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Glossary

Showing 1041-1050 out of 1154 Terms

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  • Stomach

    (STUH-muk)

    An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

  • Stomatitis

    (STOH-muh-TY-tis)

    Inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.

  • Stool

    (stool)

    The material in a bowel movement. Stool is made up of undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the lining of the intestines. Also called feces.

  • Stool Test

    (stool test)

    A test to check for hidden blood in the bowel movement.

  • Strabismus

    Strabismus is a disorder in which both eyes do not line up in the same direction. Therefore, they do not look at the same object at the same time. The most common form of strabismus is known as "crossed eyes."

  • Stroke

    stroke

    In medicine, a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, which damages brain tissue. Strokes are caused by blood clots and broken blood vessels in the brain. Symptoms include dizziness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, and problems with talking, writing, or understanding language. The risk of stroke is increased by high blood pressure, older age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty material and plaque inside the coronary arteries), and a family history of stroke. Also called cerebrovascular accident and CVA.

  • Superior vena cava

    (soo-PEER-ee-er VEE-nuh KAY-vuh)

    The large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart.

  • Superior vena cava syndrome

    (soo-PEER-ee-er VEE-nuh KAY-vuh SIN-drome)

    A condition in which a tumor presses against the superior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart). This pressure blocks blood flow to the heart and may cause coughing, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the face, neck, and upper arms.

  • Supplemental nutrition

    (SUH-pleh-MEN-tul noo-TRIH-shun)

    A substance or product that is added to a person’s diet to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. It may include vitamins, minerals, protein, or fat, and may be given by mouth, by tube feeding, or into a vein.

  • Suppository

    (suh-PAH-zih-TOR-ee)

    A form of medicine contained in a small piece of solid material, such as cocoa butter or glycerin, that melts at body temperature. A suppository is inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra and the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream.