Acu-: A combining form indicating a relationship to a needle. As in acupuncture. From the Latin acus meaning needle.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Definition of Activities of daily living (ADLs)
Activities of daily living (ADLs): The things we
normally do in daily living including any daily activity we perform for self-care (such as
feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing, grooming), work, homemaking, and leisure. The
ability or inability to perform ADLs can be used as a very practical measure of
ability/disability in many disorders.
normally do in daily living including any daily activity we perform for self-care (such as
feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing, grooming), work, homemaking, and leisure. The
ability or inability to perform ADLs can be used as a very practical measure of
ability/disability in many disorders.
Definition of Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule: See: ALCAM.
Definition of Activase
Activase: Brand name of alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator made by recombinant DNA technology. See: Tissue plasminogen activator.
Definition of Actinomycetes
Actinomycetes: A group of gram-positive bacteria (order Actinomycetales) that produce various bioactive agents including antibiotics, enzymes, and vitamins. Streptomyces belong to this bacterial order.
Definition of Actinic
Actinic: Referring to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and UV lamps. Sunburn is an actinic burn. An actinic keratosis is a skin lesion that is the consequence of chronic sun exposure. From the Greek "aktis" meaning "ray."
Definition of Acrylamide
Acrylamide: A chemical created in foods when starches and other carbohydrates are overheated (over 120°C or 250°F) during cooking. There is concern that acrylamide may be a carcinogen (cause cancer).
Acrylamide is used in papermaking, ore processing, permanent-press fabrics, and dye manufacture.
Acrylamide is also polymerized to form polyacrylamides which are used as water-soluble stabilizers, for example, in waste water treatment and in gel electrophoresis.
Acrylamide is used in papermaking, ore processing, permanent-press fabrics, and dye manufacture.
Acrylamide is also polymerized to form polyacrylamides which are used as water-soluble stabilizers, for example, in waste water treatment and in gel electrophoresis.
Definition of Acromion
Acromion: The projection of the scapula (the shoulder blade) that forms the point of the shoulder.
The acromion is part of the scapula. It protrudes laterally (away from the midline) and is triangular in shape.
The top of the shoulder is acromial. The word "acromion" comes from the Greek "akron", peak + "omos", shoulder = the peak of the shoulder.
The acromion is part of the scapula. It protrudes laterally (away from the midline) and is triangular in shape.
The top of the shoulder is acromial. The word "acromion" comes from the Greek "akron", peak + "omos", shoulder = the peak of the shoulder.
Definition of Acromioclavicular joint
Acromioclavicular joint: The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located between the acromion (a projection of the scapula that forms the point of the shoulder) and the clavicle (the collar bone). This is a gliding type of joint.
The ligaments that serve to support and strengthen this joint are called the capsular; superior and inferior acromioclavicular; articular disk; and coracoclavicular (trapezoid and conoid) ligaments.
The ligaments that serve to support and strengthen this joint are called the capsular; superior and inferior acromioclavicular; articular disk; and coracoclavicular (trapezoid and conoid) ligaments.
Definition of Acromegaly
Acromegaly: Condition due to the production of too much growth hormone by the pituitary gland after the end of adolescence.
When there is secretion of too much growth hormone before the end of adolescence, gigantism results. People with pituitary gigantism can truly be giants; they can sometimes end up over 7 or 8 feet in height.
When too much growth hormone is secreted after adolescence, there cannot be an increase in height but acromegaly ensues. The cardinal manifestations of acromegaly include thickening of the skin, soft tissues, and bones of the hands and feet. These effects are insidious and very slowly progressive. Ultimately they cause considerable disability (aside from the need for larger rings, gloves, and shoes) including hoarseness, sleep apnea, joint pain, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, insulin resistance, visual impairment and severe headaches.
Excessive growth hormone secretion may be caused by an adenoma of the pituitary (a tumor of the pituitary) or by other causes. Treatment is usually possible via medication or surgery. Inadequate treatment of pituitary gigantism or acromegaly is associated with increases in deaths from cardiovascular causes, cancer, and other causes.
When there is secretion of too much growth hormone before the end of adolescence, gigantism results. People with pituitary gigantism can truly be giants; they can sometimes end up over 7 or 8 feet in height.
When too much growth hormone is secreted after adolescence, there cannot be an increase in height but acromegaly ensues. The cardinal manifestations of acromegaly include thickening of the skin, soft tissues, and bones of the hands and feet. These effects are insidious and very slowly progressive. Ultimately they cause considerable disability (aside from the need for larger rings, gloves, and shoes) including hoarseness, sleep apnea, joint pain, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, insulin resistance, visual impairment and severe headaches.
Excessive growth hormone secretion may be caused by an adenoma of the pituitary (a tumor of the pituitary) or by other causes. Treatment is usually possible via medication or surgery. Inadequate treatment of pituitary gigantism or acromegaly is associated with increases in deaths from cardiovascular causes, cancer, and other causes.
Definition of Acrochordon
Acrochordon: A small tag of skin that may have a stalk (a peduncle). An acrochordon may appear on skin anywhere although the favorite locales are the eyelids, neck, armpits (axillae), upper chest, and groin.
Invariably benign, this tiny tumor of the skin usually causes no symptoms unless repeatedly irritated as, for example, by the collar.
Treatment may be done by freezing with liquid nitrogen or by cutting off with a scalpel or scissors if the acrochordon is irritating or cosmetically unwanted.
The term "acrochordon" is from the Greek "acro-" (which means top, summit, extreme, or refers to an arm or leg) + "chorde", string. Medically, an acrochordon is also called a cutaneous papilloma. It is far better known as a skin tag.
Invariably benign, this tiny tumor of the skin usually causes no symptoms unless repeatedly irritated as, for example, by the collar.
Treatment may be done by freezing with liquid nitrogen or by cutting off with a scalpel or scissors if the acrochordon is irritating or cosmetically unwanted.
The term "acrochordon" is from the Greek "acro-" (which means top, summit, extreme, or refers to an arm or leg) + "chorde", string. Medically, an acrochordon is also called a cutaneous papilloma. It is far better known as a skin tag.
Definition of Acrocephalosyndactyly
Acrocephalosyndactyly: An
inherited disorder causing abnormalities of the skull and
face and the hands and feet.
In acrocephalosyndactyly there is closure too-early of
some of the sutures of the skull (craniosynostosis). This
results in an abnormally shaped head, which is unusually
tall and peaked, and an abnormally shaped face with shallow eye
sockets and underdevelopment of the midface. There is fusion of
fingers and toes (syndactyly) and broad ends of the thumbs and big
toes.
Surgery is often useful to correct the abnormalities of the
skull, face, hands and feet.
Acrocephalosyndactyly is an autosomal dominant trait with boys and
girls affected equally. A affected parent can have transmit the gene
for the disorder or both parents can be normal with the disorder
appearing in the child due to a new mutation.
The best-known type of acrocephalosyndactyly is Apert syndrome
which is due to a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
(FGFR2) gene on chromosome 10. Different mutations in FGFR2 are
responsible for two other genetic diseases, namely,
Pfeiffer syndrome (another type of acrocephalosyndactyly)
and Crouzon syndrome (purely a craniofacial disorder with
no hand or foot problems). All are dominant traits.
inherited disorder causing abnormalities of the skull and
face and the hands and feet.
In acrocephalosyndactyly there is closure too-early of
some of the sutures of the skull (craniosynostosis). This
results in an abnormally shaped head, which is unusually
tall and peaked, and an abnormally shaped face with shallow eye
sockets and underdevelopment of the midface. There is fusion of
fingers and toes (syndactyly) and broad ends of the thumbs and big
toes.
Surgery is often useful to correct the abnormalities of the
skull, face, hands and feet.
Acrocephalosyndactyly is an autosomal dominant trait with boys and
girls affected equally. A affected parent can have transmit the gene
for the disorder or both parents can be normal with the disorder
appearing in the child due to a new mutation.
The best-known type of acrocephalosyndactyly is Apert syndrome
which is due to a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
(FGFR2) gene on chromosome 10. Different mutations in FGFR2 are
responsible for two other genetic diseases, namely,
Pfeiffer syndrome (another type of acrocephalosyndactyly)
and Crouzon syndrome (purely a craniofacial disorder with
no hand or foot problems). All are dominant traits.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Definition of Acrocentric chromosome
Acrocentric chromosome: A chromosome (one
of the microscopically visible carriers of the genetic material DNA)
with its centromere (the "waist" of the chromosome) located quite
near one end of the chromosome. The "acro-" in acrocentric comes from
the Greek "akron" meaning "the end." Humans have 5 pairs of
acrocentric chromosomes. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is due to an
extra acrocentric chromosome, namely chromosome 21.
A chromosome with a centromere near one end. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is due to an extra acrocentric chromosome.
of the microscopically visible carriers of the genetic material DNA)
with its centromere (the "waist" of the chromosome) located quite
near one end of the chromosome. The "acro-" in acrocentric comes from
the Greek "akron" meaning "the end." Humans have 5 pairs of
acrocentric chromosomes. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is due to an
extra acrocentric chromosome, namely chromosome 21.
A chromosome with a centromere near one end. Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is due to an extra acrocentric chromosome.
Definition of Acquired mutation
Acquired mutation: A mutation (a genetic change) acquired by a somatic cell after conception. Acquired mutations occur in somatic cells, not germ cells, and so cannot be transmitted to the children. However, acquired mutations are transmitted to all cells descended from the mutant cell, giving rise to a clone (colony) of cells marked by the mutation. Some acquired mutations are involved in the development of cancer. Also known as an acquired genetic mutation, somatic mutation, or somatic cell mutation.
Definition of Acquired immunity
Acquired immunity: Immunity acquired by infection or vaccination (active immunity) or by the transfer of antibody or lymphocytes from an immune donor (passive immunity). Acquired immunity is in contrast to innate immunity (natural immunity).
Definition of Acquired epileptiform aphasia
Acquired epileptiform aphasia: See Landau-Kleffner syndrome.
Definition of ACP (American College of Physicians)
ACP (American College of Physicians): See: American College of Physicians.
Definition of Acoustic neuroma
Acoustic neuroma: A benign tumor that may develop on the hearing and balance nerves near the inner ear. The tumor results from an overproduction of Schwann cells -- small sheet-like cells that normally wrap around nerve fibers like onion skin and help support the nerves. When growth is abnormally excessive, Schwann cells bunch together, pressing against the hearing and balance nerves, often causing gradual hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. If the tumor becomes large, it can interfere with the facial nerve, causing partial paralysis, and eventually press against nearby brain structures, becoming life-threatening.
The early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma is the key to preventing its serious consequences. Unfortunately, early detection of the tumor is sometimes difficult because the symptoms may be subtle and may not appear in the beginning stages of growth. Once the symptoms do appear, a thorough ear examination and hearing test are essential for diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful in determining the location and size of a tumor and also in planning its microsurgical removal.
If an acoustic neuroma is surgically removed when it is still very small, hearing may be preserved and accompanying symptoms may go away. As the tumor grows larger, surgical removal is often more complicated because the tumor may become firmly attached to the nerves that control facial movement, hearing, and balance.
The removal of tumors attached to hearing, balance, or facial nerves can make the patient's symptoms worse because sections of these nerves must also be removed with the tumor. As an alternative to conventional surgical techniques, radiosurgery may be used to reduce the size or limit the growth of the tumor. Radiosurgery, utilizing carefully focused radiation, is sometimes performed on the elderly, on patients with tumors on both hearing nerves, or on patients with a tumor growing on the nerve of their only hearing ear. If the tumor is not removed, MRI is used to carefully monitor its growth.
There are two types of acoustic neuroma: unilateral and bilateral. Unilateral acoustic neuromas affect only one ear. They account for approximately 8 percent of all tumors inside the skull. Symptoms may develop at any age but usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years.
Bilateral acoustic neuromas, which affect both ears, are hereditary. Inherited from one's parents, this tumor results from a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2). Affected individuals have a 50 percent chance of passing this disorder on to their children. Unlike those with a unilateral acoustic neuroma, individuals with NF2 usually develop symptoms in their teens or early adulthood. Because NF2 patients usually have multiple tumors, the surgical procedure is more complicated than the removal of a unilateral acoustic neuroma. Further research is needed to determine the best approach in these circumstances.
