Category: A

The mass of particulate substances or fibers, or the vapor percentage of dissolved pollutants in a specific volume of air. The heavier the concentration, the greater the risk of diseases caused by inhalation.  

A machine that compresses air into storage tanks for use in air syringes, air turbine handpieces, and other air-driven tools.  

Manufactured compounds that may alter disease processes by blocking the production of harmful proteins by diseased cells. These molecules seek out and impede the functioning of a diseased cell’s messenger RNA (i.e., a “sense” strand). Without this intervention, the RNA would carry basic directions for the production of disease causing proteins.  

An extreme increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity that disrupts the blood flow to vital organs. It can result from any condition that causes an accumulation of blood or fluid within the abdominal space or a decrease in size of the abdominal cavity, including abdominal or pelvic trauma, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, peritonitis, extensive abdominal packing,…

Any method or device that improves a person’s ability to share information with, or receive information from others. The term is used especially with respect to techniques that promote the exchange of language and symbols with speech- and hearing-impaired individuals. Technologies that assist communication include hearing aids, communication boards, and portable electronic devices that display,…

The band of white fibers that passes through the lamina terminalis, connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.  

A coma produced by intracranial hemorrhage and its associated increase in intracranial pressure. One side of the body and one or more extremities may be paralyzed, usually on the opposite side of the injury in the brain. One pupil may be larger than the other, usually on the same side as the brain injury.  

The anterior portion of the gray matter on each side of the spinal cord; in reference to white matter, the anterior funiculus.  

A surgical instrument used to cut or cauterize tissues, which relies on a jet of argon gas to carry electrons into the operative field.  

Garments designed with special features, such as Velcro closures, to enable persons with disabilities to dress themselves without assistance.