Glossary of terms used on this site

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease of the lining of the rectum (back passage), sometimes it spreads to the lower part of the colon (large bowel). Ulcers develop on the lining of the intestine which may bleed.

Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of an organ in the body. As sound waves are used, rather than radiation, the procedure is thought to be completely safe.

Undescended testicles are a common childhood condition where a boy is born without having one or both testicles in their scrotum. The medical term for undescended testicles is cryptorchidism.