Areolar (Lat. areola, a small space, dim. of area). A term applied to a connective tissue containing small spaces.
Artery (Gr. ἀήρ, air, and τερέω, to contain). A vessel by which blood is carried away from the heart. It was supposed by the ancients to contain only air, hence the name.
Articulation (Lat. articulo, to form a joint). The more or less movable union of bones, etc.; a joint.
Arytenoid Cartilages (Gr. ἀρύταινα, a ladle). Two small cartilages of the larynx, resembling the mouth of a pitcher.
Asphyxia (Gr. ἀ, without, and σφίξις, the pulse). Literally, “without pulse.” Condition caused by non-oxygenation of the blood.
Assimilation (Lat. ad, to, and similis, like). The conversion of food into living tissue.
Asthma (Gr. ἆσθμα, a gasping). Spasmodic affection of the bronchial tubes in which free respiration is interfered with, owing to their diminished caliber.
Astigmatism (Gr. ἀ, without, and στίγμα, a point). Irregular refraction of the eye, producing a blurred image.
Atrophy (Gr. ἀ, without, and τροφή, nourishment). Wasting of a part from lack of nutrition.
Auditory Nerve (Lat. audio, to hear). The special nerve of hearing.