Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"SNB" is more commonly referred to as "Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy" in the medical community. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Also Known As: "Lymphatic Mapping with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Sentinel Node Biopsy, Lymph Node Mapping with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy"
Biopsy of the first lymph node to which cancer is likely to spread from the primary tumor site. Biopsy of this node can indicate that the cancer has spread before it appears in other areas of the lymphatic system. More Information on Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Cancer Basics
A reflex response where air is forcefully expelled through the nose and mouth. The response can be caused by infection, irritants, allergies or foreign bodies. More Information on Sneeze: Cold & Flu Basics
A reflex response that involves the muscles of the face, throat, chest and abdomen. These muscles constrict in sequence to rid the body of intruding particles or irritants in the nasal passages (e.g., dust, pollen, pet dander, molds). More Information on Sneezing: Nose & Throat
During sleep, the throat muscles relax, causing the soft palate and uvula to vibrate as a person breathes in and out. This results in snoring. Usually harmless, it sometimes indicates a more serious health problem.
Also Known As: "Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors"
A class of antidepressants that block the transport of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Used in the treatment of several mental health disorders, including anxiety. More Information on SNRIs: Psychiatric Medications
A chronic condition that causes irrational anxiety or fear of activities or situations in which the patient believes others may be watching or judging. It is among the most common mental disorders. More Information on Social Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety Disorders
"Social Cognitive Disorders" is more commonly referred to as "Cognitive Disorders" in the medical community. Cognitive Disorders
Mental disorders characterized by impaired cognitive function, such as awareness, memory or reason that cause a deterioration in the patient's ability to function. More Information on Cognitive Disorders: Cognitive & Related Disorders
Also Known As: "ASQ, SCQ, Autism Screening Questionnaire"
A forty-item questionnaire developed to screen for autism using current diagnostic criteria that can be applied to all age groups. Previously known as the Autism Screening Questionnaire (ASQ).
A chronic condition that causes irrational anxiety or fear of activities or situations in which the patient believes others may be watching or judging. It is among the most common mental disorders. More Information on Social Phobia: Anxiety Disorders
Behavioral instruction in that promotes more positive social interactions with others. It may be suggested for people who have difficulty gaining the acceptance or friendship of others. More Information on Social Skills Training: Therapy & Support
Consumption of baking soda to raise a person's blood pH and increase the capacity to buffer acids, thus delaying fatigue. Studies of its effectiveness are inconclusive, and it may cause belching, abdominal discomfort and sudden diarrhea.
"Sodium" is more commonly referred to as "Salt" in the medical community. Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) is a naturally occurring crystal compound. Although sodium is a mineral that is needed by the body, some research has linked large intakes of salt to high blood pressure. More Information on Salt: Additives & Seasonings
"Sodium Bicarbonate" is more commonly referred to as "Antacids" in the medical community. Antacids
Also Known As: "Magnesium, Aluminum Hydroxide"
Over-the-counter medications that reduce the acid levels in the stomach fluids, including substances such as magnesium, aluminum hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate. They are often used to relieve heartburn, upset stomach or acid indigestion. More Information on Antacids: Digestive Medications
"Sodium Cyclamate" is more commonly referred to as "Cyclamate" in the medical community. Cyclamate
Also Known As: "Calcium Cyclamate"
A type of artificial sweetener that was banned by the FDA in 1969 because it was found to cause bladder cancer in rats when consumed in large amounts. More Information on Cyclamate: Carbs & Sugars
A compound often used as both a preservative and a red coloring agent, especially in meat and fish products. Its use has been implicated in the formation of suspected carcinogens.
"Sodium Saccharin" is more commonly referred to as "Saccharin" in the medical community. Saccharin
Also Known As: "Acid Saccharin, Calcium Saccharin"
An artificial sweetener that is between 300 to 700 times sweeter than sucrose. Because it is not digested or absorbed, saccharin does not contribute calories to a person's diet. More Information on Saccharin: Carbs & Sugars
"Sofarin" is more commonly referred to as "Coumadin" in the medical community. Coumadin
Also Known As: "Panwarfin"
A brand of anticoagulants, medications that decrease the ability of the blood to clot. While clotting is a necessary and life-sustaining function, anticoagulants reduce the risk of a clot forming and blocking blood flow through a major blood vessel. More Information on Coumadin: Heart Drug & Medication
Sugar-filled sodas and sweetened fruit drinks promote the buildup of plaque on teeth. Plaque that comes into contact with sugar or starch in the mouth produces acid, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. More Information on Soft Drinks & Oral Health: Oral Health Basics
Tissues that connect, support or surround other structures and organs of the body. They include muscles, tendons, fibrous tissues, fat, blood vessels, nerves and synovial tissues.
