The Undertaker's Manual | Project Gutenberg

GLOSSARY AND INDEX.

A
Abdomen (L. abdo, to hide). So called from its containing the intestines, &c.
Abductor (L. abduco, to draw from). Abducent. A muscle whose office is to draw one part of the body away from another.
Absorption. The act or process of imbibing or swallowing.
Absorbents. Vessels which imbibe, as lymphatics and lacteals.
Albumen (L. albus, white). Albumen is of two kinds, animal and vegetable: 1. Animal albumen exists in two forms, the liquid and the solid. In the liquid state, it is a thick, glairy fluid, constituting the principal part of the white of egg. In the solid state, it is contained in several of the textures of the body, as the cellular membrane, the skin, glands and vessels.—2. Vegetable albumen closely resembles animal albumen, and has been found in wheat, rye, barley, peas and beans.
Anastomosis (Gr. aná, through, and stoma, a mouth). The communication of vessels with each other, as of the arteries with the veins, which, by touching at numerous points, form a net-work or reticulation. See Inosculation.
Anatomy (Gr. anatémnō, to cut up). The science of organization; the science whose object is the examination of the organs or instruments of life. Animal anatomy is divided into human anatomy and comparative anatomy, according as it treats of the organization of the human body, or of that of other animals.
Aorta (Gr. aèr, air, teréō, to keep; as having been formerly supposed to contain only air). The great artery of the heart. It is distinguished into the ascending and descending.
Aqueous. Watery.
Aracanoid Membrane (Gr. arachnē, a spider, and eīdos, likeness). The fine cobweb-like membrane situated between the dura and pia mater. It is the serous membrane of the cerebro-spinal centers.
Arbor Vitæ. Literally, tree of life. A term applied to the arborescent appearance presented by the cerebellum, when cut into vertically.
Artery (Gr. aèr, air, and teréō, to hold). A vessel which carries the blood from the heart; formerly supposed, from its being found empty after death, to contain only air.
Arytænoid (Gr. arútaina, a ewer, and eīdos, likeness). A term applied to two triangular cartilages of the larynx.
Auditory (L. audio, to hear). Belonging to parts connected with the sense of hearing.
Auricula (L. dim of auris, the ear). An auricle; the prominent part of the ear. Also, the name of two cavities of the heart.
Automatic Motions (Gr. automatos, of his own accord). Those muscular actions which are not dependent on the mind.
B
Bilis. Bile, gall, or choler; the secretion of the liver. A term employed to characterize a class of diseases caused by a too copious secretion of bile.
Bronchus (Gr. bróngchos, the windpipe, from bréchō, to moisten). The windpipe; a ramification of the trachea; so called from ancient belief that the solids were conveyed into the stomach by the œsophagus, and the fluids by the bronchia.
Bronchial-tubes. The minute ramifications of the bronchi, terminating in the bronchial cells, or air cells of the lungs.
Bronchitis. Inflammation of the bronchi or ramifications of the trachea.
Bursæ Mucosæ (mucous bags). Small sacs situated about the joints, being parts of the sheaths of tendons.
C
Cæcum, or Cœcum (L. cæcus, blind). The first part of the colon or blind intestine.
Callus (Latin, hardness). New bone, or the substance which serves to join together the ends of a fracture, and to restore destroyed portions of bone.
Capillary (L. capillus, a hair). Resembling a hair in size; a term applied to the vessels which intervene between the minute arteries and veins.
Capsula (L. dim. of capsa, a chest). Literally, a little chest. A capsule or bag, which incloses any part.
Carbon (L. carbo, a coal). A substance well known under the form of coal, charcoal, lamp-black, &c. In chemical language, it denotes the pure inflammable principle of charcoal; in its state of absolute purity it constitutes the diamond.
Carbonic Acid. Carbon and oxygen combined.
Cardia (Gr. kardia, the heart). The entrance into the stomach; so called from being near the heart.
