Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Disorder caused by a dominant mutant (abnormal) gene on an autosome (nonsex chromosome). Evidence of the disorder may not occur for several decades. The mutant gene is inherited from one or both parents or is the result of a fresh mutation. If both parents have the mutant dominant gene, all offspring will be affected; if…

Process of maintaining a generally constant physiological state of a cell or organism. Redistribution of blood flow to areas of greatest need; self-management of emotions and behavior during periods of stress. Control of an event such as blood flow through a tissue (e.g., muscle) by alteration of the tissue. If blood flow is insufficient, precapillary…

Any of a number of reflexes that control the activity of body parts (e.g., urination, sweating, heart rate). Any reflex involving the response of a visceral effector (cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or gland). Such reflexes always involve two efferent neurons (preganglionic and postganglionic).  

Oral preparation of the metal gold that is taken, in a chemically ingest- able form (as a salt), for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, rash, mouth sores (stomatitis), and kidney dysfunction. A drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Auranofin (Ridaura) is taken orally as an anti-inflammatory agent and is thought…

Part of the brain that receives impulses from the ear by way of the auditory nerve for interpretation as hearing. The center is at the side of each brain hemisphere (temporal lobe) in a fold of the cerebral cortex. The center for hearing in the anterior gyri of the transverse temporal gyri.  

Either of two valves in the heart through which blood flows from the atria to the ventricles. The left atrioventricular valve is the mitral valve; the right, the tricuspid valve. The bicuspid (mitral) and tricuspid valves located between the atria and ventricles. Valves situated between the upper chambers (atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles) of…

Not producing or resulting from poison; also called nontoxic.  

Antibiotic specifically designed for the treatment of pneumocystosis, especially when sulfonamides have failed; possible side effects include rash, nausea, and diarrhea.  

Inability to locate correctly a pinprick point of touch, or other sensation; also called atopognosis.  

The mass of an atom, measured in atomic mass units. The sum of protons and neutrons contained within the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic mass. This term is also known as atomic weight or nucleic mass. Previously, it was referred to as isotopic mass.