Category: T

A hormone, produced by certain cells in the thyroid gland, that lowers the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood. Thyrocalcitonin is given by injection to treat hypercalcemia and Paget ‘s disease of the bone. Compare parathyroid hormone.  

A drug that causes peripheral blood vessels to dilate. It is administered by mouth in the treatment of Raynaud’s disease and similar conditions. Side-effects include mild nausea, diarrhea, headache, and flushing. The drug should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus or heart disease.  

A compound containing thymine and the sugar ribose. A nucleoside present in deoxyribonucleotide. It is formed from the condensation product of thymine and deoxyribose.  

Failure of development of the thymus. This was formerly thought to predispose to hypersensitivity reactions and to infection and so to death in childhood, a concept no longer held. A sometimes fatal disorder in which the thymus fails to develop, causing a deficiency of gamma globulin. There is a deficiency of lymph tissue throughout the…

An instrument used to inspect the pleural cavity. A surgical tool fitted with a light source, used for insertion into the chest to allow the surgeon to visually inspect the interior of the chest cavity. This instrument is also known as a thoracoscope.  

A drug that is used in the treatment of overactivity of the thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis). It is given by mouth; side-effects include fever, skin reactions, jaundice, and agranulocytosis. A medication employed to address excessive activity of the thyroid gland.  

A major tranquilizer similar to chlorpromazine in its actions and effects. It is given by mouth to treat agitated psychotic patients with anxiety states and to control nausea and vomiting.  

Growing best in the presence of sulfur or sulfur compounds. The term is usually applied to bacteria. Thriving in the presence of sulfur or its compounds, which is true of some bacteria.  

A type of skin graft in which thin partial thicknesses of skin are cut in narrow strips and placed onto the wound area to be healed. The term given to a method of skin-grafting in which strips of skin are shaved from a normal area and placed on a burned, injured or scarred area to be…

A drug used in the treatment of leprosy and (in combination with isoniazid) tuberculosis. The drug is administered by mouth. Toxic effects, though infrequent, are severe and include anorexia, hepatitis, and exfoliative dermatitis.