Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

colostomy, transverse
A colostomy in which the
exterior opening (stoma) is located on the upper
abdomen.
colostomy bag
A removable, disposable bag that
attaches to the exterior opening of a colostomy
(stoma) to permit sanitary collection and disposal
of bodily wastes.
colostrum
A sticky white or yellow fluid secreted
by the breasts during the second half of pregnancy
and for a few days after birth, before breast milk
comes in. It is high in protective antibodies that
boost the newborn’s immune system.
colpo-
Prefix referring to the vagina.
colpopexy
The use of stitches to bring a dis-
placed vagina back into position against the abdom-
inal wall.
colpoptosis
A condition in which the vagina has
dropped from its normal position against the
abdominal wall.
colporrhaphy
Surgical repair of the vagina.
colposcopy
A procedure in which a lighted mag-
nifying instrument called a colposcope (or
vaginoscope) is used to examine the vagina and
cervix.
colpotomy
A surgical incision in the vagina.
coma
A state of deep, unarousable unconscious-
ness. A coma may occur as a result of head trauma,
disease, poisoning, or numerous other causes.
Coma states are sometimes graded based on the
absence or presence of reflexive responses to stim-
uli.
comedo
The primary sign of acne, consisting of a
widened hair follicle filled with keratin skin debris,
bacteria, and sebum (oil). A comedo may be closed
or open. A closed comedo (called a whitehead) has
an obstructed opening to the skin and may rupture
to cause a low-grade inflammatory skin reaction in
the area. An open comedo (called a blackhead) has
a wide opening to the skin and is capped with a
blackened mass of skin debris.