In addition to tumors arising from the hearing and balance nerves, NF2 patients may develop tumors on other cranial nerves associated with swallowing, speech, eye and facial movement, and facial sensation. NF2 patients may also develop tumors within the spinal cord and on the brain's thin covering.
Both types of acoustic neuroma occur following a loss of the function of a gene on chromosome 22. A gene is a small section of DNA responsible for a particular trait like hair color or skin tone. This particular gene on chromosome 22 suppresses the growth of Schwann cells. When this gene malfunctions, Schwann cells can grow out of control. This gene may help suppress other types of tumor growth. In NF2 patients, the faulty gene on chromosome 22 is inherited.
Acoustic neuroma is also called an acoustic neurinoma or a vestibular schwannoma.
The early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma is the key to preventing its serious consequences. Unfortunately, early detection of the tumor is sometimes difficult because the symptoms may be subtle and may not appear in the beginning stages of growth. Once the symptoms do appear, a thorough ear examination and hearing test are essential for diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful in determining the location and size of a tumor and also in planning its microsurgical removal.
If an acoustic neuroma is surgically removed when it is still very small, hearing may be preserved and accompanying symptoms may go away. As the tumor grows larger, surgical removal is often more complicated because the tumor may become firmly attached to the nerves that control facial movement, hearing, and balance.
The removal of tumors attached to hearing, balance, or facial nerves can make the patient's symptoms worse because sections of these nerves must also be removed with the tumor. As an alternative to conventional surgical techniques, radiosurgery may be used to reduce the size or limit the growth of the tumor. Radiosurgery, utilizing carefully focused radiation, is sometimes performed on the elderly, on patients with tumors on both hearing nerves, or on patients with a tumor growing on the nerve of their only hearing ear. If the tumor is not removed, MRI is used to carefully monitor its growth.
There are two types of acoustic neuroma: unilateral and bilateral. Unilateral acoustic neuromas affect only one ear. They account for approximately 8 percent of all tumors inside the skull. Symptoms may develop at any age but usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years.
Bilateral acoustic neuromas, which affect both ears, are hereditary. Inherited from one's parents, this tumor results from a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2). Affected individuals have a 50 percent chance of passing this disorder on to their children. Unlike those with a unilateral acoustic neuroma, individuals with NF2 usually develop symptoms in their teens or early adulthood. Because NF2 patients usually have multiple tumors, the surgical procedure is more complicated than the removal of a unilateral acoustic neuroma. Further research is needed to determine the best approach in these circumstances.
In addition to tumors arising from the hearing and balance nerves, NF2 patients may develop tumors on other cranial nerves associated with swallowing, speech, eye and facial movement, and facial sensation. NF2 patients may also develop tumors within the spinal cord and on the brain's thin covering.
Both types of acoustic neuroma occur following a loss of the function of a gene on chromosome 22. A gene is a small section of DNA responsible for a particular trait like hair color or skin tone. This particular gene on chromosome 22 suppresses the growth of Schwann cells. When this gene malfunctions, Schwann cells can grow out of control. This gene may help suppress other types of tumor growth. In NF2 patients, the faulty gene on chromosome 22 is inherited.
Acoustic neuroma is also called an acoustic neurinoma or a vestibular schwannoma.
Definition of Acoustic neurinoma
Acoustic neurinoma: A benign tumor that may develop on the hearing and balance nerves near the inner ear. The tumor results from an overproduction of Schwann cells -- small sheet-like cells that normally wrap around nerve fibers like onion skin and help support the nerves. When growth is abnormally excessive, Schwann cells bunch together, pressing against the hearing and balance nerves, often causing gradual hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. If the tumor becomes large, it can interfere with the facial nerve, causing partial paralysis, and eventually press against nearby brain structures, becoming life-threatening.
The early diagnosis of an acoustic neurinoma is the key to preventing its serious consequences. Unfortunately, early detection of the tumor is sometimes difficult because the symptoms may be subtle and may not appear in the beginning stages of growth. Once the symptoms do appear, a thorough ear examination and hearing test are essential for diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful in determining the location and size of a tumor and also in planning its microsurgical removal.
If an acoustic neurinoma is surgically removed when it is still very small, hearing may be preserved and accompanying symptoms may go away. As the tumor grows larger, surgical removal is often more complicated because the tumor may become firmly attached to the nerves that control facial movement, hearing, and balance.
The removal of tumors attached to hearing, balance, or facial nerves can make the patient's symptoms worse because sections of these nerves must also be removed with the tumor. As an alternative to conventional surgical techniques, radiosurgery may be used to reduce the size or limit the growth of the tumor. Radiosurgery, utilizing carefully focused radiation, is sometimes performed on the elderly, on patients with tumors on both hearing nerves, or on patients with a tumor growing on the nerve of their only hearing ear. If the tumor is not removed, MRI is used to carefully monitor its growth.
There are two types of acoustic neurinoma: unilateral and bilateral. Unilateral acoustic neurinomas affect only one ear. They account for approximately 8 percent of all tumors inside the skull. Symptoms may develop at any age but usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years.
Bilateral acoustic neurinomas, which affect both ears, are hereditary. Inherited from one's parents, this tumor results from a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2). Affected individuals have a 50 percent chance of passing this disorder on to their children. Unlike those with a unilateral acoustic neurinoma, individuals with NF2 usually develop symptoms in their teens or early adulthood. Because NF2 patients usually have multiple tumors, the surgical procedure is more complicated than the removal of a unilateral acoustic neurinoma. Further research is needed to determine the best approach in these circumstances.
In addition to tumors arising from the hearing and balance nerves, NF2 patients may develop tumors on other cranial nerves associated with swallowing, speech, eye and facial movement, and facial sensation. NF2 patients may also develop tumors within the spinal cord and on the brain's thin covering.
Both types of acoustic neurinoma occur following a loss of the function of a gene on chromosome 22. A gene is a small section of DNA responsible for a particular trait like hair color or skin tone. This particular gene on chromosome 22 suppresses the growth of Schwann cells. When this gene malfunctions, Schwann cells can grow out of control. This gene may help suppress other types of tumor growth. In NF2 patients, the faulty gene on chromosome 22 is inherited.
Acoustic neurinoma is also called an acoustic neuroma or a vestibular schwannoma.
The early diagnosis of an acoustic neurinoma is the key to preventing its serious consequences. Unfortunately, early detection of the tumor is sometimes difficult because the symptoms may be subtle and may not appear in the beginning stages of growth. Once the symptoms do appear, a thorough ear examination and hearing test are essential for diagnosis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful in determining the location and size of a tumor and also in planning its microsurgical removal.
If an acoustic neurinoma is surgically removed when it is still very small, hearing may be preserved and accompanying symptoms may go away. As the tumor grows larger, surgical removal is often more complicated because the tumor may become firmly attached to the nerves that control facial movement, hearing, and balance.
The removal of tumors attached to hearing, balance, or facial nerves can make the patient's symptoms worse because sections of these nerves must also be removed with the tumor. As an alternative to conventional surgical techniques, radiosurgery may be used to reduce the size or limit the growth of the tumor. Radiosurgery, utilizing carefully focused radiation, is sometimes performed on the elderly, on patients with tumors on both hearing nerves, or on patients with a tumor growing on the nerve of their only hearing ear. If the tumor is not removed, MRI is used to carefully monitor its growth.
There are two types of acoustic neurinoma: unilateral and bilateral. Unilateral acoustic neurinomas affect only one ear. They account for approximately 8 percent of all tumors inside the skull. Symptoms may develop at any age but usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years.
Bilateral acoustic neurinomas, which affect both ears, are hereditary. Inherited from one's parents, this tumor results from a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2). Affected individuals have a 50 percent chance of passing this disorder on to their children. Unlike those with a unilateral acoustic neurinoma, individuals with NF2 usually develop symptoms in their teens or early adulthood. Because NF2 patients usually have multiple tumors, the surgical procedure is more complicated than the removal of a unilateral acoustic neurinoma. Further research is needed to determine the best approach in these circumstances.
In addition to tumors arising from the hearing and balance nerves, NF2 patients may develop tumors on other cranial nerves associated with swallowing, speech, eye and facial movement, and facial sensation. NF2 patients may also develop tumors within the spinal cord and on the brain's thin covering.
Both types of acoustic neurinoma occur following a loss of the function of a gene on chromosome 22. A gene is a small section of DNA responsible for a particular trait like hair color or skin tone. This particular gene on chromosome 22 suppresses the growth of Schwann cells. When this gene malfunctions, Schwann cells can grow out of control. This gene may help suppress other types of tumor growth. In NF2 patients, the faulty gene on chromosome 22 is inherited.
Acoustic neurinoma is also called an acoustic neuroma or a vestibular schwannoma.
Definition of Acou-
Acou-: Combining form relating to hearing. As
in acoustic, otoacoustic emission test, and presbyacousia.
in acoustic, otoacoustic emission test, and presbyacousia.
Definition of ACOG (Amer College of Ob & Gyn)
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists): The American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists is an organization concerned with the quality
of OB/Gyn practice in the U.S. It is called "a cog." The
members of ACOG are "Women's Health Care Physicians."
ACOG is (in their own words) "the nation's leading group of
professionals providing
health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit
organization, ACOG:
Serves as a strong advocate for quality health care for
women.
Maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and
continuing education of its members.
Promotes patient education and stimulating patient understanding
of, and involvement in, medical care.
Increases awareness among its members and the public of the
changing issues facing women's health care."
Gynecologists): The American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists is an organization concerned with the quality
of OB/Gyn practice in the U.S. It is called "a cog." The
members of ACOG are "Women's Health Care Physicians."
ACOG is (in their own words) "the nation's leading group of
professionals providing
health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit
organization, ACOG:
Serves as a strong advocate for quality health care for
women.
Maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and
continuing education of its members.
Promotes patient education and stimulating patient understanding
of, and involvement in, medical care.
Increases awareness among its members and the public of the
changing issues facing women's health care."
Definition of Acne, adult
Acne, adult: Popular name for rosacea. For more information, see: Rosacea.
Definition of Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris: The common form of acne seen most
often in teenagers or young adults, acne vulgaris is the
result of overactive oil glands that become plugged, red,
and inflamed. Most outbreaks of acne can be treated by
keeping the skin clear and avoiding irritating soaps,
foods, drinks, and cosmetics. Severe acne and acne in those
who are prone to scarring (see the article on Keloid) can be treated with
topical creams and anti-inflammatory medications. Skin
damaged by acne can be improved with treatment by a
dermatologist or facial technologist. Techniques include
dermabrasion ("sanding"), removal of scar tissue via laser,
and chemical peels. Acne is also called pimples.
often in teenagers or young adults, acne vulgaris is the
result of overactive oil glands that become plugged, red,
and inflamed. Most outbreaks of acne can be treated by
keeping the skin clear and avoiding irritating soaps,
foods, drinks, and cosmetics. Severe acne and acne in those
who are prone to scarring (see the article on Keloid) can be treated with
topical creams and anti-inflammatory medications. Skin
damaged by acne can be improved with treatment by a
dermatologist or facial technologist. Techniques include
dermabrasion ("sanding"), removal of scar tissue via laser,
and chemical peels. Acne is also called pimples.
Acne:
Localized skin inflammation as a result of
overactivity of the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Acne
happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life
around puberty, when these glands are stimulated by male
hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands of both
boys and girls.
The oil glands, which are located just
beneath the skin, continuously produce and secrete oil
through openings in the skin. The oil lubricates and
protects the skin. Under certain circumstances, cells
that are close to the openings of the oil glands block the
openings. This causes a buildup of oil underneath the
skin.
Bacteria, which live in everyone's skin but
generally mind their own business, feast on this oil,
multiply, and cause the surrounding tissues to become
inflamed.
If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a
pustule; if it's deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still
and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface,
the result is a " whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized
(that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes
from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead."
Acne is also called pimples.
Localized skin inflammation as a result of
overactivity of the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Acne
happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life
around puberty, when these glands are stimulated by male
hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands of both
boys and girls.
The oil glands, which are located just
beneath the skin, continuously produce and secrete oil
through openings in the skin. The oil lubricates and
protects the skin. Under certain circumstances, cells
that are close to the openings of the oil glands block the
openings. This causes a buildup of oil underneath the
skin.
