Category: M

One of the two basic classes of glia (the non-nervous cells of the central nervous system), divided into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.  

Excessive bodily growth with marked enlargement of the genitalia. Macrogenitosomia precox is a variant occurring in early childhood.  

The nonmotile female sex cell of the malarial parasite (Plasmodium) and other single-celled animals. The macrogamete is similar to the ovum of higher animal groups and larger than the male sex cell. A cell that undergoes meiosis to form mature female sex cells (macrogametes) of the malarial parasite (Plasmodium). Macrogametocytes are found in the blood…

Clinical data used to demonstrate trends in disease or treatment. For example, the statistical results of two surgical treatments may be compared with the option of not operating. A statistician may advise how to analyze medical statistical results. In addition, medical statistics may be analyzed for the incidence and prevalence of various disorders and disease,…

A condition in which muscles become immobilized. Rigidity of the facial muscles and generalized body rigidity are characteristics of Parkinson disease.  

A localized infection of the tissues of the skin, muscles, and bone. Mycetoma appears as a swelling and distortion of the affected body part that progresses to an oozing abscess. Usually caused by fungi, it may be treated with antifungal medication, often in combination with surgery to remove the lesion. Treatment with ketoconazole over a long…

The overall health and function of the body’s skeletal bones and the muscles attached to them. The skeleton provides a supporting framework for muscles to move and protects the organs in the body. The skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles that are controlled by nerve impulses from the brain: these muscles flex and extend joints and…

Drugs used to stimulate muscular activity. Examples of muscle stimulants include laxatives, which stimulate the smooth muscle of the bowel to promote defecation, and drugs such as metoclopramide that increase the movements or contractions of the stomach and first part of the small intestine to prevent nausea and vomiting.  

A pregnancy in which a woman is carrying more than one fetus. It occurs when two or more eggs are released simultaneously from the ovaries and are fertilized or when a single fertilized egg divides into two eggs early in development. A pregnancy with two or more fetuses is considered a higher risk pregnancy because…

An antiasthma drug. Montelukast (Singulair) is used to treat asthma. Leukotrienes are associated with the swelling of tissues and tightening of muscles in the throat that cause the airways to close during an asthma attack. Montelukast helps to prevent such attacks by blocking leukotrienes and their effects. A substance that hinders the binding of leukotrienes…