T-cells are part of the acquired immune system. They circulate through the blood and are responsible for detecting and destroying the body's own cells that are either infected with a virus or otherwise diseased (such as in cancer). They also help with B Cell immunity. There are three major types of T cell: Helper T cells, Cytotoxic T Cells and Suppressor T Cells.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is a form of cardiac arrhythmia which refers to a rapid beating of the heart.
Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome
Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome is a condition in which a person suffers from tachyarrhythmia (faster pulse) and bradyarrhythmia (slower pulse) in an alternating fashion. It is usually a complication of another, simpler arrhythmia. It may sometimes be treatable using medications or cardiac ablation.
Tamponade is the use of an outside force to prevent blood flow from a blood vessel.
Tar
Tar is a component of cigarette made up of a number of chemicals, including several carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).
Tardive dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a condition which may be experienced by patients taking antipsychotic medications. It is characterized by involuntary dyskinetic movements such as uncontrollable jerking or twitching of the arms and legs. This requires prompt medical attention.
Tardive Dystonia
Tardive dystonia is a form of cervical dystonia caused by the use of certain medications. It is very difficult to treat.
Tartaric acid is an acid used in dentistry and is often found in grapes too.
Tartrazine
Tartrazine is an artificial food colouring (102). Tartrazine is commonly used to produce a yellow colour, though it can be mixed with other food colours to produce shades of green. It is often used in confectionery, soft drinks, corn chips, cereals, custard, ice cream, cordial, some rices, mustard, marmalade, and many snack foods.
Task-Specific Disorder
A task-specific disorder is one in which symptoms only occur while performing a specific task. For example, muscle spasms in spasmodic dysphonia are experienced only during speech.
Taste buds are any one of many taste organs distributed over the tongue and the roof of the oral cavity.
Taxotere
Taxotere is a taxane drug used in the treatment of breast cancer (selected patients); non-small cell lung cancer; metastatic ovarian cancer; and androgen independent prostate cancer.
T-cell defects
T-cell defects are abnormalities in the T-cells (cells involved in regulating the immune system) which render these cells unable to perform their normal functions. People with T-cell defects will have a decreased immunity.
Tear Gland
A small gland that is about the size and shape of an almond located above the eye towards the outer aspect that secretes tears.
Tectorial membrane
The tectorial membrane is where the receptor hair cells are embedded in the ear.
Telangiectasia
Telangiectasia is a condition in which small blood vessels in the skin become abnormally large and appear as fine red lines in the skin.
Telmisartan
a medication used to control high blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from tightening.
Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobe , one of the five lobes of the brain , is the the region below the lateral sulcus . The temporal lobe's major functions include: interpretation and comprehension of language and higher-order interpretation and processing of visual information.
Temporary filling (dentistry)
Temporary fillings are used in between appointments when a permanent filling cannot be placed at that appointment itself.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon (a strong flexible cord attaching a muscle to a bone), most commonly from overuse but also from infection or rheumatic disease.
Tendon
A tendon is a strong flexible cord of fibrous connective tissue that usually attaches a muscle to a bone.
Tendon xanthoma
Tendon xanthomas are cholesterol deposits in the tendons. Tendon xanthomas are often a result of high cholesterol.
Tennis elbow is an overload or overuse condition in which the muscles of the forearm are affected - in particular the muscles that extend the wrist - the 'backhand' muscles.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the stimulation of nerves using electrical currents that pass across the skin.
Tensor Tympani
The tensor tympani is the inner ear muscle that insert on the malleus.
Teratogen
An agent that interferes with the normal growth and development, structural or functional, of the fetus exposed to the agent
Teratogenesis
Teratogenesis is the development of abnormalities in the growing foetus. Teratogenesis can be brought when the mother ingests harmful substances such as alcohol, cigarette smoke and some medications.
Teratozoospermia
The production of a large proportion of sperm which have morphologically abnormal forms.
Term delivery refers to babies being born from 37 weeks gestation to 42 weeks gestation. The estimated due date is usually 40 weeks from the last menstrual period. Babies born earlier than 37 weeks are considered 'pre-term' and babies born after 42 weeks are 'post-term'.
