Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

toxicology
The study of the nature, effects, and
detection of poisons (toxins) and the treatment of
poisoning.
toxin
A poison produced by certain animals,
plants, or bacteria.
toxo
See 
toxoplasmosis.
toxoplasmosis
An infection caused by a single-
celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that can
invade and damage tissues. Toxoplasmosis can be
contracted by touching the hands to the mouth after
gardening, cleaning a cat’s litter box, or anything
that has come into contact with cat feces.
Toxoplasmosis can also be contracted by eating
contaminated raw or partly cooked meat, especially
pork or lamb, or touching the hands to the mouth
after contact with contaminated raw or under-
cooked meat. Of those who are infected, very few
have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune
system prevents illness from developing. Persons
with a weakened immune system are at risk for
developing severe cases of toxoplasmosis. The
symptoms are similar to those of flu: fever, fatigue,
headache, swollen lymph glands (lymphadenopa-
thy), and muscle aches and pains (myalgia) that may
last for a few days to several weeks. Toxoplasmosis is
a well-known teratogen (an agent that can cause
birth defects). If a pregnant woman is infected, the
parasite can cross the placenta to the baby, with
sometimes catastrophic consequences. Children
born with toxoplasmosis (congenital toxoplasmo-
sis) can have mental retardation, convulsions
(epilepsy), spasticity, cerebral palsy, and partial or
complete deafness and blindness. Also known as
simply toxo.
TPN
Total parenteral nutrition.
trachea
A tube-like portion of the respiratory
tract that connects the larynx with the bronchial
parts of the lungs. Also known as windpipe.