Cardiac (Gr. kardia, the heart). Relating to the heart.
Carotid (Gr. karóō, to induce sleep). The name of two large arteries of the neck; so called from an idea that tying them would induce stupor.
Carpus (Gr. karpós, fruit). The wrist. The ossa carpi, or carpal bones, are eight in number, and form two rows.
Cartilage. Gristle. It is attached to bones, and must be distinguished from the ligaments of joints and tendons of muscles.
Cerebellum (dim. of cerebrum). The little brain, situated behind the larger or cerebrum.
Cerebrum (Gr. káre, the head). The brain; the chief portion of the brain, occupying the whole upper cavity of the skull.
Cerebro-spinal. System.
Cervix. The neck; the hinder part of the neck. The fore part is called collum.
Chest. Thorax. An old English term, commonly traced to the Latin cista.—“When it is considered that the same word was anciently used for a basket, the appropriation of it to the human thorax will appear quite natural to any one who has ever seen a skeleton.”—Forbes.
Chyle (Gr. chulòs, juice). The milk-like fluid absorbed by the lacteal vessels.
Chylification (L. fio, to become). The process by which the chyle is separated from the chyme.
Chyme (Gr. chumòs, juice). The semi-fluid matter which passes from the stomach into the duodenum.
Chymification (L. fio, to become). The process by which the aliment is converted into chyme.
Clavicula (dim. of clavis, a key). The clavicle, or collar-bone; so called from its resemblance to an ancient key.
Coccyx (Gr. kókkux, a cuckoo). The lower end of the spine; so called from its resemblance to a cuckoo’s beak.
Colon (Gr. kolīn, quasi, koīlon, hollow). The first of the large intestines, commencing at the cœcum, and terminating at the rectum.
Coma (Gr. kōma, drowsiness, from kéō, to lie). Drowsiness; lethargic sleep; dead sleep; torpor.
Commissure (L. commissura). To joint or sever the place where two bodies or parts of a body meet and unite.
Condyle (Gr. kóndulos, a knuckle). A rounded eminence in the joints of several bones, as the humerus and the femur.
Congestion (L. congero, to amass). Undue fullness of the blood-vessels.
Conjunctiva (L. conjungo, to unite). The mucous membrane which lines the posterior surface of the eyelids, and is continued over the fore-part of the globe of the eye.
Corium. Leather. The deep layer of cutis, or true skin, forming the basis of the support of the skin.
Corpusculum (L. dim. of corpus, a body). A corpuscle, or little body.
Cranium (Gr. kára, the head). The skull, or cavity, which contains the brain, its membranes and vessels.
Cricos (Gr. krikíos, a ring). Whence crícoïd, the name of the ring-like cartilage of the larynx.
Crystalline (Gr. krústallos, ice). A term applied to the lens of the eye.
Cuticle (L. dim. of cutis). The epidermis or scarf-skin.
Cutis (Gr. kútos, the skin). The true skin, as distinguished from the cuticle, epidermis or scarf-skin.
D
Deglutition (L. deglutio, to swallow). The act of swallowing.
Diaphragm (Gr. diàphragma, a partition). The midriff; the transverse muscular partition which separates the thorax from the abdomen.
Digestion (L. digero, from diversim gero, to carry into different parts). In Physiology, the change of food into chyme by the mouth, stomach and small intestines; and the absorption and distribution of the more nutritious parts, or the chyle, through the system.
Dorsum (Latin). The back; the round part of the back of a man or beast. Whence Dorsal, appertaining to the back, as applied to a region, ligaments, &c.
Duodenum (L. duodeni, twelve). The twelve-inch intestine; so called from its being equal in length to the breadth of twelve fingers. The first portion of the small intestines, beginning from the pylorus.
Dura Mater (hard-mother). The outermost membrane of the
brain.
E
Effluvia (L. effluo, to flow out). Exhalations, vapors, &c.
