Category: A

An abnormality of the pupils of the eyes, often affecting only one eye. At rest the affected pupil is larger than the normal one; it reacts slowly to light and the response on convergence of the eyes is also slow. Eventually the affected pupil will constrict much more completely than its fellow. One or more…

A protein complex formed in muscle between actin and myosin during the process of contraction. The combination of actin and myosin in a muscle.  

A tingling sensation in the hands and feet. Sensation of prickling, tingling, or numbess in the extremities. A medical condition characterized by sensations of tingling or a crawling feeling in the hands or feet, accompanied by heightened sensitivity to pain in those areas. Additionally, there may be instances of paleness or bluish discoloration in the…

A chromosome in which the centromere is situated at or very near one end.  

Congenital absence of the skull, either partial or complete, due to a developmental defect. Partial or complete congenital absence of the cranium.  

A technique of building up a three-dimensional picture of structure within the body using ultrasound waves. Two separate sound sources cause ultrasound waves to be transmitted through and reflected from the organs being examined. The interference patterns produced on a liquid surface are illuminated by laser light and photographed to form a hologram.  

Describing tissues, cells, or parts of cells that stain with acid dyes (such as eosin).  

Describing bacteria that have been stained and continue to hold the stain after treatment with an acidic solution. For example, tuberculosis bacteria are acid-fast when stained with a carbol fuchsin preparation. In bacterial staining, pertaining to bacteria that do not decolorize after application of acid-alcohol but keep a dark stain. Members of the genus Mycobacterium…

Lenses specially designed for use in the eyepieces of microscopes and other scientific instruments. They give clear images, unblurred by the colored fringes that are produced with ordinary lenses (caused by splitting of the light into different wavelengths). Lens that transmits light without separating it into the colors of the visual spectrum.  

A drug used to break down thick mucus secretions. It is administered as an aerosol, primarily for the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis. Side-effects may include spasm of the bronchial muscles, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic drug that is used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and…