m-chloral

m-chloral

A polymer of chloral obtained by prolonged contact with sulfuric acid; it has properties similar to those of chloral hydrate. SYN: metachloral, p-chloral, trichloral.

m-cresol
m-cresol

A local antiseptic with a higher germicidal power than phenol and less toxicity to tissues; used in disinfectants and fumigants; its acetate derivative is used as a topical antiseptic and fungicide. SYN: metacresol.

meso-cystine
meso-cystine

An isomer of cystine in which the configuration about one of the α-carbons is d, about the other, l, so that the molecule as a whole possesses a plane of symmetry and is optically inactive. Note that meso-cystine is not dl-cystine. dl-cystine is a racemic mixture of dd-cystine and ll-cystine.

113mIn
^113mIn

Abbreviation for indium-113m.

meso-inositol
meso-inositol

1. Generic term for any isomer of m.inositol in which the hydroxyl groups are so arranged that the molecule as a whole possesses a plane of symmetry and is optically inactive. 2. Former name for myo-inositol.

myo-inositol
myo-inositol

1,2,3,5/4,6-Inositol;a constituent of various phosphatidylinositols and the most widely distributed form of inositol found in microorganisms, higher plants, and animals. In plants, it is found as phytic acid and as phytin; partially phosphorylated and free forms occur throughout nature and in many tissues.

μ
μ

1. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet, mu. 2. Symbol for micro- (2) ; micron; dynamic viscosity; magnetic or electric dipole moment of a molecule; chemical potential; denotes the position of a substituent located on the 12th atom from the carboxyl or other functional group.

μB
μ_B

1. Symbol for Bohr magneton.

μN
μ_N

Symbol for nuclear magneton.

μμ
μμ

micromicro-; micromicron.

μμg
μμg

Symbol for micromicrogram.

μΩ
μΩ

Symbol for microhm.

μC
μC

Symbol for microcoulomb.

μCi
μCi

Symbol for microcurie.

μg
μg

Symbol for microgram.

μl
μl, μL

Symbol for microliter.

μm
μm

Symbol for micrometer.

μmol
μmol

Symbol for micromole.

μmol/L
μmol/L

Symbol for micromolar.

μV
μV

Symbol for microvolt.

M
M

1. Symbol for mega- (2) ; morgan; molarity (moles per liter, also written M or m); myopia or myopic; methionine; 6-mercaptopurine ribonucleoside in a nucleic acid; L. misce, mix; metal. 2. Symbol for a blood factor. See entries under MNSs blood group, Blood Groups Appendix.

M.
M.

Abbreviation for L. misce, mix.

m
m

Symbol for molarity.

Mr
M_r

Symbol for molecular weight ratio or relative molecular mass.

m
m

Symbol for meter; milli-; minim; mass; magnetic dipole moment; molality.

mμ
mμ

Symbol for millimicron.

<SMCAP>m</SMCAP>
m

Symbol for moles per liter (also written M or M).

m- m-

Abbreviation for meta- (2) .

MA
MA

Abbreviation for mental age; mentoanterior position.

ma
ma, mA

Abbreviation for milliampere.

MAA
MAA

Abbreviation for macroaggregated albumin.

MAB
MAB

Abbreviation for monoclonal antibody.

MAC
MAC

1. Abbreviation for minimal anesthetic concentration; minimal alveolar concentration; membrane attack complex. 2. Abbreviation for Mycobacterium avium complex. See Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex.

Mac- Mac-

For proper names beginning thus, see also Mc-.

Macaca
Macaca (ma-kah′ka)

A large genus of Old World monkeys (family Cercopithecidae) that includes the macaque and rhesus monkeys, and the Barbary apes. M. mulatta, the rhesus monkey, is used as a research animal. [Pg. macaco, monkey]

macaque
macaque (ma-kahk′)

See Macaca. [Fr.]

MacConkey
MacConkey

Alfred T., British bacteriologist, 1861–1931. See M. agar.

Mace
Mace, MACE

Acronym for methylchloroform 2-chloracetophenone (the classical lacrimator) in a light petroleum dispersant and a pressurized propellant.

macerate
macerate (mas′er-at)

To soften by steeping or soaking. [see maceration]

maceration
maceration (mas-er-a′shun)

1. Softening by the action of a liquid. 2. Softening of tissues after death by nonputrefactive (sterile) autolysis; seen especially in the stillborn, with detachment of the epidermis. [L. macero, pp. -atus, to soften by soaking]

Macewen
Macewen

Sir William, Scottish surgeon, 1848–1924. See M. sign, M. symptom, M. triangle.

Mach
Mach

Ernst, Austrian scientist, 1838–1916. See M. band, M. number.

machine
machine (ma-shen′)

Any mechanical apparatus or device. [L. machina, contrivance]
anesthesia m. equipment used for inhalation anesthesia, including flowmeters, vaporizers, and sources of compressed gases, but not including the anesthetic circuit or mechanisms for elimination of carbon dioxide.
heart-lung m. a device incorporating a blood pump (artificial heart) and a blood oxygenator (artificial lung) to provide extracorporeal circulation and oxygenation of the blood during cardiac surgery.
panoramic rotating m. an x-ray m. using a reciprocating motion of the tube and extraoral film to produce a radiograph of all the teeth and surrounding structures. SEE ALSO: tomography.

Mackay
Mackay

Ralph Stuart, U.S. physicist, *1924. See M.-Marg tonometer.

Mackenrodt
Mackenrodt

Alwin K., German gynecologist, 1859–1925. See M. ligament.

Mackenzie
Mackenzie

Sir James, Scottish physician practicing in London, 1853–1925. See M. polygraph.

Mackenzie
Mackenzie

Richard J., Scottish surgeon, 1821–1854. See M. amputation.

MacLachlan
MacLachlan

Elsie A., 20th century researcher. See Lowe-Terrey-M. syndrome.

Macleod
Macleod

Roderick, Scottish physician, 1795–1852. See M. rheumatism.

Macleod
Macleod

William Mathieson, British physician, 1911–1977. See M. syndrome, Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome.

maclurin
maclurin (ma-kloor′in) [C.I. 75240]

A natural dye associated with morin and derived from fustic; used to dye fabrics with various metal mordants. It turns deep green on addition of ferric chloride.

MacNeal
MacNeal

Ward J., U.S. bacteriologist, 1881–1946. See M. tetrachrome blood stain, Novy and M. blood agar.

macr- macr-

See macro-.

Macracanthorhynchus
Macracanthorhynchus (mak′ra-kan-tho-ring′kus)

A genus of giant thorny-headed worms (class Acanthocephala). [macro- + G. akantha, thorn, + rhynchos, snout]
M. hirudinaceus the giant thorny-headed worm of the pig, approximately the size of the giant roundworm (Ascaris); it inhabits the intestinal tract where nodules develop at the site of penetration of the spiny proboscis of each worm; it has occasionally been reported in man; transmission is by ingestion of infected insects, frequently dung beetles or cockroaches that have fed on feces of infected pigs containing viable eggs and have developed the cystacanth stage infective to the vertebrate host, including humans.

macrencephaly
macrencephaly, macrencephalia (mak′ren-sef′a-le, -se-fa′le-a)

Hypertrophy of the brain; the condition of having a large brain. [macro- + G. enkephalos, brain]

macro- macro-, macr-

Large, long. SEE ALSO: mega-, megalo-. [G. makros]

macroadenoma
macroadenoma (mak′ro-ad-e-no′ma)

A pituitary adenoma larger than 10 mm in diameter.

macroamylase
macroamylase (mak-ro-am′i-las)

Descriptive term applied to a form of serum amylase in which the enzyme is present as a complex joined to a globulin; the molecular weight of the enzyme alone is 50,000, whereas that of the complex probably exceeds 160,000; hence, renal excretion of the complex is not appreciable.

macroamylasemia
macroamylasemia (mak′ro-am′i-la-se′me-a)

A form of hyperamylasemia, in which a portion of serum amylase exists as macroamylase. [macroamylase + G. haima, blood]

macrobacterium
macrobacterium (mak′ro-bak-ter′e-um)

SYN: megabacterium.

macrobiosis
macrobiosis (mak′ro-bi-o′sis)

SYN: longevity. [macro- + G. bios, life]

macrobiote
macrobiote (mak-ro-bi′ot)

An organism that is long-lived. [macro- + G. bios, life]

macrobiotic
macrobiotic (mak′ro-bi-ot′ik)

1. Long lived. 2. Tending to prolong life.

macrobiotics
macrobiotics (mak′ro-bi-ot′iks)

The study of the prolongation of life.

macroblast
macroblast (mak′ro-blast)

A large erythroblast. [macro- + G. blastos, germ]

macroblepharon
macroblepharon (mak′ro-blef′ar-on)

An abnormally large eyelid. [macro- + G. blepharon, eyelid]

macrobrachia
macrobrachia (mak-ro-bra′ke-a)

Condition of having abnormally thick or long arms. [macro- + G. brachion, arm]

macrocardia
macrocardia (mak-ro-kar′de-a)

SYN: cardiomegaly.

macrocephalic
macrocephalic, macrocephalous (mak′ro-se-fal′ik, -sef′a-lus)

SYN: megacephalic. [macro- + G. kephale, head]

macrocephaly
macrocephaly, macrocephalia (mak-ro-sef′a-le, -se-fa′le-a)

SYN: megacephaly. [macro- + G. kephale, head]

macrocheilia
macrocheilia, macrochilia (mak-ro-ki′le-a)

1. Abnormally enlarged lips. SYN: macrolabia. 2. Cavernous lymphangioma of the lip, a condition of permanent swelling of the lip resulting from the presence of greatly distended lymphatic spaces. [macro- + G. cheilos, lip]

macrocheiria
macrocheiria, macrochiria (mak-ro-ki′re-a)

A condition characterized by abnormally large hands. SYN: cheiromegaly, chiromegaly, megalocheiria, megalochiria. [macro- + G. cheir, hand]

macrochemistry
macrochemistry (mak-ro-kem′is-tre)

The use of chemical procedures, the reactions of which (color change, effervescence, etc.) are visible to the unaided eye. Cf.:microchemistry.

macrochylomicron
macrochylomicron (mak′ro-ki-lo-mi′kron)

An unusually large chylomicron.

macrocnemia
macrocnemia (mak-ro-ne′me-a)

A condition characterized by enlargement of the legs below the knee. [macro- + G. kneme, leg]

macrococcus
macrococcus (mak′ro-kok′us)

SYN: megacoccus.

macrocolon
macrocolon (mak′ro-ko′lon)

A sigmoid colon of unusual length; a variety of megacolon.

macroconidium
macroconidium, pl .macroconidia (mak′ro-ko-nid′e-um, -a)

1. A conidium, or exospore, of large size. 2. In fungi, the larger of two distinctively different-sized types of conidia in a single species, thick- or thin-walled and composed of 2 to 10 cells; characteristic of most dermatophytes and some other genera e.g., Histoplasma, Fusarium. [macro- + Mod. L. dim. fr. G. konis, dust]

macrocornea
macrocornea (mak-ro-kor′ne-a)

An abnormally large cornea.

macrocranium
macrocranium (mak-ro-kra′ne-um)

An enlarged skull, especially the bones containing the brain, as seen in hydrocephalus; the face appears relatively small in comparison.

macrocryoglobulin
macrocryoglobulin (mak-ro-kri-o-glob′u-lin)

A macroglobulin that has the properties of a cryoglobulin.

macrocryoglobulinemia
macrocryoglobulinemia (mak′ro-kri-o-glob′u-lin-e′me-a)

The presence of cold-precipitating macroglobulins in the peripheral blood; such macrocryoglobulins are often called cold hemagglutinins.

macrocyst
macrocyst (mak′ro-sist)

A cyst of macroscopic proportions.

macrocyte
macrocyte (mak′ro-sit)

A large erythrocyte, such as those observed in pernicious anemia. SYN: macroerythrocyte. [macro- + G. kytos, a hollow (cell)]

macrocythemia
macrocythemia (mak′ro-si-the′me-a)

The occurrence of unusually large numbers of macrocytes in the circulating blood. SYN: macrocytosis, megalocythemia, megalocytosis. [macrocyte + G. haima, blood]
hyperchromatic m. an inexact term frequently used for macrocytes that contain an unusually large amount of hemoglobin, but are actually normochromic; although the total mass of hemoglobin is greater than normal (owing to the large cells), the percentage of hemoglobin in the cells is not greater than normal.

macrocytosis
macrocytosis (mak′ro-si-to′sis)

SYN: macrocythemia. [macrocyte + G. -osis, condition]

macrodactylia
macrodactylia, macrodactylism, macrodactyly (mak-ro-dak-til′e-a, -dak′til-izm, dak′ti-le)

SYN: megadactyly.

macrodont
macrodont (mak′ro-dont)

1. A tooth of abnormally large and frequently distorted proportions; the condition may be localized or generalized. 2. Denoting a skull with a dental index above 44. SYN: megadont, megalodont. [macro- + G. odous (odont-), tooth]

macrodontia
macrodontia, macrodontism (mak-ro-don′she-a, -don′tizm)

The state of having abnormally large teeth. SYN: megadontism, megalodontia.

macrodystrophia lipomatosa
macrodystrophia lipomatosa (mak′ro-dis-tro′fe-a lip-o-ma-to′sa)

A rare nonfamilial disease characterized by enlargement of the fingers by lipomas, with painful degenerative arthropathy of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.

macroelements
macroelements (mak′ro-el′e-ments)

Inorganic nutrients needed in relatively high daily amounts ( i.e., more than 100 mg per day) e.g., calcium, phosphorus, sodium, etc. SYN: macrominerals.

macroencephalon
macroencephalon (mak′ro-en-sef′a-lon)

SYN: megaloencephalon. [macro- + G. enkephalos, brain]

macroerythroblast
macroerythroblast (mak′ro-e-rith′ro-blast)

A large erythroblast. SYN: macronormochromoblast.

macroerythrocyte
macroerythrocyte (mak′ro-e-rith′ro-sit)

SYN: macrocyte.

macroesthesia
macroesthesia (mak′ro-es-the′ze-a)

A subjective sensation that all objects are larger than they are. [macro- + G. aisthesis, sensation]

macrogamete
macrogamete (mak-ro-gam′et)

The female element in anisogamy; it is the larger of the two sex cells, with more reserve material, and usually nonmotile. SYN: megagamete. [macro- + G. gamete, wife]

macrogametocyte
macrogametocyte (mak′ro-ga-me′to-sit)

The female gametocyte or mother cell producing the female or macrogamete among fungi or protozoa that undergo anisogamy. SYN: macrogamont.

macrogamont
macrogamont (mak-ro-gam′ont)

SYN: macrogametocyte.

macrogamy
macrogamy (ma-krog′a-me)

Conjugation of two adult cells or gametes. [macro- + G. gamos, marriage]

macrogastria
macrogastria (mak-ro-gas′tre-a)

SYN: megalogastria.

macrogenitosomia
macrogenitosomia (mak′ro-jen′i-to-so′me-a)

Excessive bodily and genital development. [macro- + L. genitalis, genital, + G. soma, body]
m. praecox a disorder in which gonadal maturation (puberty) and the adolescent growth spurt in bodily height occur in the first decade of life; often associated with a pineal tumor or lesions in hypothalamic areas known to regulate gonadotrophin secretion. SYN: Pellizzi syndrome.
m. praecox suprarenalis precocious somatic growth and isosexual maturation of secondary sexual characteristics, resulting from an adrenocortical tumor.

macroglia
macroglia (ma-krog′le-a)

SYN: astrocyte. [macro- + G. glia, glue]

macroglobulinemia
macroglobulinemia (mak′ro-glob′u-li-ne′me-a)

The presence of increased levels of macroglobulins in the circulating blood.
Waldenström m. m. occurring in elderly persons, characterized by proliferation of cells resembling lymphocytes or plasma cells in the bone marrow, anemia, increased sedimentation rate, and hyperglobulinemia with a narrow peak in γ-globulin or β₂-globulin at about 19 S units. The spleen, liver, or lymph nodes are often enlarged and there is frequently purpura or mucosal bleeding. SYN: hyperglobulinemic purpura, Waldenström purpura, Waldenström syndrome.

macroglobulins
macroglobulins (mak-ro-glob′u-lins)

Plasma globulins of unusually large molecular weight, e.g., as much as 1,000,000; α₂-macroglobulin inhibits thrombin and other proteases.

macroglossia
macroglossia (mak-ro-glos′e-a)

Enlargement of the tongue, either developmental in origin or secondary to a neoplasm or vascular hamartoma. SYN: megaloglossia. [macro- + G. glossa, tongue]

macrognathia
macrognathia (mak-ro-na′the-a)

Enlargement or elongation of the jaw. SYN: megagnathia. [macro- + G. gnathos, jaw]

macrography
macrography (ma-krog′ra-fe)

Rarely used term for writing with very large letters. SYN: megalographia. [macro- + G. grapho, to write]

macrogyria
macrogyria (mak-ro-ji′re-a)

SYN: pachygyria. [macro- + G. gyros, circle (gyrus)]

macrolabia
macrolabia (mak′ro-la′be-a)

SYN: macrocheilia (1) . [macro- + L. labium, lip]

macroleukoblast
macroleukoblast (mak-ro-loo′ko-blast)

An unusually large leukoblast.

macrolide
macrolide (mak′ro-lid)

A natural lactone, whose ring is large, usually of 14–20 atoms; several antibiotics, including erythromycin, are macrolides. They inhibit protein biosynthesis.

macrolides
macrolides (mak′ro-lidz)

A class of antibiotics discovered in streptomycetes, characterized by molecules made up of large-ring lactones; e.g., erythromycin; many inhibit protein biosynthesis.

macromastia
macromastia, macromazia (mak-ro-mas′te-a, -ma′ze-a)

Abnormally large breasts. SEE ALSO: hypermastia (2) . [macro- + G. mastos, breast]

macromelanosome
macromelanosome (mak-ro-mel′a-no-som)

SYN: giant melanosome.

macromelia
macromelia (mak-ro-me′le-a)

Abnormal size of one or more of the limbs. SYN: megalomelia. [macro- + G. melos, limb]

macromere
macromere

A blastomere of large size, as in amphibians. [macro- + G. meros, part]

macromerozoite
macromerozoite (mak′ro-mer-o-zo′it)

A large merozoite. SYN: megamerozoite. [macro- + G. meros, part, + zoon, animal]

macrominerals
macrominerals (mak-ro-min-er-alz)

SYN: macroelements.

macromolecule
macromolecule (mak-ro-mol′e-kul)

A molecule of colloidal size; e.g., proteins, polynucleic acids, polysaccharides.

macromonocyte
macromonocyte (mak-ro-mon′o-sit)

An unusually large monocyte.

macromyeloblast
macromyeloblast (mak-ro-mi′e-lo-blast)

An abnormally large myeloblast.

macronormoblast
macronormoblast (mak-ro-nor′mo-blast)

1. A large normoblast. 2. A large, incompletely hemoglobiniferous, nucleated red blood cell with a “cart-wheel” nucleus.

macronormochromoblast
macronormochromoblast (mak′ro-nor-mo-kro′mo-blast)

SYN: macroerythroblast.

macronucleus
macronucleus (mak-ro-noo′kle-us)

1. A nucleus that occupies a relatively large portion of the cell, or the larger nucleus where two or more are present in a cell. SYN: meganucleus. 2. The larger of the two nuclei in ciliates, which governs vegetative metabolic functions and not reproduction. SYN: somatic nucleus, trophic nucleus, trophonucleus. SEE ALSO: micronucleus (2) .

macronutrients
macronutrients (mak-ro-noo′tre-ents)

Nutrients required in the greatest amount; e.g., carbohydrates, protein, fats.

macronychia
macronychia (mak-ro-nik′e-a)

Abnormally large fingernails or toenails. [macro- + G. onyx, nail]

macroorchidism
macroorchidism (mak-ro-or′ki-dizm)

Having abnormally large testes; seen in males with fragile X syndrome. [macro- + G. orchis (orchid-), testicle]

macroparasite
macroparasite (mak-ro-par′a-sit)

A parasite, such as a louse or an intestinal worm, that is visible to the naked eye.

macropathology
macropathology (mak′ro-pa-thol′o-je)

The phase of pathology that pertains to the gross anatomic changes in disease.

macropenis
macropenis (mak-ro-pe′nis)

An abnormally large penis. SYN: macrophallus.

macrophage
macrophage (mak′ro-faj)

Any mononuclear, actively phagocytic cell arising from monocytic stem cells in the bone marrow; these cells are widely distributed in the body and vary in morphology and motility, though most are large, long-lived cells with a nearly round nucleus and have abundant endocytic vacuoles, lysosomes, and phagolysosomes. Phagocytic activity is typically mediated by serum recognition factors, including certain immunoglobulins and components of the complement system, but also may be nonspecific for some inert materials and bacteria, as in the case of alveolar macrophages; macrophages also are involved in both the production of antibodies and in cell-mediated immune responses, participate in presenting antigens to lymphocytes, and secrete a variety of immunoregulatory molecules. SYN: macrophagocyte, rhagiocrine cell. [macro- + G. phago, to eat]
activated m. a mature m., in an active metabolic state, that is cytotoxic to tumor/target cells, usually following exposure to certain cytokines. SYN: armed m..
alveolar m. a vigorously phagocytic m. on the epithelial surface of lung alveoli where it ingests inhaled particulate matter. SYN: coniophage, dust cell.
armed m. SYN: activated m..
fixed m. a relatively immotile m. found in connective tissue, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. SYN: resting wandering cell.
free m. an actively motile m. typically found in sites of inflammation.
Hansemann m. obsolete term for large histiocytes with abundant cytoplasm that may contain Michaelis-Gutmann bodies and one or several nuclei; described in lesions of malacoplakia.
inflammatory m. a m. found at sites of inflammation.
tangible body m. a m. that specializes in phagocytosis of lymphoid cells.

macrophagocyte
macrophagocyte (mak-ro-fag′o-sit)

SYN: macrophage.

macrophallus
macrophallus (mak-ro-fal′lus)

SYN: macropenis. [macro- + G. phallos, penis]

macrophthalmia
macrophthalmia (mak-rof-thal′me-a)

SYN: megalophthalmos. [macro- + G. ophthalmos, eye]

macropodia
macropodia (mak-ro-po′de-a)

Abnormally large feet. SYN: megalopodia, pes gigas. [macro- + G. pous, foot]

macropolycyte
macropolycyte (mak-ro-pol′e-sit)

An unusually large polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocyte that contains a multisegmented nucleus ( e.g., 8, 10, or more lobes); the arrangement of chromatin is less compact than in the normal neutrophil, and the cytoplasmic granules tend to be larger and more acidophilic. Such changes frequently precede significant alterations in the red blood cells, e.g., as in pernicious anemia and certain other forms of anemia. [macro- + G. polys, many, + kytos, cell]

macropromyelocyte
macropromyelocyte (mak′ro-pro-mi′e-lo-sit)

An unusually large promyelocyte.

macroprosopia
macroprosopia (mak′ro-pro-so′pe-a)

A condition in which the face is too large in proportion to the size of the cranial vault. SYN: megaprosopia. [macro- + G. prosopon, face]

macroprosopous
macroprosopous (mak-ro-pro′so-pus, -pro-so′pus)

Relating to or exhibiting macroprosopia. SYN: megaprosopous.

macropsia
macropsia (ma-krop′se-a)

Perception of objects as larger than they are. [macro- + G. opsis, vision]

macrorhinia
macrorhinia (mak-ro-rin′e-a)

Excessive size of the nose, either congenital or pathologic. [macro- + G. rhis (rhin-), nose]

macroscelia
macroscelia (mak-ro-se′le-a)

Abnormally increased length or thickness of the legs. [macro- + G. skelos, leg]

macroscopic
macroscopic (mak-ro-skop′ik)

1. Of a size visible with the naked eye or without the use of a microscope. 2. Relating to macroscopy.

macroscopy
macroscopy (ma-kros′ko-pe)

Examination of objects with the naked eye. [macro- + G. skopeo, to view]

macrosigmoid
macrosigmoid (mak-ro-sig′moyd)

Enlargement or dilation of the sigmoid colon. SYN: megasigmoid.

macrosis
macrosis (ma-kro′sis)

Increase in length or volume. [G.]

macrosmatic
macrosmatic (mak′roz-mat′ik)

Denoting an abnormally keen olfactory sense. [macro- + G. osme, smell]

macrosomia
macrosomia (mak-ro-so′me-a)

Abnormally large size of the body. SYN: megasomia. [macro- + G. soma, body]

macrosplanchnic
macrosplanchnic (mak-ro-splangk′nik)

SYN: megalosplanchnic.

macrospore
macrospore (mak′ro-spor)

The larger of two spore types of certain protozoans or fungi. SYN: megalospore, megaspore. [macro- + G. sporos, seed]

macrostereognosis
macrostereognosis (mak′ro-ster-e-og-no′sis)

An error of perception in which objects appear larger than they are. [macro- + G. stereos, solid, + gnosis, recognition]

macrostomia
macrostomia (mak-ro-sto′me-a)

Abnormally large size of the mouth resulting from failure of fusion between the maxillary and mandibular processes of the embryonic face. [macro- + G. stoma, mouth]

macrotia
macrotia (mak-ro′she-a)

Congenital excessive enlargement of the auricle or pinna. [macro- + G. ous, ear]

macrotome
macrotome (mak′ro-tom)

An instrument for making gross anatomic sections. [macro- + G. tome, cutting]

macula
macula, pl .maculae (mak′u-la, -u-le)

1. [TA] A circumscribed flat area, up to 1.0 cm in diameter, perceptibly different in color from the surrounding tissue. 2. A small, discolored patch or spot on the skin, neither elevated above nor depressed below the skin's surface. SEE ALSO: spot. 3. The neuroepithelial sensory receptors of the utricle and saccule of the vestibular labyrinth collectively. SYN: maculae utriculosaccularis [TA] . SEE ALSO: neuroepithelium of m.. SYN: macule, spot (1) . [L. a spot]
maculae acusticae m. of saccule, m. of utricle.
m. adherens SYN: desmosome.
m. albida, pl .maculae albidae gray-white or white, rounded or irregularly shaped, slightly opaque patches or spots that are sometimes observed postmortem in the epicardium, especially in middle-aged or older persons; they result from fibrous thickening, and sometimes hyalinization, of the epicardium; similar lesions may also occur in the visceral layer of the peritoneum. SYN: m. lactea, m. tendinea, tache blanche, tache laiteuse (2) , tendinous spot, white spot.
m. atrophica an atrophic glistening white spot on the skin.
m. cerulea a bluish stain on the skin caused by the bites of fleas or lice, especially pediculosis pubis. SYN: blue spot (1) .
m. communicans SYN: gap junction.
m. communis the thickened area in the medial wall of the auditory vesicle that later subdivides to form the maculae of the sacculus and utriculus as well as the cristae of the ampullae of the semicircular ducts.
m. corneae a moderately dense opacity of the cornea. SYN: corneal spot.
m. cribrosa, pl .maculae cribrosae [TA] one of three areas on the wall of the vestibule of the labyrinth, marked by numerous foramina giving passage to nerve filaments supplying portions of the membranous labyrinth; m. cribrosa inferior [TA], located in the posterior bony ampulla for passage of posterior ampullary nerve fibers; m. cribrosa media [TA], area near the base of the cochlea through which the saccular nerve fibers pass; m. cribrosa superior [TA], perforated area above the elliptical recess for passage of the utriculoampullary nerve fibers; m. cribrosa quarta, a name sometimes applied to the opening for the cochlear nerve.
m. cribrosa quarta a name sometimes applied to the opening for the cochlear nerve.
m. densa a closely packed group of densely staining cells in the distal tubular epithelium of a nephron, in direct apposition to the juxtaglomerular cells; they may function as either chemoreceptors or as baroreceptors feeding information to the juxtaglomerular cells.
false m. an extrafoveal point of fixation.
m. flava a yellowish spot at the anterior extremity of the rima glottidis where the two vocal folds join.
m. gonorrhoica a spot of red brighter than the surrounding membrane, at the congested orifice of the duct of Bartholin gland, sometimes seen in gonorrhea.
honeycomb m. edema of the macular region of the retina.
m. lactea SYN: m. albida.
m. lutea [TA] SYN: m. of retina.
m. pellucida SYN: follicular stigma.
m. of retina [TA] an oval area of the sensory retina, 3 by 5 mm, temporal to the optic disk corresponding to the posterior pole of the eye; at its center is the central fovea, which contains only retinal cones. SYN: m. lutea [TA] , area centralis, m. retinae, macular area, punctum luteum, Soemmerring spot, yellow spot.
m. retinae SYN: m. of retina.
m. of saccule [TA] the oval neuroepithelial sensory receptor in the anterior wall of the saccule; hair cells of the neuroepithelium support the statoconial membrane and have terminal arborizations of vestibular nerve fibers around their bodies. SYN: m. sacculi [TA] , saccular spot.
m. sacculi [TA] SYN: m. of saccule.
m. tendinea SYN: m. albida.
m. of utricle [TA] the neuroepithelial sensory receptor in the inferolateral wall of the utricle; hair cells of the neuroepithelium support the statoconial membrane and have terminal arborizations of vestibular nerve fibers around their bodies; sensitive to linear acceleration in the longitudinal axis of the body and to gravitational influences. SYN: m. utriculi [TA] , utricular spot.
m. utriculi [TA] SYN: m. of utricle.
maculae utriculosaccularis [TA] SYN: m. (3) .

macular
macular, maculate (mak′u-lar, -lat)

1. Relating to or marked by macules. 2. Denoting the central retina, especially the macula retinae.

macule
macule (mak′ul)

SYN: macula. [L. macula, spot]
ash-leaf m. a hypopigmented, often ash leaf-shaped m. that is present at birth in many patients with tuberous sclerosis.

maculocerebral
maculocerebral (mak′u-lo-ser′e-bral)

Relating to the macula lutea and the brain; denoting a type of nervous disease marked by degenerative lesions in both the retina and the brain.

maculoerythematous
maculoerythematous (mak′u-lo-er-i-the′ma-tus)

Denoting lesions that are erythematous and macular, covering wide areas.

maculopapule
maculopapule (mak′u-lo-pap′ul)

A lesion with a flat base surrounding a papule in the center.

maculopathy
maculopathy (mak-u-lop′a-the)

Any pathological condition of the macula lutea. SYN: macular retinopathy.
bull's-eye m. an ocular condition in which edema or degeneration of the sensory retina at the posterior pole of the eye causes alternating areas of light and dark, as in a target; seen in toxic, inflammatory, and hereditary conditions.
cystoid m. cystic degeneration of the central retina that may occur after cataract extraction, in senile macular degeneration, and in other retinal abnormalities.
familial pseudoinflammatory m. familial macular degeneration resembling inflammatory changes.
nicotinic acid m. m. observed in persons taking 3000 mg or more of nicotinic acid daily; normal vision returns after this medication is discontinued.
solar m. damage to the fovea centralis of the retina and the adjacent choroid due to the thermal action of infrared rays, consequent to sungazing or watching a solar eclipse without sufficient eye protection. SEE ALSO: photoretinopathy. SYN: eclipse blindness, solar blindness.

mad
mad

A non-medical, pejorative term for: 1. Rabid. 2. Mentally ill; insane. [A.S. gemad]

madarosis
madarosis (mad-a-ro′sis)

1. SYN: milphosis. 2. SYN: alopecia adnata. [G. a falling off of the eyelashes, fr. madao, to fall off (of hair)]

madder
madder (mad′er)

1. The dried and powdered root of Rubia tinctorum (family Rubiaceae); it contains several glycosides that upon fermentation give the red dyes alizarin and purpurin. When m. (or alizarin) is fed to young animals, the calcium in newly deposited bone salt, hydroxyapatite, is stained red. 2. Any dye obtained from plants of the m. family (Rubiaceae). SYN: turkey red. [A.S. maedere]

Maddox
Maddox

Ernest E., English ophthalmologist, 1860–1933. See M. rod.

Madelung
Madelung

Otto W., German surgeon, 1846–1926. See M. deformity, M. disease, M. neck.

Madlener
Madlener

Max, German surgeon, 1868–1951. See M. operation.

madness
madness (mad′nes)

The state of being mad.

Madsen
Madsen

Thorvald J.M., 1870–1957. See Arrhenius-M. theory.

Madurella
Madurella (mad′u-rel′a)

A genus of fungi including a number of species, such as M. grisea and M. mycetomi, that cause mycetoma. [Madura, India]

maduromycosis
maduromycosis (mad′u-ro-mi-ko′sis)

SYN: mycetoma. [Madura, India, + mycosis]

MAF
MAF

Abbreviation for macrophage-activating factor.

mafenide
mafenide (ma′fe-nid)

A topical antibacterial agent active against anaerobic pathogens. M. acetate is the preferred salt for ointment; m. hydrochloride is the preferred salt for solution. SYN: 4-homosulfanilamide.

Maffucci
Maffucci

Angelo, Italian physician and anatomic pathologist, 1847–1903. See M. syndrome.

magaldrate
magaldrate (mag′al-drat)

A chemical combination of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, used as an antacid.

Magendie
Magendie

François, French physiologist, 1783–1855. See foramen of M., Bell-M. law, M. law, M. spaces, under space, M.-Hertwig sign, M.-Hertwig syndrome.

magenstrasse
magenstrasse (mag′en-stras′e)

SYN: gastric canal. [Ger. Magen, stomach, + Strasse, road]

maggot
maggot (mag′ot)

A fly larva or grub.
cheese m. SYN: Philopia casei.
surgical m. a sterilized botfly m. used in an obsolete therapy of wound debridement and removal of necrotic tissues.

Magill
Magill

Sir Ivan Whiteside, British anesthesiologist, 1888–1975. See M. forceps.

magistral
magistral (maj′is-tral)

Denoting a preparation compounded according to a physician's prescription, in contrast to officinal (derived from a pharmacist's stock). [L. magister, master]

magma
magma (mag′ma)

1. A soft mass left after extraction of the active principles. 2. A salve or thick paste. [G. a soft mass or salve, fr. masso, to knead]
m. reticulare delicate noncellular strands running between the yolk sac and the outer wall of the blastocyst which is the early chorionic sac.

Magnan
Magnan

Valentin J.J., Paris psychiatrist, 1835–1916. See M. trombone movement, M. sign.

magnesia
magnesia (mag-ne′zhuh)

SYN: magnesium oxide. [see magnesium]
calcined m. SYN: magnesium oxide.
m. magma SYN: milk of m..

magnesium
magnesium (Mg) (mag-ne′ze-um)

An alkaline earth element, atomic no. 12, atomic wt. 24.3050, that oxidizes to magnesia; a bioelement, many salts have clinical applications. [Mod. L. fr. G. Magnesia, a region in Thessaly]
m. aluminum silicate an antacid. SYN: aluminum m. silicate.
m. bacteriopheophytinate bacteriochlorophyll.
m. benzoate has been used in gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
m. carbonate used in gastric and intestinal acidity and as a laxative.
m. chloride has been used as a laxative.
m. citrate a laxative; usually administered as an effervescent flavored beverage.
effervescent m. citrate m. carbonate, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and sugar, moistened with alcohol, passed through a sieve, and dried to a coarse granular powder; used as a laxative.
effervescent m. sulfate effervescent Epsom salt; m. sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, and citric acid, moistened, passed through a sieve, and dried to a coarse granular powder; a purgative.
m. hydroxide an antacid and laxative.
m. lactate a laxative.
m. oxide used as an antacid and laxative. SYN: calcined magnesia, magnesia.
m. peroxide decomposes in water to hydrogen peroxide; used as an ingredient in dentifrices and in antiseptic dusting powder.
m. phytinates chlorophyll a and b. See entries under chlorophyll.
m. salicylate a sodium-free salicylate derivative with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic actions; used for relief of mild to moderate pain.
m. stearate a compound of m. with variable proportions of stearic and palmitic acids; used in the preparation of tablets, as a lubricant, and as an ingredient in some baby powders.
m. sulfate active ingredient of most natural laxative waters; used as a promptly acting cathartic in certain poisonings, in the treatment of increased intracranial pressure and edema, as an anticonvulsant in eclampsia (when administered intravenously), and as an anti-inflammatory (when applied locally). SYN: Epsom salts.
tribasic m. phosphate tertiary m. phosphate, it is used as an antacid but it does not produce systemic alkalization; 1 g is equivalent in neutralizing power to about 0.46 g of sodium bicarbonate.
m. trisilicate a compound of m. oxide and silicon dioxide with varying proportions of water; occurs in nature as meerschaum, pararepiolite, and repiolite; a gastric antacid.

magnet
magnet

1. A body that has the property of attracting particles of iron, cobalt, nickel, or any of various metallic alloys and that when freely suspended tends to assume a definite direction between the magnetic poles of the earth (magnetic polarity). 2. A bar or horseshoe-shaped piece of iron or steel that has been made magnetic by contact with another m. or, as in an electromagnet, by passage of electric current around a metallic (iron) core. 3. An electromagnet built in a cylindrical configuration to accommodate a patient in its core, for magnetic resonance imaging. [G. magnes]
superconducting m. a m. whose coils are cooled, usually with liquid helium, to a temperature at which the metal becomes superconducting, effectively removing all electrical resistance.

magnetic
magnetic

1. Relating to or characteristic of a magnet. 2. Possessing magnetism.

magnetism
magnetism (mag′ne-tizm)

The property of mutual attraction or repulsion possessed by magnets.
animal m. a psychic force akin to the property of mutual attraction or repulsion possessed by metal magnets and once believed to be the principal factor in hypnosis, which thus was called animal m.. See hypnosis, mesmerism.

magnetocardiography
magnetocardiography (mag′ne-to-kar-de-og′ra-fe)

Measurement of the magnetic field of the heart, produced by the same ionic currents that generate the electrocardiogram, and showing characteristic P, QRS, T, and U waves.

magnetoencephalogram
magnetoencephalogram (MEG) (mag-ne′to-en-sef′a-lo-gram)

A Gauss-time record of the magnetic field of the brain.

magnetoencephalography
magnetoencephalography (mag-ne′to-en-sef-a-log′ra-fe)

The process of recording the brain's magnetic field.

magnetometer
magnetometer (mag-ne-tom′e-ter)

An instrument for detecting and measuring the magnetic field.

magneton
magneton (mag′ne-ton)

A unit of measurement of the magnetic moment of a particle ( e.g., atom or subatomic particle).
Bohr m. (μ_B) a constant in the equation relating the difference in energies between parallel and antiparallel spin alignments of electrons in a magnetic field; the net magnetic moment of one unpaired electron; used in electron spin resonance spectrometry for detection and estimation of free radicals; the smallest unit of magnetic moment (approximately 9.274 × 10⁻²⁴ J T⁻¹). SYN: electron m..
electron m. SYN: Bohr m..
nuclear m. (μ_N) a constant in the equation relating the difference in energies between parallel and antiparallel spin alignments of atomic nuclei in a magnetic field; used in nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry; 5.05 × 10⁻²⁷ J T⁻¹.

magnetotherapy
magnetotherapy (mag-ne′to-thar′a-pe)

Attempted treatment of disease by application of magnets or induced magnetic fields.

magnification
magnification (mag′ni-fi-ka′shun)

1. The seeming increase in size of an object viewed under the microscope; when noted, this increased size is expressed by a figure preceded by ×, indicating the number of times its diameter is enlarged. 2. The increased amplitude of a tracing, as of a muscular contraction, caused by the use of a lever with a long writing arm, i.e., one in which the fulcrum is placed nearer to the muscle than to the writing point. [L. magnifico, pp. -atus, to magnify]

magnitude
magnitude (mag′ni-tood)

Size or extent.
average pulse m. the amplitude of pulse averaged throughout its duration; identical with peak amplitude for a square wave or pulse without droop.
peak m. the greatest amplitude.

magnocellular
magnocellular (mag′no-sel′u-lar)

Composed of cells of large size. [L. magnus, large, + cellular]

magnum
magnum (mag′num)

SYN: capitate (1) . [L. magnus, large]

Magnus
Magnus

Rudolph, German physiologist, 1873–1927. See M. sign.

magnus
magnus (mag′nus)

Large; great; denoting a structure of large size. [L.]

Mahaim
Mahaim

Ivan, 20th century cardiologist, 1897–1965. See M. fibers, under fiber.

Ma-huang
Ma-huang (mah-hwahng)

Name for Ephedra equisetina. [Chinese]

MAI
MAI

Abbreviation for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare. SEE ALSO: Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex.

maidenhair tree
maidenhair tree

SYN: Ginkgo biloba.

maidenhead
maidenhead (ma′den-hed)

Obsolete term for the intact hymen of a virgin.

maidism
maidism (ma′dizm)

SYN: pellagra. [Zea mays, maize]

Maier
Maier

Rudolf, German physician, 1824–1888. See M. sinus.

maim
maim (mam)

To disable or cripple by an injury.

main
main (man)

SYN: hand. [Fr.]
m. succulente SYN: Marinesco succulent hand.

mainframe
mainframe (man′fram)

A large digital computer, such as would be used in a hospital for information management. Cf.:mini.

mainstreaming
mainstreaming (man′strem-ing)

Providing the least restrictive environment (socially, physically, and educationally) for chronically disabled individuals by introducing them into the natural environment rather than segregating them into homogeneous groups living in sheltered environments under constant supervision.

maintainer
maintainer (man-ta′ner)

A device utilized to hold or keep teeth in a given position.
space m. an orthodontic appliance used to prevent the loss of space or the shifting of teeth following extraction or premature loss of teeth. SYN: space retainer.

maintenance
maintenance (man′ten-ans)

1. A therapeutic regimen intended to preserve benefit. Cf.:compliance (2) , adherence (2) . 2. The extent to which the patient continues good heath practices without supervision, incorporating them into a general life-style. Cf.:compliance. [M.E., fr O.Fr., fr. Mediev. L. manuteneo, to hold in the hand]

maise oil
maise oil (maz)

SYN: corn oil.

Maissiat
Maissiat

Jacques H., French anatomist, 1805–1878. See M. band.

Majocchi
Majocchi

Domenico, Italian dermatologist, 1849–1929. See M. granulomas, under granuloma.

major
major (ma′jor)

Larger or greater in size of two similar structures. [L. comparative of magnus, great]

Makeham
Makeham

William Matthew, English actuary, &dag;1892. See M. hypothesis.

mal
mal (mahl)

A disease or disorder. [Fr. fr. L. malum, an evil]
m. de la rosa, m. rosso SYN: pellagra.
m. del pinto SYN: pinta.
m. de Meleda endemic symmetrical keratoderma of the extremities occurring on the island of Meleda off the coast of Dalmatia, in Eastern Europe.
m. de mer SYN: seasickness.
grand m. (grahn) SYN: generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
m. morado (m. mo-ra′do) purplish skin discoloration seen in acute attacks of onchodermatitis caused by Onchocerca volvulus in Central America. [Sp. m., disease, + morado, purple]
petit m. (pe-te′) See petit m. seizure. [Fr. small]

mal- mal-

Ill, bad; opposite of eu-. Cf.:dys-, caco-. [L. malus, bad]

mala
mala (ma′la)

1. SYN: cheek. 2. SYN: zygomatic bone. [L. cheek bone]

malabsorption
malabsorption (mal-ab-sorp′shun)

Imperfect, inadequate, or otherwise disordered gastrointestinal absorption.
congenital selective glucose and galactose m. an inherited disorder in which d-glucose and d-galactose accumulate in the intestinal lumen and exert an osmotic effect; leads to abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
enterocyte cobalamin m. an inherited disorder of impaired transintestinal transport of cobalamin; symptoms are similar to a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.
fructose m. an inborn error in metabolism in which oral d-fructose is incompletely absorbed; results in abdominal symptoms and diarrhea.
hereditary folate m. an inherited disorder in which there is defective transport of folates in intestine and choroid plexus, results in megaloblastic anemia and neurologic abnormalities.

Malacarne
Malacarne

Michele V.G., Italian surgeon, 1744–1816. See M. pyramid, M. space.

malachite green
malachite green (mal′a-kit) [C.I. 42000]

A dye that has been used as a wound antiseptic, as a treatment of mycotic skin infections, and in biologic staining of tissues and bacteria. [G. malache, a mallow]

malacia
malacia (ma-la′she-a)

A softening or loss of consistency and contiguity in any of the organs or tissues. Also used as a combining form in the suffix position. SYN: mollities (2) . SYN: malacosis. [G. malakia, a softness]

malacic
malacic (ma-la′sik)

SYN: malacotic.

malaco- malaco-

Soft, softening. [G. malakos, soft; malakia, a softness]

malacoplakia
malacoplakia, malakoplakia (mal′a-ko-pla′ke-a, mal′a-ko-pla′ke-a)

Rare lesion in the mucosa of the urinary bladder and other organs, more frequent in women, characterized by numerous mottled yellow and gray soft plaques and nodules that consist of numerous macrophages and calcospherites (Michaelis-Guttmann bodies) that may form around intracellular bacteria, usually Escherichia coli. [malaco- + G. plax, plate, plaque]

malacosis
malacosis (mal′a-ko′sis)

SYN: malacia.

malacotic
malacotic (mal′a-kot′ik)

Pertaining to or characterized by malacia. SYN: malacic.

malactic
malactic (ma-lak′tik)

SYN: emollient. [G. malaktikos, softening]

maladie
maladie (mal′a-de′)

SYN: malady. [Fr.]
m. de Roger SYN: Roger disease. [Fr.]
m. des jambes (mal′a-de′ de zhamb′) ill-defined disease seen among rice-growers in Louisiana.

maladjustment
maladjustment (mal-ad-just′ment)

In the mental health professions, an inability to cope with the problems and challenges of everyday living. [mal- + adjust, fr. O.Fr. adjuster, fr. L.L. adjuxto, to put close to, + -ment]
social m. m. without manifest psychiatric disorder, as that occasioned by an inability to cope with social situations.

malady
malady (mal′a-de)

A disease or illness. SYN: maladie. [Fr. maladie, illness]

malagma
malagma (ma-lag′ma)

A cataplasm or emollient. [G. a poultice]

malaise
malaise (ma-laz′)

A feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness, an “out-of-sorts” feeling, often the first indication of an infection or other disease. [Fr. discomfort]

malalignment
malalignment (mal-a-lin′ment)

Displacement of a tooth or teeth from a normal position in the dental arch.

malar
malar (ma′lar)

Relating to the mala, the cheek or cheek bones.

malaria
malaria (ma-lar′e-a)

A disease caused by the presence of the sporozoan Plasmodium in human or other vertebrate red blood cells, usually transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female mosquito of the genus Anopheles that previously sucked the blood from a person with m.. Human infection begins with the exoerythrocytic cycle in liver parenchyma cells, followed by a series of erythrocytic schizogenous cycles repeated at regular intervals; production of gametocytes in other red cells provides future gametes for another mosquito infection; characterized by episodic severe chills and high fever, prostration, occasionally fatal termination. See tropical diseases, under disease. SEE ALSO: Plasmodium. SYN: jungle fever, marsh fever, paludal fever. [It. malo (fem. mala), bad, + aria, air, referring to the old theory of the miasmatic origin of the disease]
acute m. a form of m. that may be intermittent or remittent, consisting of a chill accompanied and followed by fever with its attendant general symptoms and terminating in a sweating stage; the paroxysms, caused by release of merozoites from infected cells, typically recur every 48 hours in tertian (vivax or ovale) m., every 72 hours in quartan (malariae) m., and at indefinite but frequent intervals, usually about 48 hours, in malignant tertian (falciparum) m., but in many cases the periodicity is not well established.
airport m. m. inadvertently imported by transport of an infected anopheline mosquito on an airplane.
algid m. a form of falciparum m. chiefly involving the gut and other abdominal viscera; gastric algid m. is characterized by persistent vomiting; dysenteric algid m. is characterized by bloody diarrheic stools in which enormous numbers of infected red blood cells are found.
autochthonous m. disease acquired by mosquito transmission in an area where m. regularly occurs.
benign tertian m. SYN: vivax m..
bilious remittent m. a form of falciparum m. characterized by bilious vomiting, bilious diarrhea, etc.
cerebral m. a form of falciparum m. characterized by cerebral involvement, with extreme hyperthermia and headache, and a case fatality rate of about 50%.
chronic m. m. that develops after frequently repeated attacks of one of the acute forms, usually falciparum m.; it is characterized by profound anemia, enlargement of the spleen, emaciation, mental depression, sallow complexion, edema of ankles, feeble digestion, and muscular weakness. SYN: limnemia, malarial cachexia.
m. comatosa falciparum m. complicated by coma.
double tertian m. quotidian m..
dysenteric algid m. algid m..
falciparum m. m. caused by Plasmodium falciparum and characterized by malarial paroxysms of severe form that typically occur every 48 hours with acute cerebral, renal, or gastrointestinal manifestations in severe cases, chiefly caused by the large number of red blood cells affected and the tendency for infected red cells to become sticky and clump, thus blocking capillaries. SEE ALSO: malarial knobs, under knob. SYN: aestivoautumnal fever, falciparum fever, malignant tertian fever, malignant tertian m., pernicious m..
gastric algid m. algid m..
induced m. m. acquired by artificial means, e.g., via blood transfusion, common syringes, or malariotherapy.
intermittent m. a malarial fever, usually of the tertian or quartan type, in which there is complete apyrexia, with absence of the other symptoms, in the intervals between the paroxysms.
malariae m. a malarial fever with paroxysms that typically recur every 72 hours or every fourth day, reckoning the day of the paroxysm as the first; due to the schizogony and release of merozoites from infected cells, with invasion of new red blood corpuscles by Plasmodium malariae. SYN: quartan fever, quartan m..
malignant tertian m. SYN: falciparum m..
monkey m. SYN: simian m..
nonan m. a malarial fever with paroxysms that occur every ninth day, i.e., every eighth day following the preceding paroxysm, the day of each paroxysm being included in the computation.
ovale m., ovale tertian m. m. caused by Plasmodium ovale.
pernicious m. SYN: falciparum m..
quartan m. SYN: malariae m..
quotidian m. m. in which the paroxysms occur daily; usually a double tertian m., in which there is an infection by two distinct groups of Plasmodium vivax parasites sporulating alternately every 48 hours, but also may be an infection by the pernicious form of malarial parasite, P. falciparum, combined with P. vivax, or infection by two distinct P. falciparum generations, which mature on different days; also may develop from infection with P. knowlesi. SYN: quotidian fever.
relapsing m. renewal of clinical activity at some interval after the primary attack.
remittent m. a malarial fever, usually of the severe falciparum type, in which the temperature falls but not to the normal level during the interval between two pronounced paroxysms.
simian m. plasmodial infection of monkeys and apes, as with human m., transmitted chiefly by anopheline mosquitoes; a number of Plasmodium species are responsible, with Southeast Asia and Africa being the apparent centers of evolution; among the 20 plasmodial agents described from nonhuman primates, some resemble and induce a malarial infection similar to those caused by the four species of Plasmodium from humans, from which the agents of human m. appear to be derived. SYN: monkey m..
tertian m. SYN: vivax m..
therapeutic m. intentionally induced m., formerly used against neurosyphilis and certain other paralytic diseases. SYN: malariotherapy.
vivax m. a malarial fever with paroxysms that typically recur every 48 hours or every other day (every third day, reckoning the day of the paroxysm as the first); the fever is induced by release of merozoites and their invasion of new red blood corpuscles. SYN: benign tertian fever, benign tertian m., tertian fever, tertian m., vivax fever.

malarial
malarial (ma-lar′e-al)

Pertaining to or affected with malaria.

malariology
malariology (ma-lar-e-ol′o-je)

A study of malaria in all aspects, with particular reference to epidemiology and control.

malariotherapy
malariotherapy (ma-lar-e-o-ther′a-pe)

SYN: therapeutic malaria.

malarious
malarious (ma-lar′e-us)

Relating to or characterized by the prevalence of malaria.

Malassez
Malassez

Louis C., French physiologist, 1842–1910. See Malassezia, M. epithelial rests, under rest.

Malassezia
Malassezia (mal-a-sa′ze-a)

A genus of fungi (family Cryptococcaceae) of low pathogenicity that lack the ability to synthesize medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids and require an exogenous supply of these lipids for growth as can be found in the skin. [L. C. Malassez]
M. furfur a fungus species that is normal skin flora but can cause tinea versicolor, folliculitis, or fungemia in patients receiving intravenous lipids. SYN: Pityrosporum orbiculare, Pityrosporum ovale.
M. ovalis a species of yeast found in superficial epidermal scales and hair follicles on oily skin, of borderline pathogenicity; may cause seborrheic dermatitis associated with immune deficiency.
M. pachydermatis a fungus occasionally isolated from skin lesions of humans and animals; a rare cause of fungemia in patients receiving intravenous lipids.

malassimilation
malassimilation (mal′a-sim-i-la′shun)

Rarely used term for incomplete or faulty assimilation; malabsorption.

malate
malate (mal′at)

A salt or ester of malic acid.
m. dehydrogenase an enzyme that catalyzes, through NAD⁺ or NADP⁺, the dehydrogenation of m. to oxaloacetate or its decarboxylation to pyruvate and CO₂. At least six m. dehydrogenases are known, distinguished by their products, use of NAD⁺ or NADP⁺, and specificity of substrate (one acts on d-m., the rest act on l-m.); one is an enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. SYN: malic acid dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, pyruvic-malic carboxylase.
m. synthase an enzyme catalyzing the reversible condensation of acetyl-CoA with glyoxylate and water to form l-m. and coenzyme A; an enzyme in the glyoxylate cycle. SYN: glyoxylate transacetylase, m.-condensing enzyme.

malathion
malathion (mal-a-thi′on, ma-la′thi-on)

An organophosphorous compound used as an insecticide and veterinary ectoparasiticide; considered to be less toxic than parathion.

malaxation
malaxation (mal′ak-sa′shun)

1. Formation of ingredients into a mass for pills and plasters. 2. A kneading process in massage. [L. malaxo, pp. -atus, to soften]

maldigestion
maldigestion (mal-di-jes′chun)

Imperfect digestion.

Maldonado-San Jose stain
Maldonado-San Jose stain

See under stain.

male
male (mal)

1. In zoology, denoting the sex to which those belong that produce spermatozoa; an individual of that sex. 2. SYN: masculine. [L. masculus, fr. mas, m.]
genetic human m. 1. an individual with a karyotype containing a Y chromosome; 2. an individual whose cell nuclei do not contain Barr sex chromatin bodies, which are normally present in females. Patients with ambiguous sexual development and those with Turner syndrome are classed as genetic males or genetic females according to the absence or presence of Barr bodies even though their sex chromosome complement may suggest otherwise.
XX m. a clear m. phenotype in the presence of a 46,XX karyotype; presumably the vital parts of the Y chromosome are located elsewhere in the genome as a result of translocation at least in some of these persons.
XXY m. Klinefelter syndrome.
XYY m. XYY syndrome.

Malecot
Malecot

Achille-Etienne, French surgeon, *1852. See M. catheter.

maleic acid
maleic acid (ma-le′ik)

Butenedioic acid;the cis isomer of fumaric acid; used for preparing maleate salts of antihistaminics and similar drugs. SYN: toxilic acid.

malemission
malemission (mal-e-mish′un)

Failure to eject semen from the penis at orgasm. [mal- + L. e-mitto, pp. missus, to send out]

maleruption
maleruption (mal-e-rup′shun)

Faulty eruption of teeth.

maleylacetoacetate
maleylacetoacetate (mal′a-il-as′e-to-as′e-tat)

An intermediate in l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine catabolism; accumulates in certain inherited disorders of tyrosine metabolism.
m. cis,trans-isomerase an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of m. to 4-fumarylacetoacetate; an enzyme that participates in l-tyrosine catabolism; a deficiency of this enzyme is associated with tyrosinemia type IB.

malformation
malformation (mal-for-ma′shun)

Failure of proper or normal development; more specifically, a primary structural defect that results from a localized error of morphogenesis; e.g., cleft lip. Cf.:deformation.
Arnold-Chiari m. malformed posterior fossa structures associated with caudad traction and displacement of the rhombencephalon as caused by tethering of the spinal cord; may or may not be accompanied by spina bifida and associated anomalies such as meningomyelocele; this m. is usually multifactorial in inheritance; very weak evidence of autosomal recessive inheritance [MIM*207950]. SYN: Arnold-Chiari deformity, Arnold-Chiari syndrome, cerebellomedullary m. syndrome.
cystic adenomatoid m. a rare developmental lung-bud abnormality which results in stillbirth, acute progressive respiratory disease of newborns, or protracted childhood pneumonias; this m. combines features of a hamartoma, dysplastic growth, and tumorous growth. Three types have been described, based chiefly on cyst diameters: Type I: up to 10 cm; Type II: less than 1.2 cm; Type III: less than 0.5 cm.
mermaid m. SYN: sirenomelia.
Michel m. hypoplasia of the petrous pyramid and aplasia of the inner ear.
venous m. SYN: venous angioma.

malfunction
malfunction (mal-funk′shun)

Disordered, inadequate, or abnormal function.

Malgaigne
Malgaigne

Joseph F., French surgeon, 1806–1865. See M. amputation, M. fossa, M. hernia, M. luxation, M. triangle.

Malherbe
Malherbe

Albert, 1845–1915. See M. calcifying epithelioma.

malic acid
malic acid (mal′ik, ma′lik)

Hydroxysuccinic acid;an acid found in apples and various other tart fruits; an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the glyoxylate cycle, and in a shuttle system. SYN: monohydroxysuccinic acid.

malic acid dehydrogenase
malic acid dehydrogenase

SYN: malate dehydrogenase.

malic dehydrogenase
malic dehydrogenase

SYN: malate dehydrogenase.

malignancy
malignancy (ma-lig′nan-se)

The property or condition of being malignant.

malignant
malignant (ma-lig′nant)

1. Resistant to treatment;occurring in severe form, and frequently fatal; tending to become worse and leading to an ingravescent course. 2. In reference to a neoplasm, having the property of locally invasive and destructive growth and metastasis. [L. maligno, pres. p. -ans (ant-), to do anything maliciously]

malinger
malinger (ma-ling′ger)

To engage in malingering.

malingerer
malingerer (ma-ling′ger-er)

One who engages in malingering.

malingering
malingering (ma-ling′ger-ing)

Feigning illness or disability to escape work, excite sympathy, or gain compensation. [Fr. malingre, poor, weakly]

malinterdigitation
malinterdigitation (mal′in-ter-dij′i-ta′shun)

Faulty intercuspation of teeth.

Mall
Mall

Franklin Paine, U.S. anatomist and embryologist, 1862–1917. See M. formula, M. ridges, under ridge, periportal space of M..

malleable
malleable (mal′e-a-bl)

Capable of being shaped by being beaten or by pressure; a property of certain metals such as gold and silver. [L. malleus, a hammer]

mallebrin
mallebrin (mal′e-brin)

SYN: aluminum chlorate nonahydrate.

malleoincudal
malleoincudal (mal′e-o-ing′koo-dal)

Relating to the malleus and the incus in the tympanum.

malleolar
malleolar (ma-le′o-lar)

Relating to one or both malleoli.

malleolus
malleolus, pl .malleoli (ma-le′o-lus, -li) [TA]

A rounded bony prominence such as those on either side of the ankle joint. [L. dim. of malleus, hammer]
external m. SYN: lateral m..
inner m. SYN: medial m..
internal m. SYN: medial m..
lateral m. [TA] the process at the lateral side of the lower end of the fibula, forming the projection of the lateral part of the ankle; the lateral m. extends farther inferiorly than the medial m.. SYN: m. lateralis [TA] , external m., extramalleolus, outer m..
m. lateralis [TA] SYN: lateral m..
medial m. [TA] the process at the medial side of the lower end of the tibia, forming the projection of the medial side of the ankle; the medial m. lies superior to the level of the lateral m.. SYN: m. medialis [TA] , inner m., internal m..
m. medialis [TA] SYN: medial m..
outer m. SYN: lateral m..

malleotomy
malleotomy (mal′e-ot′o-me)

Division of the malleus. [malleus + G. tome, incision]

malleus
malleus, gen. and pl. mallei (mal′e-us, mal′e-i) [TA]

The largest of the three auditory ossicles, resembling a club rather than a hammer; it is regarded as having a head, below which is the neck, and from this diverge the handle or manubrium, and the slender, anterior process; from the base of the manubrium the short lateral process arises. The manubrium and lateral process are firmly attached to the tympanic membrane, and the head articulates with a saddle-shaped surface on the body of the incus. SYN: hammer. [L. a hammer]

Mallophaga
Mallophaga (ma-lof′a-ga)

An order of biting lice that cause irritation by feeding on hair, feathers, and skin, and on blood and exudates when present; most species are found on birds, but some are found on common domestic animals. The genera Menacanthus and Menopon (family Menoponidae) attack domestic fowl, as do Columbicola, Chelopistes, Lipeurus, and other genera of the family Philopteridae, while Bovicola, Felicola, and Trichodectes (family Trichodectidae) infest domestic mammals. [G. mallos, wool, + phagein, to eat]

Mallory
Mallory

G. Kenneth, U.S. pathologist, *1926. See M.-Weiss lesion, M.-Weiss syndrome, M.-Weiss tear.

Mallory
Mallory

Frank B., U.S. pathologist, 1862–1941. See M. bodies, under body, picro-M. trichrome stain. See entries under stain.

malnutrition
malnutrition (mal-noo-trish′un)

Faulty nutrition resulting from malabsorption, poor diet, or overeating.
malignant m. SYN: kwashiorkor.
protein m. undernutrition resulting from inadequate intake of protein; characteristic manifestations include nutritional edema, kwashiorkor.

malocclusion
malocclusion (mal-o-kloo′zhun)

1. Any deviation from a physiologically acceptable contact of opposing dentitions. 2. Any deviation from a normal occlusion.

malonate
malonate (mal′on-at)

The salt or ester of malonic acid.

malonate semialdehyde
malonate semialdehyde

The transaminated product of β-alanine; elevated in hyper-β-alaninemia.

Maloney bougies
Maloney bougies

See under bougie.

malonic acid
malonic acid (ma-lo′nik, -lon′ik)

A dicarboxylic acid of importance in intermediary metabolism; an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase. SYN: propanedioic acid.

malonyl
malonyl (mal′o-nil)

The divalent moiety derived from malonic acid.
m. transacylase SYN: ACP-malonyltransferase.

malonyl-CoA
malonyl-CoA

The condensation product of malonic acid and coenzyme A, an intermediate in fatty acid biosynthesis. SYN: malonylcoenzyme A.

malonylcoenzyme A
malonylcoenzyme A (mal′o-nil-ko-en′zim)

SYN: malonyl-CoA.

malonylurea
malonylurea (mal′o-nil-u-re′a)

SYN: barbituric acid.

Malpighi
Malpighi

Marcello, Italian anatomist, histologist, and embryologist, 1628–1694. See malpighian bodies, under body, malpighian capsule, malpighian cell, malpighian corpuscles, under corpuscle, malpighian glands, under gland, malpighian glomerulus, malpighian layer, malpighian nodules, under nodule, malpighian pyramid, malpighian rete, malpighian stigmas, under stigma, malpighian stratum, malpighian tubules, under tubule, malpighian tuft, malpighian vesicles, under vesicle.

malpighian malpighian (mahl-pig′e-an)

Described by or attributed to Marcello Malpighi.

malposition
malposition (mal-po-zish′un)

SYN: dystopia.

malpractice
malpractice (mal-prak′tis)

Mistreatment of a patient through ignorance, carelessness, neglect, or criminal intent.

malpresentation
malpresentation (mal′pre-sen-ta′shun)

Faulty presentation of the fetus; presentation of any part other than the occiput.

malrotation
malrotation (mal-ro-ta′shun)

Failure during embryonic development of normal rotation of all or part of an organ or system such as gut tube or kidney.

MALT
MALT

Abbreviation for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.

malt
malt (mawlt)

The seed of barley or other grain, artificially germinated and dried, containing dextrin, maltose, small amounts of glucose, and amylolytic enzymes. Used in the form of an extract as a digestive and flavoring agent. [A.S. mealt]

maltase
maltase (mawl-tas)

See α-d-glucosidase.
acid m. SYN: exo-1,4-α-d-glucosidase.

maltobiose
maltobiose (mawl-to-bi′os)

SYN: maltose.

MALToma
MALToma

B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. SYN: extranodal marginal zone lymphoma.

maltose
maltose (mawl-tos)

A disaccharide formed in the hydrolysis of starch and consisting of two d-glucose residues bound by a 1,4-α-glycoside link. SYN: malt sugar, maltobiose.

maltotetrose
maltotetrose (mawl-to-tet′ros)

A saccharide composed of four d-glucose units in the α-1,4 linkage.

malum
malum (ma′lum)

A disease. [L. an evil]
m. articulorum senilis arthritis in the aged.
m. perforans pedis perforating ulcer of the foot occurring in certain neuropathies.
m. venereum SYN: syphilis.

malunion
malunion (mal-un′yun)

Union of the ends of a broken bone resulting in a deformity or a crooked limb; frequently used interchangeably with faulty union. SYN: vicious union.

mamanpian
mamanpian (ma-mon-pe-on′)

Formerly used term for mother yaw. [Fr. maman, mother + pian, yaw]

mamelon
mamelon (mam′e-lon)

One of the rounded prominences, three in number, on the cutting edge of an incisor tooth when it first pierces the gum. [Fr. nipple]

mamelonated
mamelonated (mam′e-lon-at-ed)

Having rounded, teatlike elevations; nodulated. [Fr. mamelon, nipple]

mamelonation
mamelonation (mam′e-lo-na′shun)

The formation of rounded projections or nodules on bony and other structures.

mamil- mamil-, mamilli-

The mamillae. SEE ALSO: mammil-. Cf.:thelo-. [L. mamilla, nipple]

mamma
mamma, gen. and pl. mammae (mam′a, mam′e) [TA]

SYN: breast. SEE ALSO: mammary gland. [L.]
m. accessoria [TA] SYN: accessory breast.
m. erratica a supernumerary breast aberrantly located, i.e., in some part other than the milk line.
m. masculina [TA] SYN: male breast.
supernumerary m. SYN: accessory breast.
m. virilis SYN: male breast.

mammal
mammal (mam′al)

An animal of the class Mammalia.

mammalgia
mammalgia (ma-mal′je-a)

SYN: mastodynia. [L. mamma, breast, + G. algos, pain]

Mammalia
Mammalia (ma-ma′le-a)

The highest class of living organisms; it includes all the vertebrate animals (monotremes, marsupials, and placentals) that suckle their young, possess hair, and (except for the egg-laying monotremes) bring forth living young rather than eggs. [L. mamma, breast]

mammaplasty
mammaplasty (mam′a-plas-te)

Plastic surgery of the breast to alter its shape, size, or position, or all of these. SYN: mammoplasty, mastoplasty. [L. mamma, breast, + G. plastos, formed]
augmentation m. plastic surgery to enlarge the breast, often by insertion of an implant.
reconstructive m. making a simulated breast by plastic surgery, to replace a breast that has been removed.
reduction m. plastic surgery of the breast to reduce its size and (frequently) to improve its shape and position.

mammary
mammary (mam′a-re)

Relating to the breasts.

mammectomy
mammectomy (ma-mek′to-me)

SYN: mastectomy. [L. mamma, breast, + ektome, excision]

mammiform
mammiform (mam′i-form)

Resembling a breast; breast-shaped. SYN: mammose (1) . [L. mamma, breast, + forma, form]

mammil- mammil-, mammilli-

The mamillae. SEE ALSO: mamil-. Cf.:thelo-. [L. mammilla (mamilla), nipple]

mammilla
mammilla, pl .mammillae (ma-mil′a, ma-mil′e)

1. A small rounded elevation resembling the female breast. 2. SYN: nipple. [L. nipple]

mammillaplasty
mammillaplasty (ma-mil′a-plas-te)

Plastic surgery of the nipple and areola. [L. mammilla, nipple, + G. plastos, formed]

mammillare
mammillare (mam-i-la′re) [TA]

SYN: mammillary. [L.]

mammillaria
mammillaria

See mammillary body.

mammillary
mammillary (mam′i-lar-e) [TA]

Relating to or shaped like a nipple. SYN: mammillare [TA] .

mammillate
mammillate (mam′i-lat)

Studded with nipple-like projections.

mammillation
mammillation (mam-i-la′shun)

1. A nipple-like projection. 2. The condition of being mamillated.

mammilliform
mammilliform (ma-mil′i-form)

Nipple-shaped. [L. mamilla, nipple, + forma, form]

mammillitis
mammillitis (mam-i-li′tis)

Inflammation of the nipple. [L., mamilla, nipple, + G. -itis, inflammation]

mammo- mammo-

The breasts. Cf.:masto-. [L. mamma, breast]

mammogram
mammogram (mam′o-gram)

The record produced by mammography.

mammography
mammography (ma-mog′ra-fe)

Radiologic examination of the female breast with equipment and techniques designed to screen for cancer. [mammo- + G. grapho, to write] M. can detect carcinoma of the breast sometimes as early as 2 years before it becomes palpable and in many cases before lymph node metastasis has occurred. Mammographic findings that strongly suggest carcinoma are microcalcifications and ill-defined densities within breast tissue. These findings are not specific, however, and the cumulative probability of a woman's having a false-positive mammogram during 10 years of annual examinations approaches 50%. Scintimammography after intravenous injection of Tc-99m sestamibi may be used to follow up an equivocal mammogram. Positron emission tomography (PET) has shown promise in discriminating between benign and malignant breast masses as well as in detecting axillary lymph node metastases in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and distant metastases in patients with advanced or recurrent breast carcinoma. Because of the high cost of this procedure, its use is currently limited to high-risk subjects and those with dense breasts. The value of m. in the early detection of breast cancer is well established for women of average risk aged 50–69 years. For this group, annual m. reduces breast cancer mortality by 30–40%. Analysis of numerous clinical studies has revealed that mammograms may not save lives for healthy women under 50 (only 17% of all breast cancers occur in women under 40). The higher density of breast tissue in younger women limits the ability of radiography to identify tumors in women aged 40–50, for whom ultrasonography is preferred in evaluation of palpable breast lesions. Research has suggested that for a small fraction of women, exposure to radiation during m. may actually trigger breast cancer. The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the American College of Radiology recommend a baseline mammogram for all women by age 40 and annual mammograms after age 50. Mammograms should begin at age 25 for women who are at special risk because of family history. Because some 10% of breast cancers that can be felt on examination are missed by m., annual examination of the breasts by a physician is also recommended. Surveillance by the Food and Drug Administration has shown an improvement in the sensitivity of mammograms during the past 5 years, largely because of improvements in screen and film systems. A digital scanning technique approved in 1998 further enhances the detection of microcalcifications and spiculated masses on m.. However, m. remains a screening procedure, and diagnosis of breast lesions depends on physical examination and biopsy findings. Federal law requires all facilities in the U.S. that perform m. to provide each examinee with a report of the results in clear, simple language within 30 days after the examination, besides a detailed report to the physician who ordered the examination. See Also carcinoma of the breast.

Mammomonogamus
Mammomonogamus (mam′o-mon-og′a-mus)

Genus of syngamid trematode (family Syngamidae) found in the respiratory system of ruminants and occasionally reported in humans; worms usually joined together in a Y-shaped formation.
M. laryngeus nematode found in upper respiratory tract of some mammals; approximately 100 human cases, most from Caribbean islands; worm is red to reddish-brown; copulating male and female present a Y shape; life cycle not known.

mammoplasty
mammoplasty (mam′o-plas-te)

SYN: mammaplasty. [mammo- + G. plastos, formed]

mammose
mammose (mam′mos)

1. SYN: mammiform. 2. Having large breasts.

mammosomatotroph
mammosomatotroph (mam′o-so-mat′o-trof)

A cell of the adenohypophysis that produces prolactin and somatotropin.

mammotomy
mammotomy (ma-mot′o-me)

SYN: mastotomy. [mammo- + G. tome, incision]

mammotroph
mammotroph (mam′o-trof)

An acidophilic cell of the adenohypophysis that produces prolactin. SYN: prolactin cell.

mammotropic
mammotropic, mammotrophic (mam-o-trop′ik, -trof′ik)

Having a stimulating effect upon the development, growth, or function of the mammary glands. [mammo- + G. tropos, a turning]

mammotropin
mammotropin, mammotrophin (mam-o-tro′pin, -tro′fin)

Obsolete term for prolactin.

Man
Man

Symbol for mannose and mannosyl.

management
management

case m. a process whereby covered persons with specific health care needs are identified and an efficient treatment plan formulated and implemented to produce the most cost-effective outcomes.
component m. the approach to health care cost containment that involves trying to control individual components such as drug, hospitalization, or laboratory testing costs. SEE ALSO: managed care.

manchette
manchette (man-shet′)

A conical array of microtubules that invests the nucleus of a spermatid; believed to play a role in shaping the nucleus during spermatogenesis. [Fr. cuff, dim. of manche, sleeve, fr. L. manicae; fr. manus, hand]

mandelate
mandelate (man′de-lat)

A salt or ester of mandelic acid.

mandelic acid
mandelic acid (man-del′ik)

A urinary antibacterial agent (both bactericidal and bacteriostatic). SYN: hydroxytoluic acid, phenylglycolic acid. [Ger. Mandel, almond]

Mandelin reagent
Mandelin reagent

See under reagent.

mandelytropine
mandelytropine (man-de-lit′ro-pen)

SYN: homatropine.

mandible
mandible (man′di-bl) [TA]

A U-shaped bone (in superior view), forming the lower jaw, articulating by its upturned extremities with the temporal bone on either side. SYN: mandibula [TA] , jaw bone, lower jaw, mandibulum, submaxilla.

mandibula
mandibula, pl .mandibulae (man-dib′u-la, -le) [TA]

SYN: mandible. [L. a jaw, fr. mando, pp. mansus, to chew]

mandibular
mandibular (man-dib′u-lar)

Relating to the lower jaw. SYN: inframaxillary, submaxillary (1) .

mandibulectomy
mandibulectomy (man-dib-u-lek′to-me)

Resection of the lower jaw. [mandibula + G. ektome, excision]

mandibulofacial
mandibulofacial (man-dib′u-lo-fa′shal)

Relating to the mandible and the face.

mandibulo-oculofacial
mandibulo-oculofacial (man-dib′u-lo-ok′u-lo-fa′shal)

Relating to the mandible and the orbital part of the face.

mandibulopharyngeal
mandibulopharyngeal (man-dib′u-lo-fa-rin′je-al)

Relating to the mandible and the pharynx; denoting the region between the pharynx and the ramus of the mandible, in which are found the internal carotid artery, the internal jugular vein, and the vagus, glossopharyngeal, accessory, and hypoglossal nerves.

mandibulum
mandibulum (man-dib′u-lum)

SYN: mandible.

mandragora
mandragora (man-drag′o-ra)

The European mandrake, M. officinalis, or Atropa m. (family Solanaceae), the mandrake of the Bible; its properties are similar to those of stramonium, hyoscyamus, and belladonna. [G. mandragoras]

mandrake
mandrake (man′drak)

1. See mandragora. 2. See podophyllum. [thr. L., fr. G. mandragoras]
wild m. SYN: podophyllum resin.

mandrel
mandrel, mandril

1. The shaft or spindle to which a tool is attached and by means of which it is rotated. 2. SYN: mandrin. 3. In dentistry, an instrument used in a handpiece to hold a disk, stone, or cup used for grinding, smoothing, or finishing. [G. mandra, a stable; the bed in which a ring's stone is set]

mandrill
mandrill

Common name for a species of monkey of the genus Cynocephalus, with a short tail and doglike head.

mandrin
mandrin

A stiff wire or stylet inserted in the lumen of a soft catheter to give it shape and firmness while passing through a hollow tubular structure. SYN: mandrel (2) , mandril. [Fr. m., mandrel]

maneuver
maneuver (ma-noo′ver)

A planned movement or procedure. [Fr. manoeuvre, fr. L. manu operari, to work by hand]
Adson m. SYN: Adson test.
Barlow m. test for hip instability, with dislocation occurring with flexion, adduction, and posterior force. SYN: Barlow test.
Bill m. forceps rotation of the fetal head at mid-pelvis before extraction of the head.
Bracht m. delivery of a fetus in breech position by extension of the legs and trunk of the fetus over the symphysis pubis and abdomen of the mother; the fetal head is born spontaneously as the legs and trunk are lifted above the maternal pelvis, and as the body of the infant is extended by the operator.
Buzzard m. testing the patellar reflex while the sitting patient makes firm pressure on the floor with the toes.
Credé maneuvers SYN: Credé methods, under method.
Dix-Hallpike m. test for eliciting paroxysmal vertigo and nystagmus in which the patient is brought from the sitting to the supine position with the head hanging over the examining table and turned to the right or left; vertigo and nystagmus are elicited when the head is rotated toward the affected ear.
Ejrup m. demonstration of collateral circulation by reduction in the prominence of activity of the greater arteries and reduced pulse volume following muscular activity.
Hampton m. rolling a supine patient to the right and then left side to obtain an air contrast radiograph of the contrast-coated antrum and duodenum in gastrointestinal fluoroscopy.
Heimlich m. an action designed to expel an obstructing bolus of food from the throat by placing a fist on the abdomen between the navel and the costal margin, grasping the fist from behind with the other hand, and forcefully thrusting it inward and upward so as to force the diaphragm upward, forcing air up the trachea to dislodge the obstruction.
Hillis-Müller m. manual pressure on the term fundus while a finger in the vagina determines the descent of the head into the pelvis.
Hueter m. pressing the patient's tongue downward and forward with the left forefinger in passing a stomach tube.
Jendrassik m. a method of emphasizing the patellar reflex: the subject hooks the hands together by the flexed fingers and pulls against them with all possible strength.
LeCompte m. a repair of double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis and other abnormalities of ventricular arterial connection and ventricular septal defect in which the LV is connected to the aorta and the RV to the pulmonary artery using a technique that does not require an extracardiac conduit. SYN: LeCompte operation.
Leopold maneuvers four maneuvers employed to determine fetal position: 1) determination of what is in the fundus; 2) evaluation of the fetal back and extremities; 3) palpation of the presenting part above the symphysis; 4) determination of the direction and degree of flexion of the head.
load-and-shift m. a test of shoulder instability in which the humeral head is pushed against the glenoid and moved anteriorly and posteriorly.
Mauriceau m. a method of assisted breech delivery in which the infant's body is astraddle the right forearm, and the middle finger of the right hand is in the fetal mouth to maintain flexion while traction is made upon the shoulders by the other hand. SYN: Mauriceau-Levret m..
Mauriceau-Levret m. SYN: Mauriceau m..
McDonald m. measurement of uterus from the upper border of the symphysis to a line tangential to the fundus over the abdomen with a tape to determine the height of the uterus; each centimeter approximately corresponds to the gestational age in weeks from 20–34 weeks' gestation.
McRoberts m. m. to reduce a fetal shoulder dystocia by flexion of the maternal hips.
Müller m. after a forced expiration, an attempt at inspiration is made with closed mouth and nose or closed glottis, whereby the negative pressure in the chest and lungs is made very subatmospheric; the reverse of Valsalva m..
Ortolani m. a m. for reduction of hip dislocation, using thigh flexion and abduction with anterior movement of the femoral head; reduction is accompanied by palpable reseating of the femoral head in the acetabulum. SYN: Ortolani test.
Phalen m. m. in which the wrist is maintained in volar flexion; paresthesia occurring in the distribution of the median nerve within 60 sec may be indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Pinard m. in management of a frank breech presentation, pressure on the popliteal space is made by the index finger while the other three fingers flex the leg while sliding it along the other thigh as the foot of the flexed leg is brought down and out.
Ritgen m. delivery of a child's head by pressure on the perineum while controlling the speed of delivery by pressure with the other hand on the head.
Scanzoni m. forceps rotation and traction in a spiral course, with reapplication of forceps for delivery.
Sellick m. pressure applied to the cricoid cartilage, to prevent regurgitation during tracheal intubation in the anesthetized patient.
Valsalva m. any forced expiratory effort (“strain”) against a closed airway, whether at the nose and mouth or at the glottis, the reverse of Müller m.; because high intrathoracic pressure impedes venous return to the right atrium, this m. is used to study cardiovascular effects of raised peripheral venous pressure and decreased cardiac filling and cardiac output, as well as post-strain responses.
Wigand m. an assisted breech delivery with pressure above the symphysis while the fetus lies astraddle the operator's other arm.
Zavanelli m. SYN: cephalic replacement.

manganese
manganese (Mn) (mang′ga-nez)

A metallic element resembling and often associated, particularly in ores, with iron; atomic no. 25, atomic wt. 54.94; manganous salts are sometimes used in medicine. SYN: manganum. [Mod. L. manganesium, manganum, an altered form of magnesium]

manganic
manganic (mang-gan′ik)

Denoting the trivalent cation of manganese, Mn³⁺.

manganous
manganous (mang′ga-nus)

Denoting the divalent cation of manganese, Mn²⁺.

manganum
manganum (man′ga-num)

SYN: manganese. [L.]

mange
mange (manj)

A cutaneous disease of domestic and wild animals caused by any one of several genera of skin-burrowing mites; in humans, mite infestations are usually referred to as scabies. [Fr. manger, to eat]
demodectic m. an infestation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands with mites of the genus Demodex; they occur in humans and a number of domesticated animals; although asymptomatic in most species, these mites can cause severe and extensive dermatitis (“red m.”) in dogs. See Demodex.
sarcoptic m. a cutaneous disease of animals caused by mites of the genus Sarcoptes including Sarcoptes scabiei.

Manhold
Manhold

John H., U.S. dentist, *1919 See Volpe-M. Index.

mania
mania (ma′ne-a)

An emotional disorder characterized by euphoria or irritability, increased psychomotor activity, rapid speech, flight of ideas, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, grandiosity, and poor judgment; usually occurs in bipolar disorder. See manic-depressive, manic excitement. [G. frenzy]
acute m. SYN: manic excitement.

-mania -mania

An abnormal love for, or morbid impulse toward, some specific object, place, or action. [G. frenzy]

maniac
maniac (ma′ne-ak)

1. Obsolete term for a mentally ill or disturbed person. 2. One suffering from mania.

maniacal
maniacal (ma-ni′a-kal)

Relating to or characterized by mania. See amok. SYN: manic.

manic
manic (man′ik, ma′nik)

SYN: maniacal.

manic-depressive
manic-depressive

1. Pertaining to a m. psychosis (bipolar disorder). 2. One suffering from such a disorder.

manicky
manicky (man′i-ke)

Behavior characteristic of the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

manifestation
manifestation (man′i-fes-ta′shun)

The display or disclosure of characteristic signs or symptoms of an illness. [L. manifestus, caught in the act]
behavioral m. a m. characterized by defects in personality structure and attendant behavior with minimal anxiety and little or no sense of distress, indicative of a psychiatric disorder; occasionally encephalitis or head injury will produce the clinical picture which is properly diagnosed as chronic brain disorder with behavioral manifestations.
neurotic m. a m. characterized by such defenses as conversion, dissociation, displacement, phobia formation, or repetitive thoughts and acts being utilized to handle anxiety; in contrast to psychotic manifestations, gross distortion or falsification of reality is not exhibited, and gross disintegration of the personality is not usually observed.
psychophysiologic m. a m. characterized by the visceral expression of affect, the symptoms due to a chronic and exaggerated state of the physiologic expression of emotion with the feeling repressed; such manifestations are commonly characteristic of psychosomatic disorders.
psychotic m. a m. characterized by thoughts, feelings, and behavior evidencing a varying degree of personality disintegration and distortion or falsification of reality in various spheres; persons exhibiting such a m. fail in effective relationships to other people or to their work.

manikin
manikin (man′i-kin)

A model, especially one with removable pieces, of the human body or any of its parts. SEE ALSO: phantom (2) . [dim. of man]

maniphalanx
maniphalanx (man′i-fa′langks)

A phalanx of the hand; a bony segment of a finger; distinguished from pediphalanx. [L. manus, hand, + phalanx]

Mann
Mann

Frank C., U.S. surgeon, 1887–1962. See M.-Bollman fistula, M.-Williamson operation, M.-Williamson ulcer.

manna
manna (man′a)

A saccharine exudation from Fraxinus ornus, flowering ash, a tree of the Mediterranean shores, used as a laxative, especially for children. It is available as m. cannellata, a flake m.; m. in lacrimis, m. in tears or small flakes; and m. communis or m. in sortis, m. in sorts. [L., fr. G. m., fr. Heb. man]

mannans
mannans (man′anz)

1. Polysaccharides of mannose, found in various legumes and in the ivory nut. 2. Polysaccharides in which mannose is the monosaccharide present in highest proportion. SYN: mannosans.

mannerism
mannerism (man′er-izm)

A peculiar or unusual characteristic mode of movement, action, or speech.

mannite
mannite (man′it)

SYN: mannitol.

mannitol
mannitol (man′i-tol)

The hexahydric alcohol, widespread in plants, derived by reduction of fructose; used in renal function testing to measure glomerular filtration, and intravenously as an osmotic diuretic. SYN: manna sugar, mannite.
m. hexanitrate an explosive compound formed by the nitration of m.; when diluted with carbohydrate substances (one part of m. hexanitrate to nine or more parts of carbohydrate) it is not explosive, and is used as a vasodilator and hypotensive agent; it is slower in action than nitroglycerin; acts via the formation of nitric oxide. SYN: nitromannitol.

