What it means
A general word for a small tube. A nasal cannulaNAY-zul KAN-yoo-luhA thin plastic tube with two short prongs that sit in the nostrils to give oxygen.nas/o nose-al relating toFull entry delivers oxygen; an IV cannula is the short plastic tube left in a vein; a tracheostomy tube has an inner cannula that can be removed for cleaning. Cannulation is the act of putting one in.
At a glance
| Spanish | cánula |
|---|---|
| Also written | cannulas, cannulae |
Related terms
IV
Intravenous: into a vein, or the tube placed in a vein to give fluids and drugs.
catheter
A thin, flexible tube put into the body to drain fluid out or to put fluid or drugs in.
nasal cannula
A thin plastic tube with two short prongs that sit in the nostrils to give oxygen.
tracheostomy
A surgical opening through the front of the neck into the windpipe, usually holding a tube that the person breathes through.