Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

plasmacyte
See 
plasma cell.
plasmacytoma
Cancer of the plasma cells (white
blood cells that produce antibodies) that may turn
into multiple myeloma.
plasmapheresis
A procedure in which whole
blood is taken from a person and separated into
plasma and blood cells; the plasma is removed and
replaced with another solution, such as saline solu-
tion, albumin, or specially prepared donor plasma;
and the reconstituted solution is then returned to
the patient. Plasmapheresis is used in the treatment
of many different conditions, including autoimmune
disorders. When the plasma is removed, it takes
with it the antibodies that have been developed
against self-tissue in an attempt to reduce the attack
on the patient’s own body. Plasmapheresis carries
with it the same risks as any intravenous procedure
but is otherwise generally safe. 
Plasmodium
The genus of the class of Sporazoa
that includes the parasite that causes malaria.
Plasmodium is a type of protozoa, a single-celled
organism that is able to divide only within a host
cell. The main types of Plasmodium are P. falci-
parum, the species that causes falciparum malaria,
the most dangerous type of malaria; P. malariae, the
species that causes quartan malaria; P. ovale, a
species found primarily in east and central Africa
that causes ovale malaria; and P. vivax, the species
that causes vivax malaria, which tends to be milder
than falciparum malaria.
plastic surgeon
A surgeon who specializes in
reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur
as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment
for diseases, such as melanoma. Many plastic sur-
geons also perform cosmetic surgery that is unre-
lated to medical conditions.
plastic surgery
A surgical specialty that is dedi-
cated to reconstruction of facial and body defects
due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease.
Plastic surgery is also involved with the enhance-
ment of the appearance of a person through cos-
metic surgery.