Medical terms/definitions - M

Malignant - tending to spread and to result in death unless effectively treated

Medulla - the inner part of an organ, such as the kidneys, or adrenal glands. This term also refers to the part of the brain stem lying above the start of the spinal cord, in front of the cerebellum

Meiosis - the stage in the formation of sperm and egg cells when chromosomal material is randomly distributed and the number of chromosomes is reduced to 23 instead of the 46 in other body cells

Meninges - three membranes
1) the pia mater
2) arachnoid
3) the dura mater
these surround and protect the brain and spinal cord

Meningitis - inflammation of the meninges usually as the result of a viral or bacterial infection

Menopause - the end of the reproductive period in a woman when egg development in the ovaries and menstruation have ceased

Metabolism - the sum of all the physical and chemical processes that take place in the body

Metastasis - the spread or transfer of disease, especially cancer, from its…