Plain-language clarity
Complex concepts like blood alcohol content (BAC) and respiratory rate are broken down without medical jargon overload.
Official
U.S. National Library of Medicine
MedlinePlus Definitions of Health Terms: General Health
Wellness is more than meals and workouts—it starts with knowing how your body works. Browse clear, NIH-sourced explanations for the vocabulary you hear at the doctor’s office and in everyday life.
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Understand your health, one term at a time
Short definitions backed by NIH and partner institutes—so you can read lab results, apps, and care instructions with confidence.
Vitals you actually use
From blood type and Rh factor to body temperature and blood pressure readings—learn what the numbers mean for you.
Cycle & wellness tracking
Terms such as cervical mucus, ovulation tests, and basal body temperature help you interpret fertility and wellness data responsibly.
Topics on the general health glossary
A sampling of definitions available on MedlinePlus—each with trusted institute attribution.
Blood pressure
Force of blood on artery walls—systolic when the heart beats, diastolic between beats (e.g. 120/80).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Estimate of body fat from height and weight, useful for gauging weight-related health risks.
Blood type
Types A, B, O, and AB plus Rh factor—how surface markers on blood cells are classified.
Blood alcohol content (BAC)
Alcohol concentration in blood, expressed for medical and legal reference.
Heart rate & respiratory rate
Core vital signs that reflect cardiovascular and breathing status.
Basal body temperature
Resting morning temperature; subtle shifts may align with ovulation when tracked consistently.
Cervical mucus & ovulation
Cycle-related changes that, with temperature, can help identify fertile windows.
Body temperature & height
Fundamental measures of heat regulation and growth tracking.
Inhaler usage, UV exposure & more
Practical terms for medication delivery, sun safety, menstruation, spotting, and daily wellness.
Trusted, official health information
MedlinePlus is produced by the National Library of Medicine—a cornerstone of evidence-based public health education.
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- Content sourced from NIH MedlinePlus and partner institutes (NHLBI, NIAAA, and others).
- Ideal companion to fitness, nutrition, vitamin, and mineral definition collections on MedlinePlus.
- Designed for patients, families, and anyone building everyday health literacy.
- Educational only—not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
Common questions
It is a MedlinePlus page that explains everyday health vocabulary—from blood pressure and BMI to reproductive health tracking terms—using trusted government health sources.
Yes. MedlinePlus is a free public service. You can read definitions without creating an account.
MedlinePlus groups related glossaries for fitness, general health, minerals, nutrition, and vitamins so you can explore connected terms in one place.
Use them to learn and prepare for conversations with clinicians. For personal medical decisions, always consult qualified healthcare professionals.
Ready to speak your body’s language?
Open MedlinePlus and browse Definitions of Health Terms: General Health—the same resource clinicians and educators trust for accurate, readable explanations.
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