ulcer A break in the skin or in the mucous membrane lining the alimentary tract that fails to heal. It is often accompanied by inflammation

ulcerative colitis [ul-cer-a-tive co-li-tis] see colitis.

ultrasound, ultrasound scan Sound waves of a very high frequency, higher than the human ear can hear. Ultrasound can be used to examine structures within the body by using an ultrasound scan. If ultrasound is directed at the body, it is reflected back differently by different types of tissue. In an ultrasound scan, these differences are measured and used to build up pictures of structures inside the body. Ultrasound scans are useful in diagnosing cancer.

ultraviolet radiation (UVR) The part of sunlight that causes sunburn and skin damage. Ultraviolet radiation is invisible and does not feel hot. It is radiation of short wave length, beyond the violet end of visible light. Skin cancer and skin damage are caused mainly by UVR.

ureter The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

urethra The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.

urinary tract [u-rin-a-ry tract] The collection of ducts and channels that take urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body and includes the ureters, bladder, and urethra.

urine Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

urologist [u-rol-o-gist] A doctor specialising in diseases of the urinary tract in both males and females, and of the genital organs in males

urostomy An operation to create an opening from inside the body to the outside, making a new way to pass urine.

urothelium The membrane lining the bladder.

uterine cancer [u-te-rine can-cer] Cancer of the uterus, including cancer of the endo-metrium, the lining of the uterus. It is the sixth most common cancer among women in Victoria, and the most common gynaecological cancer, usually occurring in post-menopausal women. Treatment is usually surgery. Sometimes called endometrial cancer.

uterine fibroid [u-te-rine fi-broid] see fibroid.

uterus [u-te-rus] (adj. uterine) The womb ; the hollow, muscular organ which, during pregnancy, holds and nourishes the developing child.

UVA, UVB Forms of ultraviolet radiation