Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

conductive deafnessDeafnesscaused

by faulty conduction of sound from the

outer to the inner ear.

condyloma acuminatumSee warts,

genital.

coneA type of light-sensitive cell in the

retinaof the eye. Cones play a major

role in colour vision.

cone biopsyA surgical procedure in

which a conical or cylindrical section of

the lower part of the cervixis removed.

A cone biopsy is performed after an

abnormal cervical smear testresult if

the exact precancerous or cancerous

area (see cervix, cancer of) cannot be

identified by colposcopy.

confabulationThe use of a fictional

story to make up for gaps in memory.

The phenomenon occurs most com-

monly in chronic alcoholics suffering

from Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. It

may also occur with head injuries.

confidentialityThe ethical principle that

a doctor does not disclose information

given in confidence by a patient.

The patient’s consent is needed before

a doctor supplies confidential informa-

tion to an insurance company, employer,

or lawyer. However, doctors must disclose

information when required to by law or

when faced with injuries or disorders that

indicate a serious crime. Doctors are also

required to notify specified infectious dis-

eases. Treatment of young children is

usually discussed with the parents, but

an older child’s request for confidential-

ity is generally respected if the doctor

feels that he or she is competent enough

to understand the issues involved.

confusionAn acute or chronic disorga-

nized mental state in which the abilities

to remember, think clearly, and reason

are impaired. Acute confusion can arise

as a symptom of delirium, in which

brain activity is affected by fever, drugs,

poisons, or injury. People with acute con-

fusionmay also have hallucinationsand

behave violently. Chronic confusion is

often associated with alcohol depen-

dence, long-term use of antianxiety drugs,

and certain physically based mental dis-

orders. Many of the conditions that cause

chronic confusion (for example dementia)

are progressive. Features include absent-

mindedness, poor short-term memory,

and a tendency to be repetitive. If the

underlying cause of confusion can be

treated, there may be marked improve-

ment. Sedative drugs can be of benefit in

acute confusion.

congenitalPresent at birth. Congenital

abnormalities (sometimescalled birth

defects) are either inherited or result

from damage or infection occurring in

the uterusor at the time of birth.

congenital adrenal hyperplasiaSee

adrenal hyperplasia, congenital.

congestionA term that usually refers

to the accumulation of excess blood, tis-

sue fluid, or lymphin part of the body. A

major cause of congestion is increased

blood flow to an area due to inflamma-

tion. Another cause is reduced drainage

of blood from an affected area, as can

occur in heart failure, in venous disorders

such as varicose veins, and in lymphatic

disorders. (See also nasal congestion.)

congestive heart failureSee heart

failure.

conjunctivaThe transparent membrane

covering the sclera(white of the eye)

and lining the inside of the eyelids.

Cells in the conjunctiva produce a fluid

that lubricates the lids and the cornea.

conjunctivitisInflammation of the con-

junctiva,causing redness, discomfort, and

discharge from the affectedeye. There

are 2 common types: infective conjunc-

tivitis, caused by bacteria or viruses;

and allergic conjunctivitis, which is an

allergic responseto substances such as

cosmetics and pollen. Both types have

similar symptoms but in infective con-

junctivitis the discharge contains pus

CONDUCTIVE DEAFNESS CONJUNCTIVITIS

C

LOCATION

Lining of uterus

Cervix

Vagina

CONE BIOPSY

Area of tissue

removed

Uterus