Copy of `mondofacto - Online Medical Dictionary`

The wordlist doesn't exist anymore, or, the website doesn't exist anymore. On this page you can find a copy of the original information. The information may have been taken offline because it is outdated.

mondofacto - Online Medical Dictionary Category: Health and Medicine > Medical Dictionary Date & country: 26/01/2008, UK Words: 116197

conservation of natural resources
The protection, preservation, restoration, and rational use of all resources in the total environment. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

conservative
To preserve) designed to preserve health, restore function and repair structures by nonradical methods, as conservative surgery. ... Origin: L. Conservare ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

conservative replication
<molecular biology> Replication of DNA in such a way that the original parent strands of the DNA molecule end up back with each other. The entire preexisting double-stranded DNA molecule is conserved during each round of replication. ... Compare: semiconservative replication. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

conservative substitution
In a gene product, a substitution of one amino acid with another with generally similar properties (size, hydrophobicity, etc), such that the overall functioning is likely not to be seriously affected. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

conservative treatment
A course of therapeutic action designed to avoid harm, with less possibility of benefit than more risky actions. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

conserve
To keep in a safe or sound state, preserve from change or destruction. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

conserved sequence
<molecular biology> A base sequence in a DNA molecule (or an amino acid sequence in a protein) that has remained essentially unchanged throughout evolution. ... (10 Nov 1998) ...

consistency principle
In psychology, the desire of the human being to be consistent, especially in his attitudes and beliefs; theories of attitude formation and change based on the consistency principle include balance theory, which suggests that the individual seeks to avoid incongruity in his various attitudes. ... See: cognitive dissonance theory. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consolidant
A substance that promotes healing or union. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consolidation
Solidification into a firm dense mass; applied especially to inflammatory induration of a normally aerated lung due to the presence of cellular exudate in the pulmonary alveoli. ... Origin: L. Consolido, to make thick, condense, fr. Solidus, solid ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consolidation chemotherapy
Repetitive cycles of treatment during the immediate post-remission period, used especially for leukaemia. ... Synonym: intensification chemotherapy. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consolidation treatment
A course of treatment with anti-cancer drugs given to the patient whilst in remission with the aim of killing any remaining cancerous cells. ... (13 Nov 1997) ...

consortium
A two- (or more) membered bacterial culture (or natural assemblage) in which each organism benefits from the other. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

conspecific
Of the same species. ... Origin: L. Con-, with, + specific ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

conspecificity
<zoology> Conspecific subspecies are subspecies belonging to the same species. Conspecific applied to species names usually implies that the names refer to the same taxon i.e. Synonymous species. ... (09 Jan 1998) ...

conspicuity
The visibility of a structure of interest on a radiograph, a function of the inherent contrast of the structure and the complexity (noise) of the surrounding image. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constancy
The quality of being constant. ... Origin: L. Constantia, fr. Consto, to stand still ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constancy phenomenon
In perception, the tendency for brightness, colour, size, or shape to remain relatively perceptually constant despite real changes in colour, size, shape or other conditions of observation. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constant
A quantity that, under stated conditions, does not vary with changes in the environment. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constant coupling
Synonym for fixed coupling ... Where several premature beats are seen, the interval between each of them and the preceding normal beat is constant. ... Synonym: constant coupling. ... Variable coupling, where several extrasystoles are seen, the interval between each of them and the preceding sinus beat varies. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constant field equation
Synonym for Goldman equation ... An equation derived to predict membrane potentials in terms of the membrane's permeability to ions and their concentrations on either side. ... Synonym: constant field equation, Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation, GHK equation. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constant infusion pump
An electrically driven device for delivery from a reservoir of a constant, often very small, volume of solution over a prolonged period of time. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constant region
The stem and forking part of the Y-shaped antibody protein, consisting of amino acid chains, that is exactly the same in all antibody molecules within the same individual. (The ends of the Y-shaped molecule will vary widely between different antibodies). ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