Terminal Dribbling
Terminal Dribbling, when described as a urinary symptom, refers to the dribbling of urine at the end of the stream. When combined with other urinary symptoms it can be a sign of prostate cancer.
Tertiary Centre
A tertiary centre is a hospital that provides specialist services. Patients are referred to tertiary centres from lower level hospitals (primary and secondary care centres) when in need of specialist services or medications.
Testa (seed coat)
A testa (seed coat) is an outer protective layer of the seed, developed from the integuments of the ovule, diploid maternal tissue.
Testes
The testis is a firm mobile organ lying within the scrotum, with the left testis lying slightly lower than the right. They are the primary reproductive organs (gonads) in the male and are responsible for the production of sperm.
Testosterone is the main male hormone responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics and functioning of the male reproductive organs. Levels of testosterone rise markedly at the onset of puberty in males. Testosterone is also present in women.
Testosterone deficiency refers to low levels of testosterone in the blood. In men, it occurs when the testicles fail to produce testosterone, either because the testicles are dysfunctional, or because of a dysfunction of the pituitary gland, the area of the brain that sends signals to the testicles to stimulate testosterone production.
Testosterone patches are patches that contain testosterone. They are adhered to the skin, from where the testosterone is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment in which testosterone is added to the body of a man who has abnormally low testosterone levels, with the aim of increasing testosterone to normal levels. There are many types of testosterone containing medications that can be used for the therapy, including injections, tablets, patches, creams and gels.
Tetanus is a disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. People usually become infected through contact with infected soil or manure. The bacteria enter the body through a small cut or wound, and then multiply and produce a toxin which attacks the body's nervous system. It causes severe muscle spasms which usually start in the jaw or neck (causing 'lockjaw'). In time, the effects may spread to the lungs and heart, causing death.Children and adults can be protected against tetanus through immunisation.
Tetracyclines
These antibiotics include: Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline and Rolitetracycline. Tetracyclines act by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. They have a broad spectrum of activity, active against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, Neisseria, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, Plasmodium, spirochaetes, some non-tuberculous mycobacteria, protozoa and many anaerobes.
TFI - Treatment free interval
A period during which no treatment is given.
Thalamus
The thalamus contains the most neural tissue of the diencephalon and it represents an important link between the many systems of the brain .
Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder in which an individual produces insufficient quantities of haemoglobin, an important component of blood which transports oxygen to the red blood cells. The condition predisposes the individual to anaemia.
The joint capsule (articular capsule) is a sock of tissue that forms a seal around the shoulder joint. When it becomes stiffened, it greatly reduces the flexibility of the shoulder joint - this is known as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
The glenoid labrum is the rim of gristle (fibrocartilage) that runs around the periphery of the socket, effectively doubling its depth. When somebody dislocates their shoulder for the first time, they usually rip off this gristle, which then makes their socket shallower and predisposes them to repeat shoulder dislocations.
The Spleen is a purple-ish organ on the left hand side of the body, below the stomach. It is composed of two parts, the Red Pulp that removes old or damaged red blood cells, and the White Pulp , that is made up mostly of lymphocytes.
The tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii
The biceps muscle is a muscle in the upper arm that helps us to bend up the elbow (flexion) and turn the palm up (supination). It is known as the biceps because it has two heads or attachments around the shoulder - the short head, that attaches to the coracoid process, and the long head of biceps that runs a very long course up through the bicipital groove, into and through the shoulder joint before attaching to the gristle (labrum, fibrocartilage) at the top of the socket. The long head of biceps may contribute to shoulder stability in our younger years, but often becomes diseased and a cause of pain in our older years.
Thelarche refers to breast development and is the first noticeable sign of puberty in females.
Thenar eminence
Thenar eminence refers to a group of muscles that make up the ball of the thumb of the hand.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is the regulatory body in Australia that is responsible for all therapeutic goods. Therapeutic goods include medicines, medical research and medical devices.
