Copy of `Dorland's Medical Dictionary`

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Dorland's Medical Dictionary Category: Health and Medicine > Medical Dictionary Date & country: 31/12/2010, USA Words: 39128

renotropic
(re″no-tro´pik) having a special affinity for kidney tissue.

renovascular hypertension
hypertension due to occlusive disease of the renal arteries such as renal artery stenosis or fibromuscular dysplasia.

Renshaw cells
interneurons in the ventromedial region of the spinal cord that make inhibitory connections with the motoneurons.

renule
(ren´ūl) an area of the kidney supplied by a branch of the renal artery, usually consisting of three or four renal pyramids and their corresponding cortical substance.

ReoPro
(re´o-pro″) trademark for a preparation of abciximab, an antithrombotic agent.

Reoviridae
the reoviruses, a family of RNA viruses that includes the genera Coltivirus, Orbivirus, and Rotavirus.

reovirus
(re´o-vi″rәs) any virus of the family Reoviridae.

reoxygenation
(re-ok″sĭ-jә-na´shәn) in radiobiology, the phenomenon in which hypoxic (and thus radioresistant) tumor cells become more exposed to oxygen (and thus more radiosensitive) by coming into closer proximity to capillaries after death and loss of other tumor cells due to previous irradiation.

rep
(rep) acronym for roentgen equivalent physical, a unit of radiation equivalent to the absorption of 93 ergs per gram of water or soft tissue.

repaglinide
(rә-pag´lĭ-nīd) an oral hypoglycemic agent used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

repair
(re-pār´) the physical or mechanical restoration of damaged tissues, especially the replacement of dead or damaged cells in a body tissue or organ by healthy new cells. plastic repair restoration of anatomic structure by means of tissue transferred from other sites or derived f...

repeat
(re-pēt´) something done or occurring more than once, particularly over and over. long terminal repeats(LTR) identical DNA sequences, usually several hundred base pairs long occurring at each end of an integrated retrovirus and essential for integration of ...

repellent
(re-pel´әnt) able to repel or drive off. an agent that so acts.

reperfusion
(re″pәr-fu´zhәn) restoration of blood flow to an area or part that had had temporary ischemia.

repetitive DNA
nucleotide sequences occurring multiply within a genome; they are characteristic of eukaryotes and generally do not encode polypeptides. Sequences may be clustered or dispersed, and repeated moderately (10 to 104 copies per genome) to highly (≥106 copies per genome). Moderately repetitive DNA sequences encode some structu...

replacement
(re-plās´ment) substitution; see also replacement therapy. arthroplasty. joint replacement arthroplasty. total hip replacement total hip arthroplasty. total joint replacement total joint arthroplasty.

replacement bone
cartilage bone.

replacement therapy
treatment to replace deficient formation or loss of body products by administration of the natural body products or synthetic substitutes. See also replacement. Called also substitution therapy.

replantation
(re″plan-ta´shәn) the replacement of an organ or other structure, such as a digit, limb, or tooth, to the site from which it was previously lost or removed; called also reimplantation.

replication
(rep″lĭ-ka´shәn) a turning back of a part so as to form a duplication. repetition of an experiment to ensure accuracy. the process of duplicating or reproducing, as the replication of an exact copy of a strand of DNA or RNA.

replicative vaccine
any vaccine containing organisms that are able to reproduce, including live and attenuated viruses and bacteria.

repolarization
(re-po″lәr-ĭ-za´shәn) the reestablishment of polarity, especially the return of a cell's membrane potential to resting potential after depolarization. in cardiac physiology, the restoration of the cell to its maximal diastolic potential, represented by phase 0 to phase 3 of the action pote...

reportable disease
notifiable disease.

repositor
(re-poz´ĭ-tәr) an instrument used in returning a displaced organ or tissue to the normal position.

repressible enzyme
one whose rate of production is decreased as the concentration of certain metabolites is increased.

repression
(re-presh´әn) the act of restraining, inhibiting, or suppressing. a type of defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously banishes unacceptable ideas, feelings or impulses from consciousness. The person is typically unaware of “forgetting” unpleasant situations as a way of avoiding co...

repressor
(re-pres´әr) that which restrains or inhibits; a specific protein molecule coded for by a regulatory gene, which acts through the cytoplasm to repress the synthesis of a specific protein. in genetics, a protein produced by a regulator gene that binds to the operator region of a structural gene to blo...

reproduction
(re″pro-duk´shәn) the creation of a similar object or situation; replication or duplication. the process by which a living entity or organism produces a new individual of the same kind. The sex glands, or gonads (the ovaries in the female and the testes in the male) produce the germ cells (oocytes an...

reproductive
(re″pro-duk´tiv) subserving or pertaining to reproduction.

reproductive cycle
the cycle of physiologic changes in the reproductive organs, from the time of fertilization of the oocyte through gestation and childbirth; see also reproduction.

reproductive genetics
the use of a combination of clinical genetics, dysmorphology, maternal-fetal medicine, and assisted reproductive technologies for detection, understanding, and prevention of reproductive abnormalities.

reproductive organs
the organs in the female and male that are involved in reproduction ; see female reproductive organs and male reproductive organs. Called also genitalia and genital organs.

reptilase
(rep´til-ās) an enzyme from Russell's viper venom used in determining blood clotting time.

repulsion
(re-pul´shәn) the act of driving apart or away; a force that tends to drive two bodies apart. in genetics, the occurrence on opposite chromosomes in a double heterozygote of the two mutant alleles of interest.

