chapter 24

Abscess

Localized collection of pus, which may be under the skin or deep in the body, that causes tissue destruction

Anesthetic

An agent that causes partial or complete loss of sensation

Cannula

A widget tube that surrounds a blunt trocar or a sharp, pointed trocar, which is inserted into the body; when the trocar is withdrawn, fluid may escape from the body through the cannula, depending on the insertion site .

Caustic

Capable of burning, growing, or destroying living tissue

Curettage

The act of scraping a body cavity with a surgical instrument, such as a curette

Dilation

The opening or widening of the circumference of a body orifice with a dilating instrument

Diluent

Liquid substance that dilute or lessons the strength of a solution or mixture; it is added to vials of powdered medication’s to create a solution of the drug for injection

Dissect

To cut or separate tissue with a cutting instrument or scissors

fornix

A recess in the upper part of the vagina caused by protrusion of the cervix into the vaginal wall

Impervious

Not permitting penetration

Infection

Invasion of body tissues, by micro organisms, which then multiply and damage tissue

Obturator

A metal rod with a smooth, rounded tip that is placed in hollow instruments to reduce injury to the body tissues during insertion.

Patency

Open condition of a body cavity or canal

Pathogen

A disease causing organism

Permeable

Allow allowing for penetration

Spore

A thick walled, dormant form of bacteria that is very resistant to disinfection measures

Stylus

A metal probe that is inserted into or pass through a catheter, needle, poor tube used for clearing purposes, or to facilitate passage into a body orifice

Transient

Not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory

Vasoconstriction

Contraction of the muscles, causing the narrowing of the inside tube of the vessel