Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Mayer wave
A low-frequency oscillation in arterial blood pressure observed in humans and other animals. This type of wave reflects the physiological variations corresponding to baroreflex feedback. It appears to diminish in elderly people.
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Maximum breathing capacity
The greatest amount of air that can be breathed in a specified period, usually 15 sec. It is expressed in liters of air per minute.
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Maximum allowable concentration
The upper limit of concentration of certain atmospheric contaminants allowed in the workplace.
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Maximal laryngeal height
The measured distance at the end of expiration between the upper border of the suprasternal notch and the top of the thyroid cartilage. A maximal laryngeal height of less than 4 cm is a physical finding present in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease.
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Mauriceau-Smellie maneuver
A technique of delivering the aftercoming head in a breech presentation in which traction is applied to the baby’s maxilla and shoulders until the occiput appears under the symphysis pubis. The child’s body is then raised to the mother’s abdomen while the mouth, nose, brow, and occiput are successively brought over the perineum. The maneuver…
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Maurer’s dots
Coarse stippling of the red cells seen in malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
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Matutinal
To morning or occurring early in the day, such as morning sickness.
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Fetal lung maturity
The ability of the developing lung to oxygenate and ventilate effectively outside the womb. The readiness of the fetal lung can be assessed with several invasive (e.g., amniocentesis) and noninvasive (e.g., ultrasound) tests, all of which have some shortcomings. Some tests on amniotic fluid include: measurements of surfactant; phosphatidylglycerol; the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio; and the number…
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Mature minor rule
Regulations in some states that allow the practitioner to treat minors without parental consent if the minor is deemed to be capable of understanding the nature and consequences of the treatment and if the treatment is of benefit to the minor.
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Mature minor
Any teenager who can demonstrate competence to consent to or refuse treatment. In the common law, a teenager who demonstrates adequate maturity may choose or reject some forms of care, including contraceptive and pregnancy care, mental health and chemical dependency consultations, and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases. In these instances the consent of the parent…
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