Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

Muscles most commonly affected are
those in the neck, shoulders, chest, back,
buttocks, and knees. There is usually no
restriction of movement. Sometimes,
attacks (which are generally worse in
cold, damp weather) are accompanied
by exhaustion and disturbed sleep.
Analgesic drugs, hot baths, and mas-
sage usually relieve pain and stiffness.
Exercises to improve posture may help
to prevent attacks. (See also back pain.)
fibulaThe outer and thinner of the 2
long bones of the lower leg. The fibula
is much narrower than the other lower-
leg bone, the tibia(shin), to which it
runs parallel and to which it is attached
at both ends by ligaments. The top end
of the fibula does not reach the knee,
but the lower end extends below the
tibia and forms part of the ankle joint.
The fibula is one of the most commonly
broken bones. Pott’s fractureis fracture
of the fibula just above the ankle com-
bined with dislocation of the ankle and
sometimes with fracture of the tibia.
fifth diseaseAn infectious disease that
causes a widespread rash. Also known
as slapped cheek disease or erythema
infectiosum, fifth disease mainly affects
children and is caused by a virus called
parvovirus. The rash starts on the cheeks
as separate, rose-red, raised spots, which
subsequently converge to give the char-
acteristic appearance. Within a few days,
the rash spreads in a lacy pattern over
the limbs but only sparsely on the trunk.
It is often accompanied by mild fever. The
rash usually clears after about 10 days.
Adults, who contract the diseaseonly
rarely, may have joint pain and swelling
lasting for up to 2 years. The incubation
period is 7 to 14 days, and the only treat-
ment is drugs to reduce the fever.
fight-or-flight responseArousal of
the sympathetic part of the autonomic
nervous systemin response to fear but
which also occurs in anxiety disorders.
Adrenaline(epinephrine), noradrenaline
(norepinephrine), and other hormones
are released from the adrenal glands
and nervous system, leading to a raised
heart-rate, pupil dilation, and increased
blood flow to the muscles. These effects
make the body more efficient in either
fighting or fleeing the apparent danger.

filariasisA group of tropical diseases,

caused by various parasitic worms or

their larvae, which are transmitted to

humans by insect bites.

Some species of worm live in the lym-

phatic vessels. Swollen lymph nodes

and recurring fever are early symptoms.

Inflammation of lymph vessels results

in localized oedema. Following repeated

infections, the affected area, commonly

a limb or the scrotum, becomes very

enlarged and the skin becomes thick,

coarse, and fissured, leading to a condi-

tion known as elephantiasis. The larvae

of another type of worm invade the eye,

causing blindness (see onchocerciasis).

A third type, which may sometimes be

seen and felt moving beneath the skin,

causes loiasis, characterized by irritating

and sometimes painful areas of oedema

called calabar swellings.

The diagnosis of filariasis is confirmed

by microscopic examination of the

blood. The anthelmintic drugsdiethyl-

carbamazine or ivermectin most often

cure the infection but may cause side

effects such as fever, sickness, muscle

pains, and increased itching. Diethyl-

carbamazine can be given preventively,

and the use of insecticides and protec-

tive clothing help to protect against

insect bites. (See also roundworms;

insects and disease.)

filling, dentalThe process of replacing

a chipped or decayed area of tooth with

an inactive material. Dental filling is

also used to describe the restorative

material itself. Amalgam, a hard-wear-

ing mixture of silver, mercury, and other

FIBULA FILLING, DENTAL

F

Enamel

Amalgam

filling

Blood

vessels

Repaired

tooth surface

FILLING, DENTAL

Pulp

Gum

Nerve