heat (redirected from applied, general physiologic effects heat)

heat (het)

1. the sensation of an increase in temperature.

2. the energy producing such a sensation; it exists in the form of molecular or atomic vibration and may be transferred, as a result of a gradient in temperature. Symbol Q or q.

3. to become, or to cause to become, warmer or hotter.

---

conductive heat  heat transmitted by direct contact, as with a hot water bottle.

convective heat  heat conveyed by currents of a warm medium, such as air or water.

conversive heat  heat developed in tissues by resistance to passage of high-energy radiations.

prickly heat  miliaria rubra.

---

heat (ht)

n.

1. A form of energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules and capable of being transmitted through solid and fluid media by conduction, through fluid media by convection, and through empty space by radiation.

2. The sensation or perception of such energy as warmth or hotness.

3. An abnormally high bodily temperature, as from a fever.

4. Estrus.

---

heat,

n the state of a body or of matter that is perceived as being opposite of cold and is characterized by elevation of temperature.

heat, applied,

n the therapeutic application of wet or dry heat to increase circulation and produce hyperemia, accelerate the dissolution of infection and inflammation, increase absorption from tissue spaces, relieve pain, relieve muscle spasm and associated pain, and increase metabolism.

heat, applied, and cold,

n the most commonly employed physical agents in dental practice; they modify the physiologic processes and have both a systemic and a local effect. The principal effect on the tissues is mediated by the alteration in the circulatory mechanisms. Properly used, they have a salutary therapeutic result; improperly used, they may produce serious pathologic consequences.

heat, applied, contraindications,

n.pl the conditions that preclude the use of heat application: peripheral neuropathy, conditions in which maximum vasodilation and inflammation are already present, acute inflammatory conditions in which more swelling will cause acute pain and pulpitis, septicemia, and malignancies.

heat, applied, general physiologic effects,

n.pl the physiologic effects of generally applied wet or dry heat; increase in body temperature, generalized vasodilation, rise in metabolism, decrease in blood pressure, increase in pulse rate and circulation, and increase in depth and rate of respiration.

heat, applied, local physiologic effects,

n.pl the physiologic effects of locally applied wet or dry heat to the intraoral or extraoral tissues: increase in caliber and number of capillaries, increased absorption resulting from capillary dilation, increased lymph formation and flow, relief of pain, relief of spasm, increase of phagocytes, and a rise in local metabolism.

heat loss, metabolic causes,

n.pl the biologic factors that influence heat loss: redistribution of blood vasodilation and vasoconstriction, variations in blood volume, tendency of fat to insulate the body, and evaporation.