᑦ ᓄᑮᕐᓂᖅ: Qitinganik Ammut Nikiirniq: Paraplégie

The inability to move or feel the legs; this is called paralysis. Most often it is due to damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, but sometimes it is due to brain injury. The amount of the body affected depends on where the spinal cord has been damaged. The higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more area that is affected on the body. Sometimes paraplegia also causes loss of control of the bladder and bowels. There is no cure for paraplegia. People can be taught to look after themselves and may have jobs in which walking is not necessary.

Parietal Lobe: ᖃᕋᓴᖅ ᑲᔾᔨᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Qarasaq Kajjimiittuq: Lobe pariétal

A part of the brain. If this area of the brain is damaged, there may be problems with seeing and talking.

Paroxysm: ᐱᓯᑲᓪᓚᑦᑐᖅ, ᐱᕉᑕᕆᔪᖅ: Pisikallattuq, Piruutarijuq: Paroxysme

A burst of something. This word has many uses. For example, a paroxysmal cough is a burst of coughing; a paroxysmal arrhythmia is a burst of abnormal heart beats.

Patella: ᓰᖅᑯᐊᖅ: Siiqquaq: Rotule

The medical name for the kneecap. It lies in front of the place where the bones of the upper and lower leg meet.

Pathogen: ᖃᓂᒻᒪᓐᓇᖅᑐᓂᒃ ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐊᕐᔪᓕᐅᖅᑎ: Qanimmannaqtunik Qupirruarjuliuqti: Pathogène

Something that causes sickness or disease. This word is often used when talking about germs like bacteria or viruses that can make you sick.

Pathology: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Aannianik Qaujisarniq: Pathologie

The study of disease. A person who specializes in pathology is called a pathologist. He or she tries to figure out what has caused a disease and what the disease is doing to the body. This person looks at tissues and cells in a laboratory to see how or if they have been damaged. A pathologist can also try and figure out what has caused someone to die by looking at their tissue under a microscope; this is called an autopsy.

Patient: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕈᑎᓕᒃ, ᐋᓐᓂᐊᔪᖅ: Aanniarutilik, Aanniajuq: Patient

Someone who is being taken care of by people who work in the health care professions such as nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, etc.

Pectorals: ᓴᒡᕕᐅᑉ ᓄᑭᖓ: Sagviup Nukinga: Pectoraux

The muscles of the upper chest. They go from just under the shoulder cap to the breast bone on each side of the chest.

Pediatrician: ᐱᐊᕋᓕᕆᔨᖑᖅᓴᔪᖅ: Piaralirijinguqsajuq: Pédiâtre

A doctor who specializes in the branch of medicine that deals with children and their illnesses. This person has studied for an extra four years after they have obtained a medical degree.

Pediculosis: ᑯᒻᒪᓐᓂᖅ: Kummanniq: Pédiculose

The medical name for an infestation of lice. See Lice.

Pelvis: ᐊᑯᐊᖅ: Akuaq: Pelvien

The circle of bones formed by the hip bones and the triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column called the sacrum. This is the circle through which a baby must pass when it leaves its mother's body. Inside the pelvis are the bladder and rectum. In women, it also contains the uterus. See Tumour.

Penis: ᐅᓱᒃ: Usuk: Pénis

The male sex organ: it is the organ through which urine and semen (the white fluid which contains sperm) leave the body. Inside the penis are three tube-shaped pieces of spongy tissue which have many tiny blood vessels. When a man becomes sexually excited, these tube-shaped things fill with blood, making the penis hard. The tip of the penis is covered by loose skin which can be moved back and forth over the tip of the penis; this skin is called the foreskin. Sometimes this skin is cut off for religious or medical reasons; this is called circumcision.

Peptic Ulcer: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖓ ᑭᓪᓚᒃ: Aqiarunga Killalik: Ulcère simple à l'estomac

See Ulcer.

Periosteum: ᐃᐱᓂᖅ: Ipiniq: Périoste

The tissue that covers the bones. This tissue has blood vessels which bring food and oxygen to the bones. The periosteum also has nerves, which cause pain if the bone is damaged.

Peripheral Nervous System: ᑎᒥᒧᑦ ᐊᕙᓚᖓᔪᑦ ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᔾᔪᑎᑦ: Timimut Avalangajut Ikpinniajjutit: Système nerveux périphérique

Part of the nervous system. The nervous system is usually divided into two parts: the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system branches out from the spinal cord and goes to the muscles, skin, organs and glands in the body. These nerves bring messages from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain.

Peristalsis: ᐃᓯᑦᑕᐅᑎ ᖁᖁᖅᑕᕐᓂᖓ: Isittauti Ququqtarninga: Mouvement péristaltique

A rippling movement in the body's passageways that causes things to move along. It is due to the squeezing and relaxing of the muscles which line the passageway. For example, food is moved along the food passageway from the mouth to the anus by these rippling movements.

Peritoneum: ᕿᐊᖅ: Qiaq: Membrane péritoine

A sac which contains all the things in the abdomen such as the stomach, intestines, liver, etc. The job of this sac is to hold the organs in place, stop infections from getting inside the abdomen and get rid of waste from the abdomen.

Pertussis: ᑕᐅᕗᖓᐃᓐᓇᖅ ᖁᐃᖅᓱᕐᓂᖅ: Tauvungainnaq Quiqsurniq: Coqueluche

The same as whooping cough. See Whooping Cough.

Phalanges: ᐊᕙᑎᑦ, ᐃᓄᒐᓐᖑᐊᑦ: Avatit, Inugannguat: Phalanges

The fingers and toes. There are two bones in the thumb and big toe, and three in each of the other fingers and toes.

Pharmacist: ᐃᓅᓕᓴᐅᑎᓕᕆᔨ, ᐄᔭᒐᖅᑖᑎᑦᓯᔨ: Inuulisautiliriji, Iijagaqtaatitsiji: Pharmacien

A person who is trained to make medicines and to give them out to people. They give out medicines to people who have a doctor's prescription (an order on a piece of paper). They can help a person decide which medicine may be best for him if the drug can be sold without a doctor's prescription; these kinds of medicines are known as over-the-counter medicines (like some cold medicines or Aspirin). They can also tell patients things about medicines; for instance, if they should be taken with food, or if they can cause side effects.

Pharynx: ᐄᔮᖅ, ᐄᒋᐊᖅ, ᑐᖅᑯᔮᖅ: Iijaaq, Iigiaq Tuqqujaaq: Gorge, pharynx

Another name for the throat. It is a muscular tube which is about five inches long and goes from the back of the nose to the top of the food tube (esophagus). Air passes through it on its way from the nose to the breathing tube (trachea), and food passes through it on its way from the mouth to the esophagus. The top part of this tube, which is behind the nose is called the nasopharynx; the middle section, which is behind the mouth, is called the oropharynx. A sore throat is called pharyngitis.

Physiology: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᓂᖓᓂᒃ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᕐᓂᖅ: Timiup Aulaninganik Qaujisarniq: Physiologie

The study of how the body works: a person who studies this is a physiologist. It is through this study that we know how food gets broken down in the stomach, how muscles move, how the brain gets messages from our eyes, etc.

Physiotherapist: ᐃᖃᐃᓕᓴᐃᔨ: Iqailisaiji: Physiothérapeute

A person who has been trained to help people exercise different parts of their body so that they can move or breathe better. For example, a physiotherapist could show a patient leg exercises to help make the leg stronger after it has been broken.

Pimple: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᖅ, ᒪᕿᑎᒐᖅ: Qupirruq, Maqitigaq: Bouton

A small, reddened bump that sometimes contains pus. They can be found anywhere on the body but are most likely on the face, back, chest or neck. Teenagers commonly get these, but they can be found in children and adults. When there are many pimples and they last a long time, it is called acne. Acne can sometimes leave scars that do not go away. They are due to the blocking of openings in the skin (pores) with oil, dirt and germs (bacteria). This causes the opening to swell up and become red and infected. There is no cure for pimples, but washing the face twice a day helps, as do medicated creams and antibiotics which may be used if the acne is really bad.

Placenta: ᐊᕐᕌᖅ: Arraaq: Placenta

Commonly called the afterbirth and only found in pregnant women, it is the organ that attaches the unborn baby to the mother. It is round and grows as the baby grows. It sticks to the mother's womb (uterus) on one side and is covered by a smooth shiny skin (membrane) on the other side. This membrane forms a sac that goes around the baby and holds in the water. There is a cord called the umbilical cord that goes from the centre of the shiny-membrane side of the placenta to the baby's belly button. The job of the placenta is to bring food and oxygen to the baby and to bring the baby's waste to the mother so that she can get rid of it. Another job of the placenta is to make chemicals called hormones which help the mother stay pregnant and make her breasts ready to make milk. The placenta keeps the mother's blood separate from the baby's blood. The mother's and baby's blood are brought to the placenta where the good things in the mother's blood can leak into the baby's cord and the bad things in the baby's blood can leak into the mother's blood.

Plantar: ᐊᓗᖅ: Aluq: Plantaire

A growth on the bottom of the foot that is caused by a germ (virus). Sometimes they are painful. They can go away on their own or they can be taken off by a doctor.

Plasma: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐃᑦᓯᖓ: Aup Itsinga: Plasma

The liquid part of blood. It is the part of blood that is left when all the solid things (like blood cells and platelets) are taken out. It is a clear, yellow fluid.

Platelet: ᐃᔾᔪᕿᐅᕈᑎ: Ijjuqiuruti: Plaquette sanguine

A small, living thing (cell) found in the blood that helps stop bleeding. They are the smallest of the blood cells and are made in the bone marrow. If there are not enough platelets in the blood, there can be a lot of bleeding. This bleeding can be hidden inside the body (internal bleeding). Platelets stick to the walls of a broken blood vessels, forming a plug over the hole. Platelets may be given in a blood transfusion. See Transfusion.

Pleura: ᐴᐸᖅ: Puupaaq: Plèvre

A thin layer of skin (membrane) that goes around the lungs. This membrane has two layers: one layer is stuck to the lungs and the other layer is stuck to the back of the ribs. Between the two layers is a fluid that helps the lungs move in and out more easily. When this membrane gets infected, it is called pleurisy.

Pneumonia: ᐳᕝᕕᕆᔪᖅ, ᐳᕙᒻᒥᒍᑦ ᐃᒻᒪᒃᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᓄᕙᒻᒥᒃ: Puvvirijuq, Puvammigut Immaksimajuq Nuvammik: Pneumonie

An infection in the lungs. It is caused by a germ (bacteria or virus). Sometimes the germ starts to grow in the lungs after breathing in vomit, but usually the germ is breathed in with the air. It is most often found in the very young or very old, or in those that are already sick with some other disease. It causes a fever, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, and a cough that may bring up bloody, yellowish or greenish mucous from the lungs. Pneumonia can cause a mild or bad illness. If it is bad, the patient will be put in hospital. It is treated with medicines called antibiotics.

Polio: ᓄᑮᕈᑎᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Nukiirutinnaqtuq: Poliomyélite

A disease that can cause a problem with movement. It is caused by a germ (virus) that damages nerves; when nerves do not work, the muscles cannot move. If the virus attacks the nerves that go to the leg muscles, the legs will be paralyzed (not able to move). It passes easily from one person to another. This disease is not very common now because children get a needle that stops them from getting it (vaccination). The disease can be very mild, but it can lead to death if the nerves in the brain are badly affected. Depending on how bad the damage is, paralysis may last forever or it may get better.

Pore: ᐊᐅᒃᑲᓐᓂᖓᔾᔪᑖᑕ ᐊᒻᒪᔪᖏᑦ, ᐅᕕᓂᐅᑉ ᓱᓪᓗᖓ: Aukkanningajjutaata Ammajungit, Uviniup Sullunga: Pore

A small opening in the skin through which sweat and oil can leave body.

Postpartum: ᐃᕐᓂᕋᑖᒥᓂᖅ: Irnirataaminiq: Post-partum

The period of time after the delivery of a baby until six weeks later. Immediately after the delivery, the woman is checked often by a nurse to make sure that her blood pressure is fine, her uterus is firm, she has been able to pee and she is not bleeding excessively. Within six weeks, the woman should almost be back to normal.

Preeclampsia: ᓯᖓᐃᓂᖓᓂ ᑎᓪᓕᖅᑖᖓ ᖁᕝᕙᓯᑦᑐᖅ: Singainingani Tilliqtaanga Quvvasittuq: Toxémie gravidique

The same as toxemia of pregnancy. See Toxemia Of Pregnancy.

Pregnancy: ᓇᔾᔨᓂᖅ: Najjiniq: Grossesse

The same as gestation. See Gestation.

Presbyopia: ᑕᑉᐲᑦᑐᖅ ᖃᓂᑦᑐᒧᑦ: Tappiittuq Qanittumut: Presbytie

A type of farsightedness that is found in older people. See Farsighted.

Prostate Gland: ᓱᖏᓕᖅ, ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᖅ: Sungiliq, Qiliqsinaq: Glande prostatique

The gland found at the bottom of the bladder in men. The urethra (the tube through which urine and semen leave the body) passes through the middle of the prostate gland. It is common for this gland to become swollen in older men. When this happens, it may pinch off the urethra, making it difficult to pee. Although uncomfortable, this swelling is usually harmless. However, it may be cancerous. Men over the age of 50 years should have their prostate examined by a doctor once a year.

Pulmonary Artery: ᑕᖃᕐᔪᐊᖅ, ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᐳᕙᒻᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqarjuaq, Taqavik Puvammuungajuq Uummatimmit: Pulmonaire

One of the two arteries that bring blood to the lungs so that it may pick up oxygen. These arteries leave from the right ventricle of the heart (the lower right section) and go to the lungs. One of the arteries goes to the left lung while the other goes to the right lung.

Pupil: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᒃ: Ijaruvak: Pupillaire

The black part of the eye that can be seen in the middle surrounded by a coloured circle (iris). It is responsible for letting light into the eye. Its size is controlled by the iris, which is a muscle. The pupil gets smaller when there is a lot of light and gets larger when there is a small amount of light.

Q

Quadriceps: ᑎᑦᓱᕈᑎᑦ: Titsurutit: Muscle quadriceps

The large muscles found at the front of the thigh which straighten the knee. They get hard when the leg is straightened.

Quadriplegia: ᐊᕙᑎᓕᒫᖏᑦ ᓄᑭᖃᓐᖏᑦᑐᑦ: Avatilimaanngit Nukiqanngittut: Quadraplégie

The inability to move or feel anything in the arms and legs. It can be due to damage from a broken neck that has hurt the nerves in the spinal cord.

Quickening: ᐊᐅᓚᒍᓐᓇᖅᓯᔪᖅ: Aulagunnaqsijuq: Premiers mouvements du foetus

The first feelings of movement of an unborn baby. This happens around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

R

Rabies: ᓯᖏᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Singiqsiniq: Rage

A disease that is found in animals that can be passed on to humans if they are bitten by an infected animal. It affects the brain and often leads to death. Some people can survive if they are given very special care. The symptoms of this disease can start a couple weeks or several months after a bite from an infected animal. It can be stopped if the person is treated soon after they have been bitten. It is important that dogs and cats get a needle to stop them from getting this disease. If an animal seems to have this disease, it should be killed before it has the chance to spread the disease. Animals that have this disease act very wild even if they were tame before.

Radial Artery: ᑕᖃᖅᔪᐊᖅ ᑖᓕᕐᒧᖓᒧᖅ: Taqaqjuaq Taalirmungajuq: Artère radiale

A blood vessel that brings blood to the forearm and hand. It is found on the same side of the arm as the thumb. It is the site usually used to get a sample of arterial blood for an ABG (arterial blood gas).

Radiologist: ᑕᕐᕋᖅᑐᐃᔨ: Tarraqtuiji: Radiologiste

A doctor who is specially trained in using x-rays and other special equipment that is able to look inside the human body without going inside. The kinds of equipment that this includes are ultrasounds, CAT scanners, and MRIs. These machines are used to find out what is wrong with a person.

Radius: ᐊᒥᓕᐅᑉ ᓴᐅᓂᖓᑦ ᓯᓕᓐᓂᖅᓴᖅ: Amiliup Sauninga Silinniqsaq: Radius

One of the two bones of the lower arm. It is on the same side as the thumb. It is often broken when someone falls on the palm of their hand.

Rectal Examination: ᐃᖅᑐᖓᒍᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Iqtungagut Qaujisaqtauniq: Examen du rectum

A test done to make sure that the tissue inside the place where feces is stored (the rectum) is OK. Most often the doctor or nurse is checking to see if there are any lumps or sores inside the rectum which may mean that there is a cancer. The rectum should be checked about once a year in men over the age of 50 years because the prostate gland can be felt through the rectum. It is important to check the prostate gland because it is a common place for cancer in men. The cervix in women can also be checked through the rectum. At the same time as checking the prostate or cervix, the doctor is also checking for cancer of the rectum. This test is done in the doctor's office and takes a couple of minutes. The doctor puts on gloves and puts a finger into the rectum.

Rectum: ᐃᖅᑐᒃ: Iqtuk: Rectum

The place where solid waste (feces) is kept until it is ready to leave the body through the anus. It is the last part of the digestive tube and it holds all the stuff that is left over from food once the good things are taken out. It is about six to eight inches long. When the rectum gets too full, nerves in the rectum send a message to the brain so that we know to go to the toilet. Bleeding from the rectum could be due to a tear in the tissue, hemorrhoids or cancer. See Anus.

Red Blood Cell: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ ᐊᐅᐸᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᐅᒻᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Ijaruvaujaq Aupaqtuq Aummiittuq: Globules rouges

Also called RBC or erythrocyte. They carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. The oxygen leaks out of the blood from the RBCs into the cells. In turn, the cells give up their waste gas, carbon dioxide, (CO₂) to the RBCs which bring it back to the lungs. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. They cannot be made if there is not enough iron in the blood. That is why iron is an important part of a healthy diet. When there aren't enough RBCs in the blood, a condition called anemia exists.

Renal Artery: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᑕᖅᑐᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒥᑦ: Taqavik Taqtumuungajuq Uummatimmit: Artère rénale

One of the two arteries that bring blood to the kidney. There is one right renal artery which brings blood to the right kidney and there is one left renal artery which brings blood to the left kidney. The renal arteries branch off the abdominal artery, which is the large artery that leaves the heart and travels down the abdomen.

Reproductive System: ᕿᑐᓐᖏᐅᕈᑎᑦ: Qitunngiurutit: Appareil reproducteur

This includes all the parts of the body that make it possible to have children. See Systems Of The Body.

Residency: ᓘᒃᑖᒻᒪᕆᐅᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᐃᓕᓴᒃᑲᓂᖅᑐᖅ: Luuktaammariunirmik Ilisakkaniqtuq: Résidence

A special training period for doctors. If a doctor wants to become a specialist in any area of medicine like children's health (pediatrics), bone problems (orthopedics), heart problems (cardiology), etc., then he must study for extra years after he has been through regular medical school. This period of time during which the doctor is studying is called the residency. The number of years of study depends on what the doctor is specializing in. These people are already doctors; however, they are getting extra training in a special field.

Respiration: ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᓂᖅ: Aniqtiriniq: Respiration

The process of getting oxygen into the body and getting rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide. Basically it means breathing.

• Artificial Respiration: ᐊᓂᖅᓵᑐᖅᑎᑦᓯᓇᓱᐊᕐᓂᖅ ᓱᐴᕐᕕᖃᕐᓗᓂ: Aniqsaatuqtitsinasuarniq Supuurviqarluni: Respiration artificielle: Giving someone air. When a person is not able to breathe on their own, another person can breathe into their mouth or nose to keep them alive or they may be hooked up to a breathing machine (called a respirator or ventilator) which will breathe for them.

Retina: ᐃᔨᐅᑉ ᑕᕐᕋᖅᑑᑎᖓ: Ijiup Tarraqtuutinga: Rétine

A part of the eye. It is found at the back of the eye ball. It changes the things that we see into messages that can be read by the brain so that we know what we are looking at. It can be thought of like a layer of wallpaper that is stuck to the back of the eye. Sometimes the retina can become detached which means that part of it is becoming unstuck from the back of the eye. This causes problems with vision which patients sometimes describe as a black curtain is falling over the eye. If this is not treated quickly, it can lead to blindness in the eye. If it is treated early, the vision will most often go back to normal.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: ᑐᒪᕐᓂᖅ, ᑐᒪᖅᑐᖅ Tumarniq, Tumaqtuq: Rhumatisme articulaire

A type of arthritis. See Arthritis.

Rhythm Method (Birth Control): ᓈᒻᒪᓈᕐᓂᒃᑯᑦ ᓇᔾᔨᑦᑕᐃᓕᒪᓂᖅ: Naammanaarnikkut Najjittailimaniq: Méthode naturelle de contraception

This is a way to help stop pregnancy. If a woman does not have sex for a few days around the time that she thinks an egg is in her uterus, she is not likely to get pregnant. Pregnancy can only happen when a sperm meets an egg. An egg can live for about three days after it is given off by an ovary; therefore, a woman who does not want to get pregnant should not have sex for three days after the egg is given off. Most women have a 28 day space between their periods, which means that an egg is given off around 14 days after their first day of bleeding, so not having sex from 14 days to 17 days after the start of a period will stop most women from becoming pregnant. Since periods are not always that regular, this is not a very good method of birth control.

