Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

buds from stomatitis,mouth cancer, or

radiotherapyto the mouth; or damage

to nerves that carry taste sensations.

tattooingThe introduction of permanent

colours under the skin surface, usually to

create a picture. Small tattoos can be

removed by cutting out the tattoo and

stitching the wound edges together. Lar-

ger tattoos can sometimes be removed

by dermabrasionor by laser treatment.

taxanesA group of anticancer drugsused

to treat certain cancers, such as ovarian

cancer (see ovary, cancer of) and breast

cancer. They work by preventing the

growth of cancer cells. Common taxane

drugs include paclitaxeland docetaxel.

Tay–Sachs diseaseA serious inherited

metabolic disorder (see metabolism, in-

born errors of) that causes premature

death. The cause is deficiency of the

enzyme hexosaminidase A, which results

in a buildup in the brain of a harmful

substance. Symptoms usually appear af-

ter age 6 months and include blindness,

paralysis,and seizures leading to death.

Diagnosis is made by enzyme analysis of

white blood cells. It is now largely pre-

vented by genetic

counsellingof high-

risk groups.

TBAn abbreviation

for tuberculosis.

T-cellA class of

lymphocyte.

tearsThe watery,

salty secretion that

is produced by the

lacrimal glands, part

of the lacrimal ap-

paratusof the eye.

Tears keep the cor-

neaand conjunctiva

moist to maintain

transparency of the

cornea and prevent

ulcers; aid blinking;

and wash away for-

eign particles. Tear production increases

in response to eye irritation and emotion.

tears, artificialPreparations to supple-

ment tear production in disorders that

cause dry eye, such as keratoconjunctivitis

sicca, and to relieve irritation.

technetiumA radioactive element used

in radionuclide scanning.

tarsalgiaPain in the rear part of the foot,
usually associated with flat-feet.
tarsorrhaphySurgery in which the upper
and lower eyelids are partially or com-
pletely sewn together. Tarsorrhaphy may
be used as part of the treatment of
corneal ulcer, or to protect the corneas
of people who cannot close theireyes or
those with exophthalmos. The eyelids
are later cut apart and allowed to open.
tarsusThe 7 bones that make up the
back of the foot and the ankle.
tartarSee calculus, dental.
tasteOne of the 5 senses. Taste can dis-
tinguish only between sweet, salt, sour,
and bitter, but in combination with the
sense of smell, many different flavours
can be distinguished. Tastes are detect-
ed by structures called taste buds.
taste budOne of 10,000 specialized
structures located mainly on the tongue,
with some at the back of the throat and on
the palate. Each bud contains about 25
sensory receptor cells, with tiny taste hairs
that respond to food and drink. Taste buds
on different parts of the tongue sense the
4 basic tastes: bitter, sour, salty, and sweet.

taste, loss ofLoss of the sense of taste,
usually as a result of the loss of the
sense of smell. The most common cause
is inflammation of the nasal passages.
Other causes of loss of taste include
any condition that causes a dry mouth
(see mouth, dry); natural degeneration
of the taste buds; damage to the taste

TARSALGIA TECHNETIUM

T

Surface cell on tongue

TASTE BUD

Tongue Taste hair

Receptor cell

Supporting cell

Nerve fibre

LOCATION