Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

science, cognitive
See 
cognitive science.
scintigraphy
A diagnostic test in which a two-
dimensional picture of a body radiation source is
obtained through the use of radioisotopes. For
example, scintigraphy of the biliary system (cho-
lescintigraphy) is done to diagnose obstruction of
the bile ducts by a gallstone, a tumor, or another
problem; disease of the gallbladder; and bile leaks.
For cholescintigraphy, a radioactive chemical is
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injected intravenously into the patient. The chemical
is removed from the blood by the liver and secreted
into the bile that the liver makes. The chemical then
goes everywhere that the bile goes: into the bile
ducts, the gallbladder, and the intestine. By placing
over the abdomen a camera that senses radioactiv-
ity, a picture of the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder
can be obtained that corresponds to the location of
the radioactivity.
scintimammography
A scintigraphic imaging
technique sometimes used as a supplemental test in
the detection of breast cancer. Scintimammography
can sometimes work better than standard mam-
mography in situations where there is considerable
uncertainty, as in women who have especially dense
breast tissue. See also 
scintigraphy.
sclera
The tough white outer coat that covers the
surface of the eyeball. The sclera covers the back
five-sixths of the eyeball. The sclera is continuous in
the front of the eye with the cornea and in the back
of the eye with the external sheath of the optic nerve.
The plural is sclerae. See also 
scleritis.
sclerencephaly
Scarring and shrinkage of the
substance of the brain. Sclerencephaly occurs
because of chronic inflammation of the brain matter.
scleritis
Inflammation of the sclera. Scleritis
causes local pain and can cause vision loss. Scleritis
can occur with diseases such as rheumatoid arthri-
tis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, and lupus. Treatment
may include use of anti-inflammatory and cortisone
medications taken by mouth, intravenously, or
injected into the eye.
sclerodactyly
Localized thickening and tightness
of the skin of the fingers or toes. Sclerodactyly is
commonly associated with atrophy of the underlying
soft tissues. Sclerodactyly is a characteristic feature
of scleroderma.
scleroderma
A disease of connective tissue that
causes scar tissue (fibrosis) to form in the skin and
sometimes also in other organs of the body.
Scleroderma is classified into diffuse and limited
forms. Diffuse scleroderma affects many internal
and external areas of the body, including the skin of
the entire body, the bowels, and the lungs. Limited
scleroderma affects only certain body sections. The
CREST syndrome is the most common limited form
of scleroderma. CREST stands for
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