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Medical Terms and Definitions - Pages 1-100
Page 14 Stupe
A counterirritant for topical use.
Page 16 Febrile
Feverish.
Page 18 Emesis
Vomiting.
Page 19 Forme fruste
An incomplete form of disease arrested before it runs its course.
Page 21 Fugue
Type of amnesia.
Page 22 Conjunctivae
Mucous membrane lining eyelids.
Page 22 Patellar tendon
Tendon of the kneecap.
Page 23 Coma vigil
Coma in which patient’s eyes are open wide.
Page 23 Typhoid fever
Acute infectious disease characterized by patchy lesions,accompanied by fever, headache, and abdominal pain. Prevalent in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
Page 23 Oleum philosophorum
“Oil of Philosophers.” Medicinal preparation.
Page 24 Costiveness
Constipation.
Page 24 laudanum opiatum
Morphine.
Page 25 Ringer’s solution
Sterile solution administered intravenously to replace electrolytes.
Page 25
Prevention of infection; disinfection.
Page 25 Saphenous vein
Superficial vein passing up the leg.
Page 25 Ligatures
Threads or wires tied tightly around a blood vessel.
Page 34 Edema
Excessive accumulation of fluid in tissues.
Page 36 Peritoneum
Membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
Page 36 Ray amputation
Amputation of digit of the hand.
Page 36 Acriflavine
Topical antiseptic.
Page 37 Epitrochlear
Pertaining to the inner condyle (knuckle of any joint) of the
humerus (upper arm bone).
Page 37 Hemostat
Device or medicine that stops the flow of blood.
Page 39 Supernumerary
Exceeding the regular number.
Page 40 Dyspepsia
Imperfect or painful digestion.
Page 42 Gastrojejunostomy
Gastric bypass.
Page 42 Hydrocele
Sac of clear fluid in the scrotum.
Page 42 Subtotal thyroid resection
Partial excision of the thyroid.
Page 46 Volvulus
Twisting of the intestine that causes obstruction.
Page 46 Ileus
Obstruction of the intestines.
Page 46 Tuberculous peritonitis
Inflammation of the abdominal cavity caused by tubercle bacilli.
Page 47 (Bleeding) stigmata
Marks on the body at the same locations as those on Christ’s body
as a result of being nailed to the cross.
Page 52 Arcus senilis
Opaque white ring around the periphery of the cornea, seen in the elderly.
Page 55 Sturm and Drang cure
German translation: Storm and stress. SYN: turmoil. No other information available.
Page 55 Fluoroscopy
Examination of the tissues and deep structures of the body by x-ray, using a fluoroscope.
Page 58 Poliomyelitis
Inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord.
Page 58 Prolapse
Downtown movement of an organ due to laxity of the muscular structure.
Page 66 Metzenbaum
Scissors used on delicate tissue during surgery.
Page 66 Curare
Anesthetic used to relax skeletal muscles during surgery.
Page 67 Tropical surgery
Surgical treatment of infectious and parasitic diseases endemic to tropical zones.
Page 68 Flexor sublimis
Muscle near a surface that flexes a joint.
Page 68 Profundus tendon
Tendon deeply located.
Page 68 Parotid gland
One of the salivary glands of the mouth.
Page 68 Subcutaneous
Beneath the skin.
Page 68 Formalin
Aqueous solution of 37% formaldehyde.
Page 72 Watering-can scrotum
Urinary fistulae (hole) in scrotum and perineum (external region between the anus and scrotum).
Page 72 Ligate
To apply a ligature.
Page 72 Fistula-in-ano
A break in the wall of the anus.
Page 73 Flatus
Gas or air expelled through the anus.
Page 75 Braun’s cranioclast
Nineteenth century obstetric instrument used to crush and extract fetal parts during arrested labor.
Page 75 Jardine’s cephalotribe
Obsolete crushing instrument used in obstetrics.
Page 79 Spider angioma
A branched growth of dilated capillaries on the skin.
Page 79 Cirrhosis
Chronic degenerative disease of the liver.
Page 80 Testicular atrophy
Decrease in size of the testicles.
