Category: P
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Peroneus
Either of two (peroneus brevis and peroneus longus) muscles of the lower leg, involved in movement of the foot. Relating to or supplying the outer (fibular) side of the leg. One of three muscles of the leg that act to move the foot.
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Permanent tooth
Any of the set of 32 teeth that appear during and after childhood and, in the optimal case, last until old age. In each jaw there are 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, and 6 molars. They replace the 20 deciduous (milk) teeth of early childhood, usually starting to erupt in the 6th year and…
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Perineotomy
Surgical incision into the perineum. A surgical cut made in the perineum, often performed during childbirth to facilitate the baby’s head emerging without causing tearing to the vulva and potential damage to the rectum and other vital structures.
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Periarteritis nodosa
Progressive disease of connective tissue characterized by nodules (often large) along arteries that may cause blockage of the artery and result in inadequate circulation to the affected area. Symptoms include pain, fever, and as the disease progresses, signs of lung, kidney, and intestinal damage. Treatment is by corticosteroids. Also called polyarteritis nodosa. A medical condition…
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Perceptual defect
Any abnormality that interferes with the recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli; it may occur in organic brain disorders and certain other disorders.
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Pentoxifylline
Drug for the treatment of claudication, thought to work by increasing the flexibility of the red blood cell, and thus its ability to flow through blood vessels.
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Pentobarbital
Sedative used as a preoperative sedative, to control convulsions, and to treat insomnia and agitation. Adverse effects include respiratory and circulatory depression, withdrawal symptoms on discontinuance, and the potential for addiction. A barbiturate drug used to relieve insomnia and agitation and also as an anticonvulsant. It is administered by mouth, injection, or in suppositories. Side-effects…
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Penile implant
Semirigid, cylindrical plastic device surgically placed within the penis to treat impotence. The penis is maintained in a semi-erect state at all times. There is usually no effect on the recipient’s ability to urinate. Surgical insertion of semiflexible plastic rods or an inflatable prosthesis in the penis. A penile implant provides erections in men who…
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Penicilliosis
Infection with penicillium, usually a pulmonary infection. Infection with the fungi of the genus Penicillium.
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Pectoralls major
Large, fan-shaped muscle of the upper chest wall that acts on the shoulder, flexing and rotating the arm.