Mannkopf
Mannkopf

Emil W., German physician, 1836–1918. See M. sign.

Mann methyl blue-eosin stain
Mann methyl blue-eosin stain

See under stain.

mannoheptulose
mannoheptulose (man-o-hep′too-los)

See d-manno-heptulose.

mannomustine
mannomustine (man-o-mus′ten)

1-6-Bis(2-chloroethylamino)-1,6-dideoxy-d-mannitol dihydrochloride;an antineoplastic agent.

mannoproteins
mannoproteins (man′o-pro-tenz)

Yeast cell wall components that are proteins with large numbers of mannose groups attached; highly antigenic.

mannosamine
mannosamine (man-os′a-men)

2-Amino-2-deoxymannose;the d-isomer is a constituent of neuraminic acids as well as mucolipids and mucoproteins.

mannosans
mannosans (man′o-sanz)

SYN: mannans.

mannose
mannose (Man) (man′os)

An aldohexose obtained from various plant sources ( i.e., from mannans); an epimer of glucose.

mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase (GDP)
mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase (GDP)

A transferase that catalyzes the reaction of GTP and mannose 1-phosphate to produce GDPmannose and pyrophosphate. SYN: GDPmannose phosphorylase.

mannosephosphate isomerase
mannosephosphate isomerase

An enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of d-mannose 6-phosphate to d-fructose 6-phosphate; a key step in the synthesis of mannose derivatives, as well as the entry of mannose into the central pathways of carbohydrate metabolism.

mannosidases
mannosidases (man-o′si-das′es)

A group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of terminal, non-reducing d-mannose residues of mannosides (particularly in glycoproteins and glycolipids); α-m. act on α-d-mannosides while β-m. act on β-d-mannosides; a deficiency of α-m. is associated with mannosidosis.

mannoside
mannoside (man′o-sid)

A glycoside of mannose.

mannosidosis
mannosidosis (man′o-si-do′sis) [MIM*248500]

Congenital deficiency of α-mannosidase; associated with coarse facial features, enlarged tongue, mental retardation, kyphosis, radiographic skeletal abnormalities, and vacuolated lymphocytes, with accumulation of mannose in tissues; autosomal recessive inheritance, caused by mutation in the alpha-mannosidase gene (MANB) on chromosome 19p.

mannuronic acid
mannuronic acid (man-u-ron′ik)

Uronic acid derived from the oxidation of mannose; a component of alginic acid.

man-of-war
man-of-war

Portuguese m. SYN: Physalia physalis.

manometer
manometer (ma-nom′e-ter)

An instrument for indicating the pressure of any fluid or the difference in pressure between two fluids, whether gas or liquid. [G. manos, thin, scanty, + metron, measure]
aneroid m. a m. in which the pressure is indicated by a revolving pointer moved by a diaphragm or Bourdon tube exposed to the pressure. SYN: dial m..
dial m. SYN: aneroid m..
differential m. any device that indicates the difference in pressure between two fluids, regardless of any changes in their absolute pressures.
mercurial m. an m. in which the varying pressures are shown by differences of elevation in a column of mercury.

manometric
manometric (man-o-met′rik)

Relating to a manometer.

manometry
manometry (ma-nom′e-tre)

Measurement of the pressure of gases or fluids by means of a manometer. SYN: manoscopy. [see manometer]
esophageal m. measurement of intra-esophageal pressures at one or more sites by intraluminal pressure-sensitive instruments.

manoscopy
manoscopy (ma-nos′ko-pe)

SYN: manometry.

man. pr.
man. pr.

Abbreviation for L. mane primo, early morning, first thing in the morning.

Manson
Manson

Sir Patrick, English authority on tropical medicine, 1844–1922. See Mansonella, Mansonia, M. disease, M. schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni, schistosomiasis mansoni, M. eye worm.

Mansonella
Mansonella (man-so-nel′a)

A genus of filaria, widely distributed in tropical Africa and South America, that infects the peritoneal cavity, serous surfaces, or skin of humans and other primates with unsheathed microfilariae. The important human parasites M. perstans and M. streptocerca formerly were placed in the genera Dipetalonema, Acanthocheilonema, and Tetrapetalonema.
M. demarquayi SYN: M. ozzardi.
M. ozzardi a filarial parasite occurring in Yucatan, Panama, Colombia, northern Argentina, Guyana, French Guiana, and the islands of St. Vincent and Dominica, causing mansonelliasis; the microfilariae are not ensheathed, and there are no nuclei in the pointed tail; the life cycle is similar to that of Wuchereria bancrofti; humans are the only known definitive host, and the intermediate hosts are biting midges, Culicoides furens and possibly C. paraensis. SYN: M. demarquayi, M. tucumana.
M. perstans the “persistent filaria,” a species widely prevalent in tropical Africa and northern South America where it infects human peritoneal and other body cavities, but is non- or mildly pathogenic; characteristic subperiodic microfilariae occur in peripheral blood. It is transmitted in Africa by the biting midges Culicoides austeni and C. grahami.
M. streptocerca a filarial species in humans that produces nonperiodic sheathless microfilariae found in the circulating blood; may cause a lichenoid condition or edema of the skin; commonly found in the corium of the skin of west African residents and transmitted by the biting midge, Culicoides grahami.
M. tucumana SYN: M. ozzardi.

mansonelliasis
mansonelliasis (man′so-nel-i′a-sis)

Infection with a species of Mansonella, transmitted to humans by biting midges of the genus Culicoides; adult worms live in the serous cavities, especially the peritoneal cavity, in mesenteric and perivisceral adipose tissue, and in the skin.

mansonellosis
mansonellosis (man-so-nel′lo-sis)

Infection with the filarial parasite Mansonella ozzardi.

Mansonia
Mansonia (man-so′ne-a)

A genus of brown or black medium-sized mosquitoes (tribe Culicini), often having banded abdomen and legs; larvae and pupae have modified breathing tubes enabling them to pierce aquatic plants to obtain air. M. mosquitoes are distributed worldwide and, in tropical areas, are important vectors of Brugia malayi; in some areas they also transmit Wuchereria bancrofti. [P. Manson]

Mansonoides
Mansonoides (man-so-noy′dez)

A subgenus of Mansonia.

Mantel
Mantel

Nathan, U.S. biostatistician, *1927. See M.-Haenszel test.

mantle
mantle (man′tl)

1. A covering layer. 2. SYN: cerebral cortex.
brain m. SYN: cerebral cortex.
myoepicardial m. the dorsal wall of the primitive pericardium which, in the early somite embryo, becomes both the epicardium and the myocardium.

Mantoux
Mantoux

Charles, French physician, 1877–1947. See M. pit, M. test.

manual English
manual English

A means of communicating in English with a person with profound hearing impairment by a combination of signs, finger spelling, and gestures.

manubrium
manubrium, pl .manubria (ma-noo′bre-um, -a) [TA]

The portion of the sternum or of the malleus that represents the handle of a sword or hammer. [L. handle]
m. mallei SYN: m. of malleus.
m. of malleus the handle of the malleus; the portion that extends downward, inward, and backward from the neck of the malleus; it is embedded throughout its length in the tympanic membrane. SYN: m. mallei.
m. sterni [TA] SYN: m. of sternum.
m. of sternum [TA] the upper segment of the sternum, a flattened, roughly triangular bone, occasionally fused with the body of the sternum, forming with it a slight angle, the sternal angle. SYN: m. sterni [TA] , episternum, presternum.

manudynamometer
manudynamometer (man′u-di-na-mom′e-ter)

In dentistry, a device for measuring the force exerted by the thrust of an instrument. [L. manus, hand, + G. dynamis, force, + metron, measure]

manus
manus, gen. and pl. manus (ma′nus) [TA]

SYN: hand. [L.]

MAO
MAO

Abbreviation for monoamine oxidase.

MAOI
MAOI

Abbreviation for monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

map
map

A representation of a region or structure; E.G., of a stretch of DNA.
choroplethic m. a method of mapping to display quantitative information such as death rates in defined jurisdictions (states, counties, etc.) by color coding or shading. [G. choros, district, + plethos, multitude, + -ic]
chromosome m. a systematic, semiabstract representation of the physical position of loci on a karyotype. Cf.:genetic m..
conformational m. SYN: Ramachandran plot.
contig m. a physical m. of a chromosome or stretch of DNA constructed from sets of overlapping clones (contigs).
cytogenetic m. a m. in which the classical bonding pattern of a chromosome is shown.
fate m. determination in very young embryos of the cellular origin of specific organs or structures. SYN: germinal localization.
genetic m. an abstract representation of the ordered array of genetic loci such that the interval between entries has algebraic signs and magnitude proportional to the expected number of crossings over between them and distances are algebraically additive; e.g., on a genetic m. the combined distance between locus A and locus C is the algebraic sum of the two distances between loci A and B, and B and C.
isodemographic m. diagrammatic method of displaying countries or administrative jurisdictions within a country in two-dimensional maps with each area directly proportional to the population density of the country or jurisdiction. [iso- + G. demos, people, + grapho, to write + -ic]
linkage m. an abstract mathematical representation of genetic loci that conserves order of loci which are spaced in such a way that the distances are algebraically additive; conventionally, a m. is scaled so that as distances between loci become smaller the ratio of the m. distance to the value of the recombination fraction approaches 1 and independently assorting loci are infinitely far apart.
physical m. a m. of a stretch of DNA with ordered landmarks a known distance from each other; the ultimate physical m. would be the base sequence of the entire chromosome.
restriction m. the order of restriction sites along a chromosome or plasmid.
sequence-tagged site (STS) m. a m. representing the order and spacing of sequence-tagged sites within a stretch of DNA.
spot m. m. showing the geographic location of people with a specific attribute, e.g., cases of an infectious disease.

map distance
map distance

The degree of separation of two loci on a linkage map, measured in morgans or centimorgans.

mappine
mappine (map′en)

SYN: bufotenine.

mapping
mapping (map′ing)

The process of identifying the relative position of sites or elements.
cardiac m. a method by which local cardiac potentials are spatially depicted in an integrated manner as a function of time (isochrone map) or potential (isopotential map).
chromosome m. the process of determining the position of loci on specific chromosomes and constructing a diagram of each chromosome showing the relative positions of loci; techniques include family studies with linkage analysis, somatic cell hybridization, and chromosome deletion m..
gene m. genetic map.
S1 nuclease m. a method for locating the 5′ end of a transcript in a mixture of RNA.

mapping function
mapping function

In linkage analysis, a formula that converts the recombination fraction (which is on the probability scale) into map distance (in morgans).

maprotiline
maprotiline (ma-pro′ti-len)

A tricyclic antidepressant used in the treatment of various depressive illnesses, and for relief of anxiety associated with depression.

MAPs
MAPs

Abbreviation for microtubule-associated proteins, under protein.

Marañón
Marañón

Gregorio, Spanish endocrinologist, 1887–1960. See M. sign, syndrome.

marantic
marantic (ma-ran′tik)

SYN: marasmic. [G. marantikos, wasting]

marasmic
marasmic (ma-raz′mik)

Relating to or suffering from marasmus. SYN: marantic.

marasmoid
marasmoid (ma-raz′moyd)

Resembling marasmus. [G. marasmos, withering, + eidos, resemblance]

marasmus
marasmus (ma-raz′mus)

Cachexia, especially in young children, primarily due to prolonged dietary deficiency of protein and calories. SYN: marantic atrophy, Parrot disease (2) , pedatrophia, pedatrophy. [G. marasmos, withering]
nutritional m. extreme weakness and wasting secondary to malnutrition.

marc
marc (mark)

The residue remaining after percolation of a drug. [Fr. fr. marcher, to trample]

Marcacci
Marcacci

Arturo, Italian physiologist, 1854–1915. See M. muscle.

Marchand
Marchand

Felix J., German pathologist, 1846–1928. See M. adrenals, under adrenal, M. rest, M. wandering cell.

Marchant
Marchant

Gérard T.J., French surgeon, 1850–1903. See M. zone.

Marchesani
Marchesani

Oswald, 1900–1952. See Weill-M. syndrome.

Marchetti
Marchetti

Andrew A., U.S. obstetrician and gynecologist, 1901–1970. See Marshall-M. test, Marshall-M.-Krantz operation.

Marchi
Marchi

Vittorio, Italian physician, 1851–1908. See M. fixative, M. reaction, M. stain, M. tract.

Marchiafava
Marchiafava

Ettore, Italian pathologist, 1847–1935. See M.-Bignami disease, M.-Micheli anemia, M.-Micheli syndrome.

marcid
marcid (mar′sid)

Emaciating; wasting away. [L. marcidus; fr. marceo, to wither]

Marcille
Marcille

Maurice, 1871–1941. See M. triangle.

marcor
marcor (mar′kor)

Obsolete term for marasmus. [L. fr. marceo, to wither]

Marcus Gunn
Marcus Gunn

Robert. See Gunn.

Marek
Marek

Josef, Hungarian veterinarian and pathologist, 1868–1952. See M. disease virus.

marenostrin
marenostrin

SYN: pyrin.

Marey
Marey

Étienne Jules, French physiologist, 1830–1904. See M. law.

Marfan
Marfan

Antoine Bernard-Jean, French pediatrician, 1858–1942. See M. disease, M. law, M. syndrome.

marfanoid
marfanoid (mar′fan-oyd)

A term used of those whose phenotype bears a superficial resemblence to that of Marfan syndrome.

Marg
Marg

Elwin, U.S. physicist, *1918. See Mackay-M. tonometer.

Margaropus
Margaropus (mar-gar′o-pus)

A genus of ixodid ticks closely resembling Boophilus, but not having festoons or ornamentations; they are characterized by greatly enlarged posterior legs and a prolonged median plate. [G. margaros, pearl oyster, + pous, foot]
M. winthemi the one-host South American winter horse tick; it also sometimes attacks cattle and sheep.

margin
margin (mar′jin) [TA]

A boundary, edge, or border, as of a surface or structure. SEE ALSO: border, edge. SYN: margo [TA] . [L. margo, border, edge]
acetabular m. [TA] the rim of bone around the acetabulum to which is attached the labrum acetabulare. SYN: limbus acetabuli [TA] , m. of acetabulum [TA] , margo acetabularis&star.
m. of acetabulum [TA] SYN: acetabular m..
anterior m. SYN: anterior border.
anterior palpebral m. [TA] the anterior edge of the free m. of each eyelid, along close to which the eyelashes are embedded. SYN: limbus anterior palpebrae [TA] , anterior border of eyelids.
articular m. SYN: glenoid labrum of scapula.
cavity m. the periphery of a filling, the line of junction between a restoration and the external surface of a tooth.
cervical m. 1. SYN: gingival m.. 2. termination of a restoration in the gingival area.
cervical m. of tooth SYN: neck of tooth.
ciliary m. of iris [TA] the peripheral border of the iris attached to the ciliary body. SYN: margo ciliaris iridis [TA] , ciliary border of iris.
corneal m. SYN: corneal limbus.
costal m. [TA] that portion of the inferior aperture of the thorax formed by the articulated cartilages of the seventh to tenth (false) ribs. SYN: arcus costalis [TA] , costal arch&star, arcus costarum.
margins of eyelids SYN: palpebral margins.
falciform m. of saphenous opening [TA] the sharply curved, free m. of the saphenous opening in the fascia lata; medially, it ends in a superior and an inferior horn. SYN: margo falciformis hiatus sapheni [TA] , margo arcuatus hiatus sapheni&star.
fibular m. of foot SYN: lateral border of foot.
m. of fossa ovalis SYN: limbus fossae ovalis.
free m. SYN: free border.
free m. of eyelids the unattached inferior edge of the upper lid and superior edge of the lower lid, where the anterior (cutaneous) surface of the eyelid meets the posterior (conjunctival) surface of the eyelid. The free margins of the eyelids bound the rima palpebrarum, and each free m. has an anterior and posterior m.. SEE ALSO: palpebral margins.
frontal m. SYN: frontal border.
frontal m. of sphenoid [TA] the m. of the greater wing of the sphenoid bon that articulates with the frontal bone. SYN: margo frontalis ossis sphenoidalis [TA] , frontal border of sphenoid bone.
gingival m. 1. the most coronal portion of the gingiva surrounding the tooth; 2. the edge of the free gingiva. SYN: cervical m. (1) , gingival crest.
incisal m. [TA] the part of an anterior tooth farthest from the apex of the root. SYN: margo incisalis [TA] , cutting edge (2) , incisal edge, incisal surface, shearing edge.
inferior m. SYN: inferior border.
inferolateral m. SYN: inferolateral m. of cerebral hemisphere.
inferolateral m. of cerebral hemisphere [TA] the irregular, discontinuous m. of the cerebral hemisphere at the junction of the inferior and superolateral surfaces. SYN: margo inferolateralis [TA] , inferolateral m., margo inferior cerebri.
inferomedial m. of cerebral hemisphere [TA] the irregular border of the cerebral hemisphere at the junction of the inferior and medial surfaces. SYN: margo inferomedialis hemispherii cerebri [TA] , margo medialis cerebri.
infraorbital m. the inferior half of the orbital rim, or the lower border of the orbital opening, formed by the maxilla medially and the zygomatic bone laterally. See orbital m.. SYN: margo infraorbitalis.
interosseous m. SYN: interosseous border.
lacrimal m. of maxilla [TA] the m. of the nasal surface of the maxilla that articulates with the lacrimal bone. SYN: margo lacrimalis maxillae [TA] , lacrimal border of maxilla.
lambdoid m. of occipital bone SYN: lambdoid border of occipital bone.
lateral m. SYN: lateral border.
mastoid m. of occipital bone SYN: mastoid border of occipital bone.
medial m. SYN: medial border.
mesovarian m. of ovary SYN: mesovarian border of ovary.
nasal m. of frontal bone [TA] the border of the frontal bone that articulates with the nasal bones. SYN: margo nasalis ossis frontalis [TA] , nasal border of frontal bone.
occipital m. SYN: occipital border.
occipital m. of temporal bone [TA] that part of the temporal bone that articulates with the occipital squama. SYN: margo occipitalis ossis temporalis [TA] , occipital border of temporal bone.
m. of orbit SYN: orbital m..
orbital m. [TA] the mostly sharp edge of the orbital opening which is the peripheral border of the base of the pyramid-shaped orbit. The superior half of the orbital rim is the supraorbital m.; the inferior half is the infraorbital m.. The frontal, maxillary, and zygomatic bones contribute to the orbital rim, which is generally strong to protect the orbital contents. Weak, potential fracture sites of the rim coincide with the sutures between the participating bones. SYN: margo orbitalis [TA] , m. of orbit, orbital rim.
orbital m. of eyelids the outer or peripheral attached borders of the upper and lower eyelids; the “root” of the eyelids, along which it is attached to the orbital rim.
palpebral margins [TA] the anterior and posterior edges of the free m. of the upper and lower eyelids. SEE ALSO: anterior palpebral m., posterior palpebral m.. SYN: limbi palpebrales [TA] , margo palpebrae [TA] , borders of eyelids, margins of eyelids.
parietal m. SYN: parietal border.
parietal m. of frontal bone [TA] the m. of the frontal bone that articulates with the parietal bone. SYN: margo parietalis ossis frontalis [TA] , parietal border of frontal bone.
parietal m. of greater wing of sphenoid [TA] the m. of the greater wing of the sphenoid that articulates with the parietal bone. SYN: margo parietalis alaris majoris ossis sphenoidalis [TA] , margo parietalis ossis sphenoidalis, parietal border of sphenoid bone.
posterior palpebral m. [TA] the posterior edge of the free m. of each eyelid, which is also the border of the conjunctiva. SYN: posterior border of eyelids.
psoas m. in abdominal radiography, the appearance of the fat stripe delineating the lateral m. of the psoas muscle shadow; shows a normal retroperitoneum when visible.
pupillary m. of iris [TA] the inner border of the iris that forms the edge of the pupil. SYN: margo pupillaris iridis [TA] , pupillary border of iris.
right m. of heart SYN: right border of heart.
m. of safety the range between the minimal therapeutic dose and the minimal toxic dose of a drug.
sphenoidal m. of temporal bone [TA] the part of the border of the squamous part of the temporal bone that articulates with the greater wing of the sphenoid. SYN: margo sphenoidalis ossis temporalis [TA] , sphenoidal border of temporal bone.
squamosal m.
squamosal m. of greater wing of sphenoid [TA] the m. of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone that articulates with the squamous part of the temporal bone. SYN: margo squamosus alaris majoris ossis sphenoidalis [TA] , margo squamosus ossis sphenoidalis, squamous border of sphenoid bone.
squamous m. SYN: squamosal border.
superior m. of cerebral hemisphere [TA] the curved m. of the cerebral hemisphere at the junction of the superolateral and medial surfaces. SYN: margo superior hemispherii cerebri [TA] , margo superomedialis, superomedial m..
superomedial m. SYN: superior m. of cerebral hemisphere.
supraorbital m. [TA] the superior half of the orbital rim, which constitutes the curved superior border of the orbital opening, formed by the frontal bone. See orbital m.. SYN: margo supraorbitalis [TA] , supraorbital arch, supraorbital ridge.
m. of tongue [TA] the lateral border that separates the dorsum from the inferior surface of the tongue on each side, the two borders meeting anteriorly at the apex. SYN: margo linguae [TA] .
ulnar m. of forearm SYN: ulnar border of forearm.
zygomatic m. of greater wing of sphenoid bone the border of the greater wing of the sphenoid that articulates with the zygomatic bone. SYN: margo zygomaticus alaris majoris ossis sphenoidalis [TA] , margo zygomaticus alae majoris, zygomatic border of greater wing of sphenoid bone.

marginal
marginal (mar′ji-nal)

Relating to a margin.

Marginal Line Calculus Index
Marginal Line Calculus Index (MLC)

An index which scores supragingival calculus found in cervical areas paralleling marginal gingiva.

margination
margination (mar′ji-na′shun)

A phenomenon that occurs during the relatively early phases of inflammation; as a result of dilation of capillaries and slowing of the bloodstream, leukocytes tend to occupy the periphery of the cross-sectional lumen and adhere to the endothelial cells that line the vessels.
m. of placenta placenta marginata.

margines
margines (mar′ji-nez)

Plural of margo. [L.]

margo
margo, gen. marginis, pl .margines (mar′go, mar′ji-nis, -nez) [TA]

SYN: margin, border. [L.]
m. acetabularis acetabular margin.
m. anterior [TA] SYN: anterior border.
m. anterior corporis pancreatis [TA] SYN: anterior border of body of pancreas.
m. anterior fibulae [TA] SYN: anterior border of fibula.
m. anterior pancreatis SYN: anterior border of body of pancreas.
m. anterior pulmonis [TA] SYN: anterior border of lung.
m. anterior radii [TA] SYN: anterior border of radius.
m. anterior testis [TA] SYN: anterior border of testis.
m. anterior tibiae [TA] SYN: anterior border of tibia.
m. anterior ulnae [TA] SYN: anterior border of ulna.
m. arcuatus hiatus sapheni falciform margin of saphenous opening.
m. ciliaris iridis [TA] SYN: ciliary margin of iris.
m. dexter cordis [TA] SYN: right border of heart.
m. falciformis hiatus sapheni [TA] SYN: falciform margin of saphenous opening.
m. fibularis pedis lateral border of foot.
m. frontalis [TA] SYN: frontal border.
m. frontalis ossis parietalis [TA] SYN: frontal border of parietal bone.
m. frontalis ossis sphenoidalis [TA] SYN: frontal margin of sphenoid.
m. incisalis [TA] SYN: incisal margin.
m. inferior [TA] SYN: inferior border.
m. inferior cerebri SYN: inferolateral margin of cerebral hemisphere.
m. inferior corporis pancreatis [TA] SYN: inferior border of body of pancreas.
m. inferior corporis splenis SYN: inferior border of body of pancreas.
m. inferior hepatis [TA] SYN: inferior border of liver.
m. inferior pancreatis SYN: inferior border of body of pancreas.
m. inferior pulmonis [TA] SYN: inferior border of lung.
m. inferior splenis [TA] SYN: inferior border of spleen.
m. inferolateralis [TA] SYN: inferolateral margin of cerebral hemisphere.
m. inferomedialis hemispherii cerebri [TA] SYN: inferomedial margin of cerebral hemisphere.
m. infraorbitalis SYN: infraorbital margin.
m. interosseus [TA] SYN: interosseous border.
m. interosseus fibulae [TA] SYN: interosseous border of fibula.
m. interosseus radii [TA] SYN: interosseous border of radius.
m. interosseus tibiae [TA] SYN: interosseous border of tibia.
m. interosseus ulnae [TA] SYN: interosseous border of ulna.
m. lacrimalis maxillae [TA] SYN: lacrimal margin of maxilla.
m. lambdoideus ossis occipitalis [TA] SYN: lambdoid border of occipital bone.
m. lambdoideus squamae occipitalis SYN: lambdoid border of occipital bone.
m. lateralis [TA] SYN: lateral border.
m. lateralis antebrachii radial border of forearm.
m. lateralis humeri [TA] SYN: lateral border of humerus.
m. lateralis pedis [TA] SYN: lateral border of foot.
m. lateralis renis [TA] SYN: lateral border of kidney.
m. lateralis scapulae [TA] SYN: lateral border of scapula.
m. lateralis unguis [TA] SYN: lateral border of nail.
m. liber [TA] SYN: free border.
m. liber ovarii [TA] SYN: free border of ovary.
m. liber unguis [TA] SYN: free border of nail.
m. linguae [TA] SYN: margin of tongue.
m. mastoideus ossis occipitalis [TA] SYN: mastoid border of occipital bone.
m. mastoideus squamae occipitalis SYN: mastoid border of occipital bone.
m. medialis [TA] SYN: medial border.
m. medialis antebrachii ulnar border of forearm.
m. medialis cerebri SYN: inferomedial margin of cerebral hemisphere.
m. medialis glandulae suprarenalis [TA] SYN: medial border of suprarenal gland.
m. medialis humeri [TA] SYN: medial border of humerus.
m. medialis pedis [TA] SYN: medial border of foot.
m. medialis renis [TA] SYN: medial border of kidney.
m. medialis scapulae [TA] SYN: medial border of scapula.
m. medialis tibiae [TA] SYN: medial border of tibia.
m. mesovaricus ovarii SYN: mesovarian border of ovary.
m. nasalis ossis frontalis [TA] SYN: nasal margin of frontal bone.
m. occipitalis [TA] SYN: occipital border.
m. occipitalis ossis parietalis [TA] SYN: occipital border of parietal bone.
m. occipitalis ossis temporalis [TA] SYN: occipital margin of temporal bone.
m. occultus unguis [TA] SYN: hidden border of nail.
m. orbitalis [TA] SYN: orbital margin.
m. palpebrae [TA] SYN: palpebral margins, under margin.
m. parietalis [TA] SYN: parietal border.
m. parietalis alaris majoris ossis sphenoidalis [TA] SYN: parietal margin of greater wing of sphenoid.
m. parietalis ossis frontalis [TA] SYN: parietal margin of frontal bone.
m. parietalis ossis sphenoidalis SYN: parietal margin of greater wing of sphenoid.
m. parietalis ossis temporalis SYN: parietal border of squamous part of temporal bone.
m. parietalis partis squamosae ossis temporalis [TA] SYN: parietal border of squamous part of temporal bone.
m. posterior fibulae [TA] SYN: posterior border of fibula.
m. posterior partis petrosae ossis temporalis [TA] SYN: posterior border of petrous part of temporal bone.
m. posterior radii [TA] SYN: posterior border of radius.
m. posterior testis [TA] SYN: posterior border of testis.
m. posterior ulnae [TA] SYN: posterior border of ulna.
m. pupillaris iridis [TA] SYN: pupillary margin of iris.
m. radialis antebrachii [TA] SYN: radial border of forearm.
m. sagittalis ossis parietalis [TA] SYN: sagittal border of parietal bone.
m. sphenoidalis ossis temporalis [TA] SYN: sphenoidal margin of temporal bone.
m. squamosus [TA] SYN: squamosal border.
m. squamosus alaris majoris ossis sphenoidalis [TA] SYN: squamosal margin of greater wing of sphenoid.
m. squamosus ossis parietalis [TA] SYN: squamosal border of parietal bone.
m. squamosus ossis sphenoidalis SYN: squamosal margin of greater wing of sphenoid.
m. superior corporis pancreatis [TA] SYN: superior border of body of pancreas.
m. superior glandulae suprarenalis [TA] SYN: superior border of suprarenal gland.
m. superior hemispherii cerebri [TA] SYN: superior margin of cerebral hemisphere.
m. superior pancreatis SYN: superior border of body of pancreas.
m. superior partis petrosae ossis temporalis [TA] SYN: superior border of petrous part of temporal bone.
m. superior scapulae [TA] SYN: superior border of scapula.
m. superior splenis [TA] SYN: superior border of spleen.
m. superomedialis SYN: superior margin of cerebral hemisphere.
m. supraorbitalis [TA] SYN: supraorbital margin.
m. tibialis pedis medial border of foot.
m. ulnaris antebrachii [TA] SYN: ulnar border of forearm.
m. uteri [TA] SYN: border of uterus.
m. zygomaticus alae majoris SYN: zygomatic margin of greater wing of sphenoid bone.
m. zygomaticus alaris majoris ossis sphenoidalis [TA] SYN: zygomatic margin of greater wing of sphenoid bone.

Marie
Marie

Pierre, French neurologist, 1853–1940. See M. ataxia, Charcot-M.-Tooth disease, Bamberger-M. disease, Bamberger-M. syndrome, M.-Strümpell disease, Strümpell-M. disease, Brissaud-M. syndrome, Foix-Cavany-M. syndrome.

marihuana
marihuana (mar-i-wah′na)

Popular name for the dried flowering leaves of Cannabis sativa, which are smoked as cigarettes, “joints,” or “reefers.” In the U.S. m. includes any part of, or any extracts from, the female plant. Alternative spellings are mariguana, marijuana. SEE ALSO: cannabis. [fr. Sp. Maria-Juana, Mary-Jane]

Marinesco
Marinesco

Georges, Roumanian neurologist, 1863–1938. See M. succulent hand, M.-Garland syndrome, M.-Sjögren syndrome.

marinobufotoxin
marinobufotoxin (mar′i-no-boo′fo-toks-in)

A poison produced by the parotid gland of Bufo marinus (family Bufonidae), a large toad native to Central and South America; used in tropical countries for insect control.

Marion
Marion

Georges, French urologist, 1869–1932. See M. disease.

Mariotte
Mariotte

Edmé, French physicist, 1620–1684. See M. bottle, M. experiment, M. law, M. blind spot.

mariposia
mariposia (mar-i-po′ze-a)

Thallasoposia;rarely used term for abnormal consumption of sea water as a result of psychogenic factors. SYN: thalassoposia. [L. mare, the sea, + G. posis, drinking]

Marjolin
Marjolin

Jean N., French physician, 1780–1850. See M. ulcer.

marjoram
marjoram (mar′jo-ram)

Sweet, leaf, or garden m. whose leaves, with and without a small portion of the flowering tops of Majorana hortensis (Origanum majorana) (family Labiatae), are used as seasoning and medicinally as a stimulant, carminative, and emmenagogue.

mark
mark

1. Any spot, line, or other figure on the cutaneous or mucocutaneous surface, visible through difference in color, elevation, or other peculiarity. [A.S. mearc]
alignment m. marks made in tracings while the kymograph or other recording apparatus is at rest in order to indicate the time relations between two tracings inscribed one above the other, e.g., jugular and radial pulses.
stretch marks SYN: striae cutis distensae, under stria.

marker
marker

1. A device used to make a mark or to indicate measurement. 2. A characteristic or factor by which a cell or molecule can be recognized or identified. 3. A locus containing two or more alleles that, being harmless, are common and therefore yield high frequencies of heterozygotes which facilitate linkage analysis.
allotypic m. SYN: allotype.
cell m. an identifying characteristic of a cell; e.g., formation of rosettes with sheep erythrocytes as a m. of T lymphocytes, or the presence of surface immunoglobulin as a m. of B lymphocytes.
cell surface m. a surface protein, glycoprotein, or group of proteins that distinguish a cell or subset of cells from another defined subset of cells.
genetic m. SYN: genetic determinant.
linkage m. a locus at which there is a high probability of heterozygotes (indispensible state for linkage analysis), but in itself perhaps of no clinical interest. SEE ALSO: m. locus.
oncofetal m. a tumor m. produced by tumor tissue and by fetal tissue of the same type as the tumor, but not by normal adult tissue from which the tumor arises.
polymorphic genetic m. inherited characteristic that occurs within a given population as two or more traits.
time m. an instrument that marks the time, usually in seconds or fractions of seconds, on a kymograph record in physiologic experiments.
tumor m. a substance, released into the circulation by tumor tissue, whose detection in the serum indicates the presence of tumor.

Markov
Markov

Andrei, Russian mathematician, 1865–1922. See M. process.

Marme reagent
Marme reagent

See under reagent.

marmorated
marmorated (mar′mo-ra-ted)

Denoting a condition in which the appearance of the skin is streaked like marble. SEE ALSO: cutis marmorata. [L. marmoratus, marbled]

marmot
marmot (mar′mot)

A woodchuck or groundhog; a hibernating rodent that may serve as reservoir host of plague bacillus in North America. [Fr. marmotte]

Maroteaux
Maroteaux

Pierre, French medical geneticist, *1926. See M.-Lamy syndrome.

Marquis reagent
Marquis reagent

See under reagent.

marrow
marrow (mar′o) [TA]

1. A highly cellular hematopoietic connective tissue filling the medullary cavities and spongy epiphyses of bones; it becomes predominantly fatty with age, particularly in the long bones of the limbs. 2. Any soft gelatinous or fatty material resembling the m. of bone. SEE ALSO: medulla. [A.S. mearh]
bone m. [TA] the soft, pulpy tissue filling the medullary cavities of bones, having a stroma of reticular fibers and cells; it differs in consistency by age and location. SEE ALSO: gelatinous bone m., red bone m., yellow bone m.. SYN: medulla ossium [TA] .
gelatinous bone m. [TA] degenerated m. of cranial bones in old age.
red bone m. [TA] bone m. in which the stroma primarily contain the developmental stages of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and megakaryocytes; it is present throughout the skeleton during fetal life and at birth. After the fifth postnatal year, it is gradually replaced in the long bones by yellow m.. SYN: medulla ossium rubra [TA] .
spinal m. SYN: spinal cord.
yellow bone m. [TA] bone m. in which the stroma of the reticular network are largely filled primarily with fat; it replaces red m. in the long bones after the fifth year of life. SYN: medulla ossium flava [TA] .

Marshall
Marshall

Don, U.S. ophthalmologist, *1905. See M. syndrome.

Marshall
Marshall

Eli K., U.S. pharmacologist, 1889–1966. See M. method.

Marshall
Marshall

John, English anatomist, 1818–1891. See M. vestigial fold, M. oblique vein.

Marshall
Marshall

Victor F., U.S. urologist, *1913. See M. test, M.-Marchetti test, M.-Marchetti-Krantz operation.

Marshallagia marshalli
Marshallagia marshalli (mar-sha-la′je-a mar-shal′i)

One of the medium stomach worms of the nematode family Trichostrongylidae, found in the abomasum of sheep, goats, camels, and various wild ruminants.

marshmallow root
marshmallow root (marsh′mal-o)

SYN: althea.

marsupial
marsupial (mar-soo′pe-al)

1. A member of the order Marsupalia, which includes such mammals as kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, and opossums, the female of which has an abdominal pouch for carrying the young. 2. Of or pertaining to marsupials. [L. marsupium, a pouch]

marsupialization
marsupialization (mar-soo′pe-al-i-za′shun)

Exteriorization of a cyst or other such enclosed cavity by resecting the anterior wall and suturing the cut edges of the remaining wall to adjacent edges of the skin, thereby creating a pouch. [L. marsupium, pouch]

marsupium
marsupium (mar-soo′pe-um)

1. SYN: scrotum. 2. A pouch or sac; e.g., in marsupials. [L. pouch]

Martegiani
Martegiani

J., 19th century Italian anatomist. See M. area, M. funnel.

Martin
Martin

August E., German gynecologist, 1847–1933. See M. tube, M.-Gruber anastomosis.

Martin
Martin

Henry A., U.S. surgeon, 1824–1884. See M. bandage, M. disease.

Martin
Martin

J.E. See Thayer-M. medium.

Martinotti
Martinotti

Giovanni, Italian physician, 1857–1928. See M. cell.

martius yellow
martius yellow (marsh′e-us) [C.I. 10315]

An acid dye used as a stain in plant and animal histology, and as a light filter for photomicrography. [Karl A. Martius, Ger. chemist, *1920]

Martorell
Martorell

Fernando Otzet, Spanish cardiologist, 1906–1984. See M. syndrome.

Maryland coma scale
Maryland coma scale

See coma scale.

maschale
maschale (mas′kal-e)

SYN: axilla. [G.]

maschalyperidrosis
maschalyperidrosis (mas′kal-i-per-i-dro′sis)

Excessive sweating in the axillae. [G. maschale, axilla, + hyper, over, + hidros, sweat]

masculine
masculine (mas′ku-lin)

Relating to or marked by the characteristics of the male sex or gender. SYN: male (2) , masculinus. [L. masculus, male, fr. mas, male]

masculine protest
masculine protest

Adler term to describe the movement of individuals from passive to active roles in a desire to escape from the feminine role.

masculinity
masculinity (mas-ku-lin′i-te)

The qualities and characteristics of a male.

masculinization
masculinization (mas′ku-lin-i-za′shun)

The condition marked by the attainment of male characteristics, such as facial hair, either physiologically as part of male maturation, or pathologically by individuals of either sex. [L. masculus, male]

masculinize
masculinize (mas′ku-li-niz)

To confer the qualities or characteristics peculiar to the male.

masculinus
masculinus (mas-ku-li′nus)

SYN: masculine, masculine. [L.]

Masini
Masini

Giulio, Italian physician, 1874–1937.

mask
mask (mask)

1. Any of a variety of disease states producing alteration or discoloration of the skin of the face. 2. The expressionless appearance seen in certain diseases; e.g., Parkinson facies. 3. A facial bandage. 4. A shield designed to cover the mouth and nose for maintenance of antiseptic conditions. 5. A device designed to cover the mouth and nose for administration of inhalation anesthetics, oxygen, or other gases.
ecchymotic m. a dusky discoloration of the head and neck occurring when the trunk has been subjected to sudden and extreme compression, as in traumatic asphyxia.
Hutchinson m. the sensation experienced in tabetic neurosyphilis as if the face were covered with a m. or with cobwebs.
laryngeal m. a tubular oropharyngeal airway with an inflatable rim at the distal end that when inflated creates an airtight seal immediately above the larynx.
nonrebreathing m. a m. fitted with both an inhalation valve and an exhalation valve so that all exhaled gas is vented to the external atmosphere and inhaled gas comes only from a reservoir connected to the m..
tropical m. SYN: chloasma bronzinum.

masked
masked (maskt)

Concealed.

masking
masking

1. The use of noise of any kind to interfere with the audibility of another sound. For any given intensity, low-pitched tones have a greater m. effect than those of a high pitch. 2. In audiology, the use of a noise applied to one ear while testing the hearing of the other ear. 3. The hiding of smaller rhythms in the brain wave record by larger and slower ones whose wave form they distort. 4. In dentistry, an opaque covering used to camouflage the metal parts of a prosthesis. 5. In radiography, superimposition of an altered positive image on the original negative to produce an enhanced copy photographically. See subtraction.
unsharp m. in radiography, superimposing a blurred negative of a radiograph to cancel large density differences, leaving fine detail more visible.

Maslow
Maslow

Abraham H., U. S. psychologist, 1908–1970. See M. hierarchy.

masochism
masochism (mas′o-kizm, maz′o-)

1. Passive algolagnia; a form of perversion, often sexual in nature, in which a person experiences pleasure in being abused, humiliated, or maltreated. Cf.:sadism. 2. A general orientation in life that personal suffering relieves guilt and leads to a reward. [Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Austrian novelist, 1836–1895]

masochist
masochist (mas′o-kist)

The passive party in the practice of masochism.

Mason
Mason

Edward E., U.S. surgeon, *1920.

MASS
MASS

Acronym for mitral valve prolapse, aortic anomalies, skeletal changes, and skin changes. See M. syndrome.

mass
mass (m)

1. A lump or aggregation of coherent material. SYN: massa [TA] . 2. In pharmacy, a soft solid preparation containing an active medicinal agent, of such consistency that it can be divided into small pieces and rolled into pills. 3. One of the seven fundamental quantities in the SI system; its unit is the kilogram, defined as the m. of the international prototype of the kilogram, which is made of platinum-iridium and kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. 4. The quantity of matter in a body or substance. [L. massa, a doughlike m.]
apperceptive m. the already existing knowledge base in a similar or related area with which the new perceptual material is articulated.
filar m. SYN: reticular substance (1) .
injection m. colored solutions or suspensions injected into the vascular system to render vessels and their walls prominent; useful for gross preparations and for study under low magnification after clearing; most fluids contain warm gelatin and the coloring materials are carmine, Berlin blue, or carbon.
inner cell m. the cells at the embryonic pole of the blastocyst concerned with formation of the body of the embryo per se. SYN: embryoblast.
intermediate m. SYN: interthalamic adhesion.
lateral m. of atlas [TA] the thick weight-bearing lateral part of the atlas on each side that articulates above with the occipital condyle and below with the axis. SYN: massa lateralis atlantis [TA] .
lateral m. of ethmoid bone SYN: ethmoidal labyrinth.
molar m. molecular weight.
molecular m. SYN: molecular weight.
pilular m. the mixture of drug(s), excipients, diluents and binders with a suitable amount of liquid to form a plastic m. which can be rolled into a long rod and cut into the appropriate number of units for pills to be rolled from. SYN: pill m..
relative molecular m. (M_r) SYN: molecular weight.
sclerotic cemental m. benign fibro-osseous jaw lesions of unknown etiology, occurring predominantly in middle-aged black females, which present as large painless radiopaque masses usually involving several quadrants of the jaw. SYN: florid osseous dysplasia, cemental dysplasia.
tubular excretory m. the m. of functioning excretory tubules of the kidney determined from the excretion of measurable compounds processed in the kidney primarily by tubular secretion.

massa
massa, gen. and pl. massae (mas′sa, mas′se) [TA]

SYN: mass (1) . [L.]
m. intermedia interthalamic adhesion.
m. lateralis atlantis [TA] SYN: lateral mass of atlas.

massage
massage (ma-sahzh′)

A method of manipulation of the body or portion thereof by rubbing, pinching, kneading, tapping, etc. SYN: tripsis (2) . [Fr. from G. masso, to knead]
cardiac m. SYN: heart m..
closed chest m. rhythmic compression of the heart between sternum and spine by depressing the lower sternum backward with the heels of the hands, the patient lying supine. SYN: external cardiac m..
external cardiac m. SYN: closed chest m..
gingival m. mechanical stimulation of the gingiva by rubbing or pressure.
heart m. rhythmic m. of the heart either in an open chest or through the chest wall to renew failed circulation during cardiac resuscitation. SYN: cardiac m..
open chest m. rhythmic manual compression of the ventricles of the heart with the hand inside the thoracic cavity.
prostatic m. 1. manual expression of prostatic secretions by digital rectal technique; 2. the emptying of prostatic acini and ducts by repeated downward compression maneuvers, for treatment of various congestive and inflammatory prostatic conditions.
vibratory m. very rapid tapping of the surface effected by means of an instrument, usually with an elastic tip. SYN: seismotherapy, sismotherapy, vibrotherapeutics.

Masselon
Masselon

Julián, French physician, 1844–1917. See M. spectacles.

masseter
masseter

See m. (muscle).

masseur
masseur (ma-ser′)

1. A man who massages. 2. An instrument used in mechanical massage. [Fr. see massage]

masseuse
masseuse (ma-sooz′)

A woman who massages.

massicot
massicot (mas′i-kot)

SYN: lead monoxide.

Masson
Masson

Pierre, Canadian pathologist, 1880–1959. See M.-Fontana ammoniac silver stain. See entries under stain.

massotherapy
massotherapy (mas-o-thar′a-pe)

The therapeutic use of massage. [G. masso, to knead, + therapeia, treatment]

MAST
MAST

Abbreviation for military antishock trousers.

mast- mast-

See masto-.

mastadenitis
mastadenitis (mast′ad-e-ni′tis)

SYN: mastitis. [masto- + G. aden, gland, + -itis, inflammation]

mastadenoma
mastadenoma (mast′ad-e-no′ma)

An adenoma of the breast. [masto- + G. aden, gland, + -oma, tumor]

Mastadenovirus
Mastadenovirus (mast-ad′e-no-vi′rus)

A genus of the family Adenoviridae, including adenoviruses that infect mammals, with over 40 antigenic types (species) being infective for humans. They cause respiratory infections in children, epidemic acute respiratory disease in military recruits, acute follicular conjunctivitis in adults, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and gastroenteritis; many infections are inapparent. [G. mastos, breast, hence mammal, + adenovirus]

mastalgia
mastalgia (mas-tal′je-a)

SYN: mastodynia. [masto- + G. algos, pain]

mastatrophy
mastatrophy, mastatrophia (mas-tat′ro-fe, mast-a-tro′fe-a)

Atrophy or wasting of the breasts. [masto- + atrophy]

mastauxe
mastauxe (mas-tawk′se)

Hypertrophy of the breast. [masto- + G. auxe, increase]

mastectomy
mastectomy (mas-tek′to-me)

Excision of the breast. SYN: mammectomy. [masto- + G. ektome, excision]
extended radical m. excision of the entire breast including the nipple, areola, and overlying skin, as well as the pectoral muscles and the lymphatic-bearing tissues of the axilla and chest wall and internal mammary chain of lymph nodes.
modified radical m. excision of the entire breast including the nipple, areola, and overlying skin, as well as the lymphatic-bearing tissue in the axilla with preservation of the pectoral muscles.
radical m. excision of the entire breast including the nipple, areola, and overlying skin, as well as the pectoral muscles, lymphatic-bearing tissue in the axilla, and various other neighboring tissues. SYN: Halsted operation (2) .
simple m. excision of the breast including the nipple, areola, and some of the overlying skin. SYN: total m..
subcutaneous m. excision of the breast tissues, but sparing the skin, nipple, and areola; usually followed by implantation of a prosthesis.
total m. SYN: simple m..

Master
Master

Arthur M., U.S. physician, 1895–1973. See M. test, M. two-step exercise test.

Masters
Masters

William H., U.S. gynecologist, *1915. See Allen-M. syndrome.

mastic
mastic (mas′tik)

A resinous exudate from Pistacia lentiscus (family Anacardiaceae), a small tree of the Mediterranean shores; used in chewing gum, as an enteric coating, and as a temporary filling material in dentistry. SYN: mastich, mastiche. [G. mastiche, the resin of the mastich tree]

masticate
masticate (mas′ti-kat)

To chew; to perform mastication.

mastication
mastication (mas-ti-ka′shun)

The process of chewing food in preparation for deglutition and digestion; the act of grinding or comminuting with the teeth. [L. mastico, pp. -atus, to chew]

masticatory
masticatory (mas′ti-ka-to-re)

Relating to mastication.

mastich
mastich, mastiche (mas′tik, mas′ti-ke)

SYN: mastic.

Mastigophora
Mastigophora (mas′ti-gof′o-ra)

The flagellates, a subphylum of Protozoa having one or more locomotory flagella, a single vesicular nucleus, and symmetric binary fission; sexual reproduction is unknown in many groups ( e.g., Volvox, Trypanosoma, Euglena). It consists of two classes: Phytomastigophorea (to which Euglena belongs), which contains chlorophyll and is therefore photosynthetic and holophytic (although this has secondarily been lost in some groups), and Zoomastigophorea (including Trypanosoma and Leishmania), which lacks chromatophores and is heterotrophic. [G. mastix (mastig-), a whip, + phoros, bearing]

mastigote
mastigote (mas′ti-got)

An individual flagellate. [G. mastix, a whip]

mastitis
mastitis (mas-ti′tis)

Inflammation of the breast. SYN: mastadenitis. [masto- + G. -itis, inflammation]
chronic cystic m. older term corresponding to fibrocystic condition of the breast.
gargantuan m. obsolete term for chronic inflammation of the breast with great enlargement of the gland.
glandular m. SYN: parenchymatous m..
granulomatous m. a rare granulomatous inflammation of lobular breast tissue, with multinucleated giant cells; sarcoidosis is excluded by the frequent presence of neutrophils and absence of involvement of other tissues.
interstitial m. inflammation of the connective tissue of the mammary gland.
lactational m. SYN: puerperal m..
m. neonatorum m. in the secreting breast tissue of the newborn, usually staphylococcal.
parenchymatous m. inflammation of the secreting tissue of the breast. SYN: glandular m..
plasma cell m. a condition of the breasts characterized by tumorlike indurated masses containing numerous plasma cells, usually resulting from mammary duct ectasia; although clinically resembling malignant disease (attachment to skin and enlargement of axillary lymph nodes), it is not neoplastic.
puerperal m. m., usually suppurative, occurring in the later part of the puerperium. SYN: lactational m..
retromammary m. SYN: submammary m..
stagnation m. painful distention of the breast occurring during the latter days of pregnancy and the first days of lactation.
submammary m. inflammation of the tissues lying deep to the mammary gland. SYN: retromammary m..
suppurative m. inflammation of the breast due to infection with pyogenic bacteria.

masto- masto-, mast-

The breast; the mastoid. Cf.:mammo-, mazo-. [G. mastos]

mastoccipital
mastoccipital (mast′ok-sip′-i-tal)

SYN: masto-occipital.

mastocyte
mastocyte (mas′to-sit)

SYN: mast cell.

mastocytogenesis
mastocytogenesis (mas′to-si′to-jen′e-sis)

Formation and development of mast cells. [mastocyte + G. genesis production]

mastocytoma
mastocytoma (mas′to-si-to′ma)

A fairly well-circumscribed accumulation or nodular focus of mast cells, grossly resembling a neoplasm. [mastocyte + G. -oma, tumor]

mastocytosis
mastocytosis (mas′to-si-to′sis)

Abnormal proliferation of mast cells in a variety of tissues; may be systemic, involving a variety of organs, or cutaneous (urticaria pigmentosa). [mastocyte + G. -osis, condition]
diffuse m. infiltration of many organ systems by mast cells with varied clinical manifestations that can include fever, weight loss, flushing, bronchospasm, rhinorrhea, palpitations, dyspnea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypotension. SYN: systemic m..
diffuse cutaneous m. a benign process consisting of focal cutaneous infiltrates composed of mast cells; lesions are flat or slightly elevated, form wheals and itch when stroked; bone lesions may occur.
systemic m. SYN: diffuse m..

mastodynia
mastodynia (mas-to-din′e-a)

Pain in the breast. SEE ALSO: mammary neuralgia. SYN: mammalgia, mastalgia. [masto- + G. odyne, pain]

mastoid
mastoid (mas′toyd)

1. Resembling a mamma; breast-shaped. 2. Relating to the m. process, antrum, cells, etc. SYN: mastoidal. [masto- + G. eidos, resemblance]

mastoidal
mastoidal (mas-toy′dal)

SYN: mastoid (2) .

mastoidale
mastoidale (mas-toy-da′le)

The lowest point on the contour of the mastoid process.

mastoidectomy
mastoidectomy (mas′toy-dek′to-me)

A group of operations on the mastoid process of the temporal bone and middle ear to drain, expose, or remove an infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic lesion. [mastoid (process) + G. ektome, excision]
complete m. an operation to exenterate the air cell system from the mastoid process of the temporal bone for the drainage of the suppuration in acute mastoiditis. SYN: simple m..
modified radical m. an operation for the management of cholesteatoma that lies lateral to the remnant of the tympanic membrane and middle-ear ossicles; involves exenteration of the remaining air cells of the mastoid process and removal of the posterior and superior walls of the external auditory canal to open the mastoid and attic of the middle ear to the outside and preserve hearing.
radical m. an operation for the management of extensive cholesteatoma; involves exenteration of the remaining mastoid air cells and removal of the posterior and superior walls of the external auditory canal and the remnants of the tympanic membrane and middle-ear ossicles to exteriorize the mastoid cavity and middle ear through the external auditory canal. SYN: tympanomastoidectomy.
simple m. SYN: complete m..

mastoiditis
mastoiditis (mas-toy-di′tis)

Inflammation of any part of the mastoid process. SYN: mastoid empyema.
sclerosing m. a chronic m. in which the trabeculae are greatly thickened, tending to obliterate the cells.

mastoncus
mastoncus (mas-tong′kus)

A tumor or swelling of the breasts. [masto- + G. onkos, mass]

masto-occipital
masto-occipital (mas′to-ok-sip′i-tal)

Relating to the mastoid portion of the temporal bone and to the occipital bone, denoting the suture uniting them. SYN: mastoccipital.

mastoparietal
mastoparietal (mas′to-pa-ri′e-tal)

Relating to the mastoid portion of the temporal bone and to the parietal bone, denoting the suture uniting them.

mastopathy
mastopathy (mas-top′a-the)

Any disease of the breasts. [masto- + G. pathos, suffering]

mastopexy
mastopexy (mas′to-pek-se)

Plastic surgery to elevate a ptotic breast in normal position, often with some improvement in shape. [masto- + G. pexis, fixation]

mastoplasia
mastoplasia (mas-to-pla′ze-a)

Enlargement of the breast. [masto- + G. plasis, a molding]

mastoplasty
mastoplasty (mas′to-plas-te)

SYN: mammaplasty. [masto- + G. plastos, formed]

mastoptosis
mastoptosis (mas-top-to′sis)

Ptosis or sagging of the breast. [masto- + G. ptosis, a falling]

mastorrhagia
mastorrhagia (mas-to-ra′je-a)

Hemorrhage from a breast. [masto- + G. rhegnymi, to burst forth]

mastosquamous
mastosquamous (mas′to-skwa′mus)

Relating to the mastoid and the squamous portions of the temporal bone.

mastosyrinx
mastosyrinx (mas′to-sir′ingks)

A fistula of the mammary gland. [masto- + G. syrinx, tube]

mastotomy
mastotomy (mas-tot′o-me)

Incision of the breast. SYN: mammotomy. [masto- + G. tome, incision]

masturbate
masturbate (mas′ter-bat)

To practice masturbation. [L. masturbari, pp. masturbatus]

masturbation
masturbation (mas′ter-ba′shung)

Self-stimulation of the genitals for erotic pleasure, often resulting in orgasm.

MAT
MAT

Abbreviation for multifocal atrial tachycardia.

Matas
Matas

Rudolph, U.S. surgeon, 1860–1957.

matching
matching

The process of making a study group and a comparison group in an epidemiological study comparable with respect to extraneous or confounding factors such as age, sex, weight.
impedance m. the force delivered through the mechanical advantages of the tympanic ossicles and the area ratio of the tympanic membrane to the oval window to overcome the acoustic impedance between the ambient air and the fluid in the inner ear.

maté
maté (mah-ta′)

The dried leaves of Ilex paraguayensis and other species of Ilex (family Aquifoliaceae), shrubs growing in Paraguay and Brazil, which contain caffeine and tannin; used in South American countries as a beverage and medicinally as a diuretic and diaphoretic, and for the relief of headache. SYN: Paraguay tea. [Sp. maté, a vessel in which the leaves are prepared]

mater
mater (ma′ter)

The “sheltering” coverings of the central nervous system. See arachnoid m., dura m., pia m.. [L. mother]
arachnoidea m. cranialis [TA] SYN: cranial arachnoid m..
arachnoidea m. encephali cranial arachnoid m..
cranial pia m. [TA] the pia m. found specifically around the brain; contiguous with the arachnoid m. via the arachnoid trabeculae. SEE ALSO: pia m.. SYN: pia m. encephali&star.
pia m. encephali cranial pia m..
pia m. spinalis [TA] SYN: spinal pia m.. SEE ALSO: pia m..
spinal arachnoid m. [TA] See spinal arachnoid m.. SEE ALSO: arachnoid m..
spinal pia m. [TA] the pia m. found specifically around the spinal cord; includes specializations such as the denticulate ligaments. SEE ALSO: pia m.. SYN: pia m. spinalis [TA] .

materia
materia (ma-te′re-a)

Substance or matter. [L. substance]
m. alba accumulation or aggregation of microorganisms, desquamated epithelial cells, blood cells and food debris loosely adherent to surfaces of plaques, teeth, gingiva or dental appliances. [L. white matter]
m. medica 1. that aspect of medical science concerned with the origin and preparation of drugs, their doses, and their mode of administration; 2. any agent used therapeutically. SEE ALSO: pharmacognosy, pharmacology. [L. medical matter]

material
material (ma-ter′e-al)

That of which something is made or composed; the constituent element of a substance. [L. materialis, fr. materia, substance]
base m. any substance from which a denture base may be made, such as shellac, acrylic resin, vulcanite, polystyrene, metal, etc.
by-product m. radioactive m. produced by nuclear fission or by neutron irradiation in a nuclear reactor or similar device.
certified reference m. (CRM) a reference m. documented by or traceable to a certificate or publication from a reputable source and that states the values of the properties concerned.
contrast m. SYN: contrast medium.
cross-reacting m. (CRM) a substance sufficiently different from a reference substance (R) to have a perceptibly different function from R, but similar enough to react with anti-R antibodies.
dental m. any m. used in dentistry.
genetic m. the carrier of hereditary information; in higher organisms it is duplex DNA.
impression m. any substance or combination of substances used for making a negative reproduction or impression.
plastic restoration m. in dentistry, any m. that may be shaped directly to the tooth cavity, such as amalgam, cement, or resin.
restorative dental materials materials used to replace oral tissues in dentistry; e.g., amalgam, gold alloys, cements, porcelain, plastics, and denture materials.

materies morbi
materies morbi (ma-te′re-ez mor′bi)

The substance acting as the immediate cause of a disease. [L. the matter of disease]

maternal
maternal (ma-ter′nal)

Relating to or derived from the mother. [L. maternus, fr. mater, mother]

maternity
maternity (ma-ter′ni-te)

Motherhood. [see maternal]

mating
mating (mat′ing)

The pairing of male and female for the purpose of reproduction.
assortative m. selection of a mate with preference for (or aversion to) a particular genotype, i.e., nonrandom m.. SYN: nonrandom m..
cross m. cross.
nonrandom m. SYN: assortative m..
random m. a practice of m. in which any egg has an equal opportunity of being fertilized by any sperm; thus the chance of one genotype at a particular locus combining with another genotype at that locus is random. SYN: panmixis.

matrass
matrass (mat′ras)

A long-necked glass vessel used for heating dry substances in chemical manipulations. [Fr. matras]

matrical
matrical (mat′ri-kal)

Relating to any matrix. SYN: matricial.

matricaria
matricaria (mat-ri-ka′re-a)

The flowers of M. chamomilla (family Compositae); used internally as a tonic and externally as a counterirritant. SEE ALSO: chamomile. [L. matrix, womb]

matrices
matrices (ma′tri-sez, mat′ri-sez)

Plural of matrix. [L.]

matricial
matricial (ma-trish′al)

SYN: matrical.

matricide
matricide (mat′ri-sid)

1. The killing of one's mother. Cf.:patricide. 2. One who commits such an act. [L. mater, mother, + caedo, to kill]

matrilineal
matrilineal (mat-ri-lin′e-al)

Denoting descent through the female line. [L. mater, mother, + linea, line]

matrix
matrix, pl .matrices (ma′triks, mat′riks; ma′tri-sez, mat′ri-sez)

1. [NA] The formative portion of a tooth or a nail. 2. The intercellular substance of a tissue. 3. A surrounding substance within which something is contained or embedded, e.g., the fatty tissue in which blood vessels or lymph nodes lie; provides a m. for these embedded structures. 4. A mold in which anything is cast or swaged; a counterdie; a specially shaped instrument, plastic material, or metal strip used for holding and shaping the material used in filling a tooth cavity. 5. A rectangular array of numbers or symbol quantities that simplify the execution of linear operations of tedious complexity, e.g., the ITO method; the theory of matrices is widely used in solving simultaneous equations and in population genetics. [L. womb; female breeding animal]
amalgam m. a device used during placement of the amalgam mass within a compound cavity preparation, facilitating proper condensation and contour thereof by providing a confining wall.
bone m. the intercellular substance of bone tissue consisting of collagen fibers, ground substance, and inorganic bone salts.
cartilage m. the intercellular substance of cartilage consisting of fibers and ground substance.
cell m. SYN: cytoplasmic m..
cytoplasmic m. a fluid cytoplasmic substance filling the interstices of the cytoskeleton. SYN: cell m., cytomatrix.
external m. the substance occupying the space between the inner and outer membrane of any organelle ( E.G., mitochondria) with a double membrane.
identity m. a square m. in which the quantities on the diagnonal from top left to bottom right are all equal to 1 and all the other entries are 0.
mitochondrial m. SYN: m. mitochondrialis.
m. mitochondrialis the substance occupying the space enclosed by the inner membrane of a mitochondrion; it contains enzymes, filaments of DNA, ribosomes, granules, and inclusions of protein crystals, glycogen, and lipid. SYN: mitochondrial m..
nail m. [TA] the area of the corium on which the nail rests; it is extremely sensitive and presents numerous longitudinal ridges on its surface. According to some anatomists, the nail bed is the portion covered by the body of the nail, the nail bed being only the part on which the root of the nail rests. SYN: m. unguis [TA] , keratogenous membrane, nail bed, onychostroma.
nuclear m. the network of protein fibers both around the outside of the nucleus as well as inside the nucleus.
square m. a m. in which the numbers of rows and columns are equal.
territorial m. SYN: cartilage capsule.
m. unguis [TA] SYN: nail m..

matter
matter

SYN: substance. SEE ALSO: substance. [L. materies, substance]
gray m. [TA] those regions of the brain and spinal cord which are made up primarily of the cell bodies and dendrites of nerve cells rather than myelinated axons. SYN: gray substance [TA] , substantia grisea [TA] , substantia cinerea.
pontine gray m. SYN: pontine nuclei, under nucleus.
white m. [TA] those regions of the brain and spinal cord that are largely or entirely composed of nerve fibers and contain few or no neuronal cell bodies or dendrites. SYN: alba, substantia alba, white substance.

maturate
maturate (mat′u-rat)

To suppurate. [L. maturo, pp. -atus, to make ripe, fr. maturus, ripe]

maturation
maturation (mat-u-ra′shun)

1. Achievement of full development or growth. 2. Developmental changes that lead to maturity. 3. Processing of a macromolecule; e.g., posttranscriptional modification of RNA or posttranslational modification of proteins. 4. The overall process leading to the incorporation of a viral genome into a capsid and the development of a complete virion. [L. maturatio, a ripening, fr. maturus, ripe]

mature
mature (ma-choor′, -toor)

1. Ripe; fully developed. 2. To ripen; to become fully developed. [L. maturus, ripe]

maturity
maturity (ma-choor′i-te)

A state of full development or completed growth.

Mauchart
Mauchart, Mauchard

Burkhard D., German anatomist, 1696–1751. See M. ligaments, under ligament.

Maurer
Maurer

Georg, German physician in Sumatra, *1909. See M. clefts, under cleft, M. dots, under dot.

Mauriac
Mauriac

Pierre, French physician, *1882. See M. syndrome.

Mauriceau
Mauriceau

François, French obstetrician, 1637–1709. See M. maneuver, M.-Levret maneuver.

Mauthner
Mauthner

Ludwig, Austrian ophthalmologist, 1840–1894. See M. sheath.

maxilla
maxilla, gen. and pl. maxillae (mak-sil′a, mak-sil′e) [TA]

An irregularly shaped pneumatized bone, supporting the superior teeth and taking part in the formation of the orbit, hard palate, and nasal cavity and containing the maxillary sinus. SYN: upper jaw bone, upper jaw. [L. jawbone]

maxillary
maxillary (mak′si-lar-e)

Relating to the maxilla, or upper jaw.

maxillectomy
maxillectomy (mak-sil-ek′to-me)

Resection of the maxilla. [maxilla + G. ektome, excision]

maxillitis
maxillitis (mak′si-li′tis)

Inflammation of the maxilla.

maxillodental
maxillodental (mak-sil′o-den′tal)

Relating to the upper jaw and its associated teeth.

maxillofacial
maxillofacial (mak-sil′o-fa′shal)

Pertaining to the jaws and face, particularly with reference to specialized surgery of this region.

maxillojugal
maxillojugal (mak-sil′o-joo′gal)

Relating to the maxilla and the zygomatic bone.

maxillomandibular
maxillomandibular (mak-sil′o-man-dib′u-lar)

Relating to the upper and lower jaws.

maxillopalatine
maxillopalatine (mak-sil′o-pal′a-tin)

Relating to the maxilla and the palatine bone.

maxillotomy
maxillotomy (mak-si-lot′o-me)

Surgical sectioning of the maxilla to allow movement of all or a part of the maxilla into the desired portion. [maxilla + G. tome, incision]

maxilloturbinal
maxilloturbinal (mak-sil′lo-ter′bi-nal)

Relating to the inferior nasal concha.

Maximow
Maximow

Alexander A., Russian physician in U.S., 1874–1928. See M. stain for bone marrow.

maximum
maximum (mak′si-mum)

The greatest amount, value, or degree attained or attainable. [L. neuter of maximus, greatest]
glucose transport m. the maximal rate of reabsorption of glucose from the glomerular filtrate; it amounts to approximately 320 mg/min in humans.
transport m. (Tm) the maximal rate of secretion or reabsorption of a substance by the renal tubules. SYN: tubular m..
tubular m. (Tm) SYN: transport m..

May
May

Richard, German physician. See M.-Hegglin anomaly.

May apple
May apple

SYN: podophyllum.

Mayer
Mayer

Paul, German histologist, 1848–1923. See M. hemalum stain, M. mucicarmine stain, M. mucihematein stain.

Mayer
Mayer

Karl, Austrian neurologist, 1862–1932. See M. reflex.

Mayer
Mayer

Karl, W., German gynecologist, 1795–1868. See M. pessary, M.-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

May-Grünwald stain
May-Grünwald stain

See under stain.

mayidism
mayidism (ma′id-izm)

SYN: pellagra. [Zea mays, maize]

Mayo
Mayo

Charles H., U.S. surgeon, 1865–1939. See M. bunionectomy.

Mayo
Mayo

William J., U.S. surgeon, 1861–1939. See M. operation, M. vein.

Mayo-Robson
Mayo-Robson

Sir Arthur W., British surgeon, 1853–1933. See Mayo-Robson point, Mayo-Robson position.

Mayou
Mayou

Marmaduke Stephen, British ophthalmologist, 1876–1934. See Batten-M. disease.

mazamorra
mazamorra (maz-a-mor′a)

Name given in Puerto Rico to a dermatitis caused by penetration of the skin by hookworm larvae.

maze
maze (maz)

A labyrinth; frequently used to study higher functions of the nervous system in rats. [M.E. masen, to confuse]

mazindol
mazindol (ma′zin-dol)

An isoindole anorexiant that is distinctive in not having the phenethylamine chain common to sympathomimetic amines.

mazo- mazo-

The breast. SEE ALSO: masto-. [G. mazos]

Mazzoni
Mazzoni

Vittorio, Italian physician, 1880–1940. See M. corpuscle, Golgi-M. corpuscle.

Mazzotti
Mazzotti

Luigi, Mexican physician specializing in tropical medicine in mid-20th century. See M. reaction, M. test.

Mb
Mb, MbCO, MbO₂

myoglobin and its combinations with CO and O₂ (oxymyoglobin), respectively.

MBC
MBC

Abbreviation for maximum breathing capacity.

M.C.
M.C.

Abbreviation for Magister Chirurgiae, Master of Surgery; Medical Corps.

mc
mc

Former abbreviation for millicurie.

MCAD
MCAD

Abbreviation for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase.

McArdle
McArdle

Brian, 20th century British neurologist. See M. disease, M.-Schmid-Pearson disease, M. syndrome.

McBurney
McBurney

Charles, U.S. surgeon, 1845–1913. See M. incision, M. point, M. sign.

McCall
McCall

M.L., 20th century U.S. gynecologist. See M. culdoplasty procedure.

McCarthy
McCarthy

Daniel J., U.S. neurologist, 1874–1958. See M. reflexes, under reflex.

McClintock
McClintock

Barbara, 1902–1992, 1993 Nobel Prize winner for her work in the genetics of corn.

McCrea
McCrea

Lowrain E., U.S. urologist, *1896. See M. sound.

McCune
McCune

Donovan James, U.S. pediatrician, 1902–1976. See M.-Albright syndrome.

McDonald
McDonald

Ellice, U.S. gynecologist, 1876–1955. See M. maneuver.

McGoon
McGoon

Dwight C., U.S. surgeon, *1925. See M. technique.

MCH
MCH

Abbreviation for mean corpuscular hemoglobin.

M.Ch.
M.Ch.

Abbreviation for Magister Chirurgiae, Master of Surgery.

MCHC
MCHC

Abbreviation for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

mCi
mCi

Abbreviation for millicurie.

McKee
McKee

George Kenneth, British orthopedic surgeon, *1930. See M. line.

McKusick
McKusick

Victor Almon, U.S. physician, *1921. See M. metaphyseal dysplasia.

McLean
McLean

Malcolm, U.S. obstetrician, 1848–1924. See Tucker-M. forceps.

MCMI
MCMI

Abbreviation for Millon clinical multiaxial inventory.

McMurray
McMurray

Thomas P., British surgeon, 1887–1949. See M. test.

m-cone
m-cone

Middle wavelength sensitive cone (green cone).

MCP-1
MCP-1

Abbreviation for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1.

McPhail
McPhail

M.K., Canadian physiologist, *1907. See M. test.

MCR
MCR

Abbreviation for steroid metabolic clearance rate.

McReynolds
McReynolds

John O., U.S. ophthalmologist, 1865–1942.

M-CSF
M-CSF

Abbreviation for macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

MCV
MCV

Abbreviation for mean corpuscular volume.

McVay
McVay

Chester B., U.S. surgeon, *1911. See M. operation.

MD
MD

Abbreviation for methyldichloroarsine.

M.D.
M.D.

Abbreviation of Medicinae Doctor, Doctor of Medicine.

Md
Md

Symbol for mendelevium.

MDF
MDF

Abbreviation for myocardial depressant factor.

m. dict.
m. dict.

Abbreviation for [L] more dicto, as directed.

MDMA
MDMA

A centrally active phenethylamine derivative related to amphetamine and methamphetamine, with central nervous system excitant and hallucinogenic properties. SYN: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine.

MDNCF
MDNCF

Abbreviation for monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor.

M'Dowel
M'Dowel

Benjamin G., Irish anatomist, 1829–1885. See frenulum of M..

M.D.S.
M.D.S.

Abbreviation of Master of Dental Surgery.

Me
Me

Symbol for methyl.

Meadows
Meadows

William Robert, U.S. cardiologist, *1919. See M. syndrome.

meal
meal (mel)

1. The food consumed at regular intervals or at a specified time. 2. Ground flour from a grain.
Boyden m. a m. consisting of three or four egg yolks, beaten up in milk and seasoned with sugar, port wine, etc., used to test the evacuation time of the gallbladder; two-thirds to three-quarters of the contents will be normally evacuated within 40 minutes.
Lundh m. a m. of skimmed milk powder mixed with corn oil and dextrose used to assess pancreatic function.
test m. 1. toast and tea, or crackers and tea, or gruel or other bland food, given to stimulate gastric secretion before withdrawing gastric contents for analysis; 2. administration of food containing a substance thought to be responsible for symptoms, such as an allergic reaction.

mean
mean (men)

A statistical measurement of central tendency or average of a set of values, usually assumed to be the arithmetic m. unless otherwise specified. [M.E., mene fr. O.Fr., fr. L. medianus, in the middle]
arithmetic m. the m. calculated by adding a set of values and then dividing the sum by the number of values.
geometric m. the m. calculated as the antilogarithm of the arithmetic m. of the logarithms of the individual values; it can also be calculated as the nth root of the product of n values.
harmonic m. the m. calculated as the number of values being averaged, divided by the sum of their reciprocals.
regression of the m. if, for a symmetrical population with a single mode, a measurement, selected because it is extreme, is repeated, on average the second reading will be closer to the m. than the first.
standard error of the m. (SEM) a statistical index of the probability that a given sample m. is representative of the m. of the population from which the sample was drawn.

measle
measle (me′zl)

1. The larva (Cysticercus cellulosae) of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm; C. cellulosae is less frequently used to designate cysticerci of T. solium. 2. The larva (Cysticercus bovis) of Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm; the term C. bovis is less frequently used to designate cysticerci of T. bovis.

measles
measles (me′zlz)

1. An acute exanthematous disease, caused by m. virus (genus Morbillivirus), a member of the family Paramyxoviridae, and marked by fever and other constitutional disturbances, a catarrhal inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes, and a generalized maculopapular eruption of a dusky red color; the eruption occurs early on the buccal mucous membrane in the form of Koplik spots, a manifestation utilized in early diagnosis; average incubation period is from 10–12 days. Recovery is usually rapid but respiratory complications and otitis media caused by secondary bacterial infections are common. Encephalitis occurs rarely. Subacute sclerosing parencephalitis may occur later and is associated with chronic infection. SYN: morbilli. 2. A disease of swine caused by the presence of Cysticercus cellulosae, the measle or larva of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. 3. A disease of cattle caused by the presence of Cysticercus bovis, the measle or larva of Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm of humans. [D. maselen]
atypical m. sometimes severe, unusual clinical manifestation of natural m. virus infection in persons with waning vaccination immunity, particularly in those who had received formaldehyde-inactivated vaccine; an accelerated allergic reaction apparently resulting from an anamnestic antibody response, characterized by high fever, absence of Koplik spots, a shortened prodromal period, atypical rash, and pneumonia.
black m. 1. SYN: hemorrhagic m.. 2. SYN: Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
German m. SYN: rubella.
hemorrhagic m. a severe form in which the eruption is dark in color due to effusion of blood into affected areas of the skin. SYN: black m. (1) .
three-day m. SYN: rubella.
tropical m. a disease of uncertain character, somewhat resembling rubella, occurring in southern China.

measly
measly (mez′le)

Pertaining to pork or beef infected with the cysticerci of the tapeworms Taenia solium or Taenia saginata, respectively.

measure
measure (mezh′er)

1. To determine the magnitude or quantity of a substance by comparing it to some accepted standard or by calculation. 2. A specified magnitude of a physical quantity. 3. A graduated instrument used to m. an object or substance. [O.F. mesure, fr. L. mensura, fr. metior, to m.]
Geneva lens m. a device for measuring the radii of the curvature of a spectacle lens. SYN: lens clock. [Geneva, Switzerland]

measurement
measurement (mezh′ur-ment)

Determination of a dimension or quantity.
end-point m. analytical m. at the end of a chemical reaction, as opposed to making the m. while the reaction proceeds.
kinetic m. continuous or frequent monitoring of the readings during a chemical reaction to determine its rate.
nasion-pogonion m. SYN: facial plane.

measures of central tendency
measures of central tendency

General term for several characteristics of the distribution of a set of measurements or values around a value or values at or near the middle of the set; the principal m. are mean, median, and mode.

meatal
meatal (me-a′tal)

Relating to a meatus.

meato- meato-

Meatus. [L. meatus, passage]

meatometer
meatometer (me-a-tom′e-ter)

An instrument for measuring the size of a meatus, especially the meatus of the urethra. [meato- + G. metron, measure]

meatoplasty
meatoplasty (me′a-to-plas-te)

Enlargement or other surgical reconfiguring of a meatus or canal, e.g., the external auditory meatus or the urethral meatus.

meatorrhaphy
meatorrhaphy (me-a-tor′a-fe)

Closing by suture of the wound made by performing a meatomy. [meato- + G. rhaphe, suture]

meatoscope
meatoscope (me-at′o-skop)

A form of speculum for examining a meatus, especially the meatus of the urethra. [meato- + G. skopeo, to view]

meatoscopy
meatoscopy (me-a-tos′ko-pe)

Inspection, usually instrumental, of any meatus, especially of the meatus of the urethra. [meato- + G. skopeo, to view]

meatotome
meatotome (me-at′o-tom)

A knife with short cutting edge for use in meatotomy.

meatotomy
meatotomy (me-a-tot′o-me)

An incision made to enlarge a meatus, e.g., of the urethra or ureter. [meato- + G. tome, incision]

meatus
meatus, pl .meatus (me-a′tus) [TA]

A passage or channel, especially the external opening of a canal. SYN: external opening. [L. a going, a passage, fr. meo, pp. m., to go, pass]
acoustic m. SYN: external acoustic m..
m. acusticus externus [TA] SYN: external acoustic m..
m. acusticus internus [TA] SYN: internal acoustic m..
external acoustic m. [TA] the passage leading inward through the tympanic portion of the temporal bone, from the auricle to the tympanic membrane; it consists of a bony (inner) portion and a fibrocartilaginous (outer) portion, the cartilaginous external acoustic m.. SYN: m. acusticus externus [TA] , acoustic m., antrum auris, auditory canal, ear canal, external auditory m..
external auditory m. SYN: external acoustic m..
external urinary m. external urethral orifice.
fish-mouth m. a red and swollen condition of the orifice of the urethra (urinary m.) in gonorrhea.
internal acoustic m. [TA] a canal beginning at the opening of the internal acoustic m. in the posterior cranial fossa, passing laterally through the petrous portion of the temporal bone to end at the fundus, where a thin plate of bone separates it from the vestibule; it gives passage to the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves together with the labyrinthine artery and veins. SYN: m. acusticus internus [TA] , internal auditory m..
internal auditory m. SYN: internal acoustic m..
nasal m. [TA] any of four passages in the nasal cavity formed by the projection of the conchae: inferior nasal m. [TA] (m. nasi inferior [TA]), lies below the inferior concha; middle nasal m. [TA] (m. nasi medius [TA]), lies between the middle and inferior conchae; superior nasal m. [TA] (m. nasi superior [TA]), lies between the superior and middle conchae; common nasal m. [TA] (m. nasi communis [TA]) is the part of the nasal cavity between the conchae and the nasal septum. SYN: m. nasi [TA] .
m. nasi [TA] SYN: nasal m..
nasopharyngeal m. [TA] the posterior part of the nasal cavity from the posterior limits of the conchae to the choanae. SYN: m. nasopharyngeus [TA] , nasopharyngeal passage.
m. nasopharyngeus [TA] SYN: nasopharyngeal m..
ureteral m. SYN: ureteric orifice.
m. urinarius SYN: external urethral orifice.

mebanazine
mebanazine (me-ban′a-zen)

An antidepressant with inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase.

mebendazole
mebendazole (me-ben′da-zol)

An effective broad-spectrum nematicidal agent against intestinal nematodes such as pinworm, hookworm, whipworm, and Ascaris.

mebeverine hydrochloride
mebeverine hydrochloride (me-bev′er-en)

An intestinal antispasmodic.

mebrophenhydramine
mebrophenhydramine (me-bro-fen-hi′dra-men)

An H₁ antihistaminic.

mebutamate
mebutamate (me-bu′ta-mat)

Chemically, it differs only slightly from meprobamate, and possesses similar CNS-depressant properties.

mecamylamine hydrochloride
mecamylamine hydrochloride (mek′a-mil′a-men)

A secondary amine that blocks transmission of impulses at autonomic ganglia (similar to but more effective than hexamethonium); used in the management of severe hypertension.

mechanical
mechanical (me-kan′i-kal)

1. Performed by means of some apparatus, not manually. 2. Explaining phenomena in terms of mechanics. 3. Automatic. [G. mechanikos, relating to a machine, fr. mechane, a contrivance, machine]

mechanicoreceptor
mechanicoreceptor (me-kan′i-ko-re-sep′ter, tor)

SYN: mechanoreceptor.

mechanics
mechanics (me-kan′iks)

The science of the action of forces in promoting motion or equilibrium. [see mechanical]
body m. the study of the action of muscles in producing motion or posture of the body.

mechanism
mechanism (mek′a-nizm)

1. An arrangement or grouping of the parts of anything that has a definite action. 2. The means by which an effect is obtained. 3. The chain of events in a particular process. 4. The detailed description of a reaction pathway. [G. mechane, a contrivance]
association m. the cerebral m. whereby the memory of past sensations may be compared or associated with present ones.
countercurrent m. a system in the renal medulla that facilitates concentration of the urine as it passes through the renal tubules. See countercurrent exchanger, countercurrent multiplier.
defense m. 1. a psychological means of coping with conflict or anxiety, e.g., conversion, denial, dissociation, rationalization, repression, sublimation; 2. the psychic structure underlying a coping strategy; 3. immunologic m. vs. non-specific defense m..
double displacement m. SYN: ping-pong m..
Douglas m. m. of spontaneous evolution in transverse lie; extreme lateral flexion of the vertebral column with birth of the lateral aspect of thorax before the buttocks.
Duncan m. passage of the placenta from the uterus with the rough side foremost.
gating m. 1. occurrence of the maximum refractory period among cardiac conducting cells approximately 2 mm proximal to the terminal Purkinje fibers in the ventricular muscle, beyond which the refractory period is shortened through a sequence of Purkinje cells, transitional cells, and muscular cells; gating m. may be a cause of ventricular aberration, bidirectional tachycardia, and concealed extrasystoles; 2. a m. by which painful impulses may be blocked from entering the spinal cord. Cf.:gate-control theory.
immunologic m. the groups of cells (chiefly lymphocytes and cells of the reticuloendothelial system) that function in establishing active acquired immunity (induced sensitivity, allergy).
ordered m. a scheme for substrate binding and product release for multisubstrate enzymes; for a two-substrate two-product enzyme with an ordered m., one particular substrate has to first bind to the enzyme, followed by the other substrate; chemistry then occurs, and products are formed and are released from the enzyme in a distinct order. More complex ordered schemes exist for enzymes having more than two substrates. Some of the dehydrogenases have such a m.. SYN: ordered.
ordered on-random off m. a scheme for substrate binding and product release for multisubstrate enzymes; for a two-substrate two-product enzyme with this m., the reactants have to bind to the enzyme in a distinct order; however, once the products are formed they may dissociate from the enzyme in either order. It has been suggested that pyruvate kinase has such a m.. The random on-ordered off m. is simply the reverse of this m..
ping-pong m. a special multisubstrate reaction in which, for a two-substrate, two-product ( i.e., bi-bi) system, an enzyme reacts with one substrate to form a product and a modified enzyme, the latter then reacting with a second substrate to form a second, final product, and regenerating the original enzyme. An example of such a m. is found in the aminotransferases. More complex ping-pong mechanisms exist for enzymes having more than two substrates. SYN: double displacement m..
pressoreceptive m. the pressoreceptor system, especially of the carotid sinuses and aortic arch.
proprioceptive m. the m. of sense of position and movement, by which muscular movements can be adjusted to a great degree of accuracy and equilibrium maintained.
random m. a scheme for substrate binding and product release for a multisubstrate enzyme; for a two-substrate two-product enzyme with this m., either substrate can bind first and, after the reaction has taken place, either product can be the first to dissociate from the enzyme. Brain hexokinase has a random m.. More complex random mechanisms exist for enzymes having more than two substrates.
re-entrant m. the probable basis of most arrhythmias, requiring at least three criteria in the heart: 1. a loop circuit, 2. unidirectional block, 3. slowed conduction. Impulses enter the loop circuit and divide in both directions (blocked in one direction only), negotiate the loop circuit to the area of block where the slowed conduction has allowed the impulse to arrive at a time when the tissue proximal to the unidirectional block has recovered and will permit its passage in the opposite direction.
Schultze m. expulsion of the placenta with the fetal surface foremost.

mechanocardiography
mechanocardiography (mek′a-no-kar-de-og′ra-fe)

Use of graphic tracings reflecting the mechanical effects of the heartbeat, such as the carotid pulse tracing or apexcardiogram; phonocardiography is also usually considered a form of m..

mechanocyte
mechanocyte (mek′a-no-sit)

An in vitro tissue culture fibroblast.

mechanophobia
mechanophobia (mek′a-no-fo′be-a)

Morbid fear of machinery. [G. mechane, machine, + phobos, fear]

mechanoreceptor
mechanoreceptor (mek′a-no-re-sep′tor)

A receptor which responds to mechanical pressure or distortion; e.g., receptors in the carotid sinuses, touch receptors in the skin. SYN: mechanicoreceptor.

mechanoreflex
mechanoreflex (mek′a-no-re′fleks)

A reflex triggered by stimulation of a mechanoreceptor.

mechanotherapy
mechanotherapy (mek′a-no-thar′a-pe)

Treatment of disease by means of apparatus or mechanical appliances of any kind. [G. mechane, machine, + therapeia, treatment]

mèche
mèche (mash)

A strip of gauze or other material used as a tent or drain. [Fr. wick]

mechlorethamine hydrochloride
mechlorethamine hydrochloride (mek′lor-eth′a-men)

It is cytotoxic for all cells, but with a special affinity for bone marrow, lymphatic tissues, and rapidly proliferating cells of certain neoplasms. Used for the palliative treatment of Hodgkin disease, lymphosarcoma, and certain chronic leukemias. SYN: mustine hydrochloride.

mecism
mecism (me′sizm)

Abnormal elongation of the body or one or more of its parts. [G. mekos, length, -ismos, condition]

Mecistocirrus
Mecistocirrus (me-sis-to-sir′us)

A monotypic genus of trichostrongylid nematodes (subfamily Mecistocirrinae), with the single species, M. digitatus; it is not grossly distinguished from Haemonchus contortus and has about the same effect on the host. M. is distributed chiefly in Asia in cattle, sheep, buffalo, bison, the stomach of pigs, and occasionally in humans. [G. mekistos, very long, + L. cirrus, curl, the protruding male organ of a nematode]

Meckel
Meckel

Johann F., the younger, German comparative anatomist and embryologist, 1781–1833. See M. scan, M. syndrome, M. cartilage, M. diverticulum, M. plane, M.-Gruber syndrome.

Meckel
Meckel

Johann F., the elder, German anatomist and obstetrician, 1714–1774. See M. band, M. cavity, M. ganglion, M. ligament, M. space.

Mecke reagent
Mecke reagent

See under reagent.

meclastine
meclastine (me-klas′ten)

SYN: clemastine.

meclizine hydrochloride
meclizine hydrochloride (mek′li-zen)

An H₁ antihistaminic useful in the prevention and relief of motion sickness and symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. SYN: meclozine hydrochloride.

meclofenamate sodium
meclofenamate sodium (mek-lo-fen′a-mat)

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic and antipyretic actions.

meclofenamic acid
meclofenamic acid (me-klo-fen-am′ik)

An NSAID used for inflammatory conditions and dysmenorrhea; also antipyretic.

meclofenoxate
meclofenoxate (mek′lo-fen-ok′sat)

An analeptic.

meclozine hydrochloride
meclozine hydrochloride (mek′lo-zen)

SYN: meclizine hydrochloride.

mecometer
mecometer (me-kom′e-ter)

An instrument, such as calipers with a scale attachment, for measurement of newborn infants. [G. mekos, length, + metron, measure]

meconate
meconate (mek′o-nat)

A salt or ester of meconic acid. [G. mekon, poppy]

meconic acid
meconic acid (me-kon′ik)

Obtained from opium; it forms soluble salts (meconates) with many of the alkaloids of opium.

meconin
meconin (mek′o-nin)

C₁₀H₁₀O₄;the lactone of meconic acid, found also in Hydrastis canadensis; a hypnotic. SYN: opianyl.

meconiorrhea
meconiorrhea (me-ko′ne-o-re′a)

Passage, by the newborn infant, of an abnormally large amount of meconium. [meconium + G. rhoia, flow]

meconium
meconium (me-ko′ne-um)

1. The first intestinal discharges of the newborn infant, greenish in color and consisting of epithelial cells, mucus, and bile. 2. SYN: opium. [L., fr. G. mekonion, dim. of mekon, poppy]

medazepam hydrochloride
medazepam hydrochloride (me-daz′e-pam)

An antianxiety agent.

medfalan
medfalan (med′fal-an)

SYN: medphalan.

media
media (me′de-a)

1. SYN: tunica m.. 2. Plural of medium. [L. fem. of medius, middle]

mediad
mediad (me′de-ad)

Toward the middle line.

medial
medial (me′de-al) [TA]

Relating to the middle or center; nearer to the median or midsagittal plane. SYN: medialis [TA] . [L. medialis, middle]

medialecithal
medialecithal (me′de-a-les′i-thal)

Denoting an egg with a moderate amount of yolk, as in amphibians. [L. medialis, medial, + G. lekithos, egg yolk]

medialis
medialis (me-de-a′lis) [TA]

SYN: medial, medial. [L.]

medialization
medialization (med-e-al-i-za′shun)

An operation to move a part toward the midline, such as the arytenoid cartilage or vocal cord in vocal cord paralysis.

median
median (me′de-an)

1. Central;middle; lying in the midline. SYN: medianus. 2. The middle value in a set of measurements; like the mean, a measure of central tendency. [L. medianus, middle]

medianus
medianus (me-de-a′nus)

SYN: median (1) . [L.]

mediastinal
mediastinal (me′de-as-ti′nal)

Relating to the mediastinum.

mediastinitis
mediastinitis (me′de-as-ti-ni′tis)

Inflammation of the cellular tissue of the mediastinum.
fibrosing m. SYN: mediastinal fibrosis.
fibrous m. scarring of mediastinal structures of unknown origin or due to infection.
idiopathic fibrous m. SYN: mediastinal fibrosis.

mediastinography
mediastinography (me′de-as-ti-nog′ra-fe)

Radiography of the mediastinum. [mediastinum + G. grapho, to write]
gaseous m. radiography of the mediastinum after injection of air (artificial pneumomediastinum), an obsolete procedure.

mediastinopericarditis
mediastinopericarditis (me′de-as′tin-o-per′i-kar-di′tis)

Inflammation of the pericardium and of the surrounding mediastinal cellular tissue.

mediastinoscope
mediastinoscope (me-de-as′tin′-o-skop)

An endoscope for inspection of the mediastinum through a suprasternal incision.

mediastinoscopy
mediastinoscopy (me′de-as-ti-nos′ko-pe)

Endoscopic examination of the mediastinum through a suprasternal incision, usually for biopsy of paratracheal lymph nodes. [mediastinum + G. skopeo, to view]
anterior m. modification of the Chamberlain procedure in which a mediastinoscope is used for exploration of the anterior mediastinum and subaortic regions.
extended m. cervical m. in which, in addition to the standard pre- and paratracheal exploration, the mediastinoscope is passed anterior to the innominate artery and aortic arch to provide access to the subaortic (aortopulmonary window) and anterior mediastinal lymph nodes; an alternative to the Chamberlain procedure.

mediastinotomy
mediastinotomy (me′de-as-ti-not′o-me)

Incision into the mediastinum. [mediastinum + G. tome, incision]
anterior m. SYN: Chamberlain procedure.

mediastinum
mediastinum (me′de-as-ti′num)

1. A septum between two parts of an organ or a cavity. 2. [TA] The median partition of the thoracic cavity, covered by the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura and containing all the thoracic viscera and structures except the lungs. It is divided arbitrarily into two major divisions: a superior m. [TA] (m. superus [TA]), which lies directly superior to a horizontal plane intersecting the sternal angle and approximately the T4–5 intervertebral disk, and an inferior m. [TA] (m. inferius [TA]) inferior to that plane; the latter is, in turn, subdivided in 3 parts: a middle m. [TA] (m. medium [TA]), which is coterminus with the pericardial sac containing the heart, a nearly potential anterior m. [TA] (m. anterius [TA]) lying in front, and a posterior m. [TA] (m. posterius [TA]) behind, containing the esophagus, descending aorta, and thoracic duct. SYN: interpleural space, interpulmonary septum, mediastinal space, septum mediastinale. [Mod. L. a middle septum, fr. Mediev. L. mediastinus, medial, fr. L. mediastinus, a lower servant, fr. medius, middle]
anterior m. [TA] the narrow nearly potential space region between the pericardium posteriorly and the sternum anteriorly containing the thymus or its remnants, some lymph nodes and vessels and branches of the internal thoracic artery. SYN: m. anterius [TA] .
m. anterius [TA] SYN: anterior m..
inferior m. [TA] the region below a horizontal plane transecting approximately the T4–5 intervertebral disk posteriorly and the sternal angle anteriorly, demarcating the inferior limit of the superior m.. It is subdivided into three regions: middle, anterior, and posterior. SYN: m. inferius [TA] .
m. inferius [TA] SYN: inferior m..
m. medium [TA] SYN: middle m..
middle m. [TA] the large central portion of the inferior m., which includes the pericardium and the contained heart, as well as the phrenic nerves and cardiacophrenic vessels. SYN: m. medium [TA] .
posterior m. [TA] lies between the pericardium anteriorly and the vertebral column posteriorly and below the level of the plane that interesects the sternal angle and the T4–5 intervertebral disk. It contains the descending aorta, thoracic duct, esophagus, azygos veins, and vagus nerves. SYN: m. posterius [TA] , postmediastinum.
m. posterius [TA] SYN: posterior m..
superior m. [TA] part of the m. lying superior to the horizontal plane intersecting the sternal angle and approximately the T4–5 intervertebral disc ( i.e., above the pericardium); it contains the arch of the aorta and the vessels arising from it, the brachiocephalic veins, and upper portion of the superior vena cava, the trachea, the esophagus, the thoracic duct, the thymus, and the phrenic, vagus, cardiac, and left recurrent laryngeal nerves. SYN: m. superius [TA] .
m. superius [TA] SYN: superior m..
m. testis [TA] SYN: m. of testis.
m. of testis [TA] a mass of fibrous tissue continuous with the tunica albuginea, projecting into the testis from its posterior border; testicular septa radiate as continuations surrounding the testicular lobules. SYN: m. testis [TA] , corpus highmori, corpus highmorianum, Highmore body, septum of testis.

mediate
mediate

1. (me′de-it)Situated between; intermediate. 2. (me′de-at)To effect something by means of an intermediary substance, as in complement-mediated phagocytosis. [L. mediatus, fr. medio, pp. -atus, to divide in the middle]

mediation
mediation (me-de-a′shun)

The action of an intermediary substance (mediator).

mediator
mediator (me′de-a-ter, -tor)

An intermediary substance or thing.
pharmacologic mediators of anaphylaxis substances released from mast (and other) cells by the reaction of antigen and specific homocytotropic antibody on their surfaces; they include histamine, slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), bradykinin, and (in some species of animals) serotonin.

medicable
medicable (med′i-ka-bl)

Treatable, with hope of a cure.

medical
medical (med′i-kal)

1. Relating to medicine or the practice of medicine. SYN: medicinal (2) . 2. SYN: medicinal (1) . [L. medicalis, fr medicus, physician]

medical corps
medical corps

The subdivision of a military organization, such as the U.S. Army, devoted to medical care of the troops.

medical transcriptionist
medical transcriptionist

An individual who performs machine transcription of physician-dictated medical reports concerning a patient's health care, which become part of the patient's permanent medical record; a certified m. (CMT) has satisfied the requirements for certification by the American Association for Medical Transcription.

medicament
medicament (me-dik′a-ment, med′i-ka-ment)

A medicine, medicinal application, or remedy. [L. medicamentum, medicine]

medicamentosus
medicamentosus (med′i-ka-men-to′sus)

Relating to a drug; denoting a drug eruption. [L.]

medicate
medicate (med′i-kat)

1. To treat disease by the giving of drugs. 2. To impregnate with a medicinal substance. [L. medico, pp. -atus, to heal]

medicated
medicated (med′i-kat-ed)

Impregnated with a medicinal substance.

medication
medication (med-i-ka′shun)

1. The act of medicating. 2. A medicinal substance, or medicament.
ionic m. SYN: iontophoresis.
maintenance m. m. taken to stabilize an illness or symptoms of illness.
preanesthetic m. drugs administered prior to an anesthetic to decrease anxiety and to obtain a smoother induction of, maintenance of, and emergence from anesthesia.
sublingual m. a drug dosage form intended to be used by placement under the tongue; the drug ( e.g., nitroglycerin) is absorbed from the mucosal tissues and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, where it may be partially or totally degraded.

medicator
medicator (med′i-ka-ter, -tor)

1. An instrument for use in making therapeutic applications to the deeper parts of the body. 2. One who gives medicaments for the relief of disease; sometimes applied in derision to one who prescribes drugs excessively for minor ailments.

medicephalic
medicephalic (me′de-se-fal′ik)

Median cephalic, denoting the communicating vessel between the median and the cephalic veins of the forearm.

medicinal
medicinal (me-dis′i-nal)

1. Relating to medicine having curative properties. SYN: medical (2) . 2. SYN: medical (1) .

medicinal scarlet red
medicinal scarlet red

SYN: scarlet red.

medicine
medicine (med′i-sin)

1. A drug. 2. The art of preventing or curing disease; the science concerned with disease in all its relations. 3. The study and treatment of general diseases or those affecting the internal parts of the body, especially those not usually requiring surgical intervention. [L. medicina, fr. medicus, physician (see medicus)]
adolescent m. the branch of m. concerned with the treatment of youth in the approximate age range of 13 to 21 years. SYN: hebiatrics.
aerospace m. a branch of m. combining the areas of concern of both aviation and space m..
alternative m. a term referring to a heterogeneous group of hygienic, diagnostic, and therapeutic philosophies and practices whose theoretical bases and techniques diverge from those of modern scientific m.. Some of these differ from traditional m. only in preferring natural hygienic and therapeutic methods to drug treatment and surgery; some are supernatural, magical, or cultist, with roots in ancient or modern philosophical or religious systems; some are based on naive, false, or inconsistent notions of anatomy, physiology, psychology, pathology, and pharmacology; and some are fraudulent schemes designed to exploit unsophisticated health care consumers and those whose perceived health needs have not been met by scientific m.. Alternative health practices have been imported into some parts of the U.S. by migrant populations, particularly Asians and Hispanics. Many branches of alternative m. have in common a holistic view of human health, emphasizing integration of body, mind, and spirit. All have failed to gain acceptance as part of mainstream m. because they lack both a plausible scientific basis and evidence of efficacy. SYN: complementary m., holistic m. (2) .Americans make more visits annually to alternative m. (AM) practitioners than to primary care physicians, and the total cost of AM in this country exceeds $21 billion a year. Three-fifths of adults queried have made use of AM within the past year, but only 5% rely on it exclusively. AM appeals particularly to people of advanced education, those who believe strongly in the role of the mind in health and disease, and those with an interest in esoteric forms of spirituality and personal growth psychology. Users of AM tend to be in poorer general health than others and to have certain chronic conditions (including anxiety, depression, headache, and backache), but dissatisfaction with conventional m. appears to be less important in their choice than a preference for a healing system that is congruent with their personal beliefs and values. Practitioners of some forms of AM are overtly hostile to traditional m. and habitually impugn the competence and integrity of legitimate health practitioners. On the other hand, alternative methods such as acupuncture and hypnosis are employed by some physicians, particularly those espousing a holistic view of medical practice. Some insurance plans provide coverage for certain alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage therapy. Although the use of AM may benefit some people by providing hope and needed emotional support, exerting placebo effects, or relieving symptoms through mechanisms not yet understood, it prevents many from receiving appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, alternative therapies can interact adversely with more orthodox forms of treatment, and some are inherently dangerous to health. In 1992, the U.S. Congress established the Office of Alternative M. (OAM) within the Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health to facilitate the full scientific evaluation of alternative therapies, to establish a clearinghouse for the exchange of information, and to support research training in topics related to AM that are not typically included in the training curriculum of mainstream health professionals. In 1998 OAM was renamed the National Center for Complementary and Alternative M. (NCCAM) and accorded a $50 million annual budget. Philosophies or methods of alternative diagnosis or treatment that are popular in the U.S. include acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, chelation therapy, chiropractic, Christian Science, herbal m., homeopathy, hydrotherapy, hypnotherapy, iridology, macrobiotics, massage therapy, meditation, megavitamin therapy, moxibustion, naturopathy, osteopathy, relaxation techniques, rolfing, shiatsu, tai chi, and yoga.
aviation m. the study and practice of m. as it applies to physiologic problems peculiar to aviation. SYN: aeromedicine.
behavioral m. an interdisciplinary field concerned with the development and integration of behavioral and biomedical science knowledge and techniques relevant to health and illness, and to its application to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
clinical m. the study and practice of m. in relation to the care of patients; the art of m. as distinguished from laboratory science.
community m. the study of health and disease in a defined community; the practice of m. in such a setting.
comparative m. a field of study concentrating on similarities and differences between veterinary m. and human m..
complementary m. SYN: alternative m..
defensive m. diagnostic or therapeutic measures conducted primarily as a safeguard against possible subsequent malpractice liability.
desmoteric m. the branch of medical practice that deals with health problems occurring among prison inmates. [G. desmoterion, prison, fr. deo, to bind, + -ic]
electrodiagnostic m. the specific area of medical practice in which specially trained physicians use information from the clinical history and physical examination, along with the scientific method of recording and analyzing biologic electrical potentials, to diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders.
evidence-based m. the process of applying relevant information derived from peer-reviewed medical literature to address a specific clinical problem; the application of simple rules of science and common sense to determine the validity of the information; and the application of the information to the clinical problem. SEE ALSO: Cochrane collaboration, clinical practice guidelines, under guideline.
experimental m. the scientific investigation of medical problems by experimentation upon animals or by clinical research.
family m. the medical specialty concerned with providing continuous, comprehensive care to all age groups, from first patient contact to terminal care, with special emphasis on care of the family as a unit.
folk m. treatment of ailments outside of organized m. by remedies and simple measures based upon experience and knowledge handed on from generation to generation.
forensic m. 1. the relation and application of medical facts to legal matters; 2. the law in its bearing on the practice of m.. SYN: legal m., medical jurisprudence.
geriatric m. a specialty of m. that is concerned with the disease and health problems of older people, usually those over 65 years of age. Considered a subspecialty of internal m..
holistic m. 1. an approach to medical care that emphasizes the study of all aspects of a person's health, especially that a person should be considered as a unit, including psychological as well as social and economic influences on health status. 2. SYN: alternative m..
hyperbaric m. the medicinal use of high barometric pressure, usually in specially constructed chambers, to increase oxygen content of blood and tissues.
internal m. (IM) the branch of m. concerned with nonsurgical diseases in adults, but not including diseases limited to the skin or to the nervous system.
legal m. SYN: forensic m..
maternal-fetal m. a subspecialty of obstetrics/gynecology devoted to the study of the obstetrical, medical, and surgical complications of pregnancy. SYN: fetology.
military m. the practice of m. as applied to the special circumstances associated with military life.
neonatal m. SYN: neonatology.
nuclear m. the clinical discipline concerned with the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radionuclides, including sealed radiation sources.
osteopathic m. SYN: osteopathy (2) .
patent m. a m., usually originally patented, advertised to the public.
perinatal m. SYN: perinatology.
physical m. the study and treatment of disease mainly by mechanical and other physical methods. SYN: physiatry.
podiatric m. SYN: podiatry.
preventive m. the branch of medical science concerned with the prevention of disease and with promotion of physical and mental health, through study of the etiology and epidemiology of disease processes.
proprietary m. a medicinal compound the formula and mode of manufacture of which are the property of the maker.
psychosomatic m. the study and treatment of diseases, disorders, or abnormal states in which psychological processes resulting in physiological reactions are believed to play a prominent role.
quack m. a compound advertised falsely as curative of a certain disease or diseases. Cf.:nostrum.
social m. a specialized field of medical knowledge concentrating on the social, cultural and economic impact of medical phenomena.
socialized m. the organization and control of medical practice by a government agency, the practitioners being employed by the organization from which they receive standardized compensation for their services, and to which the public contributes usually in the form of taxation rather than fee-for-service.
space m. the field of m. concerned with physiologic diseases or disturbances resulting from the unique conditions of space travel.
sports m. a field of m. that uses a holistic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach to health care for those engaged in a sporting or recreational activity.
tropical m. the branch of m. concerned with diseases, mainly of parasitic origin, in areas having a tropical climate.
veterinary m. the field concerned with the diseases and health of all animal species other than humans.

medico- medico-

Medical. Cf.:iatro-. [L. medicus, physician]

medicobiologic
medicobiologic, medicobiological (med′i-ko-bi-o-loj′ik, -loj′i-kal)

Pertaining to the biologic aspects of medicine.

medicochirurgical
medicochirurgical (med′i-ko-ki-rur′ji-kal)

Relating to both medicine and surgery, or to both physicians and surgeons. [medico- G. cheirourgia, surgery]

medicolegal
medicolegal (med′i-ko-le′gal)

Relating to both medicine and the law. SEE ALSO: forensic medicine. [medico- + L. legalis, legal]

medicomechanical
medicomechanical (med′i-ko-me-kan′i-kal)

Relating to both medicinal and mechanical measures in therapeutics.

medicophysical
medicophysical (med′i-ko-fiz′i-kal)

Relating to disease and the condition of the body in general; e.g., a m. examination, in which a person is examined in order to determine the presence or absence of disease as well as to note the general physical condition.

medicopsychology
medicopsychology (med′i-ko-si-kol′o-je)

Psychology in its relation to medicine. See medical psychology, health psychology.

medio- medio-, medi-

Middle, median. [L. medius]

mediocarpal
mediocarpal (me′de-o-kar′pal)

SYN: midcarpal.

medioccipital
medioccipital (me′de-ok-sip′i-tal)

SYN: midoccipital.

mediodens
mediodens (me′de-o-dens)

A supernumerary tooth located between the two maxillary central incisors. [medio- + L. dens, tooth]

mediodorsal
mediodorsal (me′de-o-dor′sal)

Relating to the median plane and the dorsal plane.

mediolateral
mediolateral (me′de-o-lat′er-al)

Relating to the median plane and a side.

medionecrosis
medionecrosis (me′de-o-ne-kro′sis)

Necrosis of a tunica media.
m. of the aorta SYN: cystic medial necrosis.
m. aortae idiopathica cystica SYN: cystic medial necrosis.

mediotarsal
mediotarsal (me′de-o-tar′sal)

SYN: midtarsal.

mediotrusion
mediotrusion (me′de-o-troo′zhun)

A thrusting of the mandibular condyle toward the midline during movement of the mandible. [medio- + L. trudo, pp. trusus, to thrust]

mediotype
mediotype (me′de-o-tip)

SYN: mesomorph.

medisect
medisect (me′di-sekt)

To incise in the median line. [L. medius, middle, + seco, pp. sectus, to cut]

medium
medium, pl .media (me′de-um, -a)

1. A means; that through which an action is performed. 2. A substance through which impulses or impressions are transmitted. 3. SYN: culture m.. 4. The liquid holding a substance in solution or suspension. 5. Any of the substances in which a chromatographic or electrophoretic separation is effected. [L. neuter of medius, middle]
Acanthamoeba m. nonnutrient agar plates with an E. coli overlay used to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba or Naegleria from tissue or soil samples.
Balamuth aqueous egg yolk infusion m. used to detect the presence of intestinal amebae, primarily Entamoeba histolytica.
Boeck and Drbohlav Locke-egg-serum m. m. of whole eggs, human serum, and rice powder used to detect the presence of intestinal amebae, primarily Entamoeba histolytica.
clearing m. a m. used in histology for making specimens translucent or transparent.
complete m. a m. for an in vitro culture that contains the supplemental nutrients as well as the basic nutrients to support fastidious or mutant growth requirements.
contrast m. any internally administered substance that has a different opacity from soft tissue on radiography or computed tomography; includes barium, used to opacify parts of the gastrointestinal tract; water-soluble iodinated compounds, used to opacify blood vessels or the genitourinary tract; may refer to air occurring naturally or introduced into the body; also, paramagnetic substances used in magnetic resonance imaging. SYN: contrast agent, contrast material.
culture m. a substance, either solid or liquid, used for the cultivation, isolation, identification, or storage of microorganisms. SYN: growth m., m. (3) , nutrient m..
Czapek-Dox m. SYN: Czapek solution agar.
Diamond TYM m. m. of trypticase, yeast extract, maltose, and serum used to detect the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis.
dispersion m. SYN: external phase.
Dorset culture egg m. a m. for cultivating Mycobacterium tuberculosis; it consists of the whites and yolks of four fresh eggs and a solution of sodium chloride.
Eagle basal m. a solution of various salts containing 13 naturally occurring amino acids, several vitamins, two antibiotics, and phenol red; used as a tissue culture m..
Eagle minimum essential m. (MEM) a tissue culture m. similar to Eagle basal m. but with different amounts and a few exclusions ( e.g., antibiotics and phenol red).
Endo m. SYN: Endo agar.
external m. SYN: external phase.
growth m. SYN: culture m..
high osmolar contrast m. (HOCM) SYN: high osmolar contrast agent.
Lash casein hydrolysate-serum m. used to detect the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis.
Loeffler blood culture m. a culture m. consisting of beef blood serum, sheep blood serum, and beef bouillon containing peptone, glucose, and sodium chloride; used for the isolation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Lowenstein-Jensen m. SYN: Lowenstein-Jensen culture m..
Lowenstein-Jensen culture m. primary mycobacterial recovery media composed of fresh whole eggs, defined salts, glycerol, potato flour, and malachite green (as an inhibitory agent). SYN: Lowenstein-Jensen m..
low osmolar contrast m. (LOCM) SYN: low osmolar contrast agent.
McCarey-Kaufmann media a culture solution used for storage of enucleated eyes for corneal transplantation.
motility test m. a culture m. with a concentration of agar that produces a less solid consistency than usual and allows motile organisms to grow away from the line of inoculation; used to differentiate species of bacteria.
mounting m. a substance, usually resinous, used for mounting a cover glass on histologic suspensions.
Mueller-Hinton m. an agar-based m. composed of beef infusion, casamino acids, and starch; the recommended m. for antibacterial susceptibility tests for most common aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria.
NNN m. agar slant overlaid with defibrinated rabbit blood used to detect the presence of leishmania or Trypanosoma cruzi.
nutrient m. SYN: culture m..
passive m. a m. that produces no change in the specimens placed in it.
selective m. a culture m. containing ingredients that inhibit growth of contaminants or microorganisms other than that desired.
separating m. 1. any coating which serves to prevent one surface from adhering to another; 2. in dentistry, a material usually applied to a cast to facilitate separation from the resin denture base after curing; a coating on impressions to facilitate removal of the cast.
Simmons citrate m. a diagnostic m. used in the differentiation of species of Enterobacteriaceae, based on their ability to utilize sodium citrate as the sole source of carbon.
support m. the material in which separation takes place, as in separation of components in electrophoresis.
Thayer-Martin m. SYN: Thayer-Martin agar.
transport m. a m. for transporting clinical specimens to the laboratory for examination.
TY1-S-33 m. m. of biosate peptone, dextrose, vitamins, and bovine serum used to detect the presence of Entamoeba histolytica.
TYSGM-9 m. m. of gastric mucin, nutrient broth, bovine serum, and rice starch used to detect the presence of Entamoeba histolytica.

medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD)

See acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (NADPH).

medius
medius (me′de-us)

SYN: middle. [L.]

MEDLARS
MEDLARS

Abbreviation for Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, a computerized index system of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

MEDLINE
MEDLINE

[MEDLARS-on-line] A computer-based telephone and internet linkage to MEDLARS for rapid provision of medical bibliographies.

medphalan
medphalan (med′fa-lan)

An antineoplastic agent. SYN: medfalan.

medrogestone
medrogestone (med-ro-jes′ton)

An oral progestin.

medroxyprogesterone acetate
medroxyprogesterone acetate (med-rok′se-pro-jes′ter-on)

A progestational agent that is active orally as well as parenterally, and more potent than progesterone; used to control uterine bleeding and, in combination with ethynyl estradiol, as an oral contraceptive.

medrylamine
medrylamine (med-ril′a-men)

An H₁ antihistaminic.

medrysone
medrysone (med′ri-son)

A glucocorticoid used topically as an anti-inflammatory agent, usually on the eye.

medulla
medulla, pl .medullae (me-dool′a, me-dool′e) [TA]

Any soft marrow-like structure, especially in the center of a part. SEE ALSO: m. oblongata. SYN: substantia medullaris (1) . [L. marrow, fr. medius, middle]
m. of adrenal gland m. of suprarenal gland.
m. glandulae suprarenalis [TA] SYN: m. of suprarenal gland.
m. of hair shaft the central axis of some hairs, containing a column of large vacuolated and keratinized cells; the medullary portion is surrounded by the cortex.
m. of kidney SYN: renal m..
m. of lymph node [TA] the central portion of a node consisting of cordlike masses of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages in a stroma of reticular fibers separated by lymph sinuses; it reaches the surface of the node at the hilum. SYN: m. nodi lymphoidei [TA] .
m. nodi lymphoidei [TA] SYN: m. of lymph node.
m. oblongata [TA] the most caudal subdivision of the brainstem, immediately continuous with the spinal cord, extending from the lower border of the decussation of the pyramid to the pons; its ventral surface resembles that of the spinal cord except for the bilateral prominence of the inferior olive; the dorsal surface of its upper half forms part of the floor of the fourth ventricle. Motor nuclei of the m. oblongata include the hypoglossal nucleus, the dorsal motor nucleus, inferior salivatory nucleus, and the nucleus ambiguus; sensory nuclei include the nuclei of the posterior column (gracile and cuneate), the cochlear and vestibular nuclei, the mid and caudal portions of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract. SEE ALSO: m.. SYN: myelencephalon [TA] , oblongata.
m. ossium [TA] SYN: bone marrow.
m. ossium flava [TA] SYN: yellow bone marrow.
m. ossium rubra [TA] SYN: red bone marrow.
renal m. [TA] the inner, darker portion of the kidney parenchyma consisting of the renal pyramids. SYN: m. renalis [TA] , m. of kidney.
m. renalis [TA] SYN: renal m..
m. spinalis [TA] SYN: spinal cord.
suprarenal m. SYN: m. of suprarenal gland.
m. of suprarenal gland [TA] it is composed principally of anastomosing cords of cells in the core of the gland; the cells display a chromaffin reaction because of the presence of epinephrine and norepinephrine in their granules. SYN: m. glandulae suprarenalis [TA] , m. of adrenal gland&star, suprarenal m..

medullar
medullar (med-ool′ar)

SYN: medullary.

medullary
medullary (med′ul-er-e, med′oo-lar-e)

Relating to the medulla or marrow. SYN: medullar.

medullated
medullated (med′u-la-ted, med′oo-)

1. Having a medulla or medullary substance. 2. SYN: myelinated.

medullation
medullation (med′u-la′shun, med′oo-)

1. Acquiring, or the act of formation of, marrow or medulla. 2. SYN: myelination.

medullectomy
medullectomy (med-oo-lek′to-me, med-u-)

Excision of any medullary substance. [medulla + G. ektome, excision]

medullization
medullization (med′u-li-za′shun, med′u-)

Enlargement of the medullary spaces in the treatment of various skeletal disorders.

medullo- medullo-

Medulla. Cf.:myel-. [L. medulla]

medulloarthritis
medulloarthritis (med-u-lo-ar-thri′tis)

Inflammation of the cancellous articular extremity of a long bone.

medulloblastoma
medulloblastoma (med′u-lo-blas-to′ma)

`A tumor consisting of neoplastic cells that resemble the undifferentiated cells of the primitive medullary tube; medulloblastomas are usually located in the vermis of the cerebellum, and may be implanted discretely or coalescently on the surfaces of the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord; they comprise approximately 3% of all intracranial neoplasms, and occur most frequently in children; the neoplastic cells are compactly arranged, rounded or ovoid, with hyperchromatic nuclei and relatively scant cytoplasm, and lie in small and poorly defined groups, or, occasionally, in a pseudorosette pattern (Homer-Wright rosette). A type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
desmoplastic m. subtype of m. with a biphasic pattern of compact sheets of undifferentiated cells alternating with islands of more loosely cohesive cells, generally occurs in adolescence and young adults and has a better prognosis than the usual m..
melanotic m. a rare variant of m. in which melanin-pigmented cells are present.

medullocell
medullocell (med′u-lo-sel, med′oo-)

SYN: myelocyte (2) .

medulloepithelioma
medulloepithelioma (me′du-lo-ep′i-the-le-o′ma)

A rare, primitive, rapidly growing intracranial neoplasm thought to originate from the cells of the embryonic medullary canal and hence included with ependymoblastomas by some neuropathologists; ganglion cells and astrocyte maturation have also been reported. Tumors that occur in the ciliary body are referred to as embryonal medulloepitheliomas. [medullo- + epithelium + -oma, tumor]
adult m. SYN: malignant ciliary epithelioma.
embryonal m. an epitheliomatous tumor of the nonpigmented layer of the ciliary epithelium. SYN: embryonal tumor of ciliary body.

medullomyoblastoma
medullomyoblastoma (med′u-lo-mi′o-blas-to′ma)

A rare histologic variant of medulloblastoma with scattered smooth and striated muscle cells incorporated into the neoplasm.

Meeh
Meeh

K., 19th century German physiologist. See M. formula, M.-Dubois formula.

Mees
Mees

R.A., 20th century Dutch physician. See M. lines, under line, M. stripes, under stripe.

Meesman
Meesman

A., German ophthalmologist, 1888–1969. See M. dystrophy.

mefenamic acid
mefenamic acid (me-fe-nam′ik)

An aspirinlike analgesic with antiinflammatory properties.

mefenorex hydrochloride
mefenorex hydrochloride (me-fen′o-reks)

A sympathomimetic drug with anorexic activity.

mefexamide
mefexamide (me-fek′a-mid)

An antidepressant.

mefloquine
mefloquine (mef′lo-kwin)

An antimalarial resembling quinine and chloroquine.

MEG
MEG

Abbreviation for magnetoencephalogram.

mega- mega-

1. Combining form meaning large, oversize; opposite of micro-. SEE ALSO: macro-, megalo-. 2. (M) Prefix used in the SI and metric system to signify multiples of one million (10⁶). [G. megas, big]

megabacterium
megabacterium (meg′a-bak-ter′e-um)

A bacterium of unusually large size. SYN: macrobacterium.

megacalycosis
megacalycosis (meg′a-kal-i-ko-sis)

1. Congenital, nonobstructive enlargement of renal calices. 2. Excessively large number of calices. [mega- + G. kalyx, cup of a flower, + -osis, condition]

megacardia
megacardia (meg-a-kar′de-a)

SYN: cardiomegaly.

megacaryoblast
megacaryoblast (meg-a-kar′e-o-blast)

SYN: megakaryoblast.

megacaryocyte
megacaryocyte (meg-a-kar′e-o-sit)

SYN: megakaryocyte.

megacephalia
megacephalia (meg-a-se-fa′le-a)

SYN: megacephaly.

megacephalic
megacephalic (meg′a-se-fal′ik)

Relating to or characterized by megacephaly. SYN: macrocephalic, macrocephalous, megacephalous.

megacephalous
megacephalous (meg-a-sef′a-lus)

SYN: megacephalic.

megacephaly
megacephaly (meg-a-sef′a-le)

A condition, either congenital or acquired, in which the head is abnormally large; usually applied to an adult skull with a capacity of over 1450 ml. SYN: leontiasis ossea, macrocephaly, macrocephalia, megacephalia, megalocephaly, megalocephalia, Virchow disease. [mega- + G. kephale, head]

megacins
megacins (meg′a-sinz)

Antibacterial proteins produced by strains of Bacillus megaterium.

megacoccus
megacoccus, pl .megacocci (meg′a-kok′us, -kok′si)

A coccus of unusually large size. SYN: macrococcus.

megacolon
megacolon (meg′a-ko′lon)

A condition of extreme dilation of the colon. SYN: giant colon.
acquired m. m. occurring on the basis of an acquired disease; occurs in inflammatory bowel disease (toxic m.) and Chagas disease (South American trypanosomiasis).
congenital m., m. congenitum congenital dilation and hypertrophy of the colon due to absence (aganglionosis) or marked reduction (hypoganglionosis) in the number of ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus of the rectum and a varying but continuous length of gut above the rectum; also seen in dogs. SYN: Hirschsprung disease.
idiopathic m. an acquired m., found in children and adults, without distal obstruction or absence of ganglion cells; the muscle of the dilated colon is thin.
toxic m. acute nonobstructive dilation of the colon, seen in fulminating ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease.

megacycle
megacycle (meg′a-si-kl)

One million cycles per second.

megacystis
megacystis (meg′a-sis-tis)

Pathologically large bladder in children. SYN: megalocystis. [mega- + kystis, bladder]

megadactyly
megadactyly, megadactylia, megadactylism (meg-a-dak′ti-le, -dak-til′e-a -dak′til-izm)

Condition characterized by enlargement of one or more digits (fingers or toes). SYN: dactylomegaly, macrodactylia, macrodactylism, macrodactyly, megalodactylia, megalodactylism, megalodactyly. [mega- + G. daktylos, digit]

megadolichocolon
megadolichocolon (meg′a-dol′i-ko-ko′lon)

Excessive length and dilation of the colon. [mega- + G. dolichos, long, + kolon, colon]

megadont
megadont (meg′a-dont)

SYN: macrodont. [mega- + G. odous (odont-), tooth]

megadontism
megadontism (meg-a-don′tizm)

SYN: macrodontia.

megadyne
megadyne (meg′a-din)

One million dynes.

megaesophagus
megaesophagus (meg′a-e-sof′a-gus, meg′a-e-sof′)

Great enlargement of the lower portion of the esophagus, as seen in patients with achalasia and Chagas disease.

megagamete
megagamete (meg-a-gam′et)

SYN: macrogamete.

megagnathia
megagnathia (meg-a-na′the-a)

SYN: macrognathia.

megahertz
megahertz (MHz) (meg′a-hertz)

One million hertz.

megakaryoblast
megakaryoblast (meg-a-kar′e-o-blast)

The precursor of a megakaryocyte. SYN: megacaryoblast.

megakaryocyte
megakaryocyte (meg-a-kar′e-o-sit)

A large cell (as much as 100 μm in diameter) with a polyploid nucleus that is usually multilobed; m.'s are normally present in bone marrow, not in the circulating blood, and give rise to blood platelets. SYN: megacaryocyte, megalokaryocyte, thromboblast. [mega- + G. karyon, nut (nucleus), + kytos, hollow vessel (cell)]

megal- megal-

See megalo-.

megalecithal
megalecithal (meg-a-les′i-thal)

Denoting an egg rich in yolk, as in bony fishes, reptiles, and birds. [mega- + G. lekithos, yolk]

megalgia
megalgia (meg-al′je-a)

Very severe pain. [mega- + G. algos, pain]

megalo- megalo-, megal-

Large; opposite of micro-. SEE ALSO: macro-, mega-. [G. megas (megal-)]

megaloblast
megaloblast (meg′a-lo-blast)

A large, nucleated, embryonic type of cell that is a precursor of erythrocytes in an abnormal erythropoietic process observed in pernicious anemia; a megaloblasts four stages of development are as follows: 1) promegaloblast, 2) basophilic m., 3) polychromatic m., 4) orthochromatic m.. SEE ALSO: erythroblast. [megalo- + G. blastos, + germ, sprout]

megalocardia
megalocardia (meg′a-lo-kar′de-a)

SYN: cardiomegaly. [megalo- + G. kardia, heart]

megalocephaly
megalocephaly, megalocephalia (meg′a-lo-sef′a-le, -se-fa′le-a)

SYN: megacephaly.

megalocheiria
megalocheiria, megalochiria (meg′a-lo-ki′re-a)

SYN: macrocheiria. [megalo- + G. cheir, hand]

megalocornea
megalocornea (meg′a-lo-kor′ne-a)

SYN: keratoglobus.

megalocystis
megalocystis (meg′a-lo-sis′tis)

SYN: megacystis. [megalo- + G. kystis, bladder]

megalocyte
megalocyte (meg′a-lo-sit)

A large (10–20 μm) nonnucleated red blood cell. [megalo- + G. kytos, cell]

megalocythemia
megalocythemia (meg′a-lo-si-the′me-a)

SYN: macrocythemia.

megalocytosis
megalocytosis (meg′a-lo-si-to′sis)

SYN: macrocythemia.

megalodactylia
megalodactylia, megalodactylism, megalodactyly (meg′a-lo-dak-til′e-a, -dak′til-izm, -dak′ti-le)

SYN: megadactyly.

megalodont
megalodont (meg′a-lo-dont)

SYN: macrodont.

megalodontia
megalodontia (meg′a-lo-don′she-a)

SYN: macrodontia.

megaloencephalic
megaloencephalic (meg′a-lo-en′se-fal′ik)

Denoting an abnormally large brain.

megaloencephalon
megaloencephalon (meg′a-lo-en-sef′a-lon)

An abnormally large brain. SYN: macroencephalon. [megalo- + G. enkephalos, brain]

megaloencephaly
megaloencephaly (meg′a-lo-en-sef′a-le)

Abnormal largeness of the brain. [megalo- + G. enkephalon, brain]

megaloenteron
megaloenteron (meg′a-lo-en′ter-on)

Abnormal largeness of the intestine. SYN: enteromegaly, enteromegalia. [megalo- + G. enteron, intestine]

megalogastria
megalogastria (meg′a-lo-gas′tre-a)

Abnormally large size of the stomach. SYN: macrogastria. [megalo- + G. gaster, stomach]

megaloglossia
megaloglossia (meg′a-lo-glos′se-a)

SYN: macroglossia. [megalo- + G. glossa, tongue]

megalographia
megalographia (meg′a-lo-graf′e-a)

SYN: macrography.

megalokaryocyte
megalokaryocyte (meg′a-lo-kar′e-o-sit)

SYN: megakaryocyte.

megalomania
megalomania (meg′a-lo-ma′ne-a)

1. A type of delusion in which the individual considers himself or herself possessed of greatness. He/she believes him/herself to be Christ, God, Napoleon, etc., or everyone and everything, including a lawyer, physician, clergyman, merchant, prince, ace athlete in all divisions of sport, etc. 2. Morbid verbalized overevaluation of oneself or of some aspect of oneself. [megalo- + G. mania, frenzy]

megalomaniac
megalomaniac (meg′a-lo-ma′ne-ak)

A person exhibiting megalomania.

megalomelia
megalomelia (meg′a-lo-me′le-a)

SYN: macromelia.

megalophthalmos
megalophthalmos (meg′a-lof-thal′mus)

Congenital large globe. SYN: macrophthalmia, megophthalmus. [megalo- + G. ophthalmos, eye]
anterior m. SYN: keratoglobus.

megalopodia
megalopodia (meg′a-lo-po′de-a)

SYN: macropodia. [megalo- + G. pous, foot]

megalosplanchnic
megalosplanchnic (meg′a-lo-splangk′nik)

Having abnormally large viscera. SYN: macrosplanchnic. [megalo- + G. splanchnon, viscus]

megalosplenia
megalosplenia (meg′a-lo-sple′ne-a)

SYN: splenomegaly.

megalospore
megalospore (meg′a-lo-spor)

SYN: macrospore.

megalosyndactyly
megalosyndactyly, megalosyndactylia (meg′a-lo-sin-dak′ti-le, -dak-til′e-a)

Condition of webbed or fused fingers or toes of large size. [megalo- + G. syn, together, + daktylos, finger]

megaloureter
megaloureter (meg′a-lo-u-re′ter)

SYN: ureterectasia. SYN: megaureter.

megalourethra
megalourethra (meg′a-lo-u-re′thra)

Congenital dilation of the urethra.

-megaly -megaly

Large. [G. megas (megal-)]

megamerozoite
megamerozoite (meg′a-mer-o-zo′it)

SYN: macromerozoite.

meganucleus
meganucleus (meg-a-noo′kle-us)

SYN: macronucleus (1) .

megapoietin
megapoietin (meg′a-poy′e-tin)

SYN: thrombopoietin. [mega- + G. poietes, maker, + -in]

megaprosopia
megaprosopia (meg′a-pro-so′pe-a)

SYN: macroprosopia. [mega- + G. prosopon, face]

megaprosopous
megaprosopous (meg-a-pros′o-pus)

SYN: macroprosopous.

megarectum
megarectum (meg-a-rek′tum)

Extreme dilation of the rectum.

megaseme
megaseme (meg′a-sem)

Denoting an orbital aperture with an index above 89. [mega- + G. sema, sign]

megasigmoid
megasigmoid (meg-a-sig′moyd)

SYN: macrosigmoid.

megasomia
megasomia (meg-a-so′me-a)

SYN: macrosomia.

megaspore
megaspore (meg′a-spor)

SYN: macrospore.

megathrombocyte
megathrombocyte (meg-a-throm′bo-sit)

A large blood platelet, especially a young one recently released from the bone marrow. [mega- + G. thrombos, clot, + kytos, cell]

megaureter
megaureter (meg′a-u-re′ter)

SYN: megaloureter.
primary m. independent ureteral dilation; may be nonobstructive or related to congenital distal ureteral obstruction.
secondary m. hydroureter secondary to vesicoureteral reflux or distal obstruction.

megavolt
megavolt (meg′a-volt)

One million volts.

megavoltage
megavoltage (meg′a-vol′tij)

In radiation therapy, a term for voltage above one million volts.

megestrol acetate
megestrol acetate (me-jes′trol)

A synthetic progestin with progestational effects similar to those of progesterone; current uses include palliation in breast cancer and as an appetite stimulant in advanced malignancy.

meglitinides
meglitinides (meg-lit′in-idz)

A class of oral glucose-lowering drugs that act by closing ATP-dependent potassium channels in pancreatic beta cells, thus causing calcium channel opening and subsequent insulin release.

meglumine
meglumine (meg′loo-men)

USAN-approved contraction for N-methylglucamine.
m. acetrizoate a radiographic contrast medium. See acetrizoate sodium.
m. diatrizoate a water-soluble organic iodine compound formerly used for excretory urography, for contrast visualization of the cardiovascular system, and orally for opacification of the gastrointestinal tract. SYN: methylglucamine diatrizoate.
m. iothalamate N-methylglucamine salt of iothalamic acid (60% solution); a diagnostic radiopaque medium for intravascular use in angiography and urography.

megohm
megohm (meg′om)

One million ohms.

megophthalmus
megophthalmus (meg-of-thal′mus)

SYN: megalophthalmos.

megoxycyte
megoxycyte (meg-oks′e-sit)

SYN: megoxyphil.

megoxyphil
megoxyphil, megoxyphile (meg-oks′e-fil, fil)

An eosinophilic leukocyte containing coarse granules. SYN: megoxycyte. [mega- + G. oxys, acid, + phileo, to like]

megrim
megrim (me′grim)

Obsolete term for migraine.

Meibom
Meibom, Meibomius

Hendrik (Heinrich), German anatomist, 1638–1700. See meibomian cyst, meibomian glands, under gland, meibomian sty.

meibomian meibomian (mi-bo′me-an)

Attributed to or described by Meibom.

meibomitis
meibomitis, meibomianitis (mi′bo-mi′tis, mi-bo′me-a-ni′tis)

Inflammation of the meibomian glands.

Meier
Meier

Georg, German serologist, *1875. See Porges-M. test.

Meige
Meige

Henri, French physician, 1866–1940. See M. disease.

Meigs
Meigs

Joe V., U.S. gynecologist, 1892–1963. See M. syndrome.

Meinicke
Meinicke

Ernst, German physician, 1878–1945. See M. test.

meio- meio-

For words beginning thus and not found here, see mio-.

meiosis
meiosis (mi-o′sis)

A special process of cell division comprising two nuclear divisions in rapid succession that result in four gametocytes, each containing half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. SYN: meiotic division. [G. m., a lessening]

meiotic
meiotic (mi-ot′ik)

Pertaining to meiosis.

Meissel
Meissel

See Wachstein-M. stain for calcium-magnesium-ATPase.

Meissner
Meissner

Georg, German histologist, 1829–1905. See M. corpuscle, M. plexus.

mel
mel

1. SYN: honey. 2. Unit of pitch; a pitch of 1000 mels results from a simple tone of frequency 1000 Hz at 40 dB above the normal threshold of audibility.

mel- mel-, melo-

1. Limb. [G. melos] 2. A cheek. [G. melon] 3. Honey, sugar. SEE ALSO: meli-. [L. mel, mellis, G. meli, melitos] 4. Sheep. [G. melon]

melagra
melagra (me-lag′ra)

Rheumatic or myalgic pains in the arms or legs. [G. melos, limb, + agra, seizure]

melalgia
melalgia (me-lal′je-a)

Pain in a limb; specifically, burning pain in the feet extending up the leg and even to the thigh. [G. melos, a limb, + algos, pain]

melamine formaldehyde
melamine formaldehyde (mel′a-men)

SYN: melamine resin.

melan- melan-, melano-

Black, extreme darkness of hue. [G. melas]

melancholia
melancholia (mel-an-ko′le-a)

1. A severe form of depression marked by anhedonia, insomnia, psychomotor changes, and guilt. 2. A symptom occurring in other conditions, marked by depression of spirits and by a sluggish and painful process of thought. SYN: melancholy. [melan- + G. chole, bile. See humoral doctrine]
hypochondriacal m. m. with many associated physical complaints, often with little basis in fact.
involutional m. a depressive disorder of middle life, commonly associated with the climacteric.

melancholic
melancholic (mel-an-kol′ik)

1. Relating to or characteristic of melancholia. 2. Formerly, denoting a temperament characterized by irritability and a pessimistic outlook. 3. A person who is exhibiting melancholia.

melancholy
melancholy (mel′an-kol-e)

SYN: melancholia.

melanemia
melanemia (mel-a-ne′me-a)

The presence of dark brown, almost black, or black granules of insoluble pigment (melanin) in the circulating blood. [melan- + G. haima, blood]

melaniferous
melaniferous (mel-a-nif′er-us)

Containing melanin or other black pigment. [melan- (melanin) + L. ferro, to carry]

melanin
melanin (mel′a-nin)

Any of the dark brown to black polymers of indole-5,6-quinone and/or 5,6-dihydroxyindole 2-carboxylic acid that normally occur in the skin, hair, pigmented coat of the retina, and inconstantly in the medulla and zona reticularis of the adrenal gland. M. may be formed in vitro or biologically by oxidation of l-tyrosine or l-tryptophan, the usual mechanism being the enzymatic oxidation of l-tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (dopa) and dopaquinone by monophenol monooxygenase, and the further oxidation (probably spontaneous) of this intermediate to m.. Cf.:eumelanin, pheomelanin. SYN: melanotic pigment. [G. melas (melan-), black]
artificial m., factitious m. SYN: melanoid.

melanism
melanism (mel′a-nizm)

Unusually marked, diffuse, melanin pigmentation of body hair and skin (usually not affecting the iris). SEE ALSO: melanosis.

melano- melano-

See melan-.

melanoacanthoma
melanoacanthoma (mel′a-no-ak-an-tho′ma)

A seborrheic keratosis with melanin pigmentation associated with proliferation of intraepidermal melanocytes. [melano- + G. akantha, thorn, + suffix -oma, tumor]

melanoameloblastoma
melanoameloblastoma (mel′a-no-am′e-lo-blas-to′ma)

SYN: melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy. [melano- + ameloblastoma]

melanoblast
melanoblast (mel′a-no-blast)

A cell derived from the neural crest; it migrates to various parts of the body early in embryonic life, and then becomes a mature melanocyte capable of forming melanin. [melano- + G. blastos, germ, sprout]

melanocyte
melanocyte (mel′a-no-sit)

A pigment-producing cell located in the basal layer of the epidermis with branching processes by means of which melanosomes are transferred to epidermal cells, resulting in pigmentation of the epidermis. SYN: melanodendrocyte, pigment cell of skin. [melano- + G. kytos, cell]

melanocytoma
melanocytoma (mel′a-no-si-to′ma)

1. A pigmented tumor of the uveal stroma. 2. Usually benign melanoma of the optic disk, appearing in markedly pigmented individuals as a small deeply pigmented tumor at the edge of the disk, sometimes extending into the retina and choroid; malignant metaplasia is rare. [megalo- + cyto- + G. -oma; tumor]

melanodendrocyte
melanodendrocyte (mel′a-no-den′dro-sit)

SYN: melanocyte. [melano- + G. dendron, tree, + kytos, a hollow (cell)]

melanoderma
melanoderma (mel′a-no-der′ma)

1. An abnormal darkening of the skin by deposition of excess melanin. 2. Hyperpigmentation of the skin by melanin or deposition of dark substances such as silver, iron, and drug derivatives. [melano- + G. derma, skin]
m. cachecticorum m. of the cachectic, occurring in certain chronic diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis.
parasitic m. excoriations and m. caused by scratching the bites of the body louse, Pediculus corporis. SYN: vagabond's disease, vagrant's disease.
racial m. the normally dark skin of members of some nonwhite races.
senile m. cutaneous pigmentation occurring in the aged. SYN: melasma universale.

melanodermatitis
melanodermatitis (mel′a-no-der-ma-ti′tis)

Excessive deposit of melanin in an area of dermatitis.

melanogen
melanogen (me-lan′o-jen, mel′a-no-jen)

A colorless substance that may be converted into melanin; e.g., some patients with widespread metastases of melanoma excrete m. in their urine, and melanin is formed when the urine is exposed to air ( i.e., oxidized) for a few hours. [melanin + G. -gen, producing]

melanogenemia
melanogenemia (mel′a-no-je-ne′me-a)

The presence of melanin precursors in the blood; may occur in malignant melanoma with metastasis. [melanogen + G. haima, blood]

melanogenesis
melanogenesis (mel′a-no-jen′e-sis)

Formation of melanin. [melanin + G. genesis, production]

melanoglossia
melanoglossia (mel′a-no-glos′e-a)

SYN: black tongue. [melano- + G. glossa, tongue]

melanoid
melanoid (mel′a-noyd)

A dark pigment, resembling melanin, formed from glucosamines in chitin. SYN: artificial melanin, factitious melanin.

melanokeratosis
melanokeratosis (mel′a-no-ker-a-to′sis)

Migration of conjunctival melanoblasts into the cornea. [melano- + kerato- + G. -osis, condition]

melanoleukoderma
melanoleukoderma (mel′a-no-loo-ko-der′ma)

Marbled, or marmorated, skin. [melano- + G. leukos, white, + derma, skin]
m. colli SYN: syphilitic leukoderma.

melanoliberin
melanoliberin (mel′a-no-lib′er-in)

A hexapeptide similar to oxytocin; it stimulates the release of melanotropin. SYN: melanotropin-releasing factor, melanotropin-releasing hormone. [melanotropin + L. libero, to free, + -in]

melanoma
melanoma (mel′a-no′ma)

A malignant neoplasm, derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin, arising most commonly in the skin of any part of the body, or in the eye, and, rarely, in the mucous membranes of the genitalia, anus, oral cavity, or other sites; occurs mostly in adults and may originate de novo or from a pigmented nevus or lentigo maligna. In the early phases, the cutaneous form is characterized by proliferation of cells at the dermal-epidermal junction which soon invade adjacent tissues. The cells vary in amount and pigmentation of cytoplasm; the nuclei are relatively large and frequently bizarre in shape, with prominent acidophilic nucleoli; and mitotic figures tend to be numerous. Prognosis correlates with the depth of skin invasion. Melanomas frequently metastasize widely; regional lymph nodes, skin, liver, lungs, and brain are likely to be involved. Intense, intermittent sun exposure, especially of fair-skinned children, increases the risk of m. later in life. SYN: malignant m.. [melano- + G. -oma, tumor]
acral lentiginous m. a form of malignant lentigo m. that occurs in palms, soles, and subungual areas.
amelanotic m. an anaplastic m. consisting of cells derived from melanocytes but not forming melanin.
benign juvenile m. SYN: Spitz nevus.
Cloudman m. a transplantable m. that arose spontaneously in a mouse of DBA strain, and which grows and metastasizes in mice of related strains.
desmoplastic malignant m. (dez-mo-plas-mik) a m. with marked fibrosis surrounding atypical spindle-shaped melanocytes in the dermis, tending to invade widely around small nerves.
Harding-Passey m. a melanin-forming tumor that arose spontaneously in a non-inbred mouse, and that is transplantable to mice of many strains but does not ordinarily metastasize.
malignant m. SYN: m..
malignant lentigo m. a m. arising (in unusual cases) from a malignant lentigo.
malignant m. in situ a m. limited to the epidermis and composed of nests of atypical melanocytes and scattered single cells extending into the upper epidermis; local excision is curative although the lesion, if untreated, may soon invade the dermis. Malignant lentigo may be considered a slowly progressive type of malignant m. in situ.
minimal deviation m. a malignant m. showing less cytologic atypia than is usual in m. cells that nevertheless demonstrate asymmetric expansile invasion of the dermis, or metastasis.
nodular m. primary cutaneous m. that presents as rapidly growing smoothly spheroid or ulcerated nodules in which tumor cells microscopically invade the dermis beneath all of the lateral epidermal margins of involvement.
subungual m. a m. beginning in the skin at the border of or beneath the nail, usually of acral lentiginous type (q.v.).
superficial spreading m. primary cutaneous m. characterized by intraepidermal growth extending laterally beyond the site of dermal invasion.

melanomatosis
melanomatosis (mel′a-no-ma-to′sis)

A condition characterized by numerous, widespread lesions of melanoma. [melanoma + G. -osis, condition]

melanonychia
melanonychia (mel′a-no-nik′e-a)

Black pigmentation of the nails. [melano- + G. onyx (onych-), nail]

melanopathy
melanopathy (mel′a-nop′a-the)

Any disease marked by abnormal pigmentation of the skin. [melano- + G. pathos, suffering]

melanophage
melanophage (mel′a-no-faj, me-lan′o-faj)

A histiocyte that has phagocytized melanin. [melano- + G. phagein, to eat]

melanophore
melanophore (mel′a-no-for, me-lan′o-for)

A dermal pigment cell that does not secrete its pigment granules but participates in rapid color changes by intracellular aggregation and dispersal of melanosomes; it is well developed in fish, amphibians, and reptiles, but absent in humans. [melano- + G. phoros, bearing]

melanoplakia
melanoplakia (mel′a-no-pla′ke-a)

The occurrence of pigmented patches on the tongue and buccal mucous membrane. [melano- + G. plax, plate, plaque]

melanoprotein
melanoprotein (mel′a-no-pro′ten)

A protein complex containing melanin.

melanorrhagia
melanorrhagia (mel′a-no-ra′je-a)

SYN: melena. [melano- + G. rhegnymi, to burst forth]

melanorrhea
melanorrhea (mel′a-no-re′a)

SYN: melena. [melano- + G. rhoia, a flow]

melanosis
melanosis (mel-a-no′sis)

Abnormal dark brown or brown-black pigmentation of various tissues or organs, as the result of melanin or, in some situations, other substances that resemble melanin to varying degrees; e.g., m. of the skin may occur in widespread metastatic melanoma, sunburn, during pregnancy, and as a result of chronic infections. [melano- + G. -osis, condition]
m. coli m. of the large intestinal mucosa due to accumulation of pigment of uncertain composition within macrophages in the lamina propria.
neurocutaneous m. cutaneous giant pigmented nevi associated with m. of the leptomeninges; malignant melanomas may develop in the skin or meninges.
oculodermal m. pigmentation of the sclera and skin around the eye, usually unilateral; seen especially in women of Asian descent. SYN: Ota nevus.
pustular m. a transient, benign, pustular rash of unknown etiology seen in neonates; leaves a hyperpigmented base when the pustule resolves.
Riehl m. a brown pigmentary condition of the exposed portions of the skin of the neck and face with melanin pigment in dermal macrophages, thought to result from photodermatitis due to materials, such as cosmetic ingredients, or oils encountered in various occupations.

melanosome
melanosome (mel′a-no-som)

The generally oval pigment granule (0.2 by 0.6 μm) produced by melanocytes. SYN: eumelanosome. [melano- + G. soma, body]
giant m. a large spherical m. (1 to 6 μ in diameter) formed in the cytoplasm of melanocytes in café-au-lait spots and other melanocytic disorders. SYN: macromelanosome.

melanostatin
melanostatin

Inhibits synthesis and release of melanotropin; neuropeptide Y. SYN: melanotropin release-inhibiting hormone. [melanotropin + G. states, stationary, + -in]

melanotic
melanotic (mel′a-not′ik)

1. Pertaining to the presence, normal or pathologic, of melanin. 2. Relating to or characterized by melanosis.

melanotonin
melanotonin (mel′a-no-to-nin)

See melatonin.

melanotrichous
melanotrichous (mel-a-not′ri-kus)

Having black hair. [melano- + G. thrix (trich-), hair]

melanotroph
melanotroph (mel′a-no-trof)

A cell of the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis that produces melanotropin. [melano- + G. trophe, nourishment]

melanotrophin
melanotrophin (mel′a-no-tro′fin)

SYN: melanotropin. [melano- + G. trophe, nourishment, + -in]

melanotropin
melanotropin (mel′a-no-tro′pin)

A polypeptide hormone secreted by the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis in humans (in neurohypophysis in certain other species) which causes dispersion of melanin by melanophores, resulting in darkening of the skin, presumably by promoting melanin synthesis; this effect is readily demonstated in some lower vertebrates, such as frogs and fish; α-m. is an N-acetylated peptide with 13 amino acids; β-m. has 22 amino acids. SYN: intermedin, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, melanophore-expanding principle, melanotrophin.

melanuria
melanuria (mel-a-noo′re-a)

The excretion of urine of a dark color, resulting from the presence of melanin or other pigments or from the action of phenol, creosote, resorcin, and other coal tar derivatives. [melano- + G. ouron, urine]

melanuric
melanuric (mel-a-noo′rik)

Pertaining to or characterized by melanuria.

melarsoprol
melarsoprol (me-lar′so-prol)

Used in the treatment of the meningoencephalitic stages of trypanosomiasis; may produce a fatal reactive encephalopathy.

MELAS
MELAS

Acronym for mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes. One of the mitochondrial disorders, this condition is usually hereditary, with a mutation at the mitochondrial genome at locus 3243.

MELAS
MELAS

An acronym for mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke; an inherited disorder of the respiratory chain, either a deficiency of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I of the chain) or of cytochrome c oxidase.

melasma
melasma (me-laz′ma)

A patchy pigmentation of sun-exposed skin, seen most commonly in pregnancy. SEE ALSO: chloasma. [G. a black color, a black spot]
m. gravidarum chloasma occurring in pregnancy.
m. universale SYN: senile melanoderma.

melatonin melatonin (mel-a-ton′in)

N -Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine;a substance formed by the mammalian pineal gland, which appears to depress gonadal function in mammals and causes contraction of amphibian melanophores; a precursor is serotonin; m. is rapidly metabolized and is taken up by all tissues; it is involved in circadian rhythms. [melanophore + G. tonos, contraction, + -in] M. secretion is linked to both the sleep-wakefulness and light-dark cycles. Ocular perception that ambient light is dimming has been shown to trigger, via neural pathways involving the hypothalamus, increased secretion of m. by the pineal gland. Serum levels increase 10-fold just before sleep and peak around midnight. Twenty-four-hour secretion is higher in winter than in summer. The decline of m. secretion with age has been blamed for the tendency to insomnia in the elderly. Because m. acts as an antioxidant in counteracting free radicals, it has been promoted as a means of delaying aging and preventing cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer dementia. It has also been proposed as an antidepressant because serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), whose metabolism is known to be disordered in clinical depression, is a chemical precursor of m.. Adequately controlled, large-scale studies of the efficacy, safety, and optimum dosage of m. are lacking. There is experimental evidence that long-term administration can reset the circadian pacemaker. Anecdotal reports suggest that shorter courses can hasten recovery from jet lag and facilitate adaptation to night-shift work. In one controlled study of 15 emergency physicians, m. did not improve sleep when subjects returned to a normal sleep pattern after working night shifts. The direct soporific effect of m. varies widely from person to person. Limited studies suggest that it may increase the duration of restful nighttime sleep in the elderly. High doses of m. result in prolonged elevation of serum m. level and increased production of prolactin by the pituitary gland. Unlike most hormones, m. is readily absorbed from the digestive tract and is a component of some foods. Hence therapeutic formulations are not subject to federal drug regulations or purity standards. Testing of commercially available preparations of m. has indicated both variation in potency and the presence of possibly harmful contaminants.

Melchior
Melchior

J.C., Danish physician. See Dyggve-M.-Clausen syndrome.

melena
melena (me-le′na)

Passage of dark-colored, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by the intestinal juices. Cf.:hematochezia. SYN: melanorrhagia, melanorrhea. [G. melaina, fem. of melas, black]
m. neonatorum m. of the newborn; melana occurring in young infants.
m. spuria passage in the stool of blood that has been swallowed, especially that swallowed by nurslings from a fissured nipple.
m. vera true m. as distinguished from m. spuria.

melenemesis
melenemesis (mel-e-nem′e-sis)

Vomiting of dark-colored or blackish material. SEE ALSO: black vomit. [G. melas, black, + emesis, vomiting]

Meleney
Meleney

Frank L., U.S. surgeon, 1889–1963. See M. gangrene, M. ulcer.

melengestrol acetate
melengestrol acetate (mel-en-jes′trol)

A progestational agent.

meletin
meletin (mel′e-tin)

SYN: quercetin.

meli- meli-

Honey, sugar. SEE ALSO: mel- (3) . [G. meli]

melibiase
melibiase (mel-i-bi′as)

SYN: α-d-galactosidase.

melibiose
melibiose (mel-i-bi′os)

A disaccharide formed by the hydrolysis of raffinose by β-fructofuranosidase; also present in plant juices.

melicera
melicera, meliceris (mel-i-se′ra, mel-i-se′ris)

A hygroma or other type of cyst that contains a relatively thick, tenacious, semifluid material. [G. meli- keris, a tumor, fr. melikeron, honeycomb, fr. meli, honey, + keros, wax]

melioidosis
melioidosis (mel′e-oy-do′sis)

An infectious disease of rodents in India and Southeast Asia that is caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei and is communicable to humans. The characteristic lesion is a small caseous nodule, found generally throughout the body, which breaks down into an abscess; symptoms vary according to the tracts or organs involved. SYN: pseudoglanders, Whitmore disease. [G. melis, a distemper of asses, + eidos, resemblance, + -osis, condition]

melissa
melissa (me-lis′a)

The leaves from the tops of M. officinalis (family Labiatae), a plant of southern Europe; a diaphoretic. SYN: sweet balm. [G. a bee]

melissic acid
melissic acid (me-lis′ik)

A long-chain saturated fatty acid found in waxes. [G. melissa, bee + -ic]

melissophobia
melissophobia (me-lis′o-fo′be-a)

SYN: apiphobia. [G. melissa, bee, + phobos, fear]

melitis
melitis (me-li′tis)

Inflammation of the cheek. [G. melon, cheek, + -itis, inflammation]

melitose
melitose (mel′i-tos)

SYN: raffinose.

melitracen hydrochloride
melitracen hydrochloride (mel-i-tra′sen)

An antidepressant.

melitriose
melitriose (mel-i-tri′os)

SYN: raffinose.

melittin
melittin (mel′i-tin)

The principal component in bee venom; m. is a peptide amide containing 26 amino acids and is a hemolysin. [G. melitta, bee, + -in]

Melkersson
Melkersson

Ernst G., Swedish physician, 1898–1932. See M.-Rosenthal syndrome.

mellitum
mellitum, gen. melliti, pl .mellita (me-li′tum, -ti, ta)

A pharmaceutical preparation with honey as an excipient. [L. neut. of mellitus, honeyed]

Melnick
Melnick

John C., U.S. radiologist, *1928. See M.-Needles osteodysplasty, M.-Needles syndrome.

melo- melo-

See mel-.

melodidymus
melodidymus (mel′o-did′i-mus)

A fetus with a supernumerary limb. [melo- + G. didymos, twin]

melomania
melomania (mel-o-ma′ne-a)

An abnormal fascination with or devotion to music. [L. melos, song + mania, frenzy]

melomelia
melomelia (mel-o-me′le-a)

A malformation in which the fetus has one or more rudimentary limbs in addition to the normal limbs. Cf.:micromelia. [G. melos, limb]

meloplasty
meloplasty (mel′o-plas-te)

Old term for plastic surgery of the cheek; also for &dquor;facelift&dquor;. [melo- + G. plastos, formed]

melorheostosis
melorheostosis (mel′o-re-os-to′sis)

Rheostosis confined to the long bones. [G. melos, limb, + rheos, stream, + osteon, bone, + -osis]

meloschisis
meloschisis (me-los′ki-sis)

Congenital cleft in the face. [G. melon, cheek, + schisis, a cleaving]

melotia
melotia (me-lo′she-a)

Congenital displacement of the auricle onto the cheek. [G. melon, cheek, + ous, ear]

melphalan
melphalan (mel′fa-lan)

l-Phenylalanine mustard; l-sarcolysine; l-3-[p-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]alanine;a phenylalanine derivative of nitrogen mustard; an alkalylating antineoplastic agent.

melt
melt

Denature, used to describe RNA polymerase action in decoupling DNA base pairs.

Meltzer
Meltzer

Samuel J., U.S. physiologist, 1851–1920. See M. law, M.-Lyon test.

MEM
MEM

Abbreviation for Eagle minimum essential medium.

member
member

SYN: limb (1) . [L. membrum]
inferior m. [TA] SYN: lower limb.
superior m. [TA] SYN: upper limb.
virile m. obsolete term for penis.

membra
membra (mem′bra)

Plural of membrum. [L.]

membrana
membrana, gen. and pl. membranae (mem-bra′na, -bra′ne) [TA]

SYN: membrane (1) . [L.]
m. abdominis SYN: peritoneum.
m. adamantina SYN: enamel cuticle.
m. adventitia 1. SYN: adventitia. 2. SYN: decidua capsularis.
m. atlanto-occipitalis anterior [TA] SYN: anterior atlanto-occipital membrane.
m. atlanto-occipitalis posterior [TA] SYN: posterior atlanto-occipital membrane.
m. basalis ductus semicircularis SYN: basal membrane of semicircular duct.
m. basilaris SYN: basal lamina of cochlear duct.
m. capsularis the hyaloid vascular network around the posterior pole of the lens in the embryo.
m. capsulopupillaris the lateral portion of the vascular tunic of the lens of the eye in the embryo.
m. carnosa SYN: dartos fascia.
m. cerebri any one of the cerebral meninges.
m. choriocapillaris SYN: capillary lamina of choroid.
m. cordis SYN: pericardium.
m. cricothyroidea SYN: cricothyroid membrane.
m. decidua SYN: deciduous membrane.
m. eboris the lining membrane of the pulp cavity of a tooth, consisting of the odontoblastic layer. SYN: ivory membrane.
m. fibroelastica laryngis [TA] SYN: fibroelastic membrane of larynx.
m. fibrosa capsulae articularis [TA] SYN: fibrous layer of joint capsule.
m. flaccida SYN: flaccid part of tympanic membrane.
m. fusca SYN: suprachoroid lamina of sclera.
m. germinativa SYN: blastoderm.
m. granulosa SYN: stratum granulosum folliculi ovarici vesiculosi.
m. hyaloidea SYN: posterior limiting lamina of cornea.
m. hyothyroidea SYN: thyrohyoid membrane.
membranae intercostales [TA] SYN: intercostal membranes, under membrane.
m. intercostalis externa [TA] SYN: external intercostal membrane.
m. intercostalis interna [TA] SYN: internal intercostal membrane.
m. interossea antebrachii [TA] SYN: interosseous membrane of forearm.
m. interossea cruris [TA] SYN: interosseous membrane of leg.
m. limitans 1. SYN: limiting membrane of retina. 2. limiting membrane separating the neural parenchyma from the pia and blood vessels.
m. limitans gliae SYN: glial limiting membrane.
m. mucosa SYN: mucosa.
m. nictitans SYN: plica semilunaris of conjunctiva (2) .
m. obturatoria [TA] SYN: obturator membrane.
m. perinei [TA] SYN: perineal membrane.
m. pituitosa SYN: mucosa of nose.
m. preformativa the thickened m. formed by fusion of Korff fibers and the basement membrane of the ameloblasts in a developing tooth.
m. propria ductus semicircularis SYN: proper membrane of semicircular duct.
m. propria of semicircular duct SYN: proper membrane of semicircular duct.
m. pupillaris SYN: pupillary membrane.
m. quadrangularis [TA] SYN: quadrangular membrane.
m. reticularis organi spiralis [TA] SYN: reticular membrane of spinal organ.
m. serosa 1. SYN: serosa, chorion. 2. SYN: serosa (2) .
m. serotina obsolete synonym of decidua basalis.
m. spiralis tympanic surface of cochlear duct.
m. stapedis [TA] SYN: stapedial membrane.
m. statoconiorum [TA] SYN: otolithic membrane.
m. sterni [TA] SYN: sternal membrane.
m. striata SYN: zona striata.
m. succingens SYN: pleura. [L. succingere, to surround]
m. suprapleuralis [TA] SYN: suprapleural membrane.
m. synovialis [TA] SYN: synovial membrane.
m. tectoria (articulationis atlantoaxialis medianae) [TA] SYN: tectorial membrane (of median atlantoaxial joint).
m. tectoria ductus cochlearis [TA] SYN: tectorial membrane of cochlear duct.
m. tensa SYN: tense part of the tympanic membrane.
m. thyrohyoidea [TA] SYN: thyrohyoid membrane.
m. tympani [TA] SYN: tympanic membrane.
m. tympani secundaria [TA] SYN: secondary tympanic membrane.
m. versicolor SYN: tapetum (2) .
m. vestibularis ductus cochlearis vestibular surface of cochlear duct.
m. vibrans SYN: tense part of the tympanic membrane.
m. vitellina 1. the membrane enveloping the yolk; specifically, the thickened cell membrane of large-yolked ova; SYN: ovular membrane, vitelline membrane. 2. sometimes used to designate the zona pellucida of a mammalian ovum. SYN: yolk membrane.
m. vitrea SYN: posterior limiting lamina of cornea.

membranaceous
membranaceous (mem-bra-na′shus)

SYN: membranous.

membranate
membranate (mem′bra-nat)

Of the nature of a membrane.

membrane
membrane (mem′bran)

1. A thin sheet or layer of pliable tissue, serving as a covering or envelope of a part, as the lining of a cavity, as a partition or septum, or to connect two structures. SYN: membrana [TA] . 2. SYN: biomembrane. [L. membrana, a skin or m. that covers parts of the body, fr. membrum, a member]
adamantine m. SYN: enamel cuticle.
allantoid m. SYN: allantois.
alveolocapillary m. the pulmonary diffusion barrier.
alveolodental m. SYN: periodontium.
anal m. the dorsal portion of the embryonic cloacal m. after its division by the urorectal septum.
anterior atlanto-occipital m. [TA] the fibrous layer that extends from the anterior arch of the atlas to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum of the occipital bone. SYN: membrana atlanto-occipitalis anterior [TA] .
arachnoid m. SYN: arachnoid mater.
atlanto-occipital m. See anterior atlanto-occipital m., posterior atlanto-occipital m..
Barkan m. a theoretical tissue covering the trabecular meshwork; thought to obstruct aqueous humor outflow and be responsible for congenital glaucoma.
basal m. of semicircular duct the basal m. underlying the epithelium of the semicircular duct. SYN: basal lamina of semicircular duct, membrana basalis ductus semicircularis.
basement m. an amorphous extracellular layer closely applied to the basal surface of epithelium and also investing muscle cells, fat cells, and Schwann cells; thought to be a selective filter and to serve both structural and morphogenetic functions. It is composed of three successive layers (lamina lucida, lamina densa, and lamina fibroreticularis), a matrix of collagen (of which type IV is unique to this m.), and several glycoproteins. SYN: basement lamina, basilemma.
basilar m. of cochlear duct SYN: basal lamina of cochlear duct.
Bichat m. the inner elastic m. of arteries.
Bogros serous m. a m. of the episcleral space (of Tenon).
Bowman m. SYN: anterior limiting layer of cornea.
Bruch m. SYN: lamina basalis choroideae.
Brunn m. the epithelium of the olfactory region of the nose.
bucconasal m. a thin, transient epithelial sheet separating the primitive nasal cavity from the stomodeum in the 7-week-old human embryo. SYN: oronasal m..
buccopharyngeal m. a bilaminar (ectoderm and endoderm) m. derived from the prochordal plate; after the embryonic head fold has evolved it lies at the caudal limit of the stomodeum. SYN: oral m., oropharyngeal m..
cell m. the protoplasmic boundary of all cells that controls permeability and may serve other functions through surface specializations; e.g., active ion transport absorption by formation of pinocytotic vesicles; receptor-mediated antigen recognition, etc.; its fine structure is trilaminar and consists of the electron-dense lamina externa and lamina interna with an electron-lucent lamina intermedia. SYN: cytolemma, cytomembrane, plasma m., plasmalemma, plasmolemma, Wachendorf m. (2) .
chorioallantoic m. extraembryonic m. formed by fusion of chorion and allantois.
choroid m. [TA] SYN: tela choroidea.
cloacal m. a transitory m. in the caudal area of the embryo, separating the proctodeum from the cloaca; it is divided into anal and genitourinary membranes that break down during the 8th to 9th week of human development to establish the external opening for the alimentary and genitourinary tracts.
closing membranes thin sheets, composed of ectoderm externally and endoderm internally, which separate the pharyngeal pouches from the overlying branchial clefts in the early embryo. SYN: pharyngeal membranes.
Corti m. SYN: tectorial m. of cochlear duct.
cricothyroid m. one of the bilateral membranes extending between the arch of the cricoid cartilage and the inferior edge of the thyroid lamina on each side of the midline, which is occupied by the thicker median cricothyroid ligament. SEE ALSO: conus elasticus, median cricothyroid ligament. SYN: membrana cricothyroidea.
cricotracheal m. SYN: cricotracheal ligament.
cricovocal m. conus elasticus.
croupous m. SYN: false m..
deciduous m. the mucous m. of the pregnant uterus that has already undergone certain changes, under the influence of the ovulation cycle, to fit it for the implantation and nutrition of the ovum; so called because the m. is cast off after labor. SYN: caduca, decidua, Hunter m., membrana decidua.
Descemet m. SYN: posterior limiting lamina of cornea.
diphtheritic m. the false m. forming on the mucous surfaces in diphtheria.
double m. two biomembrane layers, with an intermembranal space, surrounding certain organelles ( E.G., mitochondria) or structures.
drum m. SYN: tympanic m..
Duddell m. SYN: posterior limiting lamina of cornea.
dysmenorrheal m. a m., resembling the decidua, cast off in cases of membranous dysmenorrhea.
egg m. the investing envelope of the ovum; a primary egg m. is produced from ovarian cytoplasm ( e.g., a vitelline m.); a secondary egg m. is the product of the ovarian follicle ( e.g., the zona pellucida); a tertiary egg m. is secreted by the lining of the oviduct ( e.g., a shell).
elastic m. a m. formed of elastic connective tissue, present as fenestrated lamellae in the coats of the arteries and elsewhere.
embryonic m. SYN: fetal m..
enamel m. the internal layer of the enamel organ formed by the enamel cells.
epipapillary m. 1. a congenital m. covering the optic disk; 2. the glial remnants of Bergmeister papilla.
epiretinal m. a m., usually acquired, covering a portion of the retina and composed of fibrous tissue from metaplasia of retinal pigment epithelial cells or glia.
exocelomic m. a layer of cells delaminated from the inner surface of the blastocystic cytotrophoblast and from the envelope of the primary yolk sac during the second week of embryonic life. SYN: Heuser m..
external intercostal m. [TA] the m. that replaces the external intercostal muscle anteriorly, between costal cartilages. SYN: membrana intercostalis externa [TA] .
extraembryonic m. SYN: fetal m..
false m. a thick, tough fibrinous exudate or slough on the surface of a mucous m. or the skin, as seen in diphtheria. SYN: croupous m., pseudomembrane.
fenestrated m. an elastic m., as in elastic laminae of arteries.
fertilization m. a viscous m. formed on the inner surface of the vitelline m. from the cytoplasm of the egg cell after entry of the sperm, preventing the entry of additional sperm.
fetal m. a structure or tissue that develops from the fertilized ovum but does not form part of the embryo proper. SYN: embryonic m., extraembryonic m..
fibroelastic m. of larynx [TA] a layer of fibrous and elastic fibers, taking the place of the submucosa in the larynx. It is divided by the laryngeal ventricle into two parts: the quadrangular m. superiorly and the conus elasticus inferiorly. SYN: membrana fibroelastica laryngis [TA] .
fibrous m. of joint capsule fibrous layer of joint capsule.
Fielding m. SYN: tapetum (2) .
flaccid m. SYN: flaccid part of tympanic m..
germ m., germinal m. SYN: blastoderm.
glassy m. 1. the basement m. present between the stratum granulosum and the theca interna of a vesicular ovarian follicle; it becomes very prominent in large atretic follicles; 2. the basement m. and associated connective tissue of the hair follicle. SYN: hyaline m. (2) .
glial limiting m. a dense, resilient m. forming the true capsule of the brain and spinal cord, composed of the processes of astrocytes (macroglia cells) and covered throughout by the pia mater, which firmly adheres to it; the two membranes are collectively called the pial-glial m.. SYN: membrana limitans gliae.
Henle m. SYN: lamina basalis choroideae.
Henle fenestrated elastic m. SYN: elastic laminae of arteries, under lamina.
Heuser m. SYN: exocelomic m..
Hunter m. SYN: deciduous m..
Huxley m. SYN: Huxley layer.
hyaline m. 1. the thin, clear basement m. beneath certain epithelia; 2. SYN: glassy m. (2) .
hyaloid m. SYN: posterior limiting lamina of cornea.
hyoglossal m. posterior widening of the lingual septum connecting the root of the tongue to the hyoid bone; the inferior fibers of the genioglossus are attached to it and by this means to the upper anterior body of the hyoid bone near the midline.
inner m. the smaller of a double m..
intercostal membranes [TA] the membranous portion of the intercostal muscle layers between ribs. SYN: membranae intercostales [TA] , intercostal ligaments, ligamenta intercostalia.
internal intercostal m. [TA] the m. that replaces the internal intercostal muscle posteriorly, medial to the angles of the ribs. SYN: membrana intercostalis interna [TA] .
interosseous m. of forearm [TA] the dense m. that connects the interosseous margins of the radius and ulna, forming the radioulnar syndesmosis, and with those bones separating the flexor and extensor compartments of the forearm. SYN: membrana interossea antebrachii [TA] .
interosseous m. of leg [TA] the dense fibrous layer that connects the interosseous margins of the tibia and fibula, forming the upper portion of the tibiofibular syndesmosis and, with the bones and intermuscular septa, creating anterior and posterior comparments of the leg. SYN: membrana interossea cruris [TA] , ligamentum tibiofibulare medium.
ivory m. SYN: membrana eboris.
Jackson m. a thin vascular m. or veillike adhesion, covering the anterior surface of the ascending colon from the cecum to the right flexure; it may cause obstruction by kinking of the bowel. SYN: Jackson veil.
keratogenous m. SYN: nail matrix.
limiting m. of retina one of two layers of the retina: internal limiting m., formed by the expanded inner ends of Müller fibers; outer limiting m., not a m. but a row of junctional complexes. SYN: membrana limitans (1) .
medullary m. SYN: endosteum.
mitochondrial m. the double biomembrane surrounding the mitochondrion.
mucous membranes mucosa.
mucous m. of bronchus mucosa of bronchi.
mucous m. of ductus deferens mucosa of ductus deferens.
mucous m. of esophagus mucosa of esophagus.
mucous m. of female urethra mucosa of female urethra.
mucous m. of gallbladder mucosa of gallbladder.
mucous m. of large intestine mucosa of large intestine.
mucous m. of larynx mucosa of larynx.
mucous m. of male urethra SYN: mucosa of male urethra.
mucous m. of nose mucosa of nose.
mucous m. of pharyngotympanic auditory tube mucosa of pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube.
mucous m. of pharynx SYN: mucosa of pharynx.
mucous m. of small intestine mucosa of small intestine.
mucous m. of stomach mucosa of stomach.
mucous m. of tongue mucosa of tongue.
mucous m. of trachea mucosa of trachea.
mucous m. of tympanic cavity mucosa of tympanic cavity.
mucous m. of ureter mucosa of ureter.
mucous m. of urinary bladder mucosa of (urinary) bladder.
mucous m. of uterine tube mucosa of uterine tube.
mucous m. of vagina mucosa of vagina.
Nasmyth m. SYN: enamel cuticle.
nictitating m. SYN: plica semilunaris of conjunctiva (2) .
Nitabuch m. a layer of fibrin between the boundary zone of compact endometrium and the cytotrophoblastic shell in the placenta. SYN: Nitabuch layer, Nitabuch stria.
nuclear m. SYN: nuclear envelope.
obturator m. [TA] the thin m. of strong interlacing fibers filling the obturator foramen and with the surrounding bone, giving origin to the obturator externus and internus muscles. SYN: membrana obturatoria [TA] .
olfactory m. SYN: olfactory region of nose.
oral m. SYN: buccopharyngeal m..
oronasal m. SYN: bucconasal m..
oropharyngeal m. SYN: buccopharyngeal m..
otolithic m. a gelatinous m. supported by the hairs of the hair cells of the maculae of the saccule and utriculus of the inner ear; adhering to the surface are numerous crystalline particles called otoliths (statoconia). SYN: membrana statoconiorum [TA] , statoconial m..
outer m. the larger of the two membranes of a double m..
ovular m. SYN: membrana vitellina (1) .
Payr m. a fold of peritoneum that crosses over the left flexure of the colon.
pericardiopleural m. SYN: pleuropericardial fold.
peridental m. SYN: periodontium.
perineal m. [TA] the layer of fascia extending between the ischiopubic rami inferior to the sphincter urethrae and the deep transverse perineal muscles. SYN: membrana perinei [TA] , Camper ligament, ligamentum triangulare, triangular ligament.
periodontal m. periodontium.
periorbital m. SYN: periorbita.
pharyngeal membranes SYN: closing membranes.
pial-glial m. the dual outer lining of the brain and spinal cord, composed of the glial limiting m. and the pia mater.
pituitary m. SYN: mucosa of nose.
placental m. the semipermeable layer of fetal tissue separating the maternal from the fetal blood in the placenta; composed of: 1) endothelium of the fetal vessels in the chorionic villi, 2) stromata of the villi, 3) cytotrophoblast (negligible after the fifth month of gestation), and 4) syncytial trophoblast covering the villi; the placental m. acts as a selective m. regulating passage of substances from the maternal to the fetal blood. SYN: placental barrier.
plasma m. SYN: cell m..
pleuropericardial m. SYN: pleuropericardial fold.
pleuroperitoneal m. SYN: pleuroperitoneal fold.
posterior atlanto-occipital m. [TA] the fibrous m. that attaches between the posterior arch of the atlas and the posterior margin of the foramen magnum. SYN: membrana atlanto-occipitalis posterior [TA] .
postsynaptic m. that part of the plasma m. of a neuron or muscle fiber with which an axon terminal forms a synaptic junction; in many instances, at least part of such a small postsynaptic m. patch shows characteristic morphological modifications such as greater thickness and higher electron density, believed to correspond to the transmitter-sensitive receptor site of such synapses.
presynaptic m. that part of the plasma m. of an axon terminal that faces the plasma m. of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synaptic junction; many synaptic junctions exhibit structural presynaptic characteristics, such as conical, electron-dense internal protrusions, that distinguish it from the remainder of the axon's plasma m.. SEE ALSO: synapse.
primary egg m. egg m..
proligerous m. SYN: cumulus oöphorus.
proper m. of semicircular duct [TA] the meshwork of connective tissue fibers between the semicircular duct and the bony semicircular canal; it forms a delicate meshwork within the otherwise perilymph-filled perilymphatic space. SYN: membrana propria ductus semicircularis, membrana propria of semicircular duct.
prophylactic m. SYN: pyogenic m..
pupillary m. remnants of the central portion of the anterior layer of the iris stroma (the iridopupillary lamina) which occludes the pupil in fetal life, and normally atrophies about the seventh month of gestation. Persistent strands usually stretch across the pupil from one iris collarette to the other, without touching the pupillary margin. Failure to regress is a rare cause of congenital blindness. SYN: membrana pupillaris, Wachendorf m. (1) .
pyogenic m. a layer of pus cells lining an abscess cavity which have not yet autolyzed. SYN: prophylactic m..
quadrangular m. [TA] portion of the fibroelastic m. of the larynx that lies superior to the laryngeal ventricle; its slightly thickened inferior edge, the vestibular ligament, unlerlies the vestibular fold of the larynx; it attaches anteriorly to the epiglottis and posteriorly to the lateral margin of the arytenoid and corniculate cartilages; its upper portion underlies the mucosa of the aryepiglottic fold, which separates the laryngeal vestibule from the piriform fossa of the laryngopharynx. SYN: membrana quadrangularis [TA] , Tourtual m..
Reissner m. SYN: vestibular surface of cochlear duct.
reticular m. of spinal organ the m. formed by cuticular plates of the cells of the spiral organ of Corti; it appears netlike when viewed from above. SYN: membrana reticularis organi spiralis [TA] .
Rivinus m. SYN: flaccid part of tympanic m..
round window m. SYN: secondary tympanic m..
Ruysch m. SYN: capillary lamina of choroid.
Scarpa m. SYN: secondary tympanic m..
schneiderian m. SYN: mucosa of nose.
Schultze m. SYN: olfactory region of nasal mucosa.
secondary egg m. egg m..
secondary tympanic m. [TA] the m. closing the round window (fenestra cochleae). SYN: membrana tympani secundaria [TA] , round window m., Scarpa m..
semipermeable m. a m. that is relatively permeable to the solvent but relatively impermeable to all or at least some of the solutes in either or both of the solutions separated by the m..
serous m. SYN: serosa.
Shrapnell m. SYN: flaccid part of tympanic m..
spiral m. tympanic surface of cochlear duct.
stapedial m. [TA] the delicate mucosal layer that bridges the space between the crura and base of the stapes. SYN: membrana stapedis [TA] .
statoconial m. SYN: otolithic m..
sternal m. [TA] interlacing fibers from the anterior costosternal ligaments covering the anterior surface of the sternum. SYN: membrana sterni [TA] .
striated m. SYN: zona striata.
suprapleural m. [TA] the thickened portion of endothoracic fascia extending over the cupola of the pleura and reinforcing it; it attaches to the inner border of the first rib and to the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebra. SYN: membrana suprapleuralis [TA] , Sibson aponeurosis, Sibson fascia.
synovial m. [TA] the connective tissue m. that lines the cavity of a synovial joint and produces the synovial fluid; it lines all internal surfaces of the cavity except for the articular cartilage of the bones. SYN: membrana synovialis [TA] , stratum synoviale, synovium.
tectorial m. of cochlear duct [TA] a gelatinous m. that overlies the spiral organ (Corti) in the inner ear. SYN: membrana tectoria ductus cochlearis [TA] , Corti m., tectorium (2) .
tectorial m. (of median atlantoaxial joint) [TA] the upward continuation of the anterior part of the posterior longitudinal ligament attached to (spanning between) the upper surface of the basilar portion of the occipital bone and the bodies of the second and third cervical vertebrae; it forms a “roof” over the median atlantoaxial joint. SYN: membrana tectoria (articulationis atlantoaxialis medianae) [TA] , apparatus ligamentosus weitbrechti, posterior occipitoaxial ligament.
tertiary egg m. egg m..
thyrohyoid m. [TA] a thin, fibrous, membranous sheet filling the gap between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage. SYN: membrana thyrohyoidea [TA] , membrana hyothyroidea.
Toldt m. the anterior layer of the renal fascia.
Tourtual m. SYN: quadrangular m..
tympanic m. [TA] a thin tense m. forming the greater part of the lateral wall of the tympanic cavity and separating it from the external acoustic meatus; it constitutes the boundary between the external and middle ear; it is a trilaminar m. covered with skin on its external surface, mucosa in its internal surface, is covered on both surfaces with epithelium, and, in the tense part, has an intermediate layer of outer radial and inner circular collagen fibers. SYN: membrana tympani [TA] , drum m., drum, drumhead, m. of tympanum, myringa, myrinx.
m. of tympanum SYN: tympanic m..
undulating m., undulatory m. a locomotory organelle of certain flagellate (trypanosome and trichomonad) parasites, consisting of a finlike extension of the limiting m. with the flagellar sheath; wavelike rippling of the undulating m. produces a characteristic movement.
unit m. the trilaminar structure of the plasmalemma and other intercellular membranes, when seen in cross-section with the electron microscope, composed of two electron-dense laminae approximately 20 Å thick separated by a less dense lamina 35 Å thick.
urogenital m. the ventral portion of the embryonic cloacal m. after its division by the urorectal septum.
urorectal m. in the embryo, urorectal septum separating the cloaca into urogenital sinus and rectum. SYN: urorectal fold.
uteroepichorial m. rarely used term for decidua parietalis.
vaginal synovial m. SYN: synovial tendon sheath.
vestibular m. vestibular surface of cochlear duct.
virginal m. obsolete term for hymen.
vitelline m. SYN: membrana vitellina (1) .
vitreous m. 1. SYN: posterior limiting lamina of cornea. 2. a condensation of fine collagen fibers in places in the cortex of the vitreous body; formerly thought to form a m. or capsule at its periphery; 3. SYN: lamina basalis choroideae.
Wachendorf m. 1. SYN: pupillary m.. 2. SYN: cell m..
yolk m. SYN: membrana vitellina.
Zinn m. the anterior layer of the iris.

membranectomy
membranectomy (mem-bra-nek′to-me)

Removal of the membranes of a subdural hematoma. [membrane + G. ektome, excision]

membranelle
membranelle (mem-bra-nel′)

A minute membrane formed of fused cilia, found in certain ciliate protozoa.

membraniform
membraniform (mem-bra′ni-form)

Of the appearance or character of a membrane. SYN: membranoid.

membranocartilaginous
membranocartilaginous (mem′bra-no-kar-ti-laj′i-nus)

1. Partly membranous and partly cartilaginous. 2. Derived from both a mesenchymal membrane and cartilage; denoting certain bones.

membranoid
membranoid (mem′bra-noyd)

SYN: membraniform.

membranous
membranous (mem′bra-nus)

Relating to or of the form of a membrane. SYN: hymenoid (1) , membranaceous.

membrum
membrum, pl .membra (mem′brum, mem′bra)

A limb; a member. [L. member]
m. inferius [TA] SYN: lower limb.
m. muliebre obsolete term for clitoris.
m. superius [TA] SYN: upper limb.
m. virile SYN: penis.

memory
memory (mem′o-re)

1. General term for the recollection of that which was once experienced or learned. 2. The mental information processing system that receives (registers), modifies, stores, and retrieves informational stimuli; composed of three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. [L. memoria]
affect m. the emotional element recurring whenever a significant experience is recalled.
anterograde m. m. for that which occurred after an event such as a brain injury.
long-term m. (LTM) that phase of the m. process considered the permanent storehouse of information which has been registered, encoded, passed into the short-term m., coded, rehearsed, and finally transferred and stored for future retrieval; material and information retained in LTM underlies cognitive abilities.
remote m. m. for events of long ago as opposed to recent events.
retrograde m. m. for that which occurred before an event such as a brain injury.
screen m. in psychoanalysis, a consciously tolerable m. that unwittingly serves as a cover for another associated m. which would be emotionally painful if recalled.
selective m. reception or retrieval of only some of the events in an experience.
senile m. m. that is good for remote events, often in contrast to current events; characteristically seen in aged or demented persons.
short-term m. (STM) that phase of the m. process in which stimuli that have been recognized and registered are stored briefly; decay occurs rapidly, sometimes within seconds, but may be held indefinitely by using rehearsal as a holding process by which to recycle material over and over through STM. SYN: temporary m..
subconscious m. information not immediately available for recall.
temporary m. SYN: short-term m..

