Glossary

Category: M

  • Melanoplakia

    Melanoplakia

    Patches of pigmentation on the oral mucosa. Areas of pigment in the mucous membrane inside the mouth. Pigmented areas of melanin in the mucous membrane lining the inside of the cheeks.  

  • Melanoma

    Melanoma

    A neoplasm made up of melaninpigmented cells. When used alone, the term refers to malignant melanoma. Malignant tumour of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye and appear as pigmented lesions. A tumour of skin and mucosa arising from the pigment-producing cells. A malignant form of skin…

  • Melanin

    The dark, amorphous pigment of the skin, hair, various tumors, the choroid coat of the eye, and substantia nigra of the brain. The substance that gives the skin its color. A dark pigment produced in the skin. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin. Melanin production increases in response to sunlight, causing the skin to become darken.…

  • Megapascal (MPa)

    A unit of pressure or stress equal to 1 million pascals. It is equivalent to 145 psi(lb/in2) or 9.87 kg/cm2.  

  • Medullary bone

    Any substance resembling marrow in structure. Bone formed as an outgrowth from the endosteal lining of the shaft of long bones in birds. The main purpose is accumulation of calcium to be used in the formation of an egg shell. When the shell is being calcified, the medullary bone is destroyed and the calcium is…

  • Medullary

    Pertaining to the bone marrow. Having the nature of pith. Referring to a medulla. To the medulla oblongata.  

  • Mediotrusion

    Movement of the nonworking condyle toward the midfacial sagittal plane.  

  • Medical image registration

    Data of the same patient taken at different points in time, such as change detection or tumor monitoring.  

  • Medical‐grade calcium sulfate (MGCS)

    Bioengineered form of calcium sulfate, a bone substitute used for intraoral grafting procedures. The shape and size of the hemihydrate crystals are modified to ensure a controlled and slower resorption profile.  

  • Medical device

    Instrument, apparatus, machine, or other related article, including any components (part or accessory), intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, for the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans. An appliance or equipment intended to help a person to maintain or improve health. Any health care product intended for…