Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A twisting of the intestine causing obstruction. A condition in which a loop of intestine is twisted and blocked, so cutting off its blood supply. The twisting of an organ in the body, such as the intestines or stomach, often causing pain and obstruction and frequently requiring surgical correction. Twisting of the intestine, most often…

An organization composed of residents within a given area whose purpose it is to identify the present and past residents who have been exposed to air contaminants emanating from a landfill.  

Made up of striated muscle cells. A muscle which is consciously controlled. It is usually made up of striated fibres. Skeletal muscles that contract or relax in response to conscious thought. Also known as skeletal muscle, this forms the muscles which are under a person’s conscious control. Muscles that control walking, talking and swallowing are…

A plan in which the person voluntarily subscribes for partial or total medical and hospital expenses. Usually, these plans are based on a prepayment schedule whereby a person pays a certain amount each month, whether he or she is well or ill.  

A public facility (hospital) owned and operated on a nonprofit basis. A hospital that is owned or operated by a religious organization or community association to provide healthcare facilities on a nonprofit basis. Voluntary hospitals in the US evolved from a sense of obligation by wealthy public-spirited citizens to provide better health care for the…

An organization concerned with some aspect of health and is supported by donations and endowments and is operated by unpaid volunteers and paid professional people. Any non-profit, non-governmental agency, governed by lay and/or professional individuals, organized on a national, State, or local basis, whose primary purpose is health related. The term usually designates agencies supported…

Pertaining to or acting in obedience to the will. Done because one wishes to do it. Controlled or accomplished as the result of a person’s free will, as a voluntary action. An action or thought that is initiated or governed by an individual’s volition or personal decision-making.  

Having a great volume or bulk.  

Receptors that help to control water intake by responding to the total volume of fluids in the body, osmoreceptors.  

Chemicals found in tobacco smoke and may contribute to a variety of diseases associated with cigarette smoking.