Medical Definitions - R

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Radiologist - a physician specialized in radiology, the branch of medicine that uses ionizing and nonionizing radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Radiopacity - Also known as radiodensity; the capability of a substance to hinder or completely stop the passage of x-rays, such as lead and bones, thus producing a light image on film.

Reflux - when liquid backs up into the esophagus from the stomach.

Renal - kidney.

Renal pelvis - the connection of the ureter to the kidney.

Replogle tube - a tube used for gastric decompression in infants with intrabdominal issues.

Resident - a doctor in training under the guidance of a more experienced physician.

Residuals - something left behind; often refers to what is left in the stomach after a feeding and can indicate how the digestive system is functioning.

Retrosternal hernia - also known as Morgagni hernia; a diaphragmatic hernia protruding through Morgagni's foramen.

Respirator - another name for mechanical ventilation.

Room air - a term used to describe that a patient is breathing the same amount of oxygen that normal, healthy people would breathe; 21% oxygen.