Medical Encyclopedia S: Medical Terms Explained

Salpingo-oophorectomy

Surgical removal of the ovary and fallopian tube on one or both sides, for example for tumours or preventively in hereditary high ovarian cancer risk. If both ovaries are removed before the menopause, menopause begins immediately.

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)

A tropical worm disease caused by blood flukes (schistosomes), whose larvae penetrate the skin when bathing in fresh water. Depending on the species, the eggs damage the bladder or the bowel and liver; praziquantel is the treatment of choice.

Second stage of labour

The stage of labour from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby, during which bearing-down contractions push the baby through the pelvis.

Semicircular canals

Three ring-shaped, fluid-filled canals in the inner ear that register rotational movements of the head. Loose crystals in a canal cause benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Sigmoid arteries

Several branches of the inferior mesenteric artery to the sigmoid colon that form vascular arches with each other. They are divided during sigmoid resection.

Sinoatrial nodal artery

A small coronary artery supplying the sinus node; in about 60 % of people it arises from the right, otherwise usually from the left coronary artery. Its occlusion can cause sinus node dysfunction.

Slipped disc

Escape of tissue from the core of an intervertebral disc that can press on nerve roots. Consequences are back pain, pain radiating into the leg, numbness and rarely paralysis. Most cases improve without surgery.

In depth: Slipped Disc →

Sphenopalatine artery

The terminal branch of the maxillary artery that enters the nasal cavity through the sphenopalatine foramen. It is the main source of posterior nosebleeds and can be closed endoscopically.

Spinal disc surgery

Surgical removal of prolapsed disc tissue pressing on nerves, usually microsurgical. It is indicated mainly for paralysis or persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment.

Splenic artery

The artery from the coeliac trunk that winds along the upper border of the pancreas to the spleen and also supplies the pancreas and stomach. Aneurysms of this artery are the most common visceral artery aneurysms.

Sports anaemia

A slightly low haemoglobin level in endurance athletes, usually due to an increase in blood plasma (pseudo-anaemia). Genuine iron deficiency should still be ruled out.

Spot diagnosis

A diagnosis that can be made with high certainty simply by looking at the patient, for example typical skin appearances such as shingles. It should nevertheless be critically checked.

Standard hygiene precautions

Basic hygiene measures that apply to all patients regardless of known pathogens, such as hand disinfection, protective gloves, surface disinfection and safe handling of sharps.

Sternum (breastbone)

A flat bone in the middle of the chest to which the ribs attach; the pressure point for chest compressions.

Stinging nettle

A plant whose leaves are traditionally used for flushing in mild urinary complaints and whose root is used for symptoms of benign prostate enlargement.

Stress urinary incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine when abdominal pressure rises, for example when coughing, sneezing or lifting, due to a weakened closure mechanism. Pelvic floor training is the most important first treatment.

Subacromial bursa

A bursa between the shoulder roof and the rotator cuff that acts as a gliding layer. It often becomes inflamed in shoulder impingement syndrome.

Subclavian artery

The artery arising directly from the aortic arch on the left and from the brachiocephalic trunk on the right, supplying the arm, parts of the neck and, via the vertebral artery, the brain.

Subscapular artery

The largest branch of the axillary artery, dividing into the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries. Its vascular tree is important for flaps in reconstructive surgery.

Suctioning

Removal of secretions from the mouth, throat, nose or airways using a thin catheter and suction. It is needed when patients cannot cough up mucus themselves, for example with a tracheostomy or on a ventilator.

Superficial inguinal ring

The outer opening in the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle above the pubic bone, through which the contents of the inguinal canal emerge. It can be felt when examining for an inguinal hernia.

Superficial palmar arch

A superficial arterial arch in the palm, fed mainly by the ulnar artery. The finger arteries arise from it.

Superficial temporal artery

A terminal branch of the external carotid artery whose pulse can be felt in front of the ear. In giant cell arteritis it can be thickened and tender and is examined by ultrasound or biopsy.

Superior cerebellar artery

The artery from the basilar artery that supplies the upper surface of the cerebellum and parts of the midbrain. It can touch the trigeminal nerve and thereby cause trigeminal neuralgia.

Superior epigastric artery

The continuation of the internal thoracic artery in the rectus sheath, connected to the inferior epigastric artery. This forms a collateral circulation in coarctation of the aorta.

Superior gluteal artery

The artery from the internal iliac artery that leaves the pelvis above the piriformis muscle and supplies the gluteus medius and minimus.

Superior hypophyseal artery

A small artery from the internal carotid that supplies the pituitary stalk and hypothalamus and feeds the pituitary portal system.