constellation
In psychiatry, all the factors that determine a particular action. ... Origin: L.L. Constellatio, fr. Cum, together, + stella, star ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constipate
To cause constipation. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constipated
Suffering from constipation. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constipation
<gastroenterology> Infrequent or difficult evacuation of the faeces. ... Origin: L. Constipatio = a crowding together ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

constituative promoter
An unregulated promoter that allows for continual transcription of itsassociated gene. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

constituent enzyme
<biochemistry> Any of many enzymes that a cellmust have at all times to stay alive. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

constitution
1. The physical makeup of a body, including the mode of performance of its functions, the activity of its metabolic processes, the manner and degree of its reactions to stimuli, and its power of resistance to the attack of pathogenic organisms. ... 2. In chemistry, the number and kind of atoms in the molecule and the relation they bear to each other …

constitution and bylaws
The fundamental principles and laws adopted by an organization for the regulation and governing of its affairs. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

constitutional
1. Affecting the whole constitution of the body, not local. ... 2. Pertaining to the constitution. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

constitutional cause
A cause acting from within or through some systemic process or inborn error. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutional formula
Synonym for structural formula ... A formula in which the connections of the atoms and groups of atoms, as well as their kind and number, are indicated. ... Synonym: constitutional formula, graphic formula. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutional hepatic dysfunction
Synonym for familial nonhemolytic jaundice ... Mild jaundice due to increased amounts of unconjugated bilirubin in the plasma without evidence of liver damage, biliary obstruction, or haemolysis; thought to be due to an inborn error of metabolism in which the excretion of bilirubin by the liver is defective, ascribed to decreased conjugation of bili …

constitutional hirsutism
Mild to moderate degree of hirsutism present in an individual exhibiting otherwise normal endocrine and reproductive function. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutional liver dysfunction
An inherited disorder that affects the way bilirubin in handled by the liver. Thought to be due to an inborn error of bilirubin metabolism. ... Symptoms include mild jaundice, weakness, fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain. ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

constitutional psychology
The psychology of the individual as related to body habitus. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutional reaction
A generalised reaction in contrast to a focal or local reaction; in allergy the immediate or delayed response, following the introduction of an allergen, occurring at sites remote from that of injection. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutional symptom
A symptom indicating a systemic effect of a disease; e.g., weight loss. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutional thrombopathy
Synonym for Glanzmann's thrombasthenia ... <haematology> A form of congenital platelet functional defect that result in prolongation of the bleeding time. Characteristics include mucosal and post-operative bleeding that may be severe. ... (17 Dec 1997) ...

constitutional ulcer
An ulcer due to systemic disease, such as tuberculosis. ... Synonym: symptomatic ulcer. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutive
Constantly present, whether there is demand or not. Thus some enzymes are constitutively produced, whereas others are inducible. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

constitutive enzyme
<enzyme> An enzyme that is constantly produced by the cell regardless of the growth conditions. ... Compare: induced enzyme. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constitutive gene
A gene which is continuously expressed without any regulation (transcription can be neither suppressed nor encouraged). These genes generally encode housekeeping functions and are expressed at low levels in all cells. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

constitutive heterochromatin
<protein> Regions on chromosomes which are permanently condensed and genetically inactive in every cell in the body. The condensed portions are always in the same position on both homologous chromosomes. An example is the centromeres. ... Compare: facultative heterochromatin. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

constitutive mutant
An organism with a mutation in a regulatory gene, so that the genes which its flawed regulatory product are supposed to suppress become constitutive genes, or impossible to turn off. Thus, the products of the uncontrolled genes are produced to excess. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

constriction
The act of constricting. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

constriction ring
The equatorial ring of microfilaments that diminishes in diameter probably both by contraction and disassembly as cytokinesis proceeds. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

constriction, pathologic
The condition of an anatomical structure's being constricted beyond normal dimensions. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

