Key Terms - Scleroderma United

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KEY TERMS

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Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique for regulating a body function that is usually involuntarily controlled (ex. finger temperature or pulse rate). A person can practice relaxation techniques and learn to control the function by observing a machine that monitors the function. Later, the machine becomes unnecessary. However, the benefits of this technique have not been proved.
Biopsy
Blanched

Calcinosis
Capillaries
Collagen
Connective Tissue

Connective tissue pervades, supports, and binds together other tissues, including mucous, fibrous, reticular, adipose, cartilage, skin, and bone. Connective tissue diseases are a group of disease that involve similar cellular changes; the specific disease is determined by the location at which the changes occur. Some examples are scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Constrict; stricture
Contraction (of intestinal muscles)
Coronary arteries
CREST
Cutaneous
Cyanosis

Edema
En coup de sabre
Esophagus, esophagitis

The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach. The muscular tube, when properly functioning, contracts in smooth waves to move food to the stomach. A sphincter (ring-like muscle) at the lower esophagus opens to allow food to enter the stomach. Afterwards, the sphincter promptly closes to prevent stomach acid or partially digested food from entering the esophagus. Esophagitis is the inflammation or irritation of the esophagus.

Gastrointestinal tract, bowel, diarrhea, constipation

The gastrointestinal tract is the digestive system. It breaks down food, allows absorption of nutrients, removal of cellular waste products, and elimination of solid waste from the body. Beginning with the mouth and esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract leads to the stomach, then the small intestine. The small intestine consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Lastly, the large intestine, also known as the colon, leads to the rectum. The term “bowel” refers to the intestine. The anal sphincter is a muscle that controls discharge of stool. Diarrhea refers to the abnormally frequent or excessive passing of stool, typically in a watery state. Constipation refers to the abnormally infrequent or delayed passage of stool, typically in a dry and hardened state. Normal bowel movements vary with diet and from person to person.

Immune system

The immune system is the system of organs, cells, and proteins and produces immune responses, protecting the body from foreign substances. Organs include the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. Cells include white cells, lymphocytes, T cells, and B cells. Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are proteins that react with and/or neutralize corresponding proteins called antigens. Usually, the antigens are damaged or foreign material. The immune system protects and helps the body, but can be the cause of disease/allergy if it attacks parts of the normal body in a process known as autoimmunity.
Inflammation, anti-inflammatory

Characterized by redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function, inflammation is the tissue reaction to cell injury. Normally, inflammation is part of the natural healing process because capillary dilation and white blood cell infiltration help eliminate foreign substances and damaged tissue. However, further damage can result from excessive or inappropriate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to counteract inflammation.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Also known as Raynaud’s Syndrome, Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a disorder characterized by recurring spasms of the small blood vessels upon exposure to cold or emotional stress. In a Raynaud’s attack, the affected area (typically the fingers or toes) turn white, blue, and then red as circulation abnormally overreacts to normal conditions. This condition was named after Dr. Maurice Raynaud, the French physician who first described it.
Relaxation Techniques
Remission, Spontaneous Remission
Renal
Respiratory

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