The therapeutic window is the range of dosages that can effectively treat a condition while still remaining safe. That is, it is the range between the lowest dose that has a positive effect, and the highest dose before the negative effects outweigh the positive effects.
Thermal
Relating to, or associated with heat. Thermal burns are associated with increased heat exposure.
Thermal effect of food
The thermal effect of food refers to the effect food consumption has on energy expenditure. Eating increases the rate at which the human body expends energy, however different types of food increase the rate of energy expenditure more or less.
Thermogenesis
Thermogenesis is energy expenditure, drugs that increase thermogenesis have similar effects on the body that exercise has.
Thermoregulatory system
The thermoregulatory system is the system which regulates body temperature.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the skin of the inner thigh is cut to remove excess skin. The procedure aims to increase the tone of skin on the thighs and make it appear more taut.
Thioridazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic drug. Used to treat schizophrenia and other disorders. Used also in conjunction with other medication to relieve very bad anxiety and violently dangerous behaviour. Can be used in both agitated and restless elderly individuals and children with very bad behavioural or mental disorders.
Thiothixene
Thiothixene is an antipsychotic. Treats schizophrenia and other disorders of psychotic nature. Also known by trademark name of Navane.
Third stage of labour
The Third Stage of labour lasts from the delivery of a baby till delivery of the placenta and membranes (afterbirth).
Third Trimester
The last (third) trimester of pregnancy is when the mother will notice the greatest change in the shape of her abdomen. This is the final stage of foetal growth. The baby will continue to gain weight during the third trimester. By 28 weeks, the baby's eyes are open and they may start to grow hair on their head.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis refers to the drainage of a pleural effusion by inserting a needle through the chest wall into the pleural space. It can be used to relieve the symptoms of a pleural effusion or to give clues to the cause of the effusion through analysis of pleural fluid.
Thorax
The thorax is in the chest area of the body. It is the body cavity between the neck and the diaphragm.
Thrombin
A substance hat acts to convert a soluble protein called fibrinogen into an insoluble protein called fibrin. This constitutes the last stage of blood Clotting, important in helping form the insoluble plug to halt the bleeding process.
Thrombin Time
This test measures the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and the formation of the initial clot by thrombin. Petechiae can be due to conditions causing a change in the TT.
Thrombocythaemia
Thrombocythaemia is elevated levels of platelets in the blood due to unknown cause.
Thrombocytopenia (Thrombocytopaenia)
Thrombocytopenia refers to an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood. As the major role of platelets is to help the blood to clot, thrombocytopenia may lead to abnormal bleeding. This can result in bleeding into the skin, spontaneous bruising and the development of petechiae.
Thrombocytosis
Thrombocytosis can be referred to as an increased level of platelets in the blood.
Thromboembolism
Thromboembolism. Blockage of a blood vessel by a clot that can travel in the bloodstream to the heart, lungs or brain and cause serious damage.
Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is a general term for "inflammation of the veins". However, it may also suggest blood clots (i.e. thrombosis).
Thromboplastin
This is an enzyme that works in the blood Clotting process to convert an inactive substance called prothrombin into the enzyme thrombin.
Thrombopoiesis
Thrombopoiesis refers to the production of platelets of blood.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a blood coagulation disorder in which the small blood vessels become blocked. It can lead to organ damage because organs do not receive sufficient blood supply.
Thymol is a synthetic or natural thyme oil, used as an antibacterial in dentistry. It is not as effective as chlorhexidine gluconate.
Thymus
The Thymus is an organ in the base of the neck and front of the chest that plays a role in the maturation of T Cells.
Thyroarytenoid Muscle
The thyroarytenoid muscle is a muscle that controls relaxing and shortening of the vocal cords.
Thyroid
Thyroid is an endocrine gland in the body located in the neck. It produces hormones that affect metabolism and affects the sensitivity of the body to other hormones. The hormones it produces are thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid Eye Disease is an eye disorder found in individuals with thyroid function abnormalities. It is characterised by inflammation of the eye and fat in the eye socket. In severe cases inflammation can compress the optic nerve, leading to blindness. The condition is also known as Grave's Ophthalmology.
Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone
Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone is a hormone that is released by the hypothalamus that controls the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary.
General name for a variety of superficial fungal skin infections.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that eventually resolves.
Tissue destructive methods
Tissue destructive methods include electrocoagulation (using high-frequency electrical current), cryosurgery (the use of a liquid nitrogen spray or a very cold probe to freeze and kill abnormal cells) and laser therapy. Tissue destructive methods are frequently used for palliation, like relieving obstruction caused by incurable cancer of the bowel.
Titration
Titration is the process of finding a safe and efficacious dose of a drug. The titration of drug dose is performed by your doctor; they will give you one dose and if the effects are not strong enough the dose will be increased, if the higher dose causes too many side effects the dose will be decreased. This continues until the critical dose is achieved. One this critical dose has been determined the medication schedule must be strictly adhered to in order to maintain control of the condition.
Tizanidine
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant.
TNM system
The TNM system is a method of classifying tumours which is based on the size of the primary tumour (T), the extent to which cancer has spread to lymph nodes (N) and the presence or absence of metastasis (M). The combination of scores for TNM will tell the doctor which stage the cancer is at. It is important to remember (however somewhat confusing) that a cancer’s stage does not change, even if the cancer gets worse- stage always refers to the characteristics of the cancer when is was diagnosed. The TNM staging system is used to stage all cancers (with the exception of Lymphoma, cancers of the brain and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).
Tobacco
Tobacco plants are grown in more than 100 countries around the world.Tobacco contains a chemical called nicotine that when ingested gives the consumer a "pleasurable rush" and as a consequence people from all over the world have been addicted to this plant for centuries. Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline in the brain and this is the rush or nicotine "hit". Tobacco is most commonly ingested by inhaling the smoke from burning it. Tobacco is burnt using a cigarette, cigar or pipe. It can also be chewed in the form of chewing tobacco or snuffed. Consuming tobacco is associated with a wide array of negative health consequences.
Tobacco pipes are a tobacco smoking device with a bowl, where the tobacco is placed, which is connected to a stem through which the tobacco smoke is inhaled. Pipes are made of slate or clay.
Tolvon is a medication used in the treatment of clinical depression.
Tonometry
Tonometry refers to the procedure used to measure the pressure within the eye, the intra-ocular pressure.
Tonsillar abcess
A tonsillar abcess is a common adulthood infection. It is a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround the tonsils.
Tonsillectomy
Surgical removal of the tonsils located at the back of the throat; commonly performed along with adenoidectomy.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis refers to inflammation (pain, swelling and redness) of the tonsils (two small masses of tissue at the back of the throat which act as part of the immune system to protect the body) usually caused by viral or bacterial infection
Tooth eruption
Tooth eruption is the act of breaking out, appearing or becoming visible in the mouth.
Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening or bleaching involves application of a bleaching agent to the teeth, which diffuses through the tooth enamel and results in a decolourisation or whitening process.
Topamax is a drug used in the treatment of epilepsy in adults and in children over 2 years of age, and may be used to treat seizures in a special childhood epilepsy syndrome called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which sometimes causes drop attacks. Topamax may also be used to prevent migraineheadaches in adults.Topamax comes as Tablets or Sprinkle Capsules which are taken once or twice daily depending on your dose.
Topical Medication
Topical medications are those that are applied to the surface (skin, ears, throat, eyes) that they are intended to treat. This differs to systemic medications, which are absorbed and then treat distant parts of the body. Occasionally, topical medications may be absorbed and have systemic side effects.
Torsades de Pointes
Torsades de pointes is a rare condition characterised by an abnormal and rapid heartbeat. It is a form of ventricular tachycardia.
Torticollis (Wryneck)
Torticollis (also called wryneck) is a type of localised dystonia characterised by a persistant turning of the head, which eventually leads to the head constantly being held to the side.
Total energy expenditure refers to the total amount of energy expended by an individual. It includes Basal Energy Expenditure which is energy used by the body to maintain essential functions, as well as energy expended performing physical activities.