constrictions of ureter
Normal physiological narrowings of the ureter observable in a pyelogram; the uppermost occurs at the origin of the ureter from the renal pelvis; a second occurs as the ureter crosses the iliac vessels and pelvic brim; the inferiormost occurs as the ureter penetrates the wall of the urinary bladder. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constrictive bronchiolitis
Obliteration of bronchioles by scarring following bronchiolitis obliterans. ... Compare: proliferative bronchiolitis. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constrictive endocarditis
Thickening of the endocardium due to inflammation of any origin that restricts the diastolic relaxation of one or both ventricles producing diastolic ventricular failure. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constrictive pericarditis
<pathology> Chronic inflammation of the pericardial sac (pericarditis) can lead to scarring and fibrosis of the pericardium. Due to this process, the pericardium can interfere with the hearts ability to pump blood into the systemic circulation. Causes include tuberculosis infection, radiation therapy, cardiac surgery, viral infection or autoi …

constrictor
1. Anything that binds or squeezes a part. ... 2. A muscle, the action of which is to narrow a canal; a sphincter. ... Origin: L. Fr. Constringo, to draw together ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

construct
(noun) The combination of a bone graft, metal instrumentation, prosthetic devices and/or bone cement applied to a specific level of the spinal column in the setting of segmental spinal instability. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

construct validity
The extent to which a test or procedure appears to measure a higher order, inferred theoretical construct, or trait in contrast to measuring a more limited, specific dimension; e.g., a sychrony in the scores on the Stanford-Binet Test, on a test of information processing, and the rate of glucose metabolism in the brain all are indices of intelligen …

constructional agraphia
An aghraphia in which letters and words can be written correctly, but not arranged appropriately on the writing surface. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

constructional apraxia
Apraxia manifested as an impairment in activity such as building, assembling, and drawings; caused by parietal lobe lesions. ... Synonym: apractagnosia. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consultand
A person about whose future offspring the genetic counselor is to make predictions; not to be confused with proband. ... Origin: consult (for counsel) + L. -andus, gerundive suffix ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consultant
1. A physician or surgeon who does not take full responsibility for a patient, but acts in an advisory capacity, deliberating with and counseling the attending physician or surgeon. ... 2. A member of a hospital staff who has no active service but stands ready to advise in any case, at the request of the attending physician or surgeon. ... Origin: L. …

consultants
Individuals referred to for expert or professional advice or services. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

consultation
Meeting of two or more physicians or surgeons to evaluate the nature and progress of disease in a particular patient and to establish diagnosis, prognosis, and/or therapy. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consulting staff
Specialists affiliated with a hospital who serve in an advisory capacity to the attending staff. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consumer advocacy
The promotion and support of consumers' rights and interests. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

consumer organizations
Organised groups of users of goods and services. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

consumer participation
Community or individual involvement in the decision-making process. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

consumer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction with a benefit or service received. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

consummatory behaviour
An act which constitutes the termination of a given instinctive behaviour pattern or sequence. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

consumption
1. The using up of something, especially the rate at which it is used. ... 2. Obsolete term for a wasting of the tissues of the body, usually tuberculous. ... Origin: L. Con-sumo, pp. -sumptus, to take up wholly, use up, waste ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consumption coagulopathy
<haematology> A disorder that includes accelerated platelet consumption with coagulation factor depletion (prolongation of PT and PTT) and stimulation of fibrinolysis (generation of fibrin split products). ... Disseminated intravascular coagulation can be caused by severe bacterial infections (sepsis), extensive burns, trauma, retained dead fo …

consumptive
Relating to, or suffering from, consumption. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

consumptive wildlife use
Activities that involve harvest of wildlife, such as hunting and fishing. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

contact
A mutual touching of two bodies or persons. ... Origin: L. Contactus = a touching together ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact allergy
Synonym for allergic contact dermatitis ... A delayed type IV allergic reaction of the skin with varying degrees of erythema, oedema, and vesiculation resulting from cutaneous contact with a specific allergen. ... Synonym: contact allergy. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact area
That part of the proximal surface of a tooth which touches the adjacent tooth mesially or distally. ... Synonym: contact point, point of proximal contact. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact ceptor
A nerve ceptor in the surface layer of skin or mucous membrane by means of which impulses contributed by direct physical impact are received. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact cheilitis
Inflammation of the lips resulting from contact with a primary irritant or specific allergen, including ingredients of lipsticks. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact dermatitis
<pathology> A type of immune-mediated inflammatory skin rash that results from an allergy to a particular substance (for example jewelry dermatitis, poison ivy, neomycin ointment, etc.). ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

