Category: S

The smaller of two sacs in the vestibule of the inner ear which is part of the mechanism which relates information about the position of the head in space. The smaller of the two membranous sacs within the vestibule of the ear: it forms part of the membranous labyrinth. It is filled with fluid (endolymph)…

Relating to, resembling or containing sugar. An intensely sweet, white, crystalline compound used as a substitute for ordinary sugar. It has no food or energy value. Of the nature of, or having the quality of, sugar.  

Form of carbohydrate. The term saccharide means sugar or sweet and is often used as a synonym for carbohydrate. Any of a large group of carbohydrates, including sugars and starches. A group of carbohydrates that includes sugars. It includes: monosaccharides (single sugars), disaccharides (two sugars, covalently linked), oligosaccharides (a small number of linked sugars), and…

Controlled rapid movements of the eyes made when a person is changing the direction in which they are focusing, e.g. when they are reading. Fast, involuntary movements of the eyes as they change from one point of gaze to another.    

A provision in group health insurance plans providing maternity benefits to female employees only when their husbands are covered in the plan as their dependents. Has the effect of denying maternity benefits to single women.  

A provision in group health insurance plans providing immediate maternity benefits to a newly covered woman but terminating coverage on pregnancies in progress upon termination of a woman’s coverage.  

In insurance, the excess of a company’s assets (including any capital) over liabilities. Surpluses may be used for future dividends, expansion of business, or to meet possible unfavorable future developments. Surpluses may be developed and increased intentionally by including an amount in the premium in excess of the pure premium needed to meet anticipated liabilities…

A facility which serves outpatients requiring surgical treatment exceeding the capability of the physician s office but not requiring hospitalization as an inpatient. Also known as ambulatory surgery, day surgery, and in-and-out surgery.  

In health economics, the quantity of services supplied as the price of the service varies, income and other factors being held constant. For most services increases in price induce increases in supply, and for all they ration existing supply. Increases in demand (but not, necessarily, in need) normally induce an increase in price. Something which…

Inexpensive medical items, usually of a disposable nature, such as bandages, tongue depressors, rubbing alcohol, etc. Supplies should be distinguished from permanent and durable capital goods (those whose use lasts over a year).