Category: M

Theory of inheritance based on Mendel’s laws. The term applied to a law enunciated by G. J. Mendel that the offspring is not intermediate in type between its parents, but that the type of one or other parent is predominant. Characteristics are classed as either dominant or recessive. The offspring of the first generation tend…

Antineoplastic drug used to treat multiple myeloma and certain other malignancies. Adverse effects include bone marrow depression, nausea, and vomiting. A drug used to treat various types of cancer, including malignant melanoma, tumors of the breast and ovaries, and Hodgkin’s disease. It is administered by mouth or injection. Side-effects include digestive upsets, mouth ulcers, and…

Uncommon and serious, often fatal, infectious disease caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas pseudomallei, occurring mostly in China and Southeast Asia, and characterized by pneumonia, lung abscesses, and septicemia. Treatment is by anti-bacterials (e.g., chloramphenicol, tetracycline). A disease of wild rodents caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas pseudomallei. It can be transmitted to man, possibly by rat…

Melanin pigment granule produced by melanocytes that gives color to the skin and hair.  

Progestational compound used to treat endometrial cancer. Progestin; a hormone. Megestrol (Megace) is used to treat breast and endometrial cancers as well as to treat weight loss associated with anorexia (failure to eat) and wasting away that leaves a person thin and gaunt. Megestrol is effective in these conditions for reasons that are not entirely…

Physician, usually a pathologist, with specific training in death investigation. The coroner and medical examiner may be one individual, or the medical examiner may work for the coroner’s office. A public office held by a physician whose responsibility it is to investigate sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths. The role of a medical examiner differs from…

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Adverse effects include dizziness and gastrointestinal disturbances; the drug also interacts with many other drugs.  

Antihistamine used to treat and prevent motion sickness. Adverse effects include drowsiness, skin rash, dry mouth, and rapid heartbeat.  

Use of an artificial ventilator (breathing machine) to assist a patient’s breathing. Use of artificially supplied respirations using an automated respirator. The use of a machine to take over a person’s breathing if he or she cannot breathe independently; it can be used temporarily or permanently. Mechanical ventilation maintains the correct balance of oxygen and…

Anthelmintic used to treat pinworm, round- worm, and hookworm infestations. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances. An antihelmintic drug used to treat worm infections. Mebendazole (Vermox) is used to treat roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, whipworm, and multiple worm infections. Mebendazole works by preventing the worm from absorbing glucose, or sugar, which depletes its energy supply and eventually…