Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

speculum
An instrument that is used to widen the
opening of the vagina so that the cervix is more eas-
ily visible.
speech, apraxia of
See 
apraxia of speech.
speech disorder
A disorder of the ability to pro-
duce normal speech. Speech disorders may affect
articulation (phonetic or phonological disorders),
fluency (stuttering or cluttering), and/or voice
(tone, pitch, volume, or speed). Most speech disor-
ders have their roots in oral-motor abnormalities,
although some involve language-processing prob-
lems. A speech pathologist can diagnose speech dis-
orders by testing the individual. See also 
aphasia;
apraxia of speech; articulation disorder; clutter-
ing; stuttering.
speech dyspraxia
See 
dyspraxia of speech.
speech therapist
See 
speech-language
pathologist.
speech therapy
The treatment of speech and
communication disorders. The approach used
depends on the disorder. Speech therapy may
include physical exercises to strengthen the muscles
used in speech (oral-motor work), speech drills to
improve clarity, or sound production practice to
improve articulation. See also 
communication
disorder; speech disorder; speech–language
pathologist.
speech–language pathologist
A specialist who
evaluates and treats people with communication
and swallowing problems. Abbreviated SLP. An SLP
has an MA or doctorate in a specialty, as well as a
Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) earned by
working under supervision. In some states a state
license is also required. Formerly known as speech
therapist. See also 
speech therapy.
sperm
The male sex cell (gamete). The sperm
has an oval head that contains its genetic matter, and
it is propelled by a flagellating tail. A sperm is car-
ried into the female reproductive tract within the
semen (ejaculate). If the sperm is able to travel up
into a fallopian tube, it must then break through the
cell wall of the egg (the female gamete, or ovum) to
fertilize the egg and form a zygote. This formation
process is called fertilization. See also 
fertilization;
ovulation; ovum.
spermatic cord
A group of structures that go
through the inguinal canal to the testis. These struc-
tures include the vas deferens, arteries, veins, lym-
phatic vessels, and nerves.