Total mastecomy involves complete removal of all breast tissue, along with the overlying skin and nipple. The underlying pectoral (chest) muscles are left in place. Axillary Dissection is commonly performed with total mastecomy.
Total parenteral nutrition
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), is the practice of feeding a person intravenously, bypassing the usual process of eating and digestion.
Total spinal anaesthesia (TSA)
TSA is a rare but serious complication that occurs as a result of accidental and unintentional injection at the wrong site. TSA is characterised by sudden decrease in blood pressure (hypotension), rapidly increasing motor block, temporarily loss of breathing, loss of consciousness, and dilated pupils
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's syndrome is also known as Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome. A condition of involuntary and severe tics. Individual can repeat words or make involuntary noises or movements. The cause is unknown.
Tourniquet
A tourniquet is a compressing device used to control venous and arterial circulation. A tourniquet applies pressure to the walls of vessels, causing them to become temporarily blocked. There are 2 types of tourniquets: surgical tourniquets and emergency tourniquets.
Toxic amblyopia
Toxic amblyopia is the decrease in visual acuity due to a toxic reaction in part of the optic nerve.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening condition in which the outer layer of skin detaches from the inner layers of skin. The condition affects the whole body and is usually a reaction to medication use.
Toxoplasma gondii
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan found in raw meat and cat faeces. It causes the infectious disease toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the food-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii. While the infection is not a serious threat to the health of adults, it is associated a range of poor health outcomes for the offspring of infected women including mental retardation, blindness and epilepsy. It is also important in people with impaired immune systems such as HIV patients. Toxoplasmosis is usually spread by cat faeces
Trabeculectomy
Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure to relieve eye pressure and allow fluid drainage, by the creation of a flap valve under the upper eyelid. It is usually done under local anaesthetic for the treatment of glaucoma.
Trabeculoplasty
A trabeculoplasty is a procedure employed in the treatment of glaucoma in which a laser makes small, evenly spaced laser burns in the trabecular meshwork of the eye, which is the area responsible for drainage of the eye's fluid. This process appears to stimulate increased outflow of fluid.
Trachea
The trachea is a component of the respiratory system. The trachea is also described as the windpipe and function as a funnel enabling the entry of fresh air down from the outside world into our bodies.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the trachea (wind pipe) to enable a tube to be inserted and assist the person to breathe.
Trans Fats
Fats produced by heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen. This process is known as hydrogenation. Recent research suggests that they are the most unhealthy form of fat.
Transabdominal ultrasound
Transabdominal ultrasound is an ultrasound technique in which the ultrasonic probe is move across a woman's abdomen.
Transcription
Transcription is the process of making RNA under the instruction of DNA.
Transdermal means through the skin, which is known as the dermis in medical terminology. Applying medication to the skin for absorption is known as transdermal application.
Transdermal Patch
A transdermal patch is an adhesive patch that has medication infused into it. The patch is able to deliver a particular amount of the medication through the skin into the blood.
Transducer
The part of the ultrasound unit that comes into contact with the patient. It converts electrical energy into ultrasound waves which pass through the patient's tissues. It also receives the reflected waves and changes them again into electrical energy. A transducer is often called a probe and is connected to the ultrasound scanner by a flexible cable.
Transient ischaemic attacks
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a risk factor for stroke. It is caused by a temporary disruption of blood supply to the brain. The symptoms of TIA are very similar to symptoms of a stroke, but they often disappear within minutes and are usually reversible. TIAs are also known as "mini strokes".
Transit time
Transit time refers to the time it takes for food to move through the digestive tract, from swallowing to expulsion as faeces. Transit time disorders include disorders which people would often refer to as constipation or diarrhoea.
Translation
Translation is the second step of protein synthesis. It involves converting a molecule of RNA into a amino acid chain which is then folded into a shape that allows it to perform certain functions within a cell. This folded amino acid chain is a protein.
Transplantation
Transplantation means to transfer (an organ, tissue or other object) from one part of the body to another, or from one person or animal to another. For example if your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is very low, kidney transplantation may be needed.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (also known as TURP) is an operative procedure used to treat prostate disease such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (an increase in size of the prostate in middle aged to elderly men).
