Systole (Gr. συστέλλω, to contract). The contraction of the heart, by which the blood is expelled from that organ.
Tactile (Lat. tactus, touch). Relating to the sense of touch.
Tartar. A hard crust which forms on the teeth, and is composed of salivary mucus, animal matter, and a compound of lime.
Temporal (Lat. tempus, time, and tempora, the temples). Pertaining to the temples; so called because the hair begins to turn white with age in that portion of the scalp.
Tendon (Lat. tendo, to stretch). The white, fibrous cord, or band, by which a muscle is attached to a bone; a sinew.
Tetanus (Gr. τείνω, to stretch). A disease marked by persistent contractions of all or some of the voluntary muscles; those of the jaw are sometimes solely affected; the disorder is then termed lockjaw.
Thorax (Gr. θώραξ, a breast-plate). The upper cavity of the trunk of the body, containing the lungs, heart, etc.; the chest.
Thyroid (Gr. εἶδος, a shield, and εἶ̓δος, form). The largest of the cartilages of the larynx: its projection in front is called “Adam’s Apple.”
Tissue. Any substance or texture in the body formed of various elements, such as cells, fibers, blood-vessels, etc., interwoven with each other.
Tobacco (Indian tabaco, the tube, or pipe, in which the Indians smoked the plant). A plant used for smoking and chewing, and in snuff.