Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

reflex
An involuntary reaction. For example, the
corneal reflex is the blink that occurs upon irritation
of the eye.
reflex, Babinski
See 
Babinski reflex.
reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
A
condition that features a group of typical symptoms,
including pain (often perceived as burning pain),
tenderness, and swelling of an extremity. Reflex
sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is associated with
varying degrees of sweating, warmth and/or cool-
ness, flushing, discoloration, and shiny skin. Its
exact cause is unknown. Also known as Complex
regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
reflux
See 
gastroesophageal reflux disease.
reflux laryngitis
See 
laryngitis, reflux.
rectouterine pouch
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refraction
In opthalmology, the bending of light
that takes place within the human eye. Refractive
errors include nearsightedness (myopia), farsight-
edness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Lenses can be
used to control the amount of refraction and correct
those errors.
refractory
Not yielding, or not yielding readily,
to treatment.
refractory anemia
See 
anemia, refractory.
Refsum disease
A genetic disorder that affects
the metabolism of the fatty acid phytanic acid. When
phytanic acid accumulates, it causes a number of
progressive problems, including inflammation of
numerous nerves (polyneuritis), diminishing vision
due to retinitis pigmentosa, and wobbliness (ataxia)
caused by damage to the cerebellar portion of the
brain. Refsum disease is caused by mutations in 
the PAHX gene on chromosome 10 that encodes the
enzyme phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase (PAHX). Also
known as phytanic acid storage disease.