Dictionary

septum A dividing wall or enclosure. For example, the septum of the nose is the thin cartilage that divides the left and right chambers of the nose from each other.

septum, atrial The wall between the right and left atria (the upper chambers) of the heart. Also known as interatrial septum.

septum, cardiac The dividing wall between the right and left sides of the heart. The portion of the septum that separates the right and left atria of the heart is termed the atrial (or interatrial) septum. The portion of the septum that lies between the right and left ventricles of the heart is called the…

septum, heart See septum, cardiac

septum, interatrial See septum, atrial.

septum, interventricular See septum, ventricular.

septum, nasal The dividing wall that runs down the middle of the nose, creating two nasal passages, each ending in a nostril.

septum, ventricular The wall between the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Also known as interventricular septum.

sequencing Determining the order of nucleotides (base sequences) in a DNA or RNA molecule, or determining the order of amino acids in a protein.

SERM Selective estrogen-receptor modulator.

seroconversion The development of detectable antibodies in the blood that are directed against an infectious agent. Antibodies do not usually develop until some time after the initial exposure to the agent. Following seroconversion, a person tests positive for the antibody when given tests that are based on the presence of antibodies, such as ELISA.

serositis Inflammation of the serous tissues of the body (the tissues that line the lungs, heart, abdomen, and inner abdominal organs).