Sympathetic nervous system
A part of the nervous system that serves to accelerate the heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and raise blood pressure. The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system constitute the autonomic nervous system.
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- Sympathetic ophthalmia
Inflammation of the uveal tract of the uninjured eye (sympathizing eye) some weeks after a wound involving the uveal tract of the other eye (exciting eye). Also known as transferred ophthalmia.
- Symphysiotomy
A surgical procedure that has been used to effect an immediate dramatic increase in the size of the pelvic outlet to permit delivery of a baby. The cartilage of the area where the pubic bones come together (symphysis pubis) is surgically divided.
- Symphysis pubis
The area in the front of the pelvis where the pubic bones meet.
- Symptom
Any subjective evidence of disease. In contrast, a sign is objective. Blood coming out a nostril is a sign; it is apparent to the patient, physician, and others. Anxiety, low back pain, and fatigue are all symptoms; only the patient can perceive them.
- Symptomatic
1 With symptoms, as a symptomatic infection. 2 Characteristic of an illness or other medical condition. 3 Directed at the symptoms as symptomatic treatment.