Glossary

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  • Rippling muscle disease

    A rare autosomal dominant muscle disease whose symptoms include spontaneous muscle contraction when muscles are stimulated by stretching, percussion, or squeezing. Affected patients are usually recognized during childhood. They may demonstrate weakness of facial muscles, frequent falls, or difficulty walking on their heels or toes as a result of calf muscle weakness.  

  • Cervical ripening

    The biochemical changes in the cervix that take place gradually over the last few weeks of gestation in preparation for childbirth. The cervix softens, and its potential for stretching increases. Normally this occurs naturally, but in postterm pregnancies it may be necessary to use mechanical dilators or drugs. Placement of Laminaria digitata or prostaglandin E…

  • Sodium fluoride rinse

    A 0.05% aqueous solution of sodium fluoride also containing coloring and flavoring agents, used as a mouth rinse to help prevent dental caries.  

  • Mouth rinse

    A flavored or medicated solution swirled in the mouth, used to treat halitosis, oral infections, apthous ulcers, stomatitis, or dental biofilm (plaque).  

  • Ring removal from swollen finger

    A technique for the removal of a ring from an injured or swollen finger. One method is described here: One end of a length of string is passed under the ring. The ring is pushed as far from the swollen area toward the hand as possible; the string is wrapped on the side of the…

  • Vascular ring

    A congenital abnormality in which an arterial ring encircles the trachea and esophagus. This causes signs of compression of their structures. Surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms.  

  • Umbilical ring

    The opening in the linea alba of the embryo through which the umbilical vessels pass.  

  • Teething ring

    Any relatively soft object on which an infant may chew to relieve discomfort during the eruption of teeth. Teething rings and other teething devices small enough to be inhaled by an infant should never be used.  

  • Superficial inguinal ring

    The opening of the inguinal canal that is just below the skin.  

  • Physiologic retraction ring

    A normal contraction of the ring formed by the junction of the body and isthmus of the uterus.  

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