Category: L

  • Lymphokine

    Soluble factors released from lymphocytes that transmit signals for growth and differentiation of various cell types. Peptides and proteins secreted by (immune system response) stimulated T cells. These hormone-like (peptide and protein) molecules direct the movements and activities of other cells in the immune system. Some examples of lymphokines are interleukin-1, interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor…

  • Lymphocyte

    Mononuclear, nonphagocytic leukocyte that originates from stem cells and differentiates in lymphoid tissue (as of the thymus or bone marrow). It is the typical cellular elementsof lymph and constitutes 20–30% of the white blood cells of normal human blood. Divided on the basis of ontogeny and function into two classes: B, T lymphocytes, responsible for…

  • Luxation

    Dislocation or displacement. Partial or complete dislocation of a tooth from its alveolus. Misalignment, displacement, or dislocation of an organ or joint. Displacement of organs or articular surfaces; complete dislocation of a joint.  

  • luting agent

    Any material used to attach or cement indirect restorations to prepared teeth. A compound used in dentistry to bond surfaces together and make them impermeable. Compounds identified as luting agents may be cements, resins, or glass ionomers.  

  • Lute

    To attach two surfaces by means of a cement or other adhesive material.  

  • Luminance

    The intensity of light emitted from a surface per unit area.  

  • Lucia jig

    Eponym (Victor O. Lucia) for an anterior muscle programming device used to obtain an accurate dental arch centric relationship by allowing the condyles to seat in their most superior position.  

  • LPT (abbrev)

    Laser phototherapy.  

  • LPS (abbrev)

    Lipopolysaccharide.  

  • Low lip line

    The lowest position of the inferior border of the resting upper lip. When the patient voluntarily smiles or retracts the lips, the lowest position of the superior border of the lower lip.