Transvaginal ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound ia an ultrasound is performed by inserting a ultrasonic probe into the patient's vagina. This ultrasound technique enables doctors to view the female reproductive organs.
Transverse Myelitis
Transverse Myelitis is a condition where the coating of the nerve fibres (called myelin) gets stipped away, meaning that signals cannot pass as easily down them. The cause of transverse myelitis is unknown, but seems to follow some viral infections and so may be due to the body mistakenly attacking the myelin after being exposed to a viral antigen.
The trapezius is a shoulder muscle. It extends from the base of the skull to the clavicle (collarbone), acromion and scapula (shoulder blade). This muscle acts to retract (draw back) and elevate (raise) the shoulder.
Treatment Cycle refers to a menstrual cycle in which assisted reproductive techniques are applied to assist conception.
Tremor
Tremors are unintentional trembling or shaking muscle movements involving one or more parts of the body. Most tremors occur in the hands but can also occur in the arms, head, face, vocal cords and legs.
Triasyn
Triasyn is a combination of two medications (felodipine and ramipril) used to lower blood pressure.
Trichomonas vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis is the protozoan which causes the sexually transmitted infection trichomaniasis.
Tricyclic antidepressants are a type of medicine that relieves mental depression.
Trifluoroperazine
Antipsychotic drug to treat schizophrenia. Also used to relieve very bad anxiety, agitation or prevent violently dangerous behaviour. Can be used to treat extremely bad vomiting or nausea.
Trigeminal nerve
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve responsible for sensations in the face. It also has motor functions such as chewing, biting and swallowing. The trigeminal nerve has three branches; ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve and the mandibular nerve.
Trigger Factor
A trigger factor is an object, sensation or situation that brings about symptoms in certain health conditions. For example, pollen is a trigger for an asthma attack and speaking in public is a trigger for an anxiety or panic attack
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition in which an individual's thumb or finger is locked, either when it is bent or straightened. The condition is cause by swelling of the tendons in the fingers, and is more frequent with overuse injuries to the fingers.
Trigger Point
Trigger Points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots that are painful on compression and can produce referred pain or tenderness as well as problems with muscle function.
Trigger Point Injection
A Trigger Point Injection is an effective treatment for trigger point pain using local anaesthetic.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are synthesized from the products of digestion of dietary fat. They are the form in which fat is stored in the body. It is important to also monitor triglycerides, in combination with blood sugar levels.
Trigone
The trigone is the triangular area in the lower portion of the bladder, where the two ureters enter the bladder, and the urethra exits the bladder.
Triploid gestation
Triploid gestation is a pregnancy in which a single egg is fertilised by two sperm. The pregnancy has excessive DNA (two paternal and one maternal chromosomes, as opposed to one of each which characterises a normal pregnancy)
Triplo-X syndrome
Triplo-X syndrome is a genetic disorder. It occurs when the spermfertilises an egg that has an extra X chromosome (a sex gene) due to non-disjunction. Triplo-X results when the sperm brings an X chromosome. The person will be an infertile female with some mild cognitive impairment.
If the sperm was to bring a Y chromosome the embryo would contain two X chromosomes and one Y and would develop a condition called Klinefelter syndrome.
Trisomy 18, also known as Edward's syndrome, is a condition characterised by mental handicap and physical deformities at birth. The condition is caused by chromosomal abnormality, specifically the baby having three, rather than the normal two, type 18 chromosomes.
Trisomy 21
Trisomy 21, also known as Down's syndrome, is a condition in which a baby is born with physical deformities and mental handicap at birth. The condition is caused by chromosomal abnormality, specifically by the baby having three, rather than the normal two, type 21 chromosomes.
Trophoblast refers to the trophoblastic cells which form a layer around a developing blastocyst. The cells help the blastocyst implant into the walls of the uterus and form a pregnancy.
Trophoblastic cells
Trophoblastic cells are cells which arise early in pregnancy and supply the embryo and placenta with nutrients.