Bacteria, which live in everyone's skin but
generally mind their own business, feast on this oil,
multiply, and cause the surrounding tissues to become
inflamed.
If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a
pustule; if it's deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still
and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface,
the result is a " whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized
(that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes
from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead."
Acne is also called pimples.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Definition of Acidosis
Acidosis: Too much acid in the body, a distinctly abnormal condition resulting from the accumulation of acid or from the depletion of alkaline reserves. In acidosis, the pH of the blood is abnormally low. Acidosis is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, lung disease,
and severe kidney disease. The opposite of acidosis is alkalosis in which there is too high a
pH due to excess base or insufficient acid in the body.
and severe kidney disease. The opposite of acidosis is alkalosis in which there is too high a
pH due to excess base or insufficient acid in the body.
Definition of Acid rain
Acid rain: Rain resulting from the combination of fossil fuel emissions and water in the atmosphere. The environmental effects of acid rain include the acidification of lakes and streams, damage to trees at high altitude, the acceleration of decay in buildings and poorer air quality.
Acid rain also poses serious human health risks by contributing to heart and lung disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Acid rain can be reduced by the regulation of industrial emissions and the adoption of energy efficiency alternatives and pollution prevention programs. Acid rain is a form of acid deposition.
Acid rain also poses serious human health risks by contributing to heart and lung disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Acid rain can be reduced by the regulation of industrial emissions and the adoption of energy efficiency alternatives and pollution prevention programs. Acid rain is a form of acid deposition.
Definition of Acid deposition
Acid deposition: A complex chemical and atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds and other substances are transformed by chemical processes in the atmosphere and then deposited on earth in either wet or dry form. The wet forms, popularly called acid rain, can fall to earth as rain, snow, or fog. The dry forms are acidic gases or particulates.
Definition of Achoo syndrome
Achoo syndrome: A disorder characterized by nearly uncontrollable paroxysms of sneezing provoked in a reflex fashion by the sudden exposure of a dark-adapted subject to intensely bright light, usually to brilliant sunlight. The number of successive sneezes is usually 2 or 3, but can be up to about 40. The achoo syndrome is also called the photic sneeze reflex or the helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome.
The syndrome is much more common than has been generally recognized. In one study it was found in 23% of medical students. The syndrome is one of the most frequent of all known genetic traits. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, affecting males and females alike, who have a 50:50 chance of passing the achoo gene to each of their children who will have the disorder. The syndrome was first described in 1978.
One physician reported that he had suffered from photic sneezing for over 20 years and, having just learned of the existence of the syndrome, found that the "symptoms are more easily tolerated if you can put a name to them, even if that produces only an illusory understanding of their significance." He commented on the potential hazards of photic sneezing if it occurs while one is driving a car on a sunny day. Tunnels and shadows created by tall buildings and forested terrain can induce sneezing upon re-entering the bright sunlight.
References alluded to in the text:
WR Collie, RA Pagon, JG Hall, MHK Shokeir: ACHOO syndrome (helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome). Birth Defects Orig. Art. Ser. XIV(6B): 361-363, 1978. (The original description of the syndrome.)
EW Benbow: Practical hazards of photic sneezing. Brit. J. Ophthal. 75: 447, 1991. (The physician who discovered he had the syndrome.)
The syndrome is much more common than has been generally recognized. In one study it was found in 23% of medical students. The syndrome is one of the most frequent of all known genetic traits. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, affecting males and females alike, who have a 50:50 chance of passing the achoo gene to each of their children who will have the disorder. The syndrome was first described in 1978.
One physician reported that he had suffered from photic sneezing for over 20 years and, having just learned of the existence of the syndrome, found that the "symptoms are more easily tolerated if you can put a name to them, even if that produces only an illusory understanding of their significance." He commented on the potential hazards of photic sneezing if it occurs while one is driving a car on a sunny day. Tunnels and shadows created by tall buildings and forested terrain can induce sneezing upon re-entering the bright sunlight.
References alluded to in the text:
WR Collie, RA Pagon, JG Hall, MHK Shokeir: ACHOO syndrome (helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome). Birth Defects Orig. Art. Ser. XIV(6B): 361-363, 1978. (The original description of the syndrome.)
EW Benbow: Practical hazards of photic sneezing. Brit. J. Ophthal. 75: 447, 1991. (The physician who discovered he had the syndrome.)
Achondroplasia: The most common form of short stature with disproportionately short limbs -- dwarfism with short arms and legs. Achondroplasia is caused by mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 gene (FGFR3), which is located on chromosome 4 in chromosome band 4p16.3.
Aside from short arms and legs, the fingers are short and the
ring and middle fingers diverge giving the hand a trident (three-
pronged) appearance. There is a typically large head with prominence of the forehead (frontal bossing), underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the midface with cheekbones that lack prominence, and a low nasal bridge with narrow nasal passages. The brain is normal and intelligence is entirely normal in achondroplasia. However, the complications of achondroplasia can impinge on the brain and the spinal cord.
Achondroplasia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait
affecting boys and girls equally. The parents of children with
achondroplasia are more often than not normal. Most cases of
achondroplasia are due to new mutations that appear for the first
time in the affected children.
Achondroplasia can be diagnosed before birth by molecular means.
The limited number of changes in the FGF3 gene responsible for achondroplasia and the ease with which they can be detected provide the basis for a simple method for prenatal diagnosis.
Aside from short arms and legs, the fingers are short and the
ring and middle fingers diverge giving the hand a trident (three-
pronged) appearance. There is a typically large head with prominence of the forehead (frontal bossing), underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the midface with cheekbones that lack prominence, and a low nasal bridge with narrow nasal passages. The brain is normal and intelligence is entirely normal in achondroplasia. However, the complications of achondroplasia can impinge on the brain and the spinal cord.
Achondroplasia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait
affecting boys and girls equally. The parents of children with
achondroplasia are more often than not normal. Most cases of
achondroplasia are due to new mutations that appear for the first
time in the affected children.
Achondroplasia can be diagnosed before birth by molecular means.
The limited number of changes in the FGF3 gene responsible for achondroplasia and the ease with which they can be detected provide the basis for a simple method for prenatal diagnosis.
Definition of Achondrogenesis-hypochondrogenesis, type II
Achondrogenesis-hypochondrogenesis, type II: See: Achondrogenesis type II.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Definition of Achilles tendon
Achilles tendon: A tough sinew that attaches the
calf muscle to the back of the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in the body. It is also called the tendo Achilles or the tendo calcaneus, the calcaneus being the heel bone.
According to Greek mythology, Achilles's mother held him as a
baby by the heel and dipped him in the river Styx to make him
invulnerable but the heel by which she held him remained unimmersed
and hence vulnerable, as Paris' arrow in Achilles' heel
later proved.
calf muscle to the back of the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in the body. It is also called the tendo Achilles or the tendo calcaneus, the calcaneus being the heel bone.
According to Greek mythology, Achilles's mother held him as a
baby by the heel and dipped him in the river Styx to make him
invulnerable but the heel by which she held him remained unimmersed
and hence vulnerable, as Paris' arrow in Achilles' heel
later proved.
Definition of Achilles
Achilles: In Greek mythology, the hero who was thought to have some special medical knowledge. Achilles studied medicine with Chiron, the centaur, who invented it.
"...But save me. Take me to the ship, cut this arrow out of my leg, wash the blood from it with warm water and put the right things on it - the plants they say you have learned about from Achilles who learned them from Chiron, the best of the Centaurs." (The Iliad of Homer, Book XI).
See also Achilles tendon
.
"...But save me. Take me to the ship, cut this arrow out of my leg, wash the blood from it with warm water and put the right things on it - the plants they say you have learned about from Achilles who learned them from Chiron, the best of the Centaurs." (The Iliad of Homer, Book XI).
See also Achilles tendon
.
Definition of AChE (acetylcholinesterase)
AChE (acetylcholinesterase): Abbreviation for acetylcholinesterase. See: Acetylcholinesterase.
Definition of ACh (acetylcholine)
ACh (acetylcholine): Abbreviation for acetylcholine. See: Acetylcholine.
Definition of Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine: An antioxidant drug used to reduce the thickness of mucus and ease its removal. It is also used to reverse the toxicity of high doses of acetaminophen. Acetylcysteine with hydration significantly reduces the risk of contrast nephropathy in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Also called N-acetyl-L-cysteine.
Definition of Acetylcholinesterase
Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft (the space between two nerve cells) so the next nerve impulse can be transmitted across the synaptic gap. Pesticides of the organophosphate and carbamate types act to paralyze and kill insects by inhibiting their acetylcholinesterase. Abbreviated AChE.
Definition of Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine: A key chemical in neurons (nerve cells) that acts as a neurotransmitter and carries information across the synaptic cleft, the space between two nerve cells. Abbreviated ACh.
Definition of Acetyl phosphate
Acetyl phosphate: A molecular ion which plays a role in the synthesis of the four-carbon fatty acid, butyric acid. The formula for acetyl phosphate is: CH3COPO42-.
Definition of Acetyl coenzyme A
Acetyl coenzyme A: An important metabolic intermediate, derived from various pathways, such as glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and degradation of some amino acids. It also represents a key intermediate in lipid biosynthesis. Commonly referred to as acetyl CoA.
Definition of Acetic acid
Acetic acid: The acid most commonly associated with vinegar. Acetic acid is a two-carbon carboxylic acid. Its formula is: CH3COOH. It is the most commercially important organic acid and is used in the manufacture of a broad range of chemical products, such as plastics and insecticides.
Definition of Acetate
Acetate: A molecular ion derived from acetic acid. The formula of acetate is CH3COO-.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Definition of Acetabular labrum
Acetabular labrum: A ring of fibrocartilage (fibrous cartilage) that runs around the acetabulum (cup) of the hip joint and increases its depth. The head of the femur (the bone in the thigh) fits in the acetabulum. The labrum deepens this cavity and effectively increases the surface (and strength) of the hip joint.
Injuries to the acetabular labrum can occur from chronic trauma due to repetitive hip motion or from acute trauma as, for example, from a direct blow to the hip or a violent motion of the hip.
Signs and symptoms of a acetabular labrum injury include pain accompanying hip motion, occasional pain in the hip at night or during daily activities, decreased range of motion and loss of strength in the hip.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and rest. Exercises to strengthen the hip muscles may then be recommended. If these measures are not effective,
arthroscopic surgery may be done.
In medicine, a labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage around the edge of the articular (joint) surface of a bone. The Latin "labrum" means "lip." The term is used generally to designate a lip, edge, or brim. Plural, labra.
Injuries to the acetabular labrum can occur from chronic trauma due to repetitive hip motion or from acute trauma as, for example, from a direct blow to the hip or a violent motion of the hip.
Signs and symptoms of a acetabular labrum injury include pain accompanying hip motion, occasional pain in the hip at night or during daily activities, decreased range of motion and loss of strength in the hip.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and rest. Exercises to strengthen the hip muscles may then be recommended. If these measures are not effective,
arthroscopic surgery may be done.
In medicine, a labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage around the edge of the articular (joint) surface of a bone. The Latin "labrum" means "lip." The term is used generally to designate a lip, edge, or brim. Plural, labra.
Definition of Acetabular
Acetabular: Pertaining to the
acetabulum, the cup-shaped socket of the hip joint which is a key
feature of the pelvis. The head (upper end) of the femur
(the thighbone) fits into the acetabulum and articulates
with it, forming a ball-and-socket joint.The
acetabulum is not just cup-shaped. The word "acetabulum" in Latin
means cup, a vinegar cup.
acetabulum, the cup-shaped socket of the hip joint which is a key
feature of the pelvis. The head (upper end) of the femur
(the thighbone) fits into the acetabulum and articulates
with it, forming a ball-and-socket joint.The
acetabulum is not just cup-shaped. The word "acetabulum" in Latin
means cup, a vinegar cup.
Definition of ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme)
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme): The
angiotensins are peptides (substances smaller than proteins) that act
as vasoconstricting agents (causing blood vessels to narrow).
Narrowing the diameter of the blood vessels sends up the blood
pressure.
ACE converts angiotensin to its activated form (called angiotensin
II) enabling it to function.
