Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a large intestine and a small intestine. Also called the bowel. The gastrointestinal tract; more specifically the part after the stomach, i.e. the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) where the greater part of digestion and absorption take place,…

Having to do with the intestines.  

The interval between two successive cell divisions during which the chromosomes are not individually distinguishable and DNA replication occurs. The stage between the time one mitosis takes place and the beginning of the next mitotic division. A stage of a cell between divisions. The period when a cell is not undergoing division (mitosis), during which…

A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near the tumor. Also called brachytherapy, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy. The implantation of a radioactive substance into the body for treating a disease, e.g., cancer.  

A medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the internal organ systems of adults. A medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment (including surgery) of diseases of the internal organs, e.g., liver, lungs, and heart. Internists are diagnosticians, personal physicians for adult medical care, health counselors, and consultants to other…

Occurring at separated intervals; having periods of cessation of activity. A term applied to fevers which continue for a time, subside completely and then return again. The name is also used in connection with a pulse in which occasional heartbeats are not felt, in consequence of irregular action of the heart. Suspending activity at intervals;…

A heterodimeric cytokine that stimulates the production of interferon gamma from T-cells and natural killer cells, and also induces differentiation of Th1 helper cells. It is an initiator of cell-mediated immunity. A cytokine (glycoprotein) produced by the body, which serves to activate the immune system against certain tumors and pathogens.  

A soluble factor produced by monocytes, macrophages, and other cells which activates T-lymphocytes and potentiates their response to mitogens or antigens. IL-1 consists of two distinct forms, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta which perform the same functions but are distinct proteins. The biological effects of IL-1 include the ability to replace macrophage requirements for T-cell…

A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body’s natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for…

Hospital units providing continuous surveillance and care to acutely ill patients. A specialized nursing unit which concentrates in one area within a hospital seriously ill patients needing constant nursing care and observation. Some intensive care units limit their services to certain types of patients such as coronary care, surgical intensive care, and newborn intensive care…