Glossary A

Glossary A

Apex of the cochlea refers to the end of the basilar membrane farthest from the middle ear.

Apgar refers to the system developed by Virginia Apgar, M.D., that assesses the general physical condition of a newborn infant for five (5) criteria: (A) activity/muscle tone (P) pulse rate (G) grimace and reflex irritability (A) appearance/skin color (R) respiration

Apgar scale refers to a measure of a newborn's health that assesses appearance, pulse, grimace, activity level, and respiratory effort.

Apgar scoring method refers to assessment method of the newborn based on heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and skin color.

Aphasia refers to the loss or impairment of previously acquired abilities in language comprehension or production that cannot be explained by sensory or motor defects or by diffuse brain dysfunction.

Aphasic refers to a person who has a disorder of language ; usually associated with damage to the left hemisphere of the brain

Aphonia refers to the inability to create sounds or speak.

Aphrodisiac refers to a substance (usually food, such as oyster, chocolate, strawberry) that increases, or is believed to increase, a person’s sexual desire.