saphenous vein, great The larger of the two saphenous veins, which runs from the foot all the way up to the saphenous opening, an oval aperture in the broad fascia of the thigh. The great saphenous vein passes through this fibrous membrane. Also known as large saphenous vein.
saphenous vein One of the two saphenous veins—the great and the small saphenous veins— that serve as the principal veins running near the surface of the leg. The saphenous veins carry deoxygenated blood from the feet and legs toward the heart. See also saphenous vein, great; saphenous vein, small.
sanguine 1 Having a ruddy (reddish) complexion. 2 Cheerful, hopeful, confident, optimistic, or impulsive.
Sanfilippo syndrome The most common disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism, a syndrome in which the onset of clinical abnormalities occurs between ages 2 and 6, with mild coarsening of the facial features (but normal clear corneas), mild stiffening of the joints, slowing of growth, and intellectual deterioration that results in severe mental retardation. On a biochemical…
Sandhoff disease A genetic disorder with symptoms that are very similar to those of Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) and that is characterized by accumulation of fatty material called GM2 ganglioside in the nerve cells of the brain. Symptoms begin around 6 months of age, with motor weakness, and progress to include difficulties with swallowing and breathing….
salvage therapy A final treatment for people who are not responsive to or cannot tolerate other available therapies for a particular condition.
salt 1 Sodium chloride. Table salt. Certain concentrations of both sodium and chloride in the blood are essential for normal body functions. Sodium ingestion can elevate the blood pressure, aggravate heart failure, or cause fluid retention in persons who are so inclined. 2 An ionic crystalline compound.
salpingo-oophorectomy Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. See also hysterectomy.
salmonellosis Infection with bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella. Salmonellosis is particularly dangerous for people with immunodeficiency diseases and sickle cell disease. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 24 hours after exposure and may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and sometimes vomiting. Diagnosis can be confirmed via examination of a stool sample for Salmonella bacteria….
Salmonella A group of bacteria that causes typhoid fever and other illnesses, including food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and enteric fever from contaminated food products. See also food poisoning; Salmonellosis.
salmon patch A small flat patch of pink or red (salmon-colored) skin, most commonly found on the forehead between the eyebrows (called an angel’s kiss), on the eyelids, or on the nape of the neck (called a stork bite). Salmon patches are seen in 30 to 40 percent of newborns and are usually most noticeable…
Salk vaccine See polio vaccine, inactivated.