contact following
Behaviour shown by individual slime mould cells when they join a stream moving towards the aggregating centre. Contact sites A at front and rear of cell may be involved in Dictyostelium. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact guidance
Directed locomotory response of cells to an anisotropy of the environment, for example the tendency of fibroblasts to align along ridges or parallel to the alignment of collagen fibres in a stretched gel. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact hypersensitivity
Synonym for contact dermatitis ... <pathology> A type of immune-mediated inflammatory skin rash that results from an allergy to a particular substance (for example jewelry dermatitis, poison ivy, neomycin ointment, etc.). ... (27 Sep 1997) ...

contact illumination
Illumination of the eye by means of an instrument in contact with the cornea or bulbar conjunctiva. ... Critical illumination, the precise focusing of the light source directly upon the object being examined. ... Dark-field illumination, a procedure in which a black circular shield is used to block the majority of the vertically directed rays of ligh …

contact induced spreading
The response in which contact between two epithelial cells leads to a stabilised contact and the increased spreading of the cells so that the area covered is greater than that covered by the two cells in isolation. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact inhibition
The inhibition of continued growth and division of a cell or colony due to physical contact with other cells or colonies. The stopping of continued growth when a certain density of cells has been reached. ... The momentary stopping of all movement when a mobile cell runs into another cell. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...

contact inhibition of growth
See: density dependent inhibition. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact inhibition of movement
Reaction in which the direction of motion of a cell is altered following collision with another cell. In heterologous contacts both cell may respond (mutual inhibition) or only one (nonreciprocal). Type I contact inhibition involves paralysis of the locomotory machinery, Type II is a consequence of adhesive preference for the substratum rather than …

contact inhibition of phagocytosis
Phenomenon described in sheets of kidney epithelial cells that, when confluent, lose their weak phagocytic activity, probably because of a failure of adhesion of particles to the dorsal surface in the absence of ruffles. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact lens
A lens that fits over the cornea and sclera or cornea only; used to correct refractive errors. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact lens solutions
Sterile solutions used to clean and disinfect contact lenses. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

contact lenses
Curved shells of glass or plastic applied directly over the globe or cornea to correct refractive errors. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

contact lenses, extended-wear
Hydrophilic contact lenses worn for an extended period or permanently. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

contact lenses, hydrophilic
Soft, supple contact lenses made of plastic polymers which interact readily with water molecules. Many types are available, including continuous and extended-wear versions, which are gas-permeable and easily sterilised. ... (12 Dec 1998) ...

contact point
Synonym for contact area ... That part of the proximal surface of a tooth which touches the adjacent tooth mesially or distally. ... Synonym: contact point, point of proximal contact. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact rate
<epidemiology> The rate at which susceptibles meet infecteds. Usually measured as individuals per unit time. ... (05 Dec 1998) ...

contact sensitivity
Allergic response to contact with irritant, usually a hypersensitivity. ... (18 Nov 1997) ...

contact sites A
Developmentally regulated adhesion sites that appear on the ends of aggregation competent Dictyostelium discoideum at the stage when the starved cells begin to come together to form the grex. Originally detected by the use of Fab fragments of polyclonal antibodies, raised against aggregation competent cells and adsorbed against vegetative cells, to …

contact sites B
Synonym for contact sites A ... Developmentally regulated adhesion sites that appear on the ends of aggregation competent Dictyostelium discoideum at the stage when the starved cells begin to come together to form the grex. Originally detected by the use of Fab fragments of polyclonal antibodies, raised against aggregation competent cells and adsorb …

contact splint
A slotted plate, held by screws, used in the treatment of fracture of long bones. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...

contact surface of tooth
The surface of a tooth that faces an adjacent tooth in the dental arch; the contact surface that is closest to the anterior midline of the dental arch is the mesial surface of a tooth; that farthest is the distal surface. ... Synonym: facies approximalis dentis, facies contactus dentis. ... (05 Mar 2000) ...