Glossary (Q - T)

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Q . . .

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R . . .

Randomized trial

a study in which participants are assigned by chance to one of two or more intervention arms or regimens. Randominization minimizes the differences among groups by equally distributing people with particular characteristics among all the trial arms.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial

a clinical trial in which patients have been randomly assigned to receive either the study drug or alternative treatment, in which neither the patient nor the physician(s) conducting the study know which treatment is being given the patient, and in which the alternative to the study drug is a placebo; the study is conducted at several centers

Range of motion (ROM)

The ability of a joint to go through all its normal movements. Range-of-motion exercises help increase or maintain flexibility and movement in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Rapid Gastric Emptying (RAH-pid GAH-strik EM-tee-ying)

See Dumping Syndrome.

Reagent

any chemical used in a laboratory test or experiment.

Receptors

Areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood. See also: Insulin receptors; a molecule on the surface of a cell that serves as a recognition or binding site for antigens, antibodies or other cellular or immunologic components.

RECOMBINANT DNA (re-KOM-bih-nant)

DNA artificially constructed by insertion of foreign DNA into the DNA of an appropriate organism (usually bacteria or yeast) so that the foreign DNA is replicated along with the host DNA.

RECOMBINANT HIRUDIN

A hirudin produced by recombinant DNA technology.

Rectal Manometry (REK-tul muh-NAW-muh-tree)

A test that uses a thin tube and balloon to measure pressure and movements of the rectal and anal sphincter muscles. Usually used to diagnose chronic constipation and fecal incontinence.

Rectal Prolapse (REK-tul PRO-laps)

A condition in which the rectum slips so that it protrudes from the anus.

Rectum (REK-tum)

The lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.

REFLUDAN® (reh-FLOO-din)

Trade name for lepirudin, a recombinant hirudin. SERINE (SEER-een) PROTEASE (PRO-tee-aze): any member of a group of proteases containing at the active site a triad of serine, aspartate, and histidine residues involved in catalysis. Included are enzymes active in blood coagulation.

Reflux (REE-fluks)

A condition that occurs when gastric juices or small amounts of food from the stomach flow back into the esophagus and mouth. Also called regurgitation.

Reflux Esophagitis (REE-fluks uh-SAW-fuh-JY-tis)

Irritation of the esophagus because stomach contents flow back into the esophagus.

Regurgitation (ree-GUR-juh-TAY-shun)

See Reflux.

Relaxation therapy

People with arthritis use relaxation to release the tension in their muscles, which relieves pain.

Resectable (ree-SEK-tah- bill)

capable of being removed by surgery

Retinopathy

A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye.

Retrovirus

a type of virus whose genetic material consists of RNA rather than the usual DNA; HIV and other viruses that carry their genetic material in the form of RNA rather than DNA and have the enzyme reverse transcriptase that can transcribe it into DNA. In most animals and plants, DNA is usually made into RNA, hence "retro" is used to indicate the opposite direction.

Reverse transcriptase

the enzyme produced by HIV and other retroviruses that enables them to direct a cell to synthesize DNA from their viral RNA.

Rhabdomyolysis

an acute, potentially fatal disease of skeletal muscle

Rheumatoid arthritis

An often chronic systemic disease that causes inflammatory changes in the synovium, or joint lining, that result in pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. The disease can also affect other parts of the body.

Rheumatologist

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Rhinitis

inflammation of the nasal mucosa (mucous membranes in the nasal cavities)

Risk factor

Anything that raises the chance that a person will get a disease. With noninsulin-dependent diabetes, people have a greater risk of getting the disease if they weigh a lot more (20 percent or more) than they should.

RNA (ribonucleic acid)

a single-stranded molecule composed of chemical building blocks, similar to DNA. The RNA segments in cells represent copies of portions of the DNA sequences in the nucleus. RNA is the sole genetic material of retroviruses.

Rotavirus (ROH-tuh-vy-rus)

The most common cause of infectious diarrhea in the United States, especially in children under age 2.

Rupture (RUP-tchur)

A break or tear in any organ or soft tissue.

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S . . .

Saliva (suh-LY-vuh)

A mixture of water, protein, and salts that makes food easy to swallow and begins digestion.

Salmonella (SAH-moh-NEL-uh)

A bacterium that may cause intestinal infection and diarrhea. See also Gastroenteritis.

Sarcoidosis (SAR-koy-DOH-sis)

A condition that causes small, fleshy swellings in the liver, lungs, and spleen.

Saturated fat

A type of fat that comes from animals.

Schatzki's Ring (SHAHTS-keez ring)

See Lower Esophageal Ring.

