Torpid

TORPID (from Latin torpidus - numb, insensible), a term used to denote reactions and states of the organism characterized by sluggish or slowed progression. Thus, one speaks of torpid fever, meaning a weak temperature reaction or its absence during infections, which may be observed, for example, in lobar pneumonia in the elderly or in marantic patients. One speaks of a torpid course of ulcers, meaning the prolonged time of their healing (for example, in chronic ulcerative colitis), of torpid tumors, etc. Under T. habitus is usually meant scrofulous subjects possessing well-developed adipose tissue, weak, flabby musculature, thick nose and lips, reduced excitability, etc. The basis of torpidity lies in various factors of local and general significance, such as: metabolic disorders, excitability of the autonomic nervous system, constitutionally congenital developmental anomalies, etc.