Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

malaria, falciparum
The most dangerous type
of malaria, which is caused by the parasite
Plasmodium falciparum. Falciparum malaria is
associated with high levels of parasites in the blood
and has the highest death rate and rate of compli-
cations of all types of malaria. Red blood cells that
are infected with the parasite tend to sludge and
lead to microinfarctions (tiny areas of dead tissue
due to lack of oxygen) in capillaries in the brain,
liver, adrenal gland, intestinal tract, kidneys, lungs,
and other organs. Patients should be treated in a
hospital setting, using intravenous medications.
male 1
Of the sex that produces sperm cells
rather than eggs.
2
Having the physical appear-
ance, by chromosome constitution or by gender
identification, of the sex that produces sperm cells
rather than eggs.
male breast cancer
See 
breast cancer, male.
male chromosome complement
The whole set
of chromosomes for a human male. The large
majority of males have a 46,XY chromosome com-
plement: 46 chromosomes, including 1 X and 1 Y
chromosome. A minority of males have other chro-
mosome constitutions, such as 47,XXY (47 chromo-
somes, including 2 X chromosomes and 1 Y
chromosome) or 47,XYY (47 chromosomes,
including 1 X and 2 Y chromosomes).
male external genitalia
The external genital
structures of the male, comprising the penis, the
male urethra, and the scrotum.
male gonad
A testis, one of a pair of organs
located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called
the scrotum. The testes produce and store sperm
and are also the body’s main source of male hor-
mones. These hormones control the development of
the reproductive organs and other male character-
istics, such as body and facial hair, low voice, and
wide shoulders.