Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

Glossary of Medical Terms 393
minutes and then measuring the amount of fluid
the paper absorbs.
scope of practice The legal, professional, and
conventional responsibilities and duties of a
health-care provider.
secondary Occurring as a consequence of
another health condition, injury, disorder, disease,
or treatment.
sensory perception Information the brain
receives through the five senses: vision, hearing,
smell, taste, and touch.
sign An objective observation of a body function
or dysfunction.
single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) scan A diagnostic imaging procedure
that uses radionuclides to generate
three-dimensional images of internal organs,
structures, and functions. A special camera detects
the presence of the radionuclides (rapidly disintegrating
radioactive particles) in cells and tissues.
Normal cells and tissues take up the radionuclides
at known rates; unusual cell activity results in
variations from these rates that may indicate
health conditions such as infection or cancer.
speculum An instrument to hold apart the walls
of an opening or hollow organ within the body to
allow its examination.
spirometry A measure of the amount of air a
person is capable of breathing in and breathing
out, performed to assess basic pulmonary (lung)
function.
standard of care The customary practices in
diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care as determined
by professional health organizations.
superior Above.
supine The position of lying on the back with
arms at the sides and legs outstretched.
suture A thread or wire used to hold closed the
edges of a wound. Also called a stitch.
symptom A subjective perception of a body function
or dysfunction.
syndrome A collection of symptoms, signs, and
diagnostic findings that occurs in a particular pattern.
system Organs and structures of the body that
work together to perform related, coordinated
functions and activities.
teratogenic Capable of causing birth defects in a
developing fetus.
tissue An organized group of cells that work collectively
to perform a specific function.
transposition Body structures that are present
but switched or exchanged in location or position;
also called transposed.
tumor An abnormal growth of cells that are
unique from the tissue from which they arise; also
called a neoplasm.
ultrasound A diagnostic imaging procedure that
uses focused sound waves to generate images of
internal organs, structures, or functions. The
sound waves reflect, or echo, from objects they
encounter. A computer translates the echoes into
electrical signals, which are displayed on a monitor
screen as visual images.
vag hyst Medical short hand for “vaginal hysterectomy“
(surgical removal of the uterus).
ventral The front, or belly, surface.
watchful waiting A planned treatment approach
of observation and regular physician visits to monitor
the status of a health condition.