Turner syndrome The most common sex chromosome disorder in females, characterized by short stature, webbed neck, broad shield-like chest, widespaced nipples, increased carrying angle at the elbow (cubitus valgus), short fourth finger, and malformations of the heart and aorta. The intelligence of those with Turner syndrome is usually within the normal range. Girls with Turner…
TVS Transvaginal ultrasound.
twin One of two children produced in the same pregnancy. Twins can develop from one ovum (egg) or from two ova (eggs). Twins who develop from a single ovum are called monozygotic or identical twins. They have identical genomes. Twins who develop from two ova that are fertilized at the same time are called dizygotic…
tympanic membrane The eardrum, a thin membrane that serves as a partition between the external ear and the middle ear and transmits the motion of sound waves to the chain of bones in the middle ear.
tympanites See tympany.
tympano- Prefix indicating a relationship to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), as in tympanometry (a test that measures the function of the middle ear).
tube A long, hollow cylinder. There are many tube-like structures in the human body, such as the Eustachean tube in the ear. For specific types of tubes, see their alphabetical listing.
tuber A lump or bump. For example, the backward protrusion of the heel is called the tuber calcanei or, alternatively, the tuberosity of the calcaneus. Small tubers are a characteristic finding in tuberculosis, and tubers in the brain are seen in tuberous sclerosis.
tubercle A small tuber; a small lump or bump.
tuberculosis A highly contagious infection that is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Abbreviated TB. Tubercles (tiny lumps) are a characteristic finding in TB. Diagnosis is made via skin test, which if positive is followed by a chest Xray to determine the status (active or dormant) of the infection. TB is more common in people…
tuberculosis, active The presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection with a positive chest X-ray. Treatment of active tuberculosis is mandatory by law in the US. See also DOT; tuberculosis.
tuberculosis, antibiotic-resistant A variant of tuberculosis (TB) that is not affected by one or more of the antibiotics normally used to treat it. If the strain of TB is unaffected by more than one medication, it is called multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB. Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is a rare type of MDR TB that is…