Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Synthetic object found in a body part, especially something (as a clip or thread) seen on an X-ray film or in a microscopic field, that does not normally belong there. A structure seen in a tissue under a microscope that is not present in the living tissue. Artifacts, which are produced by faulty fixation or…

Abnormal distension of an artery; also called arteriectasia. Introduction of a needle into a joint and the removal of fluid from it (e.g., to determine what chemicals or microorganisms may be present).  

Stress exerted by the circulating blood on the arteries. It is a result of die product of cardiac output and vascular resistance. The pressure of the blood in the arteries. For a normal young person at physical and mental rest and in sitting position, systolic blood pressure averages about 120 mm Hg; diastolic pressure about…

Laboratory measurement of the pH level and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in arterial blood. Determination of these parameters is important in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases (e.g., emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, polycythemia). A laboratory study measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide in a sample obtained from an arterial blood sample.…

Poisoning caused by the ingestion or inhalation of arsenic, an ingredient in some pesticides, dyes, and medicinal products. Small amounts absorbed over a long period may cause headache, nausea, coloring of the skin, and the appearance of white lines on the nails. Ingestion of large amounts leads to severe gastrointestinal problems, swelling of the arms…

Small muscle of a hair follicle that, when contracted, causes a goose bump.  

Developing or showing as patches (e.g., alopecia areata, patchy baldness). Also called areatus. Occurring in circumscribed areas or patches.  

General anatomical region (e.g., aortic area, that portion of the chest surface over the cartilage of the right second rib where it attaches to the breastbone, the site at which aortic sounds are best heard through a stethoscope). A circumscribed space; one having definite boundaries.  

Artificial support for the arch of the foot, generally inserted in shoes, helping, in some cases, to relieve back pain.  

Thin, delicate membrane that is the middle of the three membranes (meninges) enclosing the brain and spinal cord; the outer membrane is the dura mater, the inner the pia mater. One of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Arachnoiditis is the name applied to inflammation of this membrane. The thin, delicate, intermediate membrane…