speech–language pathologist A specialist who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing problems. Abbreviated SLP. An SLP has an MA or doctorate in a specialty, as well as a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) earned by working under supervision. In some states a state license is also required. Formerly known as speech therapist. See…
speech therapy The treatment of speech and communication disorders. The approach used depends on the disorder. Speech therapy may include physical exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech (oral-motor work), speech drills to improve clarity, or sound production practice to improve articulation. See also communication disorder; speech disorder; speech–language pathologist.
speech therapist See speech-language pathologist.
speech disorder A disorder of the ability to produce normal speech. Speech disorders may affect articulation (phonetic or phonological disorders), fluency (stuttering or cluttering), and/or voice (tone, pitch, volume, or speed). Most speech disorders have their roots in oral-motor abnormalities, although some involve language-processing problems. A speech pathologist can diagnose speech disorders by testing the…
speculum An instrument that is used to widen the opening of the vagina so that the cervix is more easily visible.
SPECT scan Single photon emission computed tomography scan, a nuclear medicine procedure in which a gamma camera rotates around the patient to produce images from many angles, which a computer then uses to form a tomographic (crosssectional) image.
speckled iris See Brushfield spot.
specific-pathogen free A term that is applied to animals reared for use in laboratory experiments which indicates that the animals are known to be free of germs that can cause disease. Abbreviated SPF.
specific developmental disorder See developmental disorder, specific.
spasticity See hypertonia.
spastic colitis See irritable bowel syndrome.
spasm A brief, automatic jerking movement. A muscle spasm can be quite painful, with the muscle clenching tightly. A spasm of the coronary artery can cause the pain of angina. Spasms in various types of tissue may be caused by stress, medication, and overexercise.