Medical Glossary

Terms starting with S

Bowel movementStuhlgang: Bowel movement refers to the passing of stool through the anus. The frequency, colour and consistency of the stool can provide clues about digestion and possible illnesses.
DizzinessSchwindel: Dizziness is a disturbed perception of one's own balance, in which the surroundings seem to spin or sway. It can have many causes, for example in the inner ear, the circulation or the nervous system.
EndoscopySpiegelung: An endoscopy is an examination in which the inside of the body is viewed using a thin tube with a small camera. Well-known examples are gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
HeartburnSodbrennen: Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by stomach acid rising into the oesophagus. It often occurs after eating or when lying down.
MucosaSchleimhaut: The mucous membrane is the moist lining of many internal hollow organs such as the mouth, stomach, intestine and airways. It protects the tissue and produces mucus, which keeps surfaces slippery.
OesophagusSpeiseröhre: The oesophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat with the stomach. Through wave-like movements it transports swallowed food into the stomach.
OintmentSalbe: An ointment is a spreadable preparation that is applied to the skin and may contain active substances. It is used for local treatment or for skin care.
ProbeSonde: A tube (probe) is a thin tube that is inserted into the body in order to supply or drain fluid or nutrition. A well-known example is the gastric tube, which is passed through the nose into the stomach.
SacrumSakrum: The sacrum is the wedge-shaped bone at the lower end of the spine. It connects the spine to the pelvis and carries a large part of the body weight.
SalivaSpeichel: Saliva is the fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. It moistens food, supports swallowing and already begins digestion in the mouth.
SalmonellosisSalmonellose: Salmonellosis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by Salmonella bacteria, often through contaminated food. Typical signs are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and fever.
SarcoidosisSarkoidose: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which small nodules form in various organs, most frequently in the lungs. The course varies greatly and it may resolve on its own or become chronic.
SarcomaSarkom: A sarcoma is a malignant growth that arises from connective, supporting or muscle tissue, for example from bone, cartilage or muscles. Sarcomas are considerably rarer than carcinomas, which arise from covering tissue.
SARS-CoV-2: SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. It spreads mainly via droplets and fine aerosols in the air we breathe.
SaturationSättigung: Oxygen saturation indicates how much oxygen the blood has taken up, measured as a percentage. It is usually determined painlessly with a clip on the finger (pulse oximeter).
ScabiesSkabies: Scabies (the itch) is a contagious skin disease caused by tiny mites. Typical signs are intense itching, especially at night, and small burrows or blisters on the skin.
ScapulaSkapula: The scapula is the shoulder blade, a flat, triangular bone at the back of the shoulder girdle. Together with the upper arm bone and the collarbone, it forms the shoulder joint.
SchizophreniaSchizophrenie: Schizophrenia is a mental illness in which thinking, perception and emotions can be altered. Those affected may, for example, hear voices or believe things to be real that others do not perceive.
ScintigraphySzintigrafie: Scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure in which a weakly radioactive substance is used. It makes the activity of organs such as the thyroid gland, bones or kidneys visible.
ScleraSklera: The sclera is the white, firm outer covering of the eyeball, colloquially known as «the white of the eye». It protects the eye and gives it its shape.
SclerodermaSklerodermie: Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease in which the skin and sometimes internal organs harden due to an increase in connective tissue. The hands and the face are often affected first.
SclerosisSklerose: Sclerosis refers to an abnormal hardening of tissue or organs, usually due to an increase in connective tissue. A well-known example is arteriosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels.
ScoliosisSkoliose: Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that is often noticed during the growth years. Depending on its severity, it may go unnoticed or lead to back problems and a visible postural deformity.
ScotomaSkotom: A scotoma is a loss of vision or a blind spot in the visual field, that is, in the area the eye perceives. It can occur with eye or nerve disorders as well as in the context of a migraine.
Screening: A screening is a mass examination in which healthy people without symptoms are tested for a particular disease. The aim is to detect illnesses such as certain types of cancer early, before symptoms appear.
ScrotumSkrotum: The scrotum is the pouch of skin that encloses the testicles in men. It holds the testicles slightly outside the body at a temperature favourable for sperm production.
ScurvySkorbut: Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Typical signs are bleeding gums, fatigue and poor wound healing; today the disease has become rare.
Secondary preventionSekundärprävention: Secondary prevention comprises measures intended to detect an illness that has already begun at an early stage and to prevent it from progressing. These include, for example, early detection examinations.
