Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

computed tomography scan
See 
CAT scan.
computerized axial tomography scan
See
CAT scan.
conception 1
The union of a sperm and an egg
to create the first cell of a new organism. The term
conception has also been used to imply the implan-
tation of the blastocyst, the formation of a viable
zygote, and the onset of pregnancy.
2
Related to
the formulation or understanding of an idea. See
also 
pregnancy.
concussion
A traumatic injury to soft tissue, usu-
ally the brain, as a result of a violent blow, shaking,
or spinning. A brain concussion can cause immedi-
ate but temporary impairment of brain functions,
such as thinking, vision, equilibrium, and con-
sciousness. After a person has had a concussion, he
or she is at increased risk for recurrence.
Moreover, after a person has several concussions,
less of a blow can cause injury, and the person can
require more time to recover.
conditioning 1
Exercise and practice to build up
the body for either improved performance, as in
physical therapy, or in preparation for sports per-
formance.
2
The development of certain pre-
dictable behavior as a result of repetitive activity or
exposure.
conditioning, Pavlovian
Use of a system of
rewards and punishments to influence behavior.
Named after the Russian physiologist Ivan Petrovich
Pavlov, who conditioned dogs to respond in what
proved to be a predictable manner by giving them
rewards.
communicable disease
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condom
A barrier method of contraception con-
sisting of a sheath made of latex, lambskin, or other
material that collects semen and thereby prevents
conception. There are both male and female con-
doms. When not specified, the term condom usually
refers to a male condom. See also 
barrier method;
birth control; condom, female; condom, male.
condom, female
A sheath made of plastic or
latex that is anchored outside the vagina and lines
the interior of the vagina. It collects semen, pre-
venting the semen from reaching the cervix, and
thereby preventing conception. It also provides
some protection against sexually transmitted dis-
eases, including the HIV virus. See also 
barrier
method; birth control.
condom, male
A sheath made of latex, lambskin,
or other material that is placed over the erect penis
before penetration to collect semen, preventing the
semen from reaching the cervix, and thereby pre-
venting conception. When used consistently, a con-
dom is a reasonably reliable method of
contraception, especially if it is combined with the
use of a spermicide or a female barrier method (but
not a female condom). Latex condoms also provide
some protection against sexually transmitted dis-
eases, including HIV, but lambskin condoms do not
protect against HIV. A condom can be used only
once. See also 
barrier method; birth control.