Ribs: ᑐᓕᒫᑦ: Tulimaat: Côtes

Sometimes called costals. These are the bones of the rib cage. The twelve pairs of bones of the chest form the rib cage that keeps the lungs and heart safe. At the back, the ribs connect with the spine. At the front, the top seven ribs connect to the breast bone (sternum), the next three connect to the rib directly above them, and there are two floating ribs.

Rubella: ᐊᐅᐸᓪᓛᓂᖅ (ᓇᔾᔨᐊᒧᑦ ᖃᓄᐃᒍᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᒥᒃ): Aupallaaniq (Najjiamut Qanuigutaujunnaqtumik): Rubéole

Another name for German measles. See German Measles.

Rubeola: ᐊᐅᐸᓪᓛᑦ: Aupallaat: Rougeole

Another name for measles. See Measles.

Rupture: ᑭᓚᐃᓂᖅ: Kilainiq: Rupture

To break open.

S

Sacrum: ᐸᒥᐊᓪᓗᒃ: Pamialluk: Sacrum

A big triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is made up of five bones that are joined. It lies between the hip bones and is above the tailbone.

Saliva: ᓄᕙᒃ: Nuvak: Salive

Another name for spit. It is the slippery, watery fluid found inside the mouth. It keeps the mouth wet, and makes it easier to taste and swallow food. It leaks out of clumps of tissue called salivary glands. There are six of these glands near the mouth area; they have tiny tubes which bring the saliva into the mouth. Two of these glands are on each side of the face slightly below the ear, two are under the front of the tongue and two are at the back of the tongue towards the sides of the jaw. They continually squirt saliva into the mouth. Sometimes this can be felt when you are hungry and smell something good.

Sarcoma: ᓯᐊᒻᒪᓴᕋᐃᑦᑐᖅ: Siammasaraittuq: Sarcome

Cancer of the bones or the stuff that holds the body together, like cartilage or the string-like threads around the lungs and other organs.

Scabies: ᑯᒥᓛᑦ, ᐊᒥᕐᓗᒃ, ᑯᒻᒪᓐᓂᖅ: Kumilaat, Amirluk, Kummanniq: Gale

A problem with the skin caused by a tiny insect that digs little tunnels under the skin and lays its eggs. It causes little raised grey lines on the skin and a lot of itching that gets worse at night. These little lines are mostly found between the fingers, on the wrists and in the groin area. Scratching the skin very hard can cause sores and scabs. The insect can pass very easily from one person to another, so if one person in a house has it everyone who lives there should be treated. It most often found in places where a lot of people live together. It is easily treated by washing with a special medicine (usually a medicine called Kwellada).

Scald: ᑭᐊᒃᑐᖅ: Kiaktuq: Échaudure

A burn on the skin caused by steam or a hot liquid.

Scalpel: ᐱᓚᒃᑑᑎ: Pilaaaktuuti: Scalpel

A small knife that is used by doctors to cut the skin.

Scapula: ᑭᐊᓯᒃ: Kiasik: Omoplate

The shoulder blade, a wide, thin triangular bone.

Sclera: ᖁᕕᖅᓴ: Quviqsa: Sclérotique

The white part of the eye, which goes all the way around the eyeball. It is very hard, so that the inside of the eye will be protected.

Scrotum: ᐊᒥᖅᑕᒃ: Amiqtak: Scrotum

The sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. It holds the testes (two round glands). It has two layers: an outside layer of skin and an inside layer of muscle. The muscle layer can move the scrotum slightly. If a man is hot, the muscle layer relaxes to let the testes hang far away from the body so that they can stay cool enough to make sperm. If a man is cold, the muscle layer tightens, bringing the testes up closer to the body. This also happens when a man is sexually excited.

Seizure: ᕐᑮᕐᓱᕐᓂᖅ: Qiirsurniq: Attaque d'apoplexie

When all or part of the body starts to twitch or move by itself. Most often the word seizure is used to talk about a whole-body seizure, as can happen to a person who has epilepsy. See Epilepsy.

Semen: ᖃᐸᒃ: Qapak: Semen

The whitish liquid that comes out of the tip of a man's penis when he has reached his peak during sex (has an orgasm). It contains sperm and the fluid from three different clumps of tissue (glands). The three glands that give fluid to the semen are called Cowper's gland, the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. See Sperm.

Semicircular Canal: ᓯᐅᑎᐅᑉ ᑐᓵᔾᔪᑎᖓ, ᖃᓪᓗᕕᐊᖅ: Siutiup Tusaajjutingaa, Qalluviaq: Canal semi-circulaire

A part of the inner ear. It is found inside the head directly behind the cheek bone. It helps with balance. If someone has an infection in this part of the ear, they will feel dizzy and unbalanced.

Septum: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᖓᓄᑦ ᐊᕕᒃᓯᒪᔾᔪᑎ, ᐊᕕᒃᓯᒪᐅᑎ: Uummatiup Aunganut Aviksimajjuti, Aviksimauti: Septum

The wall of muscle that divides the heart into a left and a right side. If there is a hole in this wall, blood from one side of the heart will mix with blood from the other side. This can cause problems because one side of the heart has blood with oxygen and the other side has blood without oxygen in it; if blood without oxygen is sent around the body, the tissues will not get enough oxygen.

Serum: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐃᑦᓯᖓᓂ ᓴᐴᓗᑕᖅ ᑐᖁᓐᓇᖅᑐᓂᒃ: Aup Itsingani Sapuulutaq Tuqunnaaqtunik: Sérum

Sometimes called plasma. The clear part of blood that floats to the top when a blood sample is put in a tube. It does not contain blood cells or things that help the blood to clot (stop bleeding).

Shock: ᖁᐊᖅᓛᓵᕐᓂᖅ: Quaqsaarniq: Choc

This word can have two different meanings; it can be a great emotional surprise or a problem with blood flow in the body. When talking about a problem of blood flow, it means that there is not enough blood flowing throughout the body. If it is not treated, it can lead to death. It can be due to the loss of a lot of blood, a weakened heart, a widening of the blood vessels or a blockage of important blood vessels. A person who is in shock will be breathing fast, have a fast heart beat, feel cold and clammy, and may not be awake. If you are not near a health centre and think that someone may be in shock, you should lay him down, put his feet higher that his body and keep him warm. If he is bleeding, you should try and stop the bleeding by pressing on the place that is bleeding.

Shoulder: ᑐᐃ, ᐃᕐᔨ: Tui, Irji: Épaule

The part of the body where the arm joins the body.

Sigmoidoscopy: ᐃᖅᑐᒃᑯ ᕿᓐᖑᖖᒥᒐᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Iqqtukkut Qinngungmigaqtauniq: Sigmoïdoscopie

A test in which a hollow tube with a light at the end of it is put in the rectum and in the last part of the large intestine (the place where waste is kept). With this tube, the doctor can see the tissue inside this area and look for anything that is not supposed to be there. This test might be done if someone has blood in their stool or changes in their bowel habits.

Sinoatrial Node: (ᐆᒻᒪᑎ) ᖁᓪᓕᖅ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔭᐃᔨ, ᕿᓗᐊᑎᑦᓯᔨ: (Uummati) Qulliq Aulajjaiji, Qiluatitsiji: Nœud sino-auriculaire

Sometimes called the SA node. A piece of tissue inside the top right side of the heart that makes it beat. It is the natural pacemaker; if this pacemaker doesn't work, a man-made one may be put in place. This piece of tissue sends out a message to the heart muscle about 100 times per minute. The heart does not beat all 100 times because other things also affect the number of beats per minute.

Sinus: ᐃᑎᖅᑭᕆᐊᖅ: Itiqqiriaq: Sinus

A hollow space in a bone. This word is used most often when talking about the four pairs of air spaces in the bone around the nose area. They are lined with moist skin which makes mucous (the slippery, clear fluid that sometimes runs out of the nose). The mucous drains from the sinuses into the nose through tiny tubes. If these tubes become blocked, which can happen with a cold, the mucous gets blocked inside the sinuses. This causes a lot of pressure which can be quite painful. This is called sinusitis and is treated with medicine called antibiotics and Tylenol or Aspirin to help with the pain. Steam and a lot of fluid help to loosen up this mucous.

Sinus Rhythm: ᑎᓪᓕᕐᓂᑦᓯᐊᕆᑦᑐᖅ: Tillirnitsiarittuq: Rythme sino-auriculaire

A normal heart beat. Normally, the heart's beating is controlled by messages given off by a clump of tissue in the heart called the sinoatrial node. When the heart is under the control of this clump of tissue, as it should be, it is said to be in sinus rhythm. See Sinoatrial Node.

Skeleton: ᓴᐅᓃᑦ: Sauniit: Squelette

All the bones in the body. There are 204 different bones in the body (some books will say there are 209 because they are counting all of the bones in the sacrum as separate bones). The skeleton does many different jobs for the body: it gives the body shape and allows movement because the muscles are attached to it; it protects many of the most important organs like the brain, heart, lungs and liver from damage; it can give the blood important things like calcium when it is needed; and it makes blood cells in its bone marrow (the spongy, reddish stuff inside some bones).

Skin: ᐅᕕᓂᒃ: Uvinik: Peau

The covering of the body. It is considered the largest organ in the body. The skin protects the body by stopping harmful things from getting inside. The skin senses temperature, pressure and pain. It also helps to keep the body from getting too warm because it has glands which give off sweat.

Skull: ᓂᐊᖁᖅ: Niaquq: Crâne

The common word used for the cranium. It is the bony covering for the head and includes the bones of the face. It protects the brain. If a person is hit on the skull and becomes unconscious, she should be looked at by a nurse or doctor because brain damage may have occurred.

Spasm: ᕿᓗᔨᓂᖅ: Qilujiniq: Spasme

An uncontrolled movement of a muscle anywhere in the body. A spasm of the muscles inside blood vessels in the heart may cause chest pain, or a spasm of the muscles in the airways (bronchi) will cause asthma. A muscle spasm in one of the muscles attached to the bones is commonly called a muscle cramp.

Speech Therapist: ᐅᖃᕆᐅᖅᓴᑎᑦᓯᔨ: Uqariuqsatitsiji: Orthophoniste

A person who specializes in helping others speak better. The speech therapist may be helping with pronunciation, the sound of the voice or the speed of speech. Difficulties with speech can be due to hearing problems, learning difficulties or a physical deformity. The therapists works with the patient and the family in developing special exercises which deal with the particular speech problem.

