Dictionary

toxic multinodular goiter See goiter, toxic multinodular.

toxic shock syndrome A life-threatening syndrome that is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches, followed by low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to shock and death. Abbreviated TSS. There may be a rash resembling sunburn, with peeling of skin. Toxic shock syndrome was originally described and still…

toxicity The degree to which a substance (a toxin or poison) can harm humans or animals. Acute toxicity involves harmful effects in an organism through a single or short-term exposure. Subchronic toxicity is the ability of a toxic substance to cause effects for more than one year but less than the lifetime of the exposed…

toxicology The study of the nature, effects, and detection of poisons (toxins) and the treatment of poisoning.

tocolytic Relating to the inhibition, delaying, or halting of labor. For example, a tocolytic drug is a medication that deters labor.

tocophobia Fear of childbirth.

tocus Labor, childbirth.

toddler’s fracture See fracture, toddler’s.

toe sign See Babinski reflex.

toenail A tough, protective plate that is produced by living skin cells in the toe. A toenail consists of several parts, including the nail plate (the visible part of the nail), the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail plate), the cuticle (the tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail),…

toenail, ingrown A common disorder, particularly on the big (great) toe, in which the corner of the nail curves down into the skin due to mistrimming of the nail or due to shoes being too tight. An ingrown toenail can be painful and lead to infection. Sometimes simply removing the corner of the nail from…

toes, six See hexadactyly.