Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

hyphae, which form a network called a

mycelium. Mushrooms and toadstools

are the reproductive structures (known

as fruiting bodies) of a filamentous fun-

gus that has spread in dead matter or

soil. Yeasts are single-celled organisms.

Most fungi are either harmless or

beneficial to human health, but some

can cause illness and disease. The fruit-

ing bodies of some fungi contain toxins

that can cause poisoning if eaten (see

mushroom poisoning). Certain fungi in-

fect food crops and produce toxins that

can cause food poisoning. The best

known of these is a fungus that infects

cereals and produces ergot, a toxin that

constricts blood vessels; and another

that grows on peanuts and produces

aflatoxin, a poison and carcinogen. The

inhaled spores of some fungi can cause

allergic alveolitis, a persistent allergic

reaction in the lungs. Fungal spores are

sometimes responsible for other allergic

disorders such as allergic rhinitis and

asthma. Some fungi are able to invade

and form colonies in the lungs, in the

skin, or sometimes in various different

tissues throughout the body, leading to

conditions that range from mild irrita-

tion to severe, even fatal, widespread

infection (see fungal infections) and ill-

ness. (See also candidiasis.)

fungicidalA term describing the ability

to kill fungi (see antifungal drugs).

funny-boneA popular term for the small

area at the back of the elbowwhere the

ulnar nerve passes over a prominence

of the humerus (upper-arm bone). A

blow to the nerve causes acute pain,

numbness, and a tingling sensation in

the forearm and hand.

furosemideA diuretic drug used to

treat oedemaand heart failure. When

given by injection, it has a rapid effect.

furuncleAnother name for a boil.

fusidic acidA type of antibiotic drug.

used to treat bacterial infections that

are resistant to penicillin drugs. Fusidic

acid is commonly used in preparations

applied to the skin, eye, and ear.

FUNGICIDAL FUSIDIC ACID

F

Cytoplasm

Hypha Nucleus

FILAMENTOUS

FUNGUS

FUNGI

Mitochondrion

Septum

Air

space Hypha

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Mitochondrion Cell

wall

HYPHAE YEAST CELL