Dictionary

trachea A tube-like portion of the respiratory tract that connects the larynx with the bronchial parts of the lungs. Also known as windpipe.

TPN Total parenteral nutrition.

toxoplasmosis An infection caused by a singlecelled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that can invade and damage tissues. Toxoplasmosis can be contracted by touching the hands to the mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat’s litter box, or anything that has come into contact with cat feces. Toxoplasmosis can also be contracted by eating contaminated raw or…

toxo See toxoplasmosis.

toxin A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.

toxicology The study of the nature, effects, and detection of poisons (toxins) and the treatment of poisoning.

toxicity The degree to which a substance (a toxin or poison) can harm humans or animals. Acute toxicity involves harmful effects in an organism through a single or short-term exposure. Subchronic toxicity is the ability of a toxic substance to cause effects for more than one year but less than the lifetime of the exposed…

toxic shock syndrome A life-threatening syndrome that is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches, followed by low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to shock and death. Abbreviated TSS. There may be a rash resembling sunburn, with peeling of skin. Toxic shock syndrome was originally described and still…

toxic multinodular goiter See goiter, toxic multinodular.

toxic epidermal necrolysis A widespread, lifethreatening skin disorder that is most often druginduced, involving widespread death and destruction of skin and mucous membranes. Abbreviated TEN. TEN is thought to be a variant of the same disease process as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and is believed to arise because of the abnormal death of keratinocytes, the cells that…

toxemia See eclampsia.

Tourette’s syndrome A genetic disorder that is characterized by the presence of chronic vocal and motor tics. The tics usually become evident between the ages of 6 and 18. The tics may be minor or debilitating. They may also vary in type and frequency over time. Diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome is made via observation. Although…