Soft tissue injections and implants to fill facial wrinkles, enhance lips, correct frown lines and improve other cosmetic features. It involves using collagen and/or fat. Treatments often are temporary and require repeating. More Information on Soft Tissue Augmentation: Skin & Aging
Conditions that affect the soft tissues and structures surrounding the joints, leading to pain, inflammation and swelling. Types include tendinitis and bursitis and symptoms are often localized in one body area (e.g., shoulder, knee, elbow, back). More Information on Soft Tissue Disease: Pain Basics
Flexible substances that can be injected into the skin to improve its appearance. Examples include bovine collagen, a patient's own fat and donor tissue. More Information on Soft Tissue Fillers: Skin & Aging
Also Known As: "Free Gingival Grafts, Gum Grafts, Connective Tissue Grafts, Gum Graft Procedure, Pedicle Grafts"
Used in patients with receding gums to add tissue to prevent further recession, cover the exposed root, stop sensitivity and improve appearance. The three types are free gingival grafts, connective-tissue grafts and pedicle grafts. More Information on Soft Tissue Grafts: Oral Health Basics
Conditions that affect the soft tissues and structures surrounding the joints, leading to pain, inflammation and swelling. Types include tendinitis and bursitis and symptoms are often localized in one body area (e.g., shoulder, knee, elbow, back). More Information on Soft Tissue Rheumatic Syndrome: Pain Basics
"Soiling" is more commonly referred to as "Fecal Incontinence" in the medical community. Fecal Incontinence
Also Known As: "Loss of Bowel Control, Bowel Incontinence"
Lack of control of bowel (fecal) function. It involves the inability to control the anal sphincter, resulting in the involuntary passage of stool and gas. Causes may be physical or psychological. More Information on Fecal Incontinence: IBS & Bowel Function
A rare type of sun allergy in which sunlight produces hives on the exposed skin within minutes of exposure. It is more common in young women. More Information on Solar Hives: Outdoor Allergies
"Solar Keratosis" is more commonly referred to as "Actinic Keratosis" in the medical community. Actinic Keratosis
Also Known As: "AKs, Senile Keratosis"
Small, rough spots on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. They are commonly found on the face, scalp, back of the neck, upper chest, forearm and back of the hand. They often involve scaly or crusty bumps and may become cancerous. More Information on Actinic Keratosis: Skin Growths
"Solar Lentigines" is more commonly referred to as "Liver Spots" in the medical community. Liver Spots
Also Known As: "Age Spots"
Flat, brown-black spots associated with aging that often occur in sun-exposed body areas. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function. They are harmless but may obscure diagnosis of skin cancer. More Information on Liver Spots: Skin & Aging
Also Known As: "Solar Hives, Sun Urticaria, Sun Hives"
A rare type of sun allergy in which sunlight produces hives on the exposed skin within minutes of exposure. It is more common in young women. More Information on Solar Urticaria: Outdoor Allergies
"Soma" is more commonly referred to as "Cell Body" in the medical community. Cell Body
Part of the neuron that contains the organelles required to keep the cell functioning (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria). More Information on Cell Body: Brain & Nerve Basics
Parts of the nervous system that are under conscious control. They include the nerves that control movement. More Information on Somatic Nervous System: Brain & Nerve Basics
"Somatic Neuropathy" is more commonly referred to as "Peripheral Neuropathy" in the medical community. Peripheral Neuropathy
Also Known As: "Distal Sensory Neuropathy, Sensory Neuropathy, Somatic Peripheral Neuropathy, Diffuse Neuropathy"
Damage to the nerves (usually affecting the feet and hands) that causes numbness, tingling, pain, extreme sensitivity to touch and other symptoms. Symptoms may be slight at first and go unnoticed for a long time. More Information on Peripheral Neuropathy: Neuropathy
"Somatic Peripheral Neuropathy" is more commonly referred to as "Peripheral Neuropathy" in the medical community. Peripheral Neuropathy
Also Known As: "Distal Sensory Neuropathy, Sensory Neuropathy, Diffuse Neuropathy, Somatic Neuropathy"
Damage to the nerves (usually affecting the feet and hands) that causes numbness, tingling, pain, extreme sensitivity to touch and other symptoms. Symptoms may be slight at first and go unnoticed for a long time. More Information on Peripheral Neuropathy: Neuropathy
Mental disorders marked by physical symptoms that suggest a general medical condition that nonetheless is not revealed a thorough medical evaluation. More Information on Somatoform Disorders: Factitious & Related Disorders
Mental disorders marked by physical symptoms that suggest a general medical condition that nonetheless is not revealed a thorough medical evaluation. More Information on Somatoform Pain Disorders: Factitious & Related Disorders
Sensory signals received from all tissues of the body (beyond the sense organs like the eyes) including skin, muscles and joints. More Information on Somatosensory: Pain Basics
A type of protein that regulates the release of hormones in the brain, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. It can inhibit the secretion of growth, insulin and gastrin hormones. More Information on Somatostatin: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
