Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

ACL
Anterior cruciate ligament.
acne
Localized skin inflammation resulting from
overactivity of the oil glands at the base of hair folli-
cles or as a response to contact with irritating sub-
stances. See also 
acne vulgaris.
acne rosacea
See 
rosacea.
acne vulgaris
The common form of acne, in
teens and young adults, that is due to overactivity of
the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin that become
plugged and inflamed. Acne typically develops when
the oil glands come to life around puberty and are
stimulated by male hormones that are produced in
the adrenal glands of both boys and girls.
Treatments include keeping the skin clean and
avoiding irritating soaps, foods, drinks, and cosmet-
ics. Severe acne and acne in those who are prone to
scarring can be treated with topical creams and oral
medications. Skin damaged by acne can be
improved with treatment by a dermatologist or
facial technologist using dermabrasion (sanding),
removal of scar tissue via laser, and chemical peels.
Also known as pimples.
ACOG
American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists, a professional organization for
women’s health care providers that also does advo-
cacy work to improve the care of female patients.
acoustic nerve
The eighth cranial nerve which is
concerned with hearing, balance, and head posi-
tion. It branches into two parts—a cochlear part
that transmits sound reception for hearing and a
vestibular part that senses balance and head posi-
tion. Also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve.
acquired
Not inherited, or present at birth (con-
genital), but developing after birth. For example,
AIDS is an acquired, not an inherited, form of
immune deficiency.
acquired immunodeficiency disease
See
AIDS.