Glossary

Category: S

  • Spider angioma

    Dilatation of superficial capillaries with an elevated red dot from which blood vessels radiate.  

  • Spermatocide

    Chemical that kills sperm; found in many contraceptive creams, jellies, and foams; also called spermicide.  

  • Spectinomycin

    Antibiotic used to treat gonorrhea and certain other infections. Adverse effects include nausea, fever, dizziness, and rashes. An antibiotic used to treat various infections, particularly gonorrhea. It is administered by injection; side-effects may include nausea, dizziness, fever, and rash.  

  • Spastic paralysis

    Loss of muscle function with involuntary spasm or contraction of one or more muscles. Stiff and awkward muscle control caused by a central nervous system disorder. Also known as spastic paraplegia, a neurological disorder characterized by increased rigidity of the muscles (spasticity) and weakness or paralysis of the lower body. The progress of spastic paralysis,…

  • Spastic bladder

    Type of neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord lesion, multiple sclerosis, or trauma, and characterized by loss of bladder sensation, incontinence, and interrupted voiding. Neurogenic bladder due to complete transection of the spinal cord above the sacral segments.  

  • Solubility

    The ability of a particular substance to dissolve in a particular solvent.  

  • Sneeze

    Sneeze

    Involuntary sudden expulsion of air through the nose and mouth, resulting from irritation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, as from a cold or allergic reaction. An involuntary violent reflex expulsion of air through the nose and mouth provoked by irritation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity. To expel air…

  • Snare

    Instrument with a wire hoop used to remove polyps, small tumors, or other growths, especially in body cavities. An instrument consisting of a wire loop designed to remove polyps, tumors, and other projections of tissue, particularly those occurring in body cavities. The loop is used to encircle the base of the tumor and is then…

  • Slow virus

    Virus that remains dormant in the body for a long time, with years elapsing before symptoms may occur. Several human diseases (e.g., kura) are thought to be caused by slow viruses. A virus that replicates and causes disease indolently.  

  • Sinus headache

    Pain in the head resulting from congestion and/or infection in the paranasal sinuses. Typically the discomfort is localized over the forehead or behind the eyes and is increased by bending over. Treatment involves decongestants, analgesics, and sometimes antibiotics.