SecretionSekret: A secretion is a fluid that is produced and released by glands or mucous membranes, for example saliva, mucus or wound fluid. The colour and amount of a secretion can provide clues to illnesses.
SecretionSekretion: Secretion is the release of substances by cells or glands, such as hormones, digestive juices or mucus. It is a fundamental process for many bodily functions.
Sectio: The sectio (caesarean section) is an operation in which the child is delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and the uterus. It is used when a natural birth is not possible or too risky.
SedationSedierung: Sedation is a calming effect produced by medication that puts a person into a relaxed or drowsy state. It is used, for example, during unpleasant examinations, but it is not a full general anaesthetic.
Sedimentation: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube. An accelerated value can indicate inflammation in the body.
SenileSenil: In medicine, senile refers to older age and age-related changes. The term is used in technical expressions, for example for age-related changes in the eyes or blood vessels.
SensitivitySensitivität: The sensitivity of a test indicates how reliably it actually identifies people who are ill as being ill. High sensitivity means that only few affected people are missed.
Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction of the body to an infection in which the body's own organs are damaged. In everyday language it is often called «blood poisoning» and must be treated quickly in hospital.
SeroconversionSerokonversion: Seroconversion refers to the point in time from which antibodies against a pathogen become detectable in the blood. It shows that the immune system has responded to an infection or vaccination.
SerologySerologie: Serology is a branch of laboratory medicine that examines blood serum for antibodies and other components. Among other things, it helps to detect past infections or vaccination protection.
Serum: Serum is the liquid part of the blood that remains after clotting and no longer contains any blood cells. Many blood values are determined from the serum in the laboratory.
Serum creatinineSerumkreatinin: Serum creatinine is a breakdown product of muscle metabolism that is measured in the blood. The value serves above all as an indicator of kidney function.
Serum electrolytesSerumelektrolyte: Serum electrolytes are dissolved salts in the blood, such as sodium, potassium and calcium, which are important for many bodily functions. Measuring them is one of the common blood tests.
Serum ironSerumeisen: Serum iron is the proportion of iron that can be measured in the blood. The value is determined in order to assess, for example, an iron deficiency or iron overload.
Shunt: A shunt is a connection between two vessels or cavities through which fluid or blood is diverted. Shunts can be congenital or created deliberately, for example for dialysis.
Sialadenitis: Sialadenitis is an inflammation of a salivary gland, such as the parotid gland. It can be caused by pathogens or by impaired outflow of saliva, for example due to a salivary stone.
Sialolithiasis: Sialolithiasis is the formation of stones in a salivary gland or its duct. The impaired outflow of saliva can lead to swelling and pain, especially while eating.
SialorrheaSialorrhoe: Sialorrhoea refers to increased salivation, in which saliva may escape from the mouth. It can occur with swallowing difficulties or certain nerve disorders.
Sickle cell anemiaSichelzellenanämie: Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells, which take on a sickle-like shape. These deformed cells can block small blood vessels and lead to pain and anaemia.
SigmoidSigma: The sigmoid colon is the last, S-shaped section of the large intestine before the rectum. It lies in the lower left abdomen and is a common site for outpouchings (diverticula).
Singultus: Singultus is the medical term for hiccups. It is caused by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and is usually harmless.
Sinus nodeSinusknoten: The sinus node is a small area in the right atrium of the heart that generates electrical impulses for the heartbeat. It is regarded as the natural pacemaker and determines the heart rate.
Sinus rhythmSinusrhythmus: Sinus rhythm is the normal, regular heart rhythm set by the heart's natural pacemaker (sinus node). On an ECG it is the sign of an orderly heartbeat.
Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, often following a cold. Typical signs are a feeling of pressure in the face, a blocked nose and sometimes headaches.
Sinusitis maxillaris: Maxillary sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinus, one of the paranasal sinuses located below the eyes. It often causes pressure or pain in the cheek area and above the upper teeth.
SkeletonSkelett: The skeleton is the framework of bones that gives the body its shape and support and protects the internal organs. Together with the muscles and joints, it makes movement possible.
SkullSchädel: The skull is the bony part of the head that encloses and protects the brain. It consists of the cranium and the facial skeleton with the bones for the eyes, nose and jaw.
SomnolenceSomnolenz: Somnolence is an abnormal drowsiness in which a person falls asleep easily but can still be woken by being spoken to or touched. It is a mild form of impaired consciousness.
