Author: Glossary

  • Dysbiosis

    An unhealthy change in the normal bacterial ecology of a part of body, e.g., of the intestines or the oral cavity. The condition that arises when there is an imbalance in the normal gut flora, typically triggered by the use of antibiotics, is referred to as dysbiosis. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural equilibrium of beneficial…

  • Dysaptation

    Impaired ability of the iris of the eye to accommodate to varying intensities of light.  

  • Dynein

    A very large protein that has a molecular configuration resembling arms. Contraction of these arms facilitates the movement of cilia and flagella of bacteria.  

  • Dynamoscope

    An instrument for auscultation of muscles.  

  • Dynamometry

    The process of obtaining quantifiable measurements of muscular strength, power, and/or endurance.  

  • Group dynamic

    In politics, sociology, and psychology, the study of the interactions of people who are members of a common class or community.  

  • Dying

    The end of fife and the transition to death.  

  • Dwyer instrumentation

    A surgical procedure for stabilization of scoliosis. The spine is approached from the front, and bolts are inserted transversely through each vertebra. A cable attached to the bolts is applied to the convexity of the curve, and the vertebrae are pulled together.  

  • Renal dwarf

    A dwarf whose condition is due to renal osteodystrophy.  

  • Rachitic dwarf

    A dwarf whose condition is due to rickets.