Elasticity. The property or power by which a body compressed or extended returns to its former state.
Enamel. The hard exterior surface of the teeth.
Encephalon (Gr. èn, in, kephalē, the head). The brain; the contents of the skull, consisting of the cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and membranes.
Epidermis (Gr. epi, upon, and dérma, the skin) The cuticle, or scarf-skin; the thin, horny layer which protects the surface of the integument.
Epiglottis. A cartilage of the larynx, situated above the glottis.
Epiploon (Gr. plēo, to sail). The omentum; a membranous expansion which floats upon the intestines.
Epithelium (Gr. títhēmi, to place). The cuticle on the red part of the lips, and on the mucous membranes in general.
Excretion (L. excerno, to separate from). A general term for the perspiration, fæces, &c., which are separated and voided from the blood or the food.
Expiration (L. expiro, to breathe). That part of the respiration in which the air is expelled. Compare Inspiration.
Exudation. Transpiration. The flow of liquid from the surface of the skin or membrane, an ulcer, &c.
F
Facial (L. facies, the face). Belonging to the face; as facial nerve, facial vein, &c.
Falx. A scythe or sickle. The sickle-like processes of the dura mater, situated between the lobes of the cerebrum and cerebellum.
Fascia (L. fascis, a bundle). Literally, a scarf or large band. Hence it is applied to the aponeurotic expansion of a muscle.
Fasciculus (L. dim. of fascis, a bundle). A little bundle; a handful. Thus, a muscle consists of fasciculi of fibres.
Fauces. The gullet or upper part of the throat; the space surrounded by the vellum palati, the uvula, the tonsils, and the posterior part of the tongue.
Femur, Femoris. Os femoris. The thigh-bone; the longest, largest and heaviest of all the bones of the body.
Fibre (L. fibra, a filament). A filament or thread, of animal, vegetable or mineral composition.
Fibril. A small filament or fibre, as the ultimate division of a nerve. The term is derived from fibrilla, L. dim. of fibra, a filament.
Fibrin. A tough, fibrous mass, which, together with albumen, forms the basis of muscle.
Fibro-cartilage. Membraniform cartilage; a substance intermediate between proper cartilage and ligament.
Filament (L. filum, a thread, forma, likeness). Thread-like; applied to the papillæ at the edges of the tongue.
Fissure. A cleft; a longitudinal opening.
Flexor (L. flecto, to bend). A muscle which bends the part into which it is inserted. Its antagonist is termed extensor.
Fluids. Substances which have the quality of fluidity, and are, in consequence, of no fixed shape.
Follicle (L. dim. of follis, a pair of bellows). Literally, a little bag or scrip of leather. In anatomy, a very minute secreting cavity.
Foramen (L. foro, to pierce). An opening.
Fossa (L. fodio, to dig). A ditch or trench; a little depression, or sinus.
Function (L. fungor, to discharge an office). The office of an organ in the animal or vegetable economy; as of the heart in circulation, of the leaf in respiration, &c.
G
Gall-bladder. A membranous reservoir, lodged in a fissure on the under surface of the right lobe of the liver, and containing the bile.
Gall-ducts. These are the cystic, proceeding from the gall-bladder; the hepatic, proceeding from the liver; and the ductus communis choledochus, resulting from the union of the two preceding.
Ganglion (Gr. gangglíon, a nerve-knot). A small nervous center, or an enlargement in the course of a nerve, sometimes termed a diminutive brain.
Gaster. The Greek term for stomach.
Gastric (Gr. gaster, the stomach). Pertaining to the stomach; as the gastric juice, &c.
Gastric Juice. The peculiar digestive fluid secreted by the stomach.
Gelatine (L. gelu, frost). The principle of jelly. It is found in the skin, cartilages, tendons, membranes and bones. The purest variety of gelatine is isinglass.
Gland (L. glans, glandis, an acorn). A soft body, composed of various tissues, vessels, nerves, &c., usually destined to separate some fluids from the blood.
Glenoid (Gr. glēne, a cavity, eīdos, likeness). The name of a part having a shallow cavity; as the socket of the shoulder joint.
Globules Red (L. dim. of globus, a ball). The red coloring matter of the blood; a peculiar animal principle.
Glossa, or Glotta (Gr. glōtta). The tongue; the organ of speech. Glosso. Terms compounded of this word belong to nerves or muscles attached to the tongue.
Glottis. The aperture of the larynx between the arytænoïd cartilages. It is covered by a cartilage called the epi-glottis.
Granule. A small particle.
H
Hæmatosin (Gr. haima, blood). A characteristic constituent of the blood, derived from the globules.
Hæmorrhage. A rupture of a blood-vessel; a bursting forth of blood; loss of blood.
Hepatic. A term applied to any part belonging to the liver.
Humerus. The bone of the upper arm.
Humor (L. humeo, to be moist). An aqueous substance; as the humors of the eye.
Hygiene (Gr. to be well). Health; the preservation of health; that part of medicine which regards the preservation of health.
Hyoides (the Greek letter upsilon). A bone situated between the root of the tongue and the larynx.
Hypogastrium. The lower anterior region of the abdomen.
Hypoglossal. The name of the lingualis, or ninth pair of nerves, situated beneath the tongue.
I, J
Ichor. A thin, acrid discharge, issuing from wounds, ulcers, &c.
Jejunum (L. jejunus, hungry). The upper two-fifths of the small intestines; so named from this portion being generally found empty.
Ileum (to turn about). The lower three-fifths of the small intestines; so called from their convolutions or peristaltic motions.
Iliac Bone. Another name for the os innominatum, derived from the circumstance that this compound bone supports the parts which the ancients called ilia, or the flanks.
Iliac Region. The region situated on each side of the hypogastrium.
Index (L. indico, to point out). The forefinger; the finger usually employed in pointing at any object.
Infra-spinatus. A muscle arising from the scapula below the spine, and inserted into the humerus.
Innominatus (L. in, priv., nomen, name). Hence, Innominatum os, a bone composed of three portions, viz: 1, The ilium, or haunch-bone; 2, The ischium, or hip-bone; 3, The os pubis, or share bone.
Integument (L. in, and tego, to cover). The covering of any part of the body, as the cuticle, cutis, &c.
Inter-costal. The name of two sets of muscles between the ribs—the external and the internal.
Intestines (L. intus, within). That part of the alimentary canal which extends from the stomach to the anus.
Jugular. Belonging to the neck; applied chiefly to the principal veins of the neck.
K
Kingdom. A term denoting any of the principal divisions of nature. Thus we have the organic kingdom, comprehending substances which organize; and the inorganic kingdom, comprehending substances which crystallize.
Knee-pan. Patella; the small round bone at the front of the knee-joint.
Kidneys. Two oblong glands, which secrete the urine.
L
Labia. The lips. They are laterally united by means of two acute angles, which are called their commissures.
Labyrinth. The name of a series of cavities of the inner ear, viz: the vestibule, the cochlea, and the semi-circular canals.
Lachryma. A tear; the fluid secreted by the lachrymal gland,
and flowing on the surface of the eye.
Lacteals (L. lac, milk). Numerous minute tubes which absorb or take up the chyle, or milk-like fluid, from the alimentary canal.
Lactic Acid (L. lac, lactis, milk). An acid produced whenever milk—and perhaps most animal fluids—become spontaneously sour.
Lamina. Literally, a small plate of any metal. A term applied to the foliated structure of bones or other organs.
Larynx (Gr. larungx, the larynx). The superior part of the trachea, situated immediately under the os hyoïdes.
Lens (L. lens, lentis, a bean). Properly, a small roundish glass, shaped like a lentil, or bean.
Ligament (L. ligo, to bind). A membrane of a flexible but compact texture, which connects the articular surfaces of bones and cartilages; and sometimes protects the joints by a capsular envelope.
Lingua (L. lingo, to lick). The tongue; the organ of taste and speech.
Liver. The largest glandular apparatus in the body, the office of which is to secrete the bile.
Lumbi. The loins; the inferior part of the back; whence Lumbar, the designation of nerves, arteries, veins, &c., belonging to the region of the loins.
Lungs. The organs of respiration.
Luxation (L. luxo, to put out of joint). Dislocation; or the removal of the articular surface of bones out of their proper situation.
Lymph (L. lympha, water). A colorless liquid which circulates in the lymphatics.
Lymphatics (L. lympha, water). Minute tubes which pervade every part of the body, which they absorb, or take up, in the form of lymph.
M
Magnesium. A metal having the color and lustre of silver.
Masseter (Gr. to chew). A muscle which assists in chewing.
Mastoid (Gr. a breast). Shaped like the breast or nipple; as applied to a process, and a foramen of the temporal bone.
Meatus (L. meo, to pass, to flow). Literally, a passage.
Medulla. Marrow; a kind of fixed oil, occupying the cavities of bones.
Medulla Oblongata. The upper enlarged portion of the spinal cord.
Medulla Spinalis. The spinal marrow or cord.
Medullary. The designation of the white substance of the brain.
Mesentery (Gr. between the bowels). The membrane which connects the small intestines and the posterior wall of the abdomen.
Meta-carpus (Gr. after, the wrist). That part of the hand which is situated between the carpus and the fingers.
Meta-tarsus. That part of the foot which is situated between the tarsus and the toes.
Midriff. Diaphragm. The muscle which divides the body into the thorax and the abdomen.
Mitral Valves (L. mitra, a mitre). The name of two valves which guard the left ventricle of the heart.
Molar (L. mola, a mill-stone). The double or grinding teeth. Those with two fangs are called bicuspid, or false molars.
Motor (L. moveo, to move). A mover; a part whose function is motion.
Mucus. The liquid secreted by the mucous surfaces, as of the nostrils, intended as a protection to the parts exposed to external influences.
N
Narcotics (Gr. stupor). Medicines which induce sleep or stupor, as opiates.
Nasus. The nose, or organ of smell; whence nasal, belonging to the nose.
Nerves (L. nervus, a string). White cords arising from the brain or the spinal marrow, and distributed to every part of the system.
Neuron (Gr.) A nerve; a cord arising from the brain or spinal marrow. Whence Neurilemma, the sheath of a nerve; and Neurology, the doctrine of the nerves.
Nitrogen. Azote. An elementary principle, constituting four-fifths of the volume of atmospheric air.
Nutrition (L. nutrio, to nourish). The process of nourishing the frame.
O
Obturator (L. obturo, to stop up). The name of two muscles of the thigh, and of a nerve.
Occiput (L. ob caput). The back part of the head; the part opposite to the front or sinciput.
Œsophagus (Gr. to carry, to eat). A canal leading from the mouth to the stomach.
Oleaginous (L. oleum, oil). That which contains or resembles oil.
Olfactory (L. olfacio, to smell). Belonging to the smell; the name of the first pair of cerebral nerves, &c.
Omentum. The caul; a fold or reflexion of the peritoneum.
Omo (Gr. the shoulder). Words compounded with this term belong to muscles attached to the scapula.
Optic. Belonging to the sight.
Orbit (L. orbita, an orbit, a track). The cavity under the forehead,
in which the eye is fixed.
Organ. A part which has a determinate office in the animal economy.
Organization. A term applied to a system, composed of several individual parts, each of which has its proper function, but all conduce to the existence of the entire system.
Origin (L. origo). The commencement of a muscle from any part. Its attachment to the part it moves is called its insertion.
