Peripheral
Situated away from the center, as opposed to centrally located.
For example, peripheral vision means the type of vision that allows one to see objects that are not in the center of one’s visual field.
The word “peripheral” comes from the Greek “peripheria” (“peri-“, around or about + “pherein”, to bear, carry). An IV (intravenous) catheter is a peripheral line.
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- Peripheral artery disease
A form of peripheral vascular disease in which there is partial or total blockage of an artery, usually one leading to a leg or arm. Leg artery disease and arm artery disease are somewhat different. Leg artery disease is usually due to atherosclerosis. Fatty deposits build up along artery walls and impair the blood circulation. […]
- Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
A new technique in which stem cells are obtained from a patient’s blood and used in bone marrow transplantation. Stem cells are small, round cells with a squat nucleus and scant surrounding cytoplasm. Although unremarkable in appearance, stem cells can perform what have been called “acts of biological resurrection.” Whereas other types of cells in […]
- Peripheral iridectomy
A surgical procedure in which a hole is made in the periphery (outer part) of the iris by removing a full-thickness piece from the iris in order to treat a specific type of glaucoma called narrow-angle glaucoma (or angle-closure glaucoma).
- Peripheral nervous system
The portion of the nervous system that is outside the brain and spinal cord. Abbreviated PNS. The nerves in the PNS connect the central nervous system (CNS) to sensory organs, such as the eye and ear, and to other organs of the body, muscles, blood vessels, and glands. The peripheral nerves include the 12 cranial […]
- Peripheral neuropathy
A problem with the functioning of the nerves outside the spinal cord. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include numbness, weakness, burning pain (especially at night), and loss of reflexes.