Sperm: ᐊᖑᑎᐅᑉ ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖏᑦ ᐱᐊᕋᑦᓴᐅᒐᔭᖅᑐᑦ: Angutiup Ijaruvaujangit Piaratsaugajaqtut: Sperme

The tiny fish-like things that are made in the male's testicles. Millions of sperm are given off every time a man reaches orgasm. The sperm, made in the testes (the little ball-shaped glands in the scrotum), swim up a tube to the tip of the penis; along this tube the fluid from three different glands gets mixed with sperm. Sperm together with these fluids are called semen. When a sperm gets inside a female's egg, a baby begins to grow.

Spina Bifida: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᓗᑦᑐᖅ: Qimirluluttuq: Spina-bifida

A condition, present from birth, in which one or more of the bones in the spine (called vertebrae) do not close completely around the spinal cord. If there is only a tiny opening in the vertebrae, the spinal cord may be normal and there will be no problems; however, if there is a large opening, a lot of the spinal cord may stick out of the space in the vertebrae. The more spinal cord that is exposed, the more serious the problem. There is often no feeling or movement below the place where the spinal cord sticks out of the vertebrae. Surgery is done soon after the child is born in order to close the opening in the back and stop any more spinal cord damage. However, the surgery cannot fix the movement or feeling problems that have already happened because these problems are due to damage to the nerves in the spinal cord.

Spinal Cord: ᕿᑎᕋᖅ: Qitiraq: Moelle épinière

The round, white cord of nerve tissue found inside the hollow of spine bones (vertebrae). It is joined to the brain. Together the brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system. It carries messages to the brain from the body and from the brain to the body.

Spinal Disc: ᕿᓯᕋᖅ, ᐃᓯᕆᓂᖅ: Qisiraq, Isiriniq: Disque intervertébral

The same as intervertebral disc. See Intervertebral Disc.

Spinal Fluid: ᕿᑎᕋᐅᑉ ᐃᒪᖓ, ᕿᒥᕐᓘᑉ ᐃᒪᕋᖓ: Qitiraup Imanga, Qimirluup Imaranga: Liquide céphalorachidien spinal

The same as cerebrospinal fluid. See Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Spinal Tap: ᕿᒥᕐᓗᒻᒥᑦ ᐃᒪᕆᐊᖏᖅᓯᓂᖅ: Qimirlummit Imariangiqsiniq: Ponction lombaire

May also be called lumbar puncture or L.P. for short. Putting a hollow needle in the lower part of the back (lumbar area) between the bones of the spinal column. This is done for six reasons:

1. to get a sample of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord to make sure that it is normal;
2. to measure the pressure of the fluid;
3. to take away some fluid to lower the pressure in the spinal column;
4. to take away any blood or pus;
5. to put in anesthetic to stop pain; and
6. to put some dye in so the spinal cord will show up on an x-ray.

Often done to make sure that a patient does not have meningitis.

Spleen: ᒪᑦᓴ: Matsa: Rate

A purple, fist-sized organ that lies in the upper left abdomen towards the back ribs and behind the stomach. It has two jobs:

1. taking dead blood cells out of the blood and breaking them down; and
2. helping the body to fight infection.

Although the spleen is an important organ, it is not necessary for life. If the spleen is badly damaged (ruptured) it must be taken out. The spleen has a lot of blood going to it and if it is left in place the patient would bleed to death. If it is removed, the jobs of the spleen are taken over by the liver and other parts of the immune system.

Sprain: ᓄᓱᒃᓯᔪᖅ, ᐱᓪᓗᐃᔪᖅ: Nusuksijuq, Pilluijuq: Entorse

Damage to a joint. The most common joints to get sprained are the wrist and ankle. It is due to the tearing or stretching of the strings that hold the bones together at a joint, which are called ligaments. A sprain occurs when a joint is pulled by a sudden fall or other movement. It causes swelling, pain and a problem moving the joint. Ice should be put on the sore area, and the joint should be raised. Painkillers will help with the pain.

Sputum: ᓄᕙᒃ: Nuvak: Crachat

The mucous that comes up from the lungs when you cough. It is made by the cells in the airways and increases when you have a cold or other type of chest infection. If no infection is present, sputum is clear in colour; however, with an infection it may be yellow or green. If there is blood in the sputum, it may be due to an infection or lung cancer so a doctor should be seen as soon as possible.

Squint: ᓇᑯᖓᓂᖅ, ᕿᒃᓯᒥᖓᓂᖅ: Nakunganiq, Qiksiminganiq: Strabisme

The same as cross-eyed. See Cross-Eyed.

Staple: ᑭᓗᐊᕇᒃᑯᑎ: Kiluariikkuti: Agrafe

Sometimes called a clip. A U-shaped piece of metal with two pointed ends that is used instead of thread to hold skin together. It is taken out once the skin holds together well on its own.

Sterilization: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃᔭᐃᓂᖅ: Qupirruijainiq: Stérilisation

This word has two meanings:

1. a way of getting rid of all the germs (bacteria or viruses) that may be living on an object; and
2. an operation which stops a person from being able to make babies.

Germs on objects are killed by boiling, steaming or washing with a chemical, putting in a special machine, etc. Women or men can have an operation which will stop them from being able to make babies. The operation for women is called a tubal ligation (tubes tied) and for men it is called a vasectomy. See Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy.

Sternum: ᑐᓂᕐᔪᐃᑦ, ᓴᑭᐊᖅ, ᓴᕝᕕᒃ: Tunirjuit, Sakiaq, Savvik: Sternum

The breast bone. It is the long flat bone found between the rib bones. At the top, the sternum meets the collar bones (clavicles) and along the sides, the rib bones (costals) are attached.

Stillbirth: ᑐᖁᖓᔪᓕᓂᖅ: Tuqungajuliniq: Enfant mort-né

The birth of a dead fetus (baby). If the baby was old enough to have been saved, it is called a stillbirth instead of a miscarriage. It happens because the fetus may have been deformed, the placenta may have become separated from the uterus, there may not have been enough oxygen getting to the baby or the mother may have had an infection. There are many other things which may have caused the fetus to die; the doctor will try and figure out what the problem was in each case.

Stimulant: ᐆᒪᔾᔭᓇᖅᑐᖅ, ᐃᖅᑯᒻᒪᐅᑎ: Uumajjanaqtuq, Iqqummauti: Stimulant

A drug that makes a person more active. They make a person feel less tired, more alert and more confident. They work by making the brain release more of the chemical norepinephrine which speeds up the brain.

Stoma: ᐊᒻᒪᖅᑕᐅᓯᒪᓂᖅ: Ammaqtasimaniq: Stomate

The same as ostomy. See Ostomy.

Stomach: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖅ: Aqiaruq: Estomac

The hollow, sac-like organ which stores food after it is swallowed. It is separated from the food tube (esophagus) and the small intestine by two strong, round muscles which pinch the openings. It is found in the upper left side of the abdomen below the flat breathing muscle (diaphragm). It is a muscular organ which is lined with special cells that give off a strong acid. The muscles mash the food and mix it with the acid. The acid breaks down the food a little before it goes into the small intestine where it can be further broken down.

• Stomach (Gastric) Acid: ᐊᕿᐊᕉᑉ ᐆᑎᕈᓐᑎᖓ: Aqiaruup Uutiruntinga: Acide gastrique: The same as gastric juice. See Gastric Juice.

Strabismus: ᓇᑯᖓᓂᖅ, ᕿᒃᓯᒥᖓᓂᖅ: Nakunganiq, Qiksiminganiq: Strabisme

See Cross-Eyed.

Strain: ᓄᓱᒃᓯᕆᔪᖅ: Nusuksirijuq: Muscle déchiré

A pulled muscle. It is due to suddenly pulling a muscle too far, which causes it to tear and bleed. Muscles are more likely to be strained when they have not been warmed up properly before exercise. When a muscle is strained it should be raised, put on ice, put in an elastic bandage, and rested for a couple of days. Painkillers will also help ease any pain.

Stroke: ᓄᑮᖅᑎᑦᑐᖅ: Nukiiqtittuq: Attaque, crise

Sometimes called cerebral vascular accident or CVA. It is brain damage which is due to the blood supply being cut off to an area. It can lead to death if a large part of the brain is destroyed. Because the brain controls the body, brain damage means that the part of the body controlled by the damaged area is also affected. The brain is divided into two halves; each half controls the opposite side of the body. Therefore, if the right side of the brain is damaged, it will cause problems on the left side of the body. For example, if the movement area on right side of the brain is damaged, then the patient will not be able to move the left side of the body properly. The speech area of the brain is commonly affected in strokes, and this causes difficulty with speech. Blood supply can be cut off to an area in three ways:

1. by a blood clot which forms in a brain artery (thrombosis);
2. by a blood clot, piece of fat or air bubble that forms somewhere else in the body and travels through the blood into the brain where it gets stuck in an artery (embolism); or
3. by a rupture of an artery (hemorrhage).

All three of these things are much more likely to happen if a person has high blood pressure (hypertension) or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). If a patient has a stroke, he may be left with permanent damage, but physiotherapy and speech therapy can often help a person recover completely.

Stye: ᓯᒃᑯᑕᒃᑐᖅ, ᓯᒃᑯᑕᒃ: Sikkutaktuq, Sikkutak: Orgelet

A reddened, raised spot on the eyelid that looks like a pimple and usually contains pus. Put a clean warm cloth on it for 15 minutes every couple of hours to help it get better. If it does not drain on its own, the doctor may need to cut a little hole in it. Touching it may cause it to spread or make the infection worse.

Sulcus: ᖃᕋᓴᐅᑉ ᐃᓯᖅᓴᐅᓂᖏᑦ: Qarasaup Isiqsauningit: Suc

A groove or dip in the brain which is due to the folding in of the brain tissue.

Surgeon: ᐱᓚᒃᑐᐃᔨ: Pilaktuiji: Chirurgien

A doctor who does surgery. See Surgery.

Surgery: ᐱᓚᒃᑐᐃᓂᖅ: Pilaktuiniq: Chirurgie

An operation. The treatment of disease or injury by cutting through the skin to take out or fix the damaged part. Surgery can be done in a doctor's office or a special room in a hospital called the operating room (OR). The patient may be put to sleep or may have the area to be cut frozen or numbed.

Suture: ᒥᖅᓱᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Miqsuqtauniq: Suture

Commonly called a stitch. When the skin is cut open either by a doctor or through an injury, it may need to be sutured or sewed up. Stitching the skin together helps it to heal better with less chance of infection or scarring.

Sympathetic Nervous System: ᐅᐸᓗᐃᔾᔪᑎᑦ: Upaluijjutit: Système nerveux sympathique

The part of the nervous system that helps controls the heart, breathing muscles, stomach, glands and other parts of the body.

Symptom: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕈᑕᐅᖃᑦᑕᖅᑐᖅ: Aanniarutaqattaqutuq: Symptôme

Something that a patient notices which means that something may be wrong. For example, when a person gets a cold, one of the symptoms may be a cough or a stuffy nose.