Os, Ossis. A bone; a portion of the skeleton, constituting a passive organ of locomotion, as distinguished from a muscle or active organ of this faculty.
Ossification. The formation of bone; the deposition of calcareous phosphate, or carbonate, on the soft solids of animal bodies.
Oxides. Substances combined with oxygen, without being in the state of an acid.
Oxygen. A gas which forms about one-fifth of atmospheric air, is capable of supporting flame, and is essential to the respiration of animals.
P
Pancreas. A gland, situated transversely across the posterior wall of the abdomen. In cattle it is called the sweet-bread.
Pancreatic Juice. The peculiar fluid secreted by the pancreas.
Papilla. The term papillæ denotes the small eminences which constitute the roughness of the upper surface of the tongue.
Paralysis. Palsy; the total loss, or diminution, of sensation or of motion, or of both.
Parotid. The name of the large, salivary gland situated near the ear.
Paries, Parietis. The wall of a house or any other building; whence Parietal, belonging to the walls of an organ.
Patella (L. dim. of patina, a pan). Literally, a small pan. The
knee-pan.
Pectoral (L. pectus, the breast). Pertaining to the breast.
Pectoralis. The name of two muscles of the trunk.
Pedal (L. pedules). Pertaining to a foot.
Pelvis (Gr. a basin). The basin or large bony cavity which terminates the trunk inferiorly.
Pericardium (Gr. around the heart). A fibro-serous membrane which surrounds the heart.
Pericranium. The periosteum or membrane which covers the bones of the cranium.
Periosteum. The membrane which surrounds the bones.
Peristaltic. A term applied to the vermicular contractions of the intestines upon themselves.
Peritonæum. The serous membrane which lines the interior of the abdomen, and invests all the viscera contained therein.
Permeability (L. per, through, meo, to pass). That property of certain bodies by which they admit the passage of other bodies through their substance.
Perspiration (L. perspiro, to breathe through). The watery vapor which is constantly passing off through the skin.
Pharynx (Gr. the throat). A musculo-membranous bag, situated at the back part of the mouth, leading to the stomach.
Phrenes (Gr. the mind). The diaphragm; so called because the ancients supposed it to be the seat of the mind. Hence the term Phrenic, a designation of the internal respiratory nerve, which goes to the diaphragm.
Phrenology (Gr. an account). A description of the mind; a science, introduced by Gall and Spurzheim, by which particular characters and propensities are indicated by the conformation and protuberances of the skull.
Physiology (Gr. phusis, nature, logos, an account). The science which treats of the properties of organic bodies, animal and vegetable, of the phenomena which they present, and of the laws which govern their actions.
Pia Mater. A vascular membrane, investing the whole surface of the brain.
Pituitary Membrane. A designation of the Schneiderian membrane, which lines the cavities of the nose.
Plexus (L. plecto, to weave). A kind of net-work of blood-vessels or nerves.
Pneumo-Gastric Nerves (Gr. pneumon, the lung, gastér, the stomach). The par vagnum, nervi vagi, or eighth pair of nerves, distributed to the stomach.
Portal Circulation. A subordinate part of the venous circulation, in which the blood makes an additional circuit before it joins the rest of the venous blood.
Portal Vein (L. vena portæ). A vein originating from the organs within the abdomen.
Potassium. The metallic base of the well known alkaline substance, potassa.
Process. Apophysis. A process or eminence of a bone. Also, a lobe or portion of the brain.
Pronation (L. pronus, bending downward). The act of turning the palm of the hand downwards, by rotating the radius upon the ulna by means of the pronator muscles.
Pronator (L. pronus, bending downward). The name of two muscles which turn the radius and the hand inwards and downwards.
Proximate Principle. A term applied, in analyzing any body, to the principle which is nearest to the natural constitution of the body, and more immediately the object of sense, as distinguished from intermediate or ultimate principles. Ultimate principles are the elements of which proximate principles are composed.
