Category: S

Adherent debris produced when cutting the enamel or dentin in cavity preparation. It is about 1 micron thick and its composition reflects the underlying dentin, although different quantities and qualities of smear layer can be produced by the various instrumentation techniques. Its function is presumed to be protective, as it lowers dentin permeability. However, it…

The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine. A section of the intestine from the stomach to the caecum, consisting of the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. Longest part of the digestive tract, about 24 feet (7 meters), extending from the pylorus of the stomach to…

The skeleton of the head including the bones of the face and the bones enclosing the brain. The bones of the head when taken collectively. The eight bones which are fused or connected together to form the head, along with the fourteen bones which form the face. Bony skeleton of the head, consisting of the…

Inorganic compounds that contain silver as an integral part of the molecule.  

The intercellular or intracellular transfer of information (biological activation/inhibition) through a signal pathway. In each signal transduction system, an activation/inhibition signal from a biologically active molecule (hormone, neurotransmitter) is mediated via the coupling of a receptor/enzyme to a second messenger system or to an ion channel. Signal transduction plays an important role in activating cellular…

A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the one sought to be benefited by its administration. A secondary drug effect different from the principal effect for which the drug is taken.…

The general bodily disturbance following a severe injury; an emotional or moral upset occasioned by some disturbing or unexpected experience; disruption of the circulation, which can upset all body functions: sometimes referred to as circulatory shock. Sudden and disturbing mental or physical impression also a state of collapse characterized by pale, cold, sweaty skin, rapid,…

Involuntary contraction or twitching of the muscles. It is a physiologic method of heat production in man and other mammals. Trembling of the body from cold or fear or other emotional state. The condition of trembling or shaking all over the body because of cold or a fever, caused by the involuntary rapid contraction and…

The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed. Clear liquid left after the protein has been clotted; the serum from milk, occasionally referred to as lacto-serum, is whey. Blood serum is blood plasma without the fibrinogen. When blood clots, the fibrinogen is converted to fibrin,…

A non-essential amino acid occurring in natural form as the L-isomer. It is synthesized from glycine or threonine. It is involved in the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and other amino acids. A non-essential amino acid. A nonessential amino acid; a biosynthetic precursor of several metabolites, including cysteine, glycine, and choline. An amino acid produced in…