MEN
MEN

Abbreviation for multiple endocrine neoplasia.

MEN1
MEN1

Abbreviation for multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1.

MEN2A
MEN2A

Abbreviation for multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2A.

menacme
menacme (me-nak′me)

The period of menstrual activity in a woman's life. [G. men, month, + akme, prime]

menadiol diacetate
menadiol diacetate (men-a-di′ol)

Menadiol acetylated at both hydroxyl groups; a prothrombogenic vitamin. SYN: acetomenaphthone, vitamin K₄.

menadiol sodium diphosphate
menadiol sodium diphosphate

A dihydro derivative of menadione, with similar vitamin K activity.

menadione
menadione (men-a-di′on)

The root of compounds that are 3-multiprenyl derivatives of m. and known as the menaquinones or vitamins K₂. SYN: menaphthone, vitamin K₃.
m. reductase SYN: NADPH dehydrogenase (quinone).
m. sodium bisulfite it possesses the same action and is used for the same purposes as m. or vitamin K; it differs, however, from m. in being water-soluble.

menaphthone
menaphthone (men-a-naf′thon)

SYN: menadione.

menaquinone
menaquinone (MK, MQ) (men′a-kwin′on, -kwi′non)

The class name for a series of 2-methyl-3-all-trans-polyprenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinones (vitamins K₂).

menaquinone-6
menaquinone-6 (MK-6)

Hexaprenylmenaquinone; prenylmenaquinone-6;isolated from putrified fish meal; potency is about 60% of that of phylloquinone (vitamin K₁). SYN: farnoquinone, vitamin K₂, vitamin K₂(30).

menaquinone-7
menaquinone-7 (MK-7)

Menaquinone-6 with a 3-heptaprenyl side chain. SYN: vitamin K₂(35).

menarche
menarche (me-nar′ke)

Establishment of the menstrual function; the time of the first menstrual period. [G. men, month, + arche, beginning]

menarcheal
menarcheal, menarchial (me-nar′ke-al)

Pertaining to the menarche.

Mendel
Mendel

Gregor J., Austrian geneticist, 1822–1884. See mendelian character, mendelian inheritance, mendelian ratio, M. first law, M. second law.

Mendel
Mendel

Kurt, German neurologist, 1874–1946. See M. instep reflex, Bechterew-M. reflex.

Mendeléeff
Mendeléeff, Mendeleev

Dimitri (Dmitri) I., Russian chemist, 1834–1907. See mendelevium, M. law.

mendelevium
mendelevium (Md) (men-de-le′ve-um)

An element, atomic no. 101, atomic wt. 258.1, prepared in 1955 by bombardment of einsteinium with alpha particles. [D. Mendeléeff]

mendelian
mendelian (men-de′le-an)

Attributed to or described by Gregor Mendel; usually referring to the behavior and the mechanism of the genetic transmission of single-locus traits.

Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Mendelian Inheritance in Man (MIM)

A standard, comprehensive, regularly updated reference source for traits in humans that have been shown to be mendelian or that are thought on reasonable grounds to be so. Each entry has a six-digit catalog number. Those securely established (by molecular biology or by extensive clinical studies) are marked with an asterisk.

mendelism
mendelism (men′del-izm)

The hereditary principles of single gene traits derived from Mendel laws.

mendelizing
mendelizing (men′del-iz-ing)

Denoting a pattern of inheritance of a trait that corresponds phenotypically to the segregation of known or putative genes at one genetic locus.

Mendelson
Mendelson

Curtis L., U.S. physician, *1913.

Ménétrier
Ménétrier

Pierre E., French physician, 1859–1935. See M. disease, M. syndrome.

Menge
Menge

Karl, German gynecologist, 1864–1945. See M. pessary.

Ménière
Ménière

Prosper, French physician, 1799–1862. See M. disease, M. syndrome.

mening- mening-

See meningo-.

meningeal
meningeal (me-nin′je-al, men′in-je′al)

Relating to the meninges.

meningeocortical
meningeocortical (me-nin′je-o-kor′ti-kal)

SYN: meningocortical.

meningeorrhaphy
meningeorrhaphy (me-nin′je-or′a-fe)

Suture of the cranial or spinal meninges or of any membrane. [G. meninx (mening-), membrane, + rhaphe, suture]

meninges
meninges (me-nin′jez) [TA]

Plural of meninx.

meningioangiomatosis
meningioangiomatosis (me-nin′je-o-an′je-o-ma-to-sis)

Proliferation of vessels and meningothelial cells, associated with epilepsy and neurofibromatosis.

meningioma
meningioma (me-nin′je-o′ma)

A benign, encapsulated neoplasm of arachnoidal origin, occurring most frequently in adults; most frequent form consists of elongated, fusiform cells in whorls and pseudolobules with psammoma bodies frequently present; meningiomas tend to occur along the superior sagittal sinus, along the sphenoid ridge, or in the vicinity of the optic chiasm; in addition to meningothelial m., fibrous, transitional, metaplastic, psammomatous, secretory, clear cell, papillary, chordoid, and lymphoplasmocytic varieties are recognized. [mening- + G. -oma, tumor]
cutaneous m. a lesion in the skin and subcutis composed of meningeal cells; occurs as a developmental lesion in children or as an extension of an intracranial m. in adults.
malignant m. m. that either invades brain parenchyma or metastasizes.
psammomatous m. a firm cellular neoplasm derived from fibrous tissue of the meninges, choroid plexus, and certain other structures associated with the brain, characterized by the formation of multiple, discrete, concentrically laminated, calcareous bodies (psammoma bodies); most of these neoplasms are histologically benign, but may lead to severe symptoms as a result of compressing the brain. SYN: sand tumor, Virchow psammoma.

meningiomatosis
meningiomatosis (me-nin′je-o-ma-to′sis)

The presence of multiple meningiomas, sometimes seen in von Recklinghausen disease.

meningism
meningism (men′in-jizm, me-nin′jizm)

A condition in which the symptoms simulate a meningitis, but in which no actual inflammation of these membranes is present. SYN: pseudomeningitis.

meningitic
meningitic (men′in-jit′ik)

Relating to or characterized by meningitis.

meningitis
meningitis, pl .meningitides (men-in-ji′tis, -jit′i-dez; -jit′i-dez)

Inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord. SEE ALSO: arachnoiditis, leptomeningitis. SYN: cerebrospinal m.. [mening- + G. itis, inflammation]
basilar m. m. at the base of the brain, due usually to tuberculosis, syphilis, or any low-grade chronic granulomatous process; may result in an internal hydrocephalus.
cerebrospinal m. SYN: m..
eosinophilic m. SYN: angiostrongylosis.
epidemic cerebrospinal m. SYN: meningococcal m..
epidural m. SYN: pachymeningitis externa.
external m. SYN: pachymeningitis externa.
internal m. SYN: pachymeningitis interna.
listeria m. SYN: listeriosis.
meningococcal m. an acute infectious disease of children and young adults, caused by Neisseria meningitidis characterized by fever, headache, photophobia, vomiting, nuchal rigidity, seizures, coma, and a purpuric eruption; even in the absence of m., meningococcemia can induce toxic phenomena such as vasculitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, shock, and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome due to adrenal hemorrhage; late complications include paralysis, mental retardation, and gangrene of extremities. SYN: cerebrospinal fever, epidemic cerebrospinal m..Approximately 2500 cases of invasive meningococcal disease occur annually in the U.S., with a case fatality rate of 10–15%. The incidence of endemic meningococcal disease peaks between late winter and early spring. Attack rates and case fatality rates are highest among children aged 6–12 months. Household exposure to tobacco smoke is a risk factor for meningococcal disease in children. Organisms are spread from person to person by direct contact and in saliva and respiratory secretions. The epidemiology of meningococcal disease is poorly understood. The nasopharyngeal carriage rate in the general population is 5–10%. This asymptomatic carrier state can persist for months or years and may confer protection against invasive disease. During epidemics of meningococcal m., the carrier rate can approach 95%, yet fewer than 1% may develop the disease. Diagnosis is established by the finding of meningococci in cerebrospinal fluid or blood. Because meningococcemia can progress fulminantly to an irreversible stage, intravenous penicillin G, ampicillin, or chloramphenicol is begun as soon as the diagnosis is suspected, usually before laboratory confirmation. Intensive support of vital functions is crucial during the acute phase. Close contacts of known cases are treated prophylactically with rifampin or ciprofloxacin; mass prophylaxis may be appropriate in a confirmed institutional outbreak. A quadrivalent vaccine has been effective in preventing meningococcal disease due to serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y. Shortcomings of the vaccine are that it does not protect against serogroup B, which causes 30–40% of meningococcal disease in the U.S.; does not interrupt the carrier state; does not induce immunity quickly enough to protect a person already infected; and protects for only 4–5 years. Routine immunization is recommended only for military recruits, travelers to endemic areas, and others known to be at long-term high risk. A major objection to infant vaccination has been the poor induction of immunity in this age group to serogroup C, which causes 45% of m. in the U.S. Use of a meningococcal C vaccine conjugated to protein has yielded high initial titers of anticapsular and bactericidal antibody in infants and toddlers, as well as more prolonged protection and better response to booster doses.
Mollaret m. a recurrent aseptic m.; febrile illness accompanied by headaches, malaise, meningeal signs, and cerebrospinal fluid monocytes.
neoplastic m. infiltration of subarachnoid space by neoplastic cells, typically medulloblastoma or metastatic carcinoma. SYN: neoplastic arachnoiditis.
occlusive m. leptomeningitis causing occlusion of the spinal fluid pathways.
otitic m. infection of the meninges secondary to otitis media or mastoiditis.
serous m. acute m. with secondary external hydrocephalus.
tuberculous m. inflammation of the cerebral leptomeninges marked by the presence of granulomatous inflammation; it is usually confined to the base of the brain (basilar m., internal hydrocephalus) and is accompanied in children by an accumulation of spinal fluid in the ventricles (acute hydrocephalus). SYN: cerebral tuberculosis (1) .

meningo- meningo-, mening-

The meninges. [G. meninx, membrane]

meningocele
meningocele (me-ning′go-sel)

Protrusion of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord through a defect in the skull or spinal column. [meningo- + G. kele, tumor]
spurious m. an extracranial or extraspinal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, due to meningeal tear. SYN: traumatic m..
traumatic m. SYN: spurious m..

meningococcemia
meningococcemia (me-ning′go-kok-se′me-a)

Presence of meningococci (N. meningitidis) in the circulating blood.
acute fulminating m. rapidly moving systemic infection with Neisseria meningitidis, usually without meningitis, characterized by rash, usually petechial or purpuric, high fever, and hypotension. May lead to death within hours.

meningococcus
meningococcus, pl .meningococci (me-ning′go-kok′us, -kok′si)

SYN: Neisseria meningitidis. [meningo- + G. kokkos, berry]

meningocortical
meningocortical (me-ning′go-kor′ti-kal)

Relating to the meninges and the cortex of the brain. SYN: meningeocortical.

meningocyte
meningocyte (me-ning′go-sit)

A mesenchymal epithelial cell of the subarachnoid space; it may become a macrophage. [meningo- + G. kytos, cell]

meningoencephalitis
meningoencephalitis (me-ning′go-en-sef′al-i′tis)

An inflammation of the brain and its membranes. SYN: cerebromeningitis, encephalomeningitis. [meningo- + G. enkephalos, brain, + -itis, inflammation]
acute primary hemorrhagic m. SYN: acute epidemic leukoencephalitis.
biundulant m. SYN: tick-borne encephalitis (Central European subtype).
chronic progressive syphilitic m. SYN: paretic neurosyphilis.
eosinophilic m. a disease caused by infection with the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, whose larvae, ingested with infected slugs or land snails (or some unidentified transport host), migrate from intestine to the meninges of the brain where the disease is produced; it is usually mild, of short duration, and characterized by fever, eosinophilia, and white blood cells (rarely nematode larvae) in the spinal fluid.
herpetic m. a severe form of m. caused by herpesvirus type 1 and associated with a high mortality rate.
mumps m. a usually benign nervous system infection arising during the active phase of clinical mumps parotiditis.
primary amebic m. an invasive, rapidly fatal cerebral infection by soil amebae, chiefly Naegleria fowleri, found in humans and other primates and experimentally in rodents; the disease is characterized by a high fever, neck rigidity, and symptoms associated with upper respiratory infection such as cough and nausea; although organisms have been cultured from various organs, the brain is the primary focus, especially the olfactory lobes and cerebral cortex, which are first attacked by the amebae that enter from nasal mucosa through the cribriform plate; death usually occurs two to three days after onset of symptoms.
syphilitic m. a secondary or tertiary stage manifestation of syphilis; rarely fatal.

meningoencephalocele
meningoencephalocele (me-ning′go-en-sef′a-lo-sel)

A protrusion of the meninges and brain through a congenital defect in the cranium, usually in the frontal or occipital region. SYN: encephalomeningocele. [meningo- + G. enkephalos, brain, + kele, hernia]

meningoencephalomyelitis
meningoencephalomyelitis (me-ning′go-en-sef′a-lo-mi-e-li′tis)

Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord together with their membranes. [meningo + G. enkephalos, brain, + myelos, marrow, + -itis, inflammation]

meningoencephalopathy
meningoencephalopathy (me-ning′go-en-sef-a-lop′a-the)

Disorder affecting the meninges and the brain. SYN: encephalomeningopathy. [meningo- + G. enkephalos, brain, + pathos, suffering]

meningomyelitis
meningomyelitis (me-ning′go-mi′e-li′tis)

Inflammation of the spinal cord and of its enveloping arachnoid and pia mater, and less commonly also of the dura mater. [meningo- + G. myelos, marrow, + -itis, inflammation]

meningomyelocele
meningomyelocele (me-ning-go-mi′e-lo-sel)

Protrusion of the spinal cord and its membranes through a defect in the vertebral column. SYN: myelocystomeningocele, myelomeningocele. [meningo- + G. myelos, marrow, + kele, tumor]

meningo-osteophlebitis
meningo-osteophlebitis (me-ning′go′os-te-o-fle-bi′tis)

Inflammation of the veins of the periosteum.

meningoradicular
meningoradicular (me-ning′go-ra-dik′u-lar)

Relating to the meninges covering cranial or spinal nerve roots. [meningo- + L. radix, root]

meningoradiculitis
meningoradiculitis (me-ning′go-ra-dik-u-li′tis)

Inflammation of the meninges and roots of the nerves.

meningorrhachidian
meningorrhachidian (me-ning′go-ra-kid′e-an)

Relating to the spinal cord and its membranes. [meningo- + G. rhachis, spine]

meningorrhagia
meningorrhagia (me-ning′go-ra′je-a)

Hemorrhage into or beneath the cerebral or spinal meninges. [meningo- + G. rhegnymi, to burst forth]

meningosis
meningosis (men′ing-go′sis)

Membranous union of bones, as in the skull of the newborn. [meningo- + G. -osis, condition]

meningovascular
meningovascular (me-ning′go-vas′ku-lar)

Concerning the blood vessels in the meninges; or the meninges and blood vessels.

meninguria
meninguria (men-ing-goo′re-a)

The passage of membraniform shreds in the urine. [meningo- + G. ouron, urine]

meninx
meninx, gen. meningis, pl .meninges (me′ninks, -jez; men′ingks; me-nin′jes) [TA]

Any membrane; specifically, one of the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord. SEE ALSO: arachnoid mater, dura mater, pia mater, leptomeninx. [Mod. L. fr. G. m., membrane]
m. fibrosa rarely used term for dura mater.
m. primitiva SYN: primitive m..
primitive m. the embryonic loose mesenchymatous tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord; from it the three definite meninges (arachnoid mater, dura mater, and pia mater) are derived. SYN: m. primitiva.
m. tenuis SYN: leptomeninx.
vascular m. rarely used term for pia mater. SYN: m. vasculosa.
m. vasculosa SYN: vascular m..

meniscectomy
meniscectomy (men′i-sek′to-me)

Excision of a meniscus, usually from the knee joint. [G. meniskos, crescent (meniscus) + ektome, excision]

menisci
menisci (me-nis′si)

Plural of meniscus.

meniscitis
meniscitis (men′i-si′tis)

Inflammation of a fibrocartilaginous meniscus. [G. meniskos, crescent (meniscus), + -itis, inflammation]

meniscocyte
meniscocyte (me-nis′ko-sit)

SYN: sickle cell. [G. meniskos, a crescent, + kytos, a hollow (cell)]

meniscopexy
meniscopexy (me-nis′ko-pek-se)

Surgical procedure anchoring the medial meniscus to its former attachment. SYN: meniscorrhaphy. [menisco- + G. pexis, fixation]

meniscorrhaphy
meniscorrhaphy (men-is-kor′a-fe)

SYN: meniscopexy. [menisco- + G. rhaphe, suture]

meniscotome
meniscotome (me-nis′ko-tom)

An instrument used in the removal of a meniscus. [G. meniskos, crescent (meniscus) + tome, incision]

meniscus
meniscus, pl .menisci (me-nis′kus, me-nis′si)

1. SYN: m. lens. 2. [TA] A crescent-shaped intraarticular fibrocartilage found in certain joints. 3. A crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure of the knee, the acromio- and sternoclavicular and the temporomandibular joints. [G. meniskos, crescent]
articular m. SYN: m. lens.
m. articularis SYN: m. lens.
converging m. a convexoconcave lens in which the power of the convexity exceeds that of the concavity. SYN: positive m..
diverging m. a convexoconcave lens in which the power of the concavity exceeds that of the convexity. SYN: negative m..
lateral m. [TA] crescent-shaped intraarticular cartilage of the knee joint attached to the lateral border of the upper articular surface of the tibia, occupying the space surrounding the contacting surfaces of the femur and tibia. SYN: m. lateralis [TA] , external semilunar fibrocartilage.
m. lateralis [TA] SYN: lateral m..
medial m. [TA] crescent-shaped intraarticular cartilage of the knee joint attached to the medial border of the upper articular surface of the tibia occupying the space surrounding the contacting surfaces of the femur and tibia. SYN: m. medialis [TA] , falciform cartilage, internal semilunar fibrocartilage of knee joint.
m. medialis [TA] SYN: medial m..
negative m. SYN: diverging m..
periscopic m. SYN: aplanatic lens.
positive m. SYN: converging m..
tactile m. a specialized tactile sensory nerve ending in the epidermis, characterized by a terminal cuplike expansion of an intraepidermal axon in contact with the base of a single modified keratinocyte. SYN: m. tactus, Merkel corpuscle, Merkel tactile cell, Merkel tactile disk, tactile disk.
m. tactus SYN: tactile m..

Menkes
Menkes

John H., U.S. neurologist, *1928. See M. syndrome.

meno- meno-

The menses, menstruation. [G. men, month]

menocelis
menocelis (men-o-se′lis)

A dark macular or petechial eruption sometimes occurring in cases of amenorrhea. [meno- + G. kelis, spot]

menometrorrhagia
menometrorrhagia (men′o-me-tro-ra′je-a)

Irregular or excessive bleeding during menstruation and between menstrual periods. [meno- + G. metra, uterus, + rhegnymi, to burst forth]

menopausal
menopausal (men′o-paw-zal)

Associated with or occasioned by the menopause.

menopause
menopause (men′o-pawz)

Permanent cessation of the menses; termination of the menstrual life. [meno- + G. pausis, cessation]
premature m. failure of cyclic ovarian function before age 40. SYN: premature ovarian failure.

menophania
menophania (men-o-fa′ne-a)

First sign of the menses at puberty. [meno- + G. phaino, to show]

Menopon
Menopon (men′o-pon)

A genus of biting lice (family Menoponidae, order Mallophaga) found on birds; it includes important pests that infect domestic fowl, such as M. gallinae (M. pallidum), the shaft louse of poultry, a light yellow louse about 1.7 to 2.0 mm long, found on barnyard fowl, ducks, and pigeons.

menorrhagia
menorrhagia (men-o-ra′je-a)

SYN: hypermenorrhea. [meno- + G. rhegnymi, to burst forth]

menorrhalgia
menorrhalgia (men-o-ral′je-a)

SYN: dysmenorrhea. [meno- + G. algos, pain]

menotropins
menotropins (men-o-tro′pinz)

Extract of postmenopausal urine containing primarily the follicle-stimulating hormone. SEE ALSO: human menopausal gonadotropin, urofollitropin.

menouria
menouria (men-o-u′re-a)

Menstruation occurring through the urinary bladder as a result of vesicouterine fistula. [meno- + G. ouron, urine, + -ia, condition]

menoxenia
menoxenia (men-o-ze′ne-a, men′ok-se′ne-a)

Any abnormality of menstruation. [meno- + G. xenos, strange]

menses
menses (men′sez)

A periodic physiologic hemorrhage, occurring at approximately 4-week intervals, and having its source from the uterine mucous membrane; usually the bleeding is preceded by ovulation and predecidual changes in the endometrium. SEE ALSO: menstrual cycle. SYN: menstrual period. [L. pl. of mensis, month]

menstrual
menstrual (men′stroo-al)

Relating to the menses. [L. menstrualis]

menstruant
menstruant (men′stroo-ant)

Menstruating.

menstruate
menstruate (men′stroo-at)

To undergo menstruation. [L. menstruo, pp. -atus, to be menstruant]

menstruation
menstruation (men-stroo-a′shun)

Cyclic endometrial shedding and discharge of a bloody fluid from the uterus during the menstrual cycle. [see menstruate]
anovular m. menstrual bleeding without recent ovulation; also occurs in subhuman primates. SYN: anovulational m., nonovulational m..
anovulational m. SYN: anovular m..
nonovulational m. SYN: anovular m..
retained m. SYN: hematocolpos.
retrograde m. a flow of menstrual blood back through the fallopian tubes; it sometimes carries with it endometrial cells.
supplementary m. bleeding from the navel or urinary tract due to endometriosis occurring at the time of m..
suppressed m. nonappearance of menstrual bleeding from whatever cause.
vicarious m. bleeding from any surface other than the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity, occurring periodically at the time when the normal m. should take place.

menstruum
menstruum, pl .menstrua (men′stroo-um, -stroo-a)

Old term for solvent. [Mediev. L. menstrual fluid, thought to possess certain solvent properties, ntr. of L. menstruus, monthly]

mensual
mensual (men′soo-al, -shoo-al)

Monthly. [L. mensis, month]

mensuration
mensuration (men-soo-ra′shun)

The act or process of measuring. [L. mensuratio, fr. mensuro, to measure]

mental
mental

1. Relating to the mind. [L. mens (ment-), mind] 2. Relating to the chin. SYN: genial, genian. [L. mentum, chin]

mentalis
mentalis (men-ta′lis)

See m. (muscle). [L.]

mentality
mentality (men-tal′i-te)

The functional attributes of the mind; mental activity.

mentation
mentation (men-ta′shun)

The process of reasoning and thinking.

Menten
Menten

Maud L., Canadian pathologist in U.S., 1879–1960. See Michaelis-M. constant, Michaelis-M. hypothesis.

Mentha
Mentha (men′tha)

A genus of plants of the family Labiatae. M. piperita is peppermint; M. pulegium, pennyroyal; M. viridis, spearmint. SYN: mint. [L.]

menthane
menthane (men′than)

The monocyclic terpene parent of alcohols such as menthol and terpin.

menthol
menthol

An alcohol obtained from peppermint oil or other mint oils, or prepared synthetically; used as an antipruritic and topical anesthetic, in nasal sprays, cough drops, and inhalers, and as a flavoring agent. SYN: peppermint camphor.
camphorated m. a liquid obtained by triturating equal parts of camphor and m.; was used locally as a counterirritant and (diluted) as a spray in rhinitis and pharyngitis.

menthyl salicylate
menthyl salicylate

Used as a sunscreen to filter out ultraviolet light in preparations to protect the skin from sunburn.

mentolabialis
mentolabialis (men′to-la-be-a′lis)

The mentalis and depressor labii inferioris considered as one muscle. [L.]

menton
menton

In cephalometrics, the lowermost point in the symphysial shadow as seen on a lateral jaw projection. [L. mentum, chin]

mentoplasty
mentoplasty (men′to-plas-te)

Plastic surgery of the chin, whereby its shape or size is altered. [L. mentum, chin, + G. plastos, formed]

mentum
mentum, gen. menti (men′tum, -ti) [TA]

SYN: chin. [L.]

menyanthes
menyanthes (men-yan′thez)

SYN: buckbean.

mepacrine hydrochloride
mepacrine hydrochloride (mep′a-kren)

SYN: quinacrine hydrochloride.

mepazine acetate
mepazine acetate (mep′a-zene)

A phenothiazine derivative with actions and uses similar to those of chlorpromazine. Also available as m. hydrochloride.

mepenzolate bromide
mepenzolate bromide (me-pen′zo-lat)

An anticholinergic drug.

meperidine hydrochloride
meperidine hydrochloride (me-per′i-den)

A widely used narcotic analgesic. SYN: pethidine.

mephenesin
mephenesin (me-fen′e-sin)

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant; also available as m. carbamate.

mephentermine
mephentermine (me-fen′ter-men)

A sympathomimetic amine.
m. sulfate used topically as a nasal decongestant and systemically for its pressor effects in acute hypotensive states.

mephenytoin
mephenytoin (me-fen′i-to-in)

An anticonvulsant used when safer agents prove inadequate; used in drug metabolism studies.

mephitic
mephitic (me-fit′ik)

Foul, poisonous, or noxious. [L. mephitis, a noxious exhalation]

mephobarbital
mephobarbital (mef-o-bar′bi-tawl)

Used as a sedative and long-acting hypnotic, and as an anticonvulsant in the management of epilepsy; converted to phenobarbital in the body.

mepivacaine hydrochloride
mepivacaine hydrochloride (me-piv′a-kan)

A local anesthetic agent.

meprobamate
meprobamate (me-pro′ba-mat)

A skeletal muscle relaxant with action similar to that produced by mephenesin but of longer duration; used in the management of certain disorders associated with abnormal motor activity, as a mild hypnotic, and as an antianxiety agent.

meptazinol
meptazinol (mep-taz′i-nol)

A narcotic analgesic mixed agonist/antagonist (like pentazocine) which is about one-tenth as potent as morphine in producing analgesia. Though its abuse potential is less than that of pure agonists, the drug can precipitate an abstinence syndrome in persons dependent on opioids.

mepyramine maleate
mepyramine maleate (me-pir′a-men)

SYN: pyrilamine maleate.

mepyrapone
mepyrapone (me-pir′a-pon)

SYN: metyrapone.

mEq
mEq, meq

Abbreviation for milliequivalent.

-mer -mer

1. Chemical suffix attached to a prefix such as mono-, di-, poly-, tri-, etc., to indicate the smallest unit of a repeating structure; e.g., polymer. 2. Suffix denoting a member of a particular group; e.g., isomer, enantiomer.

meralgia
meralgia (me-ral′je-a)

Pain in the thigh; specifically, m. paresthetica. [G. meros, thigh, + algos, pain]
m. paresthetica burning pain, tingling, pruritus, or formication along the lateral aspect of the thigh in the distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve due to entrapment of that nerve; affected skin area often is hyperesthetic. SYN: Bernhardt disease, Bernhardt-Roth syndrome.

meralluride
meralluride (mer-al′u-rid)

A mercurial diuretic.

merbromin
merbromin (mer-bro′min)

The disodium salt of 2,7-dibromo-4-hydroxymercurifluorescein; an organic mercurial antiseptic compound that also has staining properties similar to those of eosin and phloxine, with strong affinity for cytoplasmic structures; also used histochemically to stain protein-bound sulfhydryl and disulfide groups for bright-field and fluorescence microscopy. SYN: mercurochrome.

mercaptal
mercaptal (mer-kap′tal)

A substance derived from an aldehyde by the replacement of the bivalent oxygen by two thioalkyl (–SR) groups.

mercaptan
mercaptan (mer-kap′tan)

1. A class of substances in which the oxygen of an alcohol has been replaced by sulfur ( e.g., cysteine). SYN: thioalcohol. See thiol. 2. In dentistry, a class of elastic impression compounds sometimes referred to as rubber base materials.
methyl m. formed in the intestines by bacterial action on sulfur-containing proteins and appears in urine after ingestion of asparagus (contributing to the characteristic odor); also used in the manufacture of various organic sulfur-containing pesticides and fungicides.

mercapto- mercapto-

Prefix indicating the presence of a thiol group, –SH.

mercaptoacetic acid
mercaptoacetic acid (mer-kap′to-a-se′tik)

SYN: thioglycolic acid.

mercaptoethanol
mercaptoethanol (mer-kap′to-eth′a-nol)

A commonly used reducing agent.

2-mercaptoethanol
2-mercaptoethanol (mer-kap′to-eth-an-ol)

A reagent used to reduce disulfide bonds, particularly in proteins, and to prevent their formation. SYN: β-mercaptoethanol.

mercaptol
mercaptol (mer-kap′tol)

A substance derived from a ketone by the replacement of the bivalent oxygen by two thioalkyl (–SR) groups.

3-mercaptolactate
3-mercaptolactate (mer-kap′to-lak-tat)

A product of cysteine catabolism; formed by the action of lactate dehydrogenase on 3-mercaptopyruvate that was, in turn, formed by transamination of cysteine; present in normal human urine as a mixed disulfide with cysteine; elevated in the urine in individuals with mercaptolactate-cysteine disulfiduria.

mercaptolactate-cysteine disulfiduria
mercaptolactate-cysteine disulfiduria

Elevated levels of the mixed disulfide of 3-mercaptolactate and cysteine in the urine.

mercaptomerin sodium
mercaptomerin sodium (mer-kap-tom′e-rin, mer-kap-to-mer′in)

A mercurial diuretic.

6-mercaptopurine
6-mercaptopurine (Shy) (mer-kap-to-poor′en)

An analogue of hypoxanthine and of adenine; an antineoplastic agent.

3-mercaptopyruvate
3-mercaptopyruvate (mer-kap′to-pi-roo-vat)

The transaminated product of cysteine; formed in cysteine catabolism; elevated in individuals with a deficiency of m. sulfurtransferase.
3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase an enzyme that is a part of the cysteine catabolic pathway; it catalyzes the conversion of m. to pyruvate and H₂S; a deficiency of this enzyme will result in elevated urine concentrations of m. as well as of 3-mercaptolactate, both in the form of disulfides with cysteine.

mercapturic acid
mercapturic acid (mer-kap-tur′ik)

A condensation product of l-cysteine with aromatic compounds, such as bromobenzene, and usually acetylated; formed biologically via glutathione in the liver and excreted in the urine; an S-substituted N-acetylated l-cysteine. Cf.:m. pathway.

Mercier
Mercier

Louis A., French urologist, 1811–1882. See M. bar, M. sound, M. valve, median bar of M..

mercocresols
mercocresols (mer-ko-kre′solz)

A mixture consisting of equal parts by weight of sec-amyltricresol and o-hydroxy-phen-ylmercuric chloride; it possesses fungicidal, germicidal, and bacteriostatic action.

mercumatilin
mercumatilin (mer′ku-ma-til′in, -mat′i-lin)

A mercurial diuretic; also available as m. sodium.

mercuramide
mercuramide (mer-koo′ra-mid)

SYN: mersalyl.

mercurial
mercurial (mer-ku′re-al)

1. Relating to mercury. 2. Any salt of mercury used medicinally. 3. Having the characteristic of rapid, changing moods.

mercurialentis
mercurialentis (mer-ku′re-a-len′tis)

A brown discoloration of the anterior capsule of the lens caused by mercury; early sign of mercurial poisoning.

mercurialism
mercurialism (mer-ku′re-a-lizm)

SYN: mercury poisoning.

mercuric
mercuric (mer-ku′rik)

Denoting a salt of mercury in which the ion of the metal is bivalent, as in corrosive sublimate, m. chloride, HgCl₂; the mercurous chloride is calomel, HgCl.

mercuric chloride
mercuric chloride

A topical antiseptic and disinfectant for inanimate objects. SYN: corrosive sublimate, mercury bichloride, mercury perchloride, corrosive mercury chloride.
ammoniated m. SYN: ammoniated mercury.

mercuric iodide, red
mercuric iodide, red

Has been used as an antiseptic and as a disinfectant for inanimate objects. SYN: mercury biniodide, mercury deutoiodide.

mercuric oleate
mercuric oleate

An ointment-like preparation used in parasitic skin diseases.

mercuric oxide, red
mercuric oxide, red

The red precipitate of HgO; it has been used externally as an antiseptic in chronic skin diseases and fungus infections. SYN: red precipitate.

mercuric oxide, yellow
mercuric oxide, yellow

The yellow precipitate of HgO; used externally as an antiseptic in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the eyelids and the conjunctivae. SYN: yellow precipitate.

mercuric salicylate
mercuric salicylate

A powder used externally in the treatment of parasitic and fungus skin diseases. SYN: mercury subsalicylate.

mercurochrome
mercurochrome (mer-kur′o-krom)

SYN: merbromin.

mercurophen
mercurophen (mer-ku′-ro-fen)

A local antiseptic.

mercurophylline sodium
mercurophylline sodium (mer-kur-of′i-len)

The sodium salt of β-methoxy-γ-hydroxymercuripropylamide of trimethylcyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, and theophylline; a mercurial diuretic.

mercurous
mercurous (mer-ku′rus, mer′ku-rus)

Denoting a salt of mercury in which the ion of the metal is univalent, as in calomel, m. chloride, HgCl; the mercuric chloride is corrosive sublimate, HgCl₂.

mercurous chloride
mercurous chloride

SYN: calomel.

mercurous iodide
mercurous iodide

Used externally as an ointment in eye diseases. SYN: mercury protoiodide, yellow mercury iodide.

mercury
mercury (Hg) (mer′ku-re)

A dense liquid metallic element, atomic no. 80, atomic wt. 200.59; used in thermometers, barometers, manometers, and other scientific instruments; some salts and organic mercurials are used medicinally; care must be followed with its handling; ¹⁹⁷Hg (half-life of 2.672 days) and ²⁰³Hg (half-life of 46.61 days) have been used in brain and renal scanning. SYN: hydrargyrum, quicksilver. [L. Mercurius, M., the god of trade, messenger of the gods; in Mediev. L., quicksilver, m.]
ammoniated m. used in ointment for the treatment of skin diseases. SYN: ammoniated mercuric chloride, white mercuric precipitate.
m. bichloride, m. perchloride, corrosive m. chloride SYN: mercuric chloride.
m. biniodide SYN: mercuric iodide, red.
m. deutoiodide SYN: mercuric iodide, red.
m. protoiodide SYN: mercurous iodide.
m. subsalicylate SYN: mercuric salicylate.
yellow m. iodide SYN: mercurous iodide.

mere- mere-, mero-

Part; also indicating one of a series of similar parts. SEE ALSO: -mer. [G. meros, share]

Merendino
Merendino

K. Alvin, U.S. surgeon, 1914–1985. See M. technique.

mereprine
mereprine (mer′e-pren)

SYN: doxylamine succinate.

Meretoja
Meretoja

J., Finnish physician. See M. syndrome.

meridian
meridian (me-rid′-e-an)

1. [TA] A line encircling a globular body at right angles to its equator and touching both poles, or the half of such a circle extending from pole to pole. SYN: meridianus [TA] . 2. In acupuncture, the lines connecting different anatomical sites. [L. meridianus, pertaining to midday, on the south side, southern]
m. of cornea any line bisecting the cornea through its apex.
meridians of eyeball [TA] lines surrounding the surface of the eyeball passing through both anterior and posterior poles. SYN: meridiani bulbi oculi [TA] .

meridiani
meridiani (me-rid-e-a′ni)

Plural of meridianus.

meridianus
meridianus, pl .meridiani (me-rid′e-a′nus, -ni) [TA]

SYN: meridian (1) . [L.]
meridiani bulbi oculi [TA] SYN: meridians of eyeball, under meridian.

meridional
meridional (me-rid′e-o-nal)

Relating to a meridian.

merispore
merispore (mer′i-spor)

A secondary spore, one resulting from the segmentation of another (compound or septate) spore. [G. meros, a part, + sporos, seed]

meristematic
meristematic (mer′is-te-mat′ik)

Pertaining (in fungi) to an area (meristem) of the hyphae or of other specialized structures from which new growth occurs. [G. merizein, to divide]

meristic
meristic (me-ris′tik)

Symmetrical; that which can be divided evenly; denoting bilateral or longitudinal symmetry in the arrangement of parts in one organism. [G. meristikos, suitable for dividing]

Merkel
Merkel

Karl L., German anatomist and laryngologist, 1812–1876. See M. filtrum ventriculi, M. fossa, M. muscle.

Merkel
Merkel

Friedrich S., German anatomist and physiologist, 1845–1919. See M. cell tumor, M. corpuscle, M. tactile cell, M. tactile disk.

Mermis
Mermis (mer′mis)

Genus of long, opaque nematodes; larval stages passed in the hemocylic cavity of insects, particularly grasshoppers, while adults are free-living in the soil. Accidental ingestion by humans causes infection.
M. nigrescens nematode species found in soil that deposits eggs on above-ground plants; normal host grasshoppers; has been recovered from alimentary and urogenital tracts of humans but infections are rare.

mero- mero-

See mere-.

meroacrania
meroacrania (mer′o-a-kra′ne-a)

Congenital lack of a part of the cranium other than the occipital bone. [mero- + G. a- priv. + kranion, skull]

meroanencephaly
meroanencephaly (mer′o-an-en-sef′a-le)

A type of anencephaly in which the brain and cranium are present in rudimentary form. [mero- + G. an- priv. + enkephalos, brain]

merocrine
merocrine (mer′o-krin, -krin, -kren)

See m. gland. [mero- + G. krino, to separate]

merodiastolic
merodiastolic (mer′o-di-a-stol′ik)

Partially diastolic; relating to a part of the diastole of the heart. [mero- + diastole]

merogastrula
merogastrula (mer′o-gas′troo-la)

The gastrula of a meroblastic ovum.

merogenesis
merogenesis (mer-o-jen′e-sis)

1. Reproduction by segmentation. 2. Cleavage of an ovum. [mero- + G. genesis, origin]

merogenetic
merogenetic, merogenic (mer-o-je-net′ik, -o-jen′ik)

Relating to merogenesis.

merogony
merogony (me-rog′o-ne)

1. The incomplete development of an ovum that has been disorganized. 2. A form of asexual schizogony, typical of sporozoan protozoa, in which the nucleus divides several times before the cytoplasm divides; the schizont divides to form merozoites in this asexual phase of the life cycle. [mero- + G. gone, generation]

meromelia
meromelia (mer-o-me′le-a)

Partial absence of a free limb (exclusive of girdle); e.g., hemimelia, phocomelia. [mero- + G. melos, a limb]

meromicrosomia
meromicrosomia (mer′o-mi′kro-so′me-a)

Abnormal smallness of some portion of the body; local dwarfism. [mero- + G. mikros, small, + soma, body]

meromyosin
meromyosin (mer-o-mi′o-sin)

A subunit of the tryptic digestion of myosin; two types are produced, H-m. and L-m..
H-m., heavy-m. one of the relatively heavy products (mol. wt. about 350,000) of the action of trypsin on myosin; it carries the ATPase activity of myosin.
L-m., light-m. the relatively low molecular weight product (mol. wt. about 120,000) of the tryptic digestion of myosin.

meront
meront (mer′ont)

A stage in the life cycle of sporozoans in which multiple asexual fission (schizogony) occurs, resulting in production of merozoites. SEE ALSO: schizont.

merorachischisis
merorachischisis, merorrhachischisis (mer′o-ra-kis′ki-sis)

Fissure of a portion of the spinal cord. SYN: rachischisis partialis. [mero- + G. rhachis, spine, + schisis, fissure]

merosmia
merosmia (me-roz′me-a)

A condition in which the perception of certain odors is wanting; analogous to color blindness. [mero- + G. osme, smell]

merosporangium
merosporangium (mer′o-spor-ran′-je-um)

A cylindrical small sporangium containing few spores and found in certain Zygomycetes. [G. meros, part, + sporangium]

merosystolic
merosystolic (mer′o-sis-tol′ik)

Partially systolic; relating to a portion of the systole of the heart. [mero- + systole]

merotomy
merotomy (me-rot′o-me)

The procedure of cutting into parts, as the cutting of a cell into separate parts to study their capacity for survival and development. [mero- + G. tome, incision]

merozoite
merozoite (mer-o-zo′it)

The motile infective stage of sporozoan protozoa that results from schizogony or a similar type of asexual reproduction; e.g., endodyogeny or endopolygeny. Merozoites form at the surface of schizonts, blastophores, or invaginations into schizonts, and are responsible for the vast reproductive powers of sporozoan parasites; this is seen in human malaria, where the cyclic production of merozoites produces the typical fever and chill syndrome. SYN: endodyocyte (2) . [mero- + G. zoon, animal]

merozygote
merozygote (me-ro-zi′got)

In microbial genetics, an organism that, in addition to its own original genome (endogenote), contains a fragment (exogenote) of a genome from another organism; the relatively small size of the exogenote permits a diploid condition for only a limited region of the endogenote. [mero- + zygotos, yoked]

merphalan
merphalan (mer′fa-lan)

The racemic mixture of melphalan and medphalan; an antineoplastic agent. SYN: sarcolysine.

MERRF
MERRF

Acronym for myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fiber myopathy. One of the mitochondrial disorders, this condition is caused by a point mutation of the mitochondria genome locus 8344, where transfer RNA is coded.

Merrifield
Merrifield

R. Bruce, U.S. biochemist and Nobel laureate, *1921. See M. synthesis.

Merrifield knife
Merrifield knife

See under knife.

Merritt
Merritt

Katharine K., U.S. pediatrician, *1886. See Kasabach-M. syndrome.

mersalyl
mersalyl (mer′sa-lil)

Sodium salt of (3-hydroxymercuric-2-methoxypropyl)salicylamide-O-acetic acid; a mercurial diuretic. SYN: mercuramide.
m. acid a mixture of o-carboxymethylsalicyl-(3-hydroxymercuric-2-methoxypropyl)amide and its anhydrides; same use as m..
m. theophylline m. plus theophylline added to inhibit decomposition of m..

Méry
Méry

Jean, French anatomist, 1645–1722. See M. gland.

Merzbacher
Merzbacher

Ludwig, German physician in Argentina, 1875–1942. See M.-Pelizaeus disease, Pelizaeus-M. disease.

mes- mes-

See meso-.

mesad
mesad (me′zad, me′sad)

Passing or extending toward the median plane of the body or of a part. SYN: mesiad. [G. mesos, middle, + L. ad, to]

mesal
mesal (me′zal, me′sal)

Rarely used term referring to the median plane of the body or a part. [G. mesos, middle]

mesameboid
mesameboid (mez-a-me′boyd)

Minot′s term for a primitive, “wandering” cell derived from mesoderm, probably a hemocytoblast. [mes- + G. amoibe, change (ameba), + eidos, resemblance]

mesangial
mesangial (mes-an′je-al)

Referring to the mesangium.

mesangium
mesangium (mes-an′je-um)

A central part of the renal glomerulus between capillaries; mesangial cells are phagocytic and for the most part separated from capillary lumina by endothelial cells. [mes- + G. angeion, vessel]
extraglomerular m. mesangial cells that fill the triangular space between the macula densa and the afferent and efferent arterioles of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. SYN: polkissen of Zimmermann.

mesaortitis
mesaortitis (mes-a-or-ti′tis)

Inflammation of the middle or muscular coat of the aorta. [mes- + aortitis]

mesareic
mesareic, mesaraic (mes-a-ra′ik)

SYN: mesenteric. [G. mesaraion, mesentery, fr. mesos, middle, + araia, flank, belly]

mesarteritis
mesarteritis (mes-ar-ter-i′tis)

Inflammation of the middle (muscular) coat of an artery. [mes- + arteritis]

mesaticephalic
mesaticephalic (me-sat′i-se-fal′ik)

SYN: mesocephalic. [G. mesatos, midmost, + kephale, head]

mesatipellic
mesatipellic, mesatipelvic (me-sat′i-pel′ik, -pel′vik)

Denoting an individual with a pelvic index between 90 and 95; the superior strait has a round appearance, with the transverse diameter longer than the anteroposterior by 1 cm or less. [G. mesatos, midmost, + pellis, a bowl (pelvis)]

mesaxon
mesaxon (mez-ak′son, mes-)

The plasma membrane of the neurolemma that is folded in to surround a nerve axon. In electron micrographs this double layer resembles a mesentery in appearance.

mescal buttons
mescal buttons (mes′kal)

The dried slices of the cactus Lophophora williamsii containing mescaline and related alkaloids.

mescaline
mescaline (mes′ka-len)

The most active alkaloid present in the buttons of the mescal cactus, Lophophora williamsii. M. produces psychotomimetic effects similar to those produced by LSD: alteration in mood, changes in perception, reveries, visual hallucinations, delusions, depersonalization, mydriasis, hippus, and increases in body temperature and blood pressure; psychic dependence, tolerance, and cross tolerance to LSD and psilocybin develop; the principal component of peyote.

mesectoderm
mesectoderm (mez-ek′to-derm)

1. Cells in the area around the dorsal lip of the blastopore where mesoderm and ectoderm undergo a process of separation. 2. That part of the mesenchyme derived from ectoderm, especially from the neural crest in the cephalic region in very young embryos. SYN: ectomesenchyme. [mes- + ectoderm]

mesencephalic
mesencephalic (mez-en′se-fal′ik)

Relating to the mesencephalon.

mesencephalitis
mesencephalitis (mez′en-sef′a-li′tis)

Inflammation of the midbrain (mesencephalon).

mesencephalon
mesencephalon (mez-en-sef′a-lon) [TA]

That part of the brainstem developing from the middle of the three primary cerebral vesicles of the embryo (the caudal of these being the rhombencephalon or hindbrain, the rostral the prosencephalon or forebrain). In the adult, the m. is characterized by the unique conformation of its roof plate, the lamina tecti (tectal plate [TA] or quadrigeminal plate [TAalt]. composed of the bilaterally paired superior and inferior colliculus, and by the massive paired prominence of the crus cerebri at its ventral surface. On transverse section, its patent central canal, the cerebral aqueduct, is surrounded by a prominent ring of gray matter poor in myelinated fibers; the periaqueductal gray is ventrally and laterally adjoined by the myelin-rich mesencephalic tegmentum, and covered dorsally by the mesencephalic tectal plate. Prominent cell groups of the m. include the motor nuclei of the trochlear and oculomotor nerves, the red nucleus, and the substantia nigra. SYN: midbrain vesicle&star, midbrain&star. [mes- + G. enkephalos, brain]

mesencephalotomy
mesencephalotomy (mez′en-sef′a-lot′o-me)

1. The sectioning of any structure in the midbrain, especially of the spinothalamic tracts for the relief of intractable pain or the cerebral peduncle for dyskinesias. 2. A mesencephalic spinothalamic tractotomy. [mesencephalon + G. tome, incision]

mesenchyma
mesenchyma (me-seng′ki-ma, me-zeng′)

SYN: mesenchyme.

mesenchymal
mesenchymal (me-seng′ki-mal, mez-eng-ki′mal)

Relating to the mesenchyme.

mesenchyme
mesenchyme (mez′en-kim)

1. An aggregation of mesenchymal or fibroblastlike cells. 2. Primordial embryonic connective tissue consisting of mesenchymal cells, usually stellate in form, supported in interlaminar jelly. SYN: mesenchyma. [mes- + G. enkyma, infusion]
interzonal m. an area of avascular m. between adjacent skeletal elements in the embryo; it denotes the region of future joints.
synovial m. vascular m. surrounding the interzonal m.; it develops into the synovial membrane of a joint.

mesenchymoma
mesenchymoma (mez′en-ki-mo′ma)

Rarely used term for a neoplasm in which there is a mixture of mesenchymal derivatives, other than fibrous tissue. A benign m. may contain foci of vascular, muscular, adipose, osteoid, osseous, and cartilaginous tissue; such neoplasms are sometimes classed under a compounded name, e.g., angioleiomyolipoma, and the like, but the broader term may be preferred. A malignant m. may also occur as a similar mixture of two or more types of mesenchymal cells that are malignant (other than fibrous tissue cells).

mesenteric
mesenteric (mez-en-ter′ik)

Relating to the mesentery. SYN: mesareic, mesaraic.

mesenteriolum
mesenteriolum (mez-en-ter-e′o-lum)

A small mesentery, as one of an intestinal diverticulum. SYN: mesoenteriolum. [Mod. L. dim. of mesenterium, mesentery]
m. processus vermiformis SYN: mesoappendix.

mesenteriopexy
mesenteriopexy (mes′en-ter-e-o-pek′se)

Fixation or attachment of a torn or incised mesentery. SYN: mesopexy. [mesentery + G. pexis, fixation]

mesenteriorrhaphy
mesenteriorrhaphy (mez′en-ter-e-or′a-fe)

Suture of the mesentery. SYN: mesorrhaphy. [mesentery + G. rhaphe, suture]

mesenteriplication
mesenteriplication (mez′en-ter-i-pli-ka′shun)

Reducing redundancy of a mesentery by making one or more tucks in it. [mesentery + L. plico, pp. -atus, to fold]

mesenteritis
mesenteritis (mez′en-ter-i′tis)

Inflammation of the mesentery.

mesenterium
mesenterium (mez′en-ter′e-um) [TA]

SYN: mesentery, mesentery. [Mod. L.]
m. dorsale commune SYN: mesentery (2) .

mesenteron
mesenteron (mez-en′ter-on)

The midportion of the insect alimentary canal and site of digestion; the m. may possess anterior finger-like projections, the gastric ceca, and a tubular anterior midgut, followed posteriorly by the saccular ventriculus, or stomach. [mes- + G. enteron, intestine]

mesentery
mesentery (mes′en-ter-e) [TA]

1. A double layer of peritoneum attached to the abdominal wall and enclosing in its fold a portion or all of one of the abdominal viscera, conveying to it its vessels and nerves. 2. The fan-shaped fold of peritoneum suspending the greater part of the small intestines (jejunum and ileum) and attaching it to the posterior abdominal wall at the root of the m. (radix mesenterii). SYN: mesenterium dorsale commune, mesostenium. SYN: mesenterium [TA] . [Mod. L. mesenterium, fr. G. mesenterion, fr. G. mesos, middle, + enteron, intestine]
m. of appendix SYN: mesoappendix.
m. of cecum SYN: mesocecum.
m. of lung SYN: mesopneumonium.
m. of sigmoid colon See mesocolon.
m. of transverse colon See mesocolon.
urogenital m. SYN: diaphragmatic ligament of the mesonephros.

meshwork
meshwork

See network.
trabecular m. SYN: trabecular tissue of sclera.

mesiad
mesiad (me′ze-ad, mes′e-ad)

SYN: mesad.

mesial
mesial (me′ze-al, mes′e-al) [TA]

SYN: proximal. [G. mesos, middle]

mesio- mesio-

Mesial (especially in dentistry). [G. mesos, middle]

mesiobuccal
mesiobuccal (me′ze-o-buk′al)

Relating to the mesial and buccal surfaces of a tooth; denoting especially the angle formed by the junction of these two surfaces.

mesiobucco-occlusal
mesiobucco-occlusal (me′ze-o-buk′o-o-kloo′sal)

Relating to the angle formed by the junction of the mesial, buccal, and occlusal surfaces of a bicuspid or molar tooth.

mesiobuccopulpal
mesiobuccopulpal (me′ze-o-buk′o-pul′pal)

Relating to the angle denoting the junction of mesial, buccal and pulpal surfaces in a tooth cavity preparation.

mesiocervical
mesiocervical (me′ze-o-ser′vi-kal)

1. Relating to the line angle of a cavity preparation at the junction of the mesial and cervical walls. 2. Pertaining to the area of a tooth at the junction of the mesial surface and the cervical region.

mesioclusion
mesioclusion (me′ze-o-kloo′zhun)

A malocclusion in which the mandibular arch articulates with the maxillary arch in a position mesial to normal; in Angle classification, a Class III malocclusion. SYN: mesial occlusion (2) .

mesiodens
mesiodens (me′ze-o-denz)

A supernumerary tooth located in the midline of the anterior maxillae, between the maxillary central incisor teeth. [mesio- + L. dens, tooth]

mesiodistal
mesiodistal (me′ze-o-dis′tal)

Denoting the plane or diameter of a tooth cutting its mesial and distal surfaces.

mesiodistocclusal
mesiodistocclusal (MOD) (me′ze-o-dist′o-kloo′sal, -zal)

Denoting three-surface cavity or cavity preparation or restoration (class 2, Black classification) in the premolars (bicuspids) and molars.

mesiogingival
mesiogingival (me′ze-o-jin′ji-val)

Relating to the angle formed by the junction of the mesial surface with the gingival line of a tooth.

mesiognathic
mesiognathic (me′ze-o-nath′ik)

Denoting malposition of one or both jaws forward from their normal position.

mesioincisal
mesioincisal (me′ze-o-in-si′sal, -zal)

Relating to the mesial and incisal surfaces of a tooth; denoting the angle formed by their junction.

mesiolabial
mesiolabial (me′ze-o-la′be-al)

Relating to the mesial and labial surfaces of a tooth; denoting especially the angle formed by their junction.

mesiolingual
mesiolingual (me′ze-o-ling′gwal)

Relating to the mesial and lingual surfaces of a tooth; denoting especially the angle formed by their junction.

mesiolinguo-occlusal
mesiolinguo-occlusal (me′ze-o-ling′gwo-o-kloo′sal, -zal)

Denoting the angle formed by the junction of the mesial, lingual, and occlusal surfaces of a bicuspid or molar tooth.

mesiolinguopulpal
mesiolinguopulpal (me′ze-o-ling′gwo-pul′pal)

Relating to the angle denoting the junction of the mesial, lingual, and pulpal surfaces in a tooth cavity preparation.

mesio-occlusal
mesio-occlusal (me′ze-o-o-kloo′sal, -zal)

Denoting the angle formed by the junction of the mesial and occlusal surfaces of a bicuspid or molar tooth.

mesio-occlusion
mesio-occlusion (me′ze-o-o-kloo′zhun)

SYN: mesial occlusion (1) .

mesioplacement
mesioplacement (me′ze-o-plas′ment)

SYN: mesioversion.

mesiopulpal
mesiopulpal (me′ze-o-pul′pal)

Pertaining to the inner wall or floor of a cavity preparation on the mesial side of a tooth.

mesioversion
mesioversion (me′ze-o-ver-zhun)

Malposition of a tooth mesial to normal, in an anterior direction following the curvature of the dental arch. SYN: mesial displacement, mesioplacement.

Mesmer
Mesmer

F. A., Austrian physician, 1733–1815. See mesmerism.

mesmerism
mesmerism (mes′mer-izm)

A system of therapeutics from which were developed hypnotism and therapeutic suggestion. [F.A. Mesmer, Austrian physician, 1734–1815]

mesmerize
mesmerize (mes′mer-iz)

Obsolete term for hypnotize. [see mesmerism]

meso- meso-, mes-

1. Middle, mean, intermediacy. 2. A mesentery, mesentery-like structure. 3. A prefix denoting a compound, containing more than one chiral center, having an internal plane of symmetry; such compounds do not exhibit optical activity ( e.g., meso-cystine). [G. mesos]

mesoappendix
mesoappendix (mez′o-a-pen′diks) [TA]

The short mesentery of the appendix lying behind the terminal ileum, in which the appendicular artery courses. SYN: mesenteriolum processus vermiformis, mesentery of appendix.

mesoarium
mesoarium (mez-o-ar′e-um)

SYN: mesovarium.

mesobilane
mesobilane (mez-o-bi′lan)

A reduced mesobilirubin with no double bonds between the pyrrole rings and, consequently, colorless. SEE ALSO: bilirubinoids. SYN: mesobilirubinogen, urobilinogen IXα.

mesobilene
mesobilene, mesobilene- (mez-o-bi′len)

A bilirubinoid. See urobilin. SYN: urobilin IXα.

mesobilirubin
mesobilirubin (mez′o-bil-i-roo′bin)

A compound differing from bilirubin only in that the vinyl groups of bilirubin are reduced to ethyl groups. SEE ALSO: bilirubinoids.

mesobilirubinogen
mesobilirubinogen (mez′o-bil-i-roo-bin′o-jen)

SYN: mesobilane.

mesobiliviolin
mesobiliviolin (mez′o-bil-i-vi-o′lin)

A bilirubinoid.

mesoblast
mesoblast (mez′o-blast)

SYN: mesoderm. [meso- + G. blastos, germ]

mesoblastema
mesoblastema (mez′o-blas-te′ma)

All the cells collectively which constitute the early undifferentiated mesoderm. [meso- + G. blastema, a sprout]

mesoblastemic
mesoblastemic (mez′o-blas-te′mik)

Relating to or derived from the mesoblastema.

mesoblastic
mesoblastic (mez′o-blas′tik)

Relating to or derived from the mesoderm.

mesocardia
mesocardia (mez′o-kar′de-a)

1. Atypical position of the heart in a central position in the chest, as in early embryonic life. 2. Plural of mesocardium. [meso- + G. kardia, heart]

mesocardium
mesocardium, pl .mesocardia (mez-o-kar′de-um)

The double layer of splanchnic mesoderm supporting the embryonic heart in the pericardial cavity. It disappears before birth. [meso- + G. kardia, heart]
dorsal m. the part of the m. dorsal to the embryonic heart; it breaks down to form the transverse sinus of the pericardium.
ventral m. the part of the m. ventral to the embryonic cardiac tube; transitory in all vertebrates; in the higher mammals, it breaks through as soon as its component layers of epicardium make contact with each other.

mesocarpal
mesocarpal (mez′o-kar′pal)

SYN: midcarpal.

mesocecal
mesocecal (mez′o-se′kal)

Relating to the mesocecum.

mesocecum
mesocecum (mez′o-se′kum)

Part of the mesocolon, supporting the cecum, that occasionally persists when the ascending colon becomes retroperitoneal during fetal life. SYN: mesentery of cecum. [meso- + cecum]

mesocephalic
mesocephalic (mez′o-se-fal′ik)

Having a head of medium length; denoting a skull with a cephalic index between 75 and 80 and with a capacity of 1350 to 1450 ml, or an individual with such a skull. SYN: mesaticephalic, mesocephalous, normocephalic. [meso- + G. kephale, head]

mesocephalous
mesocephalous (mez′o-sef′a-lus)

SYN: mesocephalic.

Mesocestoides
Mesocestoides (mez-o-ses-toy′dez)

Tapeworm genus found in carnivorous mammals, such as foxes; mites probably intermediate hosts; few human cases identified in Japan, the United States, and China.

mesocolic
mesocolic (mez′o-kol′ik)

Relating to the mesocolon.

mesocolon
mesocolon (mez′o-ko′lon) [TA]

The fold of peritoneum attaching the colon to the posterior abdominal wall; ascending m. [TA] (m. ascendens [TA]), transverse m. [TA] (m. transversum [TA]), descending m. [TA] (m. descendens [TA]), and sigmoid m. [TA] (m. sigmoideum [TA]) correspond to the respective divisions of the colon; the ascending and descending portions are usually fused to the peritoneum of the posterior abdominal wall, but can be mobilized. [meso- + kolon, colon]

mesocolopexy
mesocolopexy (mez′o-ko′lo-pek-se)

An operation for shortening the mesocolon, for correction of undue mobility and ptosis. SYN: mesocoloplication. [meso- + G. kolon, colon, + pexis, fixation]

mesocoloplication
mesocoloplication (mes′o-ko′lo-pli-ka′shun)

SYN: mesocolopexy. [meso- + G. kolon, colon, + L. plico, pp. -atus, to fold]

mesocord
mesocord (mez′o-kord)

A fold of amnion that sometimes binds a segment of the umbilical cord to the placenta.

mesocuneiform
mesocuneiform (mez-o-koo′ne-i-form)

SYN: intermediate cuneiform (bone).

mesoderm
mesoderm (mez′o-derm)

The middle of the three primary germ layers of the embryo (the others being ectoderm and endoderm); m. is the origin of connective tissues, myoblasts, blood, the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, most of the urogenital system, and the lining of the pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal cavities. SYN: mesoblast. [meso- + G. derma, skin]
branchial m. m. surrounding the primitive stomodeum and pharynx; it contributes to the pharyngeal arches.
extraembryonic m. extraembryonic cells which, though derived from the zygote, are not part of the embryo proper and contribute to the fetal membranes ( e.g., amnion). SYN: primary m..
gastral m. m. in lower vertebrates formed by constriction from the roof of the archenteron or yolk sac.
intermediate m. a continuous band of m. between the segmented paraxial m. medially and the lateral plate m. laterally; from it develops the nephrogenic cord.
intraembryonic m. m. derived from the primitive streak and lying between the ectoderm and endoderm. SYN: secondary m..
lateral m. SYN: lateral plate m..
lateral plate m. the peripheral portion of intraembryonic m. that is continuous with the extraembryonic m. beyond the margins of the embryonic disk; it forms the somatic and splanchnic m. between which develops the intraembryonic celom. SYN: lateral m..
paraxial m. the m. lying at either side of the midline embryonic notochord; on segmentation, it forms the paired somites.
primary m. SYN: extraembryonic m..
prostomial m. m. that arises in lower vertebrates by continued proliferation at the lateral lips of the blastopore.
secondary m. SYN: intraembryonic m..
somatic m. the m. adjacent to the ectoderm in the early embryo, after formation of the intraembryonic celom; the limbs and body wall are derived, in part, from it.
somitic m. m. derived from cells situated in or derived from somites.
splanchnic m. the layer of lateral plate m. adjacent to the endoderm.
visceral m. the splanchnic m. or the branchial m..

mesodermal
mesodermal (mez-o-der′mal)

Pertaining to the mesoderm.

mesodermic
mesodermic (mez-o-der′mik)

Relating to the mesoderm.

mesodiastolic
mesodiastolic (mez-o-di-a-stol′ik)

Middiastolic.

mesodont
mesodont (mez′o-dont)

Having teeth of medium size; denoting a skull with a dental index between 42 and 43.9. [meso- + G. odous, tooth]

mesoduodenal
mesoduodenal (mez′o-doo-o-de′nal)

Relating to the mesoduodenum.

mesoduodenum
mesoduodenum (mez′o-doo′o-de′num, -doo-od′e-num)

The mesentery of the duodenum.

mesoenteriolum
mesoenteriolum (mes′o-en-ter-e′o-lum)

SYN: mesenteriolum.

mesoepididymis
mesoepididymis (mez-o-ep-i-did′i-mis)

An occasional fold of the tunica vaginalis binding the epididymis to the testis. [meso- + epididymis]

mesogaster
mesogaster (mez-o-gas′ter)

SYN: mesogastrium.

mesogastric
mesogastric (mez-o-gas′trik)

Relating to the mesogastrium.

mesogastrium
mesogastrium (mez-o-gas′tre-um)

In the embryo, the mesentery of the dilated portion of the enteric canal that is the future stomach; it gives rise to the greater omentum and consequently is involved in the formation of the omental bursa. The spleen and body of the pancreas develop within it, and thus the splenorenal and gastrosplenic ligaments are derivatives of the (dorsal) m.. SYN: dorsal m., mesogaster. [meso- + G. gaster stomach]
dorsal m. SYN: m..
ventral m. the primitive midline mesentery extending between future stomach and proximal duodenum and the anterior abdominal wall superior to the umbilicus (umbilical vein). The liver develops within it, and consequently the lesser omentum, coronary and falciform ligaments are derivatives of it. The umbilical vein runs in its caudal free edge, becoming the postnatal round ligament of the liver.

mesogenic
mesogenic (mez-o-jen′ik)

Denoting the virulence of a virus capable of inducing lethal infection in embryonic hosts, after a short incubation period, and an inapparent infection in immature and adult hosts; used in characterizing Newcastle disease virus, particularly strains used in parenteral vaccination of chickens. [meso- + G. -gen, producing]

mesoglia
mesoglia (me-sog′le-a)

Neuroglial cells of mesodermal origin. SEE ALSO: microglia. SYN: mesoglial cells. [meso- + G. glia, glue]

mesogluteal
mesogluteal (mez′o-gloo′te-al)

Relating to the musculus gluteus medius.

mesogluteus
mesogluteus (mez′o-gloo-te′us)

SYN: gluteus medius (muscle).

mesognathic
mesognathic (mez-o-nath′ik, -og-nath′ik)

1. Relating to the mesognathion. 2. SYN: mesognathous.

mesognathion
mesognathion (mez′o-na′the-on, -og-na′the-on, nath′e-on)

The lateral segment of the premaxillary or incisive bone external to the endognathion. [meso- + G. gnathos, jaw]

mesognathous
mesognathous (me-zog′na-thus)

Having a face with slightly projecting jaw, one with a gnathic index from 98 to 103. SYN: mesognathic (2) .

mesoileum
mesoileum (mez-o-il′e-um)

The mesentery of the ileum.

mesojejunum
mesojejunum (mez′o-je-joo′num)

The mesentery of the jejunum.

mesolobus
mesolobus (me-sol′o-bus)

Obsolete term for corpus callosum. [meso- + L. lobus, lobe]

mesolymphocyte
mesolymphocyte (mez-o-lim′fo-sit)

A mononuclear leukocyte of medium size, probably a lymphocyte, with a deeply staining nucleus of large size but relatively smaller than that in most lymphocytes. [meso- + lymphocyte]

mesomelia
mesomelia (mez-o-me′le-a)

The condition of having abnormally short forearms and lower legs. [meso- + G. melos, limb]

mesomelic
mesomelic (mez-o-me′lik)

Pertaining to the middle segment of a limb.

mesomere
mesomere (mez′o-mer)

1. A blastomere of a size intermediate between a macromere and a micromere. 2. The zone between an epimere and a hypomere. [meso- + G. meros, part]

mesomeric
mesomeric (mez-o-mer′ik)

Pertaining to mesomerism.

mesomerism
mesomerism (me-som′er-izm)

Displacement or delocalization of electrons within a molecule in such a way as to create fractional charges on different parts of the molecule; resonance.

mesometrium
mesometrium (mez′o-me′tre-um)

The broad ligament of the uterus, below the mesosalpinx. [meso- + G. metra, uterus]

mesomorph
mesomorph (mez′o-morf)

A constitutional body type or build (biotype or somatotype) in which tissues that originate from the mesoderm prevail; from the morphological standpoint, there is a balance between trunk and limbs. SEE ALSO: hypermorph, hypomorph, ectomorph, endomorph. SYN: mediotype. [meso- + G. morphe, form]

mesomorphic
mesomorphic (mez-o-morf′ik)

Relating to mesomorphs.

meson
meson (mez′on, me′zon, mes′on)

An elementary particle having a rest mass intermediate in value between the mass of an electron and that of a proton. [G. neuter of mesos, middle]

mesonephric
mesonephric (mez-o-nef′rik)

Relating to the mesonephros.

mesonephroi
mesonephroi (mez′o-nef′roy)

Plural of mesonephros.

mesonephroma
mesonephroma (mez′o-ne-fro′ma)

Obsolete term for a relatively rare malignant neoplasm of the ovary and corpus uteri, thought to originate in mesonephric structures that become misplaced in ovarian tissue during embryonic development; characterized by a tubular pattern, with focal proliferation of epithelial cells with clear cytoplasm or of the hob-nail type; so-called glomeruloid structures are reported, i.e., small convolutions or tufts of tiny tubate formations with capillaries extending into the spaces. SYN: clear cell carcinoma, mesonephric adenocarcinoma, mesonephroid tumor, wolffian duct carcinoma. [mesonephros + -oma, tumor]

mesonephros
mesonephros, pl .mesonephroi (mez′o-nef′ros, -roy)

One of three excretory organs appearing in the evolution of vertebrates; in life forms with a metanephros, the m. is located between the regressing pronephros and the metanephros, cephalic to the latter. In young mammalian embryos, the m. is well developed and briefly functional until establishment of the metanephros, the definitive kidney; in older embryos, the m. undergoes regression as an excretory organ, but its duct system is retained in the male as the epididymis and ductus deferens. SYN: middle kidney, wolffian body. [meso- + G. nephros, kidney]

mesoneuritis
mesoneuritis (mez′o-noo-ri′tis)

Inflammation of a nerve or of its connective tissue without involvement of its sheath.
nodular m. inflammation of the connective tissue beneath the nerve sheath, with the formation of circumscribed fibrous thickenings.

meso-ontomorph
meso-ontomorph (mez-o-on′to-morf)

A broad, stocky individual. [meso- + G. on, being, + morphe, form]

mesopexy
mesopexy (mez′o-pek-se)

SYN: mesenteriopexy.

mesophil
mesophil, mesophile (mez′o-fil, -fil)

A microorganism with an optimum temperature between 25°C and 40°C, but growing within the limits of 10°C and 45°C. [meso- + G. philos, fond]

mesophilic
mesophilic (mez′o-fil′ik)

Pertaining to a mesophil.

mesophlebitis
mesophlebitis (mez′o-fle-bi′tis)

Inflammation of the middle coat of a vein. [meso- + phlebitis]

mesophragma
mesophragma (mez-o-frag′ma)

SYN: M line. [meso- + G. phragma, a fence]

mesophryon
mesophryon (mez-of′ri-on)

SYN: glabella (2) . [meso- + Gr. ophrys, eyebrow]

mesopic
mesopic (me-zo′pik)

Pertaining to illumination between the photopic and scotopic ranges. [meso- + G. opsis, vision]

mesopneumonium
mesopneumonium (mez′o-noo-mo′ne-um)

The reflection of pleura surrounding the root of the lung (including the pulmonary ligament inferiorly) as parietal pleura becomes continuous with the visceral pleura of the lung. SYN: mesentery of lung, pleural isthmus.

mesoporphyrins
mesoporphyrins (mez-o-por′fi-rinz)

Porphyrin compounds resembling the protoporphyrins except that the vinyl side chains of the latter are reduced to ethyl side chains; e.g., mesobilane.

mesoprocton
mesoprocton

SYN: rectosacral fascia.

mesoprosopic
mesoprosopic (mez′o-pro-sop′ik)

Having a face of moderate width, i.e., with a facial index of about 90. [meso- + G. prosopon, face]

mesopulmonum
mesopulmonum (mez-o-pul′mon-um)

The mesentery of the embryonic lung. [meso- + L. pulmo, lung]

mesorchial
mesorchial (mez-or′ke-al)

Relating to the mesorchium.

mesorchium
mesorchium (mez-or′ke-um)

1. In the fetus, a fold of tunica vaginalis testis supporting the mesonephros and the developing testis. 2. In the adult, a fold of tunica vaginalis testis between the testis and epididymis. [meso- + G. orchis, testis]

mesorectum
mesorectum (mez′o-rek′tum)

The peritoneal investment of the rectum, covering the upper part only.

mesoridazine besylate
mesoridazine besylate (mez-o-rid′a-zen)

A biotransformation product of thioridazine; an antipsychotic.

mesorrhaphy
mesorrhaphy (mez-or′a-fe)

SYN: mesenteriorrhaphy.

mesorrhine
mesorrhine (mez′o-rin)

Having a nose of moderate width. Denoting a skull with a nasal index from 47 to 51 (Frankfort agreement) or 48 to 53 (Broca). [meso- + G. rhis (rhin-), nose]

mesosalpinx
mesosalpinx (mez′o-sal′pinks) [TA]

The part of the broad ligament investing the uterine (fallopian) tube. [meso- + G. salpinx, trumpet]

mesoscope
mesoscope (mez′o-skop)

An instrument for viewing objects that are larger than microscopic but cannot be seen distinctly with the naked eye. [meso- + G. skopeo, to view]

mesoseme
mesoseme (mez′o-sem)

Denoting an orbital aperture with an index between 84 and 89; characteristic of the white race. [meso- + G. sema, sign]

mesosigmoid
mesosigmoid (mez′o-sig′moyd)

Sigmoid mesocolon. See mesocolon.

mesosigmoiditis
mesosigmoiditis (mes′o-sig-moy-di′tis)

Inflammation of the mesosigmoid.

mesosigmoidopexy
mesosigmoidopexy (mez-o-sig-moy′do-pek-se)

Surgical fixation of the mesosigmoid.

mesosomatous
mesosomatous (mez′o-so′ma-tus)

Denoting a person of medium height.

mesosome
mesosome (mes′osom)

A convoluted membranous body formed by involution of the plasma membranes of certain bacteria; it functions in cellular respiration and septum formation. [meso + G. soma, body]

mesosomia
mesosomia (mez′o-so′me-a)

Medium height. [meso- + G. soma, body]

mesostenium
mesostenium (mez′o-ste′ne-um)

SYN: mesentery (2) .

mesosternum
mesosternum (mez′o-ster′num)

SYN: body of sternum. [meso- + G. sternon, chest]

mesosystolic
mesosystolic (mez′o-sis-tol′ik)

Midsystolic.

mesotarsal
mesotarsal (mez′o-tar′sal)

SYN: midtarsal.

mesotendineum
mesotendineum (mez′o-ten-din′e-um) [TA]

SYN: mesotendon.

mesotendon
mesotendon (mez′o-ten′don) [TA]

The synovial layers that pass from a tendon to the wall of a tendon sheath in certain places where tendons lie within osteofibrous canals. In most instances, the m. degenerates, leaving only the vinculae. SYN: mesotendineum [TA] .

mesothelia
mesothelia (mez-o-the′le-a)

Plural of mesothelium.

mesothelial
mesothelial (mez-o-the′le-al)

Relating to the mesothelium.

mesothelioma
mesothelioma (mez′o-the-le-o′ma)

A rare neoplasm derived from the lining cells of the pleura and peritoneum which grows as a thick sheet covering the viscera, and is composed of spindle cells or fibrous tissue which may enclose glandlike spaces lined by cuboidal cells. [mesothelium + G. -oma, tumor]
benign m. SYN: solitary fibrous tumor.
benign m. of genital tract SYN: adenomatoid tumor.

mesothelium
mesothelium, pl .mesothelia (mez-o-the′le-um, -le-a)

A single layer of flattened cells forming an epithelium that lines serous cavities; e.g., peritoneum, pleura, pericardium. [meso- + epithelium]

mesothorium
mesothorium (mez′o-thor′e-um)

The first two disintegration products of thorium; m. 1 is ²²⁸Ra, a beta emitter with a half-life of 6.7 years, decaying into m. 2, which is ²²⁸Ac, a beta emitter with a half-life of 6.13 hr, which disintegrates to radiothorium (²²⁸Th).

mesotropic
mesotropic (mez′o-trop′ik)

Turned toward the median plane. [meso- + G. trope, a turning]

mesotympanum
mesotympanum (mez-o-tim′pan-um)

The portion of the middle ear medial to the tympanic membrane.

mesouranic
mesouranic (mes′o-u-ran′ik)

Having a palatal index between 110 and 115. SYN: mesuranic. [meso- + G. ouranos, palate]

mesovarium
mesovarium, pl .mesovaria (mez′o-va′re-um, -a) [TA]

Portion of the broad ligament of the uterus that reflects onto and suspends the ovary. SYN: mesoarium. [meso- + L. ovarium, ovary]

Mesozoa
Mesozoa (mez-o-zo′a)

A small phylum of about 50 species of parasites of marine invertebrates with complex life cycles. M. are classified with the Metazoa, but they are regarded by some observers as intermediate between unicellular and multicellular animals; others consider them a degenerate group of flatworms. M. are divided into two very distinct orders, the Orthonectida and Dicyemida; the latter are nephridial parasites of squids, octopods, and cuttlefish. [meso- + G. zoon, animal]

messenger
messenger (mes′en-jer)

1. That which carries a message. 2. Having message-carrying properties.
first m. a hormone that binds to a receptor on the surface cell and, in so doing, communicates with intracellular metabolic processes.
second m. an intermediary molecule that is generated as a consequence of hormone-receptor interaction; e.g., see adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, calcium, inositide.

messenger RNA
messenger RNA (mRNA)

See under ribonucleic acid.

mestanolone
mestanolone (mes-tan′o-lon)

An androgenic steroid with anabolic properties.

mestenediol
mestenediol (mes-ten′di-ol)

SYN: methandriol.

mestranol
mestranol (mes′tra-nol)

The 3-methyl ether of ethynyl estradiol; an estrogen used in many oral contraceptive preparations.

mesulphen
mesulphen (me-sul′fen)

A topical scabicide with antipruritic properties.

mesuranic
mesuranic (mez′u-ran′ik)

SYN: mesouranic.

