Category: A

  • Adson’s maneuver

    A test for thoracic outlet syndrome. The patient’s arm is moved back into extension and external rotation with the elbow extended and forearm supinated. The radial pulse is palpated while the patient is asked to tuck the chin, side bend the head toward the opposite side, and rotate the chin toward the side of the…

  • Adrenosterone

    An androgenic hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex.  

  • Adrenomyeloneuropathy

    A noninflammatory form of adrenoleukodystrophy in which the long tracts of the spinal cord are diseased, with limited involvement of peripheral nerves and, in most instances, no evidence of cerebral disease. It is a disease of adults, who gradually become weaker as their nerves accumulate excessive quantities of very long-chain fatty acids.  

  • Adrenomedullin

    A 52-amino acid regulatory peptide that influences a wide variety of body functions, including blood vessel dilation (it lowers blood pressure), cellular growth, circulation, electrolyte balance, kidney function, and neurotransmission. The level of adrenomedullin in the blood is elevated above normal in patients with congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and diabetes mellitus when it is…

  • Adrenocorticotropic

    Having a stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex.  

  • Adrenocorticosteroid

    A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex; any synthetic derivative of such a hormone.  

  • Acute adrenocortical insufficiency

    Sudden deficiency of adrenocortical hormone brought on by sepsis, surgical stress, or acute hemorrhagic destruction of both adrenal glands (i.e., Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome). A frequent cause is sudden withdrawal of adrenal corticosteroids from patients with adrenal atrophy secondary to chronic steroid administration.  

  • Adrenoceptive

    Concerning the sites in organs or tissues that are acted on by adrenergic transmitters.  

  • Adrenergic neuron-blocking agents

    Substances that inhibit transmission of sympathetic nerve stimuli regardless of whether alpha- or beta-adrenergic receptors are involved.  

  • Adrenitis adrenalitis

    Inflammation of the adrenal glands.