Medical Dictionary
T cell
| 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. |
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. |
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. |
Taste buds
| 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. |
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. |
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. |
Tendonitis
| Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons. |
Tennis elbow
| 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. |
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
| 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. More on sperm analysis. |
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. |
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. More on male reproductive system. |
Testogel
| Testogel is used in the treatment of male hypogonadism when testosterone deficiency has been confirmed by various biochemical tests and clinical features. Clinical features of testosterone insufficiency include regression of secondary sexual characteristics, change in body composition, asthenia, reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. Biochemical tests to confirm male hypogonadism requires two separate blood testosterone measurements. |
Testosterone
| 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. |
Tetanus
| 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 . |
Thalassemia
| Thalassemia refers to a disease where there is an imbalance in the production of alpha and beta globin chains. A deletion in the alpha globin chain results in alpha thalassemia and a deletion in the beta globlin chain results in beta thalassemia. |
Thalidomide
| Thalidomide can be used to treat a range of different diseases, including leprosy and multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. |
The Spleen
| 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. |
Thelarche
| 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. |
Therapeutic thoracentesis
| Therapeutic thoracentesis, or drainage of a pleural effusion, is a simple procedure done to relieve the symptoms of the effusion. Thoracentesis may also be used as a diagnostic test to look for causes of a pleural effusion. |
Therapeutic window (Pharmaceutical window)
| 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. |
Thioridazine
| 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. |
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. For more information, see Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. |
Thymol
| 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. |
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. |
Tibolone
| Tibolone is a synthetic steroid commonly used in hormone replacement therapy containing properties of oestrogen, testosterone and androgen |
Tinea
| 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. |
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 is a substance commonly smoked as a cigarette or through a pipe. Burning tobacco produces smoke which contains over 4000 substances, many of which can cause cancer, or irritations and inflammations. |
Tolerance
| A decrease or loss of the normal response to a drug or other substance that usually incites a response in the body. Drug tolerance can develop after taking a drug over a long period of time. Beta agonists may induce tolerance over an extended period of time, due to down regulation of beta 2 receptors. |
Tolvon
| 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. |
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. |
Topamax
| 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 migraine headaches in adults. Topamax comes as Tablets or Sprinkle Capsules which are taken once or twice daily depending on your dose. |
topical
| topical means surface |
Torsades de Pointes
Torsades de pointes is a rare condition characterised by an abnormal and rapid heartbeat. It is a form of ventricular tachycardia. |
Total Energy Expenditure
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. For more information see How the Body Burns Calories |
Total mastectomy
| 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. |
Toxoplasmosis
| Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infectious disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis is most important in people with impaired immune systems such as HIV patients or in pregnant women where it can cause serious diseases. Toxoplasmosis is usually spread by cat faeces. The main organs affected are the lymph nodes, liver, heart, eyes and brain. |
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. |
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device
| Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices are devices that work by passing a small electrical current across the skin. |
Transdermal Patch
| A transdermal patch is an adhesive patch which has medication infused into it. The patch is able to deliver a particular amount of the medication into your blood through your skin. |
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".
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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
| 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. |
Trapezium
| The trapezium is one of eight carpal bones that make up the wrist of the hand. The other bones are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezoid, capitates and hamate. |
Trapezoid
| The trapezoid is one of eight carpal bones that make up the wrist of the hand. The other bones are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezium, capitates and hamate. |
Travacalm HO
Travacalm HO is used for prevention of motion sickness. |
Travacalm Original
Travacalm Original is indicated for prevention of motion sickness in adults and children greater or equal to 4 years. |
Treatment Cycle
| 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. |
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection of the bacteria Trichomonas vaginalis, which affects women. It typically results in a yellow/green frothy discharge, though it can also be asymptomatic. |
Tricyclic antidepressants
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. |
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 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 sperm fertilises 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. |
Triquetral
| The triquetral is one of eight carpal bones of the hand. The other bones are the scaphoid, lunate, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitates and hamate. |
TRM - Transplant related mortality
| Mortality attributable to a transplant. |
Trophoblast
| 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. |
Trusopt
| Trusopt is a medication used to treat increased intraocular pressure in patients who have open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Tyrosine Kinase
Tyrosine kinases are a group of enzymes that assist in the cell replication process. |
