Facial artery
The artery from the external carotid that crosses the lower jaw into the face and supplies the lips, cheeks and nose. Its pulse can be felt at the jaw edge in front of the masseter; its course must be considered in facial filler treatments.
See also: External carotid artery
Factitious disorder
A mental disorder in which people deliberately produce or feign signs of illness without an external benefit such as money. It often reflects a wish for attention through the patient role.
Faecal alpha-1 antitrypsin
Measurement of this blood protein in stool, where it is hardly broken down. Raised values indicate protein loss through the bowel wall, for example in protein-losing enteropathy.
See also: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Femoral artery
The thigh artery, continuing from the external iliac artery below the inguinal ligament to supply the leg. Its pulse is easily felt in the groin, and it is often used as access for cardiac catheterisation.
See also: Artery
Fibular artery
The artery arising from the posterior tibial artery that supplies the lateral and deep muscles of the lower leg. In people with diabetes it often stays open longer than the other lower leg arteries.
See also: Posterior tibial artery, Diabetic foot
Full blood count
A laboratory test of the blood cells: red and white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin. The differential count also distinguishes the subgroups of white blood cells.
Facial canal
Winding bony canal in the petrous temporal bone through which the facial nerve runs from the internal acoustic meatus to the stylomastoid foramen. Swelling in this narrow canal explains facial palsy in inflammation.
Flow cytometry
Laboratory technique in which cells flow individually past a laser in a fluid stream and are analysed by size, structure and surface markers using scattered light and fluorescent-labelled antibodies. It is used, among other things, in the diagnosis of leukaemias and lymphomas.
Fluoroscopy
X-ray technique with continuous imaging that allows movements or the path of contrast medium to be observed in real time, for example during swallowing or catheter procedures.
Formication
Sensation of insects crawling over the skin without any external stimulus. It is a form of abnormal sensation and occurs in nerve damage, withdrawal or the menopause.
Fragrances
Natural or synthetic substances that give products a scent. They are among the most common triggers of contact allergies.