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.
signAn objective observation of a body function
or dysfunction.
single photon emission computed tomogra-
phy (SPECT) scanA diagnostic imaging proce-
dure that uses radionuclides to generate
three-dimensional images of internal organs,
structures, and functions. A special camera detects
the presence of the radionuclides (rapidly disinte-
grating 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.
speculumAn instrument to hold apart the walls
of an opening or hollow organ within the body to
allow its examination.
spirometryA 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 deter-
mined by professional health organizations.
superiorAbove.
supineThe position of lying on the back with
arms at the sides and legs outstretched.
sutureA thread or wire used to hold closed the
edges of a wound. Also called a stitch.
symptomA subjective perception of a body func-
tion or dysfunction.
syndromeA collection of symptoms, signs, and
diagnostic findings that occurs in a particular pat-
tern.
systemOrgans and structures of the body that
work together to perform related, coordinated
functions and activities.
teratogenicCapable of causing birth defects in a
developing fetus.
tissueAn organized group of cells that work col-
lectively to perform a specific function.
transpositionBody 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.
ultrasoundA 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 moni-
tor screen as visual images.
vag hystMedical short hand for “vaginal hys-
terectomy“ (surgical removal of the uterus).
ventralThe front, or belly, surface.
watchful waitingA planned treatment approach
of observation and regular physician visits to mon-
itor the status of a health condition.Glossary of Medical Terms 393