Dictionary

toxin A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.

toxo See toxoplasmosis.

toxoplasmosis An infection caused by a singlecelled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that can invade and damage tissues. Toxoplasmosis can be contracted by touching the hands to the mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat’s litter box, or anything that has come into contact with cat feces. Toxoplasmosis can also be contracted by eating contaminated raw or…

TPN Total parenteral nutrition.

trachea A tube-like portion of the respiratory tract that connects the larynx with the bronchial parts of the lungs. Also known as windpipe.

tracheoesophageal fistula An abnormal communication between the trachea and esophagus. Abbreviated TEF. A TEF can be present at birth (congenital) or acquired. Congenital TEF is often associated with other birth defects. Most patients with congenital TEFs are diagnosed immediately following birth or during infancy. Congenital TEFs are often associated with life-threatening complications and require surgical…

tracheoesophageal puncture A small opening that is made by a surgeon between the esophagus and the trachea. A valve is inserted to keep food out of the trachea but allow air into the esophagus to permit tracheoesophageal speech.

tracheostomy Surgery to create an opening (stoma) into the windpipe. The opening itself may also be called a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy may be made as an emergency measure if the airway is blocked.

tracheostomy button A small plastic tube that is placed in the opening (stoma) of a tracheostomy to keep it open.

tracheostomy tube A small metal or plastic tube that keeps the stoma (opening) and the trachea in a tracheostomy open. Also known as a trach (pronounced “trake”) tube.

trachoma A chronic inflammatory disease of the eye and the leading cause of blindness. Trachoma is due to infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Transmission occurs mainly among children and from children to women caring for them. Key risk factors include inadequate supplies of water and low socioeconomic status. Trachoma affects millions of people worldwide,…

traction In medicine, a procedure for manually pulling a part of the body to a beneficial effect. See traction, orthopedic.