An elastic substance obtained from the latex of many tropical plants, especially Hevea braziliensis (rubber tree). It is present in over 40,000 products in the medical and consumer industry. The processing of hard rubber products from crumb or sheet rubber for drug vials caps, table leg cover, etc. is much lower in allergen content than those made by dipping a former into liquid natural rubber latex. SEE latex.

Anatomical folds especially of the viscera.

Residual Volume

Respiratory Quotient

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Recurrence of stenosis after corrective surgery (heart valve, narrowed artery, etc.).

The operation of cutting the anterior or posterior spinal nerve roots for the relief of pain or spastic paralysis.

Amount of energy expended 2 hours post-absorption of a meal under conditions of rest and thermal neutrality; approximately 10% higher than basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Respiratory Intensive Care unit

Of the operating room suite – an area where masks as well as scrub attire must be worn. This area includes the actual operating room and other areas where sterile procedures are performed or sterile devices and fields are exposed.