Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Melanin pigment granule produced by melanocytes that gives color to the skin and hair.  

Progestational compound used to treat endometrial cancer. Progestin; a hormone. Megestrol (Megace) is used to treat breast and endometrial cancers as well as to treat weight loss associated with anorexia (failure to eat) and wasting away that leaves a person thin and gaunt. Megestrol is effective in these conditions for reasons that are not entirely…

Physician, usually a pathologist, with specific training in death investigation. The coroner and medical examiner may be one individual, or the medical examiner may work for the coroner’s office. A public office held by a physician whose responsibility it is to investigate sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths. The role of a medical examiner differs from…

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Adverse effects include dizziness and gastrointestinal disturbances; the drug also interacts with many other drugs.  

Antihistamine used to treat and prevent motion sickness. Adverse effects include drowsiness, skin rash, dry mouth, and rapid heartbeat.  

Use of an artificial ventilator (breathing machine) to assist a patient’s breathing. Use of artificially supplied respirations using an automated respirator. The use of a machine to take over a person’s breathing if he or she cannot breathe independently; it can be used temporarily or permanently. Mechanical ventilation maintains the correct balance of oxygen and…

Anthelmintic used to treat pinworm, round- worm, and hookworm infestations. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances. An antihelmintic drug used to treat worm infections. Mebendazole (Vermox) is used to treat roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, whipworm, and multiple worm infections. Mebendazole works by preventing the worm from absorbing glucose, or sugar, which depletes its energy supply and eventually…

To form a pouch surgically, as in treatment of a cyst by opening it, draining it, and suturing the edges to adjacent tissues.  

Disease, common around the Mediterranean area and in India, caused by a rickettsia (Rickettsia co-norii) transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). It is characterized by chills, fever, a black-crusted ulcer at the side of the tick bite, and a rash. Also called bouton-neuse fever; Indian tick fever; Kenya fever.  

High molecular weight protein normally found in the blood in small amounts; increased in various disease states (e.g., multiple myeloma, lupus, liver cirrhosis), resulting in marcoglobulinemia.