Lipoproteins
high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL).
The first stages of cholesterol build up in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) occur when LDL particles circulating in the blood penetrate through the inner lining of blood vessels and become trapped in the artery wall. Eventual build up of LDL, fat-filled cells, cells of inflammation, and blood clotting can block the normal blood flow in the coronary, carotid, cerebral, or other arteries including those in the legs. This type of blockage causes clinical syndromes such as heart attack and stroke. Blockage of arteries in the legs is call peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a factor in amputations of toes, feet, or legs.
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A malignant tumor that arises in fat cells in deep soft tissue, such as that inside the thigh. Most frequent in middle-aged and older adults (age 40 and above), liposarcomas are the most common of all soft-tissue sarcomas.
- Liposuction
The surgical suctioning of fat deposits from specific parts of the body, the most common being the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs and knees, chin, upper arms, back, and calves. A hollow instrument called a cannula is inserted under the skin to break up the fat. A high-pressure vacuum is then applied to the cannula to […]
- Liposuction, tumescent
A form of liposuction in which several quarts of a solution are pumped below the skin in the area from which fat is to be suctioned. The saline (salt water) solution used includes the local anesthetic lidocaine to numb the area and the vessel-constrictor epinephrine (adrenaline) to help minimize bleeding. The fat is suctioned out […]
- Liposuction, ultrasonic-assisted
A form of liposuction in which the cannula is energized with ultrasonic energy to assist in the breakdown of fat tissue. This technique has an advantage in areas of scar tissue, such as the male breast, the back, and areas where liposuction has been performed before. Its disadvantages include the need for longer incisions in […]
- Lips
Aside from the lips of the mouth, there are two pairs of lips at the entrance to the vagina. They are the labia majora (the larger outside pair) and the labia minora (the smaller inside pair). Together they form part of the vulva (the female external genitalia).