Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The middle lobe of the cerebellum, excluding the pyramid and uvula. In evolutionary terms it is the newest part, occurring only in mammals. The portion of the corpus cerebelli of the cerebellum that lies between the primary and pre-pyramidal fissures and consists principally of the ansiform lobules. Phylogenetically, it develops last, in conjunction with the…

Chemotherapy given to people with tumours instead of immediate surgery or radiotherapy, in the hope of reducing the need for these later. The administration of medication to shrink the tumor prior to surgical intervention, as a part of its treatment.  

A genus of bacteria which includes gonococcus, which causes gonorrhoea, and meningococcus, which causes meningitis. Commensal Neisseriae of (usually) the respiratory tract, these organisms are rarely (if ever) intracellular, grow sans serum or blood, and are differentiated from the gonococcus and meningococcus by carbohydrate reactions. A genus of spherical Gram-negative aerobic nonmotile bacteria characteristically grouped…

A stretcher to which a person can be strapped and moved about in an upright position.  

A round or oval inclusion in the cytoplasm of nerve cells of people or animals who have rabies [Described 1903. After Adelchi Negri (1876-1912), Professor of Bacteriology at Pavia, Italy.]  

Meaning orshowing ‘no’. Indicating that something being tested for is not present. Possessing a numerical value that is less than zero. A terminal or electrode exhibiting an excess of electrons compared to its normal state is referred to as a negatively charged terminal. Electrons flow away from the negative terminal of a voltage source.  

A state in which someone does not have the opportunity or capacity to fulfil his or her basic needs.  

The puncture of a cataract with a needle. A form of capsulotomy in which a sharp needle is used to make a hole in the capsule surrounding the lens of the eye. An operation performed in the treatment of cataracts, in which the anterior lens capsule of the eye is opened with a needle, allowing…

An accidental pricking of your own skin by a needle, as by a nurse picking up a used syringe. An accident in which a used hypodermic needle pierces the skin of an individual other than the patient. This is a serious cause of injury and infection for health care professionals, especially since such diseases as…