Glossary

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Uu

Ulcer

An open sore on a body surface. The sore is an area of tissue erosion (loss of surface tissue), for example, of the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or skin. Due to the erosion, an ulcer is concave like a crater and depressed below the level of the surrounding tissue.

Ulceration

An open sore on a part of the body.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the rectum and colon. It is considered an inflammatory bowel disease.

Ultrasound

This is a procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. These sound waves make echoes that form images of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound can be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures.

Uveitis

Inflammation of the uvea, the pigmented, vascular structure in the eye consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.