sulfonylurea A class of oral hypoglycemic agents (medications that lower the level of blood glucose) taken by people with type 2 diabetes. The sulfonylureas increase the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. There are two generations of sulfonylureas. The main difference between the first- and secondgeneration sulfonylureas is in the way they are eliminated from…
sulfonamide One of the sulfa-related group of antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infection and some fungal infections. The sulfonamide family includes sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (brand names: Thiosulfil Forte), sulfamethoxazole (brand name: Gantanol), sulfasalazine (brand name: Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (brand name: Gantrisin), and various high-strength combinations of sulfonamides. Sulfa drugs kill bacteria and fungi by interfering…
sulfa drug See sulfonamide.
sulcus A groove, furrow, or trench. The plural is sulci. In anatomy, there are many sulci; an example is the superior pulmonary sulcus.
sudoriferous gland A small, tubular structure situated within and under the skin that discharges sweat through a tiny opening in the surface of the skin. Also known as sweat gland. See also perspiration.
sudden infant death syndrome The sudden and unexpected death of a baby with no known illness, typically affecting sleeping infants between the ages of 2 weeks and 6 months. Abbreviated SIDS. Infants whose mothers used heroin, methadone, or cocaine during pregnancy; infants born weighing less than 2,000 grams (4.4 pounds); babies with an abnormal breathing…
suction-assisted lipectomy See liposuction.
succenturiate placenta See placenta, accessory.
succenturiate Substituting for or accessory to an organ. For example, a succenturiate spleen is an accessory spleen, one that is in addition to the primary spleen.
subungual onychomycosis, proximal white See onychomycosis, proximal white subungual.
subtotal hysterectomy See hysterectomy, partial.
subscapularis muscle A muscle that moves the arm by turning it inward (internal rotation). The tendon of the subscapularis muscle is one of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and constitute the rotator cuff. Each of these four tendons connects to a muscle that moves the shoulder in a specific direction. See also scapula.