luteum secretes the female sex hormone
progesterone, which causes the lining of
the uterus to thicken in preparation for
implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertil-
ization does not occur, the corpus
luteum shrinks and dies.
corsetA device worn around the trunk
to treat back painand spinal injuries or
deformities.
cortexThe outer layer of certain organs,
such as the brain or kidneys.
corticosteroid drugsA group of drugs
that are similar to the corticosteroid
hormones produced by the adrenal
glands. Corticosteroids are used as hor-
mone replacement therapy in Addison’s
diseaseand when the adrenal glands
or pituitary glandhave been destroyed or
removed. They are also used to treat
inflammatory intestinal disorders such
as ulcerative colitisand Crohn’s disease
and as an urgent treatment for inflam-
mation in the artery supplying the retina
in temporal arteritis. Other uses include
treatment of autoimmune diseasessuch
as systemic lupus erythematosus and
rheumatoid arthritis, and treatment of
asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis.
Corticosteroid drugs are also used to
prevent organ rejection after transplant
surgeryand in the treatment of some
types of cancer, such as a lymphomaor
leukaemia. Corticosteroid injections may
relieve pain in disorders such as tennis
elbowand arthritis.
Side effects are uncommon when cor-
ticosteroids are given as a cream or by
inhaler, but tablets taken in high doses
for long periods may cause oedema,
hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peptic
ulcer, Cushing’s syndrome, inhibited
growth in children, and, in rare cases,
cataractor psychosis. High doses also
impair the body’s immune system.
Long-term treatment suppresses pro-
duction of corticosteroid hormones by
the adrenal glands, and sudden with-
drawal may lead to adrenal failure.
corticosteroid hormonesA group of
hormones produced by the adrenal
glandsthat control the body’s use of
nutrients and the excretion of salts and
water in the urine.
corticotropinAn alternative name for
ACTH(adrenocorticotrophic hormone).cortisolAnother name for hydrocorti-
sone, a corticosteroid hormone produced
by the adrenal glands.
cortisoneA synthetic corticosteroid drug
used to reduce inflammation in severe
allergic, rheumatic, and connective tissue
diseases and as a replacement hormone
in Addison’s disease. Side effects include
peptic ulcerand bleeding in the stomach.
coryzaA term for the nasal symptoms
of the common cold (see cold, common).
cosmetic dentistryProcedures to im-
prove the appearance of the teethor
prevent further damage to the teeth
and/or gums. Cosmetic dentistry proce-
dures include: fitting an orthodontic
applianceto correct teeth that are out of
alignment or where the bite is incorrect
(see malocclusion); fitting a crown; bond-
ingto treat chipped or stained teeth;
and bleachingof discoloured teeth.
cosmetic surgeryAn operation per-
formed to improve appearance rather
than to cure or treat disease. Cosmetic
surgery techniques include the removal
of skin blemishes or dermabrasion;
rhinoplastyto alter the shape or size of
the nose; face-lifts; mammoplastyto
reduce or enlarge the breasts; body con-
tour surgeryto remove excess body fat
and tissue; hair transplants; blepharo-
plastyto remove excess skin on the
eyelids; and mentoplasty to alter the size
or shape of the chin. All cosmetic
surgery carries the risk of side effects
from the anaesthetic, as well as of com-
plications of the procedure itself.
costalgiaPain around the chest due to
damage to a ribor to one of the inter-
costal nervesbeneath the ribs. Damage
to an intercostal nerve most commonly
results from of an attack of the viral
infection herpes zoster(shingles).
cot deathSee sudden infant death syn-
drome.
co-trimoxazoleAn antibacterial drug
containing trimethoprim and sulfa-
methoxazole. Because of potentially
seriously side effects, co-trimoxazole is
now used to treat certain infections
only when they cannot be treated with
other drugs.
coughA reflexaction that occurs as an
attempt to clear the airways of mucus,
sputum, a foreign body, or any otherCORSET COUGHC