MET
MET

Abbreviation for metabolic equivalent.

Met
Met

Symbol for methionine or methionyl.

meta- meta-

In medicine and biology, a prefix denoting the concept of after, subsequent to, behind, or hindmost. Cf.:post-. [G. after, between, over]

meta- meta-

1. In chemistry, an italicized prefix denoting joint, action sharing. 2. (m-) In chemistry, an italicized prefix denoting a compound formed by two substitutions in the benzene ring separated by one carbon atom, i.e., linked to the first and third, second and fourth, etc., carbon atoms of the ring. For terms beginning with m., or m-, see the specific name. [G. after, between, over]

metaanalysis
metaanalysis (met′a-a-nal′i-sis)

The process of using statistical methods to combine the results of different studies; systematic, organized, and structured evaluation of a problem using information, commonly in the form of statistical tables, from a number of different studies of a problem.

metabasis
metabasis (me-tab′a-sis)

Rarely used term for a change of any kind in symptoms or course of a disease. [G. a passing over, change, fr. metabaino, to pass over]

metabiosis
metabiosis (met′a-bi-o′sis)

Dependence of one organism on another for its existence. SEE ALSO: commensalism, mutualism, parasitism. [meta- + G. biosis, way of life]

metabolic
metabolic (met-a-bol′ik)

Relating to metabolism.

metabolimeter
metabolimeter (met′a-bo-lim′e-ter)

A modified calorimeter for measuring the rate of basal metabolism.

metabolin
metabolin (me-tab′o-lin)

SYN: metabolite.

metabolism
metabolism (me-tab′o-lizm)

1. The sum of the chemical and physical changes occurring in tissue, consisting of anabolism, those reactions that convert small molecules into large, and catabolism, those reactions that convert large molecules into small, including both endogenous large molecules as well as biodegradation of xenobiotics. 2. Often incorrectly used as a synonym for either anabolism or catabolism. [G. metabole, change]
basal m. oxygen utilization of an individual during minimal physiologic activity while awake; an obsolete test determined by measuring oxygen consumption of a fasting subject at complete bodily and mental rest and a room temperature of 20°C. SYN: basal metabolic rate.
carbohydrate m. oxidation, breakdown, and synthesis of carbohydrates in the tissues.
electrolyte m. the chemical changes that various essential minerals ( e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) undergo in the tissues.
energy m. those metabolic reactions whose role is to release or to provide energy.
fat m. oxidation, decomposition, and synthesis of fats in the tissues.
first-pass m. the intestinal and hepatic degradation or alteration of a drug or substance taken by mouth, after absorption, removing some of the active substance from the blood before it enters the general circulation. SYN: first-pass effect.
inborn error of m. a genetic biochemical disorder of a specific enzyme that forms a metabolic block, e.g., phenylketonuria.
intermediary m. the sum of all metabolic reactions between uptake of foodstuffs and formation of excretory products.
oxidative m. SYN: ventilation (2) .
primary m. metabolic processes central to most cells; e.g., biosynthesis of macromolecules, energy production, turnover, etc.
protein m. decomposition and synthesis of protein in the tissues. SYN: proteometabolism.
respiratory m. the exchange of respiratory gases in the lungs, oxidation of foodstuffs in the tissues, and production of carbon dioxide and water.
secondary m. metabolic processes in which substances (such as pigments, alkaloids, terpenes, etc.) are only synthesized in certain types of tissues or cells or are only synthesized under certain conditions.

metabolite
metabolite (me-tab′o-lit)

Any product or substrate (foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism, especially of catabolism. SYN: metabolin.
primary m. a m. synthesized in a step in primary metabolism.
secondary m. a m. synthesized in a step in secondary metabolism.

metabolize
metabolize (me-tab′o-liz)

To undergo the chemical changes of metabolism.

metacarpal
metacarpal (met′a-kar′pal)

1. Relating to the metacarpus. 2. Any one of the m. bones. See m. (bones) [I–V], under bone.

metacarpectomy
metacarpectomy (met′a-kar-pek′to-me)

Excision of one or all of the metacarpals. [metacarpus + G. ektome, excision]

metacarpophalangeal
metacarpophalangeal (met′a-kar′po-fa-lan′je-al)

Relating to the metacarpus and the phalanges; denoting the articulations between them.

metacarpus
metacarpus, pl .metacarpi (met′a-kar′pus, -kar′pi)

The five bones of the hand between the carpus and the phalanges. [meta- + G. karpos, wrist]

metacentric
metacentric (met-a-sen′trik)

Having the centromere about equidistant from the extremities, said of a chromosome. [meta- + G. kentron, circle]

metacercaria
metacercaria, pl .metacercariae (met′a-ser-kar′e-a, -e)

The post-cercarial encysted stage in the life history of a fluke, prior to transfer to the definitive host. Some cercariae attach themselves to grass or other vegetation, form m., and later are ingested by herbivores, as in Fasciola and similar forms; others encyst in muscles of fish, as in Clonorchis, or in crayfish, as in Paragonimus. [meta- + G. kerkos, tail]

metacestode
metacestode (met-a-ses′tod)

The larval stages of a tapeworm, including the metamorphosis of the oncosphere to the first evidence of sexuality in the adult worm, differentiation of the scolex, and beginning of proglottid formation; it includes the procercoid and plerocercoid stages of pseudophyllid cestodes, and the cysticercus, cysticercoid, coenurus, and hydatid stages of cyclophyllidean cestodes.

metachloral
metachloral (met-a-klo′ral)

SYN: m-chloral.

metachromasia
metachromasia (met′a-kro-ma′ze-a)

1. The condition in which a cell or tissue component takes on a color different from the dye solution with which it is stained. SYN: metachromatism (2) . 2. A change in the characteristic color of certain basic thiazine dyes, such as toluidine blue, when the dye molecules are bound in proximate array to tissue polyanionic polymers, such as glycosaminoglycans. [meta- + G. chroma, color]

metachromatic
metachromatic (met′a-kro-mat′ik)

Denoting cells or dyes that exhibit metachromasia. SYN: metachromophil, metachromophile.

metachromatism
metachromatism (met-a-kro′ma-tizm)

1. Any color change, whether natural or produced by basic aniline dyes. 2. SYN: metachromasia (1) . [meta- + G. chroma, color]

metachroming
metachroming (met′a-kro′ming)

The process of mixing a metal mordant with a dye before applying the dye to a tissue or fabric.

metachromophil
metachromophil, metachromophile (met-a-kro′mo-fil, -fil)

SYN: metachromatic. [meta- + G. chroma, color, + philos, fond]

metachronous
metachronous (me-tak′ro-nus)

Not synchronous; multiple separate occurrences, such as multiple primary cancers developing at intervals. [meta- + G. chronos, time]

metachrosis
metachrosis (met-a-kro′sis)

A change of color, such as occurs in certain animals, e.g., the chameleon, by expansion and contraction of chromatophores. [meta- + G. chrosis, a coloring]

metacone
metacone (met′a-kon)

The distobuccal cusp of an upper molar tooth. [meta- + G. konos, cone]

metaconid
metaconid (met-a-kon′id, -ko′nid)

The mesolingual cusp of a lower molar tooth.

metacontrast
metacontrast (met-a-kon′trast)

Inhibition of the brightness of illumination when an adjacent visual field is illuminated.

metaconule
metaconule (met-a-kon′ul)

The distal intermediate cusp of an upper molar tooth. [meta- + G. konos, a cone]

metacresol
metacresol (met-a-kre′sol)

SYN: m-cresol.

metacryptozoite
metacryptozoite (met′a-krip-to-zo′it)

The exoerythrocytic stage that develops from merozoites formed by the first, or cryptozoite, generation; the cryptozoite and m. generations comprise the primary exoerythrocytic stages of malaria development (prepatent period) prior to infection of red blood cells. [meta- + G. kryptos, hidden, + zoon, animal]

metadysentery
metadysentery (met-a-dis′en-tar-e)

Old term for bacillary dysentery.

Metagonimus
Metagonimus (met-a-gon′i-mus)

A genus of flukes (superfamily Heterophyundea) that encyst on fish and infect various fish-eating animals, including humans. M. yokogawai, an intestinal fluke widely distributed in the Far East and the Balkans and one of the smallest (1–2.5 mm) flukes infecting humans, is passed from Semisulcospira snails to cyprinoid fish and then to humans and other fish-eating mammals and birds. [meta- + G. gonimos, productive]

metaicteric
metaicteric (met-a-ik′ter-ik)

Occurring as a sequel of jaundice. [meta- + G. ikterikos, jaundiced]

metainfective
metainfective (met′a-in-fek′tiv)

Occurring subsequent to an infection; denoting specifically a febrile condition sometimes observed during convalescence from an infectious disease.

metakinesis
metakinesis, metakinesia (met′a-ki-ne′sis, -ki-ne′se-a)

Moving apart; the separation of the two chromatids of each chromosome and their movement to opposite poles in the anaphase of mitosis. [meta- + G. kinesis, movement]

metal
metal (M) (met′al)

One of the electropositive elements, either amphoteric or basic, usually characterized by properties such as luster, malleability, ductility, the ability to conduct electricity, and the tendency to lose rather than gain electrons in chemicals. [L. metallum, a mine, a mineral, fr. G. metallon, a mine, pit]
alkali m. an alkali of the family Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr, all of which have highly ionized hydroxides. SYN: alkali (3) .
alkali earth m. alkaline earth elements, under element.
Babbitt m. an alloy of antimony, copper, and tin; used occasionally in dentistry.
base m., basic m. a m. that is readily oxidized; e.g., iron, copper.
colloidal m. a colloidal solution of a m. obtained by passing electric sparks between terminals of the m. in distilled water. SYN: electrosol.
d'Arcet m. an alloy of lead, bismuth, and tin; used in dentistry.
fusible m. a m. with a low melting point.
heavy m. a m. with a high specific gravity, typically larger than 5; E.G., Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn, V.
light m. a m. with a specific gravity of less than 4.
noble m. a m. that cannot be oxidized by heat alone, nor readily dissolved by acid; e.g., gold, platinum. SYN: noble element.
rare earth m. lanthanides.
respiratory m. a m. present in certain respiratory pigments; e.g., iron, manganese, copper, vanadium.

metaldehyde
metaldehyde (met-al′de-hid)

A polymer of acetaldehyde. [meta- + aldehyde]

metallic
metallic (me-tal′ik)

Relating to, composed of, or resembling metal.

metallo- metallo-

Metal, metallic. [see metal]

metallocyanide
metallocyanide (me-tal-o-si′a-nid)

A compound of cyanogen with a metal forming an ionic radical that combines with a basic element to form a salt; e.g., potassium ferricyanide, K₃Fe(CN)₆.

metalloenzyme
metalloenzyme (me-tal-o-en′zim)

An enzyme containing a metal (ion) as an integral part of its active structure; e.g., cytochromes (Fe, Cu), aldehyde oxidase (Mo), catechol oxidase (Cu), carbonic anhydrase (Zn).

metalloflavodehydrogenase
metalloflavodehydrogenase (me-tal′o-fla′vo-de-hi′dro-jen-as)

A type of oxidizing enzyme, containing one of the flavin nucleotides as coenzyme, plus a metal ion that is also necessary to the action; the metal may be Fe (as in succinate dehydrogenase), Cu (as in urate oxidase), or Mo (as in xanthine oxidase).

metalloflavoenzyme
metalloflavoenzyme (me-tal′o-fla-vo-en′zim)

An enzyme that contains one of the flavin nucleotides and at least one metal ion as a required part of its active structure.

metalloflavoprotein
metalloflavoprotein (me-tal′o-fla′vo-pro-ten)

A protein containing a flavin entity and at least one metal ion.

metalloid
metalloid (met′a-loyd)

Resembling a metal in at least one amphoteric form; e.g., silicon and germanium as semiconductors. [metal + G. eidos, resemblance]

metallophilia
metallophilia (me-tal′o-fil′e-a)

Affinity for metal salts; e.g., the affinity of the cytoplasm of cells of the reticuloendothelial system for silver carbonate stain and salts of gold and iron. [metallo- + G. philos, fond]

metallophobia
metallophobia (me-tal-o-fo′be-a)

Morbid fear of metal objects. [G. metallon, metal, + phobos, fear]

metalloporphyrin
metalloporphyrin (me-tal-o-por′fi-rin)

A combination of a porphyrin with a metal, e.g., Fe (heme), Mg (as in chlorophyll), Cu (in hemocyanin), Zn.

metalloprotein
metalloprotein (me-tal-o-pro′ten)

A protein with a tightly bound metal ion or ions; e.g., hemoglobin.

metalloproteinase
metalloproteinase (met′a-lo-pro′ten-az)

A family of protein-hydrolyzing endopeptidases that contain zinc ions as part of the active structure.
matrix m. a subfamily of endopeptidases that hydrolyze extracellular proteins, especially collagens and elastin. By regulating the integrity and composition of the extracellular matrix, these enzymes play a pivotal role in the control of signals elicited by matrix molecules that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and death.

metallothionein
metallothionein (me-tal-o-thi′o-nen)

Any of a group of small proteins, rich in cysteinyl residues, that is synthesized in the liver and kidney in response to the presence of divalent ions (zinc, mercury, cadmium, copper, etc.) and that binds these ions tightly; of importance in ion transport and detoxification; the apoprotein is thionein.

metaluetic
metaluetic (met′a-loo-et′ik)

1. SYN: metasyphilitic (1) . 2. SYN: metasyphilitic (2) . 3. SYN: parasyphilitic. [meta- + L. lues, pestilence]

metamer
metamer (met′a-mer)

1. An entity that is similar to, but ultimately differentiable from, another entity. 2. Structural isomer. [meta- + -mer]

metamere
metamere (met′a-mer)

One of a series of homologous segments in the body. SEE ALSO: somite. [meta- + G. meros, part]

metameric
metameric (met-a-mer′ik)

1. Relating to or showing metamerism, or occurring in a metamere. 2. Referring to a metamer.

metamerism
metamerism (me-tam′er-izm)

1. A type of anatomic structure exhibiting serially homologous metameres; in primitive forms, such as the annelids, the metameres are almost alike in structure; in vertebrates, specialization in the cephalic region masks the underlying m., which is still clearly evident in serially repeated vertebrae, ribs, intercostal muscles, and spinal nerves, and in young vertebrate embryos. 2. In chemistry, rarely used synonym for structural isomerism.

metamorphopsia
metamorphopsia (met′a-mor-fop′se-a)

Distortion of visual images. [meta- + G. morphe, shape, + opsis, vision]

metamorphosis
metamorphosis (met-a-mor′fo-sis, -mor-fo′sis)

1. A change in form, structure, or function. 2. Transition from one developmental stage to another. SYN: allaxis, transformation (1) . [G. metamorphasos, transformation fr. meta, beyond, over, + morphe, form]
complete m. insect development from egg, through successive larval instars, pupa, and adult; the latter is distinct from the first two forms of the insect, permitting specialization of feeding (larval) and reproductive-flying functions (adult); characteristic of the higher insect orders, such as Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants), Diptera (two-winged flies), and Siphonaptera (fleas). SYN: holometabolous m..
fatty m. the appearance of microscopically visible droplets of fat in the cytoplasm of cells. SEE ALSO: fatty degeneration. SYN: fatty change.
heterometabolous m. SYN: incomplete m..
holometabolous m. SYN: complete m..
incomplete m. the development of a nymph into the imago which in many respects resembles the former; characteristic of more primitive insect orders, such as Heteroptera (true bugs), Orthoptera (locusts, grasshoppers), and Blatterria (roaches). SYN: heterometabolous m..
retrograde m. SYN: degeneration (3) . 1. SYN: cataplasia.

metamorphotic
metamorphotic (met′a-mor-fot′ik)

Relating to or marked by metamorphosis.

metamyelocyte
metamyelocyte (met-a-mi′el-o-sit)

A transitional form of myelocyte with nuclear construction that is intermediate between the mature myelocyte (myelocyte C of Sabin) and the two-lobed granular leukocyte. SYN: juvenile cell. [meta- + G. myelos, marrow, + kytos, cell]

metanephric
metanephric (met-a-nef′rik)

Of or pertaining to the metanephron.

metanephrine
metanephrine (met-a-nef′rin)

A catabolite of epinephrine found, together with normetanephrine, in the urine and in some tissues, resulting from the action of catechol-O-methyltransferase on epinephrine; has no sympathomimetic actions.

metanephrogenic
metanephrogenic, metanephrogenous (met′a-nef-ro-jen′ik, -ne-froj′e-nus)

Applied to the more caudal part of the intermediate mesoderm which, under the inductive action of the metanephric diverticulum, has the potency to form metanephric tubules. [meta- + G. nephros, kidney, + -gen, producing]

metanephros
metanephros, pl .metanephroi (met-a-nef′ros, -roy)

The most caudally located of the three excretory organs appearing in the evolution of the vertebrates (the others being the pronephros and the mesonephros); in mammalian embryos, the m. develops caudal to the mesonephros during its regression, becoming the permanent kidney. SYN: hind kidney. [meta- + G. nephros, kidney]

metaneutrophil
metaneutrophil, metaneutrophile (met-a-noo′tro-fil, -fil)

Not staining normally with neutral dyes. [meta- + L. neuter, neither, + G. philos, fond]

metanil yellow
metanil yellow (met′a-nil) [C.I. 13065]

A monoazo acid dye, C₁₈H₁₄N₃O₃SNa, used as a cytoplasmic and connective tissue stain.

metaperiodic acid
metaperiodic acid

SYN: periodic acid (1) .

metaphase
metaphase (met′a-fas)

The stage of mitosis or meiosis in which the chromosomes become aligned on the equatorial plate of the cell separating the centromeres. In mitosis and in the second meiotic division, the centromeres of each chromosome divide and the two daughter centromeres are directed toward opposite poles of the cell; in the first division of meiosis, the centromeres do not divide but the centromeres of each pair of homologous chromosomes become directed toward opposite poles. [meta- + G. phasis, an appearance]

metaphosphoric acid
metaphosphoric acid (met′a-fos-for′ik)

SYN: glacial phosphoric acid.

metaphysial
metaphysial, metaphyseal (met-a-fiz′e-al)

Relating to a metaphysis.

metaphysis
metaphysis, pl .metaphyses (me-taf′i-sis, -sez) [TA]

A conical section of bone between the epiphysis and diaphysis of long bones. [meta- + G. physis, growth]

metaphysitis
metaphysitis (me-taf′i-si′tis)

Inflammation of the metaphysis.

metaplasia
metaplasia (met-a-pla′ze-a)

Abnormal transformation of an adult, fully differentiated tissue of one kind into a differentiated tissue of another kind; an acquired condition, in contrast to heteroplasia. SYN: metaplasis (2) . [G. metaplasis, transformation]
agnogenic myeloid m. SYN: primary myeloid m..
apocrine m. alteration of acinar epithelium of breast tissue to resemble apocrine sweat glands; seen commonly in fibrocystic disease of the breasts.
autoparenchymatous m. m. occurring in the parenchymal cells proper to the tissue.
Barrett m. SYN: Barrett syndrome.
coelomic m. potential of coelomic epithelium to differentiate into several different histologic cell types.
intestinal m. the transformation of mucosa, particularly in the stomach, into glandular mucosa resembling that of the intestines, although usually lacking villi.
myeloid m. a syndrome characterized by anemia, enlargement of the spleen, nucleated red blood cells and immature granulocytes in the circulating blood, and conspicuous foci of extramedullary hemopoiesis in the spleen and liver; may develop in the course of polycythemia rubra vera; there is a high incidence of development of myeloid leukemia.
primary myeloid m. myeloid m. occurring as the primary condition, often in association with myelofibrosis. SYN: agnogenic myeloid m..
secondary myeloid m. myeloid m. occurring in individuals with another disease. SYN: symptomatic myeloid m..
squamous m. the transformation of glandular or mucosal epithelium into stratified squamous epithelium. SYN: epidermalization.
squamous m. of amnion SYN: amnion nodosum.
symptomatic myeloid m. SYN: secondary myeloid m..

metaplasis
metaplasis (me-tap′la-sis)

1. The stage of completed growth or development of the individual. 2. SYN: metaplasia. [G. a transformation]

metaplastic
metaplastic (met-a-plas′tik)

Pertaining to metaplasia or metaplasis.

metaplexus
metaplexus (met′a-plek′sus)

The choroid plexus in the fourth ventricle of the brain. [meta- + L. plexus, an interweaving]

metapophysis
metapophysis (met′a-pof′i-sis)

SYN: mammillary process of lumbar vertebra. [meta- + G. apophysis, a process]

metapore
metapore (met′a-por)

Rarely used term for apertura mediana ventriculi quarti. [meta- + G. poros, pore]

metaprotein
metaprotein (met-a-pro′ten)

Nondescript term for a derived protein obtained by the action of acids or alkalies, soluble in weak acids or alkalies but insoluble in neutral solutions; e.g., albuminate.

metaproterenol sulfate
metaproterenol sulfate (met′a-pro-ter′e-nol)

A sympathomimetic bronchodilator used for the treatment of bronchospasm in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. It has relatively greater effect on β₂-adrenergic receptors than β₁, conferring some selectivity in relaxing bronchiolar smooth muscle as compared with cardiac stimulation. SYN: orciprenaline sulfate.

metapsychology
metapsychology (met′a-si-kol′o-je)

1. A systematic attempt to discern and describe what lies beyond the empirical facts and laws of psychology, such as the relations between body and mind, or concerning the place of the mind in the universe. 2. In psychoanalysis, or psychoanalytic m., psychology concerning the fundamental assumptions of the freudian theory of the mind, which entail five points of view: 1) dynamic, concerning psychologic forces; 2) economic, concerning psychologic energy; 3) structural, concerning psychologic configurations; 4) genetic, concerning psychologic origins; 5) adaptive, concerning psychologic relations with the environment. [G. meta, beyond, transcending, + psychology]

metapyretic
metapyretic (met′a-pi-ret′ik)

SYN: postfebrile. [meta- + G. pyretos, fever]

metapyrocatechase
metapyrocatechase (met′a-pi-ro-kat′e-kas)

SYN: catechol 2,3-dioxygenase.

metaraminol bitartrate
metaraminol bitartrate (met-a-ram′i-nol)

A potent sympathomimetic amine used for the elevation and maintenance of blood pressure in acute hypotensive states and topically as a nasal decongestant.

metarhodopsin
metarhodopsin (met-a-ro-dop′sin)

A light-activated form of rhodopsin; m. I is formed from lumirhodopsin and is converted to m. II; m. II is the form of rhodopsin that releases all-trans-retinal.

metarteriole
metarteriole (met′ar-ter′e-ol)

One of the small peripheral blood vessels between the arterioles and the true capillaries that contain scattered groups of smooth muscle fibers in their walls. [meta- + arteriole]

metarubricyte
metarubricyte (met-a-roo′bri-sit)

Orthochromatic normoblast. See normoblast.
pernicious anemia type m. orthochromatic megaloblast. See megaloblast.

metastable
metastable (met′a-sta-bl)

1. Of uncertain stability; in a condition to pass into another phase when slightly disturbed; e.g., water, when cooled below the freezing point may remain liquid but will at once congeal if a piece of ice is added. 2. Denoting the excited condition of the nucleus of a radionuclide isomer that reaches a lower energy state by the process of isomeric transition decay without changing its atomic number or weight; e.g., Tc → Tc + γ. [meta- + L. stabilis, stable]

metastasis
metastasis, pl .metastases (me-tas′ta-sis, -sez)

1. The shifting of a disease or its local manifestations, from one part of the body to another, as in mumps when the symptoms referable to the parotid gland subside and the testis becomes affected. 2. The spread of a disease process from one part of the body to another, as in the appearance of neoplasms in parts of the body remote from the site of the primary tumor; results from dissemination of tumor cells by the lymphatics or blood vessels or by direct extension through serous cavities or subarachnoid or other spaces. 3. Transportation of bacteria from one part of the body to another, through the bloodstream (hematogenous m.) or through lymph channels (lymphogenous m.). SYN: secondaries (1) . [G. a removing, fr. meta, in the midst of, + stasis, a placing]
biochemical m. the transportation and induction of abnormal immunochemical specificities in apparently normal organs.
calcareous m. the deposit of calcareous material in remote tissues in the event of extensive resorption of osseous tissue in caries, malignant neoplasms, and so on.
hematogenous m. m..
in-transit m. in melanoma, a metastatic deposit occurring in the lymphatic pathway between the primary tumor and its draining lymph nodes.
lymphogenous m. m..
pulsating metastases metastases to bone, usually from hypernephromas, but occasionally from thyroid tumors; considerablee vascularity may have expansile pulsation and a continuous bruit.
satellite m. m. within the immediate vicinity of a primary malignant neoplasm; e.g., skin adjacent to a melanoma.

metastasize
metastasize (me-tas′ta-siz)

To pass into or invade by metastasis.

metastatic
metastatic (met-a-stat′ik)

Relating to metastasis.

metasternum
metasternum (met′a-ster′num)

SYN: xiphoid process.

metastrongyle
metastrongyle (met-a-stron′jil)

Common name for members of the genus Metastrongylus or of the family Metastrongylidae.

Metastrongylus
Metastrongylus (met-a-stron′ji-lus)

A genus of nematode lungworms (family Metastrongylidae), the only genus in its subfamily (Metastrongylinae). The four known species are found only in pigs; transmission is by earthworm intermediate hosts. [meta- + G. strongylos, round]

metasyphilis
metasyphilis (met-a-sif′i-lis)

1. The constitutional state due to congenital syphilis without local lesions. 2. SYN: parasyphilis.

metasyphilitic
metasyphilitic (met′a-sif-i-lit′ik)

1. Relating to metasyphilis. SYN: metaluetic (1) . 2. Following or occurring as a sequel of syphilis. SYN: metaluetic (2) . 3. SYN: parasyphilitic.

metatarsal
metatarsal (met′a-tar′sal)

1. Relating to the metatarsus or to one of the m. bones. See m. (bones) [I–V], under bone. 2. Any one of the m. bones.

metatarsalgia
metatarsalgia (met′a-tar-sal′je-a)

Pain in the forefoot in the region of the heads of the metatarsals. [meta- + G. algos, pain]
Morton m. SYN: Morton neuralgia.

metatarsectomy
metatarsectomy (met′a-tar-sek′to-me)

Excision of the metatarsus. [metarsus + G. ektome, excision]

metatarsophalangeal
metatarsophalangeal (met′a-tar′so-fa-lan′je-al)

Relating to the metatarsal bones and the phalanges; denoting the articulations between them.

metatarsus
metatarsus, pl .metatarsi (met′a-tar′sus, -si)

The distal portion of the foot between the instep and the toes, having as its skeleton the five long bones (metatarsal bones) articulating proximally with the cuboid and cuneiform bones and distally with the phalanges. [meta- + G. tarsos, tarsus]
m. adductovarus fixed deformity of the foot in which both adductus and varus vectors contribute to the resultant foot posture.
m. adductus a fixed deformity of the foot in which the forepart of the foot is angled away from the main longitudinal axis of the foot toward the midline; usually congenital in origin. SYN: intoe.
m. atavicus abnormal shortness of the first metatarsal bone as compared with the second.
m. latus deformity caused by sinking down of the transverse arch of the foot. SYN: talipes transversoplanus.
m. varus fixed deformity of the foot in which the forepart of the foot is rotated on the long axis of the foot, so that the plantar surface faces the midline of the body.

metathalamus
metathalamus (met′a-thal′a-mus) [TA]

The caudoventral part of the thalamus, consisting of the medial and lateral geniculate bodies. [meta- + G. thalamos, thalamus]

metathesis
metathesis (me-tath′e-sis)

1. Transfer of a pathologic product ( e.g., a calculus) from one place to another where it causes less inconvenience or injury, when it is not possible or expedient to remove it from the body. 2. In chemistry, a double decomposition, wherein a compound, A-B, reacts with another compound, C-D, to yield A-C + B-D, or A-D + B-C. [meta- + G. thesis, a placing]

metatroph
metatroph (met′a-trof)

An organism that requires complex organic sources of carbon and nitrogen for growth.

metatrophic
metatrophic (met-a-trof′ik)

Denoting the ability to undertake anabolism or to obtain nourishment from varied sources, i.e., both nitrogenous and carbonaceous organic matter. [meta- + G. trophe, nourishment]

metatropic
metatropic (met-a-trop′ik)

Denoting a reversion to a previous state. [meta- + G. trope, a turning]

metatypical
metatypical (met-a-tip′i-kal)

Pertaining to tissue that is formed of elements identical to those occurring in that site under normal conditions, but the various elements are not arranged in the usual normal pattern.

metaxalone
metaxalone (me-tak′sa-lon)

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.

Metazoa
Metazoa (met-a-zo′a)

A subkingdom of the kingdom Animalia, including all multicellular animal organisms in which the cells are differentiated and form tissues; distinguished from the subkingdom Protozoa, or unicellular animal organisms. [meta- + G. zoon, animal]

metazoonosis
metazoonosis (met′a-zo-o-no′sis)

A zoonosis that requires both a vertebrate and an invertebrate host for completion of its life cycle; e.g., the arbovirus infections of humans and other vertebrates. [meta- + G. zoon, animal, + nosos, disease]

Metchnikoff
Metchnikoff

Elie, Russian biologist in Paris and Nobel laureate, 1845–1916. See M. theory.

metencephalic
metencephalic (met′en-se-fal′ik)

Relating to the metencephalon.

metencephalon
metencephalon (met′en-sef′a-lon) [TA]

The anterior of the two major subdivisions of the rhombencephalon (the posterior being the myelencephalon or medulla oblongata), composed of the pons and the cerebellum. [meta- + G. enkephalos, brain]

Metenier sign
Metenier sign

See under sign.

metenkephalin
metenkephalin (met-en-kef′a-lin)

See enkephalins.

meteorism
meteorism (me′te-o-rizm)

SYN: tympanites. [G. meteorismos, a lifting up]

meteoropathy
meteoropathy (me′te-or-op′a-the)

Rarely used term for ill health due to climatic conditions. [G. meteora, things high in the air, + pathos, suffering]

meteorotropic
meteorotropic (me′te-or-o-trop′ik)

Denoting diseases affected in their incidence by the weather. [G. meteora, things high in the air, + G. tropos, a turning]

meter
meter (m) (me′ter)

1. The fundamental unit of length in the SI and metric systems, equivalent to 39.37007874 inches. Defined to be the length of the path traveled by light in a vacuum in 1299792458 sec. 2. A device for measuring the quantity of that which passes through it. [Fr. metre; G. metron, measure]
potential acuity m. (PAM) instrument used to project an image such as Snellen test types through a cataractous lens onto the retina in order to predict likely visual function if the cataract were removed.
rate m. a device that continuously displays the magnitude of events averaged over varying time intervals.
ventilation m. a m. used to measure tidal and minute ventilatory volumes.
Venturi m. a device for measuring flow of a fluid in terms of the drop in pressure when the fluid flows into the constriction of a Venturi tube.

meter-candle
meter-candle (me′ter-kan′dl)

SYN: lux.

metergasia
metergasia (met-er-ga′ze-a)

Change of function. [G. meta, denoting change, + ergasia, work]

metergoline
metergoline (me′ter-go-lin)

An ergot derivative with a pharmacological profile similar to methysergide; a nonselective blocker of serotonin receptors. Used as an analgesic in migraine headache. SYN: methergoline.

metestrus
metestrus, metestrum (met-es′trus, -trum)

The period between estrus and diestrus in the estrous cycle. [meta- + estrus]

metformin
metformin (met-for′min)

An oral hypoglycemic agent.

meth- meth-, metho-

Chemical prefixes usually denoting a methyl, methoxy group.

methacholine chloride
methacholine chloride (meth′a-ko-len)

A derivative of acetylcholine; a parasympatomimetic agent used as a bronchoconstrictor in testing for bronchial hyperreactivity.

methacrylic acid
methacrylic acid (meth′a-kril′ik)

Occurs in oil from Roman camomile; used in the manufacture of methacrylate resins and plastics. SYN: methylacrylic acid.

methacycline hydrochloride
methacycline hydrochloride (meth-a-si′klen)

An antimicrobial agent.

methadone hydrochloride
methadone hydrochloride (meth′a-don)

A synthetic narcotic drug; an orally effective analgesic similar in action to morphine but with slightly greater potency and longer duration. It produces psychic and physical dependence as with morphine, but withdrawal symptoms are somewhat milder; used as a replacement (oral route) for morphine and heroin; also used during withdrawal treatment in morphine and heroin addiction.

methallenestril
methallenestril (meth′a-len-es′tril)

An orally effective, nonsteroid estrogenic compound.

methamphetamine hydrochloride
methamphetamine hydrochloride (meth-am-fet′a-men)

A sympathomimetic agent that exerts greater stimulating effects upon the central nervous system than does amphetamine (hence street name, “speed”); widely used by drug abusers via the oral and intravenous (“mainlining”) routes; strong psychic dependence may develop. When converted to the freebase (methamphetamine) it can be smoked like crack cocaine and is referred to as “ICE”. SYN: methylamphetamine hydrochloride.

methampyrone
methampyrone (meth-am-pi′ron)

SYN: dipyrone.

methandienone
methandienone (meth-an-di′e-non)

SYN: methandrostenolone.

methandriol
methandriol (meth-an′dre-ol)

The methyl derivative of androstenediol, with similar actions and uses. SYN: mestenediol.

methandrostenolone
methandrostenolone (meth-an-dro-sten′o-lon)

An orally effective anabolic steroid that may promote nitrogen retention when combined with an adequate diet; in addition, it can exert typically androgenic effects. SYN: methandienone.

methane
methane (meth′an)

CH₄;an odorless gas produced by the decomposition of organic matter; explosive when mixed with 7 or 8 volumes of air, constituting then the firedamp in coal mines. SYN: marsh gas.

Methanobacteriaceae
Methanobacteriaceae (meth′a-no-bak-ter-e-a′se-e)

Archaea bacteria containing Gram-negative and Gram-positive, motile or nonmotile, strictly anaerobic rods and cocci, which obtain energy either by the reduction of carbon dioxide to form methane or by the fermentation of compounds such as acetate and methanol with the production of methane and carbon dioxide; they are found in anaerobic habitats such as sediments of natural waters, soil, anaerobic sewage digestors, and the gastrointestinal tract of animals.

methanogen
methanogen (meth-an′o-jen)

Any methane-producing bacterium of the family Methanobacteriaceae.

methanol
methanol (meth′a-nol)

SYN: methyl alcohol.

methantheline bromide
methantheline bromide (meth-an′the-len)

An anticholinergic drug.

methapyrilene
methapyrilene (meth-a-pir′i-len)

An H₁ tihistamine. M. fumarate is administered topically on the skin; m. hydrochloride is the preferred salt for oral or parenteral use.

methaqualone
methaqualone (meth-a-kwa′lon)

A sedative and hypnotic, also a drug of abuse; available as the hydrochloride.

metharbital
metharbital (meth-ar′bi-tahl)

An N-methylated derivative of barbital with anticonvulsant properties similar to those of phenobarbital; converted to barbital in the body.

methargen
methargen (meth′ar-jen)

A topical antiseptic agent.

methazolamide
methazolamide (meth-a-zol′a-mid)

A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with uses similar to those of acetazolamide.

metHb
metHb

Abbreviation for methemoglobin.

methdilazine hydrochloride
methdilazine hydrochloride (meth-dil′a-zen)

A phenothiazine compound with antihistaminic activity; used in the treatment of various dermatoses to relieve pruritus.

methemalbumin
methemalbumin (met′hem-al-boo′min, -hem-al′boo-min)

An abnormal compound formed in the blood as a result of heme combining with plasma albumin.

methemalbuminemia
methemalbuminemia (met′hem-al-boo-min-e′me-a)

The presence of methemalbumin in the circulating blood, indicative of intravascular hemolysis with rapid hemoglobin breakdown; found in some patients with blackwater fever or paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; described as a means of differentiating severe (hemorrhagic) from mild (edematous) pancreatitis, and also has been described in other acute conditions such as strangulation obstruction of intestine and mesenteric artery occlusion.

methemoglobin
methemoglobin (metHb) (met-he-mo-glo′bin)

A transformation product of oxyhemoglobin because of the oxidation of the normal Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺, thus converting ferroprotoporphyrin to ferriprotoporphyrin; it contains water in firm union with ferric iron, thus being chemically different from oxyhemoglobin and useless for respiration; found in sanguineous effusions and in the circulating blood after poisoning with acetanilid, potassium chlorate, and other substances. SYN: ferrihemoglobin.
m. reductase a flavoenzyme catalyzing the reduction of m. to hemoglobin in the red blood cell.

methemoglobinemia
methemoglobinemia (met-he′mo-glo-bi-ne′me-a, meth′e-mo-)

The presence of methemoglobin in the circulating blood; when severe, there is inadequate oxygenation of the tissues. Methemoglobin causes the blood to have a brownish color, which may be mistaken for cyanosis. [methemoglobin + G. haima, blood]
acquired m. m. caused by various chemical agents, such as nitrites or topical anesthetics. SYN: enterogenous m., secondary m..
congenital m. 1. m. due to formation of any one of a group of abnormal α chain [MIM*141800] or β chain [MIM*141900] hemoglobins collectively known as hemoglobin M. Slate-gray cyanosis occurs in early infancy, without pulmonary or cardiac disease, and is resistant to ascorbic acid or methylene blue therapy; autosomal dominant inheritance; 2. m. due to deficiency of cytochrome b₅ reductase [MIM*250790] or methemoglobin reductase [MIM*250700], the enzyme responsible for reduction of intraerythrocyte methemoglobin; cyanosis is improved by ascorbic acid or methylene blue; autosomal recessive inheritance; SYN: hereditary m., hereditary methemoglobinemic cyanosis, primary m..
enterogenous m. SYN: acquired m..
hereditary m. SYN: congenital m..
primary m. SYN: congenital m..
secondary m. SYN: acquired m..

methemoglobinuria
methemoglobinuria (met-he′mo-glo-bi-noo′re-a, meth′e-mo-)

The presence of methemoglobin in the urine. [methemoglobin + G. ouron, urine]

methenamine
methenamine (me-then′a-men)

A condensation product obtained by the action of ammonia upon formaldehyde; in an acid urine, it decomposes to yield formaldehyde, a urinary antiseptic. SYN: hexamine.
m. hippurate a urinary antiseptic.
m. mandelate a urinary antiseptic.
m. salicylate a uric acid solvent and urinary antiseptic.

methenamine-silver
methenamine-silver

A hexamethylenetetramine-silver complex prepared by adding silver nitrate to methenamine; a white precipitate appears in the solution which dissolves upon shaking and is stable under refrigeration; used in various histological and histochemical staining methods. SEE ALSO: Gomori methenamine-silver stain, under stain.

methene
methene (meth′en)

The moiety &dbond;CH&cbond;.

methergoline
methergoline

SYN: metergoline.

methicillin sodium
methicillin sodium (meth-i-sil′in)

A semisynthetic penicillin salt for parenteral administration; restriction of its use to infections caused by penicillin G-resistant staphylococci is recommended; it is less effective than penicillin G in infections caused by hemolytic streptococci, pneumococci, gonococci, and penicillin G-sensitive staphylococci. SYN: sodium methicillin.

methimazole
methimazole (me-thim′a-zol)

An antithyroid drug similar in action to propylthiouracil.

methiodal sodium
methiodal sodium (meth-i′o-dal)

An iodine-containing radiopaque medium, CH₂ISO₃Na or sodium methanesulfonate, formerly used for examination of the urinary tract.

methionine
methionine (Met, M) (me-thi′o-nen)

2-Amino-4-(methylthio)butyric acid;the l-isomer is a nutritionally essential amino acid and the most important natural source of “active methyl” groups in the body, hence usually involved in methylations in vivo; the dl-form is used as an adjunct in the treatment of liver diseases.
active m. SYN: S-adenosyl-l-m..
m. adenosyltransferase an enzyme catalyzing the condensation of l-m. and ATP, forming S-adenosyl-l-m., orthophosphate, and pyrophosphate; a deficiency of the hepatic enzyme will result in hypermethionemia. SYN: m.-activating enzyme.
m. sulfoxime a toxic derivative of m. formed when proteins containing it are treated with nitrogen chloride to give –SO(NH)CH₃ in place of –SCH₃.
m. synthase tetrahydropteroylglutamate methyltransferase; m.-homocysteine methyltransferase;an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of N⁵-methyltetrahydrofolate with l-homocysteine to form tetrahydrofolate and l-m.; a cobalamin-requiring enzyme; a deficiency of this enzyme results in an accumulation of l-homocysteine and neurological abnormalities. SYN: tetrahydrofolate methyltransferase.

methisazone
methisazone (me-this′a-zon)

An antiviral agent.

methitural
methitural (me-thi′t-oo-ral)

An intravenous thiobarbiturate resembling thiopental and used for the induction of anesthesia; exerts a brief effect due to rapid redistribution in the body after a single injection.

methixene hydrochloride
methixene hydrochloride (me-thik′sen)

An anticholinergic agent.

metho- metho-

See meth-.

methocarbamol
methocarbamol (meth-o-kar′ba-mol)

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant, chemically related to mephenesin carbamate; it is slower in onset of action but of longer duration, and may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally.

method
method (meth′od)

The mode or manner or orderly sequence of events of a process or procedure. SEE ALSO: fixative, operation, procedure, stain, technique. [G. methodos; fr. meta, after, + hodos, way]
Abell-Kendall m. a standard reference m. for estimation of total serum cholesterol involving saponification of cholesterol ester by hydroxide, extraction with petroleum ether, and color development with acetic anhydride-sulfuric acid; the m. avoids interference by bilirubin, protein, and hemoglobin.
activated sludge m. a m. of sewage disposal in which the sewage is treated with 15% bacterially active, liquid sludge, which is produced by repeated vigorous aeration of fresh sewage to form floccules or sediment; when this flocculation process is complete, the resulting activated sludge contains large numbers of bacteria, together with yeasts, molds, and protozoa, which actively effect the oxidation of organic compounds; this mixture is piped to a sedimentation tank, the effluent from which is completely treated sewage.
Altmann-Gersh m. the m. of rapidly freezing a tissue and dehydrating it in a vacuum.
Anel m. ligation of an artery immediately above (on the proximal side of) an aneurysm.
Antyllus m. ligation of the artery above and below an aneurysm, followed by incision into and emptying of the sac.
aristotelian m. a m. of study that stresses the relation between a general category and a particular object.
Ashby m. a differential agglutination m. for estimating erythrocyte life span; compatible blood possessing a group factor that the recipient lacks is transferred to the recipient; after the transfusion, sera with potent agglutinins for the recipient's red cells are added to samples of the recipient's blood, and the unagglutinated red cells are counted; using this technique the red cell life span in normal persons is found to be 110–120 days.
auxanographic m. a m. for the study of bacterial enzymes in which agar is mixed with the material ( e.g., starch or milk) which is to serve as an indicator of the enzyme action and is inoculated and plated; if the bacteria produce enzymes digesting the admixed material, there will be a zone of clearing in the medium about each colony. SYN: diffusion m..
Barraquer m. SYN: zonulolysis.
Beck m. a permanent opening into the stomach made from its greater curvature.
Bier m. 1. SYN: intravenous regional anesthesia. 2. treatment of various surgical conditions by reactive hyperemia.
Billings m. a contraceptive m. that involves periods of abstinence determined by changes in cervical mucus.
Born m. of wax plate reconstruction the making of three-dimensional models of structures from serial sections; it depends on the building up of a series of wax plates, cut out to scaled enlargements of the individual sections involved in the region to be reconstructed.
Brasdor m. treatment of aneurysm by ligation of the artery immediately below (on the distal side of) the tumor.
Callahan m. SYN: chloropercha m..
capture-recapture m. originally, a technique developed by biologists to track wild animal populations; now adapted for epidemiological studies of elusive human populations ( e.g., prostitutes, teen runaways, IV drug users).
Charters m. a m. of toothbrushing utilizing a restricted circular motion with the bristles inclined coronally at a 45 degree angle.
Chayes m. a m. of replacing lost teeth utilizing a mechanical device for the fixation and stabilization of the dental prosthesis which allows “movement in function” of the abutment teeth.
chloropercha m. a m. of filling the root canals of teeth by dissolving gutta-percha cones in a chloroform-rosin medium within the root canal. SYN: Callahan m., Johnson m..
closed circuit m. a m. for measuring oxygen consumption in which the subject rebreathes an initial quantity of oxygen through a carbon dioxide absorber and the decrease in the volume of oxygen being rebreathed is noted.
Cobb m. a technique used in scoliosis to determine the degree of curvature of the spine; the measurement is made by drawing a perpendicular to a line drawn across the superior endplate of the upper-end (most tilted) vertebra and the inferior endplate of the lower-end vertebra; the angle formed by the intersection of the two perpendicular lines is the Cobb angle, which is the measure of the magnitude of the curve.
combined methods varying combinations of the oral auditory m. and the manual visual m. of education of deaf children. SEE ALSO: oral auditory m., manual visual m., total communication.
confrontation m. a m. of perimetry; the examiner compares the patient's visual fields with the examiner's own by facing the patient who has one eye covered and the other fixed upon the corresponding (confronting) eye of the examiner. The examiner then holds a finger midway between them and moves it slowly in different directions until the patient fails to see it. In each instance the finger is moved again toward the original position until the patient can just see it.
cooled-knife m. the cutting of frozen sections with a knife cooled to a few degrees below the freezing point.
copper sulfate m. a m. for the determination of specific gravity of blood or plasma in which the blood or plasma is delivered by drops into solutions of copper sulfate graded in specific gravity by increments of 0.004, each of the bottles of solution being within the expected range of the blood or plasma sample; the specific gravity of the copper sulfate solution in which the drop of blood or plasma remains suspended indefinitely indicates the specific gravity of the sample.
correlational m. a statistical m., most often used in clinical and other applied areas of psychology, to study the relationship which exists between one characteristic and another in an individual.
Credé methods 1. instillation of one drop of a 2% solution of silver nitrate into each eye of the newborn infant, to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum; 2. resting the hand on the fundus uteri from the moment of the expulsion of the fetus, and gently rubbing in case of hemorrhage or failing contraction; then, when the afterbirth is loosened it is expelled by firm compression or squeezing of the fundus by the hand; 3. use of manual pressure on a bladder, particularly a paralyzed bladder, to express urine. SYN: Credé maneuvers.
cross-sectional m. in developmental psychology, the study of the life span involving comparison of groups of individuals at different age levels. Cf.:longitudinal m..
Deaver m. a m. of motor reeducation.
definitive m. an analytical procedure for the measurement of a specified analyte in a specified material which is known to give essentially the true value for the concentration of the analyte.
Dick m. SYN: Dick test.
diffusion m. SYN: auxanographic m..
direct m. for making inlays in dentistry, an inlay technique in which the wax pattern is made directly in the prepared cavity in the tooth. SYN: direct technique.
disk sensitivity m. a procedure for testing the relative effectiveness of various antibiotics; small disks of paper (or other suitable material) are impregnated with known, appropriate amounts of antibiotic, and then placed on the surface of semisolid medium that has been previously inoculated with the organism being tested; after suitable periods of incubation at 37°C, the lack of growth in zones about the various disks indicates the relative effectiveness of the antibiotic.
double antibody m. SYN: double antibody precipitation.
Edman m. phenylisothiocyanate.
Eggleston m. obsolete term for rapid digitalization by means of large doses of digitalis leaf or tincture frequently repeated.
Eicken m. facilitation of hypopharyngoscopy by means of forward traction on the cricoid cartilage by a laryngeal probe.
encu m. a means of simplifying the calculation of risk in genetic counseling for autosomal dominant traits by converting all pertinent evidence into encu units.
ensu m. a means of simplifying the calculation of risk in genetic counseling for X-linked traits by converting all pertinent evidence into ensu units.
experimental m. in experimental psychology, control of environmental, physiological, or attitudinal factors to observe dependent changes in aspects of experience and behavior.
Fick m. in 1870 A. Fick proposed that cardiac output can be calculated as the quotient of total body oxygen consumption divided by the difference in oxygen content of arterial blood and mixed venous blood. In the direct Fick m. all variables are measured. The indirect Fick m. employs a variety of means to avoid measuring mixed venous oxygen content. By extension, the Fick m. may be used to measure cardiac output or organ blood flow with any indicator substance for which the rate of uptake or consumption, and the arterial and mixed venous concentrations, can be measured, provided the indicator does not enter or leave the system by any route not being measured. SYN: Fick principle.
flash m. sterilization of milk by raising it rapidly to a temperature of 178°F, holding it there for a short time, and reducing it rapidly to 40°F.
flotation m. any of several procedures for concentrating helminth eggs for more reliable results when eggs are difficult to find in direct examination; the flotation methods depend on flotation of helminth eggs on the surface of a liquid of sufficiently high specific gravity, approximately 1.180; 1 part feces mixed in about 10 parts saturated saline will float most protozoan cysts and nonoperculated helminth eggs. SEE ALSO: zinc sulfate flotation centrifugation m..
Gärtner m. a m. of measuring venous pressure, based upon Gärtner vein phenomenon; with the patient sitting erect, a vein is selected on the back of the hand that is held dependent, well below the level of the right atrium, and then is raised slowly; when the vein is observed to collapse, the distance between its level and that of the atrium is measured with a millimeter rule; this distance gives the venous pressure in millimeters of blood; thus the vein itself is used as a manometer communicating with the right atrium; highly inaccurate, especially in elderly subjects.
Gerota m. injection of the lymphatics with a dye that is soluble in chloroform or ether but not in water; alkannin, red sulfide of mercury, and Prussian blue are said to be suitable for this purpose.
glucose oxidase m. a highly specific m. for measurement of glucose in serum or plasma by reaction with glucose oxidase, in which gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide are formed.
Gruber m. a modification of the Politzer m. in which the patient does not swallow, but says “hoc” at the instant of compression of the bag.
Hamilton-Stewart m. formula to calculate cardiac output after intravenous indicator dye injection; blood flow in liters per minute is given by dividing the amount of injectant in milligrams by the product of the average dye concentration in the initial curve of the dye concentration sampled at a given point in the circulation and multiplied by the dose of dye (in milligrams) to write the curve from appearance to disappearance (in the absence of any recirculation). SYN: Hamilton-Stewart formula, indicator dilution m., Stewart-Hamilton m..
Hammerschlag m. a hydrometric m. of determining the specific gravity of the blood by allowing a drop of blood to fall into each of a series of tubes containing mixtures of chloroform and benzene of known graded specific gravities; the specific gravity of that mixture in which the drop remains exactly suspended, neither rising nor falling, corresponds to the specific gravity of the blood sample.
hexokinase m. the most specific m. for measuring glucose in serum or plasma, wherein hexokinase plus ATP transforms glucose to glucose 6-phosphate plus ADP; glucose 6-phosphate is then reacted with NADP and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase to form NADP which is measured spectrophotometrically.
Hilton m. division of the nerves supplying a part, for the relief of pain in ulcers.
Hirschberg m. a m. of measuring the amount of deviation of a strabismic eye, by observing the reflection of a light fixated by the straight eye on the cornea of the deviating eye.
Hung m. SYN: Wilson m..
immunofluorescence m. any m. in which a fluorescent-labeled antibody is used to detect the presence or determine the location of the corresponding antigen.
impedance m. a m. for localizing brain structures by measuring impedance of electric current.
indicator dilution m. SYN: Hamilton-Stewart m..
indirect m. for making inlays a m. whereby the inlay is constructed entirely on a model made from an impression of the prepared tooth or teeth in the mouth. SYN: indirect technique.
indophenol m. a m. of determining quantitatively the amount of vitamin C in plant and animal tissue based on the rapid reduction of a standardized indophenol solution to a colorless compound by vitamin C in acid solution.
introspective m. in functionalism, the systematic study of mental phenomena by contemplating the processes in one's own conscious experiences.
ITO m. a concise matrix m. for computing the distribution of genotypes of relatives that at one locus may share no genes in common, one, or both.
Johnson m. SYN: chloropercha m..
Keating-Hart m. fulguration in the treatment of external cancer or of the field of operation after the removal of a malignant growth.
Kety-Schmidt m. a m. for measuring organ blood flow first applied to the brain in 1944 by C. F. Schmidt and S. S. Kety. A chemically inert indicator gas is equilibrated with the tissue of the organ of interest and the rate of disappearance from the organ is measured. Blood flow is calculated on the assumption that the tissue and venous blood concentrations of the indicator gas are in diffusion equilibrium at all blood flow rates and that the rate of disappearance of the indicator from the tissue is a function of how much is in the tissue at any time, i.e., it is assumed to be an exponential disappearance.
Kjeldahl m. macro-Kjeldahl m., micro-Kjeldahl m..
Lamaze m. a technique of psychoprophylactic preparation for childbirth, designed to minimize the pain of labor.
Langendorff m. perfusion of the isolated mammalian heart by carrying fluid under pressure into the sectioned aorta, and thus into the coronary system.
Lee-White m. a m. for determining coagulation time of venous blood in tubes of standard bore at body temperature.
Liborius m. a m. for culturing anaerobic bacteria; a stab culture is made in the appropriate agar medium, then more of the same medium is liquefied and poured into the test tube on top of the stab culture, effectually sealing it from the air.
Ling m. gymnastic exercises (as in Swedish movements) without the use of apparatus.
Lister m. antiseptic surgery, as first advocated by Lister in 1867; his operations were performed under a cloud of diluted carbolic acid spray, the instruments were dipped in a carbolic solution before use, and the wound was dressed with a thick layer of carbolized gauze; from this was developed the present practice of aseptic surgery. SYN: listerism.
lod m. a m. of linkage analysis using an examination of the common logarithm of the ratio of the likelihood for a particular value of the recombination fraction to that if the recombination fraction is 0.5 ( i.e., no linkage); thus, a lod score of 3 at a recombination fraction of 0.2 means that the data are 1000 times more readily explained by supposing a recombination fraction of 0.2 than by supposing the loci are unlinked and the recombination fraction is 0.5. [logarithm of the odds]
longitudinal m. in developmental psychology, the study of the life span of one individual involving comparisons of different age levels. Cf.:cross-sectional m..
macro-Kjeldahl m. a procedure for analyzing the content of nitrogenous compounds in urine, serum, or other specimens, usually to determine relatively large amounts of nitrogen ( e.g., 20–100 mg); the specimen is treated with a digestion mixture (copper sulfate and sulfuric acid), heated thoroughly, and made alkaline with a solution of sodium hydroxide; ammonia is then distilled from the mixture, trapped in a boric acid-indicator solution, and titrated with standard hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.
manual visual m. an approach to the education of deaf children that emphasizes the role of vision in communication and the early and consistent use of ASL or other national sign languages. SEE ALSO: oral auditory m., combined methods, total communication.
Marshall m. a quantitative procedure for estimating free and conjugated sulfanilamide in body fluids.
micro-Astrup m. an interpolation technique for acid-base measurement, based on pH and the use of the Siggaard-Andersen nomogram to determine the base deficit as an expression of metabolic acidosis and the arterial P_CO₂ as an expression of respiratory acidosis or alkalosis.
micro-Kjeldahl m. a modification of the macro-Kjeldahl m. designed for the analysis of nitrogenous compounds in relatively small quantities, e.g., specimens in which the total content of nitrogen is in the range of 1 to a few milligrams.
microsphere m. a m. for measuring organ blood flow by indicator dilution, but more importantly, a m. for measuring the distribution of cardiac output or the intraorgan distribution of blood flow. To measure distribution of flow, neutrally buoyant, chemically inert microspheres that have an indicator property ( e.g., radioactivity) are injected into a cardiac chamber or arterial blood. They are presumed to distribute in proportion to the distribution of arterial blood flow. Injected sphere size is selected to be large enough to embolize the vessels of interest. Injected quantity is selected to be large enough to provide statistically meaningful samples and small enough not to alter the organ blood flow under investigation. Organ samples are taken to quantify the distribution of the microspheres and hence the flow. See Fick m., Stewart-Hamilton m..
Moore m. treatment of aneurysm by the introduction of silver or zinc wire into the sac to induce fibrin deposition.
Needles split cast m. SYN: split cast m..
Nikiforoff m. the fixing of blood films by immersion for 5 to 15 minutes in absolute alcohol, a mixture of equal parts of alcohol and ether, or pure ether.
Ochsner m. an obsolete treatment for appendicitis (by peristaltic rest), when surgery is not advisable.
open circuit m. a m. for measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production by collecting the expired gas over a known period of time and measuring its volume and composition.
oral auditory m. an approach to the education of deaf children that emphasizes early auditory training, speech and speech reading, and early and consistent use of high quality amplification for residual hearing. SEE ALSO: manual visual m., combined methods, total communication.
Orsi-Grocco m. palpatory percussion of the heart.
Ouchterlony m. SYN: Ouchterlony test.
Pachon m. cardiography carried out with the patient lying on the left side.
paracelsian m. the treatment of disease using chemical agents only.
parallax m. localization of a foreign body by observing the direction of its motion on a fluoroscopic screen while moving the x-ray tube or the screen.
Pavlov m. the m. of studying conditioned reflex activity by the observation of a motor indicator, such as the salivary or electroencephalographic response.
Politzer m. inflation of the eustachian tube and tympanum by forcing air into the nasal cavity at the instant the patient swallows.
Porges m. a m. of destroying the capsule of bacteria by heating with N/4 hydrochloric acid and neutralizing with NaOH.
Purmann m. treatment of aneurysm by extirpation of the sac.
Quick m. SYN: prothrombin test.
reference m. an analytical procedure sufficiently free of random or systematic error to make it useful for validating proposed new analytical procedures for the same analyte.
Rehfuss m. m. of fractional measurement of gastric activity: a fine tube with fenestrated metal tip is passed into the stomach after a test meal, and small quantities (6 or 8 ml) of the stomach contents are removed at 15-min intervals and examined.
rhythm m. a natural contraceptive m. that spaces human sexual intercourse to avoid the fertile period of the menstrual cycle. SYN: rhythm (2) .
Rideal-Walker m. Rideal-Walker coefficient.
Roux m. division of the mandible in the median line, to facilitate the operation of ablation of the tongue.
Sanger m. the m. for the sequencing of DNA employing an enzyme that can polymerase DNA and labeled nucleotides.
Scarpa m. cure of aneurysm by ligation of the artery at some distance above the sac.
Schäfer m. an obsolete m. of resuscitation in cases of drowning or asphyxia; the patient is laid face downward and natural breathing is imitated by gentle intermittent pressure over the lower part of the thorax at the rate of about 15 times a minute.
Schede m. filling of the defect in bone, after removal of a sequestrum or scraping away carious material, by allowing the cavity to fill with blood which may become organized (Schede clot).
Schick m. SYN: Schick test.
Schmidt-Thannhauser m. a m. for fractionation of nucleic acid, based upon the fact that RNA but not DNA is hydrolyzed to nucleotides by alkali; RNA can be hydrolyzed in about 2 h in 0.75 n NaOH, but 18 h and 0.3 n NaOH usually are used.
Schweninger m. a m. suggested to reduce obesity by restricting intake of fluid.
Shaffer-Hartmann m. an obsolete m. for the quantitative determination of glucose in biological fluids, based on the reduction of copper by the reducing group of the sugar.
Somogyi m. Somogyi unit.
split cast m. 1. a procedure for placing indexed casts on an articulator to facilitate their removal and replacement on the instrument; 2. the procedure of checking the ability of an articulator to receive or be adjusted to a maxillomandibular relation record. SYN: Needles split cast m..
Stas-Otto m. a m. of extraction of alkaloids from plants and animal bodies: the substance is digested in alcohol and tartaric acid, the fatty and resinous matters are precipitated with water, the fluid is made alkaline, and the alkaloids are extracted with ether or chloroform.
Stewart-Hamilton m. SYN: Hamilton-Stewart m..
Thane m. a m. for indicating the position of the central sulcus (Rolando fissure) of the brain; the upper end of the sulcus corresponds to the midpoint of a line drawn from the glabella to the inion.
Theden m. treatment of aneurysms or of large sanguineous effusions by compression of the entire limb with a roller bandage.
Thezac-Porsmeur m. heat treatment of infected wounds by focusing of sun's rays on suppurating area by means of a lens mounted in a cylinder of canvas.
thiochrome m. a m. for the determination of thiamin based upon the production of thiochrome when the vitamin is oxidized by alkaline ferricyanide to yield the fluorescent compound, thiochrome.
twin m. a general means of genetic analysis that capitalizes on the fact that while twins have the same age and the same intrauterine environment, identical (monozygotic) twins have the same genotype but dizygotic twins are no more alike than sibs and may be of different sex.
ultropaque m. a rapid m. for examining thick (1–3 mm) sections of fresh tissue with the ultramicroscope, making use of an objective built in an illuminator so that the light is reflected down upon the tissue.
u-score m. an older, simpler, but somewhat less efficient m. of linkage analysis than that by maximum likelihood estimation.
Wardrop m. treatment of aneurysm by ligation of the artery at some distance beyond the sac, leaving one or more branches of the artery between the sac and the ligature.
Westergren m. a procedure for estimating the sedimentation rate of red blood cells in fluid blood by mixing venous blood with an aqueous solution of sodium citrate and allowing it to stand in an upright standard pipette (200 mm long) filled to the zero mark; the fall of the red blood cells, in millimeters, is then observed in 1 hr; the normal rate for men is 0–15 mm (average, 4 mm), and for women 0–20 mm (average, 5 mm).
Wheeler m. a surgical procedure for correction of cicatricial ectropion.
Wilson m. a simple saline flotation m. for concentrating helminth eggs in the feces. See flotation m.. SYN: Hung m..
zinc sulfate flotation centrifugation m. a flotation m. in which the fecal specimen is suspended in tap water, strained through wet gauze, centrifuged, resuspended in tap water, washed and recentrifuged several times, and then suspended in 33% solution of zinc sulfate and centrifuged at top speed for 45–60 sec; a bacteriologic loop may be used to pick up the surface layer, which contains protozoan cysts and helminth eggs.

methodism methodism (meth′od-izm)

SYN: solidism.

methodology
methodology (meth′u-dol-o-je)

The scientific study or logical analysis of methods.

methohexital sodium
methohexital sodium (meth-o-heks′i-tawl)

An ultra-short-acting barbiturate used intravenously for induction and for general anesthesia of short duration.

methophenazine
methophenazine (me-tho-fen′a-zen)

An antipsychotic.

methopholine
methopholine (me-tho-fo′len)

An analgesic.

methopterin
methopterin (meth-op′ter-in)

A folic acid antagonist.

methorphinan
methorphinan (meth-or′fi-nan)

See dextromethorphan hydrobromide, levorphanol tartrate.

methoserpidine
methoserpidine (meth-o-ser′pi-den)

An antihypertensive agent similar in its actions to reserpine.

methotrexate
methotrexate (meth-o-trek′sat)

A folic acid antagonist used as an antineoplastic agent; used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. SYN: amethopterin.

methotrimeprazine
methotrimeprazine (meth′o-tri-mep′ra-zen)

A phenothiazine analgesic.

methoxamine hydrochloride
methoxamine hydrochloride (me-thok′sa-men)

A sympathomimetic amine.

methoxsalen
methoxsalen (me-thok′sa-len)

A methoxypsoralen derivative that increases melanin production in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light; used orally and topically in the treatment of idiopathic vitiligo, and also as a suntan accelerator and sun protectant.

methoxy- methoxy-

Chemical prefix denoting substitution of a methoxyl group.

4-methoxybenzoic acid
4-methoxybenzoic acid (meth-ok′se-ben-zo′ik)

SYN: anisic acid.

methoxychlor
methoxychlor (me-thok′se-klor)

An insecticide resembling DDT; ectoparasiticide.

methoxyflurane
methoxyflurane (me-thok-se-floor′an)

A potent inhalation anesthetic no longer in use because of high-output renal failure caused by increased plasma concentrations of inorganic fluoride, a metabolic breakdown product of m..

3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid
3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid

See vanillylmandelic acid.

5-methoxyindole-3-acetate
5-methoxyindole-3-acetate (meth-oks′e-in-dol)

An intermediate of tryptophan and serotonin degradation; excreted as conjugates.

methoxyl
methoxyl (me-thok′sil)

The group, –OCH₃.

methoxyphenamine hydrochloride
methoxyphenamine hydrochloride (me-thok-se-fen′a-men)

A sympathomimetic amine.

5-methoxytryptamine
5-methoxytryptamine (meth-oks′e-trip-ta-men)

An intermediate in the degradation of l-tryptophan and serotonin.

methscopolamine bromide
methscopolamine bromide (meth-sko-pol′a-men)

A parasympatholytic drug similar to atropine; the methyl nitrate has the same action and uses.

methsuximide
methsuximide (meth-suk′si-mid)

An antiepileptic effective against petit mal and psychomotor epilepsy; similar to ethosuximide.

methyclothiazide
methyclothiazide (meth′i-klo-thi′a-zid)

An orally effective diuretic and antihypertensive agent of the thiazide group.

methyl
methyl (Me) (meth′il)

The moiety, &cbond;CH₃. [G. methy, wine, + hyle, wood]
active m. a m. group attached to a quaternary ammonium ion or a tertiary sulfonium ion that can take part in transmethylation reactions; e.g., m. groups in choline and in S-adenosyl-l-methionine, which are thus m. donors.
m. aldehyde SYN: formaldehyde.
angular m. a m. group attached to carbon 10 (between rings A and B) or to carbon 13 (between rings C and D) of the steroid nucleus.
m. chloride SYN: chloromethane.
m. cysteine hydrochloride the m. ester of cysteine hydrochloride; a mucolytic agent.
m. hydroxybenzoate SYN: methylparaben.
m. isobutyl ketone in high concentrations it has narcotic action; in relatively low concentrations it may be irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes.
m. methacrylate a thermoplastic material used for denture bases and as an embedding material for electron microscopy.
m. nicotinate nicotinic acid m. ester, used as rubefacient.

2-methylacetoacetyl-CoA thiolase
2-methylacetoacetyl-CoA thiolase

An enzyme that is part of the l-isoleucine degradation pathway; it catalyzes the conversion of 2-methylacetoacetyl-CoA to acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA. A deficiency of this enzyme leads to an accumulation of 2-methylacetoacetyl-CoA, causing episodes of severe metabolic acidosis and ketosis.

methylacrylic acid
methylacrylic acid (meth′il-a-kril′ik)

SYN: methacrylic acid.

methylamphetamine hydrochloride
methylamphetamine hydrochloride (meth′il-am-fet′a-men)

SYN: methamphetamine hydrochloride.

methylate
methylate (meth′i-lat)

1. To mix with methanol. 2. To introduce a methyl group. 3. A compound in which a metal ion methyl replaces the alcoholic hydrogen of alcohol.

methylation
methylation (meth-i-la′shun)

Addition of methyl groups; in histochemistry, used to esterify carboxyl groups and remove sulfate groups by treating tissue sections with hot methanol in the presence of hydrochloric acid; the net effect being to reduce tissue basophilia and abolish metachromasia.
restriction m. the enzymatic addition of methyl groups to selected adenine and cytosine residues to protect from hydrolysis by certain restriction enzymes.

methylatropine bromide
methylatropine bromide (meth-il-at′ro-pen, -pin)

A quaternary derivative of atropine that is less lipid soluble and hence produces fewer central nervous system actions; a cycloplegic. SYN: atropine methylbromide.

methylbenzene
methylbenzene (meth-il-ben′zen)

SYN: toluene.

methylbenzethonium chloride
methylbenzethonium chloride (meth′il-ben-ze-tho′ne-um)

A quaternary ammonium compound having a surface action like that of other cationic detergents; generally germicidal and bacteriostatic; used to rinse infant diapers and bed linen in the prevention of ammonia dermatitis.

methyl blue
methyl blue [C.I. 42780]

A sulfonated triphenylrosaniline dye used as a stain for cytoplasm, collagen, and Negri bodies, and as an antiseptic.

methyl bromide
methyl bromide

Used in ionization chambers; for degreasing wool; extracting oils from nuts, seeds, flowers; used as an insect fumigant for mills, warehouses, vaults, ships, freight cars; also as a soil fumigant.

methyl-CCNU
methyl-CCNU

A nitrosourea antineoplastic agent resembling carmustine (BCNU) and lomustine (CCNU). SYN: semustine.

methylcellulose
methylcellulose (meth-il-sel′u-los)

A methyl ester of cellulose that forms a colorless viscous liquid when dissolved in water, alcohol, or ether; used to increase bulk of the intestinal contents, to relieve constipation, or of the gastric contents, to reduce appetite in obesity; also used dissolved in water as a spray to cover burned areas and as a suspending agent in pharmaceuticals and foods.

methylchloroform
methylchloroform (meth-il-chlor′o-form)

SYN: trichloroethane.

3-methylcholanthrene
3-methylcholanthrene, 20-methylcholanthrene (meth′il-kol-an′thren)

A highly carcinogenic hydrocarbon that can be formed chemically from deoxycholic or cholic acids, or from cholesterol; it induces the synthesis of cytochrome P-450 mRNA; the choice between 3- or 20- for the methyl group depends upon whether hydrocarbon (inner) or steroid (outer) numbering is chosen; in the latter case, the formal relationship to the cholic acids and cholesterol is clear.

methylcitrate
methylcitrate (meth-il-sit′trat)

A minor metabolite that accumulates in individuals with propionic acidemia.

methylcobalamin
methylcobalamin (meth-il-ko-bal′a-men)

SYN: vitamin B₁₂.

3-methylcrotonyl-CoA
3-methylcrotonyl-CoA (meth-il-kro′ton-il)

An intermediate in the degradation of l-leucine; accumulates in a deficiency of M. carboxylase.
3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase a biotin-dependent enzyme in the pathway of l-leucine degradation that catalyzes the reaction of M. with CO₂, ATP, and water to form ADP, orthophosphate, and 3-methylglutaconyl-CoA; a deficiency of this enzyme causes episodes of severe metabolic acidosis.

5-methylcytosine
5-methylcytosine (meth′il-si′to-sen)

A minor base that is present in both bacterial and human DNA.

methyldichloroarsine
methyldichloroarsine (MD) (meth′il-di-klor-o-ar′sen)

A vesicant; irritating to the respiratory tract and will produce lung injury and eye injury; has been used in certain military operations.

methyldopa
methyldopa (meth-il-do′pa)

An antihypertensive agent, also used as the ethyl ester hydrochloride, with the same action and uses. SYN: alpha methyl dopa.

methylene
methylene (meth′i-len)

The moiety, &cbond;CH₂&cbond;.

methylene azure
methylene azure

SYN: azure I.

methylene blue
methylene blue [C.I. 52015]

A basic dye easily oxidized to azure, with dye mixtures; used in histology and microbiology, to stain intestinal protozoa in wet mount preparations, to track RNA and RNase in electrophoresis, and as an antidote for methemoglobinemia; its redox indicator properties are useful in milk bacteriology.
Kühne m. m. in absolute alcohol and phenol solution.
Loeffler m. a stain for diphtheria organisms that contains m. in dilute ethanol plus a slight amount of potassium hydroxide; dye solution gives best results when aged to a polychrome state.
new m. [C.I. 52030] a basic thiazin dye used for supravital staining of reticulocytes in blood smears.
polychrome m. an alkaline solution of m. that undergoes progressive oxidative demethylation with aging (ripening) to produce a mixture of m., azures, and methylene violet; boiling with sodium carbonate or other oxidizing agents accomplishes this result quickly, although it is not as highly regarded.

methylene chloride
methylene chloride

Mobile liquid with a pungent odor; harmful vapor. Organic solvent used for cellulose acetate plastic; degreasing and cleaning fluids; and in food processing. Pharmaceutical aid (solvent).

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine

SYN: MDMA.

methylenesuccinic acid
methylenesuccinic acid (meth′il-en-suk′sin-ik)

SYN: itaconic acid.

methylene white
methylene white

SYN: leucomethylene blue.

methylenophil
methylenophil, methylenophile (meth-i-len′o-fil, -fil)

Staining readily with methylene blue; denoting certain cells and histologic structures. SYN: methylenophilic, methylenophilous. [methylene + G. philos, fond]

methylenophilic
methylenophilic, methylenophilous (meth′i-le-no-fil′ik, meth′il-e-nof′i-lus)

SYN: methylenophil.

methylergometrine maleate
methylergometrine maleate (meth′il-er-go-met′ren)

SYN: methylergonovine maleate.

methylergonovine maleate
methylergonovine maleate (meth′il-er-go-no′ven)

A partially synthesized derivative of lysergic acid with oxytocic action, used to prevent or treat postpartum uterine atony and hemorrhage. SYN: methylergometrine maleate.

methylglucamine
methylglucamine (meth-il-gloo′ka-men)

Cation commonly used in water-soluble iodinated radiographic contrast media. SYN: N-m..
m. diatrizoate SYN: meglumine diatrizoate.

3-methylglutaconic aciduria
3-methylglutaconic aciduria (meth-il-gloo-ta-kon′ik)

Elevated levels of 3-methylglutaconic acid in the urine. An inherited disorder whose mild form is a result of a deficiency of 3-methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase, leading to delayed speech development.

3-methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase
3-methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase

An enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of trans-3-methylglutaconyl-CoA and water to form 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaconyl-CoA; this enzyme participates in the pathway for l-leucine degradation; a deficiency of this enzyme will result in 3-methylglutaconic aciduria.

methylglyoxal
methylglyoxal (meth′il-gli-ok′sal)

Pyruvaldehyde;the aldehyde of pyruvic acid; an intermediate of carbohydrate metabolism in certain organisms. SYN: pyruvic aldehyde.
m. bis(guanylhydrazone) an antineoplastic agent.

methylglyoxalase
methylglyoxalase (meth′il-gli-oks′a-las)

SYN: lactoylglutathione lyase.

methyl green
methyl green [C.I. 42585]

A basic triphenylmethane dye used as a chromatin stain and, in combination with pyronin, for differential staining of RNA (red) and DNA (green); also used as a tracking dye for DNA in electrophoresis.

methylhexaneamine
methylhexaneamine (meth′il-hek-san′a-men, -min)

A volatile sympathetic amine base, used as an inhalant nasal decongestant.

methylkinase
methylkinase (meth′il-ki′nas)

SYN: methyltransferase.

methylmalonate semialdehyde
methylmalonate semialdehyde (meth′il-ma-lon-at)

An intermediate in l-valine catabolism; elevated in certain inborn disorders.

methylmalonic acid
methylmalonic acid (meth′il-ma-lon′ik)

2-Methylpropanedioic acid, an important intermediate in fatty acid metabolism; seen in elevated levels in cases of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Note that methylmalonate is not methyl malonate, which is the dimethyl ester of malonate. SYN: isosuccinic acid.

methylmalonic acidemia
methylmalonic acidemia

SYN: ketotic hyperglycinemia.

methylmalonic aciduria
methylmalonic aciduria

Excretion of excessive amounts of methylmalonic acid in urine owing to deficient activity of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase or deficient cobalamin reductase. Two types occur: 1) an inborn error of metabolism resulting in severe ketoacidosis shortly after birth, with long-chain urinary ketones; autosomal recessive inheritance, caused by mutations in the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase gene (MCM) on chromosome 6p [MIM*251000]; 2) acquired, a type due to vitamin B₁₂ deficiency [MIM*251110] due to defective synthesis of adenosylcobalamin.

methylmalonyl-CoA
methylmalonyl-CoA

An intermediate in the degradation of several metabolites ( e.g., valine, methionine, odd-chain fatty acids, theronine); elevated in cases of pernicious anemia.
methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion of d-methylmalonyl-CoA and l-methylmalonyl-CoA.
methylmalonyl-CoA mutase an enzyme that catalyzes a reversible interconversion of l-methylmalonyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA; a cobalamin-dependent enzyme; deficiency of this enzyme will result in methylmalonic acidemia.

methylmercury
methylmercury

SYN: dimethylmercury.

methylmorphine
methylmorphine (meth-il-mor′fen)

SYN: codeine.

methylol
methylol (meth′i-lol)

Hydroxymethyl; the moiety, &cbond;CH₂OH.

methyl orange
methyl orange

A weakly acid dye used as a pH indicator (red at 3.2, yellow at 4.4). SYN: helianthine.

methylose
methylose (meth′i-los)

A sugar in which the carbon atom farthest from the carbonyl group is a methyl (CH₃).

methylparaben
methylparaben (meth-il-par′a-ben)

An antifungal preservative. SYN: methyl hydroxybenzoate.

methylpentose
methylpentose (meth-il-pen′tos)

A hexose (a 6-deoxyhexose) in which carbon-6 is part of a methyl group; e.g., rhamnose, fucose.

methylphenidate hydrochloride
methylphenidate hydrochloride (meth-il-fen′i-dat)

A central nervous system stimulant used to produce mild cortical stimulation in various types of depressions; commonly used in the treatment of hyperkinetic or hyperactive (attention deficit disorder) children.

methylprednisolone
methylprednisolone (meth′il-pred-nis′o-lon)

An anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid.
m. acetate has the same actions and uses as m.; aqueous suspensions are suitable for intrasynovial and soft tissue injection.
sodium m. succinate it has the same metabolic and anti-inflammatory actions as the parent compound, m.; because of its solubility it can be administered in small volumes.

methyl red
methyl red

A weakly acid dye used as a pH indicator (red at 4.8, yellow at 6.0); easily reduced with loss of color, and pH readings must be made rapidly.

5-methylresorcinol
5-methylresorcinol (meth′il-re-sor′sin-ol)

SYN: orcinol.

methylrosaniline chloride
methylrosaniline chloride (meth′il-ro-zan′i-len, -lin)

SYN: crystal violet.

methyl salicylate
methyl salicylate

The methyl ester of salicylic acid, produced synthetically or distilled from Gaultheria procumbens (family Ericaceae) or from Betula lenta (family Betulaceae); used externally and internally for the treatment of various forms of rheumatism. SYN: checkerberry oil, gaultheria oil, sweet birch oil, wintergreen oil.

methyl-tert-butyl ether
methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE)

Used to dissolve gallbladder stones.

methyltestosterone
methyltestosterone (meth′il-tes-tos′ter-on)

A methyl derivative of testosterone, with the same actions and uses, except that it is active when given orally or sublingually. Used in the treatment of hypogenitalism. SYN: 17α-m..

methylthioadenosine
methylthioadenosine (meth′il-thi′o-a-den′o-sen)

Adenosine carrying an –SCH₃ group in place of OH at position 5′; the –SCH₃ group is transferred to α-aminobutyric acid to form l-methionine in some bacteria. M. is formed from S-adenosyl-l-methionine in the course of spermidine synthesis by loss of the alanine moiety. SYN: thiomethyladenosine.

methylthiouracil
methylthiouracil (meth′il-thi-o-u′ra-sil)

An antithyroid compound with the same action as propylthiouracil, but with a smaller dose required.

methyltocol
methyltocol (meth-il-to′kol)

A methylated tocol; e.g., tocotrienol, the tocopherols.

methyltransferase
methyltransferase (meth-il-trans′fer-as)

Any enzyme transferring methyl groups from one compound to another. SYN: demethylase, methylkinase, transmethylase.

methyl violet
methyl violet [C.I. 42535]

Mixtures of tetra-, penta-, or pararosanilin which vary in shade of violet depending on the extent of methylation (designated R for reddish shades, B for bluish shades); the hexamethyl compound is known as crystal violet, the pentamenthyl compound as m. 6B. As stains, m. has many bacteriological, histological, and cytological applications.

methylxanthines
methylxanthines (meth′il-zan′thinz)

A chemical group of drugs derived from xanthine (a purine derivative); members of the group include theophylline, caffeine, and theobromine.

methyl yellow
methyl yellow

SYN: butter yellow.

methyprylon
methyprylon, methyprylone (meth-i-pri′lon, -lon)

A sedative and hypnotic.

methysergide maleate
methysergide maleate (meth-i-ser′jid)

A serotonin antagonist, weakly adrenolytic, chemically related to methylergonovine; used in the prophylactic treatment of vascular headache (migraine); untoward effects are common.

methysticum
methysticum (me-this′ti-kum)

The root of Piper m. (family Piperaceae), a plant of the Pacific islands, used by the natives as an intoxicant. It has been used in diarrhea and in inflammatory affection of the urogenital tract. SYN: kava (1) .

metMb
metMb

Abbreviation for metmyoglobin.

metmyoglobin
metmyoglobin (metMb) (met′mi-o-glo′bin)

Myoglobin in which the ferrous ion of the heme prosthetic group is oxidized to ferric ion; ferrimyoglobin.

metoclopramide hydrochloride
metoclopramide hydrochloride (met′o-klo-pram′id)

An antiemetic agent.

metocurine iodide
metocurine iodide (met-o-kur′en)

A nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to provide relaxation during surgical operations. SYN: dimethyl d-tubocurarine, dimethyl tubocurarine iodide.

metolazone
metolazone (me-tol′a-zon)

A diuretic with antihypertensive activity.

metopagus
metopagus (me-top′a-gus)

Conjoined twins united at the forehead. See conjoined twins, under twin. [G. metopon, forehead, + pagos, something fixed]

metopic
metopic (me-to′pik, me-top′ik)

Relating to the forehead or anterior portion of the cranium. [G. metopon, forehead]

metopion
metopion (me-to′pe-on)

A craniometric point midway between the frontal eminences. SYN: metopic point. [G. metopon, forehead]

metopism
metopism (met′o-pizm)

Persistence of the frontal suture in the adult. [G. metopon, forehead]

metopoplasty
metopoplasty (met′o-po-plas-te, me-top′o-plas-te)

Plastic surgery of the skin or bone of the forehead. [G. metopon, forehead, + plastos, formed]

metoposcopy
metoposcopy (met′o-pos′ko-pe)

The study of physiognomy. [G. metopon, forehead, + skopeo, to view]

metoprolol tartrate
metoprolol tartrate (me-to′pro-lol)

A β-adrenergic blocking agent used in the treatment of hypertension; exhibits some cardioselectivity.

