Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A group of large cell bodies found just below the basal ganglia and containing acetylcholine. These cells send impulses to the cerebral cortex. A loss of these neurons and a subsequent reduction in the amount of acetylcholine is common in people with Alzheimer’s disease.  

The protoplasm composing the nucleus of a cell.  

Material from the cell nucleus containing nucleic acid and protein. The breakdown product of the nucleoproteins of chromosomes.  

The outer bounding membrane of the nucleus. The two-layered membrane surrounding the chromosomes of a cell. The membrane has pores and its outer layer is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell.  

A branch of radiology that uses nuclear physics to diagnose and treat disease. The use of radioactive substances for detecting and treating disorders. A medical specialty that involves the use of radioactive materials in diagnosis and therapy, in techniques such as nuclear scans. The use of radioisotopes (radioactive forms of chemical elements) to diagnose and…

A brain imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce an image. Also known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A new, noninvasive diagnostic method that uses magnetic forces to produce cross-sectional images of body structures; also called magnetic resonance imaging. A phenomenon in which the atomic nuclei of certain materials placed…

Radioactive debris that reaches the earth’s surface following a nuclear explosion.  

The energy contained within the atomic nucleus. The energy liberated through either nuclear fission or nuclear fusion processes. It is commonly referred to as atomic energy, atomic power, or nuclear power. The energy liberated due to alterations in atomic nuclei is referred to as nuclear energy. This form of energy, also called atomic energy, is…

Pertaining to the nape of the neck. An adjective applied to the structures at the back of the neck. In children with down’s syndrome there is a fold of skin at this point (nuchal fold) which can be seen on antenatal ultrasound screening, thereby assisting with early diagnosis.  

A drug used for local anesthesia.