Author: Glossary

At rest, in equilibrium; not changing. The study of matter at rest and of the forces bringing about equilibrium.  

Infections with pathogenic species of staphylococcus bacteria; usually characterized by abscess formation. Common staphylococcal infections include carbuncles, furuncles, and some forms of food poisoning with pathogenic species of staphylococcus bacteria; usually characterized by abscess formation. Common staphylococcal infections include carbuncles, furuncles, and some forms of food poisoning. The group of infections caused by bacteria of…

Any of a series of nerves of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system, innervating viscera and blood vessels. The series of nerves in the sympathetic system that are distributed to the blood vessels and viscera, passing forward and downward from the chain of sympathetic ganglia near the spinal cord to enter the abdomen…

Any of several inherited disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the spinal cord and cerebellum and usually marked by increasing spasticity, ataxia, and incoordination.  

Any ascending or descending pathway for sensory or motor nerve impulses found in the white matter of the spinal cord.  

Set of techniques used by emergency care providers to prevent movement of the cervical vertebrae following an injury; usually involves placing a semirigid collar around the patient’s neck and strapping him or her to a backboard.  

Dilatation of superficial capillaries with an elevated red dot from which blood vessels radiate.  

Chemical that kills sperm; found in many contraceptive creams, jellies, and foams; also called spermicide.  

Antibiotic used to treat gonorrhea and certain other infections. Adverse effects include nausea, fever, dizziness, and rashes. An antibiotic used to treat various infections, particularly gonorrhea. It is administered by injection; side-effects may include nausea, dizziness, fever, and rash.  

Loss of muscle function with involuntary spasm or contraction of one or more muscles. Stiff and awkward muscle control caused by a central nervous system disorder. Also known as spastic paraplegia, a neurological disorder characterized by increased rigidity of the muscles (spasticity) and weakness or paralysis of the lower body. The progress of spastic paralysis,…