Author: Glossary

Mottling of the teeth usually caused by an excess of fluoride in the drinking water.  

An infectious disease caused by Sindbis virus. Its primary symptoms are fever, rash, and arthritis. The disease is found primarily in northern European countries (e.g., Finland).  

A cellular structure composed of actin and integrins that is used by mesenchymal cells to hold them to each other or to neighboring cells. Podosomes are found, e.g., on osteoclasts attached to bone.  

A special epithelial cell with numerous footplates (pedicels). These form the inner layer of Bowman’s capsule of the renal corpuscle and have spaces for the passage of renal filtrate from the glomerulus.  

A deformed fetus in whom most of the brain is outside the skull and is attached by a thin pedicle.  

A World Wide Web feed of audio or video files for playing on mobile devices such as MP3 players at a later time and at a listener’s or viewer’s convenience.  

A surgical procedure to eliminate deep periodontal spaces that have formed around teeth. Periodontal pockets are colonized and/or infected by numerous disease-causing bacteria. The periodontist peels away and surgically removes infected gum tissue surrounding the tooth, smoothing uneven dental surfaces and removing tartar before suturing healthy gum back onto the affected tooth.  

A pathologically deepened gingival sulcus enlarged beyond normal limits as a result of the destructive effects of bacterial plaque; the space bordered on one side by the tooth and the other side by ulcerated sulcular epithelium. The pocket contains inflammatory cells and destructive enzymes released by bacteria, and is surrounded by diseased gum tissue.  

Air accumulation in the cerebral ventricles.