Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Casts of hollow organs are found in various diseases. Membraneous casts of the air passages are found in diphtheria and in one form of bronchitis, and are sometimes coughed up entire. Casts of the interior of the bowels are passed in cases of mucous colitis associated with constipation; and casts, passed in the urine, of…

Legislation (approved by the UK parliament in 2000) that set up a new, independent regulatory body for social care, and private and voluntary health-care services. This body is called the National Care Standards Commission and covers England and Wales, but in the latter the National Assembly is the regulatory body.  

Operational from April 2009, this is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organizations. It reviews NHS complaints which have not been settled internally, and handles complaints about the other sectors. It also investigates major or systemic failures or scandals, and…

A drug that curbs the action of an enzyme in the blood controlling the production of carbonic acid or bicarbonate from carbon dioxide. Called carbonic anhydrase, the enzyme is present in erythrocytes and it has a key part in maintaining the acid-base balance in the blood. Inhibiting drugs include acetazolamide and dorzolamide, and these are…

A pesticide used to kill head and crab lice. Available as a lotion, some of which contains alcohol (not recommended for use on crab lice), the substance may irritate skin and should not be used near damaged skin, eyes or ears. Carbaryl is classified as a likely human carcinogen and is illegal in several countries,…

A test for the adequacy of blood circulation by pressing on the skin and seeing how long it takes for the colour to return.  

Areas of gross thickening of the epidermis in response to trauma. They usually occur on a foot due to bony deformity or ill-fitting footwear.  

This is applied to a broken leg in such a way that in walking, the weight of the body is taken by the hip-bone and not by the foot.  

A two-pronged instrument with pointed ends, for the measurement of diameters, such as that of the pelvis in obstetrics.  

A senior health professional in all NHS trusts, whose responsibility it is to preserve the confidentiality of patient information.