Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

In obstetrics, artificial starting of the childbirth process by puncturing the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus or by administering a drag (oxytocin) to stimulate contractions of the muscles of the uterus. Labor may be induced to speed child¬ birth in cases of maternal or fetal distress, or electively (e.g., to avert the possibility of a…

Being such that a cure is currently impossible within the realm of known medical practice.    

Person who is mentally unable to make his or her own medical decisions, as well as to realize the possible consequences of these decisions; incompetent patients may have a legal guardian or durable power of attorney to assist in the management of their affairs.  

In anatomy, notch or small hollow.  

Lack of normal tone in the large intestine, resulting in decreased contractions and propulsive movements, delay m the normal passage of material through the intestine to the anus, often an enlargement of the colon, and constipation. It may be congenital (e.g., Hirsch-sprung’s disease) or acquired (e.g., through inadequate food and fluid intake, faulty elimination habits,…

Loss of activity, rendering inert by any means; in biochemistry, often refers to inactivation of an enzyme in a chemical reaction either deliberately by medication or pathologically by illness. Rendering anything inert by using heat or other means. The procedure of making something inactive. For instance, a fluid with bacteria that has been sterilized by…

Lacking an opening; for example, an imperforate hymen completely closes the vagina and prevents the outflow of menstrual blood. Any of several congenital defects in which there is partial or complete obstruction of the anal opening due to a developmental defect. Treatment is by surgery. Lacking an opening. Occasionally girls at puberty are found to…

Opposition to the flow of electric current or sound waves. Resistance of the bones of the inner ear to being set into motion as a result of sound waves. Resistance met by alternating currents in passing through a conductor; consists of resistance, reactance, inductance, or capacitance. The resistance due to the inductive and condenser characteristics…

Covering completely with water. Placing a body under water or other fluid.  

Veins that drain blood from the pelvis and lower limbs; the right and left common iliac veins join to form the inferior vena cava. The veins draining most of the blood from the lower limbs and pelvic region. The right and left common iliac veins unite to form the inferior vena cava. They are each…