Tryptophan is an essential protein which acts as a precursor for formation of the important neurotransmitter, serotonin (a regulator of mood and memory). Tryptophan is found in bananas and turkey.
TTP - Time to progression of disease
The time to a 25% or greater increase in the size of at least one measurable lesion, or the appearance of new lesions, or recurrence of symptoms.
Tubal ligation
A tubal ligation refers to an operation in which the fallopian tubes are cut to prevent sperm from entering the ovaries.
Tubal Pregnancy
A Tubal Pregnancy refers to a pregnancy occurring in the fallopian tubes and is also known as ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy. Tubal pregnancies are not viable (i.e. they do not result in live birth). They threaten the life of the pregnant woman if left untreated.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is Tuberculosis a long-term infection due to the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs, but can spread to almost any part of the body.
Tuberosity
A tuberosity is a prominence or bump on a bone which is usually where a muscle or a ligament attaches.
Tumour
A tumour is an abnormal swelling or growth of tissue. Tumours can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumours are generally safe as they remain within a single organ or tissue and are not considered cancerous. Malignant tumours on the other hand are able to move from one site or organ in the human body (e.g. the lung) to another (e.g. breast) and therefore have the ability to invade numerous healthy organs in different parts of the body. The process of moving around the body is known as metastasis and tumours that are able to metastasise are cancerous.
Tumour Marker
Tumour markers are substances in the blood that can be used in the diagnosis of a particular cancer and/or monitor its response to treatment.
Tungsten arc welding
Tungsten arc welding is a type of arc welding process which uses tungsten (the metal with the highest melting point) electrode to produce the weld.
Tunica fibrosa
Tunica fibrosa refers to the outer fibrous layer of the eye. This includes the sclera and the cornea, which are continuous with one another.
Tunica interna
Tunica interna refers to the innermost layer of the eye. This layer is made up of the neural components - the retina and optic nerve.
Tunica vasculosa
Tunica vasculosa refers to the middle vascular layer of the eye. This is also called the uvea. The uvea is made up of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris.
Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter
Tunnelled Central Venous Catheter (TCVC) is inserted through an incision in the chest and then "tunnelled" through the subcutaneous tissue, before being inserted into the subclavian vein. The tunnel serves two distinct purposes; it reduces the risk of infection by preventing the easy passage for bacteria from the skin to the vein and helps to hold the catheter in place.
TWIST - Time without symptoms or toxicity
The amount of time spent without symptoms of disease or toxicity from treatment.
Two days method
The two days method is a contraceptive method which relies on a woman monitoring the presence or absence of cervical mucus or secretions, to determine when she is and is not fertile. It also relies on her abstinence from sexual intercourse, or use of an alternative contraceptive method during the fertile period.
Tykerb
Tykerb is the brand name for a new anti-cancer medication called lapatinib. Tykerb works by inhibiting kinase proteins in cells which interferes with the growth of cancer cells. Tykerb is used in combination with another anti-cancer drug called capecitabine (Xeloda), for the treatment of advanced breast cancer that is positive for the HER2 protein.
Tympanic membrane
The tympanic membrane is also known as the eardrum. It vibrates in synchrony with sound waves that strike it, setting the middle ear bones into motion.
Tympanostomy tube
Tympanostomy tube is tiny tube used to insert via tympanic membrane after myringotomy for aeration of the middle ear, commonly is the treatment of choice for serous otitis media.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Type 1 diabetes is a sub-type of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a disorder of blood glucose control which leads to high levels of blood sugar and various heart, kidney, vascular and vision problems. Type 1 diabetes specifically refers to an autoimmune problem which causes destruction of pancreatic beta cells (the cells responsible for insulin production). Insulin deficiency means glucose cannot be taken up by cells.
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
An allergic reaction which is mediated by IgE and occurs approximately 5-10 minutes following exposure to an allergen.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (also known as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)) is a chronic metabolic syndrome defined by resistance to the hormone insulin. This leads to inappropriate hyperglycaemia (increased blood sugar levels) and deranged metabolism of carbohydrate, fats and proteins.
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