Syndrome: ᓇᓗᓇᐃᖅᓯᔾᔪᑏᑦ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᕐᓂᐅᑉ: Nalunaiqsijjutiit Aanniarniup: Syndrome

A group of symptoms that happen together, meaning that a person is suffering from a certain disease. There are many types of syndromes. See Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Systems Of The Body: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔪᑎᖏᑦ: Timiup Aulajjutingit: Systèmes corporels

A group of body parts and organs that work together to do a certain job in the body. The body has many different systems. For example, the respiratory system is made up of all the parts of the body that help bring air into and out of the lungs.

• Circulatory System: ᐊᐅᑉ ᐃᖏᕐᕋᓂᖓ: Aup Ingirraninga: Appareil circulatoire: The parts of the body that work together to bring oxygen and food around the body. It includes the heart, the blood vessels and the blood.
• Digestive System: ᓂᕆᔭᒃᑎᓐᓂᑦ ᐊᕕᒃᑎᕆᔾᔪᑎᑦ: Nirijaktinnit Aviktirijjutit: Appareil digestif: The parts of the body that work together to bring food into the body, break it down, put the good things from the food into the blood and get rid of the waste. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, gallbladder, pancreas and the liver.
• Immune System: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᓴᐴᓘᑕᖏᑦ: Timiup Sapuuluutangit: Système immunitaire: The parts of the body that work together to help the body fight off disease. It includes the white blood cells and the lymph nodes. See Leukocyte, Lymph Node.
• Lymphatic System: ᑎᒥᐅᑉ ᐃᑦᓯᖃᐅᑎᖏᑦ: Timiup Itsiqautingit: Système lymphatique: This system has two jobs:

1. to put fluid that has leaked out of the blood back into the blood stream; and
2. to help the immune system fight infection.

It is made up of things that look like blood vessels but carry a clear fluid instead of blood. All along these vessels are little clumps of tissue that help catch any germs that get inside the body (lymph nodes).

• Nervous System: ᐊᐅᓚᔾᔪᑏᑦ, ᐃᑉᐱᓐᓂᐊᕈᑏᑦ: Aulajjutit, Ippinniarutiit: Système nerveux: The system in the body that sends messages to and from the brain. It controls everything that goes on inside the body from the movement of muscles, including the heart and breathing muscles, to the amount of hormones that glands give off.
• Reproductive System: ᕿᑐᓐᖏᐅᕈᑎᑦ: Qutunngiurutit: Appareil reproducteur: The parts of the body that work together to make it possible for babies to be born. In both men and women, it includes some glands that give off sex hormones (chemical messengers found in the blood). In women, the system also includes the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and breasts. In men, it also includes the penis and testicles.
• Respiratory System: ᐊᓂᖅᑎᕆᔾᔪᑎᑦ: Aniqtirijjutit: Appareil respiratoire: The parts of the body that make it possible to take air into the lungs. It includes the diaphragm, nose, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, aveloi and lungs.
• Skeletal System: ᓴᐅᓂᕆᔭᐅᔪᑦ: Saunurijaujut: Système osseux, squelette: The skeleton. It contains 204 bones. The skeleton gives the body shape, protects the organs and allows movement because the muscles are attached to it.
• Urinary System: ᑭᓈᓗᒍᑎᑦ: Kinaalugutit: Voies urinaires: The parts of the body that make urine. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Systole: ᐆᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᖁᖁᕐᓂᖓ (ᖁᖁᖅᑕᖅᑐᖅ): Uummatiup Ququrninga (Ququqtaqtuq): Systole

The heart beat can be divided into two phases: a resting phase and contracting phase. The contracting phase is known as systole. The pressure in the blood vessels is higher when the heart is contracting; therefore, the top number of a blood pressure reading is known as the systolic reading. For example, if a blood pressure reading is 120-80 the systolic number is 120.

T

Tachycardia: ᑎᓪᓕᕐᓂᖓᑦ ᓱᑲᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ, ᑎᓪᓕᓗᐊᖅᑐᖅ: Tillirninga Sukaluaqtuq, Tilliluaqtuq: Tachycardie

A heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute in an adult. The normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The heart rate normally gets faster if a person exercises. If a person is at rest and the heart is pumping too fast, it is a sign that something is wrong with the body.

Talus: ᓯᖏᕐᓂᐅᑉ ᓇᒡᒍᐊᖓ: Singirniup Naguanga: Astragale

The ankle bone.

Teeth: ᑭᒍᑎᑦ: Kigutit: Dents

The hard bone-like things which are in the mouth, growing out of the gums. There are 20 teeth in young children, often called baby teeth, and 32 in adults. They are used for biting, chewing food and the proper pronunciation of words. They help give shape to the face around the mouth area. The part of the tooth that is above the gum is known as the crown. The crown is covered by enamel. The root is found below the gum it is covered by cementum. Beneath the enamel and cementum is dentin. The dental pulp is found beneath the dentin; it contains the blood vessels and nerves for the teeth. Teeth have different shapes depending upon their job. The different types of teeth are the incisors, the canines and the molars. See Canine Tooth, Incisor Tooth.

Tendon: ᓄᑭᒃ: Nukik: Tendon

A strong cord that joins muscle to bone or muscle to muscle. When a muscle contracts (bulges), it pulls up the bone to which the muscle is attached. An over-used tendon can become swollen and painful; this condition is called tendonitis. If this happens, the sore area should be rested for a couple of weeks. The doctor may also order Naproxen, or some other drug to take the swelling down. In some cases, a drug (corticosteroid) can be given through a needle at the site of soreness.

Testicle: ᐃᔾᔫᒃ, ᐃᒡᔫᒃ: Ijjuuk, Igjuuk: Testicule

Also called testis. One of the two ball-shaped organs found in the sac that is behind a man's penis. It makes sperm and the male sex hormone which is called testosterone. Without testicles, a man would be unable to make babies. Each testicle hangs from a cord called the spermatic cord. Inside the spermatic cord, there are blood vessels which bring blood to and from the testicle, nerves and a tube which brings the sperm toward the penis. Sometimes one or both testicles can swell up. The swelling can be due to an infection, a collection of water or blood, a cyst, a twisted spermatic cord, cancer, etc. If a testicle swells it should be seen to by a doctor as soon as possible.

Tetanus: ᐊᓪᓕᕉᑉ ᓄᑭᖏᓐᓂᒃ ᐋᓐᓂᐊᖅ: Alliruup Nikinginnik Aanniaq: Tétanos

Commonly called lockjaw. A disease which is due to germs (bacteria) that live in the soil. The bacteria can get inside the body if a person steps or lies on something which cuts the skin. The bacteria make a poison which can cause very stiff muscles, especially of the jaw. It can cause death if the airways are affected and it is not possible to get treatment. If a person is treated quickly, she will usually survive. A person cannot get this disease if she has a tetanus needle (vaccination). This needle has to be updated every ten years. A booster shot may be given for a cut, if the doctor is worried about a tetanus infection.

Thalamus: ᖃᕋᓴᕐᒥ ᐃᒃᐱᓐᓂᐊᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᐊᐅᓚᑦᓯᔨ: Qarisarmi Ikpinnianirmik Aulatsiji: Thalame

A part of the brain. There are two of these in the brain. The plural of the thalamus is thalami. It is a relay centre for information coming from the sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin). Information from the sense organs first goes to the thalami. The thalami then sends it to the area of the brain that has the job of figuring out what the information means. For instance, information from the eyes goes to the thalami which then sends it to the "seeing" part of the brain.

Therapy: ᐱᔭᕆᐅᖅᓴᐃᔪᖅ: Pijariuqsaijuq: Thérapie

Treatment for disease. It can take many forms including medicine, surgery, exercise, diet, counselling, etc.

Thigh: ᖁᑦᑐᕋᖅ: Qutturaq: Cuisse

The part of the leg that is above the knee. It includes the femur, the muscles attached to it and the skin covering it.

Thoracic Surgery: ᑯᔭᐱᒐᐃᑦ ᐱᓚᒃᑐᐃᓂᖅ: Kujapigait Pilaktuiniq: Chirurgie thoracique

An operation on any of the organs in the chest except the heart. Used when talking about surgery of the lungs, esophagus or windpipe (trachea).

Thorax: ᑎᒥ, ᖃᑎᒐᖅ: Timi, Qatigaq: Thorax

The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, usually called the chest. It is separated from the abdomen by the large flat breathing muscle called the diaphragm. It includes the rib cage and all the organs inside it. The main organs in the thorax are the heart, lungs, windpipe (trachea), food tube (esophagus) and large blood vessels like the aorta and vena cava.

Throat: ᐄᔮᖅ, ᐄᒋᐊᖅ: Iijaaq, Iigiaq: Gorge

Common word for the pharynx. See Pharynx.

Thrush: ᐊᓂᐊᓚᑦᓯᔪᖅ ᓱᕈᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᓕᒻᒥᒃ: Anialatsijuq Surujunnaqtulimmik: Muguet

A yeast infection in the mouth. Commonly found in babies and treated with a special mouthwash.

Thyroid Gland: ᑐᖅᑯᔮᑉ ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᖓ (ᐆᒻᒪᒍᑎᓅᑦ): Tuqqujaap Qiliqsinanga (Uummagutinut): Glande thyroïde

The large gland found in the middle of the neck at the front of the windpipe (trachea). It helps to balance the amount of energy and calcium used in the body by making three different chemical messengers (hormones) which pour out of the thyroid into the bloodstream. Problems with the thyroid may be due to three different things:

1. a problem with the pituitary gland,
2. a problem with a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, or
3. a problem with the thyroid gland itself.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. The cause of thyroid problems can be found by doing a physical, knowing a patient's symptoms, doing a blood test, doing a biopsy (taking some fluid out of the thyroid and looking at it under a microscope) or doing a special x-ray called thyroid scan. If the thyroid makes too much of a hormone, drugs may be given or surgery may be done. If it makes too little, man-made thyroid hormones called levothyroxine or liothyronine will be given.

Tibia: ᐊᒥᓕᕋᖅ, ᑲᓈᖅ: Amiliraq, Kanaaq: Tibia

The medical name for the shin bone. The inner and larger bone of the lower leg.

Tissue: ᑕᖏᖅ: Tangiq: Tissu

A layer of cells which do a special job in the body. The body contains many different types of tissue including muscle tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue (skin or mucous membranes), adipose (fat) tissue and connective tissue (ligaments or tendons).

Toes: ᐃᓄᒐᓐᖑᐊᑦ: Inugannguat: Orteils

The ten extensions of the feet. Each toe has three bones called phalanges, except the big toe, which has two. The toes help us to keep our balance when walking. Some people do not cut their toenails in the right way which can cause a problem called ingrown toenails. This is quite painful and may lead to infections and the removal of a toenail. To stop this from happening, it is important to cut the toenails straight across (do not to round off the corners of the nail). Gout is a disease that affects the big toe. See Gout.

