Medical Glossary

Terms starting with T

TachycardiaTachykardie: Tachycardia is the term for an excessively fast heartbeat of more than about 100 beats per minute at rest. It can occur harmlessly during exertion or excitement, but it can also be a sign of a heart or thyroid disorder.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repeated movements. Those affected feel pain and sometimes swelling in the area of the strained tendon.
Testis: Testis is the medical term for the testicle, the male gonad. Sperm and the sex hormone testosterone are produced in the two testicles.
TestosteroneTestosteron: Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone and is produced mainly in the testicles. Among other things, it controls muscle development, beard growth and sperm production; it is also present in smaller amounts in women.
Thorax: The thorax is the chest, that is, the bony space formed by the ribs, the breastbone and the spine. It protects the heart and lungs and plays a part in breathing.
ThrombocytesThrombozyten: Platelets (thrombocytes) are small nucleus-free cell fragments in the blood. They are formed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and play a central role in stopping bleeding (haemostasis).
ThrombocytopeniaThrombozytopenie: Thrombocytopenia refers to a lack of blood platelets in the blood. Because blood clotting can be impaired as a result, bruises or bleeding occur more easily.
ThrombolysisThrombolyse: Thrombolysis is a procedure in which a blood clot is dissolved with medication in order to reopen a blocked vessel. It is used, for example, in the case of a heart attack or a stroke.
ThrombosisThrombose: A thrombosis is a blood clot that partially or completely blocks a blood vessel — often in the deep veins of the leg. Typical signs are swelling, pain and a feeling of warmth; it should be assessed by a doctor promptly.
ThyroiditisThyreoiditis: Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Depending on the form, it can lead to an overactive or underactive thyroid and cause symptoms such as neck pain or fatigue.
Tibia: The tibia is the medical name for the shin bone, the larger of the two lower leg bones. It carries a large part of the body weight when standing and walking.
Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the perception of sounds such as whistling, rushing or ringing in the ear without any external source of sound. The causes are varied and range from noise and circulatory problems to diseases of the inner ear.
TomographyTomographie: Tomography is an imaging procedure that depicts the body in slices. Well-known forms are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the palatine tonsils, usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Typical symptoms are a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and fever.
TonsilsTonsillen: The tonsils are collections of immune tissue in the throat. They are part of the immune system and help to fend off pathogens in the mouth and throat area.
TopicalTopisch: «Topical» means applied locally, that is, directly to the affected part of the body. A topical treatment is, for example, an ointment or cream that is applied to the skin.
ToxicToxisch: «Toxic» describes a poisonous or damaging effect on the body. Whether a substance has a toxic effect often depends on the amount and the duration of exposure.
Toxin: A toxin is a poisonous substance produced by living organisms such as bacteria, plants or animals. Toxins can harm the body in various ways.
Trachea: The trachea is the windpipe, which connects the larynx with the bronchi. The air we breathe flows through it into the lungs and out again.
Transfusion: In a transfusion, blood or a blood component is given to a person through a vein. It may be necessary in the case of major blood loss, anaemia or certain illnesses.
Transient ischemic attackTransitorische ischämische Attacke: A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a temporary circulatory disturbance in the brain with stroke-like symptoms that resolve completely within a short time. It is considered a warning sign and should be assessed by a doctor promptly.
Transplantation: In a transplantation, an organ or tissue is transferred from a donor to a recipient. A kidney, liver, heart or bone marrow, for example, can be transplanted.
Trauma: A trauma is an injury to the body caused by external force, for example in an accident. The term is also used for psychological injuries following distressing experiences.
Tremor: A tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic shaking of a part of the body, usually the hands. It can be harmless or a sign of a condition such as Parkinson's disease.
Triage: Triage is the classification of patients according to the urgency of their treatment. In the hospital emergency department it helps to ensure that seriously ill people are treated first.
Tricuspid valveTrikuspidalklappe: The tricuspid valve is one of the four heart valves and lies between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It ensures that the blood flows in one direction only.
Trigeminal neuralgiaTrigeminusneuralgie: In trigeminal neuralgia, sudden, severe facial pain occurs in the area supplied by the trigeminal nerve. The pain can be triggered by touch, chewing or speaking.
TriglyceridesTriglyzeride: Triglycerides are blood fats that serve the body as an energy reserve. Persistently elevated levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Trisomy 21Trisomie 21: The trisomy 21 is a congenital chromosomal alteration in which chromosome 21 is present three times instead of two times. It leads to Down syndrome with typical physical features and a developmental delay.
Troponin: Troponin is a protein of the heart muscle cells that enters the blood when the heart muscle is damaged. Elevated levels help to detect a heart attack.
TSH: TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones. The TSH level in the blood is an important laboratory value for assessing thyroid function.
TuberculosisTuberkulose: Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs. Typical signs are a persistent cough, weight loss and night sweats.
Tumor: A tumour is a new growth of tissue, in other words a swelling, which may be benign or malignant. Not every tumour is cancer; the distinction is made through further examinations.
TympanumTympanon: Tympanum refers to the eardrum and the tympanic cavity behind it in the middle ear. The eardrum transmits sound waves to the auditory ossicles.