Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

epiphysis, slippedSee femoral epiph-
ysis, slipped.
episcleritisA localized patch of inflam-
mationaffecting the outermost layers
of the sclera(white of the eye) immedi-
ately underneath the conjunctiva. The
condition usually occurs for no known
reason, mainly affecting middle-aged
men. In some cases, it is a complication
of rheumatoid arthritis. The inflamma-
tion may cause a dull, aching pain and
there may be photophobia. The disorder
usually disappears by itself in a week or
so but may recur. Symptoms may be
relieved by using eye-drops or ointment
containing a corticosteroid drug.
episiotomyA surgical procedure in
which an incision is made in the peri-
neum(the tissue between the vagina
and the anus) to facilitate the delivery
of a baby. After delivery, the cut tissues
are stitched back together. Episiotomy
is usually necessary in a forceps delivery
and in a breech delivery.
epispadiasA rare congenital abnormal-
ity in which the opening of the urethra
is not in the glans(head) of the penis,
but on its upper surface. In some cases,
the penis also curves upwards. Surgery
is carried out during infancy, using tis-
sue from the foreskinto reconstruct the
urethra. (See also hypospadias.)

epistaxisA medical term for nosebleed.

epitheliumThe layer of cellsthat covers

the entire surface of the body and lines

most of the hollow structures within it.

Epithelial cells vary in shape according

to their function. There are three basic

shapes of cell: squamous (thin and flat),

cuboidal, and columnar. Most internal

organs lined with epithelium are cover-

ed with only one layer of cells, but the

skin, which is subjected to more trau-

ma, consists of many layers.

epoetinA genetically engineered pre-

paration of the hormoneerythropoietin,

which is produced by specialized cells

in the kidneys and stimulates the bone

marrowto make red blood cells. Epoet-

in may be used for treating anaemia

resulting from the lack of erythropoetin

that occurs in kidney failure. It is also

used for anaemia occurring in chronic

disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis

and itching associated with uraemia.

Epstein–Barr virusA virusthat caus-

es infectious mononucleosis; the virus is

also associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma

and cancer of the nasopharynx (see

nasopharynx, cancer of).

ERCPThe abbreviation for endoscopic

retrograde cholangiopancreatography, an

X-rayprocedure used for examining the

biliary systemand the pancreatic duct.

EPIPHYSIS, SLIPPED ERCP

E

Endoscope

X-ray

machine

X-ray

beam

X-ray

monitor

ERCP

monitor

Duodenum

Gallbladder

Endoscope

Pancreas

Endoscope

Common

bile duct

Pancreatic

duct

DETAIL

ROUTE OF ENDOSCOPE

Liver

Stomach

Duodenum

ERCP