|
Random Facts about Medical Terms
TERMS USED IN MEDICINE
Anthelmintics are medicines which have the power of
destroying or expelling worms from the intestinal canal.
Antiscorbutics are medicines which prevent or cure the
scurvy.
Antispasmodics are medicines given to relieve spasm,
or irregular and painful action of the muscles or muscular fibers, as in Epilepsy, St. Vitus' Dance, etc.
Aromatics are
medicines which have, a grateful smell and agreeable pungent
taste. Astringents are those remedies which, when applied to
the body, render the solids dense and firmer
Carminatives
are those medicines which dispel flatulency of the stomach
and bowels. Cathartics are medicines which accelerate the
action of the bowels, or increase the discharge by stool
Demulcents are medicines suited to prevent the action of
acrid and stimulating matters upon the mucous membranes of
the throat, lungs, etc
Diaphoretics are medicines that
promote or cause perspirable discharge by the skin.
Diuretics are medicines which increase the flow of urine by
their action upon the kidneys. Emetics are those medicines
which produce vomiting
Emmenagogues are medicines which
promote the menstrual discharge
Emollients are those remedies which, when applied to the
solids of the body, render them soft and flexible
Errhines are substances which, when applied to the lining
membrane of the nostrils, occasion a discharge of mucous
fluid
Epispastices are those
which cause blisters when applied to the surface
Escharotics are substances used to destroy a portion of the
surface of the body, forming sloughs
Expectorants are medicines capable of facilitating the
excretion of mucous from the chest. Narcotics are those
substances having the property of diminishing the action of
the nervous and vascular systems, and of inducing sleep
Rubefacients are
remedies which excite the vessels of the skin and increase
its heat and redness
Sedatives are medicines which have the power of allaying the
actions of the systems generally, or of lessening the
exercise of some particular function
Sialagogues are medicines which increase the flow of the
saliva
Stimulants are medicines capable of exciting the
vital energy, whether as exerted in sensation or motion.
Tonics are those medicines which increase the tone or
healthy action, or strength of the living system
|
