Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

End of a bone shaft, consisting of trabecular bone covered by a thin cortex. The rounded or bulbous ends of long bones. Enlarged ends of bones where growth centers for long bones are located (epiphyseal plate). The long end of a bone where bone growth occurs. Growth plate of the long bones. Bone-forming center at…

A catecholamine neurohormone produced by the adrenal medulla and secreted into the blood supply, whereupon it is circulated throughout the body and may stimulate receptors that initiate sympathomimetic effects; used in local anesthetic solutions for its activation of alpha receptors, which induces vasoconstriction. The active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most species. It…

Mitogenic polypeptide that promotes growth and differentiation, is essential in embryogenesis, and is important in wound healing. A protein of 53 amino acids that greatly increases growth/reproduction of epidermal (skin) cells. This protein also increases growth of wool in sheep. High concentrations of epidermal growth factor are found in human tears. EGF was discovered by…

Any of the cells making up the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface. Epidermis comprises, from within, five epithelial layers: the basal layer (stratum basale), the spinous layer (stratum spinosum), the granular layer (stratum granulosum), the clear layer (stratum lucidum), and the cornified layer (stratum corneum).  

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay wherein an enzyme‐antibody complex binds to an agent thought to be present in a sample. Typically, an enzyme‐activated dye is used to detect the presence of bound immunoglobulin‐enzyme.    

A catalytic protein formed by living cells and having a specific action in promoting a chemical change. A substance made by living cells that causes some particular chemical change to happen without itself being destroyed. An organic compound that interacts with a biological substrate to form a new chemical, either (and more commonly) through the…

Flap that is elevated from a horizontal linear incision, parallel to the free gingival margin, with no vertical incision, creating an envelope or pouch; most often used in combination with connective tissue grafts. It may be sulcular or submarginal.  

To remove an organ or lesion in its entirety without rupture. Often used to describe the removal of a benign odontogenic cyst from the jaws. To remove something completely. Enucleation refers to the surgical removal of an organ, tumor, or other structure in a manner that ensures a clean and complete extraction. A typical example…

The area on the surface of a patient where a radiation beam is incident.  

Any technique of administration in which the agent is absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or oral mucosa (i.e., oral, rectal, sublingual). Involves the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines (i.e., the gastrointestinal tract). Administration of drugs by way of the alimentary canal.