Author: Glossary

  • Pes anserinus

    The network of branches of the facial nerve as it passes through the parotid gland. The term resembling a goose’s foot used to describe the web-like end branches of the facial nerve.  

  • Sexual perversion

    A maladjustment of sexual behavior in which satisfaction is sought in ways that veer far from accepted cultural norms. A preference for achieving sexual pleasure through methods other than traditional sexual intercourse.  

  • Pervasive

    Spreading widely and deeply; affecting all aspects of something.  

  • Pertussis immune globulin

    A sterile solution of antibodies derived from the blood of adults who have been immunized with pertussis vaccine; used to produce passive immunity to pertussis.  

  • Perturbation

    The state of being greatly disturbed or agitated; uneasiness of mind.  

  • Pertinent positive

    An element of a patient’s history that aids diagnosis because the patient affirms that it is present.  

  • Pertinent negative

    An element of the patient’s history that aids diagnosis because the patient denies that it is present.  

  • Persulfate

    One of a series of sulfates containing more sulfuric acid than the others in the same series.  

  • Person-years of life lost

    A calculation of the impact of a disease on society owing to premature death from the specific disease; the number of years the person would live if she or he had never contracted the disease.  

  • Persons in need of supervision

    A legal term for children who, because of behavioral problems, require supervision, usually in an institution.