Ulnar artery
The artery on the little-finger side of the forearm that, together with the radial artery, feeds the palmar arches. The Allen test checks its patency before radial artery puncture.
See also: Allen test
Umbilical arteries
Two arteries in the umbilical cord that carry oxygen-poor blood from the foetus to the placenta. After birth they close and form ligaments on the inner abdominal wall.
Unconsciousness
A state in which a person cannot be roused and does not respond. If breathing normally, they should be placed in the recovery position; otherwise start resuscitation immediately.
Urinary sphincter
The muscle systems at the bladder neck and in the urethra that hold urine: an involuntary internal and a voluntarily controlled external sphincter. Their weakness leads to urinary incontinence.
See also: Pelvic floor
Uterine artery
The artery from the internal iliac artery that crosses over the ureter near the cervix. This proximity matters in surgery; it can be blocked by catheter for fibroids or severe bleeding.
See also: Internal iliac artery
Ulcerative colitis
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine with bloody, mucous diarrhoea and abdominal cramps that occurs in flare-ups.
Urge incontinence
Loss of urine after a sudden, strong urge to urinate that cannot be suppressed in time, typical of an overactive bladder. Bladder training, pelvic floor training and medication can help.
See also: Bladder training