Category: A
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Amygdaloid body
An almond-shaped area of grey, unmyelinated nerve tissue located in each temporal lobe that plays a major role in processing memory and sensing dangerous situations.
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Amniotome
Instrument used to puncture the amnionic membrane. Instrument for puncturing fetal membranes.
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Alveolar hypoventilation
Inability to fully expand and fill the small hollow cavities of the lungs.
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Allergenic extract
Protein substance from various foods, pollens, and other sources for the purpose of skin testing and desensitization.
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Allen test
Procedure that measures the collateral circulation to the radial artery. A bedside test used to evaluate the patency of the arteries of the hand before arterial puncture. The patient elevates the hand and repeatedly makes a fist while the examiner places digital occlusive pressure over the radial and ulnar arteries at the wrist. The hand…
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Alkaline phosphatase test
Blood test for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase that is found in both liver cells and bone cells; elevated blood levels are suggestive of liver or bone disease.
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Algor mortis
Lack of skin elasticity as a result of death. The lowering of body temperature that follows death.
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Alcock’s canal
Space in the pelvis between the obturator internus muscle and the obturator fascia that the pudendal nerve passes through.
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Albert’s disease
Bursitis of the Achilles tendon with or without calcification; due to trauma or poorly fitting shoes.
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Alanine aminotransferase test
Blood enzyme test to evaluate tissue damage.