Tongue: ᐅᖃᖅ: Uqaq: Langue

The flat muscle found on the bottom of the mouth. It helps with chewing, speaking, swallowing and tasting. The taste buds are found on the top of the tongue.

Tonsilectomy: ᕿᓕᖅᓯᓇᐃᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Qiliqsinaiqtauniq: Amygdalectomie

The removal of the tonsils. The tonsils are the two round clumps of tissue at the back of the throat. If the mouth is wide open, they can be seen on either side of the tongue as two rough-surfaced clumps. They help fight infections of the nose and throat. If they become infected, they swell up, become red and may be covered in pus. Tonsillectomies used to be done much more often than they are today. This operation is now done for those who suffer too many severe attacks of tonsillitis (tonsil infection). If the tonsils are taken out, other parts of the body take over their infection-fighting duties. For the first day after the tonsils are taken out, the patient is watched carefully for bleeding. Swallowing often can be a sign of too much bleeding. Only soft food and fluids should be eaten for the first few days after this operation. The patient should expect a sore throat for up to two weeks.

Tonsillitis: ᑐᖅᑯᔮᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Tuqqujaallunniq: Amygdalite

An infection of the tonsils. It is more common in children than adults. The tonsils are the two round clumps of tissue at the back of the throat. If the mouth is wide open, they can be seen on either side of the tongue as two rough-surfaced clumps. They help fight infections of the nose and throat, but they can get infected easily by the germs they are trying to kill. If they become infected, they become red, painful, swollen and possibly covered in pus. This infection is treated with bed rest, plenty of fluids and painkillers such as Tylenol. If the doctor thinks it is needed, she will order antibiotics.

Tourniquet: ᓂᒥᕈᑦ: Nimirut: Garot

A piece of material or elastic that is pulled tightly around an arm or leg to slow down the blood supply to an area. Often used when a nurse or doctor wants a vein to pop out so that a blood sample can be gotten or an IV can be started. Tourniquets should not be left in place too long because the tissue below the site will be damaged or killed if it goes too long without blood.

Toxemia Of Pregnancy: ᓯᖓᐃᓂᖓᓂ ᑎᓪᓕᖅᑖᖓ ᖁᕝᕙᓯᑦᑐᖅ: Singainingani Tilliqtaanga Quvvasittuq: Toxémie gravidique

Sometimes called preeclampsia. It is a serious pregnancy problem that happens after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The cause of this problem is not known. However, it is more common in women under the age of 25 and over the age of 35, those that have a poor diet, those that have had many babies, and those that have other diseases like diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or high blood pressure. If it is not treated, it can lead to the death of the woman or her unborn child. Women who have this develop high blood pressure (hypertension), swelling of tissues (edema) and protein in the urine (proteinuria). It can be mild to severe. If it is mild, the woman will be asked to stay in bed; she may also be given mild drugs to bring down her blood pressure. If she has severe toxemia, she will have to stay in bed and be given a stronger drug by IV to bring down her blood pressure. While receiving this drug, she will need very careful monitoring. If her condition continues to get worse, the baby will have to be delivered. The doctor may choose to start labour with medication, or she may decide to deliver the baby by Cesarean section.

Toxin: ᑐᖁᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ ᖃᓂᒪᓐᓇᒥᓐᖔᖅᑐᖅ: Tuqunnaqtuq Qanimannaminngaaqtuq: Toxine

A poison made by a disease-causing germ (bacteria) in an animal or a plant.

Trachea: ᑐᖅᓱᒃ, ᑐᖅᑐᒃ: Tuqsuk, Tuqtuk: Trachée

The medical word for the windpipe. It forms part of the pathway that takes air to the lungs. It begins at the throat near the voice box (larynx) and goes down about ten cm where it divides into two branches called the bronchi. On the front side of the trachea, there are C-shaped cartilage rings (soft bones) that hold its shape. The trachea has a flap called the epiglottis that covers it during swallowing. Breathing in or talking at the same time as swallowing food may cause the food to get stuck in the upper section of the trachea. If the piece of food is large enough, it may completely block the airway. Unless the blockage is cleared the person will die. Try forcing the food out of the airway by putting your fist covered by your other hand just below the place where the ribs meet and push in and up quickly several times. If the person is not awake, call for help right away. Lay the person on his back, put your hands slightly above the belly button and push upwards quickly.

Traction: ᐱᑐᒃᓯᒪᓂᖅ, ᓄᓱᒃᓯᒪᔾᔪᑎ: Pituksimaniq, Nusuksimajjuti: Traction

Using weight to pull bones into the right position after a break (fracture). Traction is most often used for a break of the thigh bone (femur) or a break of a spinal bone (vertebra). It stays in place until the bones heal. With a break of the femur, it is common for the thigh muscles to tighten around the break causing the bones to overlap. If pins are put in or a cast put on the bones of the lower leg and a pulley with a weight is attached to either the pins or the cast, the bones can be pulled into the right position. If this is not done, the broken leg would be shorter than the other leg when it heals. If one or more of the vertebrae are broken, it is important to keep the spine straight to protect the spinal cord from damage. In this case, pins may be placed in the head and a weight applied.

Tranquilizer: ᐄᔭᒐᖅ ᓯᓂᓐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Iijagaq Sininnaqtuq: Tranquillisant

A drug which makes a person feel relaxed or sleepy.

Transfusion: ᐊᐅᓕᖅᓱᖅᑕᐅᔪᖅ: Auliqsuqtaujuq: Transfusion

Usually used to talk about a blood transfusion See Blood Transfusion.

Trapezius: ᖁᓖᒃ, ᐱᑯᓪᓗᒍᑎ: Quliik, Pikulluguti: Muscle trapèze

The diamond-shaped muscle that goes from the back of the head to the tops of the shoulders to a point in the middle of the back. Lifts the shoulders up toward the head and brings the arms back toward the back.

Triceps: ᐊᒃᓴᖅᑯᕐᓇᖅ: Aksaqqurnaq: Triceps

The muscle at the back of the upper arm. It is connected to bone in three places: at one place on the shoulder blade (scapula) and at two places on the upper arm bone (humerus). The triceps act in the opposite direction to the biceps and thus straighten the arm.

Tricuspid Valve: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᑕᓕᖅᐱᐊᓃᑦᑐᖅ ᐅᒃᑯᔮᖅ: Uummatiup Taliqpianiittuq Ukkujaaq: Valvule tricuspide

The valve on the right side of the heart between the upper and lower sections of the heart (i.e. between the right atrium and the right ventricle). If this valve does not close tightly enough, blood can leak from the bottom section of the heart (right ventricle) up into the top section of the heart (right atrium). This means the heart is not able to pump blood as well as it should, so there is less blood with oxygen getting around the body. This problem can be due to lung disease or a valve deformity caused by rheumatic fever (an infection that affects the heart) or other type of infection. The valve may need to be fixed by surgery if the body becomes badly affected.

Tubal Ligation: ᐃᓪᓕᐊᑉ ᐊᑦᑕᑎᖏᑕ ᕿᓚᒃᑕᐅᓂᖓ: Illiap Attatingita Qilaktauninga: Ligature des trompes

An operation which stops a woman from becoming pregnant by cutting, tying or clipping the tubes which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus (fallopian tubes). This operation stops the egg from meeting sperm and thereby stops any possibility of pregnancy. Women who do not want children for medical or personal reasons have this operation. It is a fairly simple operation which is usually done through a very small cut in the abdomen. If a woman changes her mind about becoming pregnant, the fallopian tubes can be untied or unclipped but there is no guarantee that she will be able to get pregnant.

Tuberculosis: ᐳᕝᕙᓪᓗᒃ, ᐳᕙᓪᓗᓐᓂᖅ: Puvvalluk, Puvallunniq: Tuberculose

Sometimes called TB. A disease that mainly affects the lungs but can affect any part of the body. It is caused by a germ (bacteria) that can be passed from one person to another through sneezing or coughing. It is much more common when there are poor, overcrowded living conditions, poor nutrition, etc. The bacteria most often get into the lungs and grow in large numbers. The body's immune system usually stops these bacteria from spreading throughout the lungs or body by walling them off in a capsule. This capsule is called the primary site of infection and can often be seen on a chest x-ray. At a later point, the bacteria inside the capsule may start to grow again. At this time, they can spread throughout the lungs or body and cause damage to organs, tissues or bones. If TB is not treated, it can cause death. A person who has TB affecting the lungs may have shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and weight loss. The doctor can tell if you have this disease by doing a chest x-ray, testing the mucous from the lungs and testing the skin. It is treated with medicines called antibiotics; it is very important that all the antibiotic be taken to make the germ is killed.

Tumour: ᒪᓂᕐᓇᖅ, ᐱᕈᖅᑐᖅ: Manirnaq, Piruqtuq: Tumeur

An abnormal growth. It is a lump of cells. A tumour can be harmless (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Malignant tumours spread to nearby tissues or organs and they may also spread through the blood stream to other areas of the body. Benign tumours do not spread to other areas of the body and cause a problem only if they press on an organ or block an important pathway. All new lumps that are found should be looked at by a doctor. The doctor can tell if a growth is benign or malignant by doing a biopsy (cutting out the growth and looking at some of the cells under a microscope).

Twins: ᒪᕐᕉᓕᓂᖅ: Marruliniq: Jumeaux, jumelles

Two babies born from the same pregnancy. The twins may be identical to one another or no more similar than any brother or sister. Generally, there is only one egg given off by one ovary each month, but if two or more eggs are given off, it is possible that all the eggs will meet sperm and become fertilized. If two eggs are given off and both get fertilized then twins result. Identical twins are the result of one egg which is fertilized by one sperm. Normally, when one egg is fertilized by one sperm, one child develops, but for some reason with identical twins the egg divides into two identical halves and each half goes on to make an identical child. Identical twins share one placenta, but fraternal (not identical) twins each have their own placenta.

U

Ulcer: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖓᓂ ᐊᒥᕐᓗᒃ, ᐊᒻᒪᓂᖅ: Aqiarungani Amirluk, Ammaniq: Ulcère

An open sore on the skin or on a mucous membrane (the soft, pink slippery skin that lines the mouth and the rest digestive tract). It is due to the top layers of tissue being destroyed, which makes a little hole. On the skin, they are most often due to circulation problems or skin cancer. The lower legs tend to be affected the most when there is a circulation problem, but an ulcer can be found anywhere on the skin. Skin ulcers need to be seen and taken care of by a nurse or doctor because they are quite difficult to heal, and they are likely to become infected. Ulcers in the mouth are quite painful but generally get better within a couple of weeks. To help with the pain, the mouth can be rinsed with painkilling mouthwashes. Waterproof ointments can be put over the ulcer to help protect the ulcer. If a mouth ulcer is taking a long time to get better, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash.