Page 80 Tunica albugineae
A dense white collagenous tunic surrounding a structure.
Page 80 Epididymis
One of a pair of long, tightly coiled tubes lying on top of each testis; carries sperm.
Page 81 Cremaster muscles
Small bands of skeletal muscles that elevate the testes during sexual arousal or exposure to cold.
Page 81 Eunuch
Castrated male.
Page 85 Eclampsia
Hypertension in pregnancy, associated with convulsions and coma.
Page 86 Tubal ligation
Surgical blockage of the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization from occurring.
Page 86 Antenatal
Prenatal.
Page 87 Rugae
Folds, creases, wrinkles, or ridges.
Page 87 Median raphe
Midline where crease or seam joins the halves of a part.
Page 87 Bollock
Testicle.
Page 87 Dartos (muscle)
The muscular, contractile tissue beneath the skin of the scrotum.
Page 87 Cells of Sertoli
Supporting elongated cells of seminiferous tubules (tubes that produce sperm in testes) that nourish spermatids.
Page 87 Visceral
Of or relating to the viscera (internal organs).
Page 97 Parturition
Childbirth.
Page 98 Fetor terribilis
Terrible odor.
Page 99 Supine
Person lying face upward; palm of hand upward.
Page 99 Trephine
Cylindrical saw used for the removal of a disc of bone.
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Medical Terms and Definitions – Pages 100-200
Page 102 In extremis
At the point of death; in grave or extreme circumstances.
Page 103 Placenta previa
Placental implantation over the cervical opening, or in the lower region of the uterine wall.
Page 103 Palpation
Examination by touch.
Page 103 Pethidine
Fast-acting opioid analgesic (Demerol).
Page 108 Excrescencies
Outgrowths from a surface.
Page 113 Gravid uterus
The condition of the uterus in pregnancy.
Page 114 Peritoneum
Double-folded membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity.
Page 114 Tortuous
Having many twists or turns.
Page 115 Basiotribe
Rare 19th century instrument used for fetal destruction in the event of obstructed labor.
Page 115 Meninges
Three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Page 115 Ventricle
Canal in the brain that contains cerebrospinal fluid.
Page 115 Cerebral artery
Vessel which carries blood from the heart to the cerebrum.
Page 115 Cerebrospinal fluid
Fluid that circulates throughout the brain and spinal cord.
Page 118 Broad ligament
Wide fold of peritoneum (membrane) that connects the sides of the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis.
Page 118 Ureters
Thick-walled tubes that conduct the urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder.
Page 121 Pharynx
Throat.
Page 122 Thorax
Pleural cavity; chest.
Page 123 Meconium
First stools of a newborn.
Page 124 Autoclave
Apparatus for sterilization by steam pressure.
Page 124 Aspirated
Drawn in or out by suction.
Page 136 Skin tag
SYN: Soft wart.
Page 138 Putative (labor)
Generally considered or reputed to be.
Page 140 Endemic
Of a disease or condition regularly found among persons in certain regions.
Page 141 Mercuric chloride
Antiseptic.
Page 141 Silver proteinate
topical anti-infective agent.
Page 143 Ascitic
Pertaining to abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Page 148 Atavistic
Pertaining to the appearance in an individual of characteristics presumed to have been present in some remote ancestor; throwback.
Page 157 Somatization
Process by which psychological needs are expressed in physical symptoms.
Page 157 Mistura Carminativa
Liquid compound used for relieving flatulence.
Page 166 Trachoma
A chronic contagious form of conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Page 168 Prognathic
Pertaining to the projection of jaws beyond the projection of the forehead.
Page 169 Radial artery
Pulse point located at interior wrist.
Page 169 Distention
State of being distended or stretched.
Page 170 Obstipated
Intestinal obstruction; severe constipation.
Page 171 Volvulus
A twisting of the intestines that causes obstruction.
Page 174 Resect
To excise a segment of a part.
Page 174 Anastomose
To form one or more open communications with another structure,
as with two blood vessels or other tubular structures.
