Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Calibration potentiometer

    A mechanically adjusted resistance used as a calibration control on many instruments. It adjusts a voltage or current within the device.  

  • Spike potential

    A change in potential that occurs when a cell membrane is stimulated.  

  • Membrane potential

    The electrical charge or potential difference between the inside and outside of a cell membrane.  

  • Liquid junction potential

    The potential voltage developed in an electrode measurement system at the point where two solutions are in contact. Most often the solutions are the test solution and a liquid bridging solution such as saturated KC1, although any liquid-liquid interface may be involved. An example is the pH reference electrode.  

  • Late potential

    Deflections found on signalaveraged electrocardiograms that follow the QRS complex, and point to an increased likelihood of ventricular dysrhythmias. These deflections represent delays in electrical conduction through the ventricles.  

  • Demarcation potential

    The difference in potential between an intact longitudinal surface and the injured end of a muscle or nerve.  

  • After potential

    The small ionic changes across an excitable membrane that follow an action potential.  

  • Potentia coeundi

    The ability to perform sexual intercourse in a normal manner.  

  • Potbelly

    Slang term for the selective deposition of adipose tissue in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue. It is seen, e.g., in patients with the metabolic syndrome (syndrome X).  

  • Potassium iodide

    Colorless or white crystals having a faint odor of iodine, used as an expectorant. This form of potassium is recommended for use following exposure to radioactive iodides downwind from a nuclear reactor accident. The rationale is that it blocks the uptake of radioactive iodides by the thyroid gland, thus preventing or decreasing the chance of…

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