Glossary
Trauma: An injury (as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent.Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components.
Joint: The point of juncture between two or more bones where movement occurs.
Swelling: Abnormal inflammation that occurs in the body.
Bruising: A bruise or "contusion" is a traumatic injury of the soft tissues, which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells. In the skin it can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration, which does not blanch when pressed upon. When it fades it becomes green and brown as the body metabolizes the blood cells in the skin. It is best treated with local application of a cold pack immediately after injury.
Ligaments: Fibrous, slightly elastic band of tissue which connects the ends of bones and prevents excessive movement of the joint, or holds organs in place.
X-rays: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-rays possess the properties of penetrating most substances (to varying extents), of acting on a photographic film or plate (permitting radiography), and of causing a fluorescent screen to give off light (permitting fluoroscopy). In low doses, X-rays are used for making images that help to diagnose disease, and in high doses to treat cancer. Formerly called a Roentgen ray.
Fracture: A fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage. Fractures are also named by the trauma event that caused the bone breakage.
Splint: Splints are devices, which supports and maintains the structures in corrected position.
Surgery: A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present.
Bone: Bone is the substance that forms the skeleton of the body. It is composed chiefly of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. It also serves as a storage area for calcium, playing a large role in calcium balance in the blood.