• Peptic Ulcer: ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖓ ᑭᓪᓚᓕᒃ: Aqiarunga Killalik: Ulcère à l'estomac: A sore that happens in the digestive tract. They occur most often in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This type of ulcer is due to a wearing away of the lining of the stomach, etc. by the strong acid that is made in the stomach. Normally, the stomach is protected from being eaten away by this acid by a layer of mucous that lines the walls. An ulcer occurs when too much acid is made in the stomach or if there is not enough mucous to protect the lining from the acid. Doctors also think that a germ (bacteria) may cause most ulcers to develop. An ulcer can cause a burning or gnawing pain in the stomach when the stomach is empty. To find out for sure if there is an ulcer, the doctor will usually do a test called a gastroscopy, where a viewing tube is put through the mouth down to the stomach. With this test, the ulcers in the lining of the stomach can be easily seen. Ulcers are treated with antacid drugs, which are drugs that make the stomach less acidic. The patient should not take Aspirin, smoke, or drink alcohol, coffee or tea. It is also a good idea to eat many small meals a day. The main concern with an ulcer is that it will cause serious bleeding or that it will make a hole through the stomach, allowing things to leak out of the stomach into the abdomen.

Ulna: ᐊᒡᒐᐅᑎᖓ ᓯᓕᓐᓂᖅᓴᖅ: Aggautinga Silinniqsaq: Cubitus

One of the two bones of the lower arm. It is the bone which is on the same side as the little finger.

Ultrasound Scanning: ᑏᕖᖑᔭᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ: Tiiviingujakkut Qaujisaqtauniq: Échographie

A test which uses sound to give a picture of things inside the body. The part of the body being looked at is covered with a clear jelly and an instrument (called a probe) is passed over the area. A sound leaves the instrument and goes into the body where it bounces off the organ (or other structure). The sound bounces back from the organ into the probe. The probe then changes the sound into a picture which shows up on a nearby screen. The doctor can see if the organ looks normal or not. Ultrasounds are often done to make sure that unborn babies are developing normally and to find out how far along a woman is in her pregnancy.

Umbilical Cord: ᒥᒃᑎᐊᖅ: Miktiaq: Cordon ombilical

The cord that goes from the baby to the placenta, which is the organ that is attached to the uterus during pregnancy. The umbilical cord is about 50 cm long and is made of a jelly-like substance. It contains two arteries and one vein. Its job is to bring oxygen and food to the baby while it is growing inside the mother. After birth, it is clamped and cut about two to three cm from the abdomen. The rest of the umbilical cord is still attached to the placenta (afterbirth). The stump should be cleaned every day with warm soap and water, and some antiseptic like iodine put around it. It falls off after a few days.

Umbilicus: ᖃᓚᓯᖅ: Qalasiq: Ombilic

Commonly called the belly button. The scar on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was once attached while the baby was growing inside the mother.

Ureter: ᑕᖅᑑᑉ ᐃᐱᐅᑕᖓ: Taqtuup Ipiutanga: Uretère

One of the two tubes that carries urine (pee) from each of the kidneys to the bladder. These tubes are about 25 to 30 cm long in adults. They can become infected if an infection spreads up from the bladder or down from the kidneys. This is treated with antibiotics. If a kidney stone passes through a ureter, it causes a lot of pain which may be treated with a pain medication like Demerol.

Urethra: ᖁᕐᕆᕕᒃ, ᖁᐃᕕᒃ: Qurrivik, Quivik: Urètre

The tube that brings urine (pee) from the bladder to the outside. In women, it is found in front of the vagina and is about four cm long; in men, it is at the tip of the penis and is the tube through which urine and semen leave the body. It can become swollen and sore with irritation or infection. The female urethra is close to the vagina and anus; therefore, germs which live in those areas can reach the urethra easily. After using the bathroom, it is important for women to wipe themselves from the front to back. The female urethra can also become irritated from sexual intercourse, so peeing after intercourse clears the urethra of germs and makes it less likely to develop an infection. Bladder infections tend to be more common in women as the germs can easily travel up the short urethra to the bladder. These infections are treated with medicines called antibiotics. In men, infections of the urethra tend to be due to the sexually transmitted germs like the ones that cause gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, etc. These infections are also treated with antibiotics.

Uterus: ᐃᒡᓕᐊᖅ, ᐃᓪᓕᐊᖅ: Igliaq, Illiaq: Utérus

Commonly called the womb. It is the organ in which babies develop. It is a hollow muscle that is about the size and shape of a pear in a woman who is not pregnant. It is found low down in the pelvis slightly above the bladder in most women. Because of the position of the uterus, some pregnant women have to pee often as the uterus can push down on the bladder. The uterus is lined with a tissue called the endometrium. Every month this endometrial lining thickens with blood and mucous to give food to an fertilized egg (growing baby). If the woman does not get pregnant, this endometrial lining comes out of the vagina as the monthly bleeding (period).

V

Vaccine: ᐋᓐᓂᐊᓕᕇᒃᑯᑎ: Aannialiriikkuti: Vaccin

A fluid which is made up of weakened germs (viruses or bacteria) which can be given to a patient to swallow or as a needle. This fluid in the vaccine will stop a person from getting the disease which is caused by a stronger type of the same germ. There are many different vaccines. All children should be given vaccines against meningitis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and German measles. There is a certain age when all of these vaccines are given, usually at 2, 4, 6, 15 and 18 months and again at school age. Girls are given a booster against German measles around 11 years old. Vaccines against tuberculosis, hepatitis B or the flu may be given if necessary. There is a vaccine against rabies, which should be given when bitten by a dog bites.

Vagina: ᖂᖃᖅ, ᓂᕈᑭᓐᓂᖓ: Quuqaq, Nirukinninga: Vagin

The canal in the female which is a passageway from the cervix (the tip of the uterus) to the outside. It is the opening through which babies are born, through which the monthly bleeding passes and through which the penis enters the woman during sex. This opening is about an inch in front of the anus and an inch behind the opening through which urine leaves the body (the urethra). It is quite common for women to get infections in this area. A visit to the doctor should be made if there are any changes in the amount, colour or smell of discharge.

Valve: ᓯᒥᑦᑕᐅᑦ: Simittaut: Valvule

Flaps of tissue that are inside a passageway of the body. When the flaps meet, this stops the backward flow of any fluid which may be passing through it. Valves are found in the heart and in the veins.

Varicose Veins: ᓂᐅᑉ ᑕᖃᖏᑦ ᐳᓪᓕᖅᑐᑦ (ᑐᖑᔪᖅᑕᐃᑦ): Niup Taqangit Pulliqtut (Tungujartait): Varices

Swollen, blue veins usually found in the legs. This happens when a blood cannot move up the leg veins to the heart. Usually a blood is helped up the veins by two things:

1. movement of the leg muscles which presses and squeezes the veins, pushing the blood upwards; and
2. by the shutting of valves behind the blood, which stops it from leaking backwards once it has been pushed up.

If we sit or stand for long periods of time, the muscles cannot help in moving the blood upwards; this means that the blood stays in one place for too long, which causes the veins to stretch. Once the veins are stretched, the valves that are along the inside of the veins cannot fit together tightly. If the valves do not close tightly, blood can leak backwards. This causes pooling of blood and the veins start to bulge out. Varicose veins seem to run in families. This may be because the valves are weak or don't work right from birth. They also happen more often in women, especially during pregnancy because the swollen uterus pushes on the veins in the legs making it harder for the blood to go upward.

Varicose veins usually develop slowly. Once they have formed, they can hurt and cause circulation problems. People who have parents with this or have mild varicose veins should walk and exercise often which will get the muscles moving and help bring the blood back to the heart. They should also lie flat with their legs slightly above the rest of the body to help drain the blood towards the head. If the varicose veins are bad, there are two main treatments: surgery and injections. Injections are usually tried first; the patient is not usually admitted to the hospital for this procedure. The doctor puts a chemical into the bad vein with a needle; this chemical gets hard after a few days. Eventually, the vein shrinks, and other nearby veins take over its job. This can be quite painful during the first few days. If the veins are very bad, the doctor will cut them out. This is usually done by making a cut in the groin and a few other places down the leg and pulling out the bad vein. Again, other nearby veins take over the job of the missing vein.

Vas Deferens: ᖃᐸᐅᑉ ᐊᖅᑯᑎᖓ: Qapaup Aqqutinga: Canal déférent

A tube which comes from each testicle (the two egg-shaped things in the sac of saggy skin under a man's penis). Since one of these tubes comes from each testicle, there are two vas deferens. These tubes carry sperm from the testicles to the glands which are near the opening of the bladder. After these glands, the two vas deferens tubes join to form one tube called the urethra through which urine and the milky-fluid called semen leave the body. The sperm get mixed with this fluid. The vas deferens are the tubes which are cut in a vasectomy. See Vasectomy.

Vasectomy: ᕿᑐᓐᖏᔪᓐᓇᐃᓪᓕᑎᑕᐅᓯᒪᔪᖅ ᐊᖑᑦ: Qitunngijunnaillititausimajuq Angut: Vasectomie

A medical procedure which makes a man unable to get a woman pregnant (makes him sterile). It is thought of as a safe and simple procedure and is done in the doctor's office because it does not take long. The man is not put to sleep and can go home shortly after it is done. The doctor freezes the area to lessen any pain. A tiny cut is made into the scrotum (the bag in which the testicles are found) and the tube which carries the sperm out of the penis is cut; this tube is called the vas deferens. This is done on both sides because each testicle has a vas deferens tube. The area is then sewn up with a couple of stitches. It heals quickly but the man should expect some minor pain, slight bruising of the area and some swelling of the scrotum. He should avoid too much activity for a couple of days. If there is too much pain, swelling or bruising, he should go back to his doctor.

This procedure does not affect the enjoyment of sex and the milky fluid (semen) still comes out of the penis when the man has an orgasm. The semen is just missing the sperm which are the things that cause a woman to become pregnant. A couple should use other methods of birth control (the pill, condoms, diaphragm, etc.) for awhile after the procedure. This extra protection should be used until the man has had his semen tested to make sure that there are no sperm in it. He is asked to give a sample of his semen a month or so (the amount of time depends on the doctor) after the operation. If the man changes his mind and wants to have more children, the doctor can try sewing the vas deferen tubes back together. This may or may not work.

Vein: ᑕᖃᖅ: Taqaq: Veine

A type of blood vessel (a hollow tube carrying blood) which brings blood towards the heart. Its job is opposite to that of an artery which carries blood away from the heart. Veins are thinner than arteries and not as strong, because the blood inside them, is not under as much pressure. Veins have valves inside them whereas arteries do not. The job of these valves is to help the veins bring blood back to the heart; without the valves the blood would fall backwards because there is no pressure behind it. When these valves are not working, the blood stays in the lower part of the body; this causes varicose veins or hemorrhoids, depending on where the valves are broken.

Veins carry blood that has no oxygen left in it; this blood is dark red or bluish. The only veins which have blood with oxygen in it are the pulmonary veins. The pulmonary veins bring blood towards the heart after it has picked up oxygen in the lungs. These blood vessels are still called veins because they carry blood toward the heart. There are many veins in the body, most of which are named for the area of the body in which they are found; for example, the cervical vein brings blood from around the neck back to the heart, the cerebral veins bring blood from the head back to the heart, etc. See Artery.

Vena Cava: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ: Taqavik: Veine cave

The largest vein in the body. It drains blood from the body into the right atrium, which is the empty space in the top right corner of the heart. The vena cava can be thought of as a long, wide tube which travels in a straight up-and-down direction through the right atrium. The right atrium is in the middle of this tube and divides the vena cava into top and bottom parts; the top part is called the superior vena cava and the bottom part is the inferior vena cava. The blood from the top part of the body drains into the superior vena cava down to the right atrium. The blood from the lower part of the body drains into the inferior vena cava and upward to the right atrium. See Atrium, Vein.

• Inferior Vena Cava: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᐊᒻᒧᐊᖓᔪᖅ: Taqavik Uummatimmuungajuq Ammuangajuq: Veine cave inférieure: The lower part of the vena cava that drains blood from the lower part of the body upward into the heart. See Vena Cava.
• Superior Vena Cava: ᑕᖃᕕᒃ ᐆᒻᒪᑎᒻᒨᖓᔪᖅ ᖁᒻᒧᐊᖓᔪᖅ: Taqavik Uummatimmuungajuq Qummuangajuq: Veine cave supérieure: The top part of the vena cava that drains blood down from the upper part of the body into the heart. See Vena Cava.

Venereal Disease: ᖁᐱᕐᕆᓯᒪᔪᖅ, ᐆᒻᒪᔾᔨᓯᒪᔪᖅ: Qupirrisimajuq, Uummajjisimajuq: Maladie vénérienne

A disease that can be passed from one person to another by sexual contact. This is an older term, and nowadays most people use the term sexually transmitted disease (STD). Examples of venereal diseases are syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and AIDS.

Ventricle: ᐆᒻᒪᑎᐅᑉ ᓇᑉᐸᖓ: Uummatiup Nappanga: Ventricule

One of the spaces found in the heart. The heart has four spaces, two on the top and two on the bottom. You can imagine it as a square that has been divided into four blocks. The two bottom blocks are called the ventricles. There is a right and left ventricle which are separated from each other by a wall of muscle. Blood is pushed down into these ventricles from the top two atria. The blood is then pumped out of the ventricles: the right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs and the left ventricle pumps to the body. Since the left ventricle has to push much harder and to a greater distance, it is larger and stronger than the right ventricle.

Vertebra: ᐸᒥᐅᓪᓗᒃ: Pamiulluk: Vertèbre

One of the bones that make up the spine. There are 33 of these bones. Each one of these bones is a half-circle on one side, and on the opposite side in the middle there is a spiky piece. They are hollow in the centre which allows the spinal cord to pass through. Between these bones is a spongy round disk which protects the bones from too much pressure.

Virulence: ᖃᓂᒪᓂᐅᑉ ᓲᖑᓂᖓᑕ ᐅᓗᕆᐊᓇᕐᓂᖓᑦ: Qanimaniup Suunguningata Ulurianarningat: Virulence

How strong a germ is, how likely it is to get inside of a person and how likely it is to cause an illness. A very strong germ that gets inside of a person easily is said to be virulent.

Virus: ᖁᐱᕐᕈᐃᑦ ᐊᐃᑦᓱᐃᓇᖅᑐᑦ: Qupirruit Aitsuinaqtut: Virus

A very small germ that can be spread from one person to another. They can only be seen under high-powered microscopes. There are many different types of viruses, and each type can cause a different disease. They cannot produce offspring unless they are inside of a living cell because they must use the cell's equipment to make offspring. They kill the cell in which they are living. They are different from the other main group of germs known as bacteria and cannot be killed by antibiotics (medicines like penicillin, amoxil, erthyromycin, etc.). Many diseases are caused by viruses including chickenpox, some forms of hepatitis, AIDS, flus, colds, herpes, rabies, etc. Since these diseases are caused by a virus, it is useless to take antibiotics to help cure any of these diseases.

Vitamin: ᑎᒥᒧᑦ ᐃᑲᔫᑎ: Timimut Ikajuuti: Vitamine

A small chemical found in food which is needed by the body for growth and health. The body needs vitamins in order to survive. There are many different kinds of vitamins: for example, vitamin A, C, D, E and K. There are also many vitamins which are called the B vitamins. Each type of food contains different amounts of these vitamins, with some foods high in one type of vitamin and low in another type. That is why it is important to eat lots of different kinds of food, which makes sure that you are getting all of your vitamins.

If the body is too low in a certain vitamin, you can get a disease; for example, scurvy (a disease which causes bleeding gums, black and blue spots on the skin, extreme weakness and difficulty breathing) is due to a lack of vitamin C, which is found in oranges and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Rickets (a disease in which the bones are soft and may become deformed) is due to a lack of vitamin D, which is added to milk and formed in the skin when you are in the sun.

Some people take vitamin pills when they think that they are not getting enough vitamins naturally in their food. You can take each type of vitamin separately, or you can take one pill which contains a small amount of each vitamin (multivitamin). Vitamins should be taken at mealtime because the body can not absorb some vitamins well without fat in the stomach. If you think that you may need vitamin pills, talk to a doctor because it is not safe to take too many vitamins since some vitamins can build up in the body and cause illnesses.

• Vitamin A is important in helping us see at night, and in keeping the skeleton and skin healthy. It is found in high amounts in carrots, green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli, liver, eggs, whole milk and cheese.
• B Vitamins: There are eight B vitamins; each have different jobs to do in the body. Most of them are involved in helping the body use energy and keeping the nervous system healthy. One of them is important in helping the body build red blood cells (these are the cells that bring food and oxygen around the body). Most of the B vitamins are found together in foods. Dark green vegetables, meat, cereals and bread have a lot of B vitamins.
• Vitamin C is important in building strong teeth and bones, helping the body to heal itself and fight off diseases. It is found in high amounts in fruits (like oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes and strawberries) and in dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach and cabbage).
• Vitamin D is important in building strong bones and teeth. It can be formed in the body when we are in the sun; it is also found in eggs, liver and fish, and it can also be added to milk.
• Vitamin E is important protecting other vitamins and the body's cells. It is found in vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables, liver, egg yolks, milk fat, nuts and seeds.
• Vitamin K is important in helping the blood clot (stopping bleeding). The body can make some of its own but it is also found in liver, green leafy and cabbage-type vegetables, and milk.

Vulva: ᐅᓗᐊᓐᖑᐊᒃ: Uluannguak: Vulve

The part of the female body that is found between the legs. It includes two thick outside folds of skin which have hair on the outside in an adult called the labia majora, the two reddish-pink inside folds of skin called the labia minora, the clitoris, the vagina and the urethra. The two inside skin folds (the labia minora) join at the front around the clitoris. The urethra is found between the clitoris and the vagina. See Clitoris, Urethra, Vagina.

W

Wart: ᐅᓐᖑᖅ: Unnguq: Verrue

A growth on the skin caused by a germ (virus) which is in the skin. They may be the same colour as the skin or slightly darker; they can be flat or higher than the skin; they usually are bumpy. They can be burned or cut off by a doctor but they can come back. Sometimes they go away on their own. They can be found anywhere on the skin but are most often found on the fingers, hands or face. They can spread by rubbing or touching them on other parts of the body.

WBC: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ ᖃᑯᖅᑕᖅ ᐊᐅᒻᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Ijaruvaujaq Qakuqtaq Aummiittuq: Globule blanc, leucocyte

This is the short way of writing white blood cell. See White Blood Cell.

White Blood Cell: ᐃᔭᕈᕙᐅᔭᖅ ᖃᑯᖅᑕᖅ ᐊᐅᒻᒦᑦᑐᖅ: Ijaruvaujaq Qakuqtaq Aummiittuq: Globule blanc (leucocytes)

A white blood cell (WBC) is also called a leukocyte. There are millions of these tiny things floating around in the blood. They have two main jobs: to kill and eat any germs or other foreign things that they find, and to eat dead cells. They are considered a very important part of the body's immune system. There are several different types of WBCs found in the blood, each with a different job to do and a different name. They are called neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Some of these are more important in eating germs, others in making antibodies, and others in clearing away dead cells from a damaged area. When we get an infection, the body makes more WBCs so that they can eat up all the germs. This will show up in a blood test.

Whooping Cough: ᖁᐃᖅᓱᕐᔪᐊᕐᓇᖅᑐᖅ: Quiqsurjuarnaqtuq: Coqueluche

A disease that is found most often in children, which causes bad coughing spurts. A whooping sound is heard after the coughing spurts because the patient is gasping for breath. Sometimes patients vomit after their coughing spurts because the hard coughing has upset the stomach. The coughing can last up to three months and tends to be worse at night. The germ that causes this cough is spread easily from one person to another by coughing and sneezing, or by touching things that have been touched by a patient. There is a vaccine given to children against this disease.

Womb: ᐃᒡᓕᐊᖅ, ᐃᓪᓕᐊᖅ: Igliaaq, Illiaq: Utérus

The same as uterus. See Uterus.

Wound: ᐃᑭ: Iki: Blessure

Any damage to the body which is caused by hitting, banging, cutting, etc.

Wrist: ᐅᐊᒡᒐᐅᑎ: Aggauti: Poignet

The part of the body where the hand joins the lower arm. There are eight bones in the wrist: two rows of four bones. These bones are called carpals. They allow the hand to bend and move in many directions.

X

X-Ray: ᑕᕐᕋᑐᖅᑕᐅᓂᖅ, ᐊᔾᔨᓕᐅᖅᑕᖅᓂᖅ: Tarratuqtauniq, Ajjiliuqtauniq: Rayons-X

A picture of any inside part of the body which is taken with a machine that gives off special beams of energy called x-rays. X-rays can pass through some parts of the body but not through other parts. The parts of the body that the rays pass through do not show up on the film, whereas the parts that the rays cannot pass through show up as white shapes on the film. This is how a picture is formed.

Y

Yeast Infection: ᐊᓂᐊᓚᑦᓯᔪᖅ ᓱᕈᔪᓐᓇᖅᑐᓕᕐᒥᒃ: Anialatsijuq Surujunnaqtulirmik: Candidose

The same as candidiasis. See Candidiasis.