Dictionary

sting, Africanized bee See bee sting, Africanized.

Still’s disease See arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid.

stillbirth The birth of a dead baby, the delivery of a fetus that has died before birth for which there is no possibility of resuscitation. The distinction between a stillbirth and a miscarriage is arbitrary. The dividing line has variously set at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation or at a specific weight, such as…

stiff baby syndrome See hyperexplexia.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome A serious systemic (bodywide) allergic reaction with a characteristic rash involving the skin and mucous membranes, including the buccal mucosa (inside of the mouth), conjunctiva, and genital areas. Abbreviated SJS. The disease is due to a hypersensitive (allergic) reaction to one of a number of immunologic stimuli including drugs and infectious agents. Complications…

stethoscope An instrument that is used to transmit low-volume sounds such as a heartbeat (or intestinal, venous, or fetal sounds) to the ear of the listener. A stethoscope may consist of two ear pieces connected by means of flexible tubing to a diaphragm that is placed against the skin of the patient. The stethoscope has…

steroid abuse Use of substances containing steroids to increase muscle mass. Steroids can have many side effects when misused, including psychiatric problems, liver tumors, reduction in the size of male genitals, sterility, and heart damage.

steroid One of a large group of chemical substances classified by a specific carbon structure. Steroids include drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation, such as prednisone and cortisone; vitamin D; and some sex hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol.

sternum The long flat bone in the upper middle of the front of the chest. The sternum articulates (comes together) with the cartilages of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle (collarbone) on either side. The sternum consists of three parts: the manubrium (the upper segment of the sternum, a flattened, roughly triangular bone),…

sternotomy A surgical incision made through the breastbone (sternum), for example, as performed for access to the heart during surgery.

stereotaxis Use of a computer and scanning devices to create three-dimensional pictures. Stereotaxis can be used to direct a biopsy, external radiation, or the insertion of radiation implants.

stereotactic surgery Surgery in which a system of three-dimensional coordinates is used to locate the site to be operated on.