Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A count of the number of lymphocytes in the blood.  

The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body. This…

The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. Pertaining to the lymph system or lymph tissue, the “back alley” of blood circulation. Lymph is the alkaline, clear intercellular fluid that drains from the blood capillaries, where the arterial blood separates…

Inflammation of the lymph nodes and glands; it usually occurs as a result of systemic neoplastic disease, bacterial infection, or inflammatory condition. An inflammation of one or more lymph nodes that may be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms that produce disease. Lymphadenitis occurs when these microorganisms are trapped in the…

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). Any of the small structures that filter lymph and contain lymphocytes. Lymph nodes are concentrated in…

The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. The fluid between blood and the tissues in which oxygen and nutrients are transported to the tissues, and waste products back to the blood. A pale fluid containing white blood cells and other substances that bathes…

An instrument, invented by Wollaton, consisting essentially of a prism or a mirror through which an object can be viewed so as to appear on a plane surface seen in direct view and on which the outline of the object may be traced.  

The muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When a person swallows, this muscle relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It stays closed at other times to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. The smooth muscle surrounding the opening of the esophagus into the stomach. In health, it…

Lipoprotein that contains most of the cholesterol in the blood. LDL carries cholesterol to the tissues of the body, including the arteries. A high level of LDL increases the risk of heart disease. LDL typically contains 60 to 70 percent of the total serum cholesterol and both are directly correlated with CHD risk. LDL carry…

A fungal metabolite isolated from cultures of Aspergillus terreus. The compound is a potent anticholesteremic agent. It inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductases), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. It also stimulates the production of low-density lipoprotein receptors in the liver. A drug used to lower serum cholesterol levels. HMG-CoA reductase…