Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

endoscopic gastrostomy, percutaneous
See
gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-
Pancreatography
See ERCP.
endoscopy
Examination of the inside of the body
by using a lighted, flexible instrument called an
endoscope. In general, an endoscope is introduced
into the body through a natural opening such as the
mouth or anus. Although endoscopy can include
examination of other organs, the most common
endoscopic procedures evaluate the esophagus,
stomach, and portions of the intestine.
endocardium
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endoscopy, upper
A procedure that enables the
examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine
the esophagus, the stomach, and the first portion of
small bowel (duodenum) by using a thin, flexible
tube that can be looked through or seen through on
a TV monitor. Also known as esophagogastroduo-
denoscopy (EGD).
endostatin
A fragment of a protein, collagen 18,
that is found in all blood vessels. Endostatin is nor-
mally secreted by blood vessels in response to
tumors. Endostatin appears to halt the process of
developing new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which
is necessary to tumor development.
endothelial
Relating to the endothelium.
endothelium
The single layer of cells that lines
the inner surfaces of the blood vessels and the
heart. The endothelium is where cholesterol can
accumulate as plaque in arteries affected by arte-
riosclerosis. The endothelium is a specific form of
epithelium. See also 
epithelium.
endotracheal tube
A flexible plastic tube that is
put in the mouth and then down into the trachea
(airway). A physician inserts an endotracheal tube
under direct vision, with the help of a laryngoscope,
in a procedure called endotracheal intubation. The
purpose of using an endotracheal tube is to ventilate
the lungs.
endourologist
A urologist with special expertise
in navigating inside the kidneys, ureter, and bladder,
using endoscopic optical instruments and other
tools. Endourologists are specialists in diagnosing
and treating diseases of these organs.
engagement
The sensation that a pregnant
woman feels when the lowermost part of the fetus
descends and is engaged in the mother’s pelvis, an
event that typically occurs 2 to 3 weeks before labor
begins. Women who have had two or more prior
viable pregnancies (multiparas) may not experi-
ence engagement until labor actually begins. When
engagement occurs, there is a visible change in the
shape of the woman’s stomach because the baby
drops lower in the abdomen. Also known as light-
ening because the pregnant woman feels lighter
after this event. Most women feel more comfortable
after engagement, but some may experience lower
back pain as the fetus presses close to the tailbone
and the sciatic nerve. Others may find movement
more difficult due to the lower center of gravity
caused by engagement.
ENGERIX-B
A vaccine against the hepatitis B
virus. ENGERIX-B stimulates the body’s immune sys-
tem to produce antibodies against the virus.