Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"MPNST" is more commonly referred to as "Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor" in the medical community. Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
A type of soft tissue sarcoma occurring within cells that form a protective sheath (coating) around the peripheral nerves (those outside of the spinal cord and brain). More Information on Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor: Brain & Nerve Cancer
"MPS" is more commonly referred to as "Myofascial Pain Syndrome" in the medical community. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Also Known As: "Myofascial Pain Disorder, Myofascial Pain Dysfunction, Myofascial Syndrome"
A disorder in which trigger points within the muscles and fasciae (myofascia) become abnormally active. The result is pain both in the local area and radiating along the line of the muscles. More Information on Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Fibromyalgia & Pain Disorders
"MRA" is more commonly referred to as "Magnetic Resonance Angiogram" in the medical community. Magnetic Resonance Angiogram
Also Known As: "Magnetic Resonance Arteriogram"
A variant of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is being used to view blood flow through the coronary arteries or carotid arteries without the use of catheter-cased techniques. More Information on Magnetic Resonance Angiogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
"MRC" is more commonly referred to as "Medical Reserve Corps" in the medical community. Medical Reserve Corps
A national program sponsored by the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General that helps communities organize groups of volunteers to assist with local public health initiatives and to respond during emergencies.
Also Known As: "Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, NMR, Magnetic Resonance Imaging"
A safe and noninvasive imaging test that can help physicians diagnose diseases of numerous organs and vessels. It uses powerful magnets to produce images on a computer screen and film. More Information on MRI: Imaging Tests
An imaging test that uses powerful magnets to produce images on a computer screen and film. It is most effective in finding cancer of the musculoskeletal system, brain and spinal cord, and internal organs. More Information on MRI & Cancer: Cancer Imaging Tests
A minimally invasive imaging test that uses powerful magnets to produce images on a computer screen and film. It is used to diagnose several gastrointestinal disorders that affect abdominal organs, such as the liver, pancreas or colon. More Information on MRI & Digestive Disorders: Digestive Imaging Tests
A minimally invasive imaging test that uses powerful magnets to produce images. It can help physicians diagnose many conditions of the heart, coronary vessels, brain and carotid arteries. More Information on MRI & Heart Disease: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
A minimally invasive imaging test that uses powerful magnets to produce images. MRI is used to diagnose many neurological conditions and to evaluate a patient’s spinal cord following an acute injury or trauma. More Information on MRI & Neurological Disorders: Brain & Nerve Tests
A minimally invasive imaging test that uses powerful magnets to produce images on a computer screen and film. MRI images can locate and identify the cause of pain, inflammation or bleeding in tissues in and around the joints and bones. More Information on MRI & Pain Disorders: Pain Imaging Tests
A safe imaging test that uses powerful magnets to produce images on a computer screen and film. It helps physicians diagnose diseases of numerous organs and vessels and can be used to diagnose breast disorders and other conditions in women. More Information on MRI & Women: ObGyn Imaging Tests
"mRNA" is more commonly referred to as "RNA" in the medical community. RNA
Also Known As: "Heterogeneous Nuclear RNA, Ribonucleic Acid, hRNA, Transfer RNA, Polynucleotides, Messenger RNA, tRNA"
A substance similar to DNA that is found in every cell of the body. Its functions include protein synthesis and relaying genetic information. There are four main types: heterogeneous (hRNA), messenger (mRNA), transfer (tRNA) and ribosomal (rRNA).
"MRSA" is more commonly referred to as "Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus" in the medical community. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
A type of Staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. It occurs most frequently among people with weakened immune systems who are staying in hospitals and healthcare facilities. More Information on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Infectious Disease Basics
"MRSI" is more commonly referred to as "Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging" in the medical community. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging
Also Known As: "1H Nuclear MRSI, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging, Proton MRSI, MRSI Imaging"
A type of MRI that provides information on a tumor's location, size, shape and cellular activity. More Information on Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging: Cancer Imaging Tests
"MRSI Imaging" is more commonly referred to as "Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging" in the medical community. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging
Also Known As: "1H Nuclear MRSI, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging, MRSI, Proton MRSI"
A type of MRI that provides information on a tumor's location, size, shape and cellular activity. More Information on Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging: Cancer Imaging Tests
"MS" is more commonly referred to as "Multiple Sclerosis" in the medical community. Multiple Sclerosis
A disease of the central nervous system in which nerve-insulating myelin is destroyed. As communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted, symptoms may occur that range from relatively benign to devastating. More Information on Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis
"MSA" is more commonly referred to as "Multiple System Atrophy" in the medical community. Multiple System Atrophy
Also Known As: "Multi System Atrophy"
Degenerative disorders affecting the central and autonomic nervous systems. The three types are: olivopontocerebellar atrophy (movement and speech), striatonigral degeneration (Parkinsonism) and MSA with orthostatic hypotension (combination type). More Information on Multiple System Atrophy: Brain & Nerve Basics
"MSBP" is more commonly referred to as "Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy" in the medical community. Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy
A type of child abuse in which an adult causes real or apparent disease symptoms in a child. Typically, the abuser seeks unnecessary medical care for the child. It is rare and the cause is unknown. More Information on Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy: Factitious & Related Disorders
"MSG" is more commonly referred to as "Monosodium Glutamate" in the medical community. Monosodium Glutamate
A food additive used to enhance flavor, especially in Asian cooking. MSG can cause a reaction in a small percentage of people, but the FDA notes that there is little scientific evidence of it causing serious adverse reactions. More Information on Monosodium Glutamate: Additives & Seasonings
"MSG Reaction" is more commonly referred to as "Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity" in the medical community. Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity
Also Known As: "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, MSG Sensitivity"
Allergic reaction to a food additive used to enhance flavor, especially in Asian cooking. MSG can cause a reaction in a small percentage of people, but the FDA notes that there is little scientific evidence of it causing serious adverse reactions. More Information on Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"MSG Sensitivity" is more commonly referred to as "Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity" in the medical community. Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity
Also Known As: "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, MSG Reaction"
Allergic reaction to a food additive used to enhance flavor, especially in Asian cooking. MSG can cause a reaction in a small percentage of people, but the FDA notes that there is little scientific evidence of it causing serious adverse reactions. More Information on Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"MSS" is more commonly referred to as "Weaver Syndrome" in the medical community. Weaver Syndrome
Also Known As: "Marshall-Weaver Syndrome, Weaver-Smith Syndrome, Marshall Syndrome, Marshall-Smith-Weaver Syndrome, WSS, Marshall-Smith Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that can include heart complications including cardiomyopathy and mitral valve prolapse or congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defect. More Information on Weaver Syndrome: Pediatric Heart