The ACE inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the formation of
angiotensin II and are used for blood pressure control and
congestive heart failure. The ACE inhibitors include
benazepril (brand name: Lotensin), captopril (brand name: Capoten),
lisinopril (brand names: Zestril and Prinivil), quinapril (brand
name: Accupril), and ramipril (brand name: Altace).
angiotensins are peptides (substances smaller than proteins) that act
as vasoconstricting agents (causing blood vessels to narrow).
Narrowing the diameter of the blood vessels sends up the blood
pressure.
ACE converts angiotensin to its activated form (called angiotensin
II) enabling it to function.
The ACE inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the formation of
angiotensin II and are used for blood pressure control and
congestive heart failure. The ACE inhibitors include
benazepril (brand name: Lotensin), captopril (brand name: Capoten),
lisinopril (brand names: Zestril and Prinivil), quinapril (brand
name: Accupril), and ramipril (brand name: Altace).
Definition of Accoucheur
Accoucheur: French for a male obstetrician,
a physician skilled in the art and science of managing pregnancy,
labor and the puerperium (the time after delivery).
a physician skilled in the art and science of managing pregnancy,
labor and the puerperium (the time after delivery).
Definition of Acclimatization to altitude
Acclimatization to altitude: The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. Given time, the body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen concentration at a specific altitude, process known as acclimatization.
To acclimatize, a number of changes take place in the body occur to allow it to operate with decreased oxygen:
The depth of respiration increases;
The pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases, forcing blood into portions of the lung which are normally not used at sea level;
We make more red blood cells to carry oxygen;
We make more of a specific substance (called 2,4-DPG)that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.
Acclimatization generally takes 1 to 3 days at a given altitude. For example, if a person hikes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and spends several days at that altitude, their body acclimatizes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). If the person then climbs to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), the body needs to acclimatize once again and it takes another 1 to 3 days.
To acclimatize, a number of changes take place in the body occur to allow it to operate with decreased oxygen:
The depth of respiration increases;
The pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases, forcing blood into portions of the lung which are normally not used at sea level;
We make more red blood cells to carry oxygen;
We make more of a specific substance (called 2,4-DPG)that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.
Acclimatization generally takes 1 to 3 days at a given altitude. For example, if a person hikes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and spends several days at that altitude, their body acclimatizes to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). If the person then climbs to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), the body needs to acclimatize once again and it takes another 1 to 3 days.
Definition of Accessory neuropathy
Accessory neuropathy: Disease of the accessory nerve which is the eleventh cranial nerve. The accessory nerve supplies the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is in the front of the neck and turns the head. The trapezius muscle moves the scapula (the wingbone), turns the face to the opposite side, and helps pull the head back.
Damage to the accessory nerve can be confined to the accessory nerve or it may also involve the ninth and tenth cranial nerves which exit through the same opening (foramen) from the skull . Accessory neuropathy can sometimes occur and recur for unknown reasons. Most patients recover.
Paralysis of the accessory nerve prevents rotation of the head away from that side and causes drooping of the shoulder.
Damage to the accessory nerve can be confined to the accessory nerve or it may also involve the ninth and tenth cranial nerves which exit through the same opening (foramen) from the skull . Accessory neuropathy can sometimes occur and recur for unknown reasons. Most patients recover.
Paralysis of the accessory nerve prevents rotation of the head away from that side and causes drooping of the shoulder.
Definition of Accessory nerve
Accessory nerve: The eleventh cranial nerve, which emerges from the skull and receives an additional (accessory) root from the upper part of the spinal cord. It supplies the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is in the front of the neck and turns the head. The trapezius muscle moves the scapula (the wingbone), turns the face to the opposite side, and helps pull the head back. The accessory nerve is so-called because, although it arises in the brain, it receives an additional (accessory) root from the upper part of the spinal cord.
Damage to the accessory nerve can be isolated (confined to the accessory nerve) or it may also involve the ninth and tenth cranial nerves which exit through the same opening (foramen) from the skull . Accessory neuropathy (nerve disease) can sometimes occur and recur for unknown reasons. Most patients recover.
Paralysis of the accessory nerve prevents rotation of the head away from that side and causes drooping of the shoulder.
Damage to the accessory nerve can be isolated (confined to the accessory nerve) or it may also involve the ninth and tenth cranial nerves which exit through the same opening (foramen) from the skull . Accessory neuropathy (nerve disease) can sometimes occur and recur for unknown reasons. Most patients recover.
Paralysis of the accessory nerve prevents rotation of the head away from that side and causes drooping of the shoulder.
Definition of Accessory dwelling unit
Accessory dwelling unit: (ADU) A separate housing arrangement within a single-family home. The ADU is defined by Medicare as a complete living unit and includes a private kitchen and bath.
Definition of Accessory
Accessory: Additional, extra, supplementary, subsidiary to the main thing.
An accessory digestive organ is an organ that helps with digestion but is not part of the digestive tract.
The accessory nerve is so-called because it receives an additional (accessory) root from the upper part of the spinal cord.
An accessory placenta is an extra placenta separate from the main placenta.
An accessory digestive organ is an organ that helps with digestion but is not part of the digestive tract.
The accessory nerve is so-called because it receives an additional (accessory) root from the upper part of the spinal cord.
An accessory placenta is an extra placenta separate from the main placenta.
Definition of Accessibility of services
Accessibility of services: The ability to get medical care and services when needed.
Definition of Access
Access: 1. In general, a means of approaching something.
2. In health care, the opportunity or right to receive health care.
3. In dialysis, the point on the body where a needle or catheter is inserted to gain entry to the bloodstream.
2. In health care, the opportunity or right to receive health care.
3. In dialysis, the point on the body where a needle or catheter is inserted to gain entry to the bloodstream.
Definition of Accelerated phase of leukemia
Accelerated phase of leukemia:
Refers to chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) that is progressing. The number of immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher than in the chronic phase but not as high as in the blast phase.
Refers to chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) that is progressing. The number of immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher than in the chronic phase but not as high as in the blast phase.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Definition of Acaricide
Acaricide: An agent, usually a chemical, that kills mites. This class of pesticides is large and includes antibiotic acaricides,
carbamate acaricides, formamidine acaricides, mite growth regulators,
organophosphate acaricides, and many others. From the Latin acarus, a mite + -cide, to kill.
carbamate acaricides, formamidine acaricides, mite growth regulators,
organophosphate acaricides, and many others. From the Latin acarus, a mite + -cide, to kill.
Definition of Acapnia
Acapnia: Less than the normal level of
carbon dioxide in the blood. The opposite of hypercapnia. The origin
of the word "acapnia" is curious. It comes from the Greek "a-"
meaning "without" + "kapnos" meaning "smoke" so acapnia literally
means "smokeless" referring to carbon dioxide which is a principal
part of smoke.
carbon dioxide in the blood. The opposite of hypercapnia. The origin
of the word "acapnia" is curious. It comes from the Greek "a-"
meaning "without" + "kapnos" meaning "smoke" so acapnia literally
means "smokeless" referring to carbon dioxide which is a principal
part of smoke.
Definition of Acanthamoeba keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis: Infection of the cornea by acanthamoeba, a microscopic water-borne ameba. The disease tends to occur in people who wear contact lens. It can accompany a bacterial infection of the eye. Acanthamoeba keratitis can produce corneal ulceration and result in severe loss of vision and even blindness. Signs and symptoms are persistent redness and pain in the eye. Treatment is with multiple antibiotics, often including antifungal drugs, and sometimes surgery after the infection has subsided.
Definition of Acanthamoeba
Acanthamoeba: A microscopic organism, an amoeba, found in soil, dust and fresh water (lakes, rivers, hot springs and hot tubs). Acanthamoeba also occur in brackish water and sea water as well as in heating, venting, and air conditioner units, humidifiers, and dialysis units.
Acanthamoeba can enter the skin through a cut, wound, or through the nostrils and, once inside the body, can travel to the lungs and through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, especially to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Through improper storage, handling, and disinfection of contact lenses, Acanthamoeba can enter the eye and there cause infection.
A particularly dire infection caused by Acanthamoeba called granulomatous amebic encephalitis is
characterized by headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and coma that can progress over several weeks and end in death. Acanthamoeba infections occur more frequently in people with compromised immune systems and the chronically ill. Eye and skin infections are generally treatable while infections of the brain are almost always fatal.
Acanthamoeba can enter the skin through a cut, wound, or through the nostrils and, once inside the body, can travel to the lungs and through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, especially to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Through improper storage, handling, and disinfection of contact lenses, Acanthamoeba can enter the eye and there cause infection.
A particularly dire infection caused by Acanthamoeba called granulomatous amebic encephalitis is
characterized by headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and coma that can progress over several weeks and end in death. Acanthamoeba infections occur more frequently in people with compromised immune systems and the chronically ill. Eye and skin infections are generally treatable while infections of the brain are almost always fatal.
Definition of AC joint
AC joint: Acromioclavicular joint located between the acromion (a projection of the scapula that forms the point of the shoulder) and the clavicle (the collar bone). This is a gliding type of joint.
The ligaments that serve to support and strengthen this joint are called the capsular; superior and inferior acromioclavicular; articular disk; and coracoclavicular (trapezoid and conoid) ligaments.
The ligaments that serve to support and strengthen this joint are called the capsular; superior and inferior acromioclavicular; articular disk; and coracoclavicular (trapezoid and conoid) ligaments.
Definition of AC
AC: Abbreviation for a.c. (ante cibum on a prescription); acromioclavicular (shoulder joint); antecubital (crook of elbow).
Definition of Abused inhalant
Abused inhalant: A breathable chemical vapor that is abused. All abused inhalants produce psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. Abused inhalants fall into the following categories:
Solvents
Industrial or household solvents or solvent-containing products, including paint thinners or removers, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, and glue
Art or office supply solvents, including correction fluids, felt-tip-marker fluid, and electronic contact cleaners
Gases
Gases used in household or commercial products, including butane lighters and propane tanks, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers (whippets), and refrigerant gases
Household aerosol propellants and associated solvents in items such as spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, and fabric protector sprays
Medical anesthetic gases, such as ether, chloroform, halothane, and nitrous oxide ("laughing gas")
Nitrites
Aliphatic nitrites, including cyclohexyl nitrite, an ingredient found in room odorizers; amyl nitrite, which is used for medical purposes; and butyl nitrite (previously used to manufacture perfumes and antifreeze), which is now an illegal substance.
Nearly all abused inhalants produce short-term effects similar to anesthetics, which act to slow down the body's functions. When inhaled via the nose or mouth into the lungs in sufficient concentrations, inhalants can cause intoxicating effects. Intoxication usually lasts only a few minutes. However, sometimes users extend this effect for several hours by breathing in inhalants repeatedly. Initially, users may feel slightly stimulated. Successive inhalations make them feel less inhibited and less in control. If use continues, users can lose consciousness.
Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of the chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can directly induce heart failure and death within minutes. This syndrome, known as "sudden sniffing death," can result from a single session of inhalant use by an otherwise healthy young person. Sudden sniffing death is particularly associated with the abuse of butane, propane, and chemicals in aerosols.
High concentrations of inhalants also can cause death from suffocation by displacing oxygen in the lungs and then in the central nervous system so that breathing ceases. Deliberately inhaling from an attached paper or plastic bag or in a closed area greatly increases the chances of suffocation. Even when using aerosols or volatile products for their legitimate purposes (such as painting, cleaning), it is wise to do so in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
Chronic abuse of solvents can cause severe, long-term damage to the brain, the liver, and the kidneys. Other harmful irreversible effects may be caused by abuse of specific solvents.
Solvents
Industrial or household solvents or solvent-containing products, including paint thinners or removers, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, and glue
Art or office supply solvents, including correction fluids, felt-tip-marker fluid, and electronic contact cleaners
Gases
Gases used in household or commercial products, including butane lighters and propane tanks, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers (whippets), and refrigerant gases
Household aerosol propellants and associated solvents in items such as spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, and fabric protector sprays
Medical anesthetic gases, such as ether, chloroform, halothane, and nitrous oxide ("laughing gas")
Nitrites
Aliphatic nitrites, including cyclohexyl nitrite, an ingredient found in room odorizers; amyl nitrite, which is used for medical purposes; and butyl nitrite (previously used to manufacture perfumes and antifreeze), which is now an illegal substance.
