Dictionary

testicular feminization syndrome See complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.

testicular self-examination A procedure for detecting the early signs of testicular cancer. Monthly, men should check the testes visually for new swelling or other changes on the skin of the scrotum, roll each testicle between thumb and fingers to detect internal growths, and check the cord (epididymis) on the top and back of each testicle…

testis The male sex gland, located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testes produce and store sperm and are also the body’s main source of male hormones, such as testosterone. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male characteristics, such as body and facial hair,…

testosterone The principal androgenic hormone produced by the testes. Testosterone is made by the testes in response to luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Androgens promote the development of adult male sex characteristics, such as deep voice; they strengthen muscle and bone mass; and they stimulate spermatogenesis, the production of sperm. High levels of testosterone…

testosterone replacement therapy The practice of using testosterone to treat conditions in which the testes produce a deficient amount due to absence, injury, or disease. Testosterone is available in oral, IV, and patch forms. As with estrogen replacement therapy for women, dosing must be carefully calibrated to gain the greatest benefits and to minimize unwanted…

tetanus An often fatal infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which usually enters the body through a puncture, a cut, or an open wound. Tetanus leads to profound painful spasms of muscles, including “locking” of the jaw so that the mouth cannot open, and death. The C. tetani bacteria releases a…

tetany A condition that is due usually to low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) and is characterized by spasms of the hands and feet, cramps, spasm of the voice box (larynx), and overactive neurological reflexes. Tetany is generally considered to result from very low calcium levels in the blood. However, tetany can also result from reduction in…

tetralogy of Fallot A combination of four heart defects that are present at birth and account for about 10 percent of all congenital heart disease:

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) A hole between the two bottom chambers, the ventricles, of the heart that permits oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to mix with oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle.

T-8 cell See T-suppressor cell.

telemedicine The use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications for the health and education of the patient or healthcare provider and for the purpose of improving patient care. Telemedicine includes consultative, diagnostic, and treatment services.

telemetry, cardiac The process of automatic measurement and transmission of data regarding heart rate and rhythm from remote sources. Blood pressure, breathing, level of oxygen in the blood, and body temperature can also be measured. The patient is connected to monitors that record and send the data to a central monitoring area, where trained staff…