Medical Conditions Terminology in Category W

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Water-Electrolyte Balance

The state of the body in relation to the intake and excretion of water and electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium. It exists in a metabolic balance internally with BODY FLUID COMPARTMENTS, total BODY WATER; BLOOD VOLUME; EXTRACELLULAR SPACE; etc., externally through sensible and insensible SWEATING. The hypothalamus controls water balance. (Dorland, 27th ed; Mountcastle, Medical Physiology, 14th ed, 1980, p1152)

Wernicke Area

Lower lateral part of the cerebral hemisphere.

Wild Animal

Animals considered to be wild or feral or not adapted for domestic use. It does not include wild animals in zoos for which ANIMALS, ZOO is available.

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Word Association Test

Lists of words to which individuals are asked to respond ascertaining the conceptual meaning held by the individual.

Wound Ballistics

Disruption of structural continuity of the body as a result of the discharge of firearms.

Whole Blood Activated Coagulation Time

Measurement of the time required by whole blood to produce a visible clot. Factors that could influence the test are all but III, VII, and XIII. Activation may be by contact with the glass tube or exposure to diatomaceous earth. Delay of onset of coagulation may be achieved by use of nonwettable plastic or silicone-coated glass tubes. It is used for monitoring heparin therapy and as a bedside screening test for deficiencies in the intrinsic coagulation pathway. “Activated coagulation time” is sometimes referred to as ACT.

Wood Alcohol

A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of FORMALDEHYDE and ACETIC ACID, in chemical synthesis, antifreeze, and as a solvent. Ingestion of methanol is toxic and may cause blindness.

Wife Abuse

Deliberate severe and repeated injury to one domestic partner by the other.

Weight-Loss Agents

Agents that increase energy expenditure and weight loss by neural and chemical regulation. Beta-adrenergic agents and serotoninergic drugs have been experimentally used in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) to treat obesity.

Wetting Agents

A surfactant that renders a surface wettable by water or enhances the spreading of water over the surface; used in foods and cosmetics; important in contrast media; also with contact lenses, dentures, and some prostheses. Synonyms: humectants; hydrating agents.