Dictionary

test 1 An assay or examination. 2 A significant chemical reaction. 3 A reagent for a specific test. For specific tests, please see their alphabetical listings.

terminal ileitis See Crohn’s disease.

teres minor muscle A muscle that assists the lifting of the arm during outward turning (external rotation). The tendon of the teres minor muscle is one of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and constitute the rotator cuff.

teratoma A type of germ cell tumor that may contain several different types of tissue and sometimes mature elements such as hair, muscle, and bone. Teratomas occur most often in the ovary, testis, and in the sacrococcygeal region (near the tailbone) in children. A teratoma may be benign or malignant. See also ovarian teratoma.

teratogenic drug A drug that is capable of acting as a teratogen and interrupting a pregnancy or impairing the child. Drugs that are known teratogens include, but are not limited to, ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (brand name: Lotensin), captopril (brand name: Capoten), enalapril (brand name: Vasotec), fosinopril sodium (brand name: Monopril), lisinopril (brand names:…

teratogen An agent that can disturb the development of an embryo or a fetus. A teratogen is capable either of terminating a pregnancy prematurely or, if the pregnancy persists, of damaging the fetus. The major classes of teratogens include radiation, maternal infections, maternal metabolic diseases, chemicals, and drugs. See also teratogenic drug.

tension, intraocular See intraocular pressure.

tension 1 The pressure within a vessel, such as blood pressure (the pressure within the blood vessels). 2 Stress, especially stress that is translated into clenched muscles and bottled-up emotions.

Pulmonary stenosis Narrowing of the outlet to the pulmonary artery area with an abnormal pulmonary valve impeding blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.

tenesmus Straining to defecate or urinate. Tenesmus refers especially to ineffectual and painful straining for an extended time. Straining to defecate is called rectal tenesmus; straining to urinate is called vesical tenesmus.

tendonitis Inflammation of a tendon (the tissue by which muscle attaches to bone). Tendonitis most commonly occurs as a result of injury, as to the tendons around the shoulder or elbow. It can also occur as a result of an underlying inflammatory rheumatic disease, such as reactive arthritis or gout. Sometimes spelled tendinitis.

tendon The soft tissue by which muscle attaches to bone. Tendons are somewhat flexible, but tough. When a tendon becomes inflamed, the condition is referred to as tendonitis.