RES
reticuloendothelial system.

rescinnamine
(re-sin´ә-min) a rauwolfia alkaloid administered orally as an antihypertensive agent.

resect
(re-sekt´) to excise part of an organ or other structure.

resecting fracture
a fracture in which a piece of the bone is removed by violence, as by a bullet.

resection
(re-sek´shәn) excision. gastric resection gastrectomy. root resection , root-end resection apicoectomy. wedge resection removal of a triangular mass of tissue.

resectoscope
(re-sek´to-skōp) an endoscope with a wide-angle telescope and an electrically activated wire loop for transurethral removal or biopsy of lesions of the bladder, prostate, or urethra.

resectoscopy
(re″sәk-tos´kә-pe) resection or biopsy of lesions by means of the resectoscope.

reserpine
(rә-sur´pēn) a rauwolfia alkaloid, administered orally and intramuscularly as an antihypertensive agent.

reserve
(re-zerv´) to hold back for future use. a supply beyond that ordinarily used, for use in an emergency. cardiac reserve an increase in cardiac output related to an increase in heart rate or stroke volume to meet body requirements.

reserve cells
cells of the basal or germinal layer of the bronchial epithelium.

reservoir
(rez´әr-vwahr) a storage place or cavity. an alternate or passive host or carrier that harbors pathogenic organisms or parasites without injury to itself and serves as a source from which other individuals can be infected. cardiotomy reservoir in cardiopulmonary ...

reservoir host
an animal (or species) that is infected by a parasite, and which serves as a source of infection for humans or another species.

reservoir sign
the ability of a patient to produce cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea at will by moving the head, indicating presence of a fistula with pooling in a paranasal sinus.

resident
(rez´ĭ-dәnt) resident physician. being or pertaining to such a physician.

residential cell
a cell that does not wander, especially one of the cells of the substantia propria of the cornea.

residual body of Regaud
an anucleate mass consisting of fine granules, lipid droplets, and degenerating organelles, cast off after the completion of regional differentiation of the tail during spermiogenesis.

residual limb
stump.

residual schizophrenia
a type characterized by a history of episodes of schizophrenia with psychotic symptoms that are no longer present, although other schizophrenic symptoms persist, such as inappropriate affect, social withdrawal, or loosening of associations.

residual volume
(RV) the amount of gas remaining in the lung at the end of a maximal exhalation.

residue
(rez´ĭ-doo) a remainder; that which remains after the removal of other substances; in organic chemistry a portion of a molecule that is incorporated into another molecule, such as an amino acid residue of a polypeptide.

resin
(rez´in) a solid or semisolid organic substance exuded by plants or by insects feeding on plants, or produced synthetically; they are insoluble in water but mostly soluble in alcohol or ether. adj., res´inous., adj. a compound made by condensation or polymerization of low-molecular-weight organic ...

resistance
(re-zis´tәns) opposition, or counteracting force, as opposition of a conductor to passage of electricity or other energy or substance. the natural ability of a normal organism to remain unaffected by noxious agents in its environment; see also immunity. in psychology or psychiatry, conscious ...

resistance exercise
exercise performed against an opposing force, designed to increase muscle strength; the resistance may be either isometric, isotonic, or isokinetic. Called also resistive exercise.

resistance thermometer
one that uses the electric resistance of metals (thermocouple) to determine temperature.

resistin
(re-zis´tin) an adipocytokine that has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance. It has been suggested that it may be the link between obesity and insulin resistance, but its role remains unclear. It has also been found in the synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory joint disease.

resistive exercise
resistance exercise.

resolution
(rez″o-loo´shәn) subsiding of a pathologic state, such as the reduction of inflammation or the softening and disappearance of swelling. perception of two adjacent points as separate; in microscopy, the smallest distance at which two adjacent objects can be distinguished as separate. ...

resolvent
(re-zol´vәnt) promoting resolution or the dissipation of a pathologic growth. an agent that promotes resolution.

resonance
(rez´o-nәns) the prolongation and intensification of sound produced by transmission of its vibrations to a cavity, especially such a sound elicited by percussion. Decrease of resonance is called dullness; its increase, flatness. a vocal sound heard on auscultation. mesomerism.

resonant
(rez´o-nәnt) exhibiting resonance; giving an intense, rich sound on percussion.

resonator
(rez´o-na″tәr) an instrument used to intensify sounds. an electric circuit in which oscillations of a certain frequency are set up by oscillations of the same frequency in another circuit.

resorb
(re-sorb´) (re-zorb´) to take up or absorb again; to undergo resorption.

