Abscess Health Article

KEY TERMS

Cellulitis—Inflammation of tissue due to infection.

Enzyme—Any of a number of protein chemicals that can change other chemicals.

Fallopian tubes—Part of the internal female anatomy that carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Flora—Living inhabitants of a region or area.

Pyogenic—Capable of generating pus. Streptococcus, Staphocococcus, and bowel bacteria are the primary pyogenic organisms.

Sebaceous glands—Tiny structures in the skin that produce oil (sebum). If they become plugged, sebum collects inside and forms a nurturing place for germs to grow.

Septicemia—The spread of an infectious agent throughout the body by means of the blood stream.

Sinus—A tubular channel connecting one body part with another or with the outside.