Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Splenic rupture

    An abdominal catastrophe marked by severe, often pleuritic pain, hemodynamic instability, blood loss into the peritoneum, and occasionally cardiovascular collapse and death. It may occur as a result of trauma or rarely in patients with infectious mononucleosis. Treatment may be conservative or may involve removal of the spleen. In delayed rupture of the spleen, a…

  • Plaque rupture

    The separation of a lipid rich lesion from the wall of a blood vessel. The damage this does to the lining of a blood vessel triggers a cascade of events that result in blood clot formation within the vessel and its eventual obstruction. This is the immediate cause of acute myocardial infarction.  

  • Rupture of perineum

    Spontaneous laceration of the perineum during the second stage of labor. The event occurs more commonly in primiparas and may be avoided by having an episiotomy.  

  • Rupture of membranes

    The rupture of the amniotic sac as a normal result of dilation of the cervix uteri in labor.  

  • Cardiac rupture

    A tearing of the heart muscle that may occur after severe chest trauma (or in about 2% of patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction). It typically results in sudden cardiac death or tamponade.  

  • Rupture of the achilles tendon

    Disruption of the attachments of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the posterior calcaneus, an injury that typically occurs in middle-aged male athletes participating in basketball or other ball sports, some divers, or patients treated with steroid injections for Achilles tendonitis.  

  • Rupia

    A rash, usually caused by tertiary syphilis, first manifested by large elevations of the epidermis filled with a clear, bloodstained, turbid, or purulent serum. The bulla bursts and allows some fluid to escape. As it desiccates, it is covered with a crust that dries, accumulates new layers, and becomes covered with greenish-brown scales, sometimes to…

  • Runner’s high

    Feelings of relaxation experienced by many persons who participate in an intensive aerobic exercise program. A phenomenon in which a runner experiences euphoria precipitated by the act of running.  

  • Rumpf’s symptom

    A quickening of the pulse when pressure is exerted over a painful spot.  

  • Rump

    The posterior end of the back, the gluteal region, or the buttocks.  

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