Nearly all abused inhalants produce short-term effects similar to anesthetics, which act to slow down the body's functions. When inhaled via the nose or mouth into the lungs in sufficient concentrations, inhalants can cause intoxicating effects. Intoxication usually lasts only a few minutes. However, sometimes users extend this effect for several hours by breathing in inhalants repeatedly. Initially, users may feel slightly stimulated. Successive inhalations make them feel less inhibited and less in control. If use continues, users can lose consciousness.
Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of the chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can directly induce heart failure and death within minutes. This syndrome, known as "sudden sniffing death," can result from a single session of inhalant use by an otherwise healthy young person. Sudden sniffing death is particularly associated with the abuse of butane, propane, and chemicals in aerosols.
High concentrations of inhalants also can cause death from suffocation by displacing oxygen in the lungs and then in the central nervous system so that breathing ceases. Deliberately inhaling from an attached paper or plastic bag or in a closed area greatly increases the chances of suffocation. Even when using aerosols or volatile products for their legitimate purposes (such as painting, cleaning), it is wise to do so in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
Chronic abuse of solvents can cause severe, long-term damage to the brain, the liver, and the kidneys. Other harmful irreversible effects may be caused by abuse of specific solvents.
Definition of Abuse, verbal child
Abuse, verbal child: Also known as emotional child abuse,
this is the third most frequently reported form of child abuse (after
child neglect and physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all cases
of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be difficult to detect and difficult to document.
Emotional child abuse includes acts of commission or omission by
the parents and other caregivers that could cause the child to have
serious behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders. In some instances
of emotional child abuse, the acts of parents or other caregivers
alone, without any harm yet evident in the child's behavior or
condition, are sufficient to warrant the intervention of child
protective services. For example, the parents or caregivers may use
extreme or bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a
child in a dark closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed psychological child
abuse or mental injury of a child.
this is the third most frequently reported form of child abuse (after
child neglect and physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all cases
of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be difficult to detect and difficult to document.
Emotional child abuse includes acts of commission or omission by
the parents and other caregivers that could cause the child to have
serious behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders. In some instances
of emotional child abuse, the acts of parents or other caregivers
alone, without any harm yet evident in the child's behavior or
condition, are sufficient to warrant the intervention of child
protective services. For example, the parents or caregivers may use
extreme or bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a
child in a dark closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed psychological child
abuse or mental injury of a child.
Definition of Abuse, steroid
Abuse, steroid: Use of substances containing
anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass. Such steroids
can have many side effects when misused, including
psychiatric problems, liver tumors, reduction in the size
of the male genitals and sterility, and heart damage.
anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass. Such steroids
can have many side effects when misused, including
psychiatric problems, liver tumors, reduction in the size
of the male genitals and sterility, and heart damage.
Definition of Abuse, sexual child
Abuse, sexual child: Child abuse comprises four basic types of mistreatment: child neglect, physical abuse of a child, emotional abuse of a child, and sexual abuse of a child.
Sexual abuse is the least frequently reported form of child abuse (6% of all cases). Experts believe that sexual abuse may be the most underreported type of child maltreatment because of the secrecy, the "conspiracy of silence" that so often surrounds these cases.
Sexual abuse includes fondling a child's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sexual child abuse are complex. Several points might be made here:
The diagnosis of sexual child abuse involves a thorough nonjudgmental history of the immediate events as well as a review of potential similar experiences often independently done by a physician, social worker, and the police department. A complete physical exam of the child which may include the taking of photographs to document sexual abuse is necessarily followed by x-rays and possible laboratory tests.
Pedophiles (people who sexually abuse children) often require intense psychological and pharmacological therapy prior to release into the community, because of the high rate of repeat offenders.
Children's school programs regarding "good touch...bad touch" can provide parents and other caregivers with a forum in which to role-play and learn to avoid potentially harmful scenarios.
Parents should make sure that their child's daycare center/preschool is licensed and has an open door policy regarding parental visitation.
Sexual abuse is the least frequently reported form of child abuse (6% of all cases). Experts believe that sexual abuse may be the most underreported type of child maltreatment because of the secrecy, the "conspiracy of silence" that so often surrounds these cases.
Sexual abuse includes fondling a child's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sexual child abuse are complex. Several points might be made here:
The diagnosis of sexual child abuse involves a thorough nonjudgmental history of the immediate events as well as a review of potential similar experiences often independently done by a physician, social worker, and the police department. A complete physical exam of the child which may include the taking of photographs to document sexual abuse is necessarily followed by x-rays and possible laboratory tests.
Pedophiles (people who sexually abuse children) often require intense psychological and pharmacological therapy prior to release into the community, because of the high rate of repeat offenders.
Children's school programs regarding "good touch...bad touch" can provide parents and other caregivers with a forum in which to role-play and learn to avoid potentially harmful scenarios.
Parents should make sure that their child's daycare center/preschool is licensed and has an open door policy regarding parental visitation.
Definition of Abuse, psychological child
Abuse, psychological child: Also known as emotional child
abuse, this is the third most frequently reported form of child abuse
(after child neglect and physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all
cases of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be difficult to detect and difficult to document.
Emotional child abuse includes acts of commission or omission by
the parents and other caregivers that could cause the child to have
serious behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders. In some instances
of emotional child abuse, the acts of parents or other caregivers
alone, without any harm yet evident in the child's behavior or
condition, are sufficient to warrant the intervention of child
protective services. For example, the parents or caregivers may use
extreme or bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a
child in a dark closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed verbal child abuse
or mental injury of a child.
abuse, this is the third most frequently reported form of child abuse
(after child neglect and physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all
cases of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be difficult to detect and difficult to document.
Emotional child abuse includes acts of commission or omission by
the parents and other caregivers that could cause the child to have
serious behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders. In some instances
of emotional child abuse, the acts of parents or other caregivers
alone, without any harm yet evident in the child's behavior or
condition, are sufficient to warrant the intervention of child
protective services. For example, the parents or caregivers may use
extreme or bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a
child in a dark closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed verbal child abuse
or mental injury of a child.
Definition of Abuse, pregnancy
Abuse, pregnancy: Abuse of an expectant mother. This abuse is most often perpetrated by the woman's spouse, partner, or relative. Spurts of temper can progress to shouting and name calling. Then pushing and shoving. The use of physical violence can start a pattern. It is estimated that 1 in 12 pregnant women is battered. Most cases of pregnancy abuse are not reported because the woman who was beaten is afraid or ashamed or is dependent on the abuser.
Pregnancy abuse is not only bad for the pregnant woman, it may also affect the health of her unborn baby. In a study of 1,004 women interviewed within 3 days of delivery, over 5% reported they had been abused during their pregnancy by their partners. The maternal abuse showed a significant correlation with the baby's low birth weight. Pregnant women who had been abused by their partners were more likely to deliver low birth weight babies. Low birth weight babies have more health problems than infants born at normal weight. (Reference: American Journal of Epidemiology 1999;150:714-726.)
Pregnancy abuse is not only bad for the pregnant woman, it may also affect the health of her unborn baby. In a study of 1,004 women interviewed within 3 days of delivery, over 5% reported they had been abused during their pregnancy by their partners. The maternal abuse showed a significant correlation with the baby's low birth weight. Pregnant women who had been abused by their partners were more likely to deliver low birth weight babies. Low birth weight babies have more health problems than infants born at normal weight. (Reference: American Journal of Epidemiology 1999;150:714-726.)
Definition of Abuse, physical child
Abuse, physical child: Next to child neglect, physical
abuse is the second most frequently reported form of child abuse,
accounting for 25% of all cases of child abuse.
Physical child abuse is physical injury inflicted upon the child
with cruel and/or malicious intent. Physical abuse can be the result
of punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, or otherwise
harming a child physically.
The parent or caretaker who abused the child may not have intended
to hurt the child, but rather the child's injury may have resulted
from overly harsh discipline or physical punishment. There is, in
this regard, a substantial debate going on about certain forms
physical discipline such as spanking and slapping and their
relationship to more orthodox forms of physical abuse.
abuse is the second most frequently reported form of child abuse,
accounting for 25% of all cases of child abuse.
Physical child abuse is physical injury inflicted upon the child
with cruel and/or malicious intent. Physical abuse can be the result
of punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, or otherwise
harming a child physically.
The parent or caretaker who abused the child may not have intended
to hurt the child, but rather the child's injury may have resulted
from overly harsh discipline or physical punishment. There is, in
this regard, a substantial debate going on about certain forms
physical discipline such as spanking and slapping and their
relationship to more orthodox forms of physical abuse.
Definition of Abuse, emotional child
Abuse, emotional child: Emotional child abuse is the third
most frequently reported form of child abuse (after child neglect and
physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all cases of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be difficult to detect and difficult to document.
Emotional child abuse includes acts of commission or omission by
the parents and other caregivers that could cause the child to have
serious behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders. In some instances
of emotional child abuse, the acts of parents or other caregivers
alone, without any harm yet evident in the child's behavior or
condition, are sufficient to warrant the intervention of child
protective services. For example, the parents/caregivers may use
extreme or bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a
child in a dark closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed psychological child
abuse, verbal child abuse, or mental injury of a child.
most frequently reported form of child abuse (after child neglect and
physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all cases of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be difficult to detect and difficult to document.
Emotional child abuse includes acts of commission or omission by
the parents and other caregivers that could cause the child to have
serious behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders. In some instances
of emotional child abuse, the acts of parents or other caregivers
alone, without any harm yet evident in the child's behavior or
condition, are sufficient to warrant the intervention of child
protective services. For example, the parents/caregivers may use
extreme or bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a
child in a dark closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed psychological child
abuse, verbal child abuse, or mental injury of a child.
Definition of Abuse, child
Abuse, child: Child abuse is a very complex and dangerous
set of problems that include child neglect and the physical,
emotional, and sexual abuse of children.
Child neglect is the most frequently reported form of child
abuse and the most lethal. This form of abuse is defined as the
failure to provide for the shelter, safety, supervision and
nutritional needs of the child. Child neglect can be physical,
educational, or emotional neglect.
Physical neglect includes refusal of or delay in seeking health
care, abandonment, expulsion from the home or refusal to allow a
runaway to return home, and inadequate supervision.
Educational neglect includes the allowance of chronic truancy,
failure to enroll a child of mandatory school age in school, and
failure to attend to a special educational need.
Emotional neglect includes such actions as marked inattention to
the child's needs for affection, refusal of or failure to provide
needed psychological care, spouse abuse in the child's presence, and
permission of drug or alcohol use by the child.
Physical abuse is the second most frequently reported form
of child abuse and is defined as physical injury inflicted upon the
child with cruel and/or malicious intent. Physical abuse can be the
result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, or
otherwise harming a child. The parent or caretaker may not have
intended to hurt the child, rather the injury may have resulted from
over-discipline or physical punishment.
Emotional abuse is the third most frequently reported form
of child abuse and includes acts or omissions by the parents or other
caregivers that could cause serious behavioral, emotional, or mental
disorders. For example, the parents/caregivers may use extreme or
bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a child in a dark
closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed psychological child
abuse, verbal child abuse, or mental injury of a child.
Sexual abuse is the least frequently reported form of child
abuse and is believed to be the most under-reported type of child
maltreatment because of the secrecy or "conspiracy of silence" that
so often characterizes these cases. Sexual abuse includes fondling a
child's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism,
and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of
pornographic materials.
Fatal injuries from maltreatment can result from many different
acts including severe head trauma (injury), shaken baby syndrome,
trauma to the abdomen or chest, scalding, burns, drowning,
suffocation, poisoning, etc.
Factors affecting the likelihood of potential abuse and
predisposing to child abuse include:
The abuser's childhood: child abusers often were abused as
children.
The abuser's substance abuse: at least half of all child abuse
cases involve some degree of substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc) by
the child's parents.
Family stress: the disintegration of the nuclear family and its
inherent support systems has been held to be associated with child
abuse.
Social forces: experts debate whether a postulated reduction in
religious/moral values coupled with an increase in the depiction of
violence by the entertainment and informational media may increase
child abuse.
The child: children at higher risk for child abuse include
infants who are felt to be "overly fussy", handicapped children, and
children with chronic diseases.
