Category: C

A systematic method of assigning organisms to various groups. Living organisms are classified into five kingdoms: Monera (Prokaryota), Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Within a kingdom, the subdivisions usually are phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. The genus and species names are referred to as binomial nomenclature, with the larger (genus) category first and…

Any method of arranging the cavities or lesions of teeth into groups that can be recognized and described. Carious lesions are usually named for the surface of the tooth affected (labial, buccal, or occlusal), the type of tooth surface involved (pit and fissure or smooth surface), and by an accepted numbering designation.  

A drug effect produced by all members of a class of medications and not only by a single drug from that class.  

Increased muscle resistance to passive movement of a joint followed by a sudden release of the muscle; commonly seen in patients with spasticity.  

Crumbling into small bits; fragmentation, as of cells.  

Breaking up of astrocytic protoplasmic expansions.  

A method of calculating pediatric drug dosages. The weight of the child in pounds is multiplied by the adult dose and the result is divided by 150.  

One of the secreting cells in the surface epithelium of the bronchioles. These cells, along with goblet cells, provide secretions for the respiratory tract. The secretion is a mucus-poor protein that coats the epithelium.  

Green lines on the dental margin of the gums in copper poisoning.  

Percussion of the chest to loosen secretions. Also called cupping or tapotement. The hand is held in a cupped position.