Metorchis
Metorchis (met-or′kis)

A genus of opisthorchid fish-borne flukes parasitic in the gallbladder of fish-eating mammals and birds, common in north temperate regions. M. conjunctus is a species that occurs in dogs and cats, and occasionally in humans, in North America. [G. meta, behind, + orchis, testicle]

metoxenous
metoxenous (me-tok′se-nus)

SYN: heterecious. [G. meta, beyond, + xenos, host]

metoxeny
metoxeny (me-tok′se-ne)

1. SYN: heterecism. 2. Change of host by a parasite. [G. meta, beyond, + xenos, host]

metr- metr-, metra-, metro-

The uterus. SEE ALSO: hystero- (1) , utero-. [G. metra]

metra
metra (me′tra)

SYN: uterus. [G. uterus]

metratonia
metratonia (me-tra-to′ne-a)

SYN: postpartum atony. [metra- + G. a- priv. + tonos, tension]

metria
metria (me′tre-a)

Pelvic cellulitis or other inflammatory affection in the puerperal period. [G. metra, uterus]

metric
metric (met′rik)

Quantitative; relating to measurement. See m. system. [G. metrikos, fr. metron, measure]

metrifonate
metrifonate (me-tri′fo-nat)

SYN: trichlorfon.

metriocephalic
metriocephalic (met′re-o-se-fal′ik)

Having a head well proportioned to height; denoting a skull with an index between 72 and 77. SEE ALSO: orthocephalic. [G. metrios, moderate, fr. metron, measure, + kephale, head]

metritis
metritis (me-tri′tis)

Inflammation of the uterus. [G. metra, uterus, + -itis, inflammation]

metrizamide
metrizamide (me-triz′a-mid)

SYN: metrizoate sodium.

metrizoate sodium
metrizoate sodium (met-ri-zo′at)

A diagnostic radiopaque medium. SYN: metrizamide.

metro- metro-

See metr-. [G. metra, uterus]

metrocyte
metrocyte (me′tro-sit)

SYN: mother cell. [G. meter, mother, + kytos, a hollow (cell)]

metrodynamometer
metrodynamometer (me-tro-di′na-mom′e-ter)

Instrument for measuring the force of uterine contractions. [metro- + G. dynamis, power, + metron, measure]

metrodynia
metrodynia (me-tro-di′ne-a)

SYN: hysteralgia. [metro- + G. odyne, pain]

metrolymphangitis
metrolymphangitis (me′tro-lim-fan-ji′tis)

Inflammation of the uterine lymphatics. [metro- + lymphangitis]

metronidazole
metronidazole (met-ro-ni′da-zol)

An orally effective trichomonicide used in the treatment of infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica and Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. Can produce a disulfiram reaction when combined with alcohol.

metronoscope
metronoscope (me-tron′o-skop)

A tachistoscopic apparatus that exposes for timed intervals short selections of printed matter for reading; used in testing and developing reading speed. [G. metron, measure, + skopeo, to view]

metropathia
metropathia (me-tro-path′e-a)

SYN: metropathy. [L.]
m. hemorrhagica abnormal, excessive, often continuous uterine bleeding due to persistence and exaggeration of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle; the endometrium is the seat of glandular hyperplasia with cyst formation. See Swiss cheese endometrium.

metropathic
metropathic (me-tro-path′ik)

Relating to or caused by uterine disease.

metropathy
metropathy (me-trop′a-the)

Any disease of the uterus, especially of the myometrium. SYN: metropathia. [metro- + G. pathos, suffering]

metroperitonitis
metroperitonitis (me′tro-per-i-to-ni′tis)

SYN: perimetritis. [metro- + peritonitis]

metrophlebitis
metrophlebitis (me′tro-fle-bi′tis)

Inflammation of the uterine veins usually following childbirth. [metro- + G. phleps, vein, + -itis, inflammation]

metroplasty
metroplasty (met′tro-plas-te, me′tro-)

SYN: uteroplasty.

metrorrhagia
metrorrhagia (me-tro-ra′je-a)

Any irregular, acyclic bleeding from the uterus between periods. [metro- + G. rhegnymi, to burst forth]

metrorrhea
metrorrhea (me′tro-re′a)

Discharge of mucus or pus from the uterus. [metro- + G. rhoia, a flow]

metrosalpingitis
metrosalpingitis (me′tro-sal-pin-ji′tis)

Inflammation of the uterus and of one or both fallopian tubes. [metro- + G. salpinx, trumpet (oviduct), + -itis, inflammation]

metrostaxis
metrostaxis (me-tro-stak′sis)

Small but continuous hemorrhage of the uterine mucous membrane. [metro- + G. staxis, a dripping]

metrostenosis
metrostenosis (me′tro-ste-no′sis)

A narrowing of the uterine cavity. [metro- + G. stenosis, a narrowing]

metrotomy
metrotomy (me-trot′o-me)

SYN: hysterotomy. [metro- + G. tome, incision]

metyrapone
metyrapone (me-tir′a-pon)

An inhibitor of adrenocortical steroid C-11 β-hydroxylation, administered orally or intravenously to determine the ability of the pituitary gland to increase its secretion of corticotropin; because 11-deoxycorticosteroids, as a consequence of m. administration, only weakly inhibit pituitary corticotropin secretion, the normal pituitary gland will appreciably increase its output of this hormone. SYN: mepyrapone.

metyrosine
metyrosine (me-ti′ro-sin, -sen)

An inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase and therefore a powerful inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis; used for controlling the manifestations of pheochromocytoma, in preoperative preparation, or in instances where surgical resection is contraindicated or incomplete.

Mev
Mev

Symbol for 1 million electron-volts.

mevalonate
mevalonate (mev-a-lon′at)

The salt or ester of mevalonic acid.
m. kinase an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of m. and ATP to form ADP and m. 5-phosphate; this enzyme participates in the pathway for steroid synthesis; a deficiency of this enzyme will lead to mevalonic aciduria and lack of development.

mevalonic acid
mevalonic acid (mev-a-lon′ik)

Precursor of squalene, steroids, terpenes, and dolichol.

mevalonic aciduria
mevalonic aciduria

Elevated levels of mevalonic acid in the urine; associated with a deficiency of mevalonate kinase.

mevastatin
mevastatin (mev′a-stat-in)

Fungal metabolite which is a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-controlling enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. The drug, similar to lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin, is used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

mevinolin
mevinolin (me-vin′o-lin)

SYN: lovastatin.

mexenone
mexenone (mek′se-non)

A sun-screening agent.

mexiletine
mexiletine (meks-il′e-ten)

A cardiac antiarrhythmic drug used to treat ventricular arrhythmias; resembles lidocaine in its actions but is orally effective.

mexiletine hydrochloride
mexiletine hydrochloride (meks-il′e-ten)

An orally active antiarrhythmic agent used to suppress symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias; resembles lidocaine in its actions but is orally effective.

Meyenburg
Meyenburg

H. von, Swiss pathologist, *1877. See M. complex, M. disease, M.-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome.

Meyer
Meyer

Adolf, U.S. psychiatrist, 1866–1950. See M.-Archambault loop.

Meyer
Meyer

Edmund V., German laryngologist, 1864–1931. See M. cartilages, under cartilage.

Meyer
Meyer

Georg H., Swiss anatomist, 1815–1892. See M. line, M. sinus.

Meyer
Meyer

Hans H., German pharmacologist, 1853–1939. See M.-Overton rule, M.-Overton theory of narcosis.

Meyer
Meyer

Willy, U.S. surgeon, 1858–1932. See M. reagent.

Meyer-Betz
Meyer-Betz

Friedrich, 20th century German physician. See Meyer-Betz disease, Meyer-Betz syndrome.

Meyerhof
Meyerhof

Otto F., German-U.S. biochemist and Nobel laureate, 1884–1951. See Embden-M. pathway, Embden-M.-Parnas pathway, M. oxidation quotient.

Meyer-Schwickerath
Meyer-Schwickerath

Gerhard Rudolph Edmund, German ophthalmologist, *1920.

Meynert
Meynert

Theodor H., Vienna neurologist, 1833–1892. See retroflex bundle of M., M. cells, under cell, M. commissure, M. decussation, fasciculus of M., M. layer.

mezlocillin sodium
mezlocillin sodium (mez-lo-sil′in)

C₂₁H₂₄NaN₅O₈S₂;an extended spectrum penicillin antibiotic used intravenously and intramuscularly.

Mg
Mg

Symbol for magnesium.

mg
mg

Symbol for milligram.

MGP
MGP

Abbreviation for matrix Gla protein.

MGUS
MGUS

Abbreviation for monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance.

MHC
MHC

Abbreviation for major histocompatibility complex, minor histocompatibility complex.

mho
mho (mo)

SYN: siemens. [ohm reversed]

MHz
MHz

Symbol for megahertz.

MI
MI

Abbreviation for myocardial infarction.

mianserin hydrochloride
mianserin hydrochloride (me-an′ser-in)

An H₁ antihistaminic with antiserotonin activity.

mibefradil
mibefradil (mib-ef′ra-dil)

A tetralol derivative in a new class of calcium antagonists that block at T-type channels; used to treat mild to moderate hypertension and angina pectoris.

Mibelli
Mibelli

Vittorio, Italian dermatologist, 1860–1910. See M. angiokeratomas, under angiokeratoma, M. disease.

MIC
MIC

Abbreviation for minimal inhibitory concentration.

micatosis
micatosis (mi′ka-to-sis)

Pneumoconiosis due to inhalation of mica particles.

micellar
micellar (mi-sel′er, mi-)

Having the properties of an assemblage of micelles, i.e., of a gel.

micelle
micelle (mi-sel′, mi-sel′)

1. Nägeli term for elongated sub(light)microscopic particles, detected in hydrogels, of supramolecular character and crystalline structure; now defined as one of two classes of colloidal particle: those consisting of many molecules, the other class being single macromolecules light- or submicroscopic in size. A m. is thus a structural unit of the disperse phase in a gel, a unit whose repetition in three dimensions constitutes the micellar structure of the gel; it does not denote the individual particles in free suspension or solution, or the unit structure of a crystal. 2. Any water-soluble aggregate, spontaneously and reversibly, formed from amphiphile molecules. 3. A hypothetical ordered region in a natural fiber such as cellulose. [L. micella, small morsel, dim. of mica, morsel, grain]

Michaelis
Michaelis

Leonor, German-U.S. chemist, 1875–1949. See M.-Gutmann body, M. constant, M.-Menten constant, M.-Menten equation, M.-Menten hypothesis.

Michel
Michel

Gaston, French surgeon, 1874–1937. See M. spur.

Michel
Michel

M., 19th century French physician. See M. malformation.

Micheli
Micheli

Ferdinando, Italian physician, 1872–1936. See Marchiafava-M. anemia, Marchiafava-M. syndrome.

miconazole nitrate
miconazole nitrate (mi-kon′a-zol)

An antifungal agent.

micr- micr-

See micro-.

micrencephalia
micrencephalia (mi′kren-se-fa′le-a)

SYN: micrencephaly.

micrencephalous
micrencephalous (mi-kren-sef′a-lus)

Having a small brain.

micrencephaly
micrencephaly (mi-kren-sef′a-le)

Abnormal smallness of the brain. SYN: micrencephalia, microencephaly. [micro- + G. enkephalos, brain]

micro- micro-, micr-

1. Prefixes denoting smallness. 2. (μ) Prefix used in the SI and metric system to signify submultiples of one-millionth (10⁻⁶) of such unit. 3. In chemistry, prefix to terms denoting chemical examination, methods, etc. that utilize minimal quantities of the substance to be examined; e.g., a drop or two in place of 1 or more mL. 4. Combining forms meaning microscopic; opposite of macro-, megalo-. [G. mikros, small]

microabscess
microabscess (mi′kro-ab′ses)

A very small circumscribed collection of leukocytes in solid tissues.
Munro m. a microscopic collection of polymorphonuclear leukocytes found in the stratum corneum in psoriasis. SYN: Munro abscess.
Pautrier m. a microscopic lesion in the epidermis, seen in mycosis fungoides; it is composed of the same type of atypical mononuclear cells as those that form the infiltrate in the corium. SYN: Pautrier abscess.

microadenoma
microadenoma (mi′kro-ad-e-no′ma)

A pituitary adenoma less than 10 mm in diameter.

microaerobion
microaerobion (mi′kro-a-ro′bi-on)

A microaerophilic microorganism.

microaerophil
microaerophil, microaerophile (mi-kro-ar′o-fil, -fil)

1. An aerobic bacterium that requires oxygen, but less than is present in the air, and grows best under modified atmospheric conditions. 2. Relating to such an organism. SYN: microaerophilic, microaerophilous. [micro- + G. aer, air, + philos, fond]

microaerophilic
microaerophilic (mi′kro-ar-o-fil′ik)

SYN: microaerophil (2) .

microaerophilous
microaerophilous (mi′kro-ar-of′i-lus)

SYN: microaerophil (2) .

microaerosol
microaerosol (mi-kro-ar′o-sol)

A suspension in air of particles that are submicronic or, more frequently, from 1–10; μm in diameter.

microalbuminuria
microalbuminuria (mi′kro-al-boo-min-u′re-a)

A slight increase in urinary albumin excretion that can be detected using immunoassays but not using conventional urine protein measurements; an early marker for renal disease in patients with diabetes. [micro- + albuminuria]

microanalysis
microanalysis (mi′kro-a-nal′i-sis)

Analytic techniques involving unusually small samples.

microanastomosis
microanastomosis (mi′kro-a-nas-to-mo′sis)

Anastomosis of minute structures performed under an operating microscope.

microanatomist
microanatomist (mi′kro-a-nat′o-mist)

SYN: histologist.

microanatomy
microanatomy (mi′kro-a-nat′o-me)

SYN: histology.

microaneurysm
microaneurysm (mi′kro-an′u-rizm)

Focal dilation of retinal capillaries occurring in diabetes mellitus, retinal vein obstruction, and absolute glaucoma, or of arteriolocapillary junctions in many organs in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

microangiography
microangiography (mi′kro-an-je-og′ra-fe)

Radiography of the finer vessels of an organ after the injection of a contrast medium and enlargement of the resulting radiograph. SYN: microarteriography. [micro- + angiography]

microangiopathy
microangiopathy (mi′kro-an-je-op′a-the)

SYN: capillaropathy.
thrombotic m. thrombosis within small blood vessels, as in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

microangioscopy
microangioscopy (mi′kro-an-je-os′ko-pe)

SYN: capillarioscopy.

microarteriography
microarteriography (mi′kro-ar-ter-e-og′ra-fe)

SYN: microangiography.

microatelectasis
microatelectasis

SYN: adhesive atelectasis.

microbalance
microbalance (mi′kro-bal-ans)

A balance designed for use in weighing unusually small samples of materials.

microbe
microbe (mi′krob)

Any very minute organism. As originated, the word was intended as a collective term for the large variety of microorganisms then known in the 19th century; modern usage has retained the original collective meaning but expanded it to include both microscopic and ultramicroscopic organisms (spirochetes, bacteria, rickettsiae, and viruses). These organisms are considered to form a biologically distinctive group, in that the genetic material is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane, and mitosis does not occur during replication. [Fr., fr. G. mikros, small, + bios, life]

microbial
microbial (mi-kro′be-al)

Relating to a microbe or to microbes. SYN: microbic, microbiotic (2) .

microbial associates
microbial associates (mi-kro′be-al a-so′she-ats)

SYN: flora (2) .

microbic
microbic (mi-kro′bik)

SYN: microbial.

microbicidal
microbicidal (mi-kro′bi-si′dal)

Destructive to microbes. SYN: microbicide (1) .

microbicide
microbicide (mi-kro′bi-sid)

1. SYN: microbicidal. 2. An agent destructive to microbes; a germicide; an antiseptic. [microbe + L. caedo, to kill]

microbiologic
microbiologic (mi′kro-bi-o-loj′ik)

Relating to microbiology.

microbiologist
microbiologist (mi′kro-bi-ol′o-jist)

One who specializes in the science of microbiology.

microbiology
microbiology (mi′kro-bi-ol′o-je)

The science concerned with microorganisms, including fungi, protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. [Fr. microbiologie]

microbiotic
microbiotic (mi′kro-bi-ot′ik)

1. Short-lived. 2. SYN: microbial.

microbism
microbism (mi′kro-bizm)

Infection with microbes.
latent m. the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the body that elicit no symptoms; the condition of a pathogen carrier.

microblast
microblast (mi′kro-blast)

A small, nucleated, red blood cell. [micro- + G. blastos, sprout, germ]

microblepharia
microblepharia (mi′kro-ble-far′e-a)

SYN: microblepharon.

microblepharism
microblepharism (-blef′ar-izm)

SYN: microblepharon.

microblepharon
microblepharon (-blef′a-ron)

Eyelids with abnormal vertical shortness. SYN: microblepharia, microblepharism. [micro + G. blepharon, eyelid + -ia, condition]

microbody
microbody (mi′kro-bod-e)

A cytoplasmic organelle, bounded by a single membrane and containing oxidative enzymes. Microbodies include peroxisomes and glyoxysomes.

microbrachia
microbrachia (mi-kro-bra′ke-a)

Abnormal smallness of the arms. [micro- + G. brachion, arm]

microbrenner
microbrenner (mi-kro-bren′er)

An electric cautery with needle point. [micro- + Ger. Brenner, burner]

microcalcifications
microcalcifications (mi′kro-kal-si-fi-ka′shuns)

Calcifications less than 1 mm in diameter as seen on mammography; often associated with malignant lesions. [micro- + calcification]

microcardia
microcardia (mi-kro-kar′de-a)

Abnormal smallness of the heart. [micro- + G. kardia, heart]

microcentrum
microcentrum (mi-kro-sen′trum)

SYN: cytocentrum. [micro- + G. kentron, center]

microcephalia
microcephalia (mi-kro-se-fa′le-a)

SYN: microcephaly.

microcephalic
microcephalic (mi′kro-se-fal′ik)

Having a small head. SYN: microcephalous, nanocephalous, nanocephalic.

microcephalism
microcephalism (mi-kro-sef′a-lizm)

SYN: microcephaly.

microcephalous
microcephalous (mi-kro-sef′a-lus)

SYN: microcephalic.

microcephaly
microcephaly (mi-kro-sef′a-le)

Abnormal smallness of the head; applied to a skull with a capacity below 1350 ml. Usually associated with mental retardation. SYN: microcephalia, microcephalism, nanocephalia, nanocephaly. [micro- + G. kephale, head]
encephaloclastic m. complex growth disturbances in the brain as a result of regressive changes in fetal life.
schizencephalic m. dysgenic process resulting in focal cerebral defects.

microcheilia
microcheilia, microchilia (mi-kro-ki′le-a)

Smallness of the lips. [micro- + G. cheilos, lip]

microcheiria
microcheiria, microchiria (mi-kro-ki′re-a)

Smallness of the hands. [micro- + G. cheir, hand]

microchemistry
microchemistry (mi-kro-kem′is-tre)

The use of chemical procedures involving minute quantities or reactions not visible to the unaided eye. Cf.:macrochemistry.

microchimerism
microchimerism (mi-kro-kim′er-izm)

The presence of donor cells in a graft recipient, or of fetal cells remaining in maternal circulation, which can be detected by molecular methods but not by flow cytometry.

microcide
microcide (mi′kro-sid)

SYN: glucose oxidase.

microcinematography
microcinematography (mi′kro-sin-e-ma-tog′ra-fe)

The application of moving pictures taken through magnifying lenses to the study of an organ or system in motion; e.g., the circulation in living embryos. [micro- + G. kinema, movement, + grapho, to write]

microcirculation
microcirculation (mi′kro-sir-ku-la′shun)

Passage of blood in the smallest vessels, namely arterioles, capillaries, and venules.

Micrococcaceae
Micrococcaceae (mi′kro-kok-a′se-e)

A family of bacteria (order Eubacteriales) containing Gram-positive spherical cells which occur singly or in pairs, tetrads, packets, irregular masses, or even chains. Rarely are these organisms motile. Free-living, saprophytic, parasitic, and pathogenic species occur. The type genus is Micrococcus.

micrococci
micrococci (mi′kro-kok′si)

Plural of micrococcus.

Micrococcus
Micrococcus (mi′kro-kok-us)

A genus of bacteria (family Micrococcaceae) containing Gram-positive, spherical cells that occur in irregular masses. Some species are motile or produce motile mutants. These organisms are saprophytic, facultatively parasitic, or parasitic but are not truly pathogenic. The type species is M. luteus. It is the type genus of the family Micrococcaceae. [micro- + G. kokkos, berry]
M. conglomeratus a bacterial species found in infections, milk, dairy products, dairy utensils, and water.
M. luteus a saphrophytic species found in milk and dairy products and on dust particles, it has caused meningitis in humans; it is the type species of the genus M..
M. varians former name for Kocuria varians.

micrococcus
micrococcus, pl .micrococci (mi′kro-kok′us, -kok′si)

A vernacular term used to refer to any member of the genus M..

microcolitis
microcolitis (mi′kro-ko-li′tis)

Colitis that is not seen by endoscopy, but in which microscopic examination of biopsies shows nonspecific mucosal inflammation.

microcolon
microcolon (mi′kro-ko-lon)

A small-caliber unused colon, seen in the neonate on radiographic contrast enema; usually a consequence of intestinal atresia or meconium ileus.

microcolony
microcolony (mi′kro-kol-o-ne)

A colony of bacteria visible only under a low power microscope.

microconidium
microconidium, pl .microconidia (mi′kro-ko-nid′e-um, -a)

In fungi, the smaller of two distinctively different-sized types of conidia in a single species, usually single-celled and spherical, ovoid, pyriform, or clavate.

microcoria
microcoria (mi-kro-ko′re-a)

A congenitally small pupil with an inability to dilate. [micro- + G. kore, pupil]

microcornea
microcornea (mi′kro-kor′ne-a)

An abnormally small cornea.

microcoulomb
microcoulomb (μC) (mi-kro-koo′lom)

One-millionth of a coulomb.

microcrystalline
microcrystalline (mi′kro-krys′ta-lin)

Occurring in minute crystals.

microcurie
microcurie (μCi) (mi′kro-ku′re)

One-millionth of a curie; a quantity of any radionuclide with 3.7 × 10⁴ disintegrations per second.

microcyst
microcyst (mi′kro-sist)

A tiny cyst, frequently of such dimensions that a magnifying lens or microscope is required for observation.

microcyte
microcyte (mi′kro-sit)

A small (5 μm or less) nonnucleated red blood cell. SYN: microerythrocyte. [micro- + G. kytos, cell]

microcythemia
microcythemia (mi′kro-si-the′me-a)

The presence of many microcytes in the circulating blood. SYN: microcytosis. [microcyte + G. haima, blood]

microcytosis
microcytosis (mi′kro-si-to′sis)

SYN: microcythemia. [microcyte + G. -osis, condition]

microdactylia
microdactylia (mi′kro-dak-til′e-a)

SYN: microdactyly.

microdactylous
microdactylous (mi-kro-dak′ti-lus)

Relating to or characterized by microdactyly.

microdactyly
microdactyly (mi-kro-dak′ti-le)

Smallness or shortness of the fingers or toes. SYN: microdactylia. [micro- + G. dactylos, finger, toe]

microdialysis
microdialysis

A method of studying extracellular fluid composition and response to exogenous agents, utilizing a tiny tubular probe with a dialysis membrane and fluid flow rates of 1–3 μL/min, inserted into tissues.

microdissection
microdissection (mi′kro-di-sek′shun)

Dissection of tissues under a microscope or magnifying glass, usually done by teasing the tissues apart by means of needles.

microdont
microdont (mi′kro-dont)

Having small teeth; denoting a skull with a dental index below 41.9. [micro- + G. odous (odont-), tooth]

microdontia
microdontia, microdontism (mi-kro-don′she-a, -don′tizm)

A condition in which a single tooth, or pairs of teeth, or the whole dentition, may be disproportionately small. [micro- + G. odous, tooth]

microdose
microdose (mi′kro-dos)

A very small dose.

microdrepanocytosis
microdrepanocytosis (mi′kro-drep′a-no-si-to′sis)

A chronic hemolytic anemia resulting from interaction of the genes for sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. [microcytosis + drepanocytosis]

microdysgenesia
microdysgenesia (mi′kro-dis-ge-ne′se-a)

Increase in partially distopic neurons in the stratum zonale, white matter, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex, producing an indistinct border between cortex and subcortical white matter and a columnar arrangement of cortical neurons; seen in patients with primary generalized epilepsy. [micro- + dys- + G. genesis, production]

microelectrode
microelectrode (mi′kro-e-lek′trod)

An electrode of very fine caliber consisting usually of a fine wire or a glass tube of capillary diameter (10 μm to 1 mm) drawn to a fine point and filled with saline or a metal such as gallium or indium (while melted); used in physiologic experiments to stimulate or to record action currents of extracellular or intracellular origin.

microelements
microelements (mi′kro-el′e-ments)

SYN: trace elements, under element.

microencephaly
microencephaly (mi′kro-en-sef′a-le)

SYN: micrencephaly.

microerythrocyte
microerythrocyte (mi′kro-e-rith′ro-sit)

SYN: microcyte.

microevolution
microevolution (mi′kro-ev-o-loo′shun)

The evolution of bacteria and other microorganisms through mutations.

microfibril
microfibril (mi-kro-fi′bril)

A very small fibril having an average diameter of 13 nm; it may be a bundle of still smaller elements, the microfilaments.

microfilament
microfilament (mi-kro-fil′a-ment)

The finest filamentous element of the cytoskeleton, having a diameter of about 5 nm and consisting primarily of actin. SEE ALSO: actin filament.

microfilaremia
microfilaremia (mi′kro-fil-a-re′me-a)

Infection of the blood with microfilariae. M. caused by Wuchereria bancrofti is characterized by sharp nocturnal periodicity, apparently tied to the nocturnal habits of the vector mosquitoes; in geographic areas where mosquitoes are not strictly night-biters (as in parts of Polynesia), the microfilarial periodicity is modified or absent. SEE ALSO: periodic filariasis.

microfilaria
microfilaria, pl .microfilariae (mi′kro-fi-lar′e-a, -e)

Term for embryos of filarial nematodes in the family Onchocercidae. In the past this term has been used as a generic designation ( e.g., M. bancrofti, M. malaya). See Filaria.

microfilm
microfilm (mi′kro-film)

1. A photographic film bearing greatly reduced images of printed records. 2. To record on m..

microflora
microflora (mi′kro-flo-ra)

The bacteria and fungi that inhabit an area.

microgamete
microgamete (mi-kro-gam′et)

The male element in anisogamy, or conjugation of cells of unequal size; it is the smaller of the two cells and actively motile. [micro- + G. gametes, husband]

microgametocyte
microgametocyte (mi-kro-gam′e-to-sit)

The mother cell producing the microgametes, or male elements of sexual reproduction in sporozoan protozoans and fungi. SYN: microgamont.

microgamont
microgamont (mi-kro-gam′ont)

SYN: microgametocyte.

microgamy
microgamy (mi-krog′a-me)

Conjugation between two young cells, the recent product of sporulation or some other form of reproduction. [micro- + G. gamos, marriage]

microgastria
microgastria (mi-kro-gas′tre-a)

Smallness of the stomach. [micro- + G. gaster, stomach]

microgenia
microgenia (mi-kro-jen′e-a)

Abnormal smallness of the chin resulting from the underdevelopment of the mental symphysis. [micro- + G. geneion, chin]

microgenitalism
microgenitalism (mi-kro-jen′i-tal-izm)

Abnormal smallness of the external genital organs.

microglia
microglia (mi-krog′le-a)

Small neuroglial cells, possibly of mesodermal origin, which may become phagocytic, in areas of neural damage or inflammation. SYN: Hortega cells, m. cells, microglial cells. [micro- + G. glia, glue]

microgliacyte
microgliacyte (mi-krog′le-a-sit)

A cell, especially an embryonic cell, of the microglia. [micro- + G. glia, glue, + kytos, cell]

microglioma
microglioma (mi-krog′le-o′ma)

Obsolete term for an intracranial neoplasm of microglial cell origin that is structurally similar to lymphoma. [microglia + G. -oma, tumor]

microgliomatosis
microgliomatosis (mi′kro-gle-o-ma-to′sis)

Obsolete term for a condition characterized by the presence of multiple microgliomas.

microgliosis
microgliosis (mi-krog′le-o′sis)

Presence of microglia in nervous tissue secondary to injury. [microglia + G. -osis, condition]

microglobulin
microglobulin (mi′kro-glob′oo-lin)

1. Any serum or urinary globulin of molecular mass below about 40 kd, including especially Bence Jones proteins, under protein. 2. On occasions, a term used to refer to 7S immunoglobins ( e.g., IgG).
β-m. a polypeptide of 11,600 Da that forms the light chain of class 1 major histocompatibility antigens and can therefore be detected on all cells bearing these antigens. Free β-m. is found in the blood and urine of patients with certain diseases, including Wilson disease, cadmium poisoning, and renal tubular acidosis.
β₂-m. the light chain of the histocompatibility class I molecule. This chain is invariant within a given species; found in elevated levels in individuals with Wilson disease and in alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis.

microglossia
microglossia (mi-kro-glos′e-a)

Smallness of the tongue. [micro- + G. glossa, tongue]

micrognathia
micrognathia (mi-kro-na′the-a, mi-krog-nath′e-a)

Abnormal smallness of the jaws, especially of the mandible. [micro- + G. gnathos, jaw]
m. with peromelia hypoplasia of the mandible with malformed and missing teeth, birdlike face, and severe deformities of the hands and forearms and sometimes of feet and legs. SYN: Hanhart syndrome.

microgram
microgram (μg, γ) (mi′kro-gram)

One-millionth of a gram.

micrograph
micrograph (mi′kro-graf)

1. An instrument that magnifies the microscopic movements of a diaphragm by means of light interference and records them on a moving photographic film; may be used for recording various pulse curves, sound waves, and any forms of motion that may be communicated through the air to a diaphragm. 2. SYN: photomicrograph. [micro- + G. grapho, to write]
electron m. the image produced by the electron beam of an electron microscope, recorded on an electron-sensitive plate or film.
light m. a photograph produced by means of a light microscope.

micrography
micrography (mi-krog′ra-fe)

1. Writing with very minute letters, sometimes observed in psychoses and in paralysis agitans. 2. A description of objects seen with a microscope. 3. SYN: photomicrography. [micro- + G. grapho, to write]

microgyria
microgyria (mi-kro-ji′re-a)

Abnormal narrowness of the cerebral convolutions. [micro- + G. gyros, convolution]

microhepatia
microhepatia (mi-kro-he-pat′e-a)

Abnormal smallness of the liver. [micro- + G. hepar (hepat-), liver]

microheterogeneity
microheterogeneity (mi′kro-het′er-o-je-ne′i-te;ne′i-te)

Slight differences in structure between essentially identical molecules; E.G., in the saccharide portion of a glycoprotein.

microhm
microhm (μΩ) (mi′krom)

One-millionth of an ohm. SYN: micro-ohm.

microincineration
microincineration (mi′kro-in-sin′e-ra′shun)

Combustion, in a furnace, of organic constituents in a tissue section so that the remaining mineral ash can be examined microscopically. SYN: spodography.

microincision
microincision (mi-kro-in-sizh′un)

An incision made with the aid of a microscope.

microinjector
microinjector (mi′kro-in-jek-tor)

An instrument for infusion of very small amounts of fluids or drugs into animals or humans.

microinvasion
microinvasion (mi′kro-in-va′zhun)

Invasion of tissue immediately adjacent to a carcinoma in situ, the earliest stage of malignant neoplastic invasion.

microkatal
microkatal (mi′kro-kat′al)

One-millionth of a katal.

microkymatotherapy
microkymatotherapy (mi′kro-ki-mat′o-thar′a-pe)

Treatment with high frequency radiations of 3,000,000,000 Hz (3000 MHz), at a wavelength of 10 cm. SYN: microwave therapy. [micro- + G. kyma, a wave, + therapeia, treatment]

microleukoblast
microleukoblast (mi-kro-loo′ko-blast)

SYN: micromyeloblast.

microliter
microliter (μl, μL) (mi′kro-le-ter)

One-millionth of a liter.

microlith
microlith (mi′kro-lith)

A minute calculus, usually multiple, sometimes constituting a coarse sand called gravel. [micro- + G. lithos, stone]

microlithiasis
microlithiasis (mi-kro-li-thi′a-sis)

The formation, presence, or discharge of minute concretions, or gravel, e.g., testicular m..
pulmonary alveolar m. microscopic granules of calcium or bone disseminated throughout the lungs.

micrology
micrology (mi-krol′o-je)

The science concerned with microscopic objects, of which histology is a branch. [micro- + G. logos, study]

micromanipulation
micromanipulation (mi′kro-ma-nip′u-la′shun)

Dissection, teasing, stimulation, etc., under the microscope, of minute structures; e.g., tissue cells or unicellular organisms.

micromanipulator
micromanipulator (mi′kro-ma-nip′u-la′ter, -tor)

An instrument used in micromanipulation, whereby microdissection, microinjection, and other maneuvers are performed, usually with the aid of a microscope.

micromazia
micromazia (mi-kro-ma′ze-a)

Condition in which the breasts are rudimentary and functionless. [micro- + G. mazos, breast]

micromelia
micromelia (mi-kro-me′le-a)

Condition of having disproportionately short or small limbs. SEE ALSO: achondroplasia. SYN: nanomelia. [micro- + G. melos, limb]

micromere
micromere (mi′kro-mer)

A blastomere of small size; for example, one of the blastomeres at the animal pole of an amphibian egg. [micro- + G. meros, a part]

micromerozoite
micromerozoite (mi′kro-mer-o-zo′it)

A small merozoite.

micrometastasis
micrometastasis (mi′kro-me-tas′ta-sis)

A stage of metastasis when the secondary tumors are too small to be clinically detected, as in micrometastatic disease.

micrometastatic
micrometastatic (mi′kro-met-a-stat′ik)

Denoting or characterized by micrometastasis, as in m. disease.

micrometer
micrometer (μm) (mi-krom′e-ter)

1. One-millionth of a meter; formerly called micron. 2. A device for measuring various types of objects in an accurate and precise manner; in medicine and biology, the term is usually used with reference to a glass slide or lens that is accurately marked for measuring microscopic forms. [micro- + G. metron, measure]
caliper m. a gauge with a calibrated m. screw for the measurement of thin objects such as microscope cover glasses and slides.
filar m. an ocular m. with a line moved by a ruled drum such that a movement of the line of 5 μm or less may be made in relation to fixed parallel lines.
ocular m. a glass disk that fits in a microscope eyepiece and that has a ruled scale; when calibrated with a slide m., direct measurements of a microscopic object can be made.
slide m. a scale made on a microscope slide with lines ruled in divisions, usually, of 0.01 mm; typically used to calibrate an ocular m..

micrometry
micrometry (mi-krom′e-tre)

Measurement of objects with some type of micrometer and a microscope.

micromicro- micromicro- (μμ)

Prefix formerly used to signify one-trillionth (10⁻¹²); now pico-.

micromicrogram
micromicrogram (μμg) (mi′kro-mi′kro-gram)

Former term for picogram.

micromicron
micromicron (μμ) (mi-kro-mi′kron)

Former term for picometer.

microminerals
microminerals (mi-kro-min′er-alz)

SYN: trace elements, under element.

micromolar
micromolar (μmol/L) (mi-kro-mo′lar)

Denoting a concentration of 10⁻⁶ mol/L.

micromole
micromole (μmol) (mi′kro-mol)

One-millionth of a mole.

micromotoscope
micromotoscope (mi′kro-mo′to-skop)

A cinematoscope for representing the movements of amebas and other motile microscopic objects. [micro- + L. motus, motion, + G. skopeo, to view]

micromyelia
micromyelia (mi′kro-mi-e′le-a)

Abnormal smallness or shortness of the spinal cord. [micro- + G. myelos, marrow]

micromyeloblast
micromyeloblast (mi-kro-mi′el-o-blast)

A small myeloblast, often the predominating cell in myeloblastic leukemia. SYN: microleukoblast.

micron
micron (μ) (mi′kron)

Former term for micrometer.

microneedle
microneedle (mi′kro-ne′dl)

A small glass needle used in micrurgical manipulation.

microneme
microneme (mi′kro-nem)

A small, osmiophilic, cordlike twisted organelle found in the anterior region of many sporozoans; one of the characteristics that helps to define the subphylum Apicomplexa. SYN: sarconeme. [micro- + G. nema, thread]

micronic
micronic (mi-kron′ik)

Of the size of 1 micron (micrometer).

micronodular
micronodular (mi′kro-nod′u-lar)

Characterized by the presence of minute nodules; denoting a somewhat coarser appearance than that of a granular tissue or substance. [G. mikros, small]

micronucleus
micronucleus (mi-kro-noo′kle-us)

1. A small nucleus in a large cell, or the smaller nuclei in cells that have two or more such structures. 2. The smaller of the two nuclei in ciliates dividing mitotically and bearing specific inheritable material. SYN: gametic nucleus, germ nucleus, gonad nucleus, karyogonad, reproductive nucleus. SEE ALSO: macronucleus (2) .

micronutrients
micronutrients (mi-kro-noo′tre-ents)

Essential food factors required in only small quantities by the body; e.g., vitamins, trace minerals. SYN: trace nutrient.

micronychia
micronychia (mi-kro-nik′e-a)

Abnormal smallness of nails. [micro- + G. onyx, nail]

micronystagmus
micronystagmus (mi′kro-nis-tag′mus)

Nystagmus of so small an amplitude that it is not detected by the usual clinical tests. SYN: minimal amplitude nystagmus. [micro- + G. nystagmos, a nodding]

micro-ohm
micro-ohm (mi′kro-om)

SYN: microhm.

microorganism
microorganism (mi′kro-or′gan-izm)

A microscopic organism (plant or animal).

microparasite
microparasite (mi-kro-par′a-sit)

A parasitic microorganism.

micropathology
micropathology (mi′kro-pa-thol′o-je)

Obsolete term for the microscopic study of disease changes. [micro- + G. pathos, suffering, + logos, study]

micropenis
micropenis (mi-kro-pe′nis)

Abnormally small penis. SYN: microphallus.

microphage
microphage (mi′kro-faj)

A polymorphonuclear leukocyte that is phagocytic. SEE ALSO: phagocyte. SYN: microphagocyte. [micro- + phag(ocyte)]

microphagocyte
microphagocyte (mi-kro-faj′o-sit)

SYN: microphage.

microphallus
microphallus (mi-kro-fal′us)

SYN: micropenis.

microphobia
microphobia (mi-kro-fo′be-a)

Fear of minute objects, microorganisms, germs, etc. [micro- + G. phobos, fear]

microphone
microphone (mi′kro-fon)

An instrument for converting sounds to electrical impulses. [micro- + G. phone, sound]

microphonia
microphonia, microphony (mi-kro-fo′ne-a, mi-krof′o-ne)

SYN: hypophonia. [micro- + G. phone, voice]

microphonoscope
microphonoscope (mi-kro-fo′no-skop)

A stethoscope with a diaphragm attachment for magnifying the sound.

microphotograph
microphotograph (mi-kro-fo′to-graf)

A minute photograph of any object, as distinguished from a photomicrograph.

microphthalmia
microphthalmia (mi′krof-thal′me-a)

SYN: microphthalmos.
colobomatous m. a congenital defect occurring along an embryonic fissure in a small eye, sometimes associated with cysts.

microphthalmos
microphthalmos (-thal′mos)

Abnormal smallness of the eye. SYN: microphthalmia, nanophthalmia, nanophthalmos. [micro + G. ophthalmos, eye]

micropipette
micropipette, micropipet (mi′kro-pi-pet′, -pi-pet′)

A pipette designed for the measurement of very small volumes.

microplania
microplania (mi-kro-pla′ne-a)

Decreased horizontal diameter of erythrocytes. [micro- + L. planus, flat]

microplasia
microplasia (mi-kro-pla′ze-a)

Stunted growth, as in dwarfism. [micro- + G. plasis, a shaping, forming]

microplethysmography
microplethysmography (mi′kro-pleth-iz-mog′ra-fe)

The technique of measuring minute changes in the volume of a part as a result of blood flow into or out of it.

micropodia
micropodia (mi-kro-po′de-a)

Abnormal smallness of the feet. [micro- + G. pous, foot]

micropore
micropore (mi′kro-por)

An organelle formed by the pellicle of all stages of sporozoan protozoa of the subphylum Apicomplexa and also found in developmental stages that may lack the inner pellicle layer; it is composed of two concentric rings (in transverse section), the inner of which corresponds with an invagination of the outer pellicle membrane. Micorpores thus far observed seem to serve as feeding organelles; their role in nonfeeding developmental forms is unknown. [micro- + G. poros, pore]

micropromyelocyte
micropromyelocyte (mi′kro-pro-mi′el-o-sit)

A cell derived from a promyelocyte.

microprosopia
microprosopia (mi′kro-pro-so′pe-a)

A condition characterized by an abnormally small or imperfectly developed face. [micro- + G. prosopon, face]

micropsia
micropsia (mi-krop′se-a)

Perception of objects as smaller than they are. [micro- + G. opsis, sight]

micropuncture
micropuncture (mi′kro-punk-choor)

A small puncture made with the aid of a microscope.

micropyle
micropyle (mi′kro-pil)

1. Minute opening believed to exist in the investing membrane of certain ova as a point of entrance for the spermatozoon. 2. Former name for micropore. [micro- + G. pyle, gate]

microradiography
microradiography (mi′kro-ra-de-og′ra-fe)

Making radiographs of histologic sections of tissue for enlargement. SEE ALSO: historadiography.

microrefractometer
microrefractometer (mi′kro-re-frak-tom′e-ter)

A refractometer used in the study of blood cells.

microrespirometer
microrespirometer (mi′kro-res-pi-rom′e-ter)

An apparatus for measuring the utilization of oxygen by small particles of isolated tissues or cells or particles of cells.

microsaccades
microsaccades (mi′kro-sa-kadz′)

Minute to-and-fro movements of the eyes. [micro- + Fr. saccade, sudden check (of a horse)]

microscintigraphy
microscintigraphy (mi′kro-sin-tig′ra-fe)

Imaging of small anatomic structures by use of a radionuclide in conjunction with a special collimator which “magnifies” the image; for example, the use of technetium-99m in conjunction with a pinhole collimator to image the lacrimal drainage. [micro- + scintigraphy]

microscope
microscope (mi′kro-skop)

An instrument that gives an enlarged image of an object or substance that is minute or not visible with the naked eye; usually the term denotes a compound m.; for low magnifications, the term simple m., or magnifying glass, is used. [micro- + G. skopeo, to view]
binocular m. a m. having two eyepieces; it may be a compound m. or a stereoscopic m..
color-contrast m. a type of m. in which the condenser stop is of one color and the annulus is a complement of it so that unstained objects are observed in one color on a field of the other.
comparator m. a device constructed with one or more microscopes having micrometer eyepieces used to measure dimensional changes during setting or temperature changes.
compound m. a m. having two or more magnifying lenses.
confocal m. a m. that allows the observer to visualize objects in a single plane of focus, thereby creating a sharper image (usually the objects are fluorescent molecules); a refinement of this m. uses optical sectioning and a computer to record serial sections. This permits three-dimensional reconstruction.
dark-field m. a m. that has a special condenser and objective with a diaphragm or stop that scatters light from the object observed, with the result that the object appears bright on a dark background.
electron m. a visual and photographic m. in which electron beams with wavelengths thousands of times shorter than visible light are utilized in place of light, thereby allowing much greater resolution and magnification; in this technique, the electrons are transmitted through a very thin section of an embedded and dehydrated specimen maintained in a vacuum.
fluorescence m. fluorescence microscopy.
flying spot m. a m. in which a moving spot of light is imaged in the object plane, the energy transmitted by the specimen being detected with a photoelectric cell; the light source may be a cathode ray tube, a scanning disk or drum, or an oscillating mirror.
infrared m. a m. that is equipped with infrared transmitting optics and that measures the infrared absorption of minute samples with the aid of photoelectric cells; images may be observed with image converters or television.
interference m. a specially constructed m. in which the entering light is split into two beams which pass through the specimen and are recombined in the image plane where the interference effects make the transparent (invisible) refractile object details become visible as intensity differences; permits measurements of light retardation, index of refraction, and thickness and mass of specimen; it is useful in the examination of living or unstained cells.
laser m. a m. in which a laser beam is focused on a microscopic field, causing it to vaporize; the emitted radiation is analyzed by means of a microspectrophotometer; at a low intensity the laser is employed as the light source in an interference m..
light m. a class of m. that forms a magnified image using visible light.
opaque m. SYN: epimicroscope.
operating m. SYN: surgical m..
phase m., phase-contrast m. a specially constructed m. that has a special condenser and objective containing a phase-shifting ring whereby small differences in index of refraction are made visible as intensity or contrast differences in the image; particularly useful for examining structural details in transparent specimens such as living or unstained cells and tissues.
polarizing m. a m. equipped with a polarizing filter below and above the specimen which forms an image by the influence of specimen birefringence on polarized light; the polarizing direction of the two filters is typically adjustable which, together with a graduated rotating stage, permits measurement of the angular value of different refractive indices in either biological or chemical specimens.
Rheinberg m. a modified form of dark-field m. in which the central opaque stop in the condenser is replaced by a colored filter, producing a background of contrasting color against which the specimen is illuminated.
scanning electron m. a m. in which the object in a vacuum is scanned in a raster pattern by a slender electron beam, generating reflected and secondary electrons from the specimen surface that are used to modulate the image on a synchronously scanned cathode ray tube; with this method a three-dimensional image is obtained, with both high resolution and great depth of focus.
simple m., single m. a m. that has a single magnifying lens.
stereoscopic m. a m. having double eyepieces and objectives and thus independent light paths, giving a three-dimensional image.
stroboscopic m. a m. that has a light source that flashes at a constant rate so that an analysis of the motility of an object may be made; it may be used for high speed or low speed (time-lapse) cinephotomicrography.
surgical m. a binocular m. used to obtain good visualization of fine structures in the operating field; in the standing type of m., a motorized zoom lens system operated by hand or foot controls provides an adjustable working distance; in headborne models, interchangeable oculars provide the magnification needed. SYN: operating m..
television m. a m. in which the image is observed by a television camera that produces a television display; it is used for quantitative studies, display to a large audience, or examinations in ultraviolet and infrared regions of the spectrum.
ultra-m. ultramicroscope.
ultrasonic m. a m. that has lenses designed to use acoustic energy so that the ultrasonic wavelengths may be utilized; by means of transducers, the information is translated to a form that may be visualized or recorded.
ultraviolet m. a m. having optics of quartz and fluorite that allow transmission of light waves shorter than those of the visible spectrum, i.e., below 400 nm; the image is made visible by photography, fluorescence of special glasses, or television; in a scanning instrument the receptor is a multiplier phototube.
x-ray m. a m. in which images are obtained by using x-rays as an energy source that are recorded on a very fine-grained film, or the image is enlarged by projection; if film is used, it may be examined with the light m. at fairly high magnifications.

microscopic
microscopic, microscopical (mi-kro-skop′ik, -i-kal)

1. Of minute size; visible only with the aid of the microscope. 2. Relating to a microscope.

microscopy
microscopy (mi-kros′ko-pe)

Investigation of minute objects by means of a microscope. SEE ALSO: microscope.
electron m. examination of minute objects by use of an electron microscope.
epiluminescence m. low-power m. (×50–×100), commonly a television microscope applied to a glass slide covering mineral oil on the surface of a skin lesion, e.g., to determine malignancy in pigmented lesions. SYN: surface m..
fluorescence m. a procedure based on the fact that fluorescent materials emit visible light when they are irradiated with ultraviolet or violet-blue visible rays; some materials manifest this property naturally, whereas others may be treated with fluorescent solutions (somewhat analogous to staining); when the absorption of the specimen is in the relatively long ultraviolet range, a filter that transmits these radiations is used, and a yellow filter is placed on or in the ocular; the background field is then dark, and any yellow or red fluorescence becomes visible.
immersion m. immersion.
immune electron m. electron m. of biological specimens to which specific antibody has been bound.
immunofluorescence m. immunofluorescence.
Nomarski interference m. Nomarski optics.
surface m. SYN: epiluminescence m..
time-lapse m. m. in which the same object ( E.G., a cell) is photographed at regular time intervals over several hours.

microseme
microseme (mi′kro-sem)

Denoting a skull with an orbital index below 84. [micro- + G. sema, sign]

microsides
microsides (mi′kro-sidz)

Fatty acid esters of trehalose and mannose isolated from diphtheria bacilli.

microsmatic
microsmatic (mi′kroz-mat′ik)

Having a weakly developed sense of smell. [micro- + G. osme, sense of smell]

microsome
microsome (mi′kro-som)

One of the small spherical vesicles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum after disruption of cells and ultracentrifugation. [micro- + G. soma, body]

microsomia
microsomia (mi-kro-so′me-a)

Abnormal smallness of body, as in dwarfism or as in a fetus. SYN: nanocormia. [micro- + G. soma, body]

microspectrophotometry
microspectrophotometry (mi′kro-spek-tro-fo-tom′e-tre)

A technique for characterizing and quantitating nucleoproteins in single cells or cell organelles by their natural absorption spectra (ultraviolet) or after binding stoichiometrically in selective cytochemical staining reactions, as in the Feulgen stain for DNA. SEE ALSO: cytophotometry.

microspectroscope
microspectroscope (mi-kro-spek′tro-skop)

An instrument for observing the optical spectrum of microscopic objects.

microsphere
microsphere (mi′kro-sfer)

Tiny globules of radiolabeled material such as macroaggregated albumin, about 15 microns in size.

microspherocytosis
microspherocytosis (mi′kro-sfer′o-si-to′sis)

SYN: spherocytosis.

microsphygmy
microsphygmy (mi′kro-sfig′me)

Smallness of the pulse. SYN: microsphyxia. [micro- + G. sphygmos, pulse]

microsphyxia
microsphyxia (mi-kro-sfik′se-a)

SYN: microsphygmy. [micro- + G. sphyxis, pulse]

microsplanchnic
microsplanchnic (mi-kro-splangk′nik)

Referring to smallness of the abdominal viscera. [micro- + G. splanchna, viscera]

microsplenia
microsplenia (mi-kro-sple′ne-a)

Abnormal smallness of the spleen.

Microspora
Microspora (mi-kro-spor′a)

A protozoan phylum that includes the genus Nosema and Encephalitozoon, and is characterized by the presence of unicellular spores with an imperforate wall and an extrusion apparatus having a polar tube and a polar cap; mitochondria are absent. They are intracellular parasites of invertebrates and lower vertebrates, with rare examples in higher vertebrates. SYN: Cnidospora. [micro- + G. sporos, seed]

Microsporasida
Microsporasida (mi′kro-spor-as′i-da)

SYN: Microsporida.

Microsporida
Microsporida (mi-kro-spo′ri-da)

An order of the protozoan class Microsporea and phylum Microspora, characterized by minute spores with a single long, coiled, tubular filament enclosing the infective cell or sporoplasm. They are typically parasites of invertebrates and lower vertebrates, although fish and higher vertebrates (including man) have been infected. The order includes genera such as Encephalitozoon and Nosema. SYN: Cnidosporidia, Microsporasida.

microsporidia
microsporidia (mi′kro-spor-id′e-a)

Common name for members of the protozoan phylum Microspora. It includes some 80 genera parasitizing all classes of vertebrates and many invertebrates, especially the insects. Several genera, such as Encephalitozoon, Enterocytozoon, Nosema, Vittaforma, Pleistophora, and Trachipleistophora have been implicated in the infection of immunocompromised humans.

microsporidiasis
microsporidiasis (mi′kro-spo-ri-di′a-sis)

See microsporidiosis.

microsporidiosis
microsporidiosis, microsporidiasis (mi-kro-spo-rid-e-o′sis, mi′kro-spo-ri-di′a-sis)

Infection with a member of the phylum Microspora, the microsporidians.

Microsporum
Microsporum (mi-kros′po-rum, mi-kro-spo′rum)

A genus of pathogenic fungi causing dermatophytosis. In appropriate culture media, characteristic macroconidia are seen; microconidia are rare in most species. [micro- + G. sporos, seed]
M. audouinii an anthrophilic fungal species of fungi that has caused epidemic tinea capitis in children.
M. canis the principal cause of ringworm in dogs and cats and a zoophilic fungal species of fungi causing sporadic dermatophytosis in humans, especially tinea capitis in children with cats and dogs.
M. canis, var. distortum a zoophilic fungal species that causes dermatophytosis in humans and animals; seen among laboratory animal handlers.
M. ferrugineum an anthropophilic fungal species that causes dermatophytosis, primarily in Japan and the Far East.
M. fulvum a geophilic fungal species that causes dermatophytosis in humans and is a member of the M. gypseum complex whose ascomycetous state elevates it to the rank of a specific species.
M. gallinae a fungal species that causes dermatophytosis in fowl and, occasionally, in humans; due to its broadly clavate macroconidia, it was erroneously classified as a species of Trichophyton.
M. gypseum a cause of ringworm in dogs and horses and occasionally other animal species; a geophilic complex of fungal species causing sporadic dermatophytosis in humans.
M. nanum a geophilic fungal species that is the principal cause of ringworm in pigs; rarely causes dermatophytosis in humans.
M. persicolor a geophilic fungal species that causes dermatophytosis in voles, field voles, and, occasionally, humans; its ascomycetous state is Nannizzia persicolor.
M. vanbreuseghemi a zoophilic fungal species that causes dermatophytosis in dogs and squirrels, and occasionally in humans.

microstethophone
microstethophone (mi-kro-steth′o-fon)

SYN: microstethoscope. [micro- + G. stethos, chest, + phone, sound]

microstethoscope
microstethoscope (mi-kro-steth′o-skop)

A very small stethoscope that amplifies the sounds heard. SYN: microstethophone.

microstomia
microstomia (mi-kro-sto′me-a)

Smallness of the oral aperture. [micro- + G. stoma, mouth]

microsurgery
microsurgery (mi-kro-ser′jer-e)

Surgical procedures performed under the magnification of a surgical microscope.

microsuture
microsuture (mi-kro-soo′choor)

Tiny caliber suture material, often 9-0 or 10-0, with an attached needle of corresponding size, for use in microsurgery.

microsyringe
microsyringe (mi′kro-si-rinj′)

A hypodermic syringe that has a micrometer screw attached to the piston, whereby accurately measured minute quantities of fluid may be injected.

microthelia
microthelia (mi-kro-the′le-a)

Smallness of the nipples. [micro- + G. thele, nipple]

microtia
microtia (mi-kro′she-a)

Smallness of the auricle of the ear with a blind or absent external auditory meatus. [micro- + G. ous, ear]

Microtinae
Microtinae (mi-krot′in-e)

The rodent subfamily comprising voles or lemmings.

microtine
microtine (mi′kro-ten)

Relating to voles or lemmings.

microtome
microtome (mi′kro-tom)

An instrument for making sections of biological tissue for examination under the microscope. SEE ALSO: ultramicrotome. SYN: histotome.

microtomy
microtomy (mi-krot′o-me)

The making of thin sections of tissues for examination under the microscope. SYN: histotomy. [micro- + G. tome, incision]

microtonometer
microtonometer (mi′kro-to-nom′e-ter)

A small tonometer invented by Krogh, originally intended for animals but later adapted to humans, for determining the tensions of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood; it provides the means of bringing a small bubble of air into gaseous equilibrium with a sample of blood obtained by arterial puncture. [micro- + G. tonos, tone, + metron, measure]

Microtrombidium
Microtrombidium (mi′kro-trom-bid′e-um)

A genus of chigger or harvest mites that cause severe itching from the presence of the larval stage (chigger) in the skin. [micro- + Mod. L. trombidium, a timid one]

microtropia
microtropia (mi-kro-tro′pe-a)

Strabismus of less than four degrees, associated with amblyopia, eccentric fixation, or anomalous retinal correspondence. [micro- + G. trope, a turn, turning]

microtubule
microtubule (mi-kro-too′bul)

A hollow, cylindrical cytoplasmic element, 20–27 nm in diameter and of variable length, that occurs widely in the cytoskeleton, cilia, and flagella of cells; microtubules play a role in the maintenance of cell shape and increase in number during mitosis and meiosis, where they are related to movement of the chromosomes by the nuclear spindle.
subpellicular m. a m. lying beneath the unit membrane (pellicle) of many protozoans, often as a palisade of longitudinally arranged fibrils connected by fine lateral bridges that support the external cell form; in certain sporozoan stages a fixed number of microtubules are found, extending longitudinally from the polar ring. SYN: subpellicular fibril.

microvesicle
microvesicle (mi-kro-ves′i-kl)

A fluid-filled space formed within the epidermis that is too small to be recognized as a blister.

microvillus
microvillus, pl .microvilli (mi-kro-vil′us, -vil′i)

One of the minute projections of cell membranes greatly increasing surface area; microvilli form the striated or brush borders of certain cells.

Microviridae
Microviridae (mi-kro-vir′i-de)

A family of small, spherical, bacterial viruses with a genome of single-stranded DNA (MW 1.7 × 10⁶).

microvolt
microvolt (μV) (mi′kro-volt)

One-millionth of a volt.

microwaves
microwaves (mi′kro-wavz)

That portion of the radio wave spectrum of shortest wavelength, including the region with wavelengths of 1 mm to 30 cm (1000–300,000 megacycles per second). SYN: microelectric waves.

microwelding
microwelding (mi-kro-weld′ing)

A method of fastening or joining stainless steel sutures or such sutures to needles.

microxyphil
microxyphil (mi-krok′si-fil)

A multinuclear oxyphil leukocyte. [micro- + G. oxys, acid, + philos, fond]

microzoon
microzoon (mi-kro-zo′on)

A microscopic form of the animal kingdom; a protozoon. [micro- + G. zoon, animal]

micrurgical
micrurgical (mi-krer′ji-kal)

Relating to procedures performed on minute structures under a microscope. [micro- + G. ergon, work]

miction
miction (mik′shun)

SYN: urination.

micturate
micturate (mik′choo-rat)

SYN: urinate. [see micturition]

micturition
micturition (mik-choo-rish′un)

1. SYN: urination. 2. The desire to urinate. 3. Frequency of urination. [L. micturio, to desire to make water]

MID
MID

Abbreviation for minimal infecting dose.

mid- mid-

Middle. [A.S. mid, midd]

midazolam hydrochloride
midazolam hydrochloride

A short-acting injectable benzodiazepine central nervous system depressant used for preoperative sedation.

midbody
midbody (mid′bod′e)

A dense stalk of residual interzonal spindle fibers (microtubules) and actin-containing filaments that is formed during anaphase of mitosis and connects daughter cells during telophase; midbodies are frequently observed between spermatids. SYN: intermediate body of Flemming.

midbrain
midbrain (mid′bran)

mesencephalon.

midcarpal
midcarpal (mid′kar-pal)

1. Relating to the central part of the carpus. 2. Denoting the articulation between the two rows of carpal bones. SYN: carpocarpal. SYN: mediocarpal, mesocarpal.

middle
middle (mid′el)

Denoting an anatomical structure that is between two other similar structures or that is midway in position. SYN: medius.

midge
midge (midj)

The smallest of the biting flies, in the genus Culicoides; swarms may attack humans and other animals; vectors of filarial infections. [O.E. mycg]

midgracile
midgracile (mid-gras′il)

Denoting an occasional fissure dividing the gracile lobe of the cerebellum into two parts.

midgut
midgut (mid′gut)

1. The central portion of the digestive tube; the distal duodenum, small intestine, and proximal colon. 2. The portion of the embryonic gut tract between the foregut and the hindgut which originally is open to the yolk sac.

midmenstrual
midmenstrual (mid′men′stroo-al)

Denoting the several days midway in time between two menstrual periods.

midoccipital
midoccipital (mid′ok-sip′i-tal)

Relating to the central portion of the occiput. SYN: medioccipital.

midpain
midpain (mid′pan)

SYN: intermenstrual pain (1) .

midplane
midplane (mid′plan)

SYN: pelvic plane of least dimensions.

midriff
midriff (mid′rif)

SYN: diaphragm (1) . [A.S. mid, middle, + hrif, belly]

midsection
midsection (mid′sek-shun)

A cut or section through the middle of an organ.

midsternum
midsternum (mid′ster′num)

SYN: body of sternum.

midtarsal
midtarsal (mid′tar′sal)

Relating to the middle of the tarsus. SYN: mediotarsal, mesotarsal.

midwife
midwife (mid′wif)

A person qualified to practice midwifery, having specialized training in obstetrics and child care. [A.S. mid, with, + wif, wife]

midwifery
midwifery (mid′wif′re, mid-wif′e-re)

Independent care of essentially normal, healthy women and infants by a midwife, antepartally, intrapartally, postpartally, and/or obstetrically in a hospital, birth center, or home setting, and including normal delivery of the infant, with medical consultation, collaborative management, and referral of cases in which abnormalities develop; strong emphasis is placed on educational preparation of parents for childbearing and childrearing, with an orientation toward childbirth as a normal physiological process requiring minimal intervention.

Miescher
Miescher

Johann F., Swiss pathologist, 1811–1887. See M. elastoma, M. granuloma, M. tubes, under tube.

MIF
MIF

Abbreviation for migration-inhibitory factor.

mifepristone
mifepristone (mif′pris-ton)

Synthetic chemical compound with antiprogesterone properties used for early pregnancy termination; the substance binds with glucocorticoid receptors resulting in increased adrenal gland secretion. SYN: RU-486.

migraine
migraine (mi′gran, mi-gran′)

A symptom complex occurring periodically and characterized by pain in the head (usually unilateral), vertigo, nausea and vomiting, photophobia, and scintillating appearances of light. Classified as classic m., common m., cluster headache, hemiplegic m., ophthalmoplegic m., and ophthalmic m.. SYN: bilious headache, blind headache, hemicrania (1) , sick headache, vascular headache. [through O. Fr., fr. G. hemi- krania, pain on one side of the head, fr. hemi-, half, + kranion, skull]
abdominal m. 1. m. in children accompanied by paroxysmal abdominal pain. This must be distinguished from similar symptoms requiring surgical attention. 2. a disorder that causes intermittent abdominal pain and is believed to be related to m.; abdominal m. has some of the features of m., e.g., there may be a strong family history of m. headaches, and the condition may be relieved by sleep; however, a headache may not be present. The diagnosis depends on excluding other causes of abdominal pain.
acephalgic m. a classic m. episode in which the teichopsia is not followed by a headache. SYN: m. without headache.
basilar m. a m. accompanied by transient brainstem signs (vertigo, tinnitus, perioral numbness, diplopia, etc.) thought to be due to vasospastic narrowing of the basilar artery.
classic m. a form of hemicrania m. preceded by a scintillating scotoma (teichopsia).
common m. a form of m. headache without the visual prodrome, that is not limited on one side of the head but nevertheless is recognizable as m. because of the stereotyped course; the tendency to nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia; and the relief produced by sleep.
complicated m. a m. attack during which an infarction of tissue takes place.
fulgurating m. m. characterized by its abrupt commencement and the severity of the episode.
Harris m. SYN: periodic migrainous neuralgia.
hemiplegic m. a form associated with transient hemiplegia.
ocular m. a form of m. with transient monocular vision loss, typically in young adults, that may or may not be associated with headache around the eye. SYN: retinal m..
ophthalmoplegic m. a form of m. associated with paralysis of the extraocular muscles.
retinal m. SYN: ocular m..
m. without headache SYN: acephalgic m..

migration
migration (mi-gra′shun)

1. Passing from one part to another, said of certain morbid processes or symptoms. 2. SYN: diapedesis. 3. Movement of a tooth or teeth out of normal position. 4. Movement of molecules during electrophoresis, centrifugation, or diffusion. [L. migro, pp. -atus, to move from place to place]
branch m. a process in which the cross connection around the position where two DNA helices are joined moves along the strands.
epithelial m. apical shift of epithelial attachment, exposing more of the tooth crown.
m. of ovum the transperitoneal passage of an ovum from the ovarian follicle into the uterine tube.

MIH
MIH

Abbreviation for melanotropin release-inhibiting hormone.

Mikity
Mikity

Victor G., U.S. radiologist, *1919. See Wilson-M. syndrome.

Mikulicz
Mikulicz

Johannes von-Radecki, Polish surgeon in Germany, 1850–1905. See M. aphthae, under aphtha, M. cells, under cell, M. clamp, M. disease, M. drain, M. operation, M. syndrome, M.-Vladimiroff amputation, Vladimiroff-M. amputation, Heineke-M. pyloroplasty.

Miles
Miles

William E., British surgeon, 1869–1947. See M. operation.

milia
milia (mil′e-a)

Plural of milium.

miliaria
miliaria (mil-e-a′re-a)

An eruption of minute vesicles and papules due to retention of fluid at the orifices of sweat glands. SYN: miliary fever (2) . [L. miliarius, relating to millet, fr. milium, millet]
m. alba m. with vesicles containing a milky fluid.
apocrine m. SYN: Fox-Fordyce disease.
m. crystallina a noninflammatory form of m. in which the fragile subcorneal vesicles, about 100 mm in diameter, are filled with clear fluid. SYN: crystal rash, sudamina (2) .
m. profunda pale firm papules, most commonly on the trunk; m. profunda is asymptomatic and results from severe damage to the sweat ducts after repeated episodes of m. rubra. Heat stress may cause collapse because of the high proportion of nonfunctional sweat glands.
m. rubra an eruption of pruritic macules with small central vesicles at the orifices of sweat glands, accompanied by redness and inflammatory reaction of the skin. SYN: heat rash, prickly heat, summer rash, wildfire rash.

miliary
miliary (mil′e-a-re, mil′ya-re)

1. Resembling a millet seed in size (about 2 mm). 2. Marked by the presence of nodules of millet seed size on any surface. [see miliaria]

milieu
milieu (mel-u′)

1. Surroundings; environment. 2. In psychiatry, the social setting of the mental patient, e.g., the family setting or a hospital unit. [Fr. mi, fr. L. medius, middle, + lieu, fr. L. locus, place]
m. intérieur, m. interne the internal environment; the fluids bathing the tissue cells of multicellular animals.

military antishock trousers
military antishock trousers (MAST)

SYN: pneumatic antishock garment.

milium
milium, pl .milia (mil′e-um, -e-a)

A tiny subepidermal keratinous cyst, usually multiple and therefore commonly referred to in the plural. M. may be primary (developmental), occurring predominantly on the face in infants and adults, or retention cysts secondary to causes of scarring or subepidermal blisters involving adnexal epithelium. SYN: whitehead (1) . [L. millet]

milk
milk

1. A white liquid, containing proteins, sugar, and lipids, secreted by the mammary glands, and designed for the nourishment of the young. SYN: lac (1) . 2. Any whitish milky fluid; e.g., the juice of the coconut or a suspension of various metallic oxides. 3. A pharmacopeial preparation that is a suspension of insoluble drugs in a water medium; distinguished from gels mainly in that the suspended particles of m. are larger. 4. SYN: strip (1) . [A.S. meolc]
acidophilus m. m. inoculated with a culture of Bacillus acidophilus.
m. of bismuth a suspension of bismuth hydroxide and bismuth subcarbonate in water; used in gastrointestinal disorders as a protective agent.
buddeized m. Budde process.
certified m. cow's m. that does not have more than the maximal permissible limit of 10,000 bacteria per ml at any time prior to delivery to the consumer, and that must be cooled to 10°C or less and maintained at that temperature until delivery.
certified pasteurized m. cow's m. in which the maximum permissible limit for bacteria should not be more than 10,000 bacteria per ml before pasteurization and not more than 500 bacteria per ml after pasteurization; it must be cooled to 7.2°C or less and maintained at that temperature until delivery.
condensed m. a thick liquid prepared by the partial evaporation of cow's m., with or without the addition of sugar.
fortified m. m. to which some essential nutrient, usually vitamin D, has been added.
fortified vitamin D m. m. produced through direct addition of vitamin D; standardized at 400 USP units per quart.
irradiated vitamin D m. cow's m. exposed in a thin film to ultraviolet light and standardized to contain 400 USP units of vitamin D per quart.
lactobacillary m. m. inoculated with a culture of Bacillus acidophilus, B. bulgaricus, or other lactic acid-forming microorganism.
m. of magnesia mixture of magnesium hydroxide; an aqueous solution of magnesium hydroxide, used as an antacid and laxative. SYN: magnesia magma.
metabolized vitamin D m. m. produced by feeding irradiated yeast to cows; standardized to contain not less than 400 USP units per quart.
modified m. cow's m. altered, by increasing the fat and reducing the amount of protein, to resemble human m. in composition.
perhydrase m. m. treated by the addition of hydrogen peroxide. See Budde process.
skim m., skimmed m. the aqueous (noncream) part of m. from which casein is isolated.
m. of sulfur SYN: precipitated sulfur.
vitamin D m. cow's m. to which vitamin D has been added, to contain 400 USP units of vitamin D per quart.
witch's m. a secretion of colostrum-like m. sometimes occurring in the glands of newborn infants of either sex 3 to 4 days after birth and lasting a week or two; due to endocrine stimulation from the mother before birth.

Milkman
Milkman

Louis A., U.S. roentgenologist, 1895–1951. See M. syndrome.

milkpox
milkpox (milk′poks)

SYN: alastrim.

Millard
Millard

Auguste L.J., French physician, 1830–1915. See M.-Gubler syndrome.

Miller
Miller

Thomas Grier, U.S. physician, *1886. See M.-Abbott tube.

Miller
Miller

Willoughby D., U.S. dentist, 1853–1907. See M. chemicoparasitic theory.

millet seed
millet seed (mil′et)

The seed of a grass, formerly used as a rough designation of size of about 2 mm in diameter.

milli- milli- (m)

Prefix used in the SI and metric system to signify submultiples of one-thousandth (10⁻³). [L. mille, one thousand]

milliampere
milliampere (ma, mA) (mil′e-am′per)

One thousandth of an ampere.

millibar
millibar (mil′i-bar)

One-thousandth of a bar; 100 newtons/sq m; 0.75006 mm Hg; standard atmospheric pressure is 1013 millibars.

millicurie
millicurie (mc, mCi) (mil′i-ku′re)

A unit of radioactivity equivalent to 3.7 × 10⁷ disintegrations per second.

milliequivalent
milliequivalent (mEq, meq) (mil′i-e-kwiv′a-lent)

One-thousandth equivalent; 10⁻³ mol divided by valence.

milligram
milligram (mg) (mil′i-gram)

One-thousandth of a gram.

millilambert
millilambert (mil-i-lam′bert)

One thousandth of a lambert; a unit of brightness equal to 0.929 lumen per square foot (roughly, 1 equivalent footcandle).

milliliter
milliliter (mil′i-le-ter)

One-thousandth of a liter.

millimeter
millimeter (mm) (mil′i-me-ter)

One-thousandth of a meter.

millimicro- millimicro-

Prefix formerly used to signify submultiples of one-billionth (10⁻⁹); now nano-.

millimicron
millimicron (mμ) (mil′i-mi-kron)

Former term for nanometer.

millimole
millimole (mmol) (mil′i-mol)

One-thousandth of a gram-molecule.

milling-in
milling-in (mil′ing-in)

Refining the occlusion of teeth by the use of abrasives between their occluding surfaces while the dentures are rubbed together in the mouth or on the articulator.

milliosmole
milliosmole (mil′i-oz-mol)

One-thousandth of an osmole.

millipede
millipede (mil′i-ped)

A venomous nonpredaceous arthropod of the order Diplopoda, characterized by two pairs of legs per leg-bearing segment. The venom is purely defensive, oozed or squirted from pores along the body, producing irritation to the skin or severe inflammation if it reaches the eyes. [milli- + L. pes, pedis, foot]

millisecond
millisecond (ms, msec) (mil′i-sek′ond)

One-thousandth of a second.

millivolt
millivolt (mV) (mil′i-volt)

One thousandth of a volt.

Millon
Millon

Auguste N.E., French chemist, 1812–1867. See M. reaction, M. reagent, M.-Nasse test.

milphosis
milphosis (mil-fo′sis)

Loss of eyelashes. SYN: madarosis (1) . [G. m.]

milrinone
milrinone (mil′ri-non)

A xanthine oxidase inhibitor which increases the force of contraction of the heart; used in congestive heart failure; resembles amrinone; cardiotonic.

Milroy
Milroy

William F., U.S. physician, 1855–1942. See M. disease.

MIM
MIM

Abbreviation for Mendelian Inheritance in Man.

mimesis
mimesis (mi-me′sis, mi-)

1. Hysterical simulation of organic disease. 2. The symptomatic imitation of one organic disease by another. [G. m., imitation, fr. mimeomai, to mimic]

mimetic
mimetic (mi-met′ik, mi-)

Relating to mimesis. [G. mimetikos, imitative]

mimic
mimic (mim′ik)

To imitate or simulate. [G. mimikos, imitating, fr. mimos, a m.]

mimmation
mimmation (mi-ma′shun)

A form of stammering in which the m-sound is given to various letters. [Ar. mim, the letter m]

min.
min.

Abbreviation for minute.

mind
mind

1. The organ or seat of consciousness and higher functions of the human brain, such as cognition, reasoning, willing, and emotion. 2. The organized totality of all mental processes and psychic activities, with emphasis on the relatedness of the phenomena. [A.S. gemynd]
prelogical m. SYN: prelogical thinking.
subconscious m. SYN: subliminal self.

mind-reading
mind-reading

SYN: telepathy.

mineral
mineral (min′er-al)

Any homogeneous inorganic material usually found in the earth's crust. [L. mineralis, pertaining to mines, fr. mino, to mine]

mineralization
mineralization (min′er-al-i-za′shun)

The introduction of minerals into a structure, as in the normal m. of bones and teeth or the pathologic m. of tissues, i.e., dystrophic or metastatic calcification.

mineralocoid
mineralocoid (min-er-al′o-koyd)

SYN: mineralocorticoid.

mineralocorticoid
mineralocorticoid (min′er-al-o-kor′ti-koyd)

One of the steroids of the adrenal cortex that influences water and electrolyte (particularly sodium and potassium ions) metabolism and balance. SYN: mineralocoid.

mineral oil
mineral oil

A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum, used as a vehicle in pharmaceutical preparations; occasionally used as an intestinal lubricant; can interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. SYN: heavy liquid petrolatum, liquid paraffin, liquid petroleum.

mineralotropic
mineralotropic (min-er-al′o-tro′pik)

Concerning the action of or relating to mineralocorticoids.

mini
mini (mi′ne)

A moderate-sized computer that can serve many users in a department, or one dedicated to a complex computational function such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging; smaller and slower than a mainframe, more complex and powerful than a personal computer. [It. miniatura, decoration of manuscripts, fr. L. minium, red lead]

minilaparotomy
minilaparotomy (min′e-lap-a-rot′o-me)

Technique for sterilization by surgical ligation of the fallopian tubes, performed through a small suprapubic or infraumbilical incision.

minim
minim (m)

1. A fluid measure, 160 of a fluidrachm; in the case of water about one drop. 2. Smallest; least; the smallest of several similar structures. [L. minimus, least]

minimum
minimum (min-i-mum)

The smallest amount or lowest limit. [L. smallest, least]

minimyosin
minimyosin (min-e-mi′o-sin)

A protein similar to myosin in having a globular actin-binding domain and a short tail that can bind to membranes but lacking a long α-helical tail; believed to have a role in filopodium extension in the growth cone of neurons.

minithoracotomy
minithoracotomy

See under thoracotomy.

minocycline
minocycline (min-o-si′klen)

A substituted naphthacenecarboxamide; an antibacterial drug related to tetracycline.

minor
minor (mi′ner)

Smaller; lesser; denoting the smaller of two similar structures. [L.]

minoxidil
minoxidil (mi-nok′si-dil)

An antihypertensive agent used for treatment of premature hair loss; sometimes used topically on the scalp to increase hair growth.

mint
mint

SYN: Mentha. [G. mintha]

mio- mio-

Less. [G. meion]

miodidymus
miodidymus, miodymus (mi-o-did′i-mus, mi-od′i-mus)

Unequal conjoined twins with the head of the smaller twin joined to the occipital region of the head of the larger twin. See conjoined twins, under twin. [mio- + G. didymos, twin]

miolecithal
miolecithal (mi-o-les′i-thal)

Denoting an egg with little yolk which is uniformly dispersed throughout the egg. [mio- + G. lekithos, egg yolk]

miopragia
miopragia (mi-o-pra′je-a)

Diminished functional activity in a part. [mio- + G. prasso, to do]

miopus
miopus (mi-o′pus)

Unequal conjoined twins with heads united in such a manner that one face is rudimentary. See conjoined twins, under twin. [mio- + ops, eye]

miosis
miosis (mi-o′sis)

1. Contraction of the pupil. 2. Incorrect alternative spelling for meiosis. [G. meiosis, a lessening]
paralytic m. m. due to paralysis of the dilator muscle of the pupil.
spastic m. m. due to spasmodic contraction of the sphincter muscle of the pupil.

miotic
miotic (mi-ot′ik)

1. Relating to or characterized by constriction of the pupil. 2. An agent that causes the pupil to constrict so that the pupils are small.

MIP
MIP

Abbreviation for maximum intensity projection.

MIP
MIP

Abbreviation for macrophage inflammatory protein.

miracidium
miracidium, pl .miracidia (mi-ra-sid′e-um, -a)

The ciliated first-stage larva of a trematode that emerges from the egg and must penetrate into the tissues of an appropriate intermediate host snail if it is to continue its life cycle; followed by development into a mother sporocyst and by production of a number of offspring of successive larval generations. SEE ALSO: sporocyst (1) . [G. meirakidion, boy]

Mirchamp sign
Mirchamp sign

See under sign.

mire
mire (mer)

One of the test objects in the ophthalmometer; its image (also called a m.), mirrored on the corneal surface, is measured to determine the radii of curvature of the cornea. [L. miror, pp. -atus, to wonder at]

mirex
mirex (mi′reks)

Benzene derivative used as insecticide and fire retardant for plastics, rubber, paint, paper, electrical goods; likely carcinogen.

Mirizzi
Mirizzi

P.L., 20th century Argentinian physician. See M. syndrome.

mirror
mirror (mir′or)

A polished surface reflecting the rays of light reflected from objects in front of it. [Fr. miroir, fr. L. miror, to wonder at]
concave m. a spherical reflecting surface that constitutes a segment of the interior of a sphere.
convex m. a spherical reflecting surface that constitutes a segment of the exterior of a sphere.
head m. a circular concave m. attached to a head band, used to project a beam of light into a cavity, such as the nose or larynx, for purposes of examination and permitting binocular vision.
mouth m. a small m. on a handle used to facilitate visualization in the examination of the teeth.
van Helmont m. obsolete term for central tendon of diaphragm.

mirror-writing
mirror-writing (mir′or-rit-ing)

Writing backward, from right to left, the letters appearing like ordinary writing seen in a mirror. SYN: retrography.

miryachit
miryachit (mir-yach′it)

A nervous affection observed in Siberia. See jumping disease.

MIS
MIS

Abbreviation for müllerian inhibiting substance.

misandry
misandry (mis′an-dre)

Aversion to or hatred of men. [G. miseo, to hate, + aner, andros, male]

misanthropy
misanthropy (mis-an′thro-pe)

Aversion to and hatred of human beings. [G. miseo, to hate, + anthropos, man]

miscarriage
miscarriage (mis-kar′ij)

Spontaneous expulsion of the products of pregnancy before the middle of the second trimester. SYN: spontaneous abortion.

miscarry
miscarry (mis-kar′e)

To have a miscarriage.

miscegenation
miscegenation (mis′e-je-na′shun)

Marriage or interbreeding of individuals of different races. [L. misceo, to mix, + genus, descent, race]

miscible
miscible (mis′i-bl)

Capable of being mixed and remaining so after the mixing process ceases. [L. misceo, to mix]

misdiagnosis
misdiagnosis (mis′di-ag-no′sis)

A wrong or mistaken diagnosis.

misogamy
misogamy (mi-sog′a-me)

Aversion to marriage. [G. miseo, to hate, + gamos, marriage]

misogyny
misogyny (mi-soj′i-ne)

Aversion to or hatred of women. [G. miseo, to hate, + gyne, woman]

misopedia
misopedia, misopedy (mis-o-pe′de-a, -op′e-de)

Aversion to or hatred of children. [G. miseo, to hate, + pais (paid-), child]

misoprostol
misoprostol (mi-so-prost′ol)

A prostaglandin analog used in the treatment of ulcer disease; particularly useful in persons taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; antiulcerative.

missense
missense (mis′ens)

As used in genetics, a mutation that causes a sequence such that there is a substitution of one amino acid residue for another.
m. suppression a mutation in tRNA that allows for incorporation of an amino acid residue that allows for full function of the gene product.

mistletoe
mistletoe (mis′l-to)

SYN: viscum (1) .

MIT
MIT

Abbreviation for monoiodotyrosine.

Mitchell Mitchell

See Weir M..

mite
mite (mit)

A minute arthropod of the order Acarina, a vast assemblage of parasitic and (primarily) free-living organisms. Most are still undescribed, and only a relatively small number are of medical or veterinary importance as vectors or intermediate hosts of pathogenic agents, by directly causing dermatitis or tissue damage, or by causing blood or tissue fluid loss. The six-legged larvae of trombiculid mites, the chigger mites (Trombicula), are parasitic of humans and many mammals and birds, and are important as vectors of scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease) and other rickettsial agents. Some other important mites are Acarus hordei (barley m.), Demodex folliculorum (follicular or mange m.), Dermanyssus gallinae (red hen m.), Ornithonyssus bacoti (tropical rat m.), Ornithonyssus bursa (tropical fowl m.), Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl m.), Pyemotes tritici (straw or grain itch m.), and Sarcoptes scabiei (itch m.). [A.S.]

mithramycin
mithramycin (mith-ra-mi′sin)

An antibiotic produced by Streptomyces argillaceus and S. tanashiensis; possesses antineoplastic activity. SYN: aureolic acid, mitramycin.

mithridatism
mithridatism (mith′ri-da′tizm, mith-rid′a-tizm)

Immunity against the action of a poison produced by small and gradually increasing doses of the same. [Mithridates, King of Pontus (132–63 B.C.), supposedly an unsuccessful suicide (by poison) because of repeated small doses taken to become invulnerable to assassination by poison]

miticidal
miticidal (mi-ti-si′dal)

Destructive to mites.

miticide
miticide (mi′ti-sid)

An agent destructive to mites. [mite + L. caedo, to kill]

mitigate
mitigate (mit′i-gat)

SYN: palliate. [L. mitigo, pp. -atus, to make mild or gentle, fr. mitis, mild, + ago, to do, make]

mitis
mitis (mi′tis)

Mild. [L.]

mitochondria
mitochondria (-a)

Plural of mitochondrion.

mitochondrial
mitochondrial (mi-to-kon′dre-al)

Relating to mitochondria.

mitochondrion
mitochondrion, pl .mitochondria (mi-to-kon′dre-on, -a)

An organelle of the cell cytoplasm consisting of two sets of membranes, a smooth continuous outer coat and an inner membrane arranged in tubules or more often in folds that form platelike double membranes called cristae; mitochondria are the principal energy source of the cell and contain the cytochrome enzymes of terminal electron transport and the enzymes of the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. SYN: Altmann granule (2) . [G. mitos, thread, + chondros, granule, grits]
m. of hemoflagellates the “mother m.,” from which smaller mitochondria appear to arise.

mitogen
mitogen (mi′to-jen)

A substance frequently derived from plants that stimulates mitosis and lymphocyte transformation; includes not only lectins such as phytohemagglutinins and concanavalin A, but also substances from streptococci (associated with streptolysin S) and from strains of α-toxin-producing staphylococci. SYN: transforming agent (1) . [mitosis + G. -gen, producing]
pokeweed m. (PWM) a m. (lectin) from Phytolacca americana (pokeweed) which stimulates chiefly B lymphocytes.

mitogenesis
mitogenesis (mi-to-jen′e-sis)

The process of induction of mitosis in or transformation of a cell. [mitosis + G. genesis, origin]

mitogenetic
mitogenetic (mi′to-je-net′ik)

Pertaining to the factor or factors promoting cell mitosis.

mitogenic
mitogenic (mi-to-jen′ik)

Causing mitosis or transformation.

mitomycin
mitomycin (mi-to-mi′sin)

Antibiotic produced by Streptomyces caespitosus, variants of which are designated m. A, m. B, etc.; m. C is an antineoplastic agent and a bacteriocide; inhibits DNA synthesis.

mitoplast
mitoplast (mi′to-plast)

A mitochondrion without its outer membrane.

mitosis
mitosis, pl .mitoses (mi-to′sis, -sez)

The usual process of somatic reproduction of cells consisting of a sequence of modifications of the nucleus (prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) that result in the formation of two daughter cells with exactly the same chromosome and nuclear DNA content as that of the original cell. SEE ALSO: cell cycle. SYN: indirect nuclear division, mitotic division. [G. mitos, thread]
heterotype m. a variety of m. in which the halved chromosomes are united at their ends forming ringlike figures. Occurs in the first division of meiosis.
multipolar m. a pathologic form in which the spindle has three or more poles, resulting in the formation of a corresponding number of nuclei.
somatic m. the ordinary process of m. as it occurs in the somatic or body cells, characterized by the formation of the prescribed number of chromosomes, appropriate for the species (in humans the number is 46).

mitotane
mitotane (mi′to-tan)

An antineoplastic agent.

mitotic
mitotic (mi-tot′ik)

Relating to or marked by mitosis.

mitoxantrone hydrochloride
mitoxantrone hydrochloride (mi-to-zan′tron)

A synthetic anti-neoplastic used intravenously in the initial therapy for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in adults.

mitral
mitral (mi′tral)

1. Relating to the m. or bicuspid valve. 2. Shaped like a bishop's miter; denoting a structure resembling the shape of a headband or turban. [L. mitra, a coif or turban]

mitralization
mitralization (mi′tra-li-za′shun)

Straightening of the left heart border on a chest radiograph due to prominence of the left atrial appendage or the pulmonary outflow tract; an unreliable indication of mitral valve disease.

mitramycin
mitramycin (mit-ra-mi′sin)

SYN: mithramycin.

