Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An act of irritation or stimulation or of responding to a stimulus; the addition of energy, as the excitation of a molecule by absorption of photons. In physiology, the process whereby activity is elicited in a nerve. The state of being mentally or physically aroused. The triggering of a conducted impulse in the membrane of…

The electric response recorded from the cerebral cortex after stimulation of a peripheral sense organ.  

Cells of the higher organisms, containing a true nucleus bounded by a nuclear membrane.  

An organism (or a cell) that carries its genetic material physically constrained within a nuclear membrane, separate from the cytoplasm. Organism containing cells that have true nuclei (compare prokaryote). A cell that has a nucleus bounded by a membrane and with chromosomes containing DNA, RNA and proteins. The cell divides by mitosis and also contains…

One of a class of organic compounds in which any two organic radicals are attached directly to a single oxygen atom. A central nervous system depressant used as a general anesthetic until relatively recently. Now replaced by other more reliable, safer drugs. An anaesthetic substance, now rarely used. Solvent used to make free-base cocaine. Liquid…

A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Systematic chemical name for ethyl…

The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach. The dense, muscular tube, 9 to 10 inches long, that extends from the back of the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. The muscular tube through which food and liquids pass from the mouth to the stomach. Gullet; the muscular canal, about 24…

Inflammation, acute or chronic, of the esophagus caused by bacteria, chemicals, or trauma. Inflammation of the esophagus, most often caused by back-flow of acid stomach contents (gastro-esophageal reflux) often associated with hiatus hernia but sometimes caused by infection or irritation. Chronic inflammation of the esophagus; this inflammation can progress to esophageal ulcers or cancer of…

Having to do with the esophagus, the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.  

Red blood cells. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks containing hemoglobin whose function is to transport oxygen. Red blood cells that contain the protein hemoglobin, which is the site where oxygen is carried in the blood. Hemoglobin-containing cells (manufactured in the bone marrow) that transport the oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues where…