Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A cell surface glycoprotein of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and serves as a cofactor in the activation of protein C and its regulation of blood coagulation. A cell surface protein found on endothelial cells that plays a key role in modulating the final step in the coagulation process. After thrombin binds to thrombomodulin, thrombin…

Blood cells that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called platelets. The platelets of the blood. Essential for normal blood clotting. Alternate name for platelets, a type of blood cell important in clotting.  

An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. Plasma protein involved in the coagulation of blood. The key to thrombus (blood clot) formation. Thrombin is a proteolytic enzyme that cleaves fibrinogen into (molecular) pieces, which then spontaneously assemble themselves into fibrin, which forms a clot. A substance which…

An essential amino acid occurring naturally in the L-form, which is the active form. It is found in eggs, milk, gelatin, and other proteins. A crystalline, a-amino acid considered essential for normal growth of animals. It is biosynthesized (i.e., made) from aspartic acid and is a precursor of isoleucine in microorganisms. An essential four-carbon amino…

Pertaining to or characterized by heat.    

The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, palliative or curative. Having a beneficial or curative effect. Pertaining to treatment or healing. The science concerned with medicinal substances that have curative potentials, pharmacognosy; materia medica; toxicology. The study of various types of treatment and their effect on patients. That branch of…

A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. An androgen (steroid hormone) that is biochemically synthesized (made) from androstenedione, which is itself synthesized from progesterone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics in humans such as greater strength, larger body size, facial hair and a deeper voice,…

A DNA sequence sited at the end of a transcriptional unit that signals the end of transcription.  

One of the two irregular bones forming part of the lateral surfaces and base of the skull, and containing the organs of hearing. To the temple of the head or the corresponding lobe of the brain. Referring or relating to muscles, bone or blood vessels etc around the temple. This medical term pertains to the…

A terminal section of a chromosome which has a specialized structure and which is involved in chromosomal replication and stability. Its length is believed to be a few hundred base pairs. DNA sequences, that do not code for proteins, which are located at the (end) tips of chromosomes. Telomeres consist of the sequence GGGGTT repeated…