Category: S

A drug which stops the sympathetic nervous system working. A drug that opposes the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Drugs such as ‘guanethidine and methyldopa block the transmission of impulses along adrenergic nerves; they are used to treat high blood pressure. Drugs such as phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine block alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing, in particular, dilation…

The regularity of structure and distribution of parts of the body, each side of the body being  structurally similar to the other. Correspondence in shape, size, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a body.  

A surgical operation to amputate the foot above the ankle [Described 1842. After James Syme (1799-1870), Edinburgh surgeon and teacher; one of the first to adopt antisepsis (Joseph Lister was his son-in-law), and also among the early users of anaesthesia.]  

A condition in which the eyelid sticks to the eyeball. A condition in which the eyelid adheres to the eyeball. It is usually the result of acid or alkali bums to the conjunctiva lining the eyelid and eyeball. An of the lid and the eyeball, typically caused by burns with acids or bases, surgical trauma,…

An infection of hair follicles on the sides of the face and chin. A chronic staphylococcal folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles with staphylococci bacteria) of the beard area in males, causing a papulo pustular inflammation clearly centred on hair follicles. It must be distinguished from ringworm infection of the face and hair follicles (tinea…

A bacterial infection of hair follicles. Inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacterial infection. It commonly affects the beard area (sycosis barbae) and may cause intense itching. The infection usually spreads unless treated by allowing the beard to grow and applying antibiotic ointments. An inflammatory condition that targets the skin’s hair follicles, especially in…

Spasms in arteries and muscles caused by cold water, or by swimming soon after a meal.  

A condition in which fluid accumulates in tissue, making the tissue become large. Abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement. An abnormal transient enlargement, especially one appearing on the surface of the body. Ice applied to the area helps to limit swelling.  

A hole in the skin through which the sweat comes out.  

A gland which produces sweat, situated beneath the dermis and connected to the skin surface by a sweat duct. A structure in the skin that produces sweat, a salt solution. Sweat glands are located in the dermis layer of the skin. There are two kinds of sweat glands. Eccrine glands, the more common type, are…