Page 175 Resection
A procedure performed for the specific purpose of removal of a significant part
of an organ or bodily structure.
Page 175 Hydrocele
Sac of clear fluid in the scrotum.
Page 178 Sigmoid colon
Fourth and last S-shaped segment of the colon, just before the rectum; empties into the rectum.
Page 178 Colopexy
Attachment of a portion of the colon to the abdominal wall.
Page 179 Discalced
Barefoot or wearing sandals.
Page 190 Moribund
At the point of death.
Page 190 Meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges (three membranes that line the skull and vertebral canal) caused by viral or bacterial infection.
Page 191 Hookworm
Parasitic worm that inhabits the intestines of humans and other animals.
Page 191 Rheumatic fever
Childhood disease that follows after a strep infection. The heart valves can be damaged and scarred by inflammation.
Page 196 Apnea
Cessation of breathing.
Page 200 Antisepsis
The practice of using antiseptics to eliminate
microorganisms that cause disease.
Page 200 Lister
English surgeon who invented antiseptic techniques in surgery.
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Medical Terms and Definitions – Pages 200-300
Page 202 Barbiturates
Any of a class of sedative and sleep-inducing drugs derive from Barbituric acid.
Page 202 Pronation
Act of turning the palm of the hand backward or down.
Page 202 Supination
Act of turning the palm of the hand forward or up.
Page 207 Fecundity
The ability to produce live offspring.
Page 209 Cricothyroid membrane
Soft spot just below the Adam’s apple.
Page 209 Thyroidectomy
Removal of the thyroid gland.
Page 225 Alchemist
One who studies alchemy. (Def. of alchemy: A medieval chemical Science with philosophic and magical associations.)
Page 225 Primordial
Existing at or from the beginning of time.
Page 226 Pap
A woman’s breast or nipple.
Page 227 Fugue
A condition in which a person suddenly abandons a present Activity or lifestyle and starts a new and different one.
Page 248 Silvadene
Sulfa drug used to prevent and treat infections of second- and Third-degree burns.
Page 254 Olfaction
The sense of smell.
Page 267 Matrilineal
Denoting descent through the female line.
Page 273 Corrigan’s water-hammer pulse
A jerky pulse with forcible impulse but immediate collapse,Characteristic of aortic insufficiency.
Page 274 Nutmeg liver
Pathological appearance of the liver caused by chronic passive congestion of the liver secondary to right heart failure. Liver appears “speckled” like a grated nutmeg kernel.
Page 274 Sago spleen
Amyloidosis (disease characterized by extracellular Accumulation of a group of chemically diverse Proteins (amyloid)) in the spleen, affecting chiefly the Malpighian bodies (splenic lymph follicles).
Page 274 Apple core lesion of cancer
Appears when a mass narrows or encircles a tubular structure of
The body (bowel or esophagus). Usually revealed during CAT Scans, colonoscopies, or barium-contrast studies. Lesion Resembles an apple core.
Page 274 Peau d’orange
A swollen, pitted skin surface overlying carcinoma of
The breast.
Page 274 Pulsus paradoxus
Paradoxic pulse.
Page 274 Pulsus alternans
Alternating pulse.
Page 274 Pulsus bisferiens
Bisferious (having two beats) pulse.
Page 277 Miasma(s)
An oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds
Or emanates from something.
Page 279 Uvula
A small, soft tissue projection which hangs from the soft palate.
Page 279 Palpate
To examine by feeling and pressing with the palms of the hands
And fingers.
Page 279 Percuss
To perform percussion. Percussion: Diagnostic procedure designed
To determine the density of a part by the sound produced by
Tapping the surface with a finger.
Page 285 Paracetamol
Acetaminophen.
Page 287 Trachoma
Acute eye infection caused by chlamydia.
Page 292 Eclampsia
A condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a
Pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure.
Page 295 Fetoscope
A stethoscope designed for listening to fetal heart sounds.
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Medical Terms and Definitions – Pages 300-400
Page 330 Diabetic acidosis
Decreased pH and bicarbonate concentration in the body fluids caused by accumulation of ketone bodies in diabetes.
