Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A molecule or portion of a molecule capable of binding to the combining site of an antibody. For every given antigenic determinant, the body can construct a variety of antibody-combining sites, some of which fit almost perfectly, and others which barely fit. Also called antigenic determinant. The specific group of atoms (on an antigen molecule)…

Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body. Pertaining to the layer of cells forming the outer surface of the body, the lining of the body cavities, and principal tubes and passageways. Tissue lining internal and external body surfaces. Referring to the epithelium. Pertaining to the epithelium, which is…

Relating to, or involving epidemiology. A study of geographical populations as they are (without intervention) to analyze disease prevalence. Some look at habits (such as food consumption) of certain populations against disease prevalence (dementia, cardiovascular disorders, or longevity, for example). They indicate but do not prove cause and effect. Pertaining to the study of epidemics…

Occurring suddenly in numbers clearly in excess of normal expectancy; said especially of infectious diseases but applied also to any disease, injury, or other health-related event occurring in such outbreaks. Term used to describe a wide-spread outbreak of an infectious disease. Compare with endemic. An unusual number of cases of a disease in a given…

Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. Pertaining to an enzyme.  

The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. The effect of external forces acting upon human, animal, insect, and plant life within the greater surroundings. The state of the environment. The theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling, and preventing environmental factors…

A genus of the family Picornaviridae whose members preferentially inhabit the intestinal tract of a variety of hosts. The genus contains many species. Newly described members of human enteroviruses are assigned continuous numbers with the species designated “human enterovirus”. A virus which prefers to live in the intestine. Enteroviruses include poliomyelitis virus, Coxsackie viruses and…

A genus of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria consisting of organisms causing variable hemolysis that are normal flora of the intestinal tract. Previously thought to be a member of the genus Streptococcus, it is now recognized as a separate genus. A streptococcal bacterium that lives in the intestine. A genus of gram-positive cocci of the family Streptococcaceae,…

The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. A division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) arising from its own line of neural crest cells and composed of the tens of millions of neurons and their supporting cells inside the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and gallbladder. Although the…

Transcriptional element in the virus genome. A substance or object that increases a chemical activity or physiological. A nucleic acid sequence that increases the transcription or utilization of a gene.