Dictionary

stomach paralysis See gastroparesis.

stomatitis An inflammatory disease of the mucous lining of the mouth that can be a complication of chemotherapy for cancer. Other causes include vitamin deficiency, infection, or trauma.

stomatitis, Vincent See acute membraneous gingivitis.

stone, tonsil See tonsillolith.

stool The solid matter that is discharged in a bowel movement.

stool test See fecal occult blood test.

storm supplies kit See disaster supplies.

strabismus A condition in which the visual axes of the eyes are not parallel and the eyes appear to be looking in different directions. In divergent strabismus, or exotropia, the visual axes diverge. In convergent strabismus or esotropia, the visual axes converge. The danger with strabismus is that the brain may come to rely more…

strain 1 An injury to a ligament, tendon, or muscle that results from overuse or trauma. 2 A hereditary tendency that originates from a common ancestor. 3 To exert maximum effort. 4 To filter.

startle disease See hyperexplexia.

startle reflex A reflex seen in normal infants in response to a loud noise. The infant makes a sudden body movement, bringing the legs and arms toward the chest.

stasis A stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood or other body fluid, such as lymph. For example, a stasis ulcer is an ulcer that develops in an area in which the circulation is sluggish and the venous return (the return of venous blood toward the heart) is poor. A common location for stasis…