SonographySonografie: Sonography (ultrasound) is a painless imaging procedure that uses sound waves to make organs and tissue visible. It does not involve radiation and is used, among other things, during pregnancy and to examine abdominal organs.
Sonography deviceSonografiegerät: A sonography device is the medical device used to perform an ultrasound examination. A probe is used to display images from inside the body on a screen.
Sopor: Sopor is a deep impairment of consciousness in which a person can only be briefly roused by strong stimuli. It lies between milder drowsiness and deep unconsciousness (coma).
SpasmSpasmus: A spasm is an involuntary, often painful cramping of muscles. It can affect the skeletal muscles or occur in hollow organs such as the intestine or blood vessels.
SpasticitySpastik: Spasticity refers to a permanently increased muscle tension that makes movements difficult and stiff. It often occurs as a result of diseases of the brain or spinal cord.
SpecificitySpezifität: The specificity of a test indicates how reliably it correctly classifies healthy people as healthy. High specificity means that there are only few false-positive results.
SphincterSphinkter: A sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle that closes and opens a body opening or passage. Well-known examples are the sphincter muscles at the anus and at the urinary bladder.
Spinal anaesthesiaSpinalanästhesie: Spinal anaesthesia is a form of anaesthesia in which a medicine is injected close to the spinal cord, making the lower half of the body insensitive to pain. It is used, for example, for operations in the lower abdomen or on the legs.
Spinal canalSpinalkanal: The spinal canal is the channel within the spine in which the spinal cord runs and lies protected. A narrowing of this canal can compress nerves and cause symptoms.
Spinal stenosisSpinalkanalstenose: Spinal canal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerves. Typical symptoms are back and leg pain that worsens when walking and improves when bending forward.
SpirometrySpirometrie: Spirometry is a lung function test in which you breathe in and out into a device. It measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly it can be breathed out, and helps in assessing airway diseases.
SpleenSplen: Splen is the medical term for the spleen, an organ in the upper left abdomen. The spleen filters the blood and plays an important role in defending against pathogens.
SplenomegalySplenomegalie: Splenomegaly refers to an abnormal enlargement of the spleen. It can occur with infections, blood disorders or liver problems and is often detected during an ultrasound examination.
Spondylarthritis: Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that mainly affect the spine and the pelvis. Typical signs are deep-seated back pain that worsens at rest and improves with movement.
Spondylitis: Spondylitis is an inflammation of the vertebral bodies of the spine. It can be caused by pathogens or by inflammatory rheumatic diseases and frequently causes back pain.
SpondylosisSpondylose: Spondylosis refers to wear-and-tear changes in the spine with bony outgrowths on the vertebrae. It is a common ageing process and often causes no or only mild symptoms.
Sputum: Sputum refers to the material coughed up from the airways. Its amount, colour and consistency can provide important clues in lung and airway diseases.
Sputum cultureSputumkultur: In a sputum culture, the coughed-up material is cultivated in the laboratory in order to detect pathogens. It helps to determine the cause of a lung or airway infection.
SteatorrhoeaSteatorrhoe: Steatorrhoea refers to stool with an excessively high fat content, which is often pale, bulky and foul-smelling. It occurs when dietary fat is not properly absorbed in the intestine, for example in diseases of the pancreas or intestine.
SteatosisSteatose: Steatosis is an abnormal accumulation of fat in cells, most commonly in the liver (fatty liver). It often causes no symptoms for a long time and is frequently discovered by chance during an ultrasound examination.
StenosisStenose: A stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of a hollow organ, blood vessel or passage in the body. It can, for example, impede blood flow in an artery or the passage of food through the intestine.
Stent: A stent is a small tube-shaped mesh scaffold that is inserted into a narrowed blood vessel to keep it open. It is frequently used in narrowed coronary arteries.
SterileSteril: Sterile means free of microorganisms capable of reproducing, in other words germ-free — not merely free of disease-causing pathogens. In another medical context, "sterile" also means infertile.
SterilizationSterilisation: Sterilisation refers, on the one hand, to a permanent procedure for contraception, for example by tying off the vas deferens or the fallopian tubes. On the other hand, it means the complete killing of germs on instruments and materials.
Sternum: The sternum is the breastbone, a flat bone in the middle of the front chest wall. Most of the ribs are attached to it by cartilage.
StethoscopeStethoskop: The stethoscope is an instrument with which doctors listen to sounds inside the body, for example from the heart, lungs and intestines. It makes so-called auscultation possible without elaborate equipment.
