Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Pupa

    The stage in complete metamorphosis of an insect that follows the larva and precedes the adult or imago. The insect does not feed during this stage and usually is inactive.  

  • Pungency

    The quality of being sharp, strong, or bitter, as an odor or taste.  

  • Ventricular puncture

    Puncture of a ventricle of the brain for purpose of withdrawing fluid or introducing air for ventriculography.  

  • Tracheoesophageal puncture

    The surgical creation of a passage between the trachea and esophagus. It is used for vocal restoration in patients who have undergone laryngectomy. The technique provides air to the esophagus. The patient is trained to use that air to make vibrations that recreate speech. A surgically created connection between the trachea and the esophagus made…

  • Exploratory puncture

    Piercing of a cavity or cyst for the purpose of examining the fluid or pus removed.  

  • Diabetic puncture

    Puncture in the floor of the fourth ventricle, which results in glycosuria. This lesion was produced experimentally by the French physiologist Claude Bernard.  

  • Cerebrospinal puncture

    A puncture of the meninges to collect cerebrospinal fluid, or to inject contrast media or medications. Puncture sites include the spaces around the spinal cord (lumbar puncture), the cisterna magna (cisternal puncture), or open fontanelles in infants (ventricular puncture).  

  • Arterial puncture

    Placement of a needle or catheter into an artery to sample blood gases or blood pressure, or positioning of a catheter in the aorta or the heart.  

  • Punctoplasty

    An operation to improve the drainage of tears through the lacrimal punctum of the eye when that opening is partly or completely blocked. The procedure is used to treat excessive tearing.  

  • Punctate rash

    A rash with minute red points.  

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