Category: S

Small transdermal disc that contains the medication scopolamine and is placed behind the ear to prevent motion sickness; the disc delivers the medication over a period of three days; side effects include blurred vision, dryness of the mouth, and drowsiness.  

Drug or cell that removes disintegrated tissues or abnormal compounds in the body. Anti-oxidant drugs function as free-radical scavengers, removing them from the body. Certain types of white blood cells remove foreign material or bacteria from the body, much as a scavenger bird would clean the carcass of a dead animal.  

Institution for treatment of persons with long-term or chronic disorders. Prior to modem antibiotics, persons with tuberculosis were placed in a TB sanitarium. Also, colloq. for an institution that treats persons with mental disorders. An institution for the treatment and recuperation of persons having physical or mental disorders. Promoting, to conditions that are conducive to…

Duct through which saliva passes from a Salivary gland to the mouth. A duct is a passageway that facilitates the transportation of saliva from the salivary gland to the mouth. This slender tube plays a vital role in the oral cavity by conveying the saliva produced by the salivary glands to its intended destination. It…

Toxic condition caused by the ingestion of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or other salicylates; it is characterized by vomiting, headache, rapid breathing, tinnitus, low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, and in severe cases by convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death. Treatment includes induced emesis and/or gastric lavage, saline cathartics, correction of electrolyte imbalance, and possibly dialysis. Some physicians…

Use of sexual practices believed to decrease the chances of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, esp. acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Generally, this involves avoidance of promiscuity, abstinence from orogenital and rectal sex, and the use of condoms. A term used to describe any sexual activity that poses no risk of contracting or transmitting a sexually…

Any of the five segments of the vertebral column that fuse in the adult to form the sacrum. One of the five fused vertebrae forming the sacrum.  

Abnormal condition caused by compression of cervical (neck region) nerve roots, resulting from trauma or degenerative disease or other factors, that produces pain in the neck region, often radiating to the shoulder, arm, and hand, paresthesia, and some muscular weakness. Treatment may involve analgesics, immobilization of the area to allow rest, traction, and, if severe,…

Culture media of defined and reproducible chemical composition, used for research purposes. Such media consist of simple sources of carbon and nitrogen plus trace elements. The metabolism of a given bacterium can thereby be studied by the omission or substitution of specific growth factors, such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins or carbohydrates.