Sclerotherapy (SKLAIR-oh-THEH-ruh-pee)

A method of stopping upper GI bleeding. A needle is inserted through an endoscope to bring hardening agents to the place that is bleeding.

Secrete

To make and give off such as when the beta cells make insulin and then release it into the blood so that the other cells in the body can use it to turn glucose (sugar) into energy.

Secretin (suh-KREE-tin)

A hormone made in the duodenum. Causes the stomach to make pepsin, the liver to make bile, and the pancreas to make a digestive juice.

Segmentation (SEG-men-TAY-shun)

The process by which muscles in the intestines move food and wastes through the body.

Serotonin (ser-oh-TOE-nin)

an agent that acts to constrict blood vessels and also inhibits gastric secretion

Shigellosis (SHIH-geh-LOH-sis)

Infection with the bacterium Shigella. Usually causes a high fever, acute diarrhea, and dehydration. See also Gastroenteritis.

Short Bowel Syndrome (short BAH-wul sin-drohm)

Problems related to absorbing nutrients after removal of part of the small intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, weakness, and weight loss. Also called short gut syndrome.

Short waves

These deliver deep heat to relieve pain. (Short waves are not used much currently because of problems in people with pacemakers.)

Shwachman's Syndrome (SHWAHK-munz sin-drohm)

A digestive and respiratory disorder of children. Certain digestive enzymes are missing and white blood cells are few. Symptoms may include diarrhea and short stature.

Side effect

(See adverse reaction.)

Sigmoid Colon (SIG-moyd KOH-lun)

The lower part of the colon that empties into the rectum.

Sigmoidoscopy (SIG-moy-DAW-skuh-pee)

Looking into the sigmoid colon and rectum with a flexible or rigid tube, called a sigmoidoscope.

Sitz Bath (SITS bath)

A special plastic tub. A person sits in a few inches of warm water to help relieve discomfort of hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

Small Bowel Enema (smal BAH-wul EN-uh-muh)

X-rays of the small intestine taken as barium liquid passes through the organ. Also called small bowel follow-through. See also Lower GI Series.

Small Intestine

Organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 20 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Somatostatin (SOH-muh-toh-STAH-tun)

A hormone in the pancreas. Somatostatin helps tell the body when to make the hormones insulin, glucagon, gastrin, secretin, and renin.

Splanchnic (SPLANK-nik)

pertaining to the internal organs

Spasms (SPAH-zumz)

Muscle movements such as those in the colon that cause pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

Spastic Colon (SPAH-stik KOH-lun)

See Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Sphincter (SFEENK-tur)

A ring-like band of muscle that opens and closes an opening in the body. An example is the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach known as the lower esophageal sphincter.

Spleen

The organ that cleans blood and makes white blood cells. White blood cells attack bacteria and other foreign cells.

Splenic Flexure Syndrome (SPLEN-ik FLEK-shur sin-drohm)

A condition that occurs when air or gas collects in the upper parts of the colon. Causes pain in the upper left abdomen. The pain often moves to the left chest and may be confused with heart problems.

Spondyloarthropathies

A group of rheumatic diseases that affect the spine, such as Reiter's syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis.

Squamous Epithelium (SKWAH-mus eh-pih-THEE-lee-um)

Tissue in an organ such as the esophagus. Consists of layers of flat, scaly cells.

Statistical significance

the probability that an event or difference occurred as the result of the intervention (vaccine) rather than by chance alone. This probability is determined by using statistical tests to evaluate collected data. Guidelines for defining significance are chosen before data collection begins.

Steatorrhea (STEE-ah-toh-REE-uh)

A condition in which the body cannot absorb fat. Causes a buildup of fat in the stool and loose, greasy, and foul bowel movements.

Steatosis (stee-ah-TOH-sis)

See Fatty Liver.

STENOSIS (steh-NOH-sis)

Narrowing of a duct or canal.

Stoma (STOH-muh)

An opening in the abdomen that is created by an operation (ostomy). Must be covered at all times by a bag that collects stool.

Stomach (STUH-muk)

The organ between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.

Stomach Ulcer (STUH-muk UL-sur)

An open sore in the lining of the stomach. Also called gastric ulcer.

Stool

The solid wastes that pass through the rectum as bowel movements. Stools are undigested foods, bacteria, mucus, and dead cells. Also called feces.

Stress Ulcer (STRES UL-sur)

An upper GI ulcer from physical injury such as surgery, major burns, or critical head injury.

Stricture (STRIK-sher)

The abnormal narrowing of a body opening. Also called stenosis. See also Esophageal Stricture and Pyloric Stenosis.

Stroke

Disease caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. Depending on the part of the brain affected, a stroke can cause a person to lose the ability to speak or move a part of the body such as an arm or a leg. Usually only one side of the body is affected.

