Dictionary

trunk bones See bones of the trunk.

Trypanosoma cruzi The microorganism that causes Chagas disease. See also Chagas disease.

trypanosomiasis, American See Chagas disease.

TSH Thyroid stimulating hormone.

TSI Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin.

T-suppressor cell A T cell that expresses the CD8 transmembrane glycoprotein (CD8+ T cells). T-suppressor cells close down the immune response after invading organisms are destroyed. Tsuppressor cells are sensitive to high concentrations of circulating lymphokine hormones, and they release their own lymphokines after an immune response has achieved its goal. This signals all other…

T-suppressor count A test that counts the number of T-suppressor (T-8) cells in the bloodstream. See also helper/suppressor ratio; T-suppressor cell.

Tsutsugamushi disease See typhus, scrub.

TTP Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

tubal ligation A form of surgical sterilization performed as a contraceptive option in women who never want to become pregnant in the future. It is considered permanent because reversal requires major surgery. The procedure blocks the fallopian tubes by various surgical techniques, usually under general anesthesia.

trichobezoar A wad of swallowed hair and food. Trichobezoars can sometimes cause blockage of the digestive system, especially at the exit of the stomach. See also bezoar.

trichomonas A single-celled protozoan parasite best known in medicine because one species causes vaginitis (vaginal inflammation). The species of trichomonas responsible for the sexually transmitted disease is Trichomonas vaginalis. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men. See…