Lactase - an enzyme that converts
lactose into glucose and galactose, which are more digestible
simple sugars.
Lactose intolerance - a decrease
or absence of lactase that results in an inability to digest
lactose, the sugar found primarily in dairy products.
Laparoscopy -- a surgical method
that is less invasive than traditional surgery because only
tiny incisions are made for the insertion of an instrument
called a laparoscope that transmits images to a video monitor,
which the surgeon in turn uses to perform surgery with small
instruments that pass through the incisions.
Large intestine - a digestive
organ made up the ascending (right), transverse (across),
and sigmoid (end) colon, which receives the liquid contents
from the small intestine and absorbs water and electrolytes,
then forms feces with what is left. It may be referred to
generally as the colon.
Laxative - a medication that
increases the muscle action of the intestines or stimulates
additional water in the feces to increase its bulk and ease
passage through the intestines.
Leukocytosis - an increase
in the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream.
Liver - the largest solid organ
in the body, which secretes bile and is the site of numerous
metabolic functions.
Lumen - a canal, duct, or cavity
of a tubular organ.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