Mitrofanoff
Mitrofanoff

Paul, French pediatric surgeon, *1934. See M. principle.

Mitsuda
Mitsuda

Kensuke, Japanese physician, 1876–1964. See M. antigen, M. reaction.

Mitsuo
Mitsuo

Gentaro, Japanese ophthalmologist, 1876–1913. See M. phenomenon.

mittelschmerz
mittelschmerz (mit′el-schmarts)

Abdominal pain occurring at the time of ovulation, resulting from irritation of the peritoneum by bleeding from the ovulation site. SYN: intermenstrual pain (2) , middle pain. [Ger. M., middle + pain]

mivacurium
mivacurium (mi′va-kur′e-um)

A neuromuscular blocking agent resembling d-tubocurarine, but having a shorter duration of action.

mixing
mixing (mik′sing)

The mingling or blending of particles or components, especially of different kinds.
phenotypic m. a nongenetic interaction in which virus particles released from a cell that is infected with two different viruses have components from both the infecting agents, but with a genome from one of them.

mixotrophy
mixotrophy (miks-o′tro-fe)

The property of certain microorganisms that can assimilate organic compounds as carbon sources but not as energy sources. [G. mixis, mixture, fr. mignumi, to mix, + trophe, nourishment]

mixture
mixture (miks′chur)

1. A mutual incorporation of two or more substances, without chemical union, the physical characteristics of each of the components being retained. A mechanical m. is a m. of particles or masses distinguishable as such under the microscope or in other ways; a physical m. is a more intimate m. of molecules, as in the case of gases and many solutions. 2. In chemistry, a mingling together of two or more substances without the occurrence of a reaction by which they would lose their individual properties, i.e., without permanent gain or loss of electrons. 3. In pharmacy, a preparation, consisting of a liquid holding an insoluble medicinal substance in suspension by means of acacia, sugar, or some other viscid material. [L. mixtura or mistura]
Bordeaux m. a plant fungicidal m., comprising copper sulfate (5 parts) and calcium oxide (5 parts) in water (400 parts) freshly mixed; the CaO is added to the CuSO₄ solution.
extemporaneous m. a m. prepared at the time ordered, according to the directions of a prescription, as distinguished from a stock preparation.
Seidlitz m. a m. of 3 parts Rochelle salt and 1 part sodium bicarbonate. Ten grams of the m. are employed with 2.17 g tartaric acid for one Seidlitz powder. The powder, which effervesces when placed in water, was widely used as a cathartic.

Miyagawa
Miyagawa

Yoneji, Japanese bacteriologist, 1885–1959. See Miyagawanella, M. bodies, under body.

Miyagawanella
Miyagawanella (me′ya-gah′wa-nel′a)

Formerly considered a genus of Chlamydiaceae, but now synonymous with Chlamydia. [Y. Miyagawa]

MK
MK

Abbreviation for menaquinone.

MK-6
MK-6

Abbreviation for menaquinone-6.

MK-7
MK-7

Abbreviation for menaquinone-7.

MLC
MLC

Abbreviation for Marginal Line Calculus Index.

MLD
MLD, mld

Abbreviation for minimal lethal dose.

mlRNA
mlRNA

Abbreviation for messengerlike RNA.

mM
mM, mm

Abbreviation for millimolar.

mm
mm

Abbreviation for millimeter.

MMMT
MMMT

Abbreviation for malignant mixed müllerian tumor or malignant mixed mesodermal tumor.

M-mode
M-mode

A diagnostic ultrasound presentation of the temporal changes in echoes in which the depth of echo-producing interfaces is displayed along one axis with time (T) along the second axis; motion (M) of the interfaces toward and away from the transducer is displayed. SYN: TM-mode.

mmol
mmol

Abbreviation for millimole.

MMPI
MMPI

Abbreviation for Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test.

MMR
MMR

Abbreviation for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

Mn
Mn

Symbol for manganese.

M'Naghten
M'Naghten

Daniel, British criminal, tried in March, 1843. See M. rule.

MND
MND

Abbreviation for motor neuron disease.

mneme
mneme (ne′me)

The enduring quality in the mind that accounts for the facts of memory; the engram of a specific experience. [G. m., memory]

mnemenic
mnemenic, mnemic (ne-men′ik, ne′mik)

Relating to memory.

mnemism
mnemism (ne′mizm)

SYN: mnemic hypothesis. [G. mneme, memory]

mnemonic
mnemonic (ne-mon′ik)

SYN: anamnestic (1) .

mnemonics
mnemonics (ne-mon′iks)

The art of improving the memory; a system for aiding the memory. [G. mnemonikos, mnemonic, pertaining to memory]

MNSs blood group
MNSs blood group

See Blood Groups appendix.

M.O.
M.O.

Abbreviation for Medical Officer.

Mo
Mo

Symbol for molybdenum.

99Mo
⁹⁹Mo

Abbreviation for molybdenum-99.

MoAb
MoAb

Abbreviation for monoclonal antibody.

mobilization
mobilization (mo′bi-li-za′shun)

1. Making movable; restoring the power of motion in a joint. 2. The act or the result of the act of mobilizing; exciting a hitherto quiescent process into physiologic activity. SEE ALSO: mobilize. 3. The process by which a conjugative plastid brings about the transfer from one cell to another of DNA.
stapes m. an operation to remobilize the footplate of the stapes to relieve conductive hearing impairment caused by its immobilization through otosclerosis or other middle ear disease.

mobilize
mobilize (mo′bi-liz)

1. To liberate material stored in the body; more specifically, to move a substance from tissue stores into the bloodstream. 2. To excite quiescent material to physiologic activity. [Fr. mobiliser, to liberate, make ready, fr. L. mobilis, movable]

Mobitz
Mobitz

Woldemar, German cardiologist, *1889. See M. types of atrioventricular block.

Möbius
Möbius

Paul J., German physician, 1853–1907. See M. sign, M. syndrome, Leyden-M. muscular dystrophy.

MOD
MOD

Abbreviation for mesiodistocclusal.

modality
modality (mo-dal′i-te)

1. A form of application or employment of a therapeutic agent or regimen. 2. Various forms of sensation, e.g., touch, vision, etc.. [Mediev. L. modalitas, fr. L. modus, a mode]

mode
mode (mod)

In a set of measurements, that value which appears most frequently. [L. modus, a measure, quantity]

model
model (mod′el)

1. A representation of something, often idealized or modified to make it conceptually easier to understand. 2. Something to be imitated. 3. In dentistry, a cast. 4. A mathematical representation of a particular phenomenon. 5. An animal that is used to mimic a pathologic condition. [It. midello, fr. L. modus, measure, standard]
Adair-Koshland-Némethy-Filmer m. (AKNF) SYN: Koshland-Némethy-Filmer m..
additive m. a m. in which the combined effect of several factors is the sum of the effects that would be produced by each of the factors in the absence of the others.
animal m. study in a population of laboratory animals that uses conditions of animals analogous to conditions of humans to simulate processes comparable to those that occur in human populations.
Armitage-Doll m. a m. of carcinogenesis with the premise that the main variable determining change in risk is not age but time.
Bingham m. a m. representing the flow behavior of a Bingham plastic, in the idealized case.
biomedical m. a conceptual m. of illness that excludes psychological and social factors and includes only biological factors in an attempt to understand a person's medical illness or disorder.
biopsychosocial m. a conceptual m. that assumes that psychological and social factors must also be included along with the biological in understanding a person's medical illness or disorder.
cloverleaf m. a m. for the structure of tRNA; so named because the structure roughly resembles a cloverleaf.
computer m. a mathematical representation of the functioning of a system, presented in the form of a computer program. SYN: computer simulation.
concerted m. SYN: Monod-Wyman-Changeux m..
cooperativity m. a m. used to explain the property of cooperativity observed in certain enzymes; E.G., allosterism or hysteresis.
fluid mosaic m. a m. for the structure of a biomembrane, with lateral diffusibility of constituents and little, if any, flip-flop motion.
genetic m. a formalized conjecture about the behavior of a heritable structure in which the component terms are intended to have literal interpretation as standard structures of empirical genetics.
induced fit m. 1. a m. to suggest a mode of action of enzymes in which the substrate binds to the active site of the protein, causing a conformational change in the protein; 2. SYN: Koshland-Némethy-Filmer m..
Koshland-Némethy-Filmer m. (KNF m.) a m. to explain the allosteric form of cooperativity; in this m., in the absence of ligands, the protein exists in only one conformation; upon binding, the ligand induces a conformational change that may be transmitted to other subunits. SYN: Adair-Koshland-Némethy-Filmer m., induced fit m. (2) .
lock-and-key m. a m. used to suggest the mode of operation of an enzyme in which the substrate fits into the active site of the protein like a key into a lock.
logistic m. a statistical m.; in epidemiology, a m. of risk as a function of exposure to a risk factor.
mathematical m. representation of a system, process, or relationship in mathematical form, using equations to simulate the behavior of the system or process under study.
medical m. a set of assumptions that views behavioral abnormalities in the same framework as physical disease or abnormalities.
Monod-Wyman-Changeux m. (MWC m.) a m. used to explain the allosteric form of cooperativity; in this m., an oligomeric protein can exist in two conformational states in the absence of the ligand; these states are in equilibrium and the one that is predominant has a lower affinity for the ligand (which binds to the protein in a rapid equilibrium fashion). SYN: concerted m..
multiplicative m. a m. in which the joint effect of two or more causes is the product of their effects if they were acting alone.
multistage m. a mathematical m., mainly for carcinogenesis, based on the theory that a specific carcinogen may affect one among a number of stages in the development of cancer.
MWC m. abbreviation for Monod-Wyman-Changeux m..
pathologic m. an animal or animal stock that by inheritance or by artificial manipulation develops a disorder similar to some disease of interest and hence directly or by analogy furnishes evidence of its pathogenesis and may be used as a m. for the study of preventive or therapeutic measures.
Reed-Frost m. mathematical m. of infectious disease transmission and herd immunity. The m. gives the number of new cases of an infection that can be expected in a specified time in a closed, freely mixing population of immune and susceptible individuals, with varying assumptions about frequency of contact.
Sartwell incubation m. mathematical m. based on empirical observations, showing that incubation periods for communicable diseases have a log-normal distribution; m. holds true for certain kinds of cancers that have well-defined external causes.
statistical m. a formal representation for a class of processes that allows a means of analyzing results from experimental studies, such as the Poisson m. or the general linear m.; it need not propose a process literally interpretable in the context of the individual case.

modeling
modeling (mod′el-ing)

1. In learning theory, the acquiring and learning of a new skill by observing and imitating that behavior being performed by another individual. 2. In behavior modification, a treatment procedure whereby the therapist or another significant person presents (models) the target behavior that the learner is to imitate and make part of repertoire. 3. A continuous process by which a bone is altered in size and shape during its growth by resorption and formation of bone at different sites and rates. 4. A process by which a representation of an entity is formed.

modification
modification (mod′i-fi-ka′shun)

1. A nonhereditary change in an organism; e.g., one that is acquired from its own activity or environment. 2. A chemical or structural alteration in a molecule.
behavior m. the systematic use of principles of conditioning and learning, especially operant or instrumental conditioning, to teach certain skills or to extinguish undesirable behaviors, attitudes, or phobias.
chemical m. alteration in the structure of a molecule, typically a macromolecule such as a protein, by chemical means; often, the covalent addition by some reagent.
covalent m. alteration in the structure of a macromolecule by enzymatic means, resulting in a change in the properties of that macromolecule; frequently, this type of m. is physiologically relevant.

modifier
modifier (mod′˘1 fi′er)

That which alters or limits.
biologic response m. agent that modifies host responses to neoplasms by enhancing immune systems or reconstituting impaired immune mechanisms.

modiolus
modiolus, pl .modioli (mo-di′o-lus, -o-li)

1. [tA] The central cone-shaped core of spongy bone about which turns the spiral canal of the m.. 2. SYN: m. of angle of mouth. [L., the nave of a wheel]
m. of angle of mouth [TA] a point near the corner of the mouth where several muscles of facial expression converge. SYN: m. anguli oris [TA] , columella cochleae, m. labii, m. (2) .
m. anguli oris [TA] SYN: m. of angle of mouth.
m. labii SYN: m. of angle of mouth.

modulation
modulation (mod-u-la′shun)

1. The functional and morphologic fluctuation of cells in response to changing environmental conditions. 2. Systematic variation in a characteristic ( e.g., frequency, amplitude) of a sustained oscillation to code additional information. 3. A change in the kinetics of an enzyme or metabolic pathway. 4. The regulation of the rate of translation of mRNA by a modulating codon. [L. modulor, to measure off properly]
biochemical m. term describing the m. (either enhancement of activity or reduction of toxicity) of a chemotherapeutic agent by another agent, which may or may not have antineoplastic activity of its own.

modulator
modulator

That which regulates or adjusts.
selective estrogen receptor m. (SERM) pharmaceutical agent with selective estrogen receptor affinity; current preparations have a primary effect on bone and cardiovascular tissues and less effect on endometrial, genital, and breast tissues.

modulus
modulus (moj′u-lus, mod′u-)

A coefficient expressing the magnitude of a physical property by a numerical value. [L. dim. of modus, a measure, quantity]
bulk m. SYN: m. of volume elasticity.
m. of elasticity a coefficient expressing the ratio between stress per unit area acting to deform a body and the amount of deformation that results from it.
m. of volume elasticity a coefficient expressing the ratio between pressure acting to change the volume of a substance and the amount of change that results from it. SYN: bulk m..
Young m. a type of m. of elasticity which specifies the force applied to a body in one direction, per unit cross-sectional area of the body perpendicular to that direction, divided by the fractional change in length of the body in that direction.

Moeller
Moeller

Julius O.L., German surgeon, 1819–1887. See M. glossitis.

Moeller
Moeller

Alfred, German bacteriologist, *1868. See M. grass bacillus.

mofebutazone
mofebutazone (mof-e-bu′ta-zon)

An anti-inflammatory agent used for the treatment of arthritis.

mogiarthria
mogiarthria (moj-i-ar′thre-a)

Speech defect due to muscular incoordination. [G. mogis, with difficulty, + arthroo, to articulate]

mogilalia
mogilalia (moj-i-la′le-a)

Stuttering, stammering, or any speech defect. SYN: molilalia. [G. mogis, with difficulty, + lalia, speech]

mogiphonia
mogiphonia (moj-i-fo′ne-a)

Laryngeal spasm occurring in public speakers as a result of overuse of the voice. [G. mogis, with difficulty, + phone, voice]

Mohrenheim
Mohrenheim

Joseph J. Freiherr von, Austrian-Russian surgeon, 1755–1799. See M. fossa, M. space.

Mohs
Mohs

Frederic E., U.S. surgeon, *1910, who as a medical student devised a system of microscopicaly controlled removal of skin tumors. See M. fresh tissue chemosurgery technique, M. chemosurgery.

Mohs
Mohs

Friedrich, German mineralogist, 1773–1839. See M. scale.

moiety
moiety (moy′i-te)

1. Originally, a half; now, loosely, a portion of something. 2. Functional group. [M.E. moite, a half]

mol
mol

Abbreviation for mole (4) .

molal
molal (mo′lal)

Denoting 1 mol of solute dissolved in 1000 g of solvent; such solutions provide a definite ratio of solute to solvent molecules. Cf.:molar (4) .

molality
molality (m) (mo-lal′i-te)

Moles of solute per kilogram of solvent; the molarity is equal to mρ/(1 + mM), where m is the m., ρ is the density of the solution, and M is the molar mass of the solute. Cf.:molarity.

molar
molar (mo′lar)

1. Denoting a grinding, abrading, or wearing away. [L. molaris, relating to a mill, millstone] 2. SYN: m. tooth. 3. Massive; relating to a mass; not molecular. [L. moles, mass] 4. Denoting a concentration of 1 gram-molecular weight (1 mol) of solute per liter of solution, the common unit of concentration in chemistry. Cf.:molal. 5. Denoting specific quantity, e.g., m. volume (volume of 1 mol).
first m., first permanent m. sixth permanent tooth or fourth deciduous tooth in the maxilla and mandible on either side of the midsagittal plane of the head following the arch form.
Moon molars small dome-shaped first m. teeth occurring in congenital syphilis.
mulberry m. a m. tooth with alternating nonanatomical depressions and rounded enamel nodules on its crown surface, usually associated with congenital syphilis.
second m. seventh permanent or fifth deciduous tooth in the maxilla and mandible on either side of the midsagittal plane of the head following the arch form.
sixth-year m. the first permanent m. tooth.
third m. SYN: third-year m. tooth.
twelfth-year m. the second permanent m. tooth.

molariform
molariform (mo-lar′i-form)

Having the form of a molar tooth. [molar (tooth) + L. forma, form]

molarity
molarity (M, m) (mo-lar′i-te)

Moles per liter of solution (mol/L). Cf.:molality.

mold
mold (mold)

1. A filamentous fungus, generally a circular colony that may be cottony, wooly, etc., or glabrous, but with filaments not organized into large fruiting bodies, such as mushrooms. 2. A shaped receptacle into which wax is pressed or fluid plaster is poured in making a cast. 3. To shape a mass of plastic material according to a definite pattern. 4. To change in shape; denoting especially the adaptation of the fetal head to the pelvic canal. 5. The term used to specify the shape of an artificial tooth (or teeth). SYN: mould.
pink bread m. SYN: Neurospora.

molding
molding (mold′ing)

Shaping by means of a mold.
border m. the shaping of an impression material by the manipulation or action of the tissues adjacent to the borders of an impression. SYN: muscle-trimming, tissue m., tissue-trimming.
compression m. 1. the act of pressing or squeezing together to form a shape in a mold; 2. the adaptation of a plastic material to the negative form of a split mold by pressure. SEE ALSO: injection m..
injection m. the adaptation of a plastic material to the negative form of a closed mold by forcing the material into the mold through appropriate gateways. SEE ALSO: compression m. (2) .
tissue m. SYN: border m..

mole
mole (mol)

1. SYN: nevus (2) . 2. SYN: nevus pigmentosus. [A.S. mael (L. macula), a spot] 3. An intrauterine mass formed by the degeneration of the partly developed products of conception. [L. moles, mass] 4. (mol) In the SI system, the unit of amount of substance, defined as that amount of a substance containing as many “elementary entities” as there are atoms in 0.0120 kg of carbon-12; “elementary entities” may be atoms, molecules, ions, or any describable entity or defined mixture of entities and must be specified when this term is used; in practical terms, the m. is 6.0221367 × 10²³ “elementary entities.” SEE ALSO: Avogadro number.
carneous m. SYN: fleshy m..
cystic m. SYN: hydatidiform m..
fleshy m. a uterine mass occurring after fetal death and consisting of blood clots, fetal membranes, and placenta. SYN: carneous m..
hairy m. SYN: nevus pilosus.
hydatidiform m., hydatid m. [MIM*231090] a vesicular or polycystic mass resulting from the proliferation of the trophoblast, with hydropic degeneration and avascularity of the chorionic villi; the abnormal tissue typically results from expression of paternally derived chromosomes and a loss of maternal chromosomes. SYN: cystic m., gestational trophoblastic disease.
invasive m. SYN: chorioadenoma destruens.

molecular
molecular (mo-lek′u-lar)

Relating to molecules.

molecularity
molecularity (mo-lek′u-lar′i-te)

The number of reactants in an elementary reaction. For example, a reaction involving one reactant is unimolecular; reactions involving two compounds are bimolecular. M. and order are not synonymous. Cf.:order (2) .

molecule
molecule (mol′e-kul)

The smallest possible quantity of a di-, tri-, or polyatomic substance that retains the chemical properties of the substance. [Mod. L. molecula, dim. of L. moles, mass]
accessory molecules cell surface adhesion molecules on T cells that are involved in binding of one cell to another cell activation, and in signal transduction, e.g., CD4.
adhesion molecules molecules that are involved in T helper-accessory cell, T helper-B cell, and T cytotoxic-target cell interactions; extracellular matrix proteins that attract leukocytes from the circulation.
cell adhesion m. (CAM) proteins that hold cells together, e.g., uvomorulin, and hold them to their substrates, e.g., laminin.
chimeric m. a m. (usually a biopolymer) containing sequences derived from two different genes; specifically, from two different species. Cf.:chimera.
class I m. a major histocompatibility complex antigen made up of two noncovalently bonded polypeptide chains, one glycosylated, heavy, and variable with antigen specificity; the other chain is β₂-microglobulin.
class II m. a major histocompatibility complex membrane-piercing antigen made up of two noncovalently bonded polypeptide chains designated α and β.
costimulatory m. membrane-bound or secreted product of accessory cells that is required for signal transduction.
endothelial-leukocyte adhesion m. (E-LAM) a glycoprotein on the surface of endothelial cells that is involved in blood leukocyte attachment to vessel walls as well as emigration from the vessels into the tissues.
gram-m. the amount of a substance with a mass in grams equal to its molecular weight; e.g., a gram-m. of hydrogen weighs 2.016 g, that of water 18.015 g.
intercellular adhesion m.-1 (ICAM-1) a glycoprotein that is expressed on a variety of cells. It is the ligand for LFA-1 as well as the receptor for the rhinoviruses.
lectin pathway m. the binding of mannose-binding protein to bacterial carbohydrates resulting in activation of the complement pathway.

molilalia
molilalia (mol′i-la′le-a)

SYN: mogilalia. [G. molis, with difficulty (a later form of mogis), + lalia, talking]

molimina
molimina (-lim′i-na)

menstrual m. SYN: premenstrual syndrome.

molindone hydrochloride
molindone hydrochloride (mo-lin′don)

An antipsychotic.

Molisch
Molisch

Hans, Austrian chemist, 1856–1937. See M. test.

Moll
Moll

Jacob A., Dutch oculist, 1832–1914. See M. glands, under gland.

mollities
mollities (mo-lish′i-ez)

1. Characterized by a soft consistency. 2. SYN: malacia. [L. mollis, soft]

mollusc
mollusc (mol′usk)

SYN: mollusk.

Mollusca
Mollusca (mo-lus′ka)

A phylum of the subkingdom Metazoa with soft, unsegmented bodies, consisting of an anterior head, a dorsal visceral mass and a ventral foot. Most forms are enclosed in a protective calcareous shell. M. includes the classes Gastropoda (snails, whelks, slugs), Pelecypoda (oysters, clams, mussels), Cephalopoda (squids, octopuses), Amphineura (chitons), Scaphopoda (tooth shells), and the class of primitive metameric mollusks, Monoplacophora. [L. m., a nut with a thin shell, fr. mollis, soft]

Molluscipoxvirus
Molluscipoxvirus (mol′lusk-′e-poks-vi-rus)

A genus in the family Poxviridae; causes localized wartlike skin lesions. SYN: molluscum contagiosum.

molluscum
molluscum (mo-lus′kum)

A disease marked by the occurrence of soft rounded tumors of the skin. [L. molluscus, soft]
m. contagiosum SYN: Molluscipoxvirus.

mollusk
mollusk (mol′usk)

Common name for members of the phylum Mollusca, although usually restricted to the gastropods and bivalves. SYN: mollusc.

Moloney
Moloney

John B., 20th century U.S. oncologist. See M. virus.

Moloney
Moloney

Paul J., Canadian physician, 1870–1939. See M. test.

Moloy
Moloy

Howard C., U.S. obstetrician, 1903–1953. See Caldwell-M. classification.

molt
molt (molt)

To cast off feathers, hair, or cuticle; to undergo ecdysis. SEE ALSO: desquamate. SYN: moult. [L. muto, to change]

mol wt
mol wt

Abbreviation for molecular weight.

molybdate
molybdate (mo-lib′dat)

A salt of molybdic acid.

molybdenic
molybdenic, molybdenous (mo-lib′den-ik, -den-us)

Relating to molybdenum.

molybdenum
molybdenum (Mo) (mo-lib′de-num)

A silvery white metallic element, atomic no. 42, atomic wt. 95.94; a bioelement found in a number of proteins ( e.g., xanthine oxidase). See m. target tube. [G. molybdaina, a piece of lead; a metal, prob. galena, fr. molybdos, lead]

molybdenum-99
molybdenum-99 (⁹⁹Mo)

A reactor-produced radioisotope of molybdenum with a half-life of 2.7476 days, used in radionuclide generators for the production of technetium-99m.

molybdic
molybdic (mo-lib′dik)

Denoting molybdenum in the 6+ state, as in MoO₃.

molybdic acid
molybdic acid

MoO₃&chmpnt;H₂O;a yellowish crystalline acid, forming molybdates; used in the determination of phosphorus or phosphate.

molybdoenzymes
molybdoenzymes (mo-lib′do-en′zimz)

Enzymes that require a molybdenum ion as a component ( E.G., xanthine oxidase).

molybdoflavoproteins
molybdoflavoproteins (mo-lib′do-fla′vo-pro′tenz)

Proteins that require a molybdenum ion and a flavin nucleotide as a part of its naturally occurring structure ( e.g., aldehyde dehydrogenase).

molybdopterin
molybdopterin (mo-lib-op′ter-in)

A pterin derivative that complexes with molybdenum to form the molybdenum cofactor required by several enzymes.

molybdous
molybdous (mo-lib′dus)

Denoting molybdenum in the 4+ state, as in MoO₂.

molysmophobia
molysmophobia (mo-liz-mo-fo′be-a)

Morbid fear of infection. [G. molysma, filth, infection, + phobos, fear]

moment
moment (mo′ment)

The product of a quantity times a distance. [L. momentum (for movimentum), motion, m., fr. moveo, to move]
dipole m. the product of one of the two charges of a dipole and the distance that separates them; an important measure of the degree of polarity of many biomolecules.

momism
momism (mom′izm)

A term relating to excessive or overbearing mothering, especially as attributed to American cultural stereotypes.

mon- mon-

See mono-.

monad
monad (mo′nad, mon′ad)

1. A univalent element or radical. 2. A unicellular organism. 3. In meiosis, the single chromosome derived from a tetrad after the first and second maturation divisions. [G. monas, the number one, unity]

Monakow
Monakow

Constantin von, Swiss histologist, 1853–1930. See M. bundle, M. nucleus, M. syndrome, M. tract.

monamide
monamide (mon-am′id)

SYN: monoamide.

monamine
monamine (mon-am′in)

SYN: monoamine.

monaminuria
monaminuria (mon′am-i-noo′re-a)

SYN: monoaminuria.

monangle
monangle (mon′ang-gl)

Having only one angle, denoting a dental instrument that has only one angle between the handle or shaft and the working portion (blade or nib).

monarda
monarda (mon-ar′da)

The leaves of M. punctata (family Labiatae), American horsemint, a labiate plant of the U.S. east of the Mississippi; the main commercial source of natural thymol; used as a carminative in colic.

monarthric
monarthric (mon-ar′thrik)

SYN: monarticular.

monarthritis
monarthritis (mon-ar-thri′tis)

Arthritis of a single joint.

monarticular
monarticular (mon-ar-tik′u-lar)

Relating to a single joint. SYN: monarthric, uniarticular.

monaster
monaster (mon-as′ter)

The single star figure at the end of prophase in mitosis. SYN: mother star. [mono- + G. aster, star]

monatomic
monatomic (mon-a-tom′ik)

1. Relating to or containing a single atom. 2. SYN: monovalent (1) .

monaural
monaural (mon-aw′ral)

Pertaining to one ear. [mono- + L. auris, ear]

monaxonic
monaxonic (mon-aks-on′ik)

1. Having but one axis, being therefore elongated and slender. 2. Having one axon. [mono- + G. axon, axle]

Mönckeberg
Mönckeberg

Johann G., German pathologist, 1877–1925. See M. arteriosclerosis, M. calcification, M. degeneration, M. sclerosis.

Mondini Mondini

C., Italian physician, 1729–1803. See M. hearing impairment, M. dysplasia.

Mondonesi
Mondonesi

Filippo, Italian physician. See M. reflex.

Mondor
Mondor

Henri, French surgeon, 1885–1962. See M. disease.

-mone -mone

A termination denoting a hormone or hormonelike substance. [Fr. hormone]

Monera
Monera (mo-ne′ra)

The prokaryotes, a kingdom of primitive microbial organisms characterized by having no defined nucleus or chromosomes; DNA that is not membrane-bound; and absence of centrioles, mitotic spindle, microtubules, and mitochondria; division of the ill-defined nuclear zone (nucleoid) is by separation of two masses attached to parts of the cell membrane, then growing apart (a form of amitosis). M. includes the blue-green algae and bacteria; viruses, which lack a true cell, may have originated as “escaped nucleic acids” or “wild genes” from eukaryotic cells and are not included. [pl. of Mod. L. moneron, fr. G. moneres, solitary]

moneran
moneran (mo-ne′ran)

A member of the prokaryote kingdom Monera.

monestrous
monestrous (mon-es′trus)

Having but one estrous cycle in a mating season.

Monge Medrano
Monge Medrano

Carlos, Peruvian professor of medicine and high altitude specialist, 1884–1970. See Monge disease.

mongolian
mongolian (mon-go′le-an)

1. Relating to a member of the M. race. 2. Obsolete. Relating to Down syndrome (because of the Asian-appearing facies).

monilethrix
monilethrix (mo-nil′e-thriks)

An autosomal dominant trichodystrophy in which brittle hairs show a series of constrictions, usually without a medulla. SYN: beaded hair, moniliform hair. [L. monile, necklace, + G. thrix, hair]

Monilia
Monilia (mo-nil′e-a)

Generic term for a group of fungi that are commonly known as fruit molds; the sexual state is Neurospora. A few closely related pathogenic organisms formerly classified in this genus are now properly termed Candida. [L. monile, necklace]

Moniliaceae
Moniliaceae (mo-nil-e-a′se-e)

A family of Fungi Imperfecti (order Moniliales) which includes Sporothrix schenckii, the causative agent of sporotrichosis.

monilial
monilial (mo-nil′e-al)

Precisely, pertaining to the Monilia, but, in medicine, frequently used incorrectly with reference to the genus Candida.

moniliasis
moniliasis (mo-ni-li′a-sis)

SYN: candidiasis.

moniliform
moniliform (mo-nil′i-form)

Shaped like a string of beads or beaded necklace. [L. monile, necklace, + forma, appearance]

Moniliformis
Moniliformis (mo-nil-i-for′mis)

A genus of the class (or phylum) Acanthocephala, the thorny-headed worms. M. dubius, the common spiny-headed worm of house rats, is transmitted by infected cockroaches, Periplaneta americana; a few infections in humans have been reported. M. m. is a species normally found in rodents and is a rare parasite of humans. [L. monile, necklace, + forma, appearance]

monism
monism (mo′nizm)

A metaphysical system in which all of reality is conceived as a unified whole. [G. monos, single]

monistic
monistic (mo-nis′tik)

Pertaining to monism.

monitor
monitor (mon′i-ter, -tor)

A device that displays and/or records specified data for a given series of events, operations, or circumstances. [L., one who warns, fr. moneo, pp. monitum, to warn]
cardiac m. an electronic m. which, when connected to the patient, signals each heart beat with a flashing light, an electrocardiographic curve, an audible signal, or all three.
electronic fetal m. an instrument for continuous monitoring of the fetal heart before or during labor.
Holter m. a technique for long-term, continuous usually ambulatory, recording of electrocardiographic signals on magnetic tape for scanning and selection of significant but fleeting changes that might otherwise escape notice.
home m. a m. for heart and respiratory rate, usually used for infants believed to be at risk for sudden infant death syndrome or apnea.

monitoring
monitoring

1. Performance and analysis of routine measurements aimed at detecting a change in the environment or health status of a population. 2. Ongoing measurement of performance of a health service. 3. Continuous oversight of implementation of an activity.

monkey-paw
monkey-paw (mong′ke-paw)

SYN: ape hand.

monkeypox
monkeypox (mong′ke-poks)

A disease of monkeys and, rarely, of humans caused by the m. virus, a member of the family Poxviridae; the human disease is serious and clinically resembles smallpox.

monkshood
monkshood (monks′hud)

See aconite.

mono- mono-, mon-

The participation or involvement of a single element or part. Cf.:uni-. [G. monos, single]

monoacylglycerol
monoacylglycerol (mon-o-as-il-gli′ser-ol)

Glycerol with an acyl moiety esterified to position 1 ( i.e., 1-m.) or position 2 ( i.e., 2-m.); an intermediate in the degradation and synthesis of lipids; 2 monoacylglycerols are a major end product of triacylglycerol degradation. SYN: monoglyceride.
m. acyltransferase an intestinal enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of 2-m. and acyl-CoA to form coenzyme A and 1,2-diacylglycerol.
m. lipase an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of m. to produce a fatty acid anion and glycerol; a part of lipid degradation.

monoamelia
monoamelia (mon-o-a-me′le-a)

Absence of one limb.

monoamide
monoamide (mon-o-am′id, -id)

A molecule containing one amide group. SYN: monamide.

monoamine
monoamine (mon-o-am′in, -in)

A molecule containing one amine group. SYN: monamine.

monoamine oxidase
monoamine oxidase (MAO)

SYN: amine oxidase (flavin-containing).

monoaminergic
monoaminergic (mon′o-am-i-ner′jik)

Referring to nerve cells or fibers that transmit nervous impulses by the medium of a catecholamine or indolamine. [monoamine + G. ergon, work]

monoaminuria
monoaminuria (mon′o-am-i-noo′re-a)

The excretion of any monoamine in the urine. SYN: monaminuria.

monoamniotic
monoamniotic (mon′o-am-ne-ot′ik)

Denoting two or more progeny of a multiple pregnancy that have shared a common amniotic sac.

monoassociated
monoassociated (mon′o-a-so′she-a-ted)

Denoting a germ-free organism that becomes colonized by a single microbial species.

monoauxotroph
monoauxotroph (mon-o-auks′o-troph)

A mutant microorganism that requires a particular nutrient that is not required by the wild-type organism. Cf.:auxotroph, polyauxotroph.

monobactam
monobactam (mon-o-bak′tam)

A class of antibiotic that has a monocyclic β-lactam nucleus and is structurally different from other β-lactams; e.g., aztreonam.

monobasic
monobasic (mon-o-ba′sik)

Denoting an acid with only one replaceable hydrogen atom, or only one replaced hydrogen atom.

monobenzone
monobenzone (mon-o-ben′zon)

A melanin-pigment inhibiting agent; used topically for the treatment of hyperpigmentation caused by formation of melanin.

monoblast
monoblast (mon′o-blast)

An immature cell that develops into a monocyte. [mono- + G. blastos, germ]

monobrachius
monobrachius (mon-o-bra′ke-us)

The condition of being one-armed. [mono- + G. brachion, arm]

monobromated
monobromated, monobrominated (mon-o-bro′mat-ed, -bro′min-at-ed)

Denoting a chemical compound with one atom of bromine per molecule.

monocardian
monocardian (mon-o-kar′de-an)

Having a heart with a single atrium and ventricle.

monocephalus
monocephalus (mon-o-sef′a-lus)

SYN: syncephalus.

monochlorphenamide
monochlorphenamide (mon′o-klor-fen′a-mid)

SYN: clofenamide.

monochorial
monochorial (mon-o-ko-re′al)

SYN: monochorionic.

monochorionic
monochorionic (mon′o-kor-e-on′ik)

Relating to or having a single chorion; denoting monovular twins. SYN: monochorial.

monochroic
monochroic (mon-o-kro′ik)

SYN: monochromatic.

monochromasia
monochromasia (mon′o-kro-ma′ze-a)

SYN: achromatopsia.

monochromasy
monochromasy (mon-o-kro′ma-se)

SYN: achromatopsia.

monochromatic
monochromatic (mon′o-kro-mat′ik)

1. Having but one color. 2. Indicating a light of a single wavelength. 3. Relating to or characterized by monochromatism. SYN: monochroic, monochromic.

monochromatism
monochromatism (mon-o-kro′ma-tizm)

1. The state of having or exhibiting only one color. 2. SYN: achromatopsia. [mono- + G. chroma, color]
blue cone m. incomplete achromatopsia.
pi cone m. incomplete achromatopsia.
rod m. SYN: complete achromatopsia.

monochromatophil
monochromatophil, monochromatophile (mon′o-kro-mat′o-fil, -fil)

1. Taking only one stain. 2. A cell or any histologic element staining with only one kind of dye. SYN: monochromophil, monochromophile. [mono- + G. chroma, color, + philos, fond]

monochromator
monochromator (mon-o-kro′ma-ter, -tor)

A prism or diffraction grating used in spectrophotometry to isolate a narrow spectral range.

monochromic
monochromic (mon-o-kro′mik)

SYN: monochromatic.

monochromophil
monochromophil, monochromophile (mon-o-kro′mo-fil, -fil)

SYN: monochromatophil.

monocistronic
monocistronic (mon-o-sis-tron′ik)

Referring to fully processed mRNA that codes for a single protein.

monocle
monocle (mon′o-kl)

A lens used for one eye, usually in the correction of presbyopia.

monoclinic
monoclinic (mon-o-klin′ik)

Relating to crystals with a single oblique inclination. [mono- + G. klino, to incline]

monoclonal
monoclonal (mon-o-klo′nal)

In immunochemistry, pertaining to a protein from a single clone of cells, all molecules of which are the same; e.g., in the case of Bence Jones protein, the chains are all κ or λ.

monocranius
monocranius (mon-o-kra′ne-us)

SYN: syncephalus. [mono- + G. kranion, cranium]

monocrotic
monocrotic (mon′o-krot′ik)

Denoting a pulse the curve of which presents no notch or subsidiary wave in its descending line. [mono- + G. krotos, a beat]

monocrotism
monocrotism (mon-ok′ro-tizm)

The state in which the pulse is monocrotic. [mono- + G. krotos, a beat]

monocular
monocular (mon-ok′u-lar)

Relating to, affecting, or visible by one eye only. [mono- + L. oculus, eye]

monoculus
monoculus (mon-ok′u-lus)

1. SYN: cyclops. 2. A bandage applied to one eye only. [L. a one-eyed man, a hybrid word fr. G. monos, single, + L. oculus, eye]

monocyte
monocyte (mon′o-sit)

A relatively large mononuclear leukocyte (16–22 μm in diameter), that normally constitutes 3–7% of the leukocytes of the circulating blood, and is normally found in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and loose connective tissue. When treated with the usual dyes, monocytes manifest an abundant pale blue or blue-gray cytoplasm that contains numerous, fine, dustlike, red-blue granules; vacuoles are frequently present; the nucleus is usually indented, or slightly folded, and has a stringy chromatin structure that seems more condensed where the delicate strands are in contact. SEE ALSO: monocytoid cell, endothelial leukocyte. [mono- + G. kytos, cell]

monocytopenia
monocytopenia (mon′o-si-to-pe′ne-a)

Diminution in the number of monocytes in the circulating blood. SYN: monocytic leukopenia, monopenia. [mono- + G. kytos, cell, + penia, poverty]

monocytosis
monocytosis (mon′o-si-to′sis)

An abnormal increase in the number of monocytes in the circulating blood. SYN: monocytic leukocytosis.

Monod
Monod

Jacques L., French biochemist and Nobel laureate, 1910–1976. See M.-Wyman-Changeux model.

monodactyly
monodactyly, monodactylism (mon-o-dak′ti-le, -dak′-ti-lizm)

The presence of a single finger on the hand, or a single toe on the foot. [mono- + G. daktylos, digit]

monodisperse
monodisperse (mon′o-dis-pers)

Of relatively uniform size; said of aerosol suspensions with size variation of less than ±20%.

monoethanolamine
monoethanolamine (mon′o-eth-a-nol′a-men)

A surfactant; the oleate is used as a sclerosing agent in the treatment of varicose veins.

monogametic
monogametic (mon′o-ga-met′ik)

SYN: homogametic.

monogamy
monogamy (mon-og′a-me)

The marriage or mating system in which each partner has but one mate. [mono- + G. gamos, marriage]

monogenesis
monogenesis (mon-o-jen′e-sis)

1. The production of similar organisms in each generation. 2. The production of young by one parent only, as in nonsexual generation and parthenogenesis. 3. The process of parasitizing a single host, in which the life cycle of the parasite is passed; e.g., Boophilus annulatus, the one-host cattle tick, or certain trematodes of the order Monogenea. [mono- + G. genesis, origin, production]

monogenetic
monogenetic (mon′o-je-net′ik)

Relating to monogenesis. SYN: monoxenous.

monogenic
monogenic (mon-o-jen′ik)

Relating to a hereditary disease or syndrome, or to an inherited characteristic, controlled by alleles at a single genetic locus.

monogenous
monogenous (mo-noj′e-nus)

Asexually produced, as by fission, gemmation, or sporulation.

monogerminal
monogerminal (mon-o-jer′mi-nal)

SYN: unigerminal.

monoglyceride
monoglyceride (mon-o-gli′ser-id)

SYN: monoacylglycerol.

monograph
monograph (mon′o-graf)

A treatise on a particular subject or specific aspect of a subject. [mono- + G. graphe, a writing]

monohydrated
monohydrated (mon-o-hi′dra-ted)

Containing or united with a single molecule of water per molecule of substance.

monohydric
monohydric (mon-o-hi′drik)

Having but one hydrogen atom in the molecule.

monohydroxysuccinic acid
monohydroxysuccinic acid (mon-o-hi-droks′e-suk-sin′ik)

SYN: malic acid.

monoideism
monoideism (mon′o-i-de′izm)

A marked preoccupation with one idea or subject; a slight degree of monomania. [mono- + G. idea, form, idea]

monoinfection
monoinfection (mon′o-in-fek′shoon)

Simple infection with a single variety of microorganism.

monoiodotyrosine
monoiodotyrosine (MIT) (mon′o-i-o′do-ti-ro-sen)

An intermediate in thyroid hormone synthesis.

monoisonitrosoacetone
monoisonitrosoacetone (mon′o-i′so-ni-tro′so-as′e-ton)

SYN: isonitrosoacetone.

monokine
monokine (mon′o-kin)

Cytokines secreted by both monocytes and macrophages. These substances influence the activity of other cells. See cytokine. [monocyte + G. kineo, to set in motion]

monolayers
monolayers (mon-o-la′erz)

1. Films, one molecule thick, formed on water by certain substances, such as proteins and fatty acids, characterized by molecules containing some atom groupings that are soluble in water and other atom groupings that are insoluble in water. 2. A confluent sheet of cells, one cell deep, growing on a surface in a cell culture.

monolocular
monolocular (mon-o-lok′u-lar)

Having one cavity or chamber. SYN: unicameral, unicamerate. [mono- + L. loculus, a small place]

monomania
monomania (mon-o-ma′ne-a)

An obsession or abnormally extreme enthusiasm for a single idea or subject; a psychosis marked by the limitation of the symptoms rather strictly to a certain group, as the delusion in paranoia. [mono- + G. mania, frenzy]

monomaniac
monomaniac (mon-o-ma′ne-ak)

1. One exhibiting monomania. 2. Characterized by or relating to monomania.

monomastigote
monomastigote (mon-o-mas′ti-got)

A mastigote having only one flagellum. [mono- + Roman mastix, a whip]

monomelic
monomelic (mon-o-mel′ik)

Relating to one limb. [mono- + G. melos, limb]

monomer
monomer (mon′o-mer)

1. The molecular unit that, by repetition, constitutes a large structure or polymer; e.g., ethylene, H₂C&dbond;CH₂, is the m. of polyethylene, H(CH₂)_nH. SEE ALSO: subunit (1) . 2. The protein structural unit of a virion capsid. See virion. 3. The protein subunit of a protein composed of several loosely associated such units, usually noncovalently bound together. [mono- + -mer]

monomeric
monomeric (mon-o-mer′ik)

1. Consisting of a single component. 2. In genetics, relating to a hereditary disease or characteristic controlled by genes at a single locus. 3. Consisting of monomers. [mono- + G. meros, part]

monometallic
monometallic (mon′o-me-tal′ik)

Containing one atom of a metal per molecule.

monomicrobic
monomicrobic (mon′o-mi-kro′bik)

Denoting a monoinfection.

monomolecular
monomolecular (mon′o-mo-lek′u-lar)

1. SYN: unimolecular. 2. Relating to a singular molecular entity.

monomorphic
monomorphic (mon-o-mor′fik)

Of one shape; unchangeable in shape. [mono- + G. morphe, shape]

monomphalus
monomphalus (mon-om′fa-lus)

SYN: omphalopagus. [mono- + G. omphalos, umbilicus]

monomyoplegia
monomyoplegia (mon′o-mi′o-ple′je-a)

Paralysis limited to one muscle. [mono- + G. mys, muscle, + plege, a stroke]

monomyositis
monomyositis (mon′o-mi-o-si′tis)

Inflammation of a single muscle.

mononeme
mononeme (mon′o-nem)

An unpaired helix of nucleic acid, as occurs in a chromatid.

mononeural
mononeural, mononeuric (mon′o-noo′ral, -noo′rik)

1. Having only one neuron. 2. Supplied by a single nerve.

mononeuritis multiplex
mononeuritis multiplex

SYN: mononeuropathy multiplex.

mononeuropathy
mononeuropathy (mon′o-noo-rop′a-the)

Disorder involving a single nerve.
m. multiplex nontraumatic involvement of two or more portions of the peripheral nervous system ( e.g., roots, plexus elements, nerve trunks), usually sequentially and in different areas of the body; most often the result of vasculitides. SYN: mononeuritis multiplex.

mononuclear
mononuclear (mon-o-noo′kle-ar)

Having only one nucleus; used especially in reference to blood cells.

mononucleosis
mononucleosis (mon′o-noo-kle-o′sis)

Presence of abnormally large numbers of mononuclear leukocytes in the circulating blood, especially with reference to forms that are not normal.
infectious m. an acute febrile illness of young adults caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the Herpesviridae family; frequently spread by saliva transfer; characterized by fever, sore throat, enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen, and leukopenia that changes to lymphocytosis during the second week; the circulating blood usually contains abnormal, large T lymphocytes that resemble monocytes even though B cells are infected, and there is heterophil antibody that may be completely adsorbed on beef erythrocytes, but not on guinea pig kidney antigen. Collections of the characteristic abnormal lymphocytes may be present not only in the lymph nodes and spleen, but in various other sites, such as the meninges, brain, and myocardium. SYN: benign lymphadenosis, glandular fever.

mononucleotide
mononucleotide (mon-o-noo′kle-o-tid)

SYN: nucleotide.

monooctanoin
monooctanoin (mon′o-ok′-ta′no′in)

A semisynthetic esterified glycerol used as a solubilizing agent for radiolucent gallstones retained in the biliary tract following cholecystectomy.

monooxygenases
monooxygenases (mon-o-ok′si-je-na-sez)

Oxidoreductases that induce the incorporation of one atom of oxygen from O₂ into the substance being oxidized.

monoparesis
monoparesis (mon′o-pa-re′sis, -par′e-sis)

Paresis affecting a single extremity or part of an extremity.

monoparesthesia
monoparesthesia (mon′o-par-es-the′ze-a)

Paresthesia affecting a single region only.

monopathic
monopathic (mon-o-path′ik)

Relating to a monopathy.

monopathy
monopathy (mon-op′a-the)

1. A single uncomplicated disease. 2. A local disease affecting only one organ or part. [mono- + G. pathos, suffering]

monopenia
monopenia (mon-o-pe′ne-a)

SYN: monocytopenia.

monophagism
monophagism (mo-nof′a-jizm)

Habitual eating of but one kind of food or but one meal a day when the latter is clearly an aberration. [mono- + G. phago, to eat]

monophasia
monophasia (mon-o-fa′ze-a)

Inability to speak other than a single word or sentence. [mono- + G. phasis, speech]

monophasic
monophasic (mon-o-fa′zik)

1. Marked by monophasia. 2. Occurring in or characterized by only one phase or stage. 3. Fluctuating from the baseline in one direction only.

monophenol monooxygenase
monophenol monooxygenase (mon-o-fe′nol)

1. A copper-containing oxidoreductase that catalyzes the oxidation of o-diphenols to o-quinones by O₂, with the incorporation of one of the two oxygen atoms in the product; it also catalyzes the oxidation of monophenols, such as l-tyrosine, to dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (dopa), a precursor of melanin and epinephrine (catecholamines), and can act as a catechol oxidase; a deficiency of this enzyme is observed in a number of forms of albinism. SYN: cresolase, monophenol oxidase, tyrosinase. 2. SYN: laccase.

monophenol oxidase
monophenol oxidase

SYN: monophenol monooxygenase (1) .

monophobia
monophobia (mon-o-fo′be-a)

Morbid fear of solitude or of being left alone. [mono- + G. phobos, fear]

monophthalmos
monophthalmos (mon-of-thal′mos)

Failure of outgrowth of a primary optic vesicle with absence of ocular tissues; the remaining eye is often maldeveloped. [mono- + G. ophthalmos, eye]

monophthalmus
monophthalmus (mon′of-thal′mus)

SYN: cyclops. [mono- + G. ophthalmos, eye]

monophyletic
monophyletic (mon′o-fi-let′ik)

1. Having a single cell type of origin; derived from one line of descent, in contrast to polyphyletic. 2. In hematology, relating to monophyletism. [mono- + G. phyle, tribe]

monophyletism
monophyletism (mon-o-fi′le-tizm)

In hematology, the theory that all the blood cells are derived from one common stem cell or histioblast. SYN: monophyletic theory. [mono- + G. phyle, tribe]

monophyodont
monophyodont (mon-o-fi′o-dont)

Having one set of teeth only; without deciduous dentition. [mono- + G. phyo, to grow, + odous (odont-), tooth]

monoplasmatic
monoplasmatic (mon′o-plas-mat′ik)

Formed of but one tissue. [mono- + G. plasma, thing formed]

monoplast
monoplast (mon′o-plast)

A unicellular organism that retains the same structure or form throughout its existence. [mono- + G. plastos, formed]

monoplastic
monoplastic (mon-o-plas′tik)

Undergoing no change in structure; relating to a monoplast.

monoplegia
monoplegia (mon-o-ple′je-a)

Paralysis of one limb. [mono- + G. plege, a stroke]
m. masticatoria unilateral paralysis of the muscles of mastication (masseter, temporal, pterygoid).

monoploid
monoploid (mon′o-ployd)

SYN: haploid. [mono- + G. ploides, in form]

monopodia
monopodia (mon-o-po′de-a)

Malformation in which only one foot is externally recognizable. [mono- + G. pous, foot]

monops
monops (mon′ops)

SYN: cyclops. [mono- + G. ops, eye]

monoptychial
monoptychial (mon-o-ti′ke-al)

Arranged in a single but folded layer, as the cells in the epithelium of the gallbladder or certain glands. [mono- + G. ptyche, fold]

monorchia
monorchia (mon-or′ke-a)

SYN: monorchism.

monorchidic
monorchidic, monorchid (mon-or-kid′ik, mon-or′kid)

1. Having only one testis. 2. Having apparently only one testis, the other being undescended.

monorchidism
monorchidism (mon-or′ki-dizm)

SYN: monorchism.

monorchism
monorchism (mon′or-kizm)

A condition in which only one testis is apparent, the other being absent or undescended. SYN: monorchia, monorchidism. [mono- + G. orchis, testis]

monorecidive
monorecidive (mon-o-res′i-dev)

Denoting a late or tertiary manifestation of syphilis which takes the form of an ulcerated papule located at the site of the original chancre. [mono- + L. recidivus, relapsing]

monorhinic
monorhinic (mon-o-rin′ik)

Single-nosed; used to characterize conjoined twins in which only a single nose cavity is evident. [mono- + G. rhis (rhin-), nose]

monosaccharide
monosaccharide (mon-o-sak′a-rid)

A carbohydrate that cannot form any simpler sugar by simple hydrolysis; e.g., pentoses, hexoses. SYN: monose.

monoscelous
monoscelous (mon-o-sel′us, -skel′us)

Having only one leg. [mono- + G. skelos, leg]

monoscenism
monoscenism (mon-o-se′nizm)

Morbid concentration on some past experience. [mono- + G. skene, tent (stage drop)]

monose
monose (mon′os)

SYN: monosaccharide.

monosodium glutamate
monosodium glutamate (MSG) (mon-o-so′de-um gloo′ta-mat)

The monosodium salt of the naturally occurring l form of glutamic acid; used as a flavor enhancer that is a cause or contributing factor to “Chinese restaurant” syndrome; also used intravenously as an adjunct in treatment of encephalopathies associated with hepatic disease.

monosome
monosome (mon′o-som)

1. SYN: accessory chromosome. 2. Obsolete term for ribosome. 3. A structure consisting of a single ribosome bound to a molecule of mRNA. [mono- + chromosome]

monosomia
monosomia (mon-o-so′me-a)

In conjoined twins, a condition in which there are two heads and a single trunk. See conjoined twins, under twin. [mono- + G. soma, body]

monosomic
monosomic (mon-o-so′mik)

Relating to monosomy.

monosomous
monosomous (mon-o-so′mus)

Characterized by or pertaining to monosomia.

monosomy
monosomy (mon′o-so-me)

Absence of one chromosome of a pair of homologous chromosomes. SEE ALSO: chromosomal deletion. [see monosome]

monospermy
monospermy (mon′o-sper-me)

Fertilization by the entrance of only one spermatozoon into the egg. [mono- + G. sperma, seed]

Monosporium apiospermum
Monosporium apiospermum (mon-o-spo′re-um ap′e-o-sper′mum)

Former name for Scedosporium apiospermum. Telemorph is Pseudallescheria boydii.

Monostoma
Monostoma (mo-nos′to-ma, mon-o-sto′ma)

Archaic name for a genus of trematodes, based on the presence of a single sucker. [mono- + G. stoma, mouth]

monostome
monostome (mon′o-stom)

Common name for digenetic trematodes that possess a single sucker, oral or ventral, rather than both. SEE ALSO: Monostoma. [mono- + G. stoma, mouth]

monostotic
monostotic (mon-os-tot′ik)

Involving only one bone. [mono- + G. osteon, bone]

monostratal
monostratal (mon-o-stra′tal)

Composed of a single layer. [mono- + L. stratum, layer]

monosubstituted
monosubstituted (mon-o-sub′sti-too-ted)

In chemistry, denoting an element or radical, only one atom or unit of which is found in each molecule of a substitution compound.

monosymptomatic
monosymptomatic (mon′o-simp-to-mat′ik)

Denoting a disease or morbid condition manifested by only one marked symptom.

monosynaptic
monosynaptic (mon′o-si-nap′tik)

Referring to direct neural connections (those not involving an internuncial neuron); e.g., the direct connection between primary sensory nerve cells and motor neurons characterizing the m. reflex arc.

monosyphilide
monosyphilide (mon-o-sif′i-lid)

Marked by the occurrence of a single syphilitic lesion.

monoterpenes
monoterpenes (mon-o-ter′penz)

Hydrocarbons or their derivatives formed by the condensation of two isoprene units, and therefore containing 10 carbon atoms; e.g., camphor; often containing a cyclic structure.

monothermia
monothermia (mon-o-ther′me-a)

Evenness of bodily temperature; absence of an evening rise in body temperature. [mono- + G. therme, heat]

monothioglycerol
monothioglycerol (mon′o-thi-o-glis′er-ol)

Used to promote wound healing. SYN: thioglycerol.

monotocous
monotocous (mo-not′o-kus)

Producing a single offspring at a birth. [mono- + G. tokos, birth]

Monotremata
Monotremata (mon-o-tre′ma-ta)

An order of egg-laying mammals that have a cloaca or common chamber that receives digestive, urinary, and reproductive products; only Australia has such forms, the duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus) and the echidna (Tachyglossus). [mono- + G. trema, a hole]

monotreme
monotreme (mon′o-trem)

A member of the order Monotremata.

monotrichate
monotrichate (mo-not′ri-kat)

SYN: monotrichous.

monotrichous
monotrichous (mo-not′ri-kus)

Denoting a microorganism possessing a single flagellum or cilium. SYN: monotrichate, uniflagellate.

monovalence
monovalence, monovalency (mon-o-va′lens, -va′len-se)

A combining power (valence) equal to that of a hydrogen atom. SYN: univalence, univalency.

monovalent
monovalent (mon-o-va′lent)

1. Having the combining power (valence) of a hydrogen atom. SYN: monatomic (2) , univalent. 2. Pertaining to a m. (specific) antiserum to a single antigen or organism.

monoxenous
monoxenous (mon-oks′e-nus)

SYN: monogenetic. [mono- + G. xenos, stranger]

monoxide
monoxide (mon-ok′sid)

Any oxide having only one atom of oxygen; e.g., CO.

monozoic
monozoic (mon-o-zo′ik)

Unisegmented, as in cestodarian tapeworms. See polyzoic.

monozygotic
monozygotic, monozygous (mon-o-zi-got′ik, -zi′gus)

SYN: unigerminal. See m. twins, under twin. [mono- + G. zygotos, yoked]

Monro
Monro

Alexander Sr., Scottish anatomist and surgeon, 1697–1767. See bursa of M..

Monro
Monro

Alexander, Jr., Scottish anatomist, 1733–1817. See M. doctrine, M. foramen, M. line, M. sulcus, M.-Kellie doctrine, M.-Richter line, Richter-M. line.

mons
mons, gen. montis, pl .montes (monz, mon′tis, mon′tez) [TA]

An anatomical prominence or slight elevation above the general level of the surface. [L. a mountain]
m. pubis [TA] the prominence caused by a pad of fatty tissue over the symphysis pubis in the female. SYN: pubes (2) [TA] , m. veneris, pubic bone.
m. ureteris a pinkish prominence on the wall of the bladder marking each ureteral orifice.
m. veneris SYN: m. pubis. [L. Venus]

Monson
Monson

George S., U.S. dentist, 1869–1933. See M. curve, anti-M. curve.

monster
monster

Outmoded term for a malformed embryo, fetus, or individual. See entries beginning with terato-. See teras. [L. monstrum, an evil omen, a prodigy, a wonder]

montanic acid
montanic acid (mon-tan′ik)

SYN: octacosanoic acid. [montan (wax)]

Monteggia
Monteggia

Giovanni B., Italian surgeon, 1762–1815. See M. fracture.

montelukast sodium
montelukast sodium (mon-te-loo′kast)

A competitive and selective Cys-LT₁-receptor antagonist that acts as a blocker of leukotrienes, which are potent endogenous bronchoconstrictors. A prophylactic; not useful to treat an ongoing attack of asthma.

Montgomery
Montgomery

William F., Irish obstetrician, 1797–1859. See M. follicles, under follicle, M. glands, under gland, M. tubercles, under tubercle.

monticulus
monticulus, pl .monticuli (mon-tik′u-lus, -li)

1. Any slight rounded projection above a surface. 2. The central portion of the superior vermis forming a projection on the surface of the cerebellum; its anterior and most prominent portion is called the culmen, its posterior sloping portion, the declive. [L. dim. of mons, mountain]
palmar monticuli three small elevations in the distal palm corresponding to the window-like deficiencies in the distal palmar aponeurosis between the four longitudinal bundles and proximal to the superficial transverse metacarpal ligament.

mood
mood (mood)

The pervasive feeling, tone, and internal emotional state of an individual which, when impaired, can markedly influence virtually all aspects of a person's behavior or his or her perception of external events.

mood swing
mood swing

Oscillation of a person's emotional feeling tone between periods of euphoria and depression.

Moon
Moon

Henry, English surgeon, 1845–1892. See M. molars, under molar.

Moon
Moon

Robert C., U.S. ophthalmologist, 1844–1914. See Laurence-M. syndrome.

Moore
Moore

Charles H., English surgeon, 1821–1870. See M. method.

Moore
Moore

Robert Foster, British ophthalmologist, 1878–1963. See M. lightning streaks, under streak.

Mooren
Mooren

Albert, German ophthalmologist, 1828–1899. See M. ulcer.

Mooser
Mooser

Hermann, Swiss pathologist in Mexico, 1891–1971. See M. bodies, under body.

MOPP
MOPP

Acronym for mechlorethamine, oncovin (vincristine), procarbazine, and prednisone, a chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of Hodgkin disease.

Morand
Morand

Sauveur F., French surgeon, 1697–1773. See M. foot, M. spur.

Morax
Morax

Victor, French ophthalmologist, 1866–1935. See Moraxella.

Moraxella
Moraxella (mor′ak-sel′a)

A genus of obligately aerobic nonmotile bacteria (family Neisseriaceae) containing Gram-negative coccoids or short rods that usually occur in pairs. They do not produce acid from carbohydrates, are oxidase positive and penicillin-susceptible, and infect the mucous membranes of humans and other mammals. The type species is M. lacunata. [V. Morax]
M. anatipestifer a bacterial species causing a respiratory disease in ducklings.
M. catarrhalis a bacterial species that causes upper respiratory tract infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts; the type species of the genus M.. SYN: Branhamella catarrhalis.
M. kingae SYN: Kingella kingae.
M. lacunata a bacterial species causing conjunctivitis in humans; it is the type species of the genus M..
M. nonliquefaciens a bacterial species found in the respiratory tract of humans, especially in the nose; usually not pathogenic, but occasionally causes sinusitis.
M. osloensis a bacterial species found in the genitourinary tract, blood, spinal and chest fluids, and nose; rarely found in the respiratory tract; usually not pathogenic, although some strains have been isolated from serious pathologic conditions in humans.
M. phenylpyruvica a bacterial species of unknown pathogenicity found in the genitourinary tract, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and in pus from various lesions.

morbid
morbid (mor′bid)

1. Diseased or pathologic. 2. In psychology, abnormal or deviant. [L. morbidus, ill, fr. morbus, disease]

morbidity
morbidity (mor-bid′i-te)

1. A diseased state. 2. The ratio of sick to well in a community. SYN: morbility. SEE ALSO: m. rate. 3. The frequency of the appearance of complications following a surgical procedure or other treatment.
maternal m. medical complications in a woman caused by pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
puerperal m. illness arising during the first 10 days of the postpartum period, i.e., a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more on any two days of the first 10, excluding the first 24 hours.

morbific
morbific (mor-bif′ik)

SYN: pathogenic. [L. morbus, disease, + facio, to make]

morbigenous
morbigenous (mor-bij′e-nus)

SYN: pathogenic. [L. morbus, disease, + G. -gen, producing]

morbility
morbility (mor-bil′i-te)

SYN: morbidity (2) .

morbilli
morbilli (mor-bil′i)

SYN: measles (1) . [Mediev. L. morbillus, dim. of L. morbus, disease]

morbilliform
morbilliform (mor-bil′i-form)

Resembling measles (1). [see morbilli]

Morbillivirus
Morbillivirus (mor-bil′i-vi′rus)

A genus in the family Paramyxoviridae, including measles, canine distemper, and bovine rinderpest viruses.
equine M. a species causing a fatal respiratory disease in horses and humans in Australia, with encephalitis also seen in some human cases. SYN: Hendra virus.

morbilous
morbilous (mor-bil′us)

Relating to measles (1). [see morbilli]

morbus
morbus (mor′bus)

SYN: disease (1) . [L. disease]

morbus Addisonii
morbus Addisonii (mor′bus ad′i-son-e)

SYN: chronic adrenocortical insufficiency.

morcel
morcel (mor-sel′)

To remove piecemeal. [Fr. morceler, to subdivide]

morcellation
morcellation (mor-se-la′shun)

Division into and removal of small pieces, as of a tumor. SYN: morcellement. [Fr. morceler, to subdivide]

morcellement
morcellement (mor-sel-maw′)

SYN: morcellation. [Fr.]

mordant
mordant (mor′dant)

1. A substance capable of combining with a dye and the material to be dyed, thereby increasing the affinity or binding of the dye; e.g., a m. commonly used to promote staining with hematoxylin is alum. 2. To treat with a m.. [L. mordeo, to bite]

mor. dict.
mor. dict.

Abbreviation for L. m., as directed.

Morel
Morel

Benedict A., French psychiatrist, 1809–1873. See M. ear, Stewart-M. syndrome.

Morerastrongylus costaricensis
Morerastrongylus costaricensis (mor′er-a-stron′ji-lus kos′tar-i-sen′sis)

SYN: Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

mores
mores (mo′raz)

A concept used in the behavioral and social sciences to refer to centrally important and accepted folkways, and cultural norms which embody the fundamental moral views of a group. [L. pl. of mos, custom]

Morgagni
Morgagni

Giovanni B., Italian anatomist and pathologist, 1682–1771. See morgagnian cyst, M. appendix, M. cartilage, M. caruncle, M. cataract, M. columns, under column, M. concha, M. crypts, under crypt, M. disease, M. foramen, M. foramen hernia, M. fossa, M. fovea, M. frenum, M. globules, under globule, M. humor, M. hydatid, M. lacuna, M. liquor, M. nodule, M. prolapse, M. retinaculum, M. sinus, M. spheres, under sphere, M. syndrome, M. tubercle, M. valves, under valve, M. ventricle, M.-Adams-Stokes syndrome, frenulum of M..

Morgan
Morgan

Harry de R., British physician, 1863–1931. See M. bacillus.

morgan
morgan (M) (mor′gan)

The standard unit of genetic distance on the genetic map: the distance between two loci such that on average one crossing over will occur per meiosis; for working purposes, the centimorgan (0.01 M) is used. [T.H. M., U.S. geneticist, 1866–1945]

Morganella
Morganella (mor′gan-el′-ah)

A genus (family Enterobacteriaceae) of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, chemoorganotrophic, straight rods that are motile by peritrichous flagella; found in feces of human beings, other animals, and reptiles; can cause opportunistic infections of the blood, respiratory tract, wounds, and urinary tract.
M. morganii type species of the genus M.. SYN: Morgan bacillus.

morgue
morgue (morg)

1. A building or room in a hospital or other facility where the dead are kept pending autopsy, burial, or cremation. 2. A building where unidentified dead are kept pending identification before burial. SYN: mortuary (2) . [Fr.]

Mori
Mori

O., 20th century Japanese pathologist. See Harada-M. filter paper strip culture.

moria
moria (mor′e-a)

1. Rarely used term denoting foolishness or dullness of comprehension. SYN: hebetude. 2. Rarely used term for a mental state marked by frivolity, joviality, an inveterate tendency to jest, and inability to take anything seriously. [G. m., folly, fr. moros, stupid, dull]

moribund
moribund (mor′i-bund)

Dying; at the point of death. [L. moribundus, dying, fr. morior, to die]

morin
morin (mor′in) [C.I. 75660]

A natural yellow dye obtained from fustic and other members of the mulberry family and often associated with the dye maclurin; used as a fluorochrome for detection of metals, particularly aluminum. Fluorescent morinates are also formed with beryllium, gallium, indium, scandium, thorium, titanium, and zirconium.

Morison
Morison

James R., British surgeon, 1853–1939. See M. pouch.

Mörner
Mörner

Karl A.H., Swedish chemist, 1855–1917. See M. test.

morning glory
morning glory (mor′ning glo′re)

1. SYN: Ipomoea rubrocoerulea praecox. 2. SYN: Rivea corymbosa.

morning glory seeds
morning glory seeds

The seeds of morning glories, Rivea corymbosa, have been used for mind-altering purposes; hallucinogenic; intoxicant.

Moro
Moro

Ernst, German physician, 1874–1951. See M. reflex.

moron
moron (mor′on)

An obsolete term for a subclass of mental retardation or the individual classified therein. [G. moros, stupid]

moroxydine
moroxydine (mo-rok′si-den)

An antiviral agent.

morph- morph-

See morpho-.

morphea
morphea (mor-fe′a)

Cutaneous lesion(s) characterized by indurated, slightly depressed plaques of thickened dermal fibrous tissue of a whitish or yellowish-white color surrounded by a pinkish or purplish halo. Lesions occur at any age, without systemic involvement, and usually resolve after a few years. SYN: localized scleroderma. [G. morphe, form, figure]
m. guttata a form of m. with small discrete, white, waxy, indurated lesions. SYN: white spot disease.
m. linearis SYN: linear scleroderma.

morpheme
morpheme (mor′fem)

The smallest linguistic unit with a meaning. [G. morphe, form + -eme, from phoneme, G. pheme, utterance]

morphine
morphine (mor′fen, mor-fen′)

The major phenanthrene alkaloid of opium, which contains 9–14% of anhydrous m.. It produces a combination of depression and excitation in the central nervous system and some peripheral tissues; predominance of either central stimulation or depression depends upon the species and dose; repeated administration leads to the development of tolerance, physical dependence, and (if abused) psychic dependence. Used as an analgesic, sedative, and anxiolytic. [L. Morpheus, god of dreams or of sleep]
m. hydrochloride white acicular or cubical crystals of bitter taste, soluble in about 25 parts of water.
m. sulfate (MS) m. used for formulation of tablets as well as solutions for parenteral, epidural, or intrathecal injection to relieve pain.

morpho- morpho-, morph-

Form, shape, structure. [G. morphe]

morphogenesis
morphogenesis (mor-fo-jen′e-sis)

1. Differentiation of cells and tissues in the early embryo that establishes the form and structure of the various organs and parts of the body. 2. The ability of a molecule or group of molecules (particularly macromolecules) to assume a certain shape. [morpho- + G. genesis, production]

morphogenetic
morphogenetic (mor′fo-je-net′ik)

Relating to morphogenesis.

morphologic
morphologic (mor-fo-loj′ik)

Relating to morphology.

morphology
morphology (mor-fol′o-je)

The science concerned with the configuration or the structure of animals and plants. [morpho- + G. logos, study]

morphometric
morphometric (mor′fo-met′rik)

Pertaining to morphometry.

morphometry
morphometry (mor-fom′e-tre)

The measurement of the form of organisms or their parts. [morpho- + G. metron, measure]

morphon
morphon (mor′fon)

Any one of the individual structures entering into the formation of an organism; a morphologic element, such as a cell. [G. morphe, form]

morphophysiology
morphophysiology (mor-fo-fiz-e-ol′o-je)

SYN: functional anatomy.

morphosis
morphosis (mor-fo′sis)

Mode of development of a part. [G. formation, act of forming]

morphosynthesis
morphosynthesis (mor-fo-sin′the-sis)

An awareness of space and of body schema represented in the parietal lobes of the cerebral cortex. [morpho- + synthesis]

morphotype
morphotype (mor′fo-tip)

An infrasubspecific group of bacterial strains distinguishable from other strains of the same species on the basis of morphologic characters which may or may not be associated with a change in serologic state. [morpho- + G. typos, stamp, model]

Morquio
Morquio

Louis, Uruguayan physician, 1867–1935. See M. disease, M. syndrome, M.-Ullrich disease, Brailsford-M. disease.

morrhuate sodium
morrhuate sodium (mor′roo-at)

The sodium salts of the fatty acids of cod liver oil; a sclerosing agent used in the treatment of varicose veins, mixed with a local anesthetic. [fr. Gadus morrhua, cod]

Morrison
Morrison

Ashton B., Irish pathologist in the U.S., *1922. See Verner-M. syndrome.

mors
mors, gen. mortis (morz, mor′tis)

SYN: death. [L.]
m. thymica obsolete term for sudden death in young children, usually the result of infection; formerly erroneously attributed to an enlarged thymus. SEE ALSO: sudden infant death syndrome.

morsicatio
morsicatio (mor-sik′a-te-o)

Habitual nibbling of the lips (labiorum), tongue (linguae), or buccal mucosa (buccarum); often produces a shaggy white lesion. [L. biting, fr. mordeo, to bite]
m. buccarum white elevations of buccal mucosa caused by the pressure of molar teeth. [L. chewing of the cheeks]

mor. sol.
mor. sol.

Abbreviation for L. more solito, as usual, as customary.

morsulus
morsulus (mor′soo-lus)

SYN: troche. [Mod. L. dim. of L. morsus, a bite]

mortal
mortal (mor′tal)

1. Pertaining to or causing death. 2. Destined to die. [L. mortalis, fr. mors, death]

mortality
mortality (mor-tal′i-te)

1. The state of being mortal. 2. SYN: death rate. 3. A fatal outcome. [L. mortalitas, fr. mors (mort-), death]
perinatal m. (per′e-na-tal) m. around the time of birth, conventionally limited to the period from 28 weeks' gestation to 1 week postnatal.

mortar
mortar (mor′tar)

A vessel with rounded interior in which crude drugs and other substances are crushed or bruised by means of a pestle. [L. mortarium]

Mortierella
Mortierella (mor′te-e-rel′a)

A genus of saprophytic fungi (class Zygomycetes, family Mucoraceae) commonly found in nature; pathogenicity doubtful.

mortification
mortification (mor′ti-fi-ka′shun)

SYN: gangrene (1) . [L. mors (mort-), death, + facio, to make]

mortise
mortise (mor′tes)

The seating for the talus formed by the union of the distal fibula and the tibia at the ankle joint. [M.E., fr. O.Fr., fr. Ar. murtazz, fastened]

Morton
Morton

Dudley J., U.S. orthopedist, 1884–1960. See M. syndrome.

Morton
Morton

Samuel G., U.S. physician, 1799–1851. See M. plane.

Morton
Morton

Thomas G., U.S. physician, 1835–1903. See M. neuralgia, M. metatarsalgia.

mortuary
mortuary (mor′tu-ar-e)

1. Relating to death or to burial. 2. SYN: morgue. [L. mortuus, dead, part. adj. fr. morior, pp. mortuus, to die]

morula
morula (mor′oo-la, mor′u-)

The solid mass of blastomeres resulting from the early cleavage divisions of the zygote. In ova with little yolk, the m. is a spheroidal mass of cells; in forms with considerable yolk, the configuration of the m. stage is greatly modified. [Mod. L. dim. of L. morus, mulberry]

morulation
morulation (mor-oo-la′shun, mor-u-)

Formation of the morula.

moruloid
moruloid (mor′oo-loyd, mor′u-)

1. Resembling a morula. 2. Shaped like a mulberry.

Morvan
Morvan

Augustin, French physician, 1819–1897. See M. chorea, M. disease.

mosaic
mosaic (mo-za′ik)

1. Inlaid; resembling inlaid work. 2. The juxtaposition in an organism of genetically different tissues; it may occur normally (as in lyonization, q.v.), or pathologically, as an occasional phenomenon. From somatic mutation (gene mosaicism), an anomaly of chromosome division resulting in two or more types of cells containing different numbers of chromosomes (chromosome mosaicism), or chimerism (cellular mosaicism). [Mod. L. mosaicus, musaicus, pertaining to the Muses, artistic]

mosaicism
mosaicism (mo-za′i-sizm)

Condition of being mosaic (2).
cellular m. a chimerism in which a tissue contains cells from different zygotes; e.g., in humans, involving erythrocytes.
chromosome m. mosaic (2) .
gene m. mosaic (2) .
germinal m., gonadal m. a state in which some of the germ cells of the gonad are of a form not present in either parent, because of mutation in an intermediate progenitor of these cells.

Moschcowitz
Moschcowitz

Eli, U.S. physician, 1879–1964. See M. test.

moschus
moschus (mos′kus)

Musk. [G. moschos, musk]

Mosenthal
Mosenthal

Herman Otto, American physician, 1878–1954. See M. test.

Mosler
Mosler

Karl F., German physician, 1831–1911. See M. diabetes, M. sign.

mosquito
mosquito, pl .mosquitoes (mus-ke′to, -tos)

A blood-sucking dipterous insect of the family Culicidae. Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, Mansonia, and Stegomyia are the genera containing most of the species involved in the transmission of protozoan and other disease-producing parasites. [Sp. dim. of mosca, fly, fr. L. musca, a fly]

Moss
Moss

Gerald, U.S. physician, 1931–1973. See M. tube.

Moss
Moss

Melvin L., U.S. oral pathologist, *1923. See Gorlin-Chaudhry-M. syndrome.

moss
moss

1. Any low growing, delicate cryptogamous plant of the class Musci. 2. Popularly, any one of a number of lichens and seaweeds. [A.S. meos]
Ceylon m. a red seaweed; a source of agar.
club m. SYN: lycopodium.
Iceland m. SYN: cetraria.
Irish m. SYN: chondrus (2) .
muskeag m. SYN: sphagnum m..
pearl m. SYN: chondrus (2) .
peat m. SYN: sphagnum m..
sphagnum m. a highly absorbent m. used as a substitute for absorbent cotton or gauze in surgical dressing and sanitary napkins. SYN: muskeag m., peat m..

Mosso
Mosso

Angelo, Italian physiologist, 1846–1910. See M. ergograph, M. sphygmomanometer.

Motais
Motais

Ernst, French ophthalmologist, 1845–1913. See M. operation.

mote
mote (mot)

A small particle; a speck. [A.S. mot]
blood motes SYN: hemoconia.

mother
mother (muth′er)

1. The female parent. 2. Any cell or other structure from which other similar bodies are formed. [A.S. modor]
surrogate m. a woman who has been contracted with to carry a pregnancy for another woman or couple.

motile
motile (mo′til)

1. Having the power of spontaneous movement. 2. Denoting the type of mental imagery in which one learns and recalls most readily that which has been felt, i.e., having a kinesthetic representational system. Cf.:audile. 3. A person having such mental imagery. [see motion]

motilin
motilin (mo-til′in)

A 22-amino acid polypeptide occurring in duodenal mucosa as a controller of normal gastrointestinal motor activity; in minute (ng) doses it induces powerful motor activity increases in the fundic gland area and antral pouches of the stomach, with an increase in pepsin output from the former. [motility + -in]

motility
motility (mo-til′i-te)

The power of spontaneous movement.

motion
motion (mo′shun)

1. A change of place or position. Cf.:movement (1) . 2. SYN: defecation. 3. SYN: stool. [L. motio, movement, fr. moveo, pp. motus, to move]
brownian m. SYN: brownian movement. [R. Brown, British botanist, 1773–1858]
continuous passive m. (CPM) a technique in which a joint, usually the knee, is moved constantly through a variable range of m. to prevent stiffness and to increase the range of m.; most often accomplished using a motorized device specifically designed for this purpose.

motivation
motivation (mo-ti-va′shun)

In psychology, the aggregate of all the individual motives, needs, and drives operative in an individual at any given moment which influence will and cause behavior. [ML. motivus, moving]
extrinsic m. the search for satisfaction, or to avoid dissatisfaction, through nontask aspects of the environment such as seeking comfort, safety, and security from others or through the efforts of others.
intrinsic m. derivation of personal satisfaction through self-initiated achievement and behavior.
personal m. an individual's predispositions and expectations that give meaning and direction to personality functioning.

motive
motive (mo′tiv)

1. An acquired predisposition, need, or specific state of tension within an individual which arouses, maintains, and directs behavior toward a goal. SYN: learned drive. 2. The reason attributed to or given by an individual for a behavioral act. Cf.:instinct. [L. moveo, to move, to set in motion]
achievement m. an acquired, chronic need to succeed in the face of recognizable obstacles; its strength is usually diagnosed from recurring themes in stories told by the individual while taking a thematic apperception test or from other assessment instruments used by clinical psychologists.
mastery m. an acquired need to be assertive, to stand out in a crowd, to be dominant.

motofacient
motofacient (mo-to-fa′shent)

Causing motion; denoting the second phase of muscular activity in which actual movement is produced. [L. motus, motion, + facio, to make]

motoneuron
motoneuron (mo′to-noo′ron)

SYN: motor neuron.

motor
motor (mo′ter)

1. In anatomy and physiology, denoting those neural structures which by the impulses generated and transmitted by them cause muscle fibers or pigment cells to contract, or glands to secrete. SEE ALSO: m. cortex, m. endplate, m. neuron. 2. In psychology, denoting the organism's overt reaction to a stimulus (m. response). [L. a mover, fr. moveo, to move]
m. oculi SYN: oculomotor nerve [CN III].
plastic m. an artificial point of attachment on an amputation stump to which is fastened the cord or extensor by which movement is transmitted to an artificial limb; used in cinematization.

motorial
motorial (mo-tor′e-al)

Relating to motion, to a motor nerve or the motor nucleus.

motormeter
motormeter (mo′ter-me′ter)

A device for determining the amount, force, and rapidity of movement.

MOTT
MOTT

Term used to describe mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. bovis, and M. africanum, (M. tuberculosiscomplex).

mottle
mottle (mot′tl)

Fine inhomogeneity of an area of generally uniform opacity on a photograph or radiograph; noise. [fr. motley, fr. M.E. mot, speck]
quantum m. m. caused by the statistical fluctuation of the number of photons absorbed by the intensifying screens to form the light image on the film; faster screens produce more quantum m..

mottling
mottling (mot′ling)

An area of skin composed of macular lesions of varying shades or colors. [E. motley, variegated in color]

Motulsky dye reduction test
Motulsky dye reduction test

See under test.

moulage
moulage (moo-lazh′)

A reproduction in wax of a skin lesion, tumor, or other pathologic state. [F. a molding]

mould
mould (mold)

SYN: mold.

moult
moult (molt)

SYN: molt.

mounding
mounding (mownd′ing)

SYN: myoedema.