A chronic condition marked by physical complaints that last for years and cause substantial impairment, but which stem from psychological rather than underlying physical problems. It usually affects the digestive, nervous or reproductive systems. More Information on Somatotization Disorder: Factitious & Related Disorders
"Somatotroph Adenoma" is more commonly referred to as "Acromegaly" in the medical community. Acromegaly
Also Known As: "Marie disease, Gigantism"
Rare disorder in which an overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland leads to overgrown hands, feet and/or facial features. More Information on Acromegaly: Diabetes & Endocrine Risks
"Somnabulism" is more commonly referred to as "Sleepwalking" in the medical community. Sleepwalking
Also Known As: "Sleepwalking Disorder"
Disorder marked by walking or other activity while a person is asleep. It usually occurs during deep, non-REM sleep (stage 3 or stage 4) but also can occur during REM sleep. Fatigue, prior sleep loss and anxiety all may play a role. More Information on Sleepwalking: Sleep
"Somnolence" is more commonly referred to as "Hypersomnia" in the medical community. Hypersomnia
Also Known As: "Excessive Sleepiness, Primary Hypersomnia, Breathing Related Hypersomnia"
Condition that causes people to feel extremely sleepy throughout the day. Patients also often sleep for long periods at night and nap repeatedly during the day. However, this sleep does not leave them feeling refreshed or more alert. More Information on Hypersomnia: Sleep
Also Known As: "Rebound Effect, Somogyi Phenomenon"
When blood glucose levels swing from very low (hypoglycemia) to high (hyperglycemia). May follow an untreated hypoglycemic episode during the night, which may trigger the release of stress hormones to counter low glucose levels. More Information on Somogyi Effect: Glucose
When blood glucose levels swing from very low (hypoglycemia) to high (hyperglycemia). May follow an untreated hypoglycemic episode during the night, which may trigger the release of stress hormones to counter low glucose levels. More Information on Somogyi Phenomenon: Glucose
"Sonogram" is more commonly referred to as "Ultrasound" in the medical community. Ultrasound
Also Known As: "Ultrasonography, Ultrasound Scan"
An imaging technology that uses sound waves to produce images of the shape and outline of various tissues and organs in the body. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels. More Information on Ultrasound: Imaging Tests
A technique that involves injecting a saline solution into the uterus through the cervix in order to observe the image of these structures through an ultrasound. More Information on Sonohysterography: ObGyn Imaging Tests
A sugar alcohol (sweetener) used in diet foods. It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it contains 4 calories per gram. Sorbitol is also a substance produced by the body in people with diabetes that can damage the eyes and nerves. More Information on Sorbitol: Carbs & Sugars
"Sorbitrate" is more commonly referred to as "Imdur" in the medical community. Imdur
Also Known As: "Monoket, Isordil, Dilatrate, ISDN"
A brand of nitrate, medications that relax the smooth muscles, most notably those of the heart and blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow to the heart and reduces the heart's need for oxygen. More Information on Imdur: Heart Drug & Medication
"Sore Shoulder" is more commonly referred to as "Shoulder Pain" in the medical community. Shoulder Pain
Also Known As: "Shoulder Ache, Shoulder Tightness, Shoulder Discomfort"
Pain that affects any part of the shoulder joint or the area around it. It may be caused by injury, degenerative disease, or wear and tear from overuse or aging that damages the soft tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons, ligaments). More Information on Shoulder Pain: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
A genetic disorder marked by excessive physical growth during the first two to three years of life. It may be accompanied by mild mental retardation; delayed motor, cognitive, and social development; low muscle tone and speech impairments. More Information on Sotos Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
A rash similar to that of Lyme disease that occurs after a bite from the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains. More Information on Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness: Infectious Disease Basics
Soy products are high in protein and low in fat, making them a favorite among vegetarians and dieters. Research into soy and its effects on the body have led to some surprising discoveries about both the benefits and hazards of the recent soy craze. More Information on Soy: Functional Foods
An adverse reaction to eating foods containing soy beans or other soy bean-based products (e.g., tofu, soy sauce, soy milk, soy protein). More Information on Soy Allergy: Food Allergy & Intolerance
An adverse reaction to eating foods containing soy beans or other soy bean-based products (e.g., tofu, soy sauce, soy milk, soy protein). More Information on Soy Bean Allergy: Food Allergy & Intolerance
The protein component of soy foods. It may also refer to products high in protein that are made from soybeans, especially supplements or meat substitutes/extenders. More Information on Soy Protein: Functional Foods
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