General Medical Terms

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of lymphoma.

SLE is the abbreviation for systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

A sleep disorder that is marked by pauses in breathing of 10 seconds or more during sleep, and causes unrestful sleep.

One of 5 parts or stages of the sleep cycle based on the type of brain activity that occurs during the stage.

An eye exam using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light.

An eye exam using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light.

A network of family, friends, neighbors, and community members that is available in times of need to give psychological, physical, and financial help.

Sodium is an essential electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, nerve signaling, and blood pressure, distinct from table salt itself.

A form of the mineral iron that is used to treat anemia caused by low amounts of iron in the blood.

A chemical used in photography, paper making, water treatment, and for other purposes.

The back, muscular (not bony) part of the roof of the mouth.

Refers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body.

A soluble substance dissolves in a given liquid, a property that determines how a compound is absorbed, formulated, or transported in the body.

A solvent is a liquid capable of dissolving another substance to form a uniform solution, a role relevant in pharmacy, laboratory work, and toxicology.

Somatic refers to the physical body, distinguishing bodily structures and symptoms from mental, emotional, or reproductive-cell processes.

Any of the body cells except the reproductive (germ) cells.

A product from a plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products.

A spasm is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction that can affect a single muscle, a group of muscles, or the wall of an organ.

When referring to a medical test, specificity refers to the percentage of people who test negative for a specific disease among a group of people who do not have the disease.

A specialist who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing problems.