Specific "trigger" events that occur just before many fatal
parental assaults on infants and young children include: an infant's
inconsolable crying, feeding difficulties, a toddler's failed toilet
training, and exaggerated parental perceptions of acts of
"disobedience" by the child.
Children can be neglected and abused by parents, other caregivers,
or society.
Child abuse should be reported, investigated and evaluated.
The treatment and prevention of child abuse include a support
group structure coupled with visiting nurse home visits to reinforce
good parenting skills and monitor the child's well-being. Children's
school programs regarding "good touch...bad touch" can provide
parents with a forum in which to role-play and learn to avoid
potentially harmful scenarios. Parents should make sure that their
child's daycare center is licensed and has an open door policy
regarding parental visitation. The best strategy is to prevent child
abuse.
Not until the 19th century were children granted the same legal
status as domesticated animals in regard to protection against
cruelty and/or neglect. In 1962 the term "battered child syndrome"
entered medicine. By 1976 all states in the United States had adopted
laws mandating the reporting of suspected instances of child
abuse.
set of problems that include child neglect and the physical,
emotional, and sexual abuse of children.
Child neglect is the most frequently reported form of child
abuse and the most lethal. This form of abuse is defined as the
failure to provide for the shelter, safety, supervision and
nutritional needs of the child. Child neglect can be physical,
educational, or emotional neglect.
Physical neglect includes refusal of or delay in seeking health
care, abandonment, expulsion from the home or refusal to allow a
runaway to return home, and inadequate supervision.
Educational neglect includes the allowance of chronic truancy,
failure to enroll a child of mandatory school age in school, and
failure to attend to a special educational need.
Emotional neglect includes such actions as marked inattention to
the child's needs for affection, refusal of or failure to provide
needed psychological care, spouse abuse in the child's presence, and
permission of drug or alcohol use by the child.
Physical abuse is the second most frequently reported form
of child abuse and is defined as physical injury inflicted upon the
child with cruel and/or malicious intent. Physical abuse can be the
result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, or
otherwise harming a child. The parent or caretaker may not have
intended to hurt the child, rather the injury may have resulted from
over-discipline or physical punishment.
Emotional abuse is the third most frequently reported form
of child abuse and includes acts or omissions by the parents or other
caregivers that could cause serious behavioral, emotional, or mental
disorders. For example, the parents/caregivers may use extreme or
bizarre forms of punishment, such as confinement of a child in a dark
closet.
Emotional child abuse is also sometimes termed psychological child
abuse, verbal child abuse, or mental injury of a child.
Sexual abuse is the least frequently reported form of child
abuse and is believed to be the most under-reported type of child
maltreatment because of the secrecy or "conspiracy of silence" that
so often characterizes these cases. Sexual abuse includes fondling a
child's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism,
and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of
pornographic materials.
Fatal injuries from maltreatment can result from many different
acts including severe head trauma (injury), shaken baby syndrome,
trauma to the abdomen or chest, scalding, burns, drowning,
suffocation, poisoning, etc.
Factors affecting the likelihood of potential abuse and
predisposing to child abuse include:
The abuser's childhood: child abusers often were abused as
children.
The abuser's substance abuse: at least half of all child abuse
cases involve some degree of substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc) by
the child's parents.
Family stress: the disintegration of the nuclear family and its
inherent support systems has been held to be associated with child
abuse.
Social forces: experts debate whether a postulated reduction in
religious/moral values coupled with an increase in the depiction of
violence by the entertainment and informational media may increase
child abuse.
The child: children at higher risk for child abuse include
infants who are felt to be "overly fussy", handicapped children, and
children with chronic diseases.
Specific "trigger" events that occur just before many fatal
parental assaults on infants and young children include: an infant's
inconsolable crying, feeding difficulties, a toddler's failed toilet
training, and exaggerated parental perceptions of acts of
"disobedience" by the child.
Children can be neglected and abused by parents, other caregivers,
or society.
Child abuse should be reported, investigated and evaluated.
The treatment and prevention of child abuse include a support
group structure coupled with visiting nurse home visits to reinforce
good parenting skills and monitor the child's well-being. Children's
school programs regarding "good touch...bad touch" can provide
parents with a forum in which to role-play and learn to avoid
potentially harmful scenarios. Parents should make sure that their
child's daycare center is licensed and has an open door policy
regarding parental visitation. The best strategy is to prevent child
abuse.
Not until the 19th century were children granted the same legal
status as domesticated animals in regard to protection against
cruelty and/or neglect. In 1962 the term "battered child syndrome"
entered medicine. By 1976 all states in the United States had adopted
laws mandating the reporting of suspected instances of child
abuse.
Definition of Abstinence, periodic
Abstinence, periodic: Also known as fertility awareness, natural family planning, and the rhythm method, this approach entails not having sexual intercourse on the days of a woman's menstrual cycle when she could become pregnant or using a barrier method (such as a condom, the diaphragm or a cervical cap) for birth control on those days.
Because a sperm may live in the female's reproductive tract for up to 7 days and the egg remains fertile for about 24 hours, a woman can get pregnant within a substantial window of time -- from 7 days before ovulation to 3 days after. Methods to approximate when a woman is fertile are usually based on the menstrual cycle, changes in cervical mucus, or changes in body temperature.
Because a sperm may live in the female's reproductive tract for up to 7 days and the egg remains fertile for about 24 hours, a woman can get pregnant within a substantial window of time -- from 7 days before ovulation to 3 days after. Methods to approximate when a woman is fertile are usually based on the menstrual cycle, changes in cervical mucus, or changes in body temperature.
Definition of Abstinence
Abstinence: The voluntary self-denial of food, drink, or sex. Today, abstinence most commonly refers to denial of one's sexual activity.
Definition of Abstemious
Abstemious: Marked by restraint, especially in the consumption of food or alcohol.
From the Latin prefix "abs-," meaning "from" or "away," and the Latin noun "temetum," meaning "intoxicating drink."
From the Latin prefix "abs-," meaning "from" or "away," and the Latin noun "temetum," meaning "intoxicating drink."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Definition of Absorb
Absorb: 1. To take something in, as through the skin or the intestine.
2. To react with radiation and reduce it in intensity, as with a dose of radiation or transmitted light.
See also: Absorbed dose; Absorption; Malabsorption; Reabsorption.
2. To react with radiation and reduce it in intensity, as with a dose of radiation or transmitted light.
See also: Absorbed dose; Absorption; Malabsorption; Reabsorption.
Definition of Absinthism
Absinthism: The disorder associated with the habitual abuse of absinthe. The symptoms included hallucinations, sleeplessness, tremors, and convulsions. There has been debate over whether absinthism was due to absinthe or the alcohol contained therein. For more information, see: Absinthe.
Definition of Absenteeism
Absenteeism: The frequent absence from work or other duty without good reason. See also: Presenteeism.
Definition of Absence seizure
Absence seizure: A seizure that takes the form
of a staring spell. The person suddenly seems to
be "absent." An absence seizure involves a brief loss of awareness, which can be accompanied by blinking or mouth twitching. Absence seizures have a very characteristic appearance on an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Also called a petit mal seizure.
of a staring spell. The person suddenly seems to
be "absent." An absence seizure involves a brief loss of awareness, which can be accompanied by blinking or mouth twitching. Absence seizures have a very characteristic appearance on an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Also called a petit mal seizure.
Definition of Abse, Dannie
Abse, Dannie: British pulmonary physician and poet. Abse was born in 1923 in Cardiff, Wales to a Jewish family. He studied medicine first in Wales and then at King's College, London. He published his first collection of poetry in 1948 and qualified as a physician in 1950. Since then he has continued to combine his careers as a physician and writer, aspects of his life that, together with his Jewish and Welsh background, are integral themes in his poetry. Dr. Abse makes an emblem of the white coat for the scientist/doctor and the purple coat for the poet. This concept is so important for him that it is the title of his collected poems: "White Coat, Purple Coat: Collected Poems 1948-1989."
A sample of Abse's poetry follows:
Today, an x-ray on this oblong light
Clear that was not clear. No pneumothorax,
No deforming thoracoplasty. No flaw.
The patient nods, accepts it as his right.
From "Tuberculosis"
By Dannie Abse
A sample of Abse's poetry follows:
Today, an x-ray on this oblong light
Clear that was not clear. No pneumothorax,
No deforming thoracoplasty. No flaw.
The patient nods, accepts it as his right.
From "Tuberculosis"
By Dannie Abse
Definition of Abruptio (abruptio placentae)
Abruptio (abruptio placentae): Premature separation of the
placenta from the wall of the uterus. Abruption is a potentially serious problem both for
the mother and baby.
placenta from the wall of the uterus. Abruption is a potentially serious problem both for
the mother and baby.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Definition of Abraham-man
Abraham-man: Also abram-man. One of a class of beggars who once wandered over England after the dissolution of the religious houses in the 16th century, pretending lunacy for the sake of obtaining alms.
To sham Abraham (or sham Abram) now means to feign sickness, to fake illness.
To sham Abraham (or sham Abram) now means to feign sickness, to fake illness.
Definition of ABR test
ABR test: Auditory brainstem response test. A test for hearing and brain (neurological) functioning. ABR may be used in the evaluation of:
Hearing integrity (and neurologic normalcy) in infants and young children.
Neurologic integrity (and hearing) in patients who are comatose, unresponsive, or impaired due to a stroke, an acoustic neuroma (tumor on the hearing nerve), Meniere's disease, etc.
The ABR test involves attaching electrodes to the head to record electrical activity from the auditory nerve (the hearing nerve) and other parts of the brain. Also known as brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP).
Hearing integrity (and neurologic normalcy) in infants and young children.
Neurologic integrity (and hearing) in patients who are comatose, unresponsive, or impaired due to a stroke, an acoustic neuroma (tumor on the hearing nerve), Meniere's disease, etc.
The ABR test involves attaching electrodes to the head to record electrical activity from the auditory nerve (the hearing nerve) and other parts of the brain. Also known as brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP).
Definition of Abortive polio
Abortive polio: Abortive polio is a minor illness. It accounts for 80-90% of clinically apparent cases of polio infection, chiefly in young children. It does not involve the CNS. The usual symptoms are slight fever, malaise, headache, sore throat and vomiting which hit 3-5 days after exposure to the polio virus. Full recovery occurs in 24-72 hours. There are no permanent disabilities of any kind.
Polio as a major illness is in contrast to abortive polio. Symptoms appear usually with no sign of a prior illness 7-14 days after exposure to the virus, particularly in older children and adults, and may include fever,
severe headache, stiff neck and back, deep muscle pain, and sometimes areas of hyperesthesia (increased sensation) and paresthesia (altered sensation). There may be no further progression from this picture of viral meningitis (called "aseptic" meningitis) or there be loss of tendon
reflexes and weakness or paralysis of muscle groups.
Polio can thus take one of two main avenues: that of minor ("abortive") illness or that of major illness. And polio as a major illness can then take one of two branching roads: that of aseptic meningitis without paralysis or that of paralytic polio.
In abortive polio, recovery is complete. Recovery is also complete in polio with only aseptic meningitis. In paralytic polio, about 50% of patients recover with no
residual paralysis, about 25% are left with mild disabilities, and the remaining patients have severe permanent disability.
The word "abortive" here means "tending to cut short" so that abortive polio is polio cut short.
Polio as a major illness is in contrast to abortive polio. Symptoms appear usually with no sign of a prior illness 7-14 days after exposure to the virus, particularly in older children and adults, and may include fever,
severe headache, stiff neck and back, deep muscle pain, and sometimes areas of hyperesthesia (increased sensation) and paresthesia (altered sensation). There may be no further progression from this picture of viral meningitis (called "aseptic" meningitis) or there be loss of tendon
reflexes and weakness or paralysis of muscle groups.
Polio can thus take one of two main avenues: that of minor ("abortive") illness or that of major illness. And polio as a major illness can then take one of two branching roads: that of aseptic meningitis without paralysis or that of paralytic polio.
In abortive polio, recovery is complete. Recovery is also complete in polio with only aseptic meningitis. In paralytic polio, about 50% of patients recover with no
residual paralysis, about 25% are left with mild disabilities, and the remaining patients have severe permanent disability.
The word "abortive" here means "tending to cut short" so that abortive polio is polio cut short.