Mounier-Kuhn
Mounier-Kuhn

Pierre, French physician, *1901. See Mounier-Kuhn syndrome.

mount
mount (mownt)

1. To prepare for microscopic examination. 2. To climb on for purposes of copulation. 3. To organize and present, as a fever, an immunologic response, etc.

mounting
mounting (mownt′ing)

In dentistry, the laboratory procedure of attaching the maxillary and/or mandibular cast to an articulator.
split cast m. 1. a cast with key grooves on its base, mounted on an articulator for the purpose of easy removal and accurate replacement; split remounting metal plates may be used instead of grooves in casts; 2. a means for testing the accuracy of articulator adjustment.

mourn
mourn (morn)

To express grief or sorrow as a result of loss. In psychoanalysis, mourning is the frequently unexpressed process of responding to loss of a cathected object which, in contrast to melancholia, usually does not involve loss of self-esteem. [O.E. murnan]

mouse
mouse (mows)

A small rodent belonging to the genus Mus.
joint mice Small fibrous, cartilaginous, or bony loose bodies in the synovial cavity of a joint.
knockout m. a m. from whose genome a single gene has been artificially deleted.Experimental animals lacking specific genes have become valuable research tools in many branches of medicine, including genetics, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, cell biology, and oncology. A transgenic animal is one into whose genome a foreign gene, constructed by recombinant DNA technology, has been deliberately inserted. Placement of the inserted gene at a specific locus in the genome is made possible by incorporating it in a vector in which it is flanked by DNA sequences unique to the target site. The artificial genetic material is introduced into an embryo, which then develops into a chimera whose tissues contain both normal cells and cells containing the transgene. Matings among such animals yield some offspring that are homozygous for the transgene. If the inserted gene is a nonfunctional (null) allele, it deletes or “knocks out” the normal, wild allele. Not only is the deleted gene not expressed, but the offspring of matings among homozygous individuals constitute a pure strain, all of whose members lack the gene. Although theoretically any animal could be subjected to the knockout technique, mice have been used almost exclusively. Mice are small and easily maintained, and they reproduce rapidly and have a short life span. In addition, m. and human genomes are strikingly similar, with about 75% correspondence of genes. The fact that knockout mice lacking a wide variety of genes are often phenotypically normal indicates that the m. genome, like that of human beings, often has sufficient redundancy to compensate for a single missing pair of alleles. Knockout mice lacking the p53 tumor suppressor gene are used in studies of carcinogenesis, while those lacking the gene for the LDL receptor constitute an animal model of human familial hypercholesterolemia. Knockout mice have proved valuable in revealing the functions of genes for which mutant strains were not previously available.
multimammate m. an African rodent, Praomys natalensis, widely used in cancer research.
New Zealand mice inbred strains of mice, either black (NZB) or white (NZW), unique among strains used in experimental immunology because of their proclivity to spontaneous immunologic abnormalities and disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus similar to that found in humans.
nude m. a hairless mutant m. with thymic hypoplasia, lacking T cells.
transgenic mice (tranz′jen-ik) Mice that have a piece of foreign DNA integrated into their genome.

mouth
mouth (mowth)

1. SYN: oral cavity. 2. The opening, usually the external opening, of a cavity or canal. See os (2) , ostium, orifice, stoma (2) . [A.S. muth]
carp m. a m. like that of the carp, with downturning of the corners; observed in Cornelia de Lange syndrome and Silver-Russell dwarfism.
denture sore m. mucosal erythema underlying a denture base, usually representing inflammation caused by ill-fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene, or Candida albicans.
scabby m. SYN: orf.
sore m. soremouth.
tapir m. protrusion of the lips due to weakness of the orbicularis oris muscles; seen with some dystrophies. SYN: bouche de tapir.
trench m. SYN: necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
m. of the womb SYN: external os of uterus.

mouth guard
mouth guard

A pliable plastic device, adapted to cover the maxillary teeth, which is worn to reduce potential injury to oral structures during participation in contact sports.

mouth stick
mouth stick

A prosthesis which is held by the teeth and utilized by handicapped persons to perform such actions as typing, painting, and lifting small objects.

mouthwash
mouthwash

A medicated liquid used for cleaning the mouth and treating diseased states of its mucous membranes. SYN: collutorium, collutory.

movement
movement (moov′ment)

1. The act of motion; said of the entire body or of one or more of its members or parts. 2. SYN: stool. 3. SYN: defecation. [L. moveo, pp. motus, to move]
active m. 1. m. effected by the organism itself, unaided by external influences. 2. in physical therapy, a m. that is effected entirely by the patient's muscles, often with the guidance of the therapist.
adversive m. a rotation of the eyes, head, or trunk about the long axis of the body.
after-m. aftermovement.
ameboid m. the form of m. characteristic of the protoplasm of leukocytes, amebae, and other unicellular organisms; it involves the massing of the protoplasm at a point where surface pressure is least and its extrusion in the form of a pseudopod; the protoplasm may return to the body of the cell, resulting in the retraction of the pseudopod, or the entire mass may flow into the latter and thereby result in locomotion of the cell. SYN: streaming m..
assistive m. in physical therapy, a m. which is effected with the graduated assistance of the therapist.
associated movements normal involuntary limb movements that accompany voluntary m., e.g., arm swing with walking.
Bennett m. the bodily lateral m. or lateral shift of the mandible during a laterotrusive m..
border movements any extreme compass of mandibular m. limited by bone, ligaments, or soft tissues; usually applied to horizontal mandibular movements.
border tissue movements the action of the muscles and other tissues adjacent to the borders of a denture.
bowel m. defecation.
brownian m. erratic, nondirectional, zigzag m. observed by ultramicroscope in certain colloidal solutions and by microscope in suspensions of light particulate matter that results from the jostling or bumping of the larger particles by the molecules in the suspending medium which are regarded as being in continuous motion. SYN: brownian motion, brownian-Zsigmondy m., molecular m., pedesis.
brownian-Zsigmondy m. SYN: brownian m..
cardinal ocular movements eye rotations to the right and left, upward to the right and left, and downward to the right and left, to diagnose positions of gaze.
choreic m. an involuntary spasmodic twitching or jerking in groups of muscles not associated in the production of definite purposeful movements.
ciliary m. the rhythmic, sweeping m. of epithelial cell cilia, of ciliate protozoans, or the sculling m. of flagella, effected possibly by the alternate contraction and relaxation of contractile threads (myoids) on one side of the cilium or flagellum.
circus m. a contraction or excitation wave traveling continuously in circular fashion around a ring of muscle or through the wall of the heart. SYN: circus rhythm.
cogwheel ocular movements loose, jerky ocular rotations replacing smooth following rotations.
conjugate m. of eyes rotation of the two eyes in the same direction. SEE ALSO: version (4) .
decomposition of m. a manifestation of cerebellar disease in which a muscular m. is not carried out smoothly but in a series of component motions.
disconjugate m. of eyes rotation of the two eyes in opposite directions, as in convergence or divergence.
drift movements SYN: drifts.
fetal m. the m. characteristic of the fetus in utero; usually commences between the sixteenth and eighteenth weeks of pregnancy. SEE ALSO: quickening.
fixational ocular m. rotation of the eyes during voluntary fixation on an object; tremors, flicks, and drifts occur.
flick movements SYN: flicks.
free mandibular movements 1. any mandibular movements made without tooth interference; 2. any uninhibited movements of the mandible.
functional mandibular movements all natural, proper, or characteristic movements of the mandible made during speech, mastication, yawning, swallowing, and other associated movements.
fusional m. a reflex m. that tends to move the visual axes to the object of fixation so that stereoscopic vision is possible.
hinge m. an opening or closing m. of the mandible on the hinge axis.
intermediary movements in dentistry, all movements between the extremes of mandibular excursions.
lateral m. in dentistry, m. of the mandible to the side.
Magnan trombone m. an involuntary forward and back m. of the tongue when it is drawn out of the mouth; may be seen in several basal ganglia disorders.
mandibular m. 1. movements of the lower jaw; 2. all changes in position of which the mandible is capable.
mass m. SYN: mass peristalsis.
molecular m. SYN: brownian m..
morphogenetic m. the streaming of cells in the early embryo to form tissues or organs.
muscular m. m. caused by the contraction of the myofibrils of the muscle cells.
neurobiotactic m. the streaming of nerve cells toward the area from which they receive the most stimuli.
non-rapid eye m. (NREM) slow oscillation of the eyes during sleep.
opening m. in dentistry, m. of the mandible executed during jaw separation.
paradoxical m. of eyelids spontaneous, involuntary elevation or lowering of the eyelids, associated with m. of extraocular muscles or muscles of mastication (external pterygoids). See jaw winking.
paradoxical vocal cord m. adduction of the vocal cords on inspiration, resulting in stridor and airway obstruction.
passive m. 1. m. imparted to an organism or any of its parts by external agency. 2. in physical therapy, a m. that is effected entirely by the therapist without the assistance of the patient's muscles.
pendular m. a to-and-fro m. of the intestine, without any propelling or peristaltic action, whereby the contents are churned and thoroughly mixed with the intestinal ferments.
protoplasmic m. m. produced by the inherent power of contraction and relaxation of protoplasm; such movements are of three kinds: muscular, streaming, and ciliary.
rapid eye movements (REM) symmetrical quick scanning movements of the eyes occurring many times during sleep in clusters for 5 to 60 minutes; associated with dreaming.
reflex m. an involuntary m. resulting from a sensory stimulus.
resistive m. in physical therapy, a m. made by the patient against the efforts of the therapist, or one forced by the operator against the resistance of the patient.
saccadic m. 1. a quick rotation of the eyes from one fixation point to another as in reading; 2. the rapid correction m. of a jerky nystagmus, as in labyrinthine and optokinetic nystagmus.
streaming m. SYN: ameboid m..
Swedish movements a form of kinesitherapy in which certain systematized movements of the body and limbs are regulated by resistance made by an attendant. SYN: Swedish gymnastics.
translatory m. the motion of the body at any instant when all points within the body are moving at the same velocity and in the same direction.
vermicular m. SYN: peristalsis.

moxa
moxa (mok′sa)

A cone or cylinder of cotton wool or other combustible material, placed on the skin and ignited in order to produce counterirritation. SEE ALSO: moxibustion. [Jap. moe kusa, burning herb]

moxalactam
moxalactam (moks-a-lak′tam)

A third-generation cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial action; causes bleeding disorders, which limit its use.

moxibustion
moxibustion (mok-si-bus′chun)

Burning of herbal agents, such as moxa, on the skin as a counterirritant in the treatment of disease; a component of traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine.

moxisylyte
moxisylyte (mok-si′si-lit)

Used as an α-adrenergic blocking agent for treatment of peripheral vascular disease. SYN: thymoxamine.

MP
MP

Abbreviation for mentoposterior position.

m.p.
m.p.

1. Abbreviation for melting point. 2. Abbreviation for [L] modo praescripto, in the manner prescribed.

MPD
MPD

Abbreviation for maximum permissible dose.

MPR
MPR

Abbreviation for mannose-6-phosphate receptors, under receptor.

MPS
MPS

Abbreviation for mononuclear phagocyte system.

MPTP
MPTP

Piperidine derivative which causes irreversible symptoms of parkinsonism in humans and monkeys. A by-product of illicitly manufactured meperidine that caused numerous cases of parkinsonism. Used as an experimental tool in research on parkinsonism.

MQ
MQ

Former abbreviation for menaquinone; now MK.

MRA
MRA

Abbreviation for MR angiography.

M.R.C.P.
M.R.C.P.

Abbreviation for Member of the Royal College of Physicians (of England).

M.R.C.P.(E)
M.R.C.P.(E)

Abbreviation for Member of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh).

M.R.C.P.(I)
M.R.C.P.(I)

Abbreviation for Member of the Royal College of Physicians (Ireland).

M.R.C.S.
M.R.C.S.

Abbreviation for Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (England).

M.R.C.S.(E)
M.R.C.S.(E)

Abbreviation for Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh).

M.R.C.S.(I)
M.R.C.S.(I)

Abbreviation for Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland).

MRD
MRD, mrd

Abbreviation for minimal reacting dose.

MRF
MRF

Abbreviation for melanotropin-releasing factor.

MRH
MRH

Abbreviation for melanotropin-releasing hormone.

MRI
MRI

Abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging.

mRNA
mRNA

Abbreviation for messenger RNA. See entries under ribonucleic acid.

MS
MS

Abbreviation for multiple sclerosis; morphine sulfate; mitral stenosis; and myasthenic syndrome (Lambert-Eaton syndrome).

ms
ms

Abbreviation for millisecond.

M.S.D.
M.S.D.

Abbreviation for Master of Science in Dentistry.

msec
msec

Abbreviation for millisecond.

MSG
MSG

Abbreviation for monosodium glutamate.

MSH
MSH

Abbreviation for melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

MTBE
MTBE

Abbreviation for methyl-tert-butyl ether.

MTF
MTF

Abbreviation for modulation transfer function.

m.u.
m.u.

Abbreviation for mouse unit.

mu
mu (mu)

Twelfth letter of the Greek alphabet, &m.;.

mucase
mucase (mu′kas)

SYN: mucinase.

Much
Much

Hans C.R., German physician, 1880–1932. See M. bacillus.

Mucha
Mucha

Victor, Austrian dermatologist, 1877–1919. See M.-Habermann disease.

muci- muci-

Mucous, mucin. SEE ALSO: muco-, myxo-. [L. mucus]

mucicarmine
mucicarmine (mu-si-kar′min)

A red stain containing aluminum chloride and carmine; used to detect epithelial mucins and mucin-secreting adenocarcinomas; also used to demonstrate the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans and other fungi.

mucid
mucid (mu′sid)

SYN: muciparous.

muciferous
muciferous (mu-sif′er-us)

SYN: muciparous.

mucification
mucification (mu′si-fi-ka′shun)

A change produced in the vaginal mucosa of spayed experimental animals following stimulation with estrogen; characterized by the formation of tall columnar cells secreting mucus. [L. mucus + facio, to make]

muciform
muciform (mu′si-form)

Resembling mucus. SYN: blennoid, mucoid (2) .

mucigenous
mucigenous (mu-sij′e-nus)

SYN: muciparous.

mucihematein
mucihematein (mu-si-he′ma-te-in)

A violet-blue staining fluid containing aluminum chloride and hematein; used to detect connective tissue mucins.

mucilage
mucilage (mu′si-lij)

A pharmacopeial preparation consisting of a solution in water of the mucilaginous principles of vegetable substances; used as a soothing application to the mucous membranes and in the preparation of official and extemporaneous mixtures. [L. mucilago]

mucilaginous
mucilaginous (mu-si-laj′i-nus)

1. Resembling mucilage; i.e., adhesive, viscid, sticky. 2. SYN: muciparous.

mucin
mucin (mu′sin)

A secretion containing carbohydrate-rich glycoproteins such as that from the goblet cells of the intestine, the submaxillary glands, and other mucous glandular cells; it is also present in the ground substance of connective tissue, especially mucous connective tissue, is soluble in alkaline water, and is precipitated by acetic acid; mucins act as lubricants and protectants of the linings of body cavities.
gastric m. a white or yellowish powder which forms a viscous opalescent fluid with water, prepared from mucosa of hog's stomach by pepsin-hydrochloric acid digestion and precipitation of the supernatant fluid with 60% alcohol; used in peptic ulcer for its protective and lubricating action.

mucinase
mucinase (mu′si-nas)

A term specifically applied to hyaluronate lyase, hyaluronoglucosaminidase, and hyaluronoglucuronidase (hyaluronidases), but more loosely to any enzyme that hydrolyzes mucopolysaccharide substances (mucins). SYN: mucase, mucopolysaccharidase.

mucinemia
mucinemia (mu-si-ne′me-a)

The presence of mucin in the circulating blood. SYN: myxemia. [mucin + G. haima, blood]

mucinogen
mucinogen (mu′sin-o-jen)

A glycoprotein that forms mucin through the imbibition of water. [mucin + G. -gen, producing]

mucinoid
mucinoid (mu′si-noyd)

1. SYN: mucoid (1) . 2. Resembling mucin.

mucinolytic
mucinolytic (mu′si-no-lit′ik)

Capable of bringing about the hydrolysis of mucin, as by a mucinase.

mucinosis
mucinosis (mu-si-no′sis)

A condition in which mucin is present in the skin in excessive amounts, or in abnormal distribution; classified as: metabolic m., diffuse or pretibial myxedema, lichen myxedematosus, gargoylism; secondary m., degeneration in tumors; localized m., follicular, papular, plaquelike, focal, and myxoid or synovial cyst. [mucin + G. -osis, condition]
cutaneous focal m. flesh-colored papules of the skin, composed of homogenous mucinous material with scattered fibroblasts.
follicular m. a relatively uncommon benign eruption of discrete erythematous lesions progressing to alopecia on the face or scalp, usually in young people, in which there are cystic mucinous changes in the epithelium of hair follicles in the involved area; may also develop in mycosis fungoides.
oral focal m. an area of myxomatous connective tissue; the mucosal counterpart of cutaneous focal m..
papular m. SYN: lichen myxedematosus.
reticular erythematous m. (REM) SYN: REM syndrome.

mucinous
mucinous (mu′si-nus)

Relating to or containing mucin. SYN: mucoid (3) .

mucinuria
mucinuria (mu-si-nu′re-a)

The presence of mucin in the urine. [mucin + G. ouron, urine]

muciparous
muciparous (mu-sip′a-rus)

Producing or secreting mucus. SYN: blennogenic, blennogenous, mucid, muciferous, mucigenous, mucilaginous (2) . [mucin + L. pario, to bring forth, bear]

mucitis
mucitis (mu-si′tis)

Inflammation of a mucous membrane.

Muckle
Muckle

T.J., 20th century Canadian pediatrician. See M.-Wells syndrome.

muco- muco-

Mucus, mucous (mucous membrane). SEE ALSO: muci-, myxo-. [L. mucus]

mucocele
mucocele (mu′ko-sel)

1. SYN: mucous cyst. 2. A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, gallbladder, or other site. [muco- + G. kele, tumor, hernia]

mucociliary
mucociliary (mu-ko-sil′e-a-ry)

Related to the interaction of mucus and ciliated epithelium.

mucoclasis
mucoclasis (mu-kok′la-sis)

Obsolete term for denudation of any mucous surface. [muco- + G. klasis, a breaking off]

mucocolitis
mucocolitis (mu′ko-ko-li′tis)

SYN: mucous colitis.

mucocolpos
mucocolpos (mu-ko-kol′pos)

Presence of mucus in the vagina. [muco- + G. kolpos, vagina]

mucocutaneous
mucocutaneous (mu′ko-ku-ta′ne-us)

Relating to mucous membrane and skin; denoting the line of junction of the two at the nasal, oral, vaginal, and anal orifices. SYN: cutaneomucosal.

mucoenteritis
mucoenteritis (mu′ko-en-ter-i′tis)

1. Inflammation of the intestinal mucous membrane. 2. SYN: mucomembranous enteritis.

mucoepidermoid
mucoepidermoid (mu′ko-ep-i-der′moyd)

Denoting a mixture of mucus-secreting and epithelial cells, as in m. carcinoma.

mucoglobulin
mucoglobulin (mu-ko-glob′u-lin)

A glycoprotein or mucoprotein in which the protein component is a globulin.

mucoid
mucoid (mu′koyd)

1. General term for a mucin, mucoprotein, or glycoprotein. SYN: mucinoid (1) . 2. SYN: muciform. 3. SYN: mucinous. [mucus + G. eidos, appearance]

mucolipidosis
mucolipidosis, pl .mucolipidoses (mu′ko-lip-i-do′sis, -sez)

Any of a group of lysosomal storage diseases in which symptoms of visceral and mesenchymal mucopolysaccharide, glycoprotein, oligosaccharide, or glycolipid storage are present; clinically, they bear a superficial resemblance to the mucopolysaccharidoses; autosomal recessive inheritance. [muco- + lipid + -osis, condition]
m. I [MIM*256550] m. somewhat like a mild form of Hurler syndrome with coarse facial features, macular cherry red spots, myoclonus epilepsy, mild dysostosis multiplex, and moderate mental retardation due to neuraminidase deficiency; autosomal recessive inheritance caused by mutation in the neuraminidase gene (NEU) on 6p. SYN: lipomucopolysaccharidosis.
m. II [MIM*252500] a metabolic disorder with onset in early childhood characterized by clinical and radiographic findings similar to those in Hurler syndrome including gum hypertrophy, thoracic dysplasia, congenital hip dislocation, and mental retardation; vacuolated lymphocytes and unusual inclusion bodies in cultured fibroblasts (I-cells) are found; lysosomal enzymes are increased in serum, spinal fluid, and urine; urinary mucopolysaccharides are normal; associated with a deficiency of N-acetylglucosaminyl-1-phosphotransferase; autosomal recessive inheritance. SYN: I-cell disease, inclusion cell disease.
m. III [MIM*252600] m. with mild Hurlerlike symptoms, restricted joint mobility, short stature, mild mental retardation, and dysplastic skeletal changes, especially of the hip; aortic and mitral valve disease are often present; associated with a deficiency of N-acetyl-α-glucosaminidase or other enzyme deficiencies such as lysosomal enzyme N-acetylglucosaminyl-1-phosphotransferase in mutant fibroblasts lacks the ability to recognize lysosomal enzymes and specific substrates for phosphorylation; autosomal recessive inheritance. SYN: pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy, pseudopolydystrophy.
m. IV [MIM*252650] psychomotor retardation with cloudy corneas and retinal degeneration, with inclusion cells in cultured fibroblasts; the pathogenesis is uncertain; autosomal recessive inheritance.

mucolysis
mucolysis (mu-kol′i-sis)

The solution, digestion, or liquefaction of mucus. [muco- + G. lysis, dissolution]

mucolytic
mucolytic (mu-ko-lit′ik)

Capable of dissolving, digesting, or liquefying mucus.

mucomembranous
mucomembranous (mu′ko-mem′bra-nus)

Relating to a mucous membrane.

mucopeptide
mucopeptide (mu-ko-pep′tid)

1. A peptide found in combination with polysaccharides containing muramic or sialic acids. 2. SYN: peptidoglycan.
m. glycohydrolase SYN: lysozyme.

mucoperiosteal
mucoperiosteal (mu′ko-per-e-os′te-al)

Relating to mucoperiosteum.

mucoperiosteum
mucoperiosteum (mu′ko-per-e-os′te-um)

Mucous membrane and periosteum so intimately united as to form practically a single membrane, as that covering the hard palate.

mucopolysaccharidase
mucopolysaccharidase (mu′ko-pol-e-sak′a-ri-das)

SYN: mucinase, β-d-glucuronidase deficiency.

mucopolysaccharide
mucopolysaccharide (mu′ko-pol-e-sak′a-rid)

General term for a protein-polysaccharide complex obtained from proteoglycans and containing as much as 95% polysaccharide; mucopolysaccharides include the blood group substances. A more modern term is glycosaminoglycan, as all of the known six classes contain major amounts of d-glucosamine and d-galactosamine.

mucopolysaccharidosis
mucopolysaccharidosis, pl .mucopolysaccharidoses (mu′ko-pol-e-sak′a-ri-do′sis, -sez)

Any of a group of lysosomal storage diseases that have in common a disorder in metabolism of mucopolysaccharides, as evidenced by excretion of various mucopolysaccharides in urine and infiltration of these substances into connective tissue, with resulting various defects of bone, cartilage, connective tissue, and other organs.
type IH m. SYN: Hurler syndrome.
type I H/S m. SYN: Hurler-Scheie syndrome.
type II m. SYN: Hunter syndrome.
type III m. SYN: Sanfilippo syndrome.
type IS m. SYN: Scheie syndrome.
type IVA, B m. SYN: Morquio syndrome.
type V m. former designation for Scheie syndrome.
type VI m. SYN: Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome.
type VII m. 1. SYN: Sly syndrome. 2. SYN: Di Ferrante syndrome.

mucopolysacchariduria
mucopolysacchariduria (mu′ko-pol-e-sak′a-ri-doo′re-a)

The excretion of mucopolysaccharides in the urine.

mucoprotein
mucoprotein (mu-ko-pro′ten)

General term for a protein-polysaccharide complex, usually implying that the protein component is the major part of the complex, in contradistinction to mucopolysaccharide; mucoproteins include the α₁- and α₂-globulins of serum (and others). Sometimes called glycoproteins, although this term usually refers to those mucoproteins containing less than 4% carbohydrate.
Tamm-Horsfall m. the matrix of urinary casts derived from the secretion of renal tubular cells.

mucopurulent
mucopurulent (mu-ko-poo′roo-lent)

Pertaining to an exudate that is chiefly purulent (pus), but containing relatively conspicuous proportions of mucous material. SYN: puromucous.

mucopus
mucopus (mu′ko-pus)

A mucopurulent discharge; a mixture of mucous material and pus. SYN: mycopus.

Mucor
Mucor (mu′kor)

A genus of fungi (class Zygomycetes, family Mucoraceae), most species of which are saprobic; several are pathogenic and may cause zygomycosis in humans.

Mucoraceae
Mucoraceae (mu′kor-a′se-e)

A family of fungi (class Zygomycetes) comprising terrestrial, aquatic, and sometimes parasitic organisms; includes the genera Mucor, Absidia, Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, Apophysomyces, and Mortierella. Although the various species of the genera are ordinarily saprobic, free-living forms, some of them cause mucormycosis in humans. [L. mucor, mold]

Mucorales
Mucorales (moo-kor-al′ez)

An order of the fungal class Zygomycetes that contains all the species causing mucormycosis in humans. The genera include Cunninghamella, Rhizopus, Absidia, Rhlizomucor, Mucor, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Syncepthalastrum, and Cokeromyces. Mortierella species are included but are of doubtful pathogenicity for humans.

mucormycosis
mucormycosis (mu′kor-mi-ko′sis)

Infection with fungi of the order Mucorales; to be distinguished from zygomycosis, a broader term that includes infections caused by fungi of the order Entomophthorales.

mucosa
mucosa (mu-ko′sa) [TA]

A mucous tissue lining various tubular structures, consisting of epithelium, lamina, propria, and, in the digestive tract, a layer of smooth muscle (muscularis mucosae). SYN: tunica m. [TA] , mucous membranes&star, membrana m., mucosal tunics, mucous tunics. [L. fem. of mucosus, mucous]
alveolar m. the mucous membrane apical to the attached gingiva.
m. of bronchi [TA] the inner coat of a bronchus. SYN: tunica m. bronchi [TA] , mucous membrane of bronchus&star, bronchial m..
bronchial m. SYN: m. of bronchi.
m. of colon the lining coat of the colon. SYN: tunica m. coli.
m. of ductus deferens [TA] the inner layer of the ductus deferens. SYN: tunica m. ductus deferentis [TA] , mucous membrane of ductus deferens&star.
esophageal m. SYN: m. of esophagus.
m. of esophagus [TA] the inner coat of the esophagus. SYN: tunica m. esophagi [TA] , mucous membrane of esophagus&star, esophageal m..
m. of female urethra [TA] the inner mucosal layer of the female urethra. SYN: tunica m. urethrae femininae [TA] , mucous membrane of female urethra&star.
m. of gallbladder [TA] the inner coat of the gallbladder. SYN: tunica m. vesicae biliaris [TA] , mucous membrane of gallbladder&star, tunica m. vesicae felleae&star.
gastric m. SYN: m. of stomach.
gingival m. that portion of the oral mucous membrane that covers and is attached to the necks of the teeth and the alveolar process of the jaws; it is demarcated from lining m. on the facial aspect by a clearly defined line which marks the mucogingival junction, and, in contrast to the lining m., is keratinized and lighter in color; on the palatal surface, the gingiva blends imperceptibly with the palatal m..
m. of large intestine [TA] the mucosal lining (epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae) of the wall of all the parts of the large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal) collectively. SYN: tunica m. intestini crassi [TA] , mucous membrane of large intestine&star.
laryngeal m. SYN: m. of larynx.
m. of larynx [TA] the mucous coat of the larynx. SYN: tunica m. laryngis [TA] , mucous membrane of larynx&star, laryngeal m..
lingual m. SYN: m. of tongue.
m. of male urethra [TA] innermost layer of urethra including an epithelium typical of the urinary tract (a transitional epithelium or urothelium) proximal to the openings of the ejaculatory ducts and typical of the genital tract (a stratified columnar epithelium) distally that continues through the intermediate and most of the spongy urethra, changing again to a stratified squamous epithelium in the region of the navicular fossa; many recesses occur in the m. of the spongy portion that continue into tubular, branching mucous glands. SYN: tunica urethrae masculinae [TA] , mucous membrane of male urethra.
m. of mouth [TA] the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, including the gingiva. SYN: oral m. [TA] , tunica m. oris [TA] .
nasal m. SYN: m. of nose.
m. of nose [TA] the lining of the nasal cavity, it is continuous with the skin in the vestibule of the nose and with the m. of the nasopharynx, the paranasal sinuses, and the nasolacrimal duct and contains goblet cells; it is subdivided into the olfactory region and respiratory region. SYN: tunica m. nasi [TA] , mucous membrane of nose&star, membrana pituitosa, nasal m., pituitary membrane, schneiderian membrane.
olfactory m. SYN: olfactory region of m. of nose.
oral m. [TA] SYN: m. of mouth.
pharyngeal m. SYN: m. of pharynx.
m. of pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube [TA] the lining coat of the auditory tube. SYN: tunica m. tubae auditivae [TA] , mucous membrane of pharyngotympanic auditory tube&star, tunica m. tubae auditoriae.
m. of pharynx [TA] the mucous coat of the pharynx. SYN: tunica m. pharyngis [TA] , mucous membrane of pharynx, pharyngeal m..
m. of renal pelvis [TA] innermost of three layers of the wall of the renal pelvis, identical in structure to that of the ureter, that is, consisting of a transitional epithelium (urothelium) and an underlying lamina propria. SYN: tunica m. pelvis renalis [TA] .
respiratory m. pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells and a lamina propria containing, in addition to connective tissue, numerous seromucous glands and in some regions many thin-walled veins that line the airways; it includes the respiratory region of the nasal m. [TA] (pars respiratoria tunicae mucosae nasi [TA]), m. of the trachea [TA] (tunica m. tracheae [TA]), and m. of bronchi [TA] (tunica m. bronchi [TA]). See respiratory region of m. of nasal cavity.
m. of seminal gland [TA] the mucous membrane lining the seminal gland (vesicle). SYN: tunica m. vesiculae seminalis&star, m. of seminal vesicle.
m. of seminal vesicle SYN: m. of seminal gland.
m. of small intestine [TA] the mucous coat of the small intestine. SYN: tunica m. intestini tenuis [TA] , mucous membrane of small intestine&star.
m. of stomach [TA] the mucous layer of the stomach. SYN: tunica m. gastrica [TA] , mucous membrane of stomach&star, gastric m..
m. of tongue [TA] the m. forming the surface of the tongue; that of the dorsum of the tongue appears velvety due to the presence of vast numbers of papillae; that of the inferior surface is smooth and thinner. SYN: tunica m. linguae [TA] , mucous membrane of tongue&star, lingual m..
m. of trachea [TA] the inner mucous layer of the trachea. SYN: tunica m. tracheae [TA] , mucous membrane of trachea&star, tracheal m..
tracheal m. SYN: m. of trachea.
m. of tympanic cavity [TA] the mucosal lining of the tympanic cavity and the structures in it. SYN: tunica m. cavitatis tympani [TA] , mucous membrane of tympanic cavity&star.
m. of ureter [TA] the inner mucosal layer of the ureter. SYN: tunica m. ureteris [TA] , mucous membrane of ureter&star.
m. of urethra [TA] m. of female urethra, m. of male urethra.
m. of (urinary) bladder [TA] the inner coat of the urinary bladder. SYN: tunica m. vesicae urinariae [TA] , mucous membrane of urinary bladder&star.
m. of uterine tube [TA] the inner mucosal layer of the uterine tube. SYN: tunica m. tubae uterinae [TA] , mucous membrane of uterine tube&star.
m. of vagina [TA] the mucosal layer of the vagina. SYN: tunica m. vaginae [TA] , mucous membrane of vagina&star, vaginal m..
vaginal m. SYN: m. of vagina.

mucosal
mucosal (mu-ko′sal)

Relating to the mucosa or mucous membrane.

mucosanguineous
mucosanguineous, mucosanguinolent (mu′ko-sang-gwin′e-us, -o-lent)

Pertaining to an exudate or other fluid material that has a relatively high content of blood and mucus. [muco- + L. sanguis, blood]

mucosectomy
mucosectomy (mu-ko-sek′to-me)

Excision of the mucosa, usually of the rectum prior to ileoanal anastomosis. [mucosa + G. ektome, excision]

mucoserous
mucoserous (mu-ko-se′rus)

Pertaining to an exudate or secretion that consists of both mucus and serum or a watery component.

mucostatic
mucostatic (mu-ko-stat′ik)

1. Denoting the normal relaxed condition of mucosal tissues covering the jaws. 2. Arresting the secretion of mucus. [muco- + G. stasis, a standing]

mucous
mucous (mu′kus)

Relating to mucus or a m. membrane. [L. mucosus, m., fr. mucus]

mucoviscidosis
mucoviscidosis (mu′ko-vis-i-do′sis)

SYN: cystic fibrosis. [myco- + G. toxikon, poison, + -osis, condition]

mucro
mucro, pl .mucrones (mu′kro, mu-kro′nez)

A term applied to the pointed extremity of a structure. [L. point, sword]
m. cordis obsolete term for apex of heart.
m. sterni SYN: xiphoid process.

mucron
mucron (mu′kron)

Attachment organelle of aseptate gregarines, similar to an epimerite; the latter is set off from the rest of the gregarine body by a septum.

mucronate
mucronate (mu′kro-nat)

SYN: xiphoid. [L. mucronatus, pointed]

mucus
mucus (mu′kus)

The clear viscid secretion of the mucous membranes, consisting of mucin, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and various inorganic salts dissolved in water. [L.]
glairy m. SYN: pituita.

Muehrcke
Muehrcke

Robert C., 20th century U.S. nephrologist. See M. bands, under band, M. lines, under line, M. sign.

Mueller Mueller

U.S. manufacturer of surgical instruments. See M. electronic tonometer.

Muellerius capillaris
Muellerius capillaris (mu-ler′e-us kap-i-la′ris)

One of the most common species of hair lungworms (subfamily Protostrongylinae) of sheep, goats, and deer. It is smaller than Dictyocaulus, inhabits the smaller bronchi and lung parenchyma, and is relatively nonpathogenic to its host.

MUGA
MUGA

Acronym for multiple-gated acquisition scan.

Muir
Muir

Edward G., British surgeon, 1906–1973. See M.-Torre syndrome.

Mules
Mules

Philip H., English ophthalmologist, 1843–1905. See M. operation.

muliebria
muliebria (moo′le-e′bre-a)

The female genital organs. [L. neut pl. of muliebris, relating to mulier, a woman]

Müller
Müller

Friedrich von, German physician, 1858–1941. See M. sign.

Müller
Müller

Heinrich, German anatomist, 1820–1864. See M. radial cells, under cell, M. fibers, under fiber, M. muscle, M. trigone.

Müller
Müller

Hermann F., German histologist, 1866–1898. See formol-M. fixative, M. fixative.

Müller
Müller

Johannes P., German anatomist, physiologist, and pathologist, 1801–1858. See M. capsule, M. duct, M. law, M. maneuver, M. tubercle, müllerian agenesis.

Müller
Müller

Leopold, Czechoslovakian ophthalmologist, 1862–1936.

Müller
Müller

Peter, German obstetrician, 1836–1922. See Hillis-M. maneuver.

Müller
Müller

Walther, 20th century German physicist. See Geiger-M. counter, Geiger-M. tube.

müllerian müllerian (mu-ler′e-an)

Attributed to or described by Johannes Müller.

mulling
mulling (mul′ing)

In dentistry, the final step of mixing dental amalgam, when the triturated mass is kneaded to complete the amalgamation.

multangular
multangular (mul-tang′gu-lar)

Having many angles.

multi- multi-

Many. SEE ALSO: pluri-. Cf.:poly-. [L. multus, much]

multiarticular
multiarticular (mul′te-ar-tik′u-lar)

Relating to or involving many joints. SYN: polyarthric, polyarticular. [multi- + L. articulus, joint]

multibacillary
multibacillary (mul-te-bas′i-lar-e)

Made up of, or denoting the presence of, many bacilli.

multicapsular
multicapsular (mul-te-kap′soo-lar)

Having numerous capsules.

multicellular
multicellular (mul-te-sel′u-lar)

Composed of many cells.

Multiceps
Multiceps (mul′ti-seps)

A genus of taeniid tapeworms in which the larval forms in herbivores occur in the form of a coenurus (multiple scoleces invaginated within a single cyst). [multi- + L. caput, head]
M. m. a species the mature form of which occurs in the intestines of dogs; the coenurus develops in the brains of herbivorous animals, especially sheep; the cyst is often called Coenurus cerebralis.
M. serialis a species the mature form of which is found in the intestine of dogs; the coenurus is found in the subcutaneous tissues of rabbits.

multicollinearity
multicollinearity (mul′te-kol′in-e-ar′i-te)

In multiple regression analysis, a situation in which at least some independent variables in a set are highly correlated with each other. [multi- + L. col-lineo, to line up together]

multi-CSF
multi-CSF

Abbreviation for multicolony-stimulating factor.

multicuspid
multicuspid (mul-te-kus′pid)

SYN: multicuspidate (2) .

multicuspidate
multicuspidate (mul-te-kus′pi-dat)

1. Having more than two cusps. 2. A molar tooth with three or more cusps or projections on the crown. SYN: multicuspid.

multienzyme
multienzyme (mul′ti-en′zim, mul′te-)

Referring to several enzymes; E.G., m. complex.

multifetation
multifetation (mul-te-fe-ta′shun)

SYN: superfetation.

multifid
multifid (mul′te-fid)

Divided into many clefts or segments. SYN: multifidus (1) . [L. multifidus, fr. multus, much, + findo, to cleave]

multifidus
multifidus (mul-tif′i-dus)

1. SYN: multifid. 2. See m. (muscle). [L.]

multifocal
multifocal (mul-te-fo′kal)

Relating to or arising from many foci.

multiform
multiform (mul′ti-form)

SYN: polymorphic.

multiglandular
multiglandular (mul-te-glan′du-lar)

SYN: pluriglandular.

multigravida
multigravida (mul-te-grav′i-da)

A pregnant woman who has been pregnant one or more times previously. [multi- + L. gravida, pregnant]

multi-infection
multi-infection (mul′te-in-fek′shun)

Mixed infection with two or more varieties of microorganisms developing simultaneously.

multilobar
multilobar, multilobate, multilobed (mul-te-lo′bar, -lo′bat, -lobd′)

Having several lobes.

multilobular
multilobular (mul-te-lob′u-lar)

Having many lobules.

multilocal
multilocal (mul-te-lo′kal)

Denoting traits with an etiology comprising effects of multiple genetic loci operating together and simultaneously. Cf.:galtonian.

multilocular
multilocular (mul-te-lok′u-lar)

Many-celled; having many compartments or loculi. SYN: plurilocular.

multimammae
multimammae (mul-te-mam′e)

SYN: polymastia. [multi- + L. mamma, breast]

multinodal
multinodal (mul-te-no′dal)

Having many nodes.

multinodular
multinodular, multinodulate (mul-te-nod′u-lar, -u-lat)

Having many nodules.

multinuclear
multinuclear, multinucleate (mul-te-noo′kle-ar, -at)

Having two or more nuclei. SYN: plurinuclear, polynuclear, polynucleate.

multinucleosis
multinucleosis (mool′te-nook-le-o′sis)

SYN: polynucleosis.

multipara
multipara (mul-tip′a-ra)

A woman who has given birth at least two times to an infant, liveborn or not, weighing 500 g or more, or having an estimated length of gestation of at least 20 weeks. [multi- + L. pario, to bring forth, to bear]
grand m. a m. who has given birth five or more times.

multiparity
multiparity (mul-te-par′i-te)

Condition of being a multipara.

multiparous
multiparous (mul-tip′a-rus)

Relating to a multipara.

multipartial
multipartial (mul′te-par′shal)

Polyvalent, with respect to an antiserum.

multiple
multiple (mul′ti-pl)

Manifold; repeated several times; occurring in several parts at the same time, as m. arthritis, m. neuritis. [L. multiplex, fr. multus, many, + plico, pp. -atus, to fold]

multipolar
multipolar (mul-te-po′lar)

Having more than two poles; denoting a nerve cell in which the branches project from several points.

multirooted
multirooted (mul-te-root′ed)

Having more than two roots.

multirotation
multirotation (mul′te-ro-ta′shun)

SYN: mutarotation.

multisubstrate
multisubstrate (mul-ti-sub′stat, mul-te′-)

Referring to an enzyme, receptor, or acceptor protein, which requires two or more substrates.

multisynaptic
multisynaptic (mul′te-si-nap′tik)

SYN: polysynaptic.

multivalence
multivalence, multivalency (mul-te-va′lens, -va′len-se)

The state of being multivalent.

multivalent
multivalent (mul-te-va′lent)

1. In chemistry, having a combining power (valence) of more than one hydrogen atom. 2. Efficacious in more than one direction. 3. An antiserum specific for more than one antigen or organism. 4. Antigen or antibody with a combining power greater than two. SYN: polyvalent (1) .

mummification
mummification (mum′i-fi-ka′shun)

1. SYN: dry gangrene. 2. Shrivelling of a dead, retained fetus. 3. In dentistry, treatment of inflamed dental pulp with fixative drugs (usually formaldehyde derivatives) in order to retain teeth so treated for relatively short periods; generally acceptable only for primary (deciduous) teeth. [mummy + L. facio, to make]

mumps
mumps (mumps)

An acute infectious and contagious disease caused by a m. virus of the genus Rubulavirus and characterized by fever, inflammation and swelling of the parotid gland, sometimes of other salivary glands, and occasionally by inflammation of the testis, ovary, pancreas, or meninges. SYN: epidemic parotiditis. [dialectic Eng. mump, a lump or bump]
metastatic m. m. complicated by involvement of organs other than parotid glands, such as the testis, breast, or pancreas.

mumpvirus
mumpvirus

SYN: Rubulavirus.

Münchhausen
Münchhausen

Baron Karl F.H. von, German nobleman, soldier, and raconteur, 1720–1797. See Munchausen syndrome, Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Munro
Munro

William J., Australian dermatologist, 1863–1908. See M. abscess, M. microabscess.

Munro
Munro

John C., U.S. surgeon, 1858–1910. See M. point.

Munsell
Munsell

Albert H., U.S. artist, 1858–1918. See Farnsworth-M. color test.

Munsell
Munsell

Hazel E., U.S. chemist, *1891. See Sherman-M. unit.

Munson
Munson

Edward Sterling, U.S. ophthalmologist, *1933. See M. sign.

Münzer
Münzer

Egmont, Austrian physician, 1865–1924. See tract of M. and Wiener.

Mur
Mur

Abbreviation for muramic acid.

mural
mural (mu′ral)

Relating to the wall of any cavity. [L. muralis; fr. murus, wall]

muramic acid
muramic acid (Mur) (mu-ram′ik)

2-Amino-3-O-(1-carboxyethyl)-2-deoxy-d-glucose;d-glucosamine and lactate in ether linkage between the 3 and 2 positions, respectively; a constituent of the mureins in bacterial cell walls.

muramidase
muramidase (mu-ram′i-das)

SYN: lysozyme.

mureins
mureins (mur′enz)

Peptidoglycans composing the sacculus or cell casing of bacteria, consisting of linear polysaccharides of alternating N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid units, to the lactate side chains of which are linked oligopeptides; independent chains are cross-linked in three dimensions via the peptides or the 6-OH groups (the latter may be linked via phosphate to a teichoic acid). [L. murus, wall]

Muret
Muret

Paul-Louis, French physician, *1878. See Quénu-M. sign.

murexide
murexide (mu-rek′sid, -sid)

The ammonium salt of purpuric acid, formerly used as a dye but superseded by the aniline colors.

muriate
muriate (mu′re-at)

Former term for chloride. [L. muria, brine]

muriatic
muriatic (mu-re-at′ik)

Relating to brine. [L. muriaticus, pickled in brine, fr. muria, brine]

muriatic acid
muriatic acid

SYN: hydrochloric acid.

Muridae
Muridae (mu′ri-de)

The largest family of Rodentia and of mammals, embracing the Old World mice and rats. [L. mus (mur-), a mouse]

muriform
muriform (mur′i-form)

Multicellular with cross and longitudinal septa; denoting an aggregation of cells fitting together like stones in a stone wall. [L. murus, wall, + -form]

murine
murine (mu′rin, -rin, -ren)

Relating to animals of the family Muridae. [L. murinus, relating to mice, fr. mus (mur-), a mouse]

murmur
murmur (mer′mer)

1. A soft sound, like that made by a somewhat forcible expiration with the mouth open, heard on auscultation of the heart, lungs, or blood vessels. SYN: susurrus. 2. An other-than-soft sound, which may be loud, harsh, frictional, etc.; e.g., organic cardiac murmurs may be soft or loud and harsh; pericardial murmurs usually are frictional and are more properly described as “rubs” rather than murmurs. [L.]
accidental m. an evanescent cardiac m. not due to valvular lesion.
anemic m. a nonvalvular m. heard on auscultation of the heart and large blood vessels in cases of profound anemia associated mainly with turbulent blood flow due to decreased blood viscosity.
aneurysmal m. a systolic or systolic-diastolic m. heard over some cardiac aneurysms.
aortic m. a m. produced at the aortic orifice, either obstructive or regurgitant.
arterial m. a m. heard on auscultating an artery.
atriosystolic m. SYN: presystolic m..
Austin Flint m. SYN: Austin Flint phenomenon, Flint m..
bellows m. a blowing m..
brain m. sounds produced by intracranial aneurysms or arterial venous aneurysms in congenital dysplastic angiomatosis.
Cabot-Locke m. an early diastolic m., like that of aortic insufficiency, heard best at the left lower sternal border in severe anemia.
cardiac m. a m. produced within the heart, at one of its valvular orifices or across ventricular septal defects.
cardiopulmonary m. an innocent extracardiac m., synchronous with the heart's beat but disappearing when the breath is held, believed due to movement of air in a segment of lung compressed by the contracting heart. SYN: cardiorespiratory m..
cardiorespiratory m. SYN: cardiopulmonary m..
Carey Coombs m. a blubbering apical middiastolic m. occurring in the acute stage of rheumatic mitral valvulitis and disappearing as the valvulitis subsides. SYN: Coombs m..
Cole-Cecil m. the diastolic m. of aortic insufficiency when well or predominantly heard in the left axilla.
continuous m. a m. that is heard without interruption throughout systole and into diastole.
cooing m. a m., usually of mitral regurgitation, of very high pitch resembling the cooing of a pigeon or a dove.
Coombs m. SYN: Carey Coombs m..
crescendo m. a m. that increases in intensity and suddenly ceases; the presystolic m. of mitral stenosis is a common example.
Cruveilhier-Baumgarten m. a venous m. heard over collateral veins, connecting portal and caval venous systems, on the abdominal wall. SEE ALSO: Cruveilhier-Baumgarten sign.
diamond-shaped m. a crescendo-decrescendo m., from the shape of the frequency intensity curve of the phonocardiogram, often audible as such.
diastolic m. (DM) a m. heard during diastole.
Duroziez m. a two-phase m. over peripheral arteries, especially the femoral artery, due to rapid ebb and flow of blood during aortic insufficiency. SYN: Duroziez sign.
dynamic m. a heart m. due to anemia or to any cause other than a valvular lesion.
early diastolic m. a m. that begins with the second heart sound, as the m. of aortic insufficiency.
ejection m. a diamond-shaped systolic m. produced by the ejection of blood into the aorta or pulmonary artery and ending by the time of the second heart sound component produced, respectively, by closing of the aortic or pulmonic valve.
endocardial m. a m. arising, from any cause, within the heart.
extracardiac m. a bruit heard over or near the precordium originating from structures other than the heart; the term includes pericardial friction rubs and cardiopulmonary murmurs.
Flint m. a diastolic m., similar to that of mitral stenosis, heard best at the cardiac apex in some cases of free aortic insufficiency; it is thought to be caused by the turbulent regurgitating stream from the aorta mixing into the stream simultaneously entering from the left atrium through the mitral valve, causing posterior movement of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve with transient acceleration of blood flow through the mitral valve. SYN: Austin Flint m..
Fräntzel m. m. of mitral stenosis when louder at its beginning and end than in its midportion.
friction m. SYN: friction sound.
functional m. a cardiac m. not associated with a significant heart lesion. SYN: innocent m., inorganic m..
Gibson m. the typical continuous “machinerylike” m. of patent ductus arteriosus.
Graham Steell m. an early diastolic m. of pulmonic insufficiency secondary to pulmonary hypertension, as in mitral stenosis and various congenital defects associated with pulmonary hypertension. SYN: Steell m..
Hamman m. a crunching precordial sound synchronous with the heart beat; heard in mediastinal emphysema; also known as Hamman crunch.
hemic m. a cardiac or vascular m. heard in anemic persons who have no valvular lesion, probably due to the increased blood velocity and turbulence that characterizes anemia.
Hodgkin-Key m. a musical diastolic m. associated with retroversion of an aortic cusp; often very loud.
holosystolic m. SYN: pansystolic m..
hourglass m. one in which there are two areas of maximum loudness decreasing to a point midway between the two.
innocent m. SYN: functional m..
inorganic m. SYN: functional m..
late apical systolic m. a m. previously considered benign, or even extracardiac, with a possible relationship to pericardial disease; it often represents mitral insufficiency, often localized and of moderate severity but with propensity for developing bacterial endocarditis, and is frequently associated with systolic click and mitral prolapse (Barlow syndrome; a balloon or billowing mitral valve leaflet) often producing a click, m., or both, as it prolapses during systole into the left atrium.
late diastolic m. SYN: presystolic m..
machinery m. the long “continuous” rumbling m. of patent ductus arteriosus.
middiastolic m. a m. beginning after the A-V valves have opened in diastole, i.e., an appreciable time after the second heart sound, as the m. of mitral stenosis.
mill wheel m. churning cardiac m. produced by air embolism to the heart; also heard in pneumohydropericardium. SYN: water wheel m..
mitral m. a m. produced at the mitral valve, either obstructive or regurgitant.
musical m. a cardiac or vascular m. having a high-pitched musical character.
nun's m. SYN: venous hum.
obstructive m. a m. caused by narrowing of one of the valvular orifices.
organic m. a m. caused by an organic lesion.
pansystolic m. a m. occupying the entire systolic interval, from first to second heart sounds. SYN: holosystolic m..
pericardial m. a friction sound, synchronous with the heart movements, heard in certain cases of pericarditis.
pleuropericardial m. a pleural friction sound over the pericardial region, synchronous with the heart's action, and simulating a pericardial m. (rub).
presystolic m. a m. heard at the end of ventricular diastole (during atrial systole if in sinus rhythm), usually due to obstruction at one of the atrioventricular orifices. SYN: atriosystolic m., late diastolic m..
pulmonary m., pulmonic m. a m. produced at the pulmonary orifice of the heart, either obstructive or regurgitant.
regurgitant m. a m. due to leakage or backward flow at one of the valvular orifices of the heart.
respiratory m. SYN: vesicular respiration.
Roger m. a loud pansystolic m. maximal at the left sternal border, caused by a small ventricular septal defect. SYN: bruit de Roger, Roger bruit.
sea gull m. a m. imitating the cooing sound of a seagull nearly always due to aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation.
seesaw m. SYN: to-and-fro m..
Steell m. SYN: Graham Steell m..
stenosal m. an arterial m. due to narrowing of the vessel from pressure or organic change.
Still m. an innocent musical m. resembling the noise produced by a twanging string; almost exclusively in young children, of uncertain origin and ultimately disappearing.
systolic m. a m. heard during ventricular systole.
to-and-fro m. m. heard in both systole and diastole of the heart, as in aortic stenosis and insufficiency. SYN: seesaw m..
tricuspid m. a m. produced at the tricuspid orifice, either obstructive or regurgitant.
vascular m. a m. originating in a blood vessel.
venous m. a m. heard over a vein.
vesicular m. SYN: vesicular respiration.
water wheel m. SYN: mill wheel m..

muromonab-CD3
muromonab-CD3 (mu-ro-mo′nab)

A murine monoclonal antibody to the T3 (CD3) antigen of human T lymphocytes, used as an immunosuppressant in the treatment of acute allograft rejection following renal transplantation.

Murphy
Murphy

John B., U.S. surgeon, 1857–1916. See M. drip, M. button, M. percussion.

Mus
Mus (mus)

A genus of the family Muridae that includes about 16 species of mice; domesticated strains are numerous and genetically well defined, the most popular being the albino and piebald strains. [L. m. (mur-), a mouse]

Musca
Musca (mus′ka)

A genus of flies (family Muscidae, order Diptera) that includes the common housefly, M. domestica, a species universally associated with humans, particularly under unsanitary conditions; it breeds in filth and organic waste, and is involved in the mechanical transfer of numerous pathogens. [L. fly]

muscae volitantes
muscae volitantes (mus′se, mus′ke vol-i-tan′tes)

Floaters;appearance of moving spots before the eyes, arising from remnants of the embryologic hyaloid vascular system in the vitreous humor. [L. pl. of musca, fly; pres. ppl. of volito, to fly to and fro]

muscarine
muscarine (mus′ka-ren, -rin)

A toxin with neurologic effects, first isolated from Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) and also present in some species of Hebeloma and Inocybe. The quaternary trimethylammonium salt of 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-5-(aminomethyl)tetrahydrofuran, it is a cholinergic substance whose pharmacologic effects resemble those of acetylcholine and postganglionic parasympathetic stimulation (cardiac inhibition, vasodilation, salivation, lacrimation, bronchoconstriction, gastrointestinal stimulation).

muscarinic
muscarinic (mus-ka-rin′ik)

1. Having a muscarinelike action, i.e., producing effects that resemble postganglionic parasympathetic stimulation. 2. An agent that stimulates the postganglionic parasympathetic receptor. SEE ALSO: muscarine, nicotinic.

muscarinism
muscarinism (mus′ka-rin-izm)

SYN: mycetism.

Musci
Musci (mus′si)

The class of plants that includes the mosses. [L. pl. of muscus, moss]

muscicide
muscicide (mus′i-sid)

An agent destructive to flies. [L. musca, fly, + caedo, to kill]

Muscidae
Muscidae (mus′i-de)

The family of flies (order Diptera) that includes the houseflies (Musca) and stable flies (Stomoxys). [L. musca, fly]

muscimol
muscimol (mus′i-mol)

An alkaloid extracted from the poison mushroom Amanita muscaria; selectively stimulates receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is used as a molecular probe to study GABA receptors; a potent CNS depressant, m. inhibits motor function and can lead to psychosis.

muscle
muscle (mus′el) [TA]

A primary tissue, consisting predominantly of highly specialized contractile cells, which may be classified as skeletal m., cardiac m., or smooth m.; microscopically, the latter is lacking in transverse striations characteristic of the other two types; one of the contractile organs of the body by which movements of the various organs and parts are effected; typical musculus is a mass of musculus fibers (venter or belly), attached at each extremity, by means of a tendon, to a bone or other structure; the more proximal or more fixed attachment is called the origin, the more distal or more movable attachment is the insertion; the narrowing part of the belly that is attached to the tendon of origin is called the caput or head.For gross anatomic description, see musculus. SYN: musculus [TA] . [L. musculus]
muscles of abdomen [TA] muscles forming the wall of the abdomen including rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique muscles, transversus abdominis, and quadratus abdominis. SYN: musculi abdominis.
abdominal external oblique (m.) SYN: external oblique (m.).
abdominal internal oblique m. SYN: internal oblique (m.).
abductor (m.) [TA] m. that causes movement away from the median plane of body, axis of middle finger, or axis of second toe, or in the case of the thumb, anterior to the plane of the palm. SYN: musculus abductor [TA] , abductor.
abductor digiti minimi (m.) of foot [TA] m. of first layer of plantar muscles; origin, lateral and medial processes of calcaneal tuberosity; insertion, lateral side of proximal phalanx of fifth toe; action, abducts and flexes little toe; nerve supply, lateral plantar nerve. SYN: musculus abductor digiti minimi pedis [TA] , abductor m. of little toe, musculus abductor digiti quinti (2) .
abductor digiti minimi (m.) of hand [TA] superficial hypothenar m. of palm; origin, pisiform bone and pisohamate ligament; insertion, medial side of base of proximal phalanx of the little finger; action, abducts and flexes little finger; nerve supply, deep branch of ulnar. SYN: musculus abductor digiti minimi manus [TA] , abductor m. of little finger, musculus abductor digiti quinti (1) .
abductor m. of great toe SYN: abductor hallucis (m.).
abductor hallucis (m.) [TA] m. of third layer of plantar muscles; origin, medial process of calcaneal tuberosity, flexor retinaculum, and plantar aponeurosis; insertion, medial side of proximal phalanx of great toe; action, abducts great toe; nerve supply, medial plantar. SYN: musculus abductor hallucis [TA] , abductor m. of great toe.
abductor m. of little finger SYN: abductor digiti minimi (m.) of hand.
abductor m. of little toe SYN: abductor digiti minimi (m.) of foot.
abductor pollicis brevis (m.) [TA] superficial thenar m. origin, tubercle of trapezium and flexor retinaculum; insertion, lateral side of proximal phalanx of thumb; action, abducts thumb; nerve supply, median. SYN: musculus abductor pollicis brevis [TA] , short abductor m. of thumb.
abductor pollicis longus (m.) [TA] outcropping m. of posterior compartment of forearm; origin, interosseous membrane and posterior surfaces of radius and ulna; insertion, lateral side of base of first metacarpal bone; action, abducts and assists in extending thumb; nerve supply, radial. SYN: musculus abductor pollicis longus [TA] , long abductor m. of thumb, musculus extensor ossis metacarpi pollicis.
accessory flexor m. of foot SYN: quadratus plantae (m.).
adductor m. [TA] m. that causes movement toward the median plane of the body, the axis of the third finger or second toe, or, in the case of the thumb, the plane of the palm. SYN: musculus adductor [TA] , adductor.
adductor brevis (m.) [TA] m. of medial (adductor) compartment of thigh; origin, superior ramus of pubis; insertion, upper third of medial lip of linea aspera; action, adducts thigh; nerve supply, obturator. SYN: musculus adductor brevis [TA] , short adductor m..
adductor m. of great toe SYN: adductor hallucis (m.).
adductor hallucis (m.) [TA] m. of third layer of plantar muscles; origin, by two heads, the transverse head from the capsules of the lateral four metatarsophalangeal joints and the oblique head from the lateral cuneiform and bases of the third and fourth metatarsal bones; insertion, lateral side of base of proximal phalanx of great toe; action, adducts great toe; nerve supply, lateral plantar. SYN: musculus adductor hallucis [TA] , adductor m. of great toe.
adductor longus (m.) [TA] m. of medial (adductor) compartment of thigh; origin, symphysis and crest of pubis; insertion, middle third of medial lip of linea aspera; action, adducts thigh; nerve supply, obturator. SYN: musculus adductor longus [TA] , long adductor m..
adductor magnus (m.) [TA] m. of medial (adductor) compartment of thigh; origin, ischial tuberosity and ischiopubic ramus; insertion, linea aspera and adductor tubercle of femur; action, adducts and extends thigh; nerve supply, obturator and sciatic. SYN: musculus adductor magnus [TA] , great adductor m..
adductor minimus (m.) [TA] a small flat m. of the medial (adductor) compartment of thigh constituting the upper portion of the adductor magnus, insertion, the space above linea aspera. SYN: musculus adductor minimus [TA] .
adductor pollicis (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of palm; origin, by two heads, the transverse head from the shaft of the third metacarpal and the oblique head from the front of the base of the second metacarpal, the trapezoid and capitate bones; insertion, medial side of base of proximal phalanx of thumb; action, adducts thumb; nerve supply, ulnar. SYN: musculus adductor pollicis [TA] , adductor m. of thumb.
adductor m. of thumb SYN: adductor pollicis (m.).
Albinus m. 1. SYN: risorius (m.). 2. SYN: scalenus minimus (m.).
muscles of anal triangle [TA] voluntary muscles of region posterior to perineal body and transverse perineal muscles and anterior to the inferior margins of gluteus maximus muscles; includes levator ani (including puborectalis), and all portions of the external anal sphincter. SYN: musculi regionis analis [TA] .
anconeus m. [TA] origin, back of lateral condyle of humerus; insertion, olecranon process and posterior surface of ulna; action, extends forearm and abducts ulna in pronation of wrist; nerve supply, radial. SYN: musculus anconeus [TA] , anconeus.
anorectoperineal muscles [TA] smooth m. fibers that pass forward from the longitudinal m. layer of the rectum to the membranous urethra in the male. SYN: musculi anorectoperineales [TA] , musculi rectourethrales&star, rectourethral muscles&star.
antagonistic muscles two or more muscles that produce opposite movements (function), the contraction of one having the potential, in theory, to “neutralize” that of the other; however, in so doing, they are frequently acting as synergists in fixing the moving part.
anterior auricular m. SYN: auricularis anterior (m.).
anterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles) [TA] deep m. of back; origin, anterior tubercles of cervical transverse processes; insertion, anterior tubercle of next superior transverse process; action, abducts cervical vertebrae; nerve supply, ventral branch of cervical nerves. SYN: musculi intertransversarii anteriores cervicis [TA] , anterior cervical intertransverse muscles.
anterior cervical intertransverse muscles SYN: anterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles).
anterior rectus m. of head SYN: rectus capitis anterior (m.).
anterior scalene m. scalenus anterior (m.).
anterior serratus m. SYN: serratus anterior (m.).
anterior tibial m. SYN: tibialis anterior (m.).
antigravity muscles the muscles that maintain the posture characteristic of a given animal species. In most mammals they are the extensor muscles.
antitragicus (m.) [TA] a band of transverse muscular fibers on the outer surface of the antitragus, arising from the border of the intertragic notch and inserted into the antihelix and tail of the helix. SYN: musculus antitragicus [TA] , m. of antitragus.
m. of antitragus SYN: antitragicus (m.).
appendicular m. one of the skeletal muscles of the limbs.
arrector m. of hair [TA] bundles of smooth m. fibers, attached to the deep part of the hair follicles, passing outward alongside the sebaceous glands to the papillary layer of the dermis; they act to pull the hairs erect, causing “goose bumps” or “goose flesh” (cutis anserina) in humans but increasing depth (efficiency) of fur/hair coats of most animals. SYN: musculus arrector pili [TA] , arrector pili muscles, erector m. of hair.
arrector pili muscles SYN: arrector m. of hair.
articular m. a m. that inserts directly onto the capsule of a joint, acting to retract the capsule in certain movements. SYN: musculus articularis.
articular m. of elbow SYN: articularis cubiti (m.).
articularis cubiti (m.) [TA] the name applied to a small slip of the medial head of the triceps that inserts into the capsule of the elbow joint. SYN: musculus articularis cubiti [TA] , articular m. of elbow, subanconeus m..
articularis genus (m.) [TA] deep, distal portion of vastus intermedius m.; origin, lower fourth of anterior surface of shaft of femur; insertion, suprapatellar bursa of knee joint; action, retracts suprapatellar bursa, during extension of knee; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus articularis genus [TA] , articular m. of knee, Dupré m., subcrural m., subcruralis, subcrureus, subquadricipital m..
articular m. of knee SYN: articularis genus (m.).
aryepiglottic m. SYN: aryepiglottic part of oblique arytenoid m..
muscles of auditory ossicles [TA] the musculus stapedius and musculus tensor tympani. SYN: musculi ossiculorum auditus [TA] , musculi ossiculorum auditoriorum&star.
auricular muscles [TA] small muscles associated with the auricle, having little function in humans. SYN: musculi auriculares [TA] .
auricularis anterior (m.) [TA] origin, epicranial aponeurosis, insertion, cartilage of auricle; action, draws pinna of ear upward and forward; nerve supply, facial. Considered by some to be the anterior part of the temporoparietalis m.. SYN: anterior auricular m., musculus attrahens aurem, musculus attrahens auriculam, musculus auricularis anterior, zygomaticoauricularis.
auricularis posterior (m.) [TA] facial m. of external ear; origin, mastoid process; insertion, posterior portion of root of auricle; action, draws back the pinna; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus auricularis posterior [TA] , musculus retrahens aurem, musculus retrahens auriculam, posterior auricular (m.).
auricularis superior (m.) [TA] facial m. associated with external ear; origin, galea aponeurotica; insertion, cartilage of auricle; action, draws pinna of ear upward and backward; nerve supply, facial. Considered by some to be the posterior part of the temporoparietal m.. SYN: musculus auricularis superior [TA] , attollens aurem, attollens auriculam, musculus attollens aurem, musculus attollens auriculam, superior auricular m..
axial m. one of the skeletal muscles of the trunk or head.
axillary arch m. SYN: pectorodorsalis m..
muscles of back [TA] the muscles of the back in general, including the thoracoappendicular muscles attaching the shoulder girdle to the trunk posteriorly, the posterior serratus muscles, and the erector spinae and transversospinalis muscles. SYN: musculi dorsi [TA] , dorsal muscles.
muscles of back proper [TA] muscles of the back innervated by the dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves; includes erector spinae, transversospinalis, interspinales, and anterior and lateral intertransversii muscles; excludes the superficial back muscles which are appendicular and are innervated by ventral rami, and the trapezius, innervated by the spinal accessory nerve. SYN: musculi dorsi proprii [TA] , deep muscles of back, true muscles of back.
Bell m. a band of muscular fibers, forming a slight fold in the wall of the bladder, running from the uvula to the opening of the ureter on either side, bounding the trigonum.
biceps m. of arm SYN: biceps brachii (m.).
biceps brachii (m.) [TA] superficial m. of anterior (flexor) compartment of arm; origin, long head from supraglenoidal tubercle of scapula, short head from coracoid process; insertion, tuberosity of radius; action, flexes elbow and supinates forearm (it is the primary supinator of the forearm); nerve supply, musculocutaneous. SYN: musculus biceps brachii [TA] , biceps m. of arm.
biceps femoris (m.) [TA] hamstring m. of posterior compartment of thigh; origin, long head (caput longum) from tuberosity of ischium, short head (caput breve) from lower half of lateral lip of linea aspera; insertion, head of fibula; action, flexes knee and rotates the flexed leg laterally; nerve supply, long head, tibial, short head, fibular. SYN: musculus biceps femoris [TA] , biceps m. of thigh, musculus biceps flexor cruris.
biceps m. of thigh SYN: biceps femoris (m.).
bipennate m. SYN: pennate m..
Bochdalek m. SYN: musculus triticeoglossus.
Bowman m. SYN: ciliary m..
brachial m. SYN: brachialis (m.).
brachialis (m.) [TA] deep m. of anterior (flexor) compartment of arm; origin, lower two-thirds of anterior surface of humerus; insertion, coronoid process of ulna; action, flexes elbow; nerve supply, musculocutaneous, usually with a minor contribution from the radial. SYN: musculus brachialis [TA] , brachial m..
brachioradial m. SYN: brachioradialis (m.).
brachioradialis (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus; insertion, anterior aspect of base of styloid process of radius; action, flexes elbow and assists in returning the pronated or supinated limb to the neutral position; nerve supply, (common) radial. SYN: musculus brachioradialis [TA] , brachioradial m..
branchiomeric muscles the muscles associated with the branchial arches; they provide a large portion of the musculature for the face and neck; the myoblasts for these muscles originate from paroxial mesoderm, while the neural crest provides their connective tissue.
Braune m. SYN: puborectalis (m.).
broadest m. of back SYN: latissimus dorsi (m.).
bronchoesophageal m. SYN: bronchoesophageus (m.).
bronchoesophageus (m.) [TA] muscular fascicles, arising from the wall of the left bronchus, which reinforce the musculature of the esophagus. SYN: musculus bronchoesophageus [TA] , bronchoesophageal m..
Brücke m. the part of the ciliary m. formed by the meridional fibers. SYN: Crampton m..
buccinator (m.) [TA] facial m. of cheek; origin, posterior portion of alveolar portion of maxilla and mandible and pterygomandibular raphe; insertion, angle of mouth; also become interspersed with more horizontal portions of the orbicularis oris; action, flattens cheek, retracts angle of mouth; plays an important role in mastication, working with tongue and orbicularis oris m. to keep food between teeth; when it is paralyzed, as in Bell palsy, food accumulates in the oral vestibule; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus buccinator [TA] , cheek m..
bulbocavernosus m. SYN: bulbospongiosus (m.).
bulbospongiosus (m.) [TA] perineal m.; in the male: origin, the perineal membrane fascia on the dorsum of the bulb of the penis; insertion, central tendon of the perineum and the median raphe on the free surface of the bulb; action, voluntarily constricts bulbous urethra when attempting to expel last drops following urination, or spasmodically with, and following, ejaculation to expel semen. In the female: origin, the dorsum of the clitoris, the corpus cavernosum, and the perineal membrane; insertion, central tendon of the perineum; action, acts as a weak sphincter of the vagina; when developed, is a part of “cross-member musculature” of pelvic floor that resists prolapse of pelvic viscera; surrounds and compresses greater vestibular gland, especially during erection of bulb of vestibule, expressing secretion. Nerve supply, pudendal (deep perineal branch). SYN: musculus bulbospongiosus [TA] , bulbocavernosus m., musculus bulbocavernosus, musculus ejaculator seminis, musculus sphincter vaginae, sphincter vaginae.
cardiac m. the involuntary m. comprising the myocardium and walls of the pulmonary veins and superior vena cava, consisting of anastomosing transversely striated m. fibers formed of cells united at intercalated disks; the one or two nuclei of each cell are centrally located and the longitudinally arranged myofibrils have considerable sarcoplasm around them; connective tissue is limited to reticular and fine collagenous fibers; contraction is rhythmic and intrinsically stimulated. SYN: m. of heart.
Casser perforated m. SYN: coracobrachialis m..
ceratocricoid (m.) [TA] an inconstant fasciculus from the posterior cricoarytenoid m. inserted into the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage. SYN: musculus ceratocricoideus [TA] , Merkel m..
ceratoglossus (m.) [TA] main, posterior part of hyoglossus m. (vs. chondroglossus) arising from the greater horn of the hyoid bone. SYN: musculus ceratoglossus [TA] .
cervical iliocostal m. SYN: iliocostalis cervicis (m.).
cervical interspinal m. SYN: interspinales cervicis (muscles).
cervical interspinales muscles SYN: interspinales cervicis (muscles).
cervical longissimus m. SYN: longissimus cervicis (m.).
cervical rotator muscles SYN: rotatores cervicis (muscles).
cheek m. SYN: buccinator (m.).
chin m. SYN: mentalis (m.).
chondroglossus m. [TA] lesser part of hyoglossus, arising as fibers from lesser horn of hyoid bone, which are separated from the main part of the hyoglossus (the ceratoglossus) by slips of genioglossus m.. SYN: musculus chondroglossus.
ciliary m. [TA] the intrinsic smooth m. of the ciliary body of eyeball; it consists of circular fibers [TA] (fibrae circulares [TA]), radial fibers [TA] (fibrae radialis [TA]), meridional fibers [TA] (fibrae meridoneales [TA]), and longitudinal fibers [TA] (fibrae longitudinales [TA]); action, in contracting, its diameter is reduced (like a sphincter's), reducing tensile (stretching) forces on lens, allowing the lens to thicken for near vision (accommodation). SYN: musculus ciliaris [TA] , Bowman m., ciliary ligament.
coccygeal m. SYN: coccygeus m..
coccygeus m. [TA] striated pelvic m. associated with the deep (pelvic) aspect of the sacrospinous ligament, forming part of the pelvic diaphragm; origin, spine of ischium and sacrospinous ligament; insertion, sides of lower part of sacrum and upper part of coccyx; action, with the sacrospinous ligament assists in support of pelvic floor, theoretically increasingly so when intra-abdominal pressures increase; nerve supply, third and fourth sacral. SYN: musculus coccygeus [TA] , coccygeal m., ischiococcygeus, musculus ischiococcygeus.
muscles of coccyx the muscles of the coccyx considered as a group, including the musculus coccygeus and the inconstant ventral and dorsal sacrococcygeal muscles. SYN: musculi coccygei.
Coiter m. SYN: corrugator supercilii (m.).
compressor urethra (m.) [TA] part of the external urethral sphincter complex of m. consisting of a slender muscular band spanning between the more posterior aspects of the ischiopubic rami but looping anterior to the urethra so that its contraction pulls posteriorly on the urethra,, compressing its anterior wall against the posterior wall, closing the urethra like a gentle kink in a hose; Terminologia Anatomica lists this m. only for the female, but a similar structure has been described for the male. SYN: musculus compressor urethrae [TA] .
coracobrachial m. SYN: coracobrachialis m..
coracobrachialis m. [TA] m. of anterior (flexor) compartment of arm; origin, coracoid process of scapula; insertion, middle of medial border of humerus; action, adducts and flexes the arm; acts as a shunt m. in resisting downward dislocation of shoulder joint; nerve supply, musculocutaneous. SYN: musculus coracobrachialis [TA] , Casser perforated m., coracobrachial m..
corrugator m. SYN: corrugator supercilii (m.).
corrugator cutis m. of anus m. of anal triangle with m. fibers radiating from the superficial portion of the external sphincter to the deep aspect of the perianal skin, said to cause puckering of that skin, which contributes to the air/water-tight “seal” of the anal canal. SYN: musculus corrugator cutis ani.
corrugator supercilii (m.) [TA] facial m. of forehead; origin, from orbital portion of musculus orbicularis oculi and nasal prominence; insertion, skin of eyebrow; action, draws medial end of eyebrow downward and wrinkles forehead vertically, conveying expression of deep thought, worry, or concern; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus corrugator supercilii [TA] , Coiter m., corrugator m., wrinkler m. of eyebrow.
cowl m. SYN: trapezius (m.).
Crampton m. SYN: Brücke m..
cremaster m. [TA] origin, continuation of fibers from inferiormost internal oblique m. and slips arising from the inguinal ligament; insertion, becomes interspersed within cremasteric fascia of spermatic cord and intermediate covering of testis; in the female, the round ligament of the uterus; action, elevate testicle; nerve supply, genital branch of genitofemoral. SYN: musculus cremaster [TA] , Riolan m. (2) .
cricopharyngeus m. cricopharyngeal part of inferior constrictor (m.) of pharynx.
cricothyroid m. [TA] intrinsic laryngeal m.; origin, anterior surface of arch of cricoid; insertion, the anterior or straight part passes upward to ala of thyroid; the posterior or oblique part passes more outward to inferior horn of thyroid; action, acts at cricothyroid joint, pulling anterior aspects of thyroid and cricoid cartilages together, rotating the superior portion of the cricoid lamina and arytenoid cartilages posteriorly, causing vocal folds to tense, increasing the pitch of voice tone; the antagonist of this movement is the thyroarytenoid m.; nerve supply, external laryngeal branch of superior laryngeal nerve (from vagus). SYN: musculus cricothyroideus [TA] .
cruciate m. a general type of m. in which the muscles or bundles of m. fibers cross in an X-shaped configuration; e.g., the oblique arytenoid muscles. SYN: musculus cruciatus.
cutaneous m. [TA] a m. that lies in the subcutaneous tissue and attaches to the skin; it may or may not have a bony attachment. The muscles of expression are the chief examples of cutaneous muscles in the human. SYN: musculus cutaneus [TA] .
dartos m. smooth m. fibers interspersed within the dartos fascia (superficial fascia of scrotum), causing contraction of the scrotum, as when experiencing a cool environmental temperature. SEE ALSO: dartos fascia.
deep muscles of back SYN: muscles of back proper.
deep flexor (m.) of fingers SYN: flexor digitorum profundus (m.).
deep transverse perineal m. [TA] origin, ramus of ischium; insertion, with its fellow in the perineal body; action, with superficial transverse perineal m. in forming the transverse element of cross-member (the sagittal element being formed by bulbospongiosus and external anal sphincter muscles) that provides support of the perineum and the pelvic diaphragm above it during increased abdominopelvic pressure; in males, it adds support to the bulb of the penis; nerve supply, pudendal (dorsal nerve of penis/clitoris). SYN: musculus transversus perinei profundus [TA] , deep transverse m. of perineum.
deep transverse m. of perineum SYN: deep transverse perineal m..
deltoid (m.) [TA] intrinsic (scapulohumeral) m. of shoulder joint; origin, lateral third of anterior border of clavicle, lateral and posterior border of acromion process, lower border of spine of scapula; insertion, lateral side of shaft of humerus (deltoid tuberosity) a little above its middle; action, its anterior, middle, and posterior portions act independently to produce abduction, flexion, extension, and rotation of the humerus at the shoulder joint; nerve supply, axillary (fifth and sixth cervical spinal cord segments via the brachial plexus). SYN: musculus deltoideus [TA] .
depressor anguli oris (m.) [TA] facial m. of mouth; origin, anterolateral base of mandible anteriorly; insertion, blends with other muscles in lower lip near angle of mouth; action, pulls down corners of mouth; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus depressor anguli oris [TA] , musculus triangularis (2) [TA] , triangular m. (2) [TA] , musculus triangularis labii inferioris.
depressor m. of epiglottis SYN: thyroepiglottic part of thyroarytenoid (m.).
depressor m. of eyebrow SYN: depressor supercilii (m.).
depressor labii inferioris (m.) [TA] facial m. of mouth; origin, anterior portion of base of mandible; insertion, interdigitates with fibers of orbicularis oris musculus to reach skin of lower lip; action, depresses lower lip; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus depressor labii inferioris [TA] , depressor m. of lower lip, musculus quadratus labii inferioris, musculus quadratus menti.
depressor m. of lower lip SYN: depressor labii inferioris (m.).
depressor septi nasi (m.) [TA] facial m. of nose; a vertical fasciculus from the maxilla superior to the central incisor passing upward along the median line of the upper lip to insert into the mobile part of the nasal septum; action, works with alar (dilator) part of the nasalis m. to widen the nares during deep inspiration; depresses septum; nerve supply, buccal branch of facial. SYN: musculus depressor septi [TA] , depressor (m.) of septum.
depressor (m.) of septum SYN: depressor septi nasi (m.).
depressor supercilii (m.) [TA] facial m. arising from nasal part of frontal bone, medial to the corrugator supercili and inserting into the skin underlying the middle of the eyebrow; action, depresses eyebrow; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus depressor supercilii [TA] , depressor m. of eyebrow.
detrusor (m.) [TA] the muscular coat of the urinary bladder, which, along with gravity and increased intraabdominal pressure, facilitates emptying of bladder during urination by its contraction. SYN: musculus detrusor urinae [TA] .
digastric (m.) [TA] 1. one of the suprahyoid group of muscles consisting of two bellies united by a central tendon that passes through a fascial loop connected to the body of the hyoid bone; origin, by posterior belly from the digastric groove medial to the mastoid process; insertion, by anterior belly into lower border of mandible near midline; action, elevates the hyoid when mandible is fixed; depresses the mandible when hyoid is fixed; nerve supply, posterior belly from facial, anterior belly by nerve to the mylohyoid from the mandibular division of trigeminal; SYN: musculus biventer [TA] , musculus digastricus [TA] , two-bellied m. [TA] , biventer mandibulae, musculus biventer mandibulae. 2. a m. with two fleshy bellies separated by a fibrous insertion;
dilator m. [TA] a m. that opens an orifice or dilates the lumen of an organ; it is the dilating or opening component of a pylorus (the other component is the sphincter m.). SYN: musculus dilatator [TA] , musculus dilator.
dilator (m.) of ileocecal sphincter the longitudinal muscular fibers that open the ileal orifice at the level of the cecocolic junction. SYN: musculus dilator pylori ilealis.
dilator pupillae m. [TA] intrinsic “m.” of eyeball; radially disposed layer of muscular processes of the myoepithelial cells that form the epithelium of the posterior surface of the iris, which extends from the pupillary to the ciliary margin; sympathetic stimulation causes contraction, which slowly dilates the pupil to allow more light to reach the retina. SYN: musculus dilator pupillae [TA] , dilator iridis, dilator of pupil, musculus dilator iridis.
dilator (m.) of pylorus the longitudinal muscular fibers that open the gastroduodenal junction. SYN: musculus dilator pylori gastroduodenalis.
dorsal muscles SYN: muscles of back.
dorsal interossei (interosseous muscles) of foot [TA] four intrinsic muscles of the fourth layer of plantar muscles; origin, from sides of adjacent metatarsal bones; insertion, first into medial, second into lateral side of proximal phalanx of second toe, third and fourth into lateral side of proximal phalanx of third and fourth toes; action, abduct toes 2–4 from an axis through the second toe; nerve supply, lateral plantar. SYN: musculi interossei dorsalis pedis [TA] .
dorsal interossei (interosseous muscles) of hand [TA] four intrinsic muscles of the hand; origin, sides of adjacent metacarpal bones; insertion, proximal phalanges and extensor expansion, first on radial side of index, second on radial side of middle finger, third on ulnar side of middle finger, fourth on ulnar side of ring finger; action, abduct fingers 2–4 from the axis of the middle finger, nerve supply, ulnar. SYN: musculi interossei dorsalis manus [TA] .
dorsal sacrococcygeal m. SYN: dorsal sacrococcygeus m..
dorsal sacrococcygeus m. an inconstant and poorly developed m. on the dorsal surfaces of the sacrum and coccyx, the remains of a portion of the tail musculature of lower animals. SYN: dorsal sacrococcygeal m., musculus extensor coccygis, musculus sacrococcygeus dorsalis, musculus sacrococcygeus posterior.
Dupré m. SYN: articularis genus (m.).
Duverney m. SYN: lacrimal part of orbicularis oculi m.. See orbicularis oculi (m.).
elevator m. of anus SYN: levator ani (m.).
elevator (m.) of prostate SYN: puboprostaticus (m.).
elevator m. of rib SYN: levatores costarum (muscles).
elevator (m.) of scapula SYN: levator scapulae (m.).
(elevator) m. of soft palate SYN: levator veli palatini (m.).
elevator (m.) of thyroid gland SYN: levator (m.) of thyroid gland.
elevator (m.) of upper eyelid SYN: levator palpebrae superioris (m.).
elevator m. of upper lip SYN: levator labii superioris (m.).
elevator m. of upper lip and wing of nose SYN: levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (m.).
epicranial m. SYN: epicranius (m.).
epicranius (m.) [TA] compound facial (scalp) m. composed of the epicranial aponeurosis and the muscles inserting into it, i.e., the occipitofrontalis musculus and temporoparietalis musculus. SYN: musculus epicranius [TA] , epicranial m., scalp m..
erector m. of hair SYN: arrector m. of hair.
erector spinae (muscles) [TA] proper muscles of back; origin, from sacrum, ilium, and spines of lumbar vertebrae; it divides into three columns, iliocostalis musculus, longissimus musculus, and spinalis musculus, which insert into ribs and vertebrae with additional m. slips joining the columns at successively higher levels; action, extends and laterally flexes vertebral column; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves. SYN: musculus erector spinae [TA] , erector m. of spine, musculus sacrospinalis.
erector m. of spine SYN: erector spinae (muscles).
extensor m. [TA] m. producing extension, i.e., a movement that produces straightening, or an increase in the angle of a joint. SYN: musculus extensor [TA] .
extensor carpi radialis brevis (m.) [TA] m. of posterior compartment of forearm; origin, lateral epicondyle of humerus; insertion, base of third metacarpal bone; action, extends and abducts hand at wrist joint; nerve supply, deep radial. SYN: musculus extensor carpi radialis brevis [TA] , short radial extensor m. of wrist.
extensor carpi radialis longus (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, lateral supracondylar ridge of humerus; insertion, posterior aspect of base of second metacarpal bone; action, extends and abducts hand at wrist joint; nerve supply, radial. SYN: musculus extensor carpi radialis longus [TA] , long radial extensor m. of wrist.
extensor carpi ulnaris (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, lateral epicondyle of humerus (humeral head) and oblique line and posterior border of ulna (ulnar head); insertion, base of fifth metacarpal bone; action, extends and adducts hand at wrist joint; nerve supply, radial (posterior interosseous). SYN: musculus extensor carpi ulnaris [TA] , ulnar extensor (m.) of wrist.
extensor digiti minimi (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, lateral epicondyle of humerus; insertion, dorsum of proximal, middle, and distal phalanges of little finger; action, extends little finger; nerve supply, radial (posterior interosseous). SYN: musculus extensor digiti minimi [TA] , extensor (m.) of little finger, musculus extensor digiti quinti proprius, musculus extensor minimi digiti.
extensor digitorum m. [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, lateral epicondyle of humerus; insertion, by four tendons into the base of the proximal and middle and base of the distal phalanges; action, extends fingers, especially at metacarpophalangeal joint; nerve supply, radial (posterior interosseous). SYN: musculus extensor digitorum [TA] , extensor (m.) of fingers, musculus extensor digitorum communis.
extensor digitorum brevis (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of dorsum of foot; origin, dorsal surface of calcaneus; insertion, by four tendons fusing with those of the extensor digitorum longus, and by a slip attached independently to the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe; action, extends four lateral toes (II–V); nerve supply, deep fibular. SYN: musculus extensor digitorum brevis [TA] , musculus extensor brevis digitorum, short extensor (m.) of toes.
extensor digitorum brevis (m.) of hand a short extensor m. of the fingers of rare occurrence, and comparable to the short extensor of the toes. SYN: musculus extensor digitorum brevis manus, Pozzi m..
extensor digitorum longus (m.) [TA] m. of anterior (extensor/dorsiflexor) compartment of leg; origin, lateral condyle of tibia, upper two-thirds of anterior margin of fibula; insertion, by four tendons to the dorsal surfaces of the bases of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges of the second to fifth toes; action, extends the four lateral toes; nerve supply, deep fibular. SYN: musculus extensor digitorum longus [TA] , long extensor (m.) of toes, musculus extensor longus digitorum.
extensor (m.) of fingers SYN: extensor digitorum m..
extensor hallucis brevis (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of dorsum of foot considered by some anatomists as the medial belly of extensor digitorum brevis m.; origin, dorsal calcaneus; insertion, via a stout aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe; action, extends great toe; nerve supply, deep fibular. of which is inserted into the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe. SYN: musculus extensor hallucis brevis [TA] , short extensor (m.) of great toe.
extensor hallucis longus (m.) [TA] m. of anterior (extensor/dorsiflexor) compartment of leg; origin, anterior surface of fibula and interosseous membrane; insertion, dorsal aspect of base of distal phalanx of great toe; action, extends the great toe; nerve supply, deep fibular. SYN: musculus extensor hallucis longus [TA] , long extensor (m.) of great toe.
extensor indicis (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, dorsal surface of distal ulna and adjacent interosseous membrane; insertion, extensor expansion of index finger; action, independently extends the index finger and assists in extending hand at wrist joint; nerve supply, radial (posterior interosseous). SYN: musculus extensor indicis [TA] , index extensor (m.), musculus extensor indicis proprius.
extensor (m.) of little finger SYN: extensor digiti minimi (m.).
extensor pollicis brevis (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, dorsal surface of distal radius and adjacent interosseous membrane; insertion, posterior aspect of base of proximal phalanx of thumb; action, extends and abducts the thumb at metacarpophalangeal joint; nerve supply, radial joint (posterior interosseous). SYN: musculus extensor pollicis brevis [TA] , musculus extensor brevis pollicis, short extensor (m.) of thumb.
extensor pollicis longus (m.) [TA] m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of forearm; origin, posterior surface of middle of shaft of ulna; insertion, dorsal aspect of base of distal phalanx of thumb; action, extends distal phalanx of thumb; nerve supply, radial (posterior interosseous). SYN: musculus extensor pollicis longus [TA] , long extensor (m.) of thumb, musculus extensor longus pollicis.
external intercostal (m.) [TA] flat m. of thorax arising from lower border of one rib and pass obliquely downward and forward to be inserted into the upper border of rib below; action, contract during inspiration to elevate ribs; also to maintain tension in the intercostal spaces to resist inward movement during inspiration; nerve supply, intercostal. SYN: musculus intercostales externi [TA] .
external oblique (m.) [TA] flat m. of abdomen; origin, external surfaces of fifth to twelfth ribs; insertion, anterior half of lateral lip of iliac crest and inguinal ligament inferiorly, and continuing medially as part of the anterior layer of the rectus sheath; action, supports and compresses abdominal viscera; flexes and rotates trunk; nerve supply, thoracoabdominal nerves. SYN: musculus obliquus externus abdominis [TA] , abdominal external oblique (m.).
external obturator m. SYN: obturator externus (m.).
external pterygoid m. SYN: lateral pterygoid (m.).
external sphincter m. of anus SYN: external anal sphincter.
extraocular muscles [TA] the muscles within the orbit but outside of eyeball, including the four rectus muscles (superior, inferior, medial and lateral); two oblique muscles (superior and inferior), and the levator of the superior eyelid (levator palpebrae superioris). SYN: musculi externi bulbi oculi [TA] , extrinsic muscles of eyeball&star, muscles of eyeball, musculi bulbi, ocular muscles.
extrinsic muscles muscles arising outside of, but which act upon, the structure under