areas of precancerous tissue (see dyspla-
sia) or of early cervical cancer (see cervix,
cancer of).
comaA state of unconsciousnessand
unresponsiveness to external stimuli (for
example, pinching) or internal stimuli
(such as a full bladder). Coma results
from disturbance or damage to areas of
the involved in conscious activity or
maintenance of consciousness – in par-
ticular, parts of the cerebrum, upper parts
of the brainstem, and central regions of
the brain, especially the limbic system.
There are varying depths of coma. Even
people in deep comas may show some
automatic responses, such as breathing
unaided and blinking. If the lower brain-
stem is damaged, vital functions are
impaired, and artificial ventilation and
maintenance of the circulation are re-
quired. With medical care, a person may
be kept alive for many years in a deep
coma (persistent vegetative state) pro-
vided the brainstem is still functioning.
Complete irreversible loss of brainstem
function leads to brain death.
combination drugA preparation con-
taining more than one active substance.
comedoAnother name for a blackhead.
commensal A usually harmless bacteri-
umor other organism that normally
lives in or on the body.
commodeA portable chair that con-
tains a removable toilet bowl in its seat.
communicable diseaseAny disease due
to a microorganism or parasite that can
be transmitted from one person to anoth-
er. (See also contagious; infectious disease.)
compartment syndrome A painful
cramp due to compression of a group of
muscles within a confined space. It may
occur when muscles are enlarged due to
intensive training or injury such as shin
splints. Cramps induced by exercise usu-
ally disappear when exercise is stopped.
Severe cases may require fasciotomy to
improve blood flow and prevent devel-
opment of a permanent contracture.
compensation neurosisA supposed
psychological reaction to injury affected
by the prospect of financial compensa-
tion. In some cases, the condition may
delay physical recovery.
complementA collection of proteinsin
blood plasmathat helps to destroy for-
eign cells and is an important part of
the immune system.
complementary medicineA group of
therapies, often described as “alterna-
tive”,which are now increasingly used to
complement or to act as an alternative
to conventional medicine. They fall into
3 broad categories: touch and movement
(as in acupuncture, massage, and reflex-
ology); medicinal (as in naturopathy,
homeopathy. and Chinese medicine); and
psychological (as in biofeedback, hyp-
notherapy, and meditation).COMA COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
C
Colposcope
allows doctor
to view cervix Leg supportCOLPOSCOPYMonitor shows
view through
colposcope