Subcutaneous Injection

Putting a fluid into the tissue under the skin with a needle and syringe.

Sucrose

Table sugar; a form of sugar that the body must break down into a more simple form before the blood can absorb it and take it to the cells.

Sugar

A class of carbohydrates that taste sweet. Sugar is a quick and easy fuel for the body to use. Types of sugar are lactose, glucose, fructose, and sucrose.

Sulfonylureas

Pills or capsules that people take to lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. See also: Oral hypoglycemic agents.

Syndrome

A set of signs or a series of events occurring together that make up a disease or health problem.

Synovial (sigh-NO-vee-ahl)

relating to the lubricating fluid in joints

Synovial fluid

Fluid released into movable joints by surrounding membranes. This fluid lubricates the joint and reduces friction.

Synovitis (sin-oh-VIE-tis)

inflammation of the joints; arthritis

Synovium

A thin membrane that lines a joint and releases a fluid that allows the joint to move easily.

Systemic

A word used to describe conditions that affect the entire body. Diabetes is a systemic disease because it involves many parts of the body such as the pancreas, eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus is a type of immune system disorder known as an autoimmune disease, which causes the body to harm its own healthy cells and tissues. This leads to inflammation and damage of various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

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T . . .

T Cell

white blood cell critical to the immune response. Among these are CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. The "T" stands for the thymus, where T lymphocytes mature. (See also lymphocyte.)

Tachyarrhythmia

a distrubance of the heart's rhythym resulting in a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute

Tendons

Tough, fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone.

Tenesmus (tuh-NEZ-mus)

Straining to have a bowel movement. May be painful and continue for a long time without result.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

Passes electricity to nerve cells through electrodes placed on the patient's skin. TENS is used to relieve pain.

Testes (TES-tease)

plural for testis, one of the two male reproductive glands located in the cavity of the scrotumscrotum

Testosterone

a steroid hormone produced by the testes; it promotes the development of male sex characteristics and regulates male reproductive function; the primary and most potent androgen secreted by the testes

THROMBIN (THROM-bin)

The enzyme derived from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin.

THROMBIN TIME

The time required for fibrinogen to form thrombin; measured by adding exogenous thrombin to citrated plasma and determining the time to clot formation.

THROMBOCYTOPENIA (throm-bo-si-to-PEE-nee-uh)

A decrease in blood platelets.

Thromboembolism (throm-bo-EM-bo-lizm)

An embolism caused by a mass of aggregated blood factors (thrombus); obstruction of a blood vessel with thrombotic material carried by the blood stream from the site of origin.

Thrombogenic

Causing thrombosis or coagulation of the blood.

THROMBOLYSIS (throm-BOL-ih-sis)

The phenomenon by which thrombi (plural of THROMBUS) are lysed (dissolved) by a series of events, the most important of which involves the local action of plasmin within the substance of the thrombus. Intracoronary thrombolysis: the lysis of clots by thrombolytic agents introduced into the coronary arteries; used in therapy of myocardial infarction.

THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS (throm-bo-pro-fie-LAK-sis)

Prevention of thrombosis.

Thrombosis (throm-BO-sis)

The formation of a mass of aggregated blood factors (thrombus); coagulation of the blood; the formation, development, or presence of a thrombus.

THROMBUS (THROM-bus)

An aggregation of blood factors, primarily platelets and fibrin with entrapped blood cells; frequently causing vascular obstruction at the point of its formation. Some authorities differentiate thrombus formation from simple coagulation or clot formation.

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) (TRAY-kee-oh-uh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul FIST-yoo-luh)

A condition that occurs when there is a gap between the upper and lower segments of the esophagus. Food and saliva cannot pass through.

Transgenic (trans-GEN-ik)

Pertaining to the insertion by biotechnical means of a foreign gene or genes into the genetic makeup of an organism.

Transverse Colon (TRANZ-vurs KOH-lun)

The part of the colon that goes across the abdomen from right to left.

Travelers' Diarrhea (TRAV-lurz dy-uh-REE-uh)

An infection caused by unclean food or drink. Often occurs during travel outside one's own country. See also Gastroenteritis.

Triglyceride

A type of blood fat. The body needs insulin to remove this type of fat from the blood. When diabetes is under control and a person's weight is what it should be, the level of triglycerides in the blood is usually about what it should be.

Triple-Therapy (TRIH-pul THEH-ruh-pee)

A combination of three medicines used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection and ulcers. Drugs that stop the body from making acid are often added to relieve symptoms.

Tropical Sprue (TRAH-pih-kul sproo)

A condition of unknown cause. Abnormalities in the lining of the small intestine prevent the body from absorbing food normally.

Tumescence (too-MESS-ens)

a swelling

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