Pediatric Medicine Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
cleft palate
Congenital opening in the roof of the mouth due to incomplete fusion during development.
achondroplasia
Most common form of dwarfism caused by a genetic mutation affecting cartilage and bone development.
anticipatory guidance
Preventive counseling provided to parents about expected developmental changes and safety concerns.
Apgar score
A standardized assessment tool used to evaluate newborn health immediately after birth.
atopic dermatitis
A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy patches, commonly beginning in infancy and often assoc...
biliary atresia
Congenital condition where bile ducts are absent or blocked, causing progressive liver damage in infants.
breath-holding spell
A benign paroxysmal event in toddlers where the child holds their breath during crying, sometimes leading to brief loss...
bronchiolitis
Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, most commonly affecting infants and young children.
bronchopulmonary dysplasia
A chronic lung condition affecting premature infants who required mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy.
bronchopulmonary sequence
A rare congenital malformation characterized by abnormal lung tissue that does not communicate with the normal bronchial...
café-au-lait spots
Light brown, flat skin lesions that may be isolated findings or associated with genetic conditions like neurofibromatosi...
catch-up growth
Accelerated growth following a period of growth restriction, allowing return to normal growth trajectory.
cephalocaudal development
The pattern of physical and motor development that proceeds from head to tail, with control of the head and neck develop...
cephalohematoma
Collection of blood between the skull and periosteum, typically occurring after traumatic delivery.
CHARGE syndrome
Genetic disorder characterized by coloboma, heart defects, atresia choanae, growth retardation, genital abnormalities, a...
choanal atresia
Congenital blockage of the nasal passages where the nose fails to connect properly with the throat.
cleft palate
Congenital opening in the roof of the mouth due to incomplete fusion during development.
clubfoot
Congenital foot deformity where the foot is twisted inward and downward at birth.
congenital diaphragmatic hernia
A birth defect where abdominal organs herniate through an abnormal opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity, causi...
congenital heart disease
Structural heart abnormalities present from birth affecting normal cardiac function.
corrected gestational age
The age calculated from the expected due date rather than birth date, used to assess development in premature infants.
craniosynostosis
Premature fusion of skull sutures leading to abnormal head shape and potential increased intracranial pressure.
croup
An upper respiratory infection causing a distinctive barking cough and stridor, primarily affecting children aged 6 mont...
cryptorchidism
A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum by birth.
developmental delay
Significant lag in achieving expected developmental milestones for a child's chronological age.