Category: O

  • Osmoreceptors

    Receptors that help to control water intake by responding to the concentrations of body fluids. A cell in the hypothalamus which checks the level of osmotic pressure in the blood by altering the secretion of ADH and regulates the amount of water in the blood. Structures in the hypothalamus that detect changes (elevations) in blood…

  • Osmophilic

    Salt loving.  

  • Os externum uteri

    The mouth or orifice to the uterus.  

  • Osculum

    An excurrent opening. A small opening or pore.  

  • Orthostatic hypertension

    A drop in blood pressure caused by standing up from a prone position, resulting in dizziness or fainting.  

  • Orthostatic albuminuria

    Postural albuminuria. The presence of albumin in the urine when the individual is in an upright position or engages in physical activity, which disappears after resting in bed. Albumin is an unusual component in urine and its occurrence typically indicates an underlying medical condition. However, orthostatic albuminuria is not indicative of a disease but is…

  • Orthoptics

    The science of treating visual defects of a mechanical nature. A technique of eye exercise designed to correct the visual axes of eyes not properly coordinated for binocular vision. The study of methods used to treat squints. Practice of using nonsurgical measures, especially eye exercises, to treat abnormalities of vision and coordinated eye movement, such…

  • Orthopedics

    Refers to postural or structural condition. The person who has an orthopedic handicap may encounter problems associated with ambulation. That branch of medicine concerned with the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons) and the treatment of disorders affecting it. The medical specialty that studies, diagnoses, and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including the…

  • Orthomolecular psychiatry

    Correcting mental disorders with nutrition. The study of the impact of natural (e.g., mineral or vitamin) or artificial (e.g., neuroleptic agents) on mental health and mental illness.  

  • Orthomolecular nutrition

    Supplying a person with a chemically perfect diet for his or her individual nutritional needs, orthomolecular medicine.