GLOSSARY

Words followed by this symbol 0 are defined here

curvature of Spee--- natural, slight arc in the occlusal (chewing) surface of the molars. dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)---organic chemical that has a number of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic; DMSO can pass readily through the skin. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)---large organic molecule that consists of two chains of nucleotides wound around each other; the material of which genes are made. Genes are responsible for the individual inherited characteristics of living organisms. endoscope--- small, flexible tube equipped with light and a viewing device; used to examine or operate on body passages or internal organs. epiglottis--- flap that hinges upward to protect the space between the vocal cords during swallowing, preventing swallowed material from going down the windpipe (trachea) into the lungs. esophagus--- muscular tubular passageway for food leading from the pharynx to the stomach. guttural pouches--- two sacs connected to the eustachian tube between the horse’s ear and throat, opening into the throat; assist in cooling the brain during strenuous exercise. hyoid apparatus--- set of bones that form a “swing” shape below the back of the skull, between the jawbones. The apparatus supports the larynx, pharynx and the base of the tongue. laminitis--- inflammation of the sensitive plates of soft tissue (laminae) within the horse’s foot caused by physical or physiologic injury. Severe cases of laminitis may result in founder, an internal deformity of the foot. Acute laminitis sets in rapidly and usually responds to appropriate, intensive treatment, while chronic laminitis is a persistent, long-term condition that may be unresponsive to treatment. larynx (voice box)---organ that functions to keep unwanted substances out of the airway and to produce voice; centered just at the back of the lower jawbone, the larynx is equivalent to the human “Adam’s apple.” lymph nodes--- cellular filters along the lymph vessels which collect fluids from between the cells and return them to the circulation. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)--diagnostic technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to capture a three-dimensional, computerized image of soft tissues within the body. medial--- occurring toward or extending to the midline or center of the body. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)---sulfurcontaining oral preparation that is a chemical fraction of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an organic substance with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties; popular in the management of athletic pain. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)---drug that contains no steroids and acts to reduce heat and swelling. osteoarthritis--- degeneration and inflammation of one or more joints due to excessive wear. pathogen--- any disease-producing microorganism or material. pathology--- science of the effects of disease on body tissues. pharynx--- chamber in the center of the head serving both breathing and swallowing, bounded by the nasal passages in front, the soft palate below, and the larynx and esophagus behind. The pharynx serves breathing except during swallowing. protein--- large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order. Proteins are required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s cells, tissues and organs, and each protein has unique functions. Simple proteins consist only of amino acids. Conjugated proteins consist of amino acids joined to other complex molecules. Derived proteins are the products of chemical changes to other proteins. trachea--- flexible tube connecting the back of the pharynx to the lungs; passageway for inhalation and exhalation. ultrasound--- high-frequency sound waves, above the range of human hearing. Ultrasound is used diagnostically, to image body structures, and therapeutically, to break down unwanted tissue and promote healing by stimulating circulation. urea--- end product of protein decomposition, primarily composed of nitrogen and excreted in the urine. uveitis-inflammation of the pigmented structures within the eyeball.

structures within the eyeball.