Category: Da-Dg

In anatomy, away from the surface or further into the body. As opposed to superficial. The bones are deep to the skin. For a more complete listing of terms used in medicine for spatial orientation, please see the entry to “Anatomic Orientation Terms”.

A bed sore, a skin ulcer that comes from lying in one position too long so that the circulation in the skin is compromised by the pressure, particularly over a bony prominence such as the sacrum (sacral decubitus). The Latin “decubitus” (meaning lying down) is related to “cubitum” (the elbow) reflecting the fact the Romans habitually rested on their elbows when…

Lying down. A decubitus ulcer is a bed sore, the consequence of lying or sitting in one position too long. The Latin “decubitus” (meaning lying down) is related to “cubitum” (the elbow) reflecting the fact the Romans habitually rested on their elbows when they reclined.

A drug that shrinks the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier for a person to breathe. Decongestants can be taken orally or as nasal spray. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than 5 days without a physician’s recommendation. Many decongestant nasal sprays cause a worsening of symptoms (a rebound effect) when they are taken for…

1. In general, the removal of pressure.2. In surgery, a procedure to remove pressure on a structure, as in decompression of the spinal cord.3. The lessening of atmospheric pressure on deep-sea divers returning to the surface, or on persons ascending to great heights.

To remove part of the bulk, usually of a tumor as in surgery to remove as much tumor as possible to increase the likelihood of success with chemotherapy, for example, or dead tissue. Debulking may be done by surgery, irradiation, laser or chemotherapy.

The act of debriding (removing dead, contaminated or adherent tissue or foreign material). Debridement encompasses enzymatic debridement (as with proteolytic enzymes), mechanical nonselective debridement (as in a whirlpool), and sharp debridement (by surgery). See: Debride.

To remove dead, contaminated, or adherent tissue and/or foreign material. To debride a wound is to remove all materials that may promote infection and impede healing. This may be done by enzymes (as with proteolytic enzymes), mechanical methods (as in a whirlpool), or sharp debridement (using intruments).

1. The end of life. The cessation of life. (These common definitions of death ultimately depend upon the definition of life, upon which there is no consensus.) 2. The permanent cessation of all vital bodily functions. (This definition depends upon the definition of “vital bodily functions.”) See: Vital bodily functions. 3. The common law standard for determining death is the…

Partial or complete hearing loss. Levels of hearing impairment vary from a mild to a total loss of hearing. Elderly adults suffer most often from hearing loss. The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media. A substantial number of hearing impairments are caused by environmental factors such as noise, drugs, and toxins. Deafness can…