Spirometry
A test of the air capacity of the lung. The test utilizes a machine called a spirometer to measure the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs.
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- Spitz-Holter valve
A pioneering one-way valve created by John Holter to treat hydrocephalus. In 1955 Mr. Holter, , a hydraulics technician, and his wife had a son with hydrocephalus for which there was then no effective treatment. Mr. Holter designed a device with a tiny one-way valve that released controlled amounts of the cerebrospinal fluid from the […]
- Spleen
An organ that is located in the upper-left part of the abdomen, not far from the stomach, that produces lymphocytes, which are important elements in the immune system. The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. The spleen also filters blood, serves as a major reservoir for blood, and destroys blood cells that […]
- Spleen, ruptured
Rupture of the capsule of the spleen that is a potential catastrophe and requires immediate medical and surgical attention. Splenic rupture permits large amounts of blood to leak into the abdominal cavity, and it is severely painful and life threatening. Shock, and ultimately death, can result. Patients typically require immediate surgery. Rupture of a normal […]
- Splenectomy
An operation to remove the spleen.
- Splenic artery
A large artery within the abdomen that arises from an arterial vessel called the celiac trunk, which emerges from the aorta. The splenic artery supplies blood not only to the spleen, but also to the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, liver, and pancreas.