Glossary Terms
Limbic system
The limbic system involves various structures of the brain that control emotions, hormonal secretions, mood, motivation, and pain and pleasure sensations.
Living will
This is a form of advance notice that specifies in writing what kind of medical care a person wants or does not want in the event of terminal illness or incapacity.
Lubricant
A lubricant is a slippery, water or oil-based substance, which may be used by women who feel pain during intercourse because of vaginal dryness. A water-based lubricant should be used with latex condoms (oil can weaken the latex).
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is surgery to remove a tumor and possibly some surrounding healthy tissue. The tissue is examined to determine if cancer cells have spread beyond the tumor.
Lung capacity
Lung capacity is the measure of the amount of air that the lungs may contain at various points in the respiratory cycle.
Lymph fluid
Lymph fluid is the clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases. It can also be called lymph.
Lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located along the vessels of the lymphatic system. Clusters of lymph nodes can be found in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. Lymph nodes store white blood cells that help fight infection. They also filter lymphatic fluid. Sometimes they are called lymph glands.
Lymph node dissection
Lymph node dissection is a surgery that removes lymph nodes so they can be examined to see whether they contain cancer. This surgery can also be called a lymphadenectomy.
Lymph node mapping
Lymph node mapping is a procedure to identify lymph nodes that contain tumor cells. Dyes and radioactive substances are usually injected into the area of the tumor to help the surgeon locate the lymph nodes. It can also be called sentinel lymph node mapping.
Lymph vessel
The lymph vessel is a thin tube that carries lymphatic fluid and white blood cells through the lymphatic system. It can also be called a lymphatic vessel.
Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, organs, vessels, and glands that produce, store, and carry cells that fight infection in the human body.
