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Cataplexy A sudden decrement in muscle tone and loss of deep tendon reflexes leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, or postural collapse; One of the symptom tetrad of narcolepsy
Central Apnea No respiratory effort, caused when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respirations
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration A pattern of breathing with a gradual increase in the depth of respiration to a maximum, followed by a progressive decrease in the depth of respiration resulting in apnea, characteristically seen in heart failure patients
Chronic Lasting a long time or recurring; Having an ailment for a long time
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) A progressive disease process that most commonly results from smoking; COPD is characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing and a chronic cough
Circadian Rhythm An innate, daily fluctuation of physiologic or behavioral functions, including sleep-wake states generally tied to the 24-hour clock
Colonization The process in which microorganisms establish a presence and grow in or on the human body; Does not necessarily indicate a pathological response
Compliance (CHF) Compliance is the consistency and accuracy with which a patient follows the regimen prescribed by a physician or other health professional; The relative ease with which a body stretches or deforms; In pulmonary physiology, a measure of volume change per unit pressure under static conditions; The reciprocal of elastance (i.e., L/cmH20)
Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (CMV) An abbreviation for continuous mandatory ventilation; The application of pressure greater than atmospheric at the airway opening during every inspiration, used to support ventilation
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Medical device that delivers a steady, gentle flow of air delivered through a soft, pliable nasal mask worn over the nose; Used to 'splint' open a person's airway during sleep; CPAP is the most effective treatment available for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Cyanosis Bluish coloration of the skin caused by deficient oxygenation of the blood
Cycle The complete series of potential changes undergone by a wave before the same series is repeated; Such as the REM cycle

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