resorcinism
(rә-sor´sĭ-niz″әm) chronic poisoning by resorcinol, resulting in methemoglobinemia, paralysis, and damage to the capillaries, kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

resorcinol
(rә-sor´sĭ-nol) a phenol with bactericidal, fungicidal, keratolytic, exfoliative, and antipruritic activity; used especially as a topical keratolytic in the treatment of acne and other dermatoses.

resorption
(re-sorp´shәn) the lysis and assimilation of a substance, as of bone. reabsorption.

resorption lacuna
a pit or concavity found in bones undergoing resorption, frequently containing osteoclasts. Similar lacunae also may be found in eroding surfaces of cementum.

respirable
(rә-spir´ә-bәl) suitable for respiration. small enough to be inhaled, such as an irritating particle.

respiration
(res″pĭ-ra´shәn) the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the body cells, including inhalation and exhalation, diffusion of oxygen from the pulmonary alveoli to the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood to the alveoli, followed by the transport of oxygen to and carbon di...

respiration rate
the number of inhalations and exhalations per unit of time, usually measured by observation of chest movements and averaging 16 to 20 per minute in an adult.

respirator
(res´pĭ-ra″tәr) an apparatus that qualifies air breathed through it, to be distinguished from a ventilator. frequently used misnomer for ventilator (def. 2). Drinker respirator a formerly common type of ventilator that provided controlled, automatic breathin...

respiratory
(res´pĭ-rә-tor″e) pertaining to respiration.

respiratory acidosis
acidosis resulting from breathing impairment and the resulting retention of carbon dioxide in the body; see also metabolic acidosis. The respiratory system plays a basic role in maintaining acid-base balance. In response to an increase in the hydrogen ion concentration in body fluids, the respiratory rate normally should increase ...

respiratory alkalosis
reduced carbon dioxide tension in the extracellular fluid caused by excessive excretion of carbon dioxide through the lungs (hyperventilation). This is commonly associated with conditions such as anxiety, hysteria, pain, hypoxia, fever, high environmental temperature, poisoning, early pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, ...

respiratory care
the health care profession providing, under qualified supervision, diagnostic evaluation, therapy, monitoring, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders; it also employs educational activities to support patients and their families and to promote cardiovascular health among the general public. ...

respiratory centers
a series of nerve centers in the medulla oblongata and pons that coordinate respiratory movements; they include the apneustic, pneumotaxic, and medullary respiratory centers.

respiratory distress syndrome
see acute respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

respiratory enzymes
enzymes of the mitochondria, such as cytochrome oxidase, that serve as catalysts for cellular oxidation.

respiratory failure
a life-threatening condition in which respiratory function is inadequate to maintain the body's need for oxygen supply and carbon dioxide removal while at rest; it usually occurs when a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease develops an infection or otherwise suffers an additional strain on already seriously impaired resp...

respiratory insufficiency
inadequacy of respiratory function to meet the body's needs when increased physical activity places extra demands on it; this occurs as a result of progressive degenerative changes in the alveoli and the capillary tissues in the pulmonary bed, such as in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis.

respiratory pigments
substances (such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, or the cytochromes) that take part in the oxidative processes of the animal body.

respiratory precautions
airborne precautions.

respiratory sounds
breath sounds.

respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) any of a group of viruses that cause respiratory disease that is particularly severe in infants. In tissue, they cause individual cells to merge into a mass of protoplasm containing many nuclei (syncytium).

respiratory system
the specialized organs whose job is to transfer oxygen from the air to the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood to the air. The organs of the system include the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi, and the lungs. Respiratory system.

respiratory therapist
a health care professional skilled in the treatment and management of patients with respiratory problems, who gives respiratory care. The minimum educational requirement is an associate degree, providing knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medicine sufficient to serve as a supervisor and consultant.

respiratory therapy
respiratory care.

respiratory tract
respiratory system.

respiratory viruses
an epidemiologic class of viruses that are acquired by inhalation of fomites and replicate in the respiratory tract, causing local rather than generalized infection; they are included in the families Adenoviridae, Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Picornaviridae.

respirometer
(res″pĭ-rom´ә-tәr) an instrument for determining the nature of the respiration.

respondent conditioning
conditioning (def. 2).

response
(re-spons´) any action or change of condition evoked by a stimulus.

rest
(rest) repose after exertion. a fragment of embryonic tissue retained within the adult organism. Malassez rest the remaining cells of the root sheath in the periodontal ligament, which persist and sometimes form an epithelial network or a dental cyst.

rest pain
a type of continuous pain in the lower leg that is caused by ischemia; it begins or is made worse when the person elevates the legs and is relieved when she or he sits with legs down or stands up.

rest position
the position of the mandible when its muscles are at rest, the body is in the upright standing or sitting position, and the eyes are focused toward the horizon; the lips are slightly touching and the distance between the upper and lower teeth has a free-way space of about 2 to 5 mm. Called also physiologic rest posiiton a...

rest tremor
resting tremor one occurring in a relaxed and supported limb, such as a parkinsonian tremor.

restenosis
(re″stә-no´sis) recurrent stenosis, especially of a cardiac valve or coronary artery after surgical correction of the primary condition. false restenosis stenosis recurring after failure to divide either commissure of a cardiac valve beyond the area of incision of the papillar...