Definition of Abortive
Abortive: The word "abortive" has a number of meanings including prematurely born; fruitless or unsuccessful; imperfectly formed or developed; tending to cut short.
In everyday language, the sense of "abortive" to mean prematurely born, as "an abortive child," is largely obsolete today. The main meaning of "abortive" in ordinary English is fruitless or unsuccessful, as an "abortive enterprise" or an "abortive effort."
In biology, "abortive" means imperfectly formed or developed or rudimentary as, an "abortive organ."
In medicine, "abortive" has two meanings: one, causing abortion, as an "abortive medicine," is rarely used nowadays; the other meaning, that of tending to cut short is quite commonly used in medicine, as in the "abortive treatment of typhoid fever" or "abortive polio": polio cut short.
In everyday language, the sense of "abortive" to mean prematurely born, as "an abortive child," is largely obsolete today. The main meaning of "abortive" in ordinary English is fruitless or unsuccessful, as an "abortive enterprise" or an "abortive effort."
In biology, "abortive" means imperfectly formed or developed or rudimentary as, an "abortive organ."
In medicine, "abortive" has two meanings: one, causing abortion, as an "abortive medicine," is rarely used nowadays; the other meaning, that of tending to cut short is quite commonly used in medicine, as in the "abortive treatment of typhoid fever" or "abortive polio": polio cut short.
Definition of Abortion, therapeutic
Abortion, therapeutic: An abortion that is brought about intentionally. Also called an artificial or induced abortion. As opposed to a spontaneous abortion (a miscarriage).
Definition of Abortion, spontaneous
Abortion, spontaneous: A miscarriage, that is, any pregnancy
that is not viable (the fetus cannot survive) or in which the fetus is born before the 20th week of pregnancy. Spontaneous
abortion occurs in at least 15-20% of all recognized
pregnancies and usually takes place before the 13th week of
pregnancy.
A spontaneous abortion is as opposed to an induced abortion. In a spontaneous abortion, it is purely accidental, that is spontaneous.
that is not viable (the fetus cannot survive) or in which the fetus is born before the 20th week of pregnancy. Spontaneous
abortion occurs in at least 15-20% of all recognized
pregnancies and usually takes place before the 13th week of
pregnancy.
A spontaneous abortion is as opposed to an induced abortion. In a spontaneous abortion, it is purely accidental, that is spontaneous.
Definition of Abortion, recurrent
Abortion, recurrent: The occurrence of 3 or more miscarriages (which are medically termed "spontaneous abortions") with no intervening
pregnancies.
Recurrent abortion (or, as it is sometimes called, habitual
abortion) is a form of infertility. It may be due to chromosome abnormalities.
pregnancies.
Recurrent abortion (or, as it is sometimes called, habitual
abortion) is a form of infertility. It may be due to chromosome abnormalities.
Definition of Abortion, induced
Abortion, induced: An abortion that is brought about intentionally. Also called an artificial or therapeutic abortion. As opposed to a spontaneous abortion (a miscarriage).
Definition of Abortion, habitual
Abortion, habitual: The miscarriage of 3 or more consecutive pregnancies. The abortion of 3 or more
miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) with no intervening pregnancies is also termed recurrent abortion.
Habitual or recurrent abortion is a form of infertility. It is sometimes due to chromosome abnormalities or other genetic causes.
miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) with no intervening pregnancies is also termed recurrent abortion.
Habitual or recurrent abortion is a form of infertility. It is sometimes due to chromosome abnormalities or other genetic causes.
Definition of Abortion, artificial
Abortion, artificial: An abortion that is brought about intentionally. Also called an induced or therapeutic abortion. As opposed to a spontaneous abortion (a miscarriage).
Definition of Abortion
Abortion: In medicine, an abortion is the
premature exit of the products of
conception (the fetus, fetal membranes, and placenta) from the
uterus. It is the loss of a pregnancy and does not refer to why that
pregnancy was lost. A spontaneous abortion is the same as
a miscarriage. The miscarriage of 3 or more consecutive pregnancies is termed habitual abortion.
premature exit of the products of
conception (the fetus, fetal membranes, and placenta) from the
uterus. It is the loss of a pregnancy and does not refer to why that
pregnancy was lost. A spontaneous abortion is the same as
a miscarriage. The miscarriage of 3 or more consecutive pregnancies is termed habitual abortion.
Definition of ABO blood group
ABO blood group:
The major human blood group system. A person's ABO type depends upon the presence of absence of two genes --the A and B genes. These genes are encoded on chromosome 9 (in band 9q34.1). They determine part of the configuration of the red blood cell surface.
A person can be A, B, AB, or O. If a person has two A genes, their
red blood cells are type A. If a person has two B genes, their red
cells are type B. If the person has one A and one B gene, their red
cells are type AB. If the person has neither the A nor B gene, they
are type O.
The situation with antibodies in blood plasma is just the opposite. Someone with type A red cells has anti-B antibodies (antibodies directed against type B red cells) in their blood plasma. Someone with type B red cells has anti-A antibodies in
plasma. Someone who is type O has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies
in plasma. And someone who is type AB has neither anti-A nor anti-B
antibodies in plasma.
It is most important to determine the ABO status of both donor and recipient in transplants and transfusions by typing and cross-matching. ABO incompatibility in such procedures can be a disaster.
The first
recorded blood transfusion may have taken place in 1492 when Pope
Innocent VIII, laying in a coma, was given the blood of 3 young men.
Blood typing and crossmatching was not done. The pope died, as did
the 3 donors.
In 1901 a Viennese pathologist named Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943)
published an article entitled "On Agglutination Phenomena of Normal
Human Blood," in which he observed that, when blood was transfused
from one human to another, the body often clumped the transfused
blood cells and rejected the transfusion, sometimes going in shock.
In 1909 Landsteiner classified red blood cells into types A, B, AB
and O and showed that the body rejects transfusions of a different
blood type. After moving to the Rockefeller Institute in New York,
Landsteiner received the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his pioneering
research in immunology and blood grouping.
The major human blood group system. A person's ABO type depends upon the presence of absence of two genes --the A and B genes. These genes are encoded on chromosome 9 (in band 9q34.1). They determine part of the configuration of the red blood cell surface.
A person can be A, B, AB, or O. If a person has two A genes, their
red blood cells are type A. If a person has two B genes, their red
cells are type B. If the person has one A and one B gene, their red
cells are type AB. If the person has neither the A nor B gene, they
are type O.
The situation with antibodies in blood plasma is just the opposite. Someone with type A red cells has anti-B antibodies (antibodies directed against type B red cells) in their blood plasma. Someone with type B red cells has anti-A antibodies in
plasma. Someone who is type O has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies
in plasma. And someone who is type AB has neither anti-A nor anti-B
antibodies in plasma.
It is most important to determine the ABO status of both donor and recipient in transplants and transfusions by typing and cross-matching. ABO incompatibility in such procedures can be a disaster.
The first
recorded blood transfusion may have taken place in 1492 when Pope
Innocent VIII, laying in a coma, was given the blood of 3 young men.
Blood typing and crossmatching was not done. The pope died, as did
the 3 donors.
In 1901 a Viennese pathologist named Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943)
published an article entitled "On Agglutination Phenomena of Normal
Human Blood," in which he observed that, when blood was transfused
from one human to another, the body often clumped the transfused
blood cells and rejected the transfusion, sometimes going in shock.
In 1909 Landsteiner classified red blood cells into types A, B, AB
and O and showed that the body rejects transfusions of a different
blood type. After moving to the Rockefeller Institute in New York,
Landsteiner received the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his pioneering
research in immunology and blood grouping.
Definition of Ablation
Ablation:
Removal or excision. Ablation is usually
carried out surgically. For example, surgical removal of the thyroid
gland (a total
thyroidectomy) is ablation of the thyroid. The word ablation comes
from the Latin ablatum
meaning to carry away.
Historically, the word ablation once
had mainly a general meaning so that in 1671 the ablation (removal)
of a disease was a matter for
consideration. But by 1846 "ablation" had taken on a specifically
surgical edge and today it applies principally to the surgical
removal of any part of
the body.
Removal or excision. Ablation is usually
carried out surgically. For example, surgical removal of the thyroid
gland (a total
thyroidectomy) is ablation of the thyroid. The word ablation comes
from the Latin ablatum
meaning to carry away.
Historically, the word ablation once
had mainly a general meaning so that in 1671 the ablation (removal)
of a disease was a matter for
consideration. But by 1846 "ablation" had taken on a specifically
surgical edge and today it applies principally to the surgical
removal of any part of
the body.
Definition of Abiotic
Abiotic: 1. Not associated with living organisms.2. Anything in the environment incapable of life, such as the soil or weather.3. Incompatible with life or antagonist to it.
Also called abiological.
Also called abiological.
Definition of Aberration
Aberration: (1) A deviation or
irregularity. For example, a chromosome aberration is a deviation
from the normal chromosome number or the normal chromosome structure.
In this sense,
aberration is also synonymous with deflection, departure, divergence,
diversion, turning. (2) A mental aberration is a significant
deviation from normal mental activity. In this sense, aberration is
synonymous with mental derangement, mental illness,
psychopathy.
irregularity. For example, a chromosome aberration is a deviation
from the normal chromosome number or the normal chromosome structure.
In this sense,
aberration is also synonymous with deflection, departure, divergence,
diversion, turning. (2) A mental aberration is a significant
deviation from normal mental activity. In this sense, aberration is
synonymous with mental derangement, mental illness,
psychopathy.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Definition of Abductor spasmodic dysphonia
Abductor spasmodic dysphonia: A disorder in which sudden muscle spasms cause the vocal folds (or vocal cords) to stay open. See: spasmodic dysphonia.
Abdominal pain: Pain in the belly (the abdomen). Abdominal pain can come from conditions affecting a variety of organs. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (the skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity (from beneath the skin and muscles). These organs include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Occasionally, pain may be felt in the abdomen even though it is arising from organs that are close to but not within the abdominal cavity, for example, the lower lungs, the kidneys, and the uterus or ovaries. This latter type of pain is called "referred" pain because the pain, though originating outside the abdomen, is being referred to (felt) in the abdominal area.
Abdominal pain can be acute and sudden in onset, or the pain can be chronic and longstanding. Abdominal pain may be minor and of no great significance, or it can reflect a major problem involving one of the organs in the abdomen. The characteristics of the pain--location, timing, duration, etc. are important in diagnosing its cause. Persistent or severe abdominal pain should be evaluated by a physician.
Acute abdominal pain may require urgent surgery such as for a twisted ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, peritonitis, perforated peptic ulcer, perforated diverticulitis, or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients with gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or a kidney stone may also need urgent treatment. Acute or chronic abdominal pain may also call for medical (nonsurgical) therapy.
The causes of abdominal pain depend on sex and age of the patient. A woman may have a twisted ovarian cyst while a man may have testicular torsion with a twisted testis. Abdominal pain in infants and small children may be due to intestinal obstruction from atresia or stenosis of the intestine, esophageal webs, intussusception, volvulus, imperforate anus, and Hirschsprung disease. These causes of abdominal pain are rarely, if ever, encountered in adults.
Abdominal pain can be acute and sudden in onset, or the pain can be chronic and longstanding. Abdominal pain may be minor and of no great significance, or it can reflect a major problem involving one of the organs in the abdomen. The characteristics of the pain--location, timing, duration, etc. are important in diagnosing its cause. Persistent or severe abdominal pain should be evaluated by a physician.
Acute abdominal pain may require urgent surgery such as for a twisted ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, peritonitis, perforated peptic ulcer, perforated diverticulitis, or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients with gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or a kidney stone may also need urgent treatment. Acute or chronic abdominal pain may also call for medical (nonsurgical) therapy.
The causes of abdominal pain depend on sex and age of the patient. A woman may have a twisted ovarian cyst while a man may have testicular torsion with a twisted testis. Abdominal pain in infants and small children may be due to intestinal obstruction from atresia or stenosis of the intestine, esophageal webs, intussusception, volvulus, imperforate anus, and Hirschsprung disease. These causes of abdominal pain are rarely, if ever, encountered in adults.
