Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A surgical instrument for cutting out tonsils. A surgical instrument used for removing the tonsils. It is loop-shaped and contains a sliding knife blade. An instrument for excising tonsils and laryngeal growths.  

In a fetus, fibrous tissue connecting the testes ( the gonads) to the groin. Gubernacula, structure that guides (e.g., gubernaculum testis, the cord involved in the descent of the testes). Either of a pair of fibrous strands of tissue that connect the gonads to the inguinal region in the fetus. In the male they guide…

In the UK, a person appointed by a hospital or Health Trust to make sure that information about patients is kept confidential, following the Caldicott Report of 1997.  

A vermiform appendix that is always slightly inflamed.  

Pains associated with adolescence, which can be a form of rheumatic fever. General aches and pains in the muscles and joints of children’s limbs, appearing for unknown causes, often at night. Public health experts note that these are no cause for medical concern unless they are severe or are linked with other symptoms, which may…

A tube which can be passed from the external auditory meatus into the middle ear, usually to allow fluid to drain off, as in someone who has glue ear. A double-cuffed tube that is inserted in the eardrum to allow drainage of fluid from the middle ear in secretory otitis media (glue ear). Properly called…

Referring to stomach pains that are sudden, sharp and intense. An acute intermittent cramplike pain, especially in the abdomen.  

Various types of haemolytic streptococci, classified according to the antigens present in them.  

A person who helps someone to cope with the feelings they have when someone such as a close relative dies.