squamous cell One type of epithelial, or lining, cell that has a flat appearance resembling a fish scale when viewed microscopically. Squamous cells make up most of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They are also found in the oral cavity, espohagus, vagina, and uterine cervix.
sputum Mucous material from the lungs that is produced (brought up) by coughing.
spur, heel See calcaneal spur.
sprue, nontropical See celiac sprue.
sprain An injury to a ligament that results from overuse or trauma. The treatment of a sprain involves applying ice packs, resting and elevating the involved joint, and using anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on the severity and location of the sprain, support bracing can help. Local cortisone injections are sometimes given for persistent inflammation. Activity may…
spots in front of the eyes See floaters.
sports medicine An interdisciplinary medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries arising from participation in sports or exercise.
sporotrichosis An infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, typically involving the skin. Persons handling thorny plants, sphagnum moss, or baled hay are at increased risk of developing sporotrichosis. The first sign is usually a small painless bump resembling an insect bite. The bump can be red, pink, or purple in color, and it usually…
sporadic Occurring upon occasion or in a scattered, isolated, or seemingly random way.
spontaneous abortion See miscarriage.
spongy degeneration of the central nervous system See Canavan disease.
spongiform encephalopathy One of a number of progressive neurodegenerative disorders in animals and humans caused by transmissible agents, called prions, that produce spongiform changes in the brain. Specific examples of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies affecting humans include kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and variant CreutzfeldtJakob disease (vCJD or “mad cow” disease).