Category: P
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Physical genetic trait
A characteristic of the body of a person, e.g. red hair or big feet, which is inherited.
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Physical examination
An examination of someone’s body to see if he or she is healthy. A thorough study of a person’s state of health. The physical examination typically follows history-taking or medical interview. Examination usually includes inspection, palpation (direct feeling with the hand), percussion (striking parts of the body with short, sharp taps and feeling and listening…
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Physical education
The teaching of sports and exercises in school.
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Physical
Referring to the body, as opposed to the mind. Relating to the body rather than to the mind. For example, a physical sign is one that a doctor can detect when examining a patient, such as abnormal dilation of the pupils or the absence of a knee-jerk reflex. Having to do with physics, that is,…
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Phycomycosis
An acute infection of the lungs, central nervous system and other organs by a fungus. Any infection caused by fungi or the group Phycomycetes. These fungi inhabit soil and do not usually produce disease in humans. A disease caused by parasitic fungi of the genera Rhizopus, Absidia, and Mucor. The disease affects the sinuses, the…
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Phthirius pubis
A louse which infests the pubic region.
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Phthiriasis
Infestation with the crab louse, Phthirus pubis, which causes intense itching; continued scratching by the patient may result in bacterial infection of the skin. Phthiriasis can be treated with applications containing gamma benzene hexachloride.
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Phrenicotomy
An operation to divide the phrenic nerve. Cutting of the phrenic nerve to immobilize a lung by inducing paralysis of one side. This causes the diaphragm to rise, compressing the lung and diminishing respiratory movement, thus resting the lung on that side. A surgical procedure to cut the phrenic nerve.
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Phreniclasia
An operation to clamp the phrenic nerve.
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Phrenic avulsion
The surgical removal of part of the phrenic nerve in order to paralyse the diaphragm. The surgical removal of a section of the phrenic nerve, which paralyzes the diaphragm. The procedure was used as a means of resting a lung infected with tuberculosis.