Stoma: A stoma is a surgically created opening of a hollow organ on the abdominal wall, for example an artificial bowel outlet. Stool or urine is diverted to the outside through the stoma and collected in a bag.
Stomatitis: Stomatitis is an inflammation of the lining of the mouth that leads to redness, pain and sometimes sore spots. Causes may include infections, injuries or side effects of treatments.
Stridor: Stridor is a whistling or hissing breathing sound caused by a narrowing of the airways. It is a warning sign and may indicate an obstruction to breathing in the larynx or the trachea.
Struma: A struma is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, commonly known as a «goitre». It can occur with normal, reduced or increased hormone production and is visible or palpable in the neck.
SubacuteSubakut: Subacute describes a course of illness that lies between acute (sudden, short) and chronic (long-lasting). The complaints therefore develop less abruptly than in an acute course, but faster than in a chronic one.
SubcutaneousSubkutan: Subcutaneous means «under the skin», more precisely into the fatty tissue immediately beneath the skin. Many injections, such as insulin, are given subcutaneously.
Sublingual: Sublingual means «under the tongue». Some medicines are placed there because they are rapidly absorbed into the blood through the mucous membrane.
Substantia: Substantia is a Latin technical term for «substance» or «tissue» and is used in anatomical names. One example is the substantia grisea, the grey matter of the nervous system.
Substitution: In medicine, substitution means supplying the body with a missing substance from outside, for example a hormone or a vitamin. In this way a deficiency can be compensated for.
SunstrokeSonnenstich: Sunstroke is caused by prolonged, direct sunlight on the unprotected head and neck, which irritates the membranes covering the brain. Typical signs are headache, nausea, a bright red head and a stiff neck.
SuperinfectionSuperinfektion: A superinfection is an additional infection that occurs on top of an already existing illness. Frequently, a bacterial infection is added to a viral infection.
SuppositorySuppositorium: A suppository is a small solid preparation that is inserted into the anus, or less commonly into the vagina, where it dissolves. This form is suitable when an active substance cannot be given as a tablet.
SuturesSuturen: In medicine, sutures are surgical stitches used to close wounds or tissue. The term also refers to the seams between the bones of the skull.
SwellingSchwellung: A swelling is a visible or palpable enlargement of an area of the body, often due to fluid, inflammation or a change in the tissue. It can be harmless or indicate an illness.
SymmetricalSymmetrisch: Symmetrical means that the two halves of the body or two areas are formed evenly and identically on both sides. In medicine, this is used to describe, for example, a swelling that occurs to the same extent on both sides.
SymphysisSymphyse: A symphysis is a cartilaginous connection between two bones that allows only slight movement. The best known is the pubic symphysis at the front of the pelvis.
Symptom: A symptom is a sign of illness that a person notices themselves or that is detected during an examination, for example pain, fever or a cough. Symptoms provide clues to a possible illness, but are not yet a diagnosis in themselves.
Symptom complexSymptomkomplex: A symptom complex is a group of complaints that occur together and together may point to a particular disease. The term is used in a similar way to «syndrome».
SymptomaticSymptomatisch: Symptomatic means that an illness causes noticeable complaints. In relation to a treatment, it means that the complaints are relieved without the actual cause being eliminated.
Synapse: A synapse is the contact point at which nerve cells pass signals on to one another. Information is transmitted within the nervous system via synapses.
SyncopeSynkope: A syncope is a brief, temporary loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. In everyday language it is called a «fainting spell»; in most cases the person recovers quickly on their own.
SyndromeSyndrom: A syndrome is a typical pattern of several symptoms that frequently occur together. A syndrome can have various causes and is often named after the person who first described it.
Synovia: Synovia is the joint fluid produced by the inner lining of a joint. It lubricates the joint and supplies the cartilage with nutrients.
Synovitis: Synovitis is an inflammation of the inner joint membrane that lines a joint. It can lead to swelling, warmth and pain in the affected joint.
SystemicSystemisch: Systemic means that something affects the whole body or an entire organ system and not just a single site. A systemically acting medicine, for example, is distributed throughout the body via the blood.
Systole: The systole is the phase in which the heart contracts and pumps blood into the circulation. The upper (first) value in a blood pressure measurement is called the systolic blood pressure.
TendonSehne: A tendon is a firm, fibrous band of connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The force of the muscle is transmitted to the bone through the tendon.
Thyroid glandSchilddrüse: The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped hormone gland in the neck below the larynx. It produces hormones that control the metabolism, body temperature and many other functions.