Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Salivary duct

    Duct through which saliva passes from a Salivary gland to the mouth. A duct is a passageway that facilitates the transportation of saliva from the salivary gland to the mouth. This slender tube plays a vital role in the oral cavity by conveying the saliva produced by the salivary glands to its intended destination. It…

  • Salicylate poisoning

    Toxic condition caused by the ingestion of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or other salicylates; it is characterized by vomiting, headache, rapid breathing, tinnitus, low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, and in severe cases by convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death. Treatment includes induced emesis and/or gastric lavage, saline cathartics, correction of electrolyte imbalance, and possibly dialysis. Some physicians…

  • Safe sex

    Use of sexual practices believed to decrease the chances of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, esp. acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Generally, this involves avoidance of promiscuity, abstinence from orogenital and rectal sex, and the use of condoms. A term used to describe any sexual activity that poses no risk of contracting or transmitting a sexually…

  • Sacral vertebra

    Any of the five segments of the vertebral column that fuse in the adult to form the sacrum. One of the five fused vertebrae forming the sacrum.  

  • Russell’s bodies

    Inclusions found in plasma cells in cancer; also called cancer bodies.  

  • Roseola

    Any rose-colored rash, as in measles or roseola infantum. Any rose-colored rash, such as occurs in measles, the secondary stage of syphilis, or in typhoid fever. A skin condition marked by maculae or red spots of varying sizes on the skin; any rose-colored rash. A rash or breakout that is rose-hued. An outdated term for…

  • Rosaceae

    A skin disease of adults, more often women, in which the blood vessels, especially of the nose, forehead, and cheeks, enlarge, giving the face a flushed appearance. The cause is unknown. Also called acne rosaceae.  

  • Rifampin

    Antibacterial used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal upsets, discoloration of urine and sweat, and sometimes an influenza-like syndrome and liver toxicity. An antimycobacterial drug. Rifampin (Rifadin) is used to treat active tuberculosis (TB). It works by impairing the synthesis of the RNA (ribonucleic acid) of bacteria responsible for TB. It is…

  • Rickettsialpox

    Mild, infectious disease caused by Rickettsia akari, transmitted from mice to hu¬ mans by mites. Symptoms include chills, fever, malaise, and chicken pox-like lesions that dry, form scabs, and fall off, leaving no scars. Chloramphenicol or tetracyclines are usually given. An acute, febrile, self-limited disease caused by Rickettsia akari. It is transmitted from the house…

  • Rhytidoplasty

    Procedure in plastic surgery in which an incision is made near the hairline and excess tissue excised, the face tightened, wrinkles removed, and the skin made to appear firm; also called, colloquially, face lift. The elimination of facial wrinkles by plastic surgery.