Page 330 Olfactory
Referring to the sense of smell.
Page 330 Ammoniacal
Of or containing ammonia.
Page 330 Pseudomonas
Genus of bacteria involved in human disease.
Page 331 Scrofula
A disease with glandular swellings; a form of tuberculosis.
Page 331 Vulva
External opening of the vagina.
Page 331 Bartholin’s cyst
Inflammation of the Bartholin’s gland(s) (small mucous gland, situated in each lateral wall of the vestibule of the vagina, near the vaginal opening at the base of the labia majora).
Page 331 Prurient
Having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters.
Page 331 Matricidal
Pertaining to the killing of one’s mother.
Page 331 Patrifugal
No definition found.
Page 333 Autoclave
Apparatus for sterilization by steam pressure.
Page 333 Birr-note
Ethiopian unit of currency.
Page 334 Supine
Lying face up.
Page 334 Vertex
The top of the head.
Page 334 Topography
Description of a part of the body.
Page 339 Orbit
The bony pyramid-shaped cavity of the skull that contains and protects the eyeball.
Page 340 Debride(ment)
The removal of foreign material and dead or damaged tissue, especially in a wound.
Page 364 Glottic
Pertaining to the tongue.
Page 364 Bossing
Prominence of the forehead.
Page 364 Rickets
Disease due to vitamin D deficiency, characterized by imperfect calcification, softening, and distortion of the bones, typically resulting in bow legs.
Page 364 Congenital syphilis
Venereal disease acquired by the fetus in utero, thus present at birth.
Page 364 Mulberry molars
In the fetus, a malformed molar, usually a manifestation of congenital syphilis.
Page 364 Saber-shinned tibias
Deformity of the tibias occurring in tertiary syphilis.
Page 367 Sotto voce
To use a quiet voice so as not to be overheard.
Page 368 Dartos muscle
The muscular, contractile tissue beneath the skin of the scrotum.
Page 368 Cremaster muscle
One of the muscles suspending and enveloping the testicles and spermatic cord.
Page 368 Brinjal, Aubergine, Melanzana
Eggplant.
Page 369 Allis (clamp)
Surgical instrument used for grasping soft tissue.
Page 369 Uroepithelial
Of or affecting the epithelium (membranous cellular tissue that covers a free surface or lines a tube or cavity, and serves especially to enclose and protect other parts of the body) of the urinary tract.
Page 379 Fontanel
The “soft spot” between the bones of the skull in an infant or fetus.
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Medical Terms and Definitions – Pages 401-500
Page 403 Vas
A duct or canal conveying any liquid, such as blood, lymph, and semen.
Page 403 Seminal vesicles
Accessory organs in the male reproductive system that secrete fluids to ensure the lubrication and viability of sperm.
Page 403 Prostatic secretion
A whitish secretion that is one of the constituents of semen.
Page 409 Labia minora
Smaller, innermost lips of the vagina.
Page 411 Reagent
Substance added to a solution of another substance to participate in a chemical reaction.
Page 411 Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Measurement of urea (major nitrogenous waste product excreted in urine) levels in the blood.
Page 416 Relapsing fever
An acute infectious disease transmitted by parasites (lice, ticks).
Page 417 Endemic
Present in a community or among a group of people; said of a disease prevailing continually in a region.
Page 417 Seminal
Of a work, event, moment, or figure which strongly influences later developments.
Page 418 Prostrate
Lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downward.
Page 418 Eponym
A person after whom a discovery, invention, place, etc. is named or thought to be named.
Page 418 Adam’s sign
Unknown.
Page 418 Boa’s sign
Clinical-chemical sign of the existence of a carcinoma of the stomach.
Page 418 Chvostek’s sign
Clinical sign noted when tapping the face over the facial nerve, causing spasms of facial muscles, typically a twitch of the nose or lips; seen in tetanus and anxiety states.
Page 418 Courvoisier’s sign
Obsolete eponym to indicate symptoms and signs associated with pancreatic carcinoma.
Page 418 Quincke’s sign
Pulsation of a capillary in a nail bed.
