Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Senile plaque
Microscopic patch of fragmented nerve around amyloid deposits found in the cerebral cortex of normal elderly people; found in larger amounts in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Spherical formations consisting mostly of degenerated brain cells that impede circulation in the brain arteries, caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis. A spherical deposit of beta amyloid in brain areas in…
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Semi-Fowler’s position
Position of lying on the back with the head elevated 8 to 10 inches and the knees flexed. Placement of a patient with the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees. A position in which the patient lies on the back with the trunk elevated at an approximate 30-degree angle.
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Sebum
Oily secretion of sebaceous glands. A secretion of fatty material from the sebaceous glands. An oily substance secreted by a sebaceous gland, which makes the skin smooth. It also protects the skin against bacteria and the body against rapid evaporation of water. Secretion of the sebaceous glands, containing fat and cellular debris. With sweat, it…
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Sclerotherapy
A form of treatment for varices in which a sclerosing solution is injected into a vein. The treatment of a varicose vein by injecting a sclerosant agent into the vein, and so encouraging the blood in the vein to clot. Treatment of varicose veins by the injection of an irritant solution. This causes thrombophlebitis, which…
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Schick test
An intradermal skin test to detect immunity to diphtheria; a positive result indicates lack of immunity or negative immunity. A test to determine immunity to diphtheria. A test to see if a person is immune to diphtheria [Described 1908. After Bela Schick (1877-1967), paediatrician in Vienna, Austria, and New York, USA.] Determination of susceptibility to…
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Salpingo-oophorectomy
The surgical removal of a fallopian tube and an ovary. Surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This procedure is used to treat cancer of the ovary and some cases of pelvic inflammatory disease. The fallopian tube is usually removed with its adjacent ovary, because the tube is typically damaged by the same condition…
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Rheumatoid factor
A macro globulin type of antibody; increased levels are found in the blood of persons with rheumatoid arthritis. An antibody found in the blood serum of many people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Antibodies found in the serum of many people (about 70%) with rheumatoid arthritis, but also occurring in persons with certain other connective tissue…
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Reticuloendothelial
Refers to the system responsible for phagocytosis of cellular debris, pathogens, and foreign substances and for removing them from the circulation. To the reticuloendothelial system, which is the old name for the mononuclear phagocytic system.
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Raccoon eyes
Dark discoloration (bruising) around the eyes; a sign of possible basilar skull fracture.
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Pylorus
The narrow part of the stomach toward the duodenum. The opening or valve that lies between the stomach and the duodenum. An opening at the bottom of the stomach leading into the duodenum. The connection between the stomach and small intestine. Tubular portion of the stomach, encircled by the pyloric sphincter, leading into the duodenum.…
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