| capillary bed - A collection of small vessels where the blood flows very slowly to allow plasma to flow in and out to exchange nutrients and waste products with the cells. |
| CDP - Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy. |
| CDT - Complete Decongestive Therapy; Complex decongestive therapy. |
| cellulitis - A serious, potentially life-threatening bacterial infection spreads freely, quickly, and uncontrollably through the deeper tissues and the lymphatic or circulatory systems; also known as lymphangitis. |
| cervical nodes - Lymph nodes located along the sides of the neck. |
| chronic venous insufficiency - A condition in which the veins of the legs do not efficiently return blood to the heart; CVI. |
| circumferential measurement - The use of a tape to measure the circumference of a limb at selected anatomic locations. These measurements are used to calculate limb volume and to fit compression garments. |
| cisterna chyli - An enlarged lymph vessel that is about 6 centimeters long. It is located in the lumbar region of the abdominal cavity, just to the right of the abdominal aorta. It receives and temporarily stores lymph as it travels upward from the lower portion of the body. |
| CLT-LANA - Certified Lymphedema Therapist-Lymphology Association of North America. |
| compression - In lymphedema treatment the use of garments and wraps to support the lymphatic system in the affected area, maintain progress made during manual lymph drainage, and to control additional swelling. |
| compression aids - A variety of custom-fitted garments or pads that consist of a layer of foam padding stitched between covers of a specialized fabric in a channel-like pattern to stimulate and guide the flow of lymph. |
| compression garments - Specialized elastic knit two-way stretch sleeves or stockings that can be worn under clothing throughout the day, including while exercising. |
| congenital lymphedema - The form of primary lymphedema that is present from birth; also known as Milroy’s disease or Nonne-Milroy disease. |
| contralateral - On the opposite side; The unaffected area of lymph drainage. |
| CPT Codes - Abbreviation for Current Procedural Terminology. |
| Current Procedural Terminology - A system of treatment codes developed and published by the American Medical Association |
| cutaneous - Pertaining to the skin. |
