Author: Glossary

A surgical operation in which the esophagus (gullet) is joined to the stomach, bypassing the natural junction when this is obstructed by achalasia, stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus, or cancer. This operation is rarely performed, because gastric juices entering the esophagus through the artificial junction cause inflammation and stricture.  

Tubular glands that lie in the mucous membrane of the stomach wall. There are three varieties: the cardiac, fundic (oxyntic), and pyloric glands, and they secrete gastric juice. One of the tubular glands, or gastric pits, of the stomach. Nestled within the confines of the gastric region, lie intricate networks of ramified tubular glands.  

Dilatation of the stomach. This may be caused by pyloric stenosis; it may occur as a complication of abdominal operations or trauma; or it may result from disordered nerve function, as in diabetes or after vagotomy.  

A genus of widely distributed nonbloodsucking beelike flies. The parasitic maggots normally live in the alimentary canal of horses but, rarely, can also infect man and cause an inflamed itching eruption of the skin. A genus of botflies belonging to the family Oestridae, order Diptera. The larvae infest horses.  

A syndrome charaaerized by approximate answers, i.e. the patient gives grossly and absurdly false replies to questions, but the reply shows that the question has been understood. For example, the question “What color is snow?” may elicit the reply “Green.” This can be accompanied by odd behavior or episodes of ‘stupor. The condition is due…

A lesion that occasionally appears in the final stage of yaws, involving considerable destruction of the tissues of both the hard palate and the nose. Ulceration of the nose and hard palate, seen in the late stage of yaws, leishmaniasis, or leprosy.  

A drug used in creams, lotions, solutions, or shampoos to treat infestations caused by scabies, mites, and lice (including head lice). Mild skin reactions occasionally occur. A miticide used to treat scabies. Trade names are Kwell and Scabene.  

A drug administered by injection to produce muscle relaxation during anesthesia. It is also used in a diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis.  

A helmet-shaped part, especially the galea aponeurotica, a flat sheet of fibrous tissue that caps the skull and links the two parts of the epicranius muscle.