Author: Glossary

Having fever substance that produces fever.  

Pathway in the medulla oblongata where nerve fibers pass from the brain to the spinal cord. In this area the fibers from one side of the brain cross to the opposite side of the spinal cord, giving the region a pyramid-shaped structure. One of three descending tracts (lateral, ventral, ventrolateral) of the spinal cord. The…

Network of specialized cardiac muscle fibers that carry the cardiac impulse from the atrioventricular node to the ventricles of the heart, causing them to contract. Sometimes called Purkinje fibers.  

Reflex changes in the size of the pupil triggered by the amount of light entering the eye. Bright light stimulates the pupil to contract; dim light stimulates the pupil to widen. Constriction of the iris of the eye due to stimulation with light. The reflex change in the size of the pupil according to the…

In anatomy, small area or point (e.g., punctum lacrimale, tiny opening of the tear ducts in the inner comers of the eyelids). A point or small area, especially the puncta lacrimalia, the two openings of the tear ducts in the inner comers of the upper and lower eyelids. Located at the inner corners of the…

Bacterial infection and septicemia occurring in a woman after childbirth, usually due to unsanitary conditions. Symptoms include inflammation of the uterus, fever, rapid heartbeat, and foul lochia (vaginal discharge), followed, if untreated, by prostration, renal failure, shock, and death. The condition is now uncommon; when it occurs it is treated with antibiotics. Also called childbed…

Stone (calculus) in a salivary gland.  

Gradual and progressive acquisition and attainment of skills involving both mental and motor activity, as a child of 5 or 6 months learning to sit up, a child of 1-½ years learning to walk, and a child of 3 years being able to feed him/herself.    

Accumulation of pus and other inflammatory material (e.g., white blood cells) within either of the two psoas muscles of the abdomen and pelvis that flex the trunk and rotate the thigh; may be caused by several bacteria, including those responsible for tuberculosis. A cold abscess originating from a tuberculous infection in the spine travels down…

Form of arthritis characterized by a painful, sudden attack of a hot, very swollen, red joint, caused by calcium crystals in the joint. Severe attacks of pseudogout often occur in the knees and can incapacitate someone for days or weeks. The wrists, shoulders, ankles, elbows, or hands may also be affected. Clinically, the presentation may…