Medical Dictionary: Glossary (S)

What is sacrum?

The large bone at the base of the spine, which is made up of fused sacral vertebrae.

What is scalp ringworm?

A superficial fungal infection of the skin, affecting the scalp. Also known as ringworm.

What is secretin?

A hormone that is made by glands in the small intestine whose primary function is the stimulation of pancreatic secretion.

What is sigmoid colon?

In human anatomy, this is the lower colon (the lower portion of the large bowel).

What is sinus arrhythmia?

The normal increase in heart rate that occurs during inspiration (when you breathe in).

What is swollen tongue?

swelling, or enlargement, of the tongue. A swollen tongue can be a symptom of glossitis, an inflammation of the tongue that can be caused by infections, local irritation or burns, and allergic reactions.

What is surgery?

The branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or injury. Surgery can involve cutting, abrading, suturing, transplanting or otherwise physically changing body tissues and organs.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that develops in response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds that emit UV radiation.

What is sternum?

The long flat bone in the upper middle of the front of the chest. The sternum joins with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle (collarbone) on either side.