Page 419 Lupus
Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease involving joints, skin, kidneys, nervous system, heart, and lungs.
Page 419 Mitral valve
Heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Page 419 Mitral stenosis
Narrowing of the orifice of the mitral valve.
Page 419 Apex
The extremity of a conic or pyramidal structure, such as the heart or the lung.
Page 421 Streptomycin
Antibiotic.
Page 421 Landsteiner’s blood groups
In 1901, Scientist Karl Landsteiner’s work made it possible to determine blood groups, i.e., A, B, AB, and O, paving the way for blood transfusions to be carried out safely.
Page 422 Hematologist
Specialist who diagnoses and treats blood disorders such as anemia and clotting diseases.
Page 422 Myeloid metaplasia
A syndrome characterized by anemia and enlargement of the spleen. There is a high incidence of the development of leukemia.
Page 425 Septicemia
Blood poisoning.
Page 426 Urethra
Tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
Page 426 Macerate(d)
To soften by steeping or soaking.
Page 427 Chromic catgut
A chemically-treated suture which resists rapid enzymatic absorption by body tissues, reduces irritation of tissue, and increases tensile strength.
Page 428 Hegemony
Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.
Page 430 Phylactery
A small leather box containing Hebrew texts, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law.
Page 451 Paracetamol
Acetaminophen.
Page 455 Mattress sutures
A technique of suturing in which one passes the suture material through the tissues on one side of the wound, across the incision, and through the tissues on the opposite side, and then passes the suture material through the opposite-side tissues and back through the tissues of the original side.
Page 455 Inferior vena cava
Vein that carries blood from the lower part of the body to the heart.
Page 455 Burr holes
Holes produced by a drilling tool for enlarging an opening in the cranium.
Page 455 Dura (mater)
In the brain, the outermost membrane of the meninges (Three layers of connective tissue membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.).
Page 456 Agonal
Relating to struggles preceding death.
Page 462 Fecundity
The ability to produce live offspring.
Page 464 Subsume(d)
Include or absorb something into something else.
Page 465 Myocardial infarction
Heart attack.
Page 478 Ischemia
Condition in which tissue loses its normal supply of blood and becomes deprived of oxygen.
Page 479 Gastroscope
An endoscope for inspecting the inner surface of the stomach.
Page 480 H2 blockers
Gastrointestinal antiulcer drugs that block the secretion of acid.
Page 482 Fascia
Fibrous tissue that envelops and separates muscles, and which contains the muscle’s blood, lymph, and nerve supply.
Page 482 Peritoneum
Double-folded membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity.
Page 488 Concretion
Formation of solid material.
Page 498 MVA
Common medical abbreviation: Motor vehicle accident.
Page 499 Exsanguinating
Severe loss of blood.
Page 500 Lap packs
Various sterile drapings used during a surgical procedure.
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Medical Terms and Definitions – Pages 501-658
Page 501 Hepatic vein(s)
Having drained the liver, these collect blood from the central veins and terminate in three large veins opening into the inferior vena cava below the diaphragm, and several small, inconstant veins entering the vena cava at more inferior (below another structure) levels.
Page 503 Rent
A large tear or gap.
Page 504 Thoracic
Relating to the thorax (the upper part of the trunk between the neck and the abdomen).
Page 504 Pericardium
Membrane that surrounds the heart.
Page 504 Renal veins
Blood vessels that carry blood away from the kidney and toward the heart.
Page 505 Shrock shunt
Information is unclear and complex and beyond the researcher’s scope of expertise.
Page 506 Pulmonary embolus
A clot that travels to the lung.
Page 511 Scapulae
Shoulder blades.
Page 512 University of Wisconsin solution
First solution designed for use in organ transplantation.
Page 513 Cyclosporine
Immunosuppressant agent.
Page 517 Masseter muscles
Muscles that close the jaw for chewing.
Page 529 Axillary node dissection
Removal of the lymph nodes in the armpit (underarm).
Page 531 External carotid artery
Located in the neck; provides blood to the head and neck.
