Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

An endoscope is passed down the

oesophagus, through the stomach, and

into the duodenum. A catheteris passed

through the endoscope into the com-

mon bile duct and pancreatic duct. A

contrast mediumis introduced through

the catheter to make the pancreatic

duct and ducts of the biliary system vis-

ible on X-rays. In some cases, it may be

possible to relieve a blockage due to a

gallstone during the procedure.

erectionThe hardness, swelling, and

elevation of the penisthat occurs in

response to sexual arousal or physical

stimulation. The erectile tissue of the

penis fills with blood as the blood ves-

sels in it dilate. Muscles around the

vessels contract and stop blood leaving

the penis, so maintaining the erection.

erection, disorders ofConditions in

which the normal process of erectionof

the penis is disrupted. They include

total or partial failure to attain or main-

tain erection (see impotence), persistent

erection in the absence of sexual desire

(see priapism), and curving of the penis

during erection (see chordee).

ergocalciferolAn alternative name for

vitamin D 2 (see vitamin D).

ergometerA machine that measures

and records the amount of physical

work done and the body’s response to

a controlled amount of exercise. An

ergometer makes continuous record-

ings, both during and after activity, of

heart-rate and rhythm (using an ECG),

blood pressure, rate of breathing, and

volume of oxygen taken in from the air.

ergometrineA drug given after child-

birth, miscarriage, or abortionin order

to reduce loss of blood from the uterus.

It works by causing blood vessels in the

uterine wall to contract.

ergotA product of CLAVICEPS PURPUREA,

a fungusthat grows on cereals. Ergot

contains poisonous alkaloids, some of

which have medicinal properties when

taken in controlled doses. The drugs

ergotamineand ergometrineare both

produced from ergot.

ergotamineA drug used in the preven-

tion and treatment of migraine.

erosion, dentalLoss of enamel from a

tooth’s surface due to attack by plaque

acids or other chemicals. Erosion of the

outer surfaces of the front teeth is most

frequently caused by excessive intake of

fruit juices and carbonated drinks. Ero-

sion of the inner surfaces of the molars

may be a result of the regurgitation of

stomach acid, as occurs in people suf-

fering from acid refluxor bulimia. (See

also caries, dental.)

eroticismThe character and emotive

nature of sexual excitement. Sexual

arousal may be stimulated by erotic

thoughts, by touching the erogenous

zones, and by a variety of other sensa-

tions (such as the look and feel of

certain clothes).

eruptionThe process of breaking out,

as of a skin rash or a new tooth.

eruption of teethThe process by

which developing teethmove upwards

through the jawbone and break through

the gum to project into the mouth.

ERECTION ERUPTION OF TEETH

E

1st

molars

(10–14

months)

PRIMARY TEETH: AGES OF ERUPTION

UPPER

TEETH

UPPER

TEETH

LOWER

TEETH

LOWER

TEETH

3rd

molars

(17–21

years)

2nd

molars

(11–13

years)

1st molars

(6–7 years)

Lateral

incisors (7–8

months)

ERUPTION OF TEETH

Canines

(16–18

months)

PERMANENT TEETH: AGES OF ERUPTION

Central

incisors

(6–8 years)

Premolars

(10–12

years)

Central incisors

(6 months)

2nd

molars

(2 years)

Lateral incisors

(7–9 years)

Canines

(9–12

years)