Category: A

  • Alternating current

    A current that periodically flows in opposite directions; may be either sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal. The alternating current wave usually used therapeutically is the sinusoidal. Rapid and interrupted current, flowing first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; produced by mechanical means and changes directions 60 times per second.  

  • Cuprous

    Concerning monovalent copper, Cu+, in a compound; also referred to as Cu I or Cu (I).  

  • Attached gingival cuff

    Attachment or junctional epithelium attached to the calcified root of the tooth apical to the gingival sulcus.  

  • Apatite crystal

    In dentistry, the hydroxyapatite crystal typical of calcified tissues; a complex of calcium phosphate and other elements, present in bone and in the cementum, dentin, and enamel layers of teeth. The most dense crystal fine pattern is found in enamel, the hardest tissue of the body.  

  • Anatomical crown

    The part of the tooth covered with enamel.  

  • Abdominal crisis

    Severe pain in the abdomen caused by biliary or renal colic, testicular or ovarian torsion, sickle cell anemia, bowel obstruction, aortic dissection, among other illnesses.  

  • Artisan’s cramp

    A cramp of a hand muscle.  

  • Absolute phagocyte count

    The number of phagocytes (neutrophils and monocytes-macrophages) in a cubic millimeter of blood. The APC is the sum of the neutrophils (“segs” and “bands”), monocytes, and acrophages times one hundredth of the white blood cell count. This figure is used to measure bone marrow production of these cells before and after cancer chemotherapy.  

  • Absolute neutrophil count

    The actual number of neutrophils in a cubic millimeter of blood. The approximate normal range is 3000 to 6000 cells/mm3. This figure is measured before and after drugs are given that may lower neutrophil counts, such as those used in cancer chemotherapy. Generally, chemotherapy is not given unless the patient’s ANC is greater than 1000.…

  • Absolute granulocyte count

    The total number of neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils in a specimen of blood.