Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A hereditary blood disease, occurring in both sexes, in which the mucous membrane starts to bleed without any apparent reason. It is caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor in the blood, called von Willebrand’s factor. [Described 1926. After E. A. von Willebrand (1870-1949), Finnish physician.] A protein substance in plasma involved in platelet…

The act of bringing up vomit into the mouth. Expulsion of the stomach’s contents partially digested food and digestive juices through the esophagus and the mouth, by contractions of the diaphragm. Vomiting is often involuntary, occurring as a result of irritants in the stomach (as from too much food or alcohol), pressure in the brain…

A cavity in the lungs containing pus. The act of vomiting pus from the throat or lungs.    

A person who offers to do something for free, without being paid. A person who performs services without pay. In the hospital, governing body members are often volunteers, as are persons who provide patient assistance services, as well as amenities and revenue-producing services such as the library and gift shop.  

A movement directed by the person’s willpower, using voluntary muscles, e.g. walking or speaking.  

The process of taking someone into a psychiatric hospital with the person’s consent. The term applied in the UK to the admission of a mentally ill person to a psychiatric unit with his or her agreement. Patients with mental illnesses that may endanger their own safety or that of others can be compulsorily admitted using…

An amount of a substance. The space occupied by a substance, usually a gas or liquid. Liquid volume is expressed in liters or milliliters; gas volume in cubic centimeters. Measures the concentration and strength of hydrogen peroxide.  

A type of surgical forceps with claw-like hooks at the end of each arm. Surgical forceps with clawlike hooks at the ends of both blades. A type of forceps characterized by a hook at the tip of each blade. It is also known as a vulsella or vulsellum.  

A fibrosis and tightening of the muscles of the forearm because blood supply has been restricted, leading to contraction of the fingers. A contraction of the muscles that suppresses the flow of blood to an extremity, most commonly the hand. It is usually a complication of elbow or forearm fractures causing a severe deformity and…

The ability to use the will. Act or state of willing or choosing.