syphilis test, RPR Rapid plasma reagin syphilis test, a blood test for syphilis that looks for an antibody that is present in the bloodstream when a patient has syphilis. A negative (nonreactive) RPR test is compatible with a person not having syphilis, but in the early stages of the disease, the RPR often gives false…
syphilis, congenital Infection of a fetus or newborn with syphilis. Syphilis in a fetus can cause deformity, particularly of the long bones, or death. Syphilis infection acquired at birth is also dangerous. See also TORCH screen.
syphilis A sexually transmitted disease that is caused by Treponema pallidum, a spiral-shaped microscopic organism called a spirochete. The organism infects people by burrowing into the moist mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals. From there, the spirochete produces a nonpainful ulcer known as a chancre. There are three stages of syphilis. The first (primary)…
synovitis Inflammation of the synovial membrane, the lining of the joints.
synoviosarcoma See sarcoma, synovial.
synovial sarcoma See sarcoma, synovial.
synovial osteochondromatosis A disorder of a joint that features a change of the normal synovial lining’s cellular structure to form bone-cartilage tissue. Synovial osteochondromatosis is uncommon and typically seen in young to middle-aged adults. Synovial osteochondromatosis leads to pain in the affected joint as well as limitation of the range of motion and often locking….
synovial lining The lining of the joints, normally only one or two cell layers thick, that is responsible for the production of the joint fluid. Also known as synovium.
synovial fluid The slippery fluid that lubricates joints. Also known as synovia.
synovial cyst, popliteal See Baker cyst.
synovia See synovial fluid.
synesthesia A condition in which the normal separation between the senses appears to have broken down. In synesthesia, sight may mingle with sound, taste with touch, and so on. Females are more often affected than males. People with synesthesia often report that one or more of their family members also had synesthesia, so it may…