Decompression
Decompression: 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.
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- Decongestant
Decongestant: 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 […]
- Decortication
Decortication: Removal of part or all of the outer surface of an organ such as the lung, kidney, or brain.
- Decubitus
Decubitus: 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.
- Decubitus ulcer
Decubitus ulcer: 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 […]
- Deep
Deep: 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”.