Pulmonary, pulmonic (L. pulmo, the lungs). Relating or belonging to the lungs.
Pulse (L. pulsus, a stroke). A beating or striking; and hence, the stroke or beat of an artery.
Puncta Lachrymalia. The external commencements of the lacrymal ducts.
Pupila (L. dim. of pupa, a puppet). The pupil, or the round aperture in the center of the iris of the eye.
Pylorus (Gr. púle, a gate, ora, care). Literally a gate-keeper. The lower and contracted orifice of the stomach, guarding the entrance into the bowels.
Q
Quartz. A species of silicious minerals.
R
Ramification (L. ramus, a branch, fio, to become). The issuing of a small branch from a large one, as of the minute branches from the larger arteries.
Ramus. A branch of a tree; the designation of portions of several bones.
Rectum (L. rectus, straight). The last portion of the intestines.
Refraction (L. refractus, broken back). The property of light, by which a ray becomes bent, or refracted, when passing from a rarer into a denser medium, and vice versá.
Respiration. The function of breathing.
Retina (L. rete, a net). The net like expansion of the optic nerve on the inner surface of the eye.
S
Sac (L. saccus, a bag). A term applied to a small cavity, as the lacrymal sac.
Sacrum (L. sacred). The bone which forms the basis of the vertebral column; so called from its having been offered in sacrifice, and hence considered sacred.
Sacro. A term applied to parts connected with the sacrum. Hence we have sacro-iliac symphysis, sacro-spinal ligament, sacro-vertebral angle, &c.
Saliva. The insipid, transparent, viscous liquid secreted by the salivary glands, principally the parotid.
Sanguis. Blood; the fluid which circulates in the heart, arteries and veins.
Sartorius (L. sartor, a tailor). The muscle by means of which the tailor crosses his legs.
Scapula. The shoulder-blade.
Schneiderian Membrane. The pituitary membrane, which secretes the mucous of the nose; so named from Schneider, who first described it.
Sclerotica (Gr. sklēròs, hard). The dense fibrous membrane which, with the cornea, forms the external tunic of the eye ball.
Sebaceous (L. sebum, suet). Suety; a term applied to follicles, which secrete a peculiar oily matter, and are abundant in some parts of the skin, as in the nose, &c.
Secretion (L. secerno, to separate). A substance secreted or separated from the blood by the action of a secreting organ.
Serum. The thin yellowish fluid constituent of the blood.
Sinciput. The fore part of the head. The back part is called occiput.
Sinew. The ligament which joins two bones.
Sinus. A gulf. Hence it denotes a cavity or cell within the substance of a bone, as of the forehead; also a large venous canal, as those of the dura mater.
Skeleton (Gr. skéllo, to dry up). The dry, bony frame work of an animal, which sustains the other organs.
Spinal Cord. Medulla spinalis. The medullary matter contained within the spine, or vertebral column.
Spleen. A spongy organ situated at the left and behind the stomach.
Splint-bone. The fibula or small bone of the leg; so named from its resembling a surgical splint.
Sternum. The breast bone.
Sub. A Latin preposition, denoting a position beneath any body.
Sub-clavian. Situated under the clavicle.
Sub-clavius. A muscle arising from the cartilage of the first rib, and inserted into the lower surface of the clavicle.
Sub-cutaneous. Beneath the skin.
Sub-lingual. Beneath the tongue.
Sub-maxillary. Beneath the jaw.
Sudor (L. sudo, to sweat). Sweat; the vapor which passes through the skin and condenses on the surface of the body.
Sudoriferous Canals. Minute spiral follicles, distributed over the whole surface of the skin, for the secretion of the sweat.
Suture (L. suo, to sew). A seam; the junction of the bones of the cranium by a serrated line, resembling the stitches of a seam.
Sympathetic Nerve. A nerve consisting of a chain of ganglia, extending along the side of the vertebral column from the head to the coccyx, communicating with all the other nerves of the body, and supposed to produce a sympathy between the affections of different parts.
T
Tarsus. The instep; the space between the bones of the leg and metatarsus.
Tears. A peculiar fluid which lubricates the eye.
Tempora (L. pl. of tempus, time). The temples, or that part of the head on which the hair generally begins to turn gray, thus indicating the age; whence temporal, pertaining to the temples, as temporal bones.
Tenacity (L. teneo, to hold). The degree of force with which the particles of bodies cohere or are held together.
Tendon (L. téino, to stretch). A fibrous cord at the extremity of a muscle, by which the muscle is attached to a bone.
Tensor (L. tendo, to stretch). A muscle which stretches any part.
Tentacula. A filliform process or organ on the bodies of various animals.
Thorax (Gr. thórax). The chest; or that cavity of the body which contains the heart and lungs.
Thoracic Duct. The great trunk formed by the junction of the absorbent vessels.
Thyroid (Gr. thureòs, a shield). The name given to a shield-shaped cartilage of the larynx, and of a gland situated on the trachea.
Tibia. Literally, a flute or pipe. The shin-bone, or the great bone of the leg.
Tibial. Tibialis. Pertaining to the tibia.
Tissue. A web, or web-like structure, constituting the elementary structures of animals and plants.
Tonsils (L. tondeo, to clip or shear). The round gland situated in the throat between the pillars of the velum palati.
Trachea (Gr. trachus, rough). The windpipe. The term is derived from the inequality of its cartilages.
Triceps. Having three heads. Applied to several muscles.
Tricuspid. Having three points. A term applied to three triangular fords or valves situated between the right auricle and the right ventricle of the heart.
Trifacial. Triple-facial. A term applied to the fifth pair of nerves, the grand sensitive nerve of the head and face.
Trochanter (Gr. trocháo, to run or roll). The name of two processes of the thigh-bone—the major and the minor.
Tunic. The upper garment of the Romans. Hence it is applied to several membranes of the body.
Tympanum (Gr. túmpanon, a drum). The drum of the ear.
U
Ulna (Gr. olénē, the cubit). The large bone of the fore-arm; so named from its being often used as a measure, under the term ell.
Uvea (L. uva, grape). The posterior surface of the iris; so called from its resemblance in color to a ripe grape.
V
Vacuum (L. vaccus, empty). Literally, an empty place. This term generally denotes the interior of a close vessel, from which the atmospheric air and every other gas have been extracted.
Valve (L. valvæ, folding-doors). A close lid affixed to a tube or opening in some vessel, by means of a hinge or other movable joint, and which can be opened only in one direction. Hence it signifies a little membrane which prevents the return of fluid in the blood-vessels and absorbents.
Valvula (L. dim. of valve). A little valve.
Vas, Vasis. Plural, Vasa. A vessel, or any utensil to hold liquor.
Vascular System. That part of the animal economy which relates to the vessels.
Venous. Belonging to a vein.
Ventriculus (L. dim. of venter, the belly). The term ventricle is also applied to two cavities of the heart, and to several cavities in other parts of the body.
Vertebra (L. verto, to turn). A bone of the spine; so named from its turning upon the adjoining one.
Vertebral. Connected with the vertebra.
Vessicle (L. dim. of vesica, a bladder). A little bladder.
Villus. Literally, the shaggy hair of beasts. Some of the membranes of the body, as the mucous membrane of the intestinal canal, present a surface of minute papillæ, termed villi, villosities, resembling a downy tissue, continually covered with fluid.
Vitreous Body (L. vitrum, glass). Vitreous humour. A transparent mass, resembling melted glass, occupying the globe of the eye, and inclosed in the hyaloïd membrane.
W
Warm-blooded. A term applied to the mammalia and birds which have a two-fold circulation.
X
Xyphoid (Gr. xíphos, a sword, eìdos, likeness). Sword-like; a term applied to the cartilage of the sternum.