Definition of Abdominal muscles
Abdominal muscles: A large group of muscles
in the front of the
abdomen that assists in the regular breathing movement and supports
the muscles of the
spine while lifting and keeping abdominal organs such as the
intestines in place. Abdominal muscles play a key role in exercises
such as "sit-ups." They are informally called the
"abs".
in the front of the
abdomen that assists in the regular breathing movement and supports
the muscles of the
spine while lifting and keeping abdominal organs such as the
intestines in place. Abdominal muscles play a key role in exercises
such as "sit-ups." They are informally called the
"abs".
Definition of Abdominal aneurysm
Abdominal aneurysm: An aneurysm
situated within the abdomen (belly). An aneurysm is a
localized widening (dilatation) of an artery, vein, or the
heart. At the area of an aneurysm, there is typically a
bulge and the wall is weakened and may rupture. The word
"aneurysm" comes from the Greek "aneurysma" meaning "a widening." An
aneurysm may involve the aorta, the largest artery in the body, as it
courses down through the abdomen. Because of the great volume of
blood flowing under high pressure in the aorta, rupture of an
abdominal aortic aneurysm is a surefire catastrophe.
situated within the abdomen (belly). An aneurysm is a
localized widening (dilatation) of an artery, vein, or the
heart. At the area of an aneurysm, there is typically a
bulge and the wall is weakened and may rupture. The word
"aneurysm" comes from the Greek "aneurysma" meaning "a widening." An
aneurysm may involve the aorta, the largest artery in the body, as it
courses down through the abdomen. Because of the great volume of
blood flowing under high pressure in the aorta, rupture of an
abdominal aortic aneurysm is a surefire catastrophe.
Definition of Abdomen
Abdomen: The belly, that part of the body
that contains all of the structures between the chest and
the pelvis. The abdomen is separated anatomically from the chest
by the diaphragm, the powerful muscle spanning the body cavity below the lungs.
The abdomen includes a host of organs including the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix,
gallbladder, and bladder.
The word "abdomen" has a curious story behind it. It comes
from the Latin "abdodere", to hide. The idea was that whatever was
eaten was hidden in the abdomen.
that contains all of the structures between the chest and
the pelvis. The abdomen is separated anatomically from the chest
by the diaphragm, the powerful muscle spanning the body cavity below the lungs.
The abdomen includes a host of organs including the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix,
gallbladder, and bladder.
The word "abdomen" has a curious story behind it. It comes
from the Latin "abdodere", to hide. The idea was that whatever was
eaten was hidden in the abdomen.
Definition of Abbreviations, prescription
Abbreviations, prescription: A prescription, as is well known, is
a physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug
or device for a patient. What may be less well known is that a
prescription has several parts:
The superscription (or heading) with the symbol R or Rx which
stands for the word Recipe, meaning (in Latin) to take;
The inscription which contains the names and quantities of the
ingredients;
The subscription or directions for compounding the drug; and
The signature which is often preceded by the sign s. standing for
signa, mark, giving the directions to be marked on the
container.
You may see some chicken scrawl marks on a prescription. For
example, b.i.d. It means twice (two times) a day and is an
abbreviation for "bis in die" which in Latin means, not too surprisingly, twice a day. It is one of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have been traditionally used in prescriptions to specify the frequency with which medicines should be taken.
Some of the abbreviations of terms commonly used in
prescriptions with their meanings are:
a.c. = before meals (from "ante cibum," before meals)
ad lib: use as much as one desires (from "ad libitum")
b.i.d. = twice a day
caps = capsules
da or daw = dispense as written
g (or gm or GM) = gram
gtt. = drops (from "guttae," drops)
h. = hour
mg = milligram
ml = milliliter
p.c. = after meals (from "post cibum," after meals)
p.o. = by mouth, orally (from "per os," by mouth)
p.r.n. = when necessary (from "pro re nata," for an occasion that
has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed)
q.d. = once a day (from "quaque die," once a day)
q.i.d. = four times a day (from "quater in die," 4 times a day)
q._h.: If a medicine is to be taken every so-many hours (from
"quaque," every and the "h" indicating
the number of hours)
q.h. = every hour
q.2h. = every 2 hours
q.3h. = every 3 hours
q.4h. = every 4 hours
t.i.d. = three times a day (from "ter in die," 3 times a day)
ut dict. = as directed (from "ut dictum," as directed)
The word "prescription" also comes from the Latin "praescriptus"
and is made up of "prae," before + "scribere," to write, so
that prescription meant "to write before." This reflected the historic
fact that a prescription had traditionally to be written
before a drug could be prepared and then administered to a
patient.
See also "Drug caution codes."
a physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug
or device for a patient. What may be less well known is that a
prescription has several parts:
The superscription (or heading) with the symbol R or Rx which
stands for the word Recipe, meaning (in Latin) to take;
The inscription which contains the names and quantities of the
ingredients;
The subscription or directions for compounding the drug; and
The signature which is often preceded by the sign s. standing for
signa, mark, giving the directions to be marked on the
container.
You may see some chicken scrawl marks on a prescription. For
example, b.i.d. It means twice (two times) a day and is an
abbreviation for "bis in die" which in Latin means, not too surprisingly, twice a day. It is one of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have been traditionally used in prescriptions to specify the frequency with which medicines should be taken.
Some of the abbreviations of terms commonly used in
prescriptions with their meanings are:
a.c. = before meals (from "ante cibum," before meals)
ad lib: use as much as one desires (from "ad libitum")
b.i.d. = twice a day
caps = capsules
da or daw = dispense as written
g (or gm or GM) = gram
gtt. = drops (from "guttae," drops)
h. = hour
mg = milligram
ml = milliliter
p.c. = after meals (from "post cibum," after meals)
p.o. = by mouth, orally (from "per os," by mouth)
p.r.n. = when necessary (from "pro re nata," for an occasion that
has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed)
q.d. = once a day (from "quaque die," once a day)
q.i.d. = four times a day (from "quater in die," 4 times a day)
q._h.: If a medicine is to be taken every so-many hours (from
"quaque," every and the "h" indicating
the number of hours)
q.h. = every hour
q.2h. = every 2 hours
q.3h. = every 3 hours
q.4h. = every 4 hours
t.i.d. = three times a day (from "ter in die," 3 times a day)
ut dict. = as directed (from "ut dictum," as directed)
The word "prescription" also comes from the Latin "praescriptus"
and is made up of "prae," before + "scribere," to write, so
that prescription meant "to write before." This reflected the historic
fact that a prescription had traditionally to be written
before a drug could be prepared and then administered to a
patient.
See also "Drug caution codes."
Definition of Abatement
Abatement: A diminution, decrease or easing. In medicine there may be abatement of pain or any other symptom or sign. In the environment there may abatement in the degree of pollution. See also: Abate.
Definition of Abate
Abate: To lessen or decrease. After a boil is lanced, the pus can drain and the pain and tenderness abate. From the French abbatre, to beat down.
Definition of Ab-
Ab-: Prefix meaning "from, away from, off" as in abduction (movement of a limb away from the midline of the body), ablate (carry or cut away), abnormal (away from normal), absorb (to suck away). Ab in Latin means "from."
"Abs" in the plural is commonly used slang for the abdominal muscles.
"Abs" in the plural is commonly used slang for the abdominal muscles.
Definition of Ab ovo
Ab ovo: Latin expression for "from the beginning." Ab ovo literally means "from the egg."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Definition of Aarskog-Scott syndrome
Aarskog-Scott syndrome: A syndrome of wide spaced eyes (ocular hypertelorism), front-facing (anteverted) nostrils, a broad upper lip, a malformed ("saddle-bag") scrotum, and laxity of the ligaments resulting in bending back of the knees (genu recurvatum), flat feet, and overly extensible fingers. There are X-linked and autosomal forms of the disease. The gene for the X-linked form has been mapped to chromosome band Xp11.21 and identified as the FGD1 gene.
The disease is named for DJ Aarskog (1928-) and CI Scott, Jr. (1934-), Norwegian and American pediatricians, who described it in 1970 and 1971. It is also known as Aarskog syndrome, faciodigitogenital dysplasia, and faciogenital dysplasia.
The disease is named for DJ Aarskog (1928-) and CI Scott, Jr. (1934-), Norwegian and American pediatricians, who described it in 1970 and 1971. It is also known as Aarskog syndrome, faciodigitogenital dysplasia, and faciogenital dysplasia.
Definition of AAO
AAO: 1. Alert and oriented.
2. American Association of Ophthalmology, a professional organization.
3. American Academy of Otolaryngology, a professional organization.
4. American Association of Orthodontists, a professional organization.
5. Amino acid oxidase, an enzyme.
2. American Association of Ophthalmology, a professional organization.
3. American Academy of Otolaryngology, a professional organization.
4. American Association of Orthodontists, a professional organization.
5. Amino acid oxidase, an enzyme.
Definition of AANAT
AANAT: The synbol for the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase and for the gene that encodes it. AANAT is present in animals, bacteria and yeast but in no other living organisms. AANAT belongs to the large superfamily of acetyltransferase enzymes. AANAT is used to make melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's cycles of sleeping and waking.
Definition of a.c.
a.c.: Abbreviation on a prescription meaning before meals; from the Latin "ante cibum", before meals. This is one of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have traditionally been used in writing prescriptions.
Some others:
b.i.d. = twice a day (from "bis in die", twice a
day)
gtt. = drops (from "guttae", drops)
p.c. = after meals (from "post cibum", after meals)
p.o. = by mouth, orally (from "per os", by mouth)
p.r.n. = when necessary (from "pro re nata", for an occasion that
has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed)
q.d. = once a day (from "quaque die", once a day)
q.i.d. = four times a day (from "quater in die", 4 times a day)
q._h.: If a medicine is to be taken every so-many hours (from
"quaque", every and the "h" indicating the number of hours)
q.h. = every hour
q.2h. = every 2 hours
q.3h. = every 3 hours
q.4h. = every 4 hours
t.i.d. = three times a day (from "ter in die", 3 times a day)
ut dict. = as directed (from "ut dictum", as directed)
Some others:
b.i.d. = twice a day (from "bis in die", twice a
day)
gtt. = drops (from "guttae", drops)
p.c. = after meals (from "post cibum", after meals)
p.o. = by mouth, orally (from "per os", by mouth)
p.r.n. = when necessary (from "pro re nata", for an occasion that
has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed)
q.d. = once a day (from "quaque die", once a day)
q.i.d. = four times a day (from "quater in die", 4 times a day)
q._h.: If a medicine is to be taken every so-many hours (from
"quaque", every and the "h" indicating the number of hours)
q.h. = every hour
q.2h. = every 2 hours
q.3h. = every 3 hours
q.4h. = every 4 hours
t.i.d. = three times a day (from "ter in die", 3 times a day)
ut dict. = as directed (from "ut dictum", as directed)
Definition of A-
A-: Prefix very much employed in medicine and all of the health sciences, indicating "not, without, -less" as, for example, in alexia
(not read), aphagia (not eat), aphonia (not voice, voiceless).
The "a-" usually becomes "an-" before a vowel as, for example, in anemia
(without blood), anophthalmia (no eye), anotia (no ear), anoxia (no oxygen).
The prefix "a-" comes from the Greek meaning "not."
(not read), aphagia (not eat), aphonia (not voice, voiceless).
The "a-" usually becomes "an-" before a vowel as, for example, in anemia
(without blood), anophthalmia (no eye), anotia (no ear), anoxia (no oxygen).
The prefix "a-" comes from the Greek meaning "not."
Definition of A (adenine)
A (adenine): In genetics, A stands for
adenine, one member of the A-T (adenine-thymine) base pair in DNA. The other base pair in DNA is G-C (guanine-cytosine).
Each base pair forms a "rung of the DNA ladder." A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the "letters" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In DNA base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine.
Adenine is also one of the bases in RNA. There it always pairs with uracil (U). The base pairs in RNA are therefore A-U and G-C.
adenine, one member of the A-T (adenine-thymine) base pair in DNA. The other base pair in DNA is G-C (guanine-cytosine).
Each base pair forms a "rung of the DNA ladder." A DNA nucleotide is made of a molecule of sugar, a molecule of phosphoric acid, and a molecule called a base. The bases are the "letters" that spell out the genetic code. In DNA, the code letters are A, T, G, and C, which stand for the chemicals adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively. In DNA base pairing, adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine.
Adenine is also one of the bases in RNA. There it always pairs with uracil (U). The base pairs in RNA are therefore A-U and G-C.
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