Dictionary

TUR Transurethral resection.

turbinate A bone in the nose that is situated along the side wall of the nose and is covered by mucous membrane.

Turcot syndrome A genetic disease characterized by polyps in the colon (large intestine) in addition to tumors in the brain. The polyps in the colon tend to become malignant. The brain tumors are also malignant. Skin abnormalities can also occur. Turcot syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and can result from mutations in…

Turner syndrome The most common sex chromosome disorder in females, characterized by short stature, webbed neck, broad shield-like chest, widespaced nipples, increased carrying angle at the elbow (cubitus valgus), short fourth finger, and malformations of the heart and aorta. The intelligence of those with Turner syndrome is usually within the normal range. Girls with Turner…

TVS Transvaginal ultrasound.

twin One of two children produced in the same pregnancy. Twins can develop from one ovum (egg) or from two ova (eggs). Twins who develop from a single ovum are called monozygotic or identical twins. They have identical genomes. Twins who develop from two ova that are fertilized at the same time are called dizygotic…

tympanic membrane The eardrum, a thin membrane that serves as a partition between the external ear and the middle ear and transmits the motion of sound waves to the chain of bones in the middle ear.

tympanites See tympany.

tympano- Prefix indicating a relationship to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), as in tympanometry (a test that measures the function of the middle ear).

tube A long, hollow cylinder. There are many tube-like structures in the human body, such as the Eustachean tube in the ear. For specific types of tubes, see their alphabetical listing.

tuber A lump or bump. For example, the backward protrusion of the heel is called the tuber calcanei or, alternatively, the tuberosity of the calcaneus. Small tubers are a characteristic finding in tuberculosis, and tubers in the brain are seen in tuberous sclerosis.

tubercle A small tuber; a small lump or bump.