Page 531 Foramen of Winslow
The passage below and behind the porta hepatis (a fissure on the surface of the liver that lodges the portal vein, hepatic artery, et al), connecting the two sacs of the peritoneum (doubled-layered membrane surrounding the abdominal organs).
Page 532 Arrack
Alcoholic liquor derived from the sap of the coconut palm or from rice.
Page 534 Sicca
Dryness.
Page 534 Phthisis
A disease characterized by the wasting away or atrophy of the body or a part of the body.
Page 535 Quiescent
In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.
Page 538 Tiffin
Indian origin: A light meal, especially lunch.
Page 540 Pneumothorax
Collection of air in the pleural space.
Page 540 Manometers
Instruments used for measuring the pressure of gases or liquids.
Page 541 Prone
Patient lies on his/her stomach.
Page 544 Parotid (gland)
Salivary gland within the cheek, near the ear.
Page 544 Gumma
A small, soft swelling that is characteristic of the late stages of syphilis and occurs in the connective tissue of the liver, brain, testes, and heart.
Page 545 Salvarsan
A drug that was used in the 1900’s to treat syphilis and trypanosomiasis (parasitic disease). Also known as arsphenamine (generic).
Page 547 Pyloric stenosis
Congenital defect in newborns which blocks the flow of food into the small intestine.
Page 551 Tincture of paregoric
Liquid analgesic, narcotic. Used for treatment of diarrhea; neonatal opiate withdrawal.
Page 554 Lacuna
An unfilled space of interval; a gap.
Page 556 Tachycardia
Increased heart rate.
Page 557 Perturbation
Anxiety; mental uneasiness.
Page 557 Miscibility
Liquids forming a homogeneous mixture when added together.
Page 560 Vena cava
Largest vein in the body. Superior and inferior venae cavae return blood to the right atrium of the heart.
Page 600 Thew
Muscle and tendon.
Page 605 Acne rosacea
Chronic vascular and follicular dilation involving the nose and cheeks. Symptoms include flushing and redness.
Page 609 Fulminant hepatitis
Sudden onset inflammation of the liver.
Page 609 Icteric
Relating to or marked by jaundice.
Page 609 Hemoglobin
Carries oxygen in red blood cells.
Page 609 Mannitol
Diuretic.
Page 609 Cerebral edema
Swelling of the brain.
Page 616 Cyclosporine
Immunosuppressant agent.
Page 617 Eidetic
Relating to or denoting mental images having unusual vividness and detail, as if actually visible.
Page 619 Bard-Parker blade
Surgical scalpel.
Page 623 Diaphoretic
Relating to or causing perspiration.
Page 623 Diazepam
Valium.
Page 623 Pentothal
Barbiturate used for anesthesia during surgery; head injuries; convulsive states; and treatment of intracranial pressure.
Page 624 Duodenum
The first section of the small intestine.
Page 625 Porta hepatis
A fissure (narrow, slit-like opening) on the surface of the liver, which lodges the portal vein, hepatic artery, hepatic nerve plexus, hepatic ducts, and lymphatic vessels.
Page 625 Finger fracturing
Technique used to achieve intrahepatic (inner liver) hemostasis (stoppage of blood flow) in patients with severe injuries of the liver.
Page 626 Loupe(s)
A magnifying lens.
Page 628 Anastomosis
Any surgical connection between two parts, such as vessels, ducts, or bowel segments.
Page 629 Hepatorenal syndrome
The occurrence of acute renal (kidney) failure in patients with disease of the liver or biliary tract.
Page 631 Curare
A bitter, resinous substance obtained from the bark and stems of some South American plants. It paralyzes the motor nerves and is traditionally used by some Indian peoples to poison arrows and blow-darts.
Page 639 Attrition
Wearing away by friction or rubbing.
Page 643 Uberconsciousness
Outstanding or supreme level of consciousness.
Page 655 Vagotomy
Division of the vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve leading from the base of the brain. Affects heart rate, blood pressure, movement of intestines, coughing, and sneezing.)
Page 658 Biliary atresia
The absence of a normal opening of the major bile ducts, which does not become apparent until several days after birth of the infant afflicted.
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