Superior labial artery

A branch of the facial artery that runs in the upper lip and forms a vascular ring with its partner on the other side. Its position must be considered in lip fillers because of the risk of vascular occlusion.

Superior mesenteric artery

The artery arising from the abdominal aorta that supplies the small intestine and the right part of the colon. Its occlusion causes life-threatening mesenteric ischaemia.

Superior rectal artery

The terminal branch of the inferior mesenteric artery supplying the upper rectum. Its branches also feed the haemorrhoidal plexus.

Superior thyroid artery

Usually the first branch of the external carotid artery, supplying the upper pole of the thyroid and parts of the larynx. In thyroid surgery the superior laryngeal nerve runs close to it.

Superior ulnar collateral artery

A branch of the brachial artery that accompanies the ulnar nerve to the elbow and contributes to the vascular network around the elbow joint.

Support bandage

An elastic textile support that encloses a joint or muscle and stabilises it by compression, for example at the knee or ankle.

Suprarenal arteries

Several arteries to the adrenal gland arising from the inferior phrenic artery, the abdominal aorta and the renal artery. The adrenal gland is therefore very well perfused.

Suprascapular artery

An artery from the thyrocervical trunk that passes over the transverse scapular ligament to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. With other vessels it forms a collateral network around the shoulder blade.

Supratrochlear artery

A terminal branch of the ophthalmic artery that runs from the inner corner of the eye to the forehead. In aesthetic medicine it is a danger zone: accidental injection of fillers can cause vascular occlusion and even blindness.

Swab

Collecting cells or secretions with a swab or small brush to test them for pathogens or cell changes.

Shift handover

Structured transfer of patient information between nurses or doctors at a change of shift. Standardised formats such as SBAR reduce information loss and errors.

Shower stool

Stable stool for the shower that allows people with unsteady gait or weakness to shower safely while seated.

Sigmoid colon

S-shaped last section of the large intestine before the rectum, in the lower left abdomen. Diverticula and diverticulitis occur here particularly often.

Skin-picking disorder (dermatillomania)

Compulsive, repeated scratching, squeezing or picking at one’s own skin that leads to wounds and scars. It is counted among the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and can be treated with behavioural therapy.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Excessive number of bacteria in the small intestine, often favoured by slowed gut motility, surgery or acid suppressants. Bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain are typical; it is usually detected with a breath test and treated with antibiotics.

Small intestine

Longest section of the digestive tract, in which most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into the blood.

Snapping hip (coxa saltans)

Audible or palpable snapping when a tendon or band of muscle slides over a bony prominence during movement. It is usually harmless but can lead to painful bursitis.

Space of Disse

Narrow gap between liver cells and the walls of the liver sinusoids through which exchange of substances between blood and liver cells takes place. The hepatic stellate (Ito) cells lie within it.

Spinous process

Backward-pointing bony projection of a vertebra that can be felt as a bump on the back and serves as an attachment for ligaments and back muscles.

Sprain

Overstretching of ligaments and the joint capsule, for example at the ankle.

Start-up pain

Pain at the beginning of movement after a period of rest that eases after a few steps. It is typical of osteoarthritis.

Stimulating full-body wash

Wash as part of basal stimulation with cooler water against the direction of hair growth. It is intended to promote alertness and body awareness, for example in drowsy patients.

Stocking donning aid

Aid made of slippery fabric or a metal frame that makes it easier to put on compression stockings. It is particularly helpful for older people or those with restricted mobility.

Stretching

Exercises to improve flexibility; on their own they hardly prevent injuries.

Submandibular duct (Wharton’s duct)

Excretory duct of the submandibular salivary gland that opens under the tongue next to the frenulum. It is the most common site of salivary stones.

Superior colliculus

Upper mound of the midbrain roof involved in controlling eye and head movements in response to visual stimuli. Damage in its vicinity causes Parinaud’s syndrome.

Supervised drug consumption room

Facility in which people can use drugs they have brought with them under hygienic conditions and medical supervision. It lowers the risk of fatal overdoses and infections.

Surgical drain

Thin tube used after surgery to drain wound fluid or blood.

Surgical hand antisepsis

Particularly thorough disinfection of the hands and forearms before surgery, intended to keep the number of germs on the skin low for the whole operation. It is carried out with an alcohol-based agent for a defined contact time.

Sydenham’s chorea

Late neurological consequence of a streptococcal infection as part of rheumatic fever, mainly in children, with involuntary, flinging movements and emotional instability. It usually resolves within months.

Medical Encyclopedia: S