Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Capsule
Introduction
The word capsule, or encapsulation, may refer to:
- Capsule (anatomy), a cover or envelope partly or wholly surrounding a structure.
- Capsule (microbiology), a layer that lies outside the cell wall of bacteria.
- Capsule (pharmacy), a small gelatinous case enclosing a dose of medication.
- Another name for the sporangium of mosses and hornworts.
- Capsular contracture, the scar tissue naturally forming around breast implants.