Instruments designed to inject, infuse, or withdraw fluids, usually through a fixed or attached needle. Most syringes consist of a hollow, transparent cylinder (barrel) ended in a tip and a plunger (i.e., plunger syringes); other syringes deliver the fluids from a prefilled, changeable cartridge that is inserted into the barrel (i.e., cartridge syringes). Syringes consisting of either a barrel and a plastic or rubber bulb attached to one end (bulb/barrel syringes) or a rubber or plastic bulb ended in a tapped prolongation (bulb syringes) are also used for some applications. Syringes are usually manufactured from transparent plastic materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) or glass, but some are metallic or include metal parts. Syringes are frequently used for subcutaneous (i.e., hypodermic), intramuscular, or intravenous (either directly or through catheters) injection; irrigation of cavities or wounds; and aspiration/withdrawal of blood or other body fluids. Some syringes are specially designed for clinical laboratory applications, including general laboratory use and chromatography tests.
Definition (NCI)
A small hollow tube used for injecting or withdrawing liquids. It may be attached to a needle in order to withdraw fluid from the body or inject drugs into the body.
Definition (MSH)
Instruments used for injecting or withdrawing fluids. (Stedman, 25th ed)
Definition (NCI)
A device for the administration of parenteral drug products that consists of a rigid barrel fitted with septum with a plunger at one end and a seal or needle at the other end. The needle assembly may be part of the device or separate.
A rare disorder characterized by the formation of a cyst in the spinal cord. It results in weakness, pain, and stiffness in the shoulders, arms, legs, or back. It may be associated with Chiari malformation. Other causes include spinal cord injury, inflammation, or tumor.
Definition (MEDLINEPLUS)
Syringomyelia is a rare disorder that causes a cyst to form in your spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, gets bigger and longer over time, destroying part of the spinal cord. Damage to the spinal cord from the syrinx can cause symptoms such as
Pain and weakness in the back, shoulders, arms or legs
Headaches
Inability to feel hot or cold
Symptoms vary according to the size and location of the syrinx. They often begin in adulthood.
Syringomyelia usually results from a skull abnormality called a Chiari I malformation. A tumor, meningitis or physical trauma can also cause it. Surgery is the main treatment for the disorder. Some people also need to have the syrinx drained.
Definition (MSH)
Longitudinal cavities in the spinal cord, most often in the cervical region, which may extend for multiple spinal levels. The cavities are lined by dense, gliogenous tissue and may be associated with SPINAL CORD NEOPLASMS; spinal cord traumatic injuries; and vascular malformations. Syringomyelia is marked clinically by pain and PARESTHESIA, muscular atrophy of the hands, and analgesia with thermoanesthesia of the hands and arms, but with the tactile sense preserved (sensory dissociation). Lower extremity spasticity and incontinence may also develop. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1269)