Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Resembling a chain of tapeworm segments. Resembling segments of a tapeworm.  

A test formerly used to diagnose intestinal infection with Giardia lamblia, in which a string is swallowed, then removed, and examined for parasites. A diagnostic test conducted to identify threadworm infection involves the patient swallowing a weighted string. This string absorbs stomach juices, which can later be examined for the presence of threadworm larvae.  

Fusiform enlargement of the proximal and middle phalanges, seen in rickets.  

A sound of respiration similar to that of sawing, produced by the patient’s tracheostomy tube.  

The noise from grinding of the teeth.  

The length of the step taken during ambulation; useful in the assessment of a neuromuscular disease that affects only one leg.  

The operation of cutting strictures of the urethra.  

A surgical technique for treating or opening a bowel blockage used to spare the intestines from surgical removal (e.g., in managing Crohn’s disease).  

Partial or complete narrowing of the urethra, occurring most commonly in men. The condition is marked by straining to pass urine, especially at the commencement of urination. It is caused by spasm of the urethral muscle, congestion of the urethra, and fibrous formation.