Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Suture:
1. To unite parts by stitching; to sew together the edges of lacerated tissue. 2. The
joints between the bones of the skull.
Symptom:
Any abnormal function, sensation, or experience that indicates the presence of
disease.
Syncope:
A brief episode of unconsciousness, usually not associated with a significant ill-
ness; fainting.
Syndrome:
A group of signs and symptoms that occur together and comprise a disease
entity.
Synergist:
An agent that enhances the effectiveness of an active agent.
Synergistic:
Producing an effect greater than the sum of independent effects.
Syphilis:
A sexually transmitted infection that may produce no early symptoms but if un-
treated can be devastating years later.
Tachycardia:
An abnormally fast heart rate.
Tension pneumothorax:
A pneumothorax with which the intrapleural pressure is in-
creased so greatly that the organs in the chest are displaced and respiration is com-
promised.
Thoracostomy:
A surgical procedure that creates an opening into the chest.
Thrombophlebitis:
Thrombosis within veins that produces inflammation and pain.
Thrombosis:
Clotting of blood, typically within a blood vessel, that does not follow an
identifiable traumatic injury.
Torsion:
Twisting an organ or tissue in such a manner that the flow of blood to the tissue
is obstructed.
Toxic:
Having a poisonous or noxious effect.
Toxin:
A noxious or poisonous substance.
Trachea:
Large air passage between the mouth or nose and the bronchi and lungs.
Tracheostomy:
An opening in the trachea through which air can flow; produced to by-
pass an obstruction above that site.
Trauma:
1. A physical force that injures the body; an injury produced by physical force.
2. Any external force that produces injury, including emotional trauma.
Traumatic:
Of or pertaining to trauma.
Tuberculosis:
A chronic infection, most often pulmonary, characterized by extensive tis-
sue destruction and death if untreated.
Varicose veins:
Dilated, tortuous veins, most commonly in the legs.
Vascular:
Of or pertaining to blood vessels.
Vasovagal attack:
A transient vascular and neural reaction in humans characterized by a
fall in blood pressure that can result in loss of consciousness.
Vertigo:
A feeling that one's self or one's environment is whirling around; not synonym-
ous with dizziness.