An autoimmune disease leading to reduced secretion of tears and saliva
Sjögren’s syndrome
skeletal muscle
A type of muscle responsible for movement that a person controls consciously (a voluntary muscle).
skin plaque
A broad, raised area on the skin.
skin tag
A harmles, small brown or flesh coloured flap of skin that may appear spontaneously, or as a result of poor healing of a wound.
skin tags
Small flaps or growths of excess skin, often occurring in skin folds, possibly due to rubbing. They may also occur around the anus after haemorrhoids (piles).
SLE
systemic lupus erythematosus
sleep apnoea
A sleep disorder often associated with snoring in which the affected individual stops breathing for periods during sleep. It is associated with cardiovascular disease.
smooth muscle
A type of muscle responsible for actions in the body that we are not aware of; for example, the muscles that constrict blood vessels.
SOB
shortness of breath
social worker
A person who provides advice and practical help for problems relating to social circumstance.
sodium
One of the chemical components of salt (sodium chloride) and an important blood chemical.
solar keratosis
A small, thickened, scaly lump on the skin caused by repeated sun damage.
solitary rectal ulcer syndrome
An uncommon condition in which a sore or ulcer develops in the rectum, usually following chronic constipation.
SORL1 gene
A gene that controls distribution of a substance called amyloid precursor protein. Abnormal variations of this gene increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
SPD
Symphisis Pubis Dysfunction
specific gravity of urine
A measure of the concentration of urine, used to assess kidney function.
SPECT
An abbreviation for single photon emission computerised tomography, an imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer and a gamma camera.
speculum
An instrument used gently to widen an opening, so that the inside can be more easily seen.
speech and language therapist
A healthcare professional who aims to treat problems with eating, drinking and speech.
speech and language therapy
The treatment of problems with eating, drinking and speech.
sperm
A mature male sex cell.
spermatic cord
The tube that runs from the testicle towards the penis in males and contains the vas deferens, blood vessels and nerves.
sphincter
A ring of muscle around a natural opening or passage that acts as a valve, regulating inflow or outflow.
spinal stenosis
A condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves.