Cap

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Cap

Cap (/kæp/), from the Latin cappa, is a term used in various medical contexts. It can refer to a protective covering, a limit or restriction, or a type of dental prosthesis.

Etymology

The term "cap" originates from the Latin word cappa, meaning a cloak or cape. This reflects the protective or covering function that many types of caps serve in medical contexts.

Medical Uses

Protective Covering

In a medical context, a cap can refer to a protective covering for an area of the body. For example, a skull cap is a tight-fitting cap that covers the scalp, often used in surgical settings to maintain a sterile environment.

Limit or Restriction

In health policy, a cap can refer to a limit or restriction on something, such as the amount of money that can be spent on a particular type of healthcare service. For example, a capitation is a payment arrangement in which a physician or group of physicians receives a set amount for each enrolled person assigned to them, per period of time, whether or not that person seeks care.

Dental Prosthesis

In dentistry, a cap is another term for a dental crown, a type of dental prosthesis that completely covers a tooth or dental implant. Dental caps are often used when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.

Related Terms

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