Glossary
F
Finsen lamp
Niels Ryberg Finsen was a Danish physician who pioneered the use of ultraviolet light – from a Finsen Lamp – in the treatment of a number of skin infections.
first aid
Treatment that is rendered initially for the care of an emergent condition. It is usually performed by a lay person to a sick or injured patient until definitive medical treatment can be accessed
first aid kit
A kit designed to give help to an injured person until proper medical treatment is available
fistula
An abnormal passage, usually between two internal organs, or between an internal organ and the surface of the body.
flannelgraph
A piece of flannel as a base for paper or cloth-cut outs, used as a toy or teaching aid.
flask
A bottle with a wide body and a thinner neck used in Chemistry. Traditionally made of glass, but more recently made from plastic.
fleam
A sharp instrument used for opening veins, lancing gums etc.
fluoroscope
An X-ray device equipped with a fluorescent screen on which a patient's insides can be viewed in real time. The patient is constantly exposed to a low X-ray radiation, in contrast to a normal X-ray machine which uses a short burst of a higher level of radiation.
fluoroscopy
The practice of shining a fluorescent back light through X-rays to create an image without developing X-ray photographs. Known as fluoroscopic images.
fly paper plate
A specifically designed ceramic plate used to hold fly paper.
fly swatter
A device for killing insects that consists of a flat piece of perforated rubber or plastic or fine-mesh wire netting attached to a handle.
foetal heart rate monitoring
Measuring the heart rate of the foetus during childbirth is important in modern, medicalised childbirth. The changing beats per minute rate is detected via an electronic foetal heart monitor. The rate can be observed during the birthing process and may prompt medical intervention.
foetal monitor
Any piece of equipment used to monitor the foetus to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
foetus
The name given to the embryo during the later stages of development. In human reproduction it refers to an unborn child from its eighth week of development.
folder
A folding cover or holder for loose papers.
foment can
pan used to apply warmth to the body
food warmer
Device used to keep food warm. Often achieved through tealight candles underneath a wire mesh on which food is placed in dishes.
foot warmer
Object or clothing designed to keep feet warm.
footrest
A support for the foot or feet.
forceps
A pliers-like medical instrument used to grasp tissue.