Dermatome
This word, translated from the Greek, means a cut (tome*) through the skin (derma). Used literally, it is the name given to a special knife, used
Dermoid
This is a tumour which is made up of skin tissue that has become displaced, during embryonic development, and that has come to lie inside
Diastematomyelia
A nightmare word for medical secretaries to type, from dictation. It refers to a bony spur, or a fibrous band, that passes through the spinal
Dorsal columns
Tracts of nerve fibres that pass up the back of the spinal cord. They carry those signals from the body that convey information about light
Dura
This is the outer, most prominent and the toughest of the three different membranes that invest the brain and spinal cord. It also forms the
Duraplasty
A surgical manoeuvre where the dura is opened and then repaired, usually with some form of patch, in a manner designed to increase the volume
Glossary
The Charity appreciates that hospital specialists will almost inevitably use some medical jargon at times, even when they are trying to explain medical matters in lay terminology. The table below lists many of the medical terms that are likely to be used, from time-to-time, by doctors, when they are talking to patients, or in composing medical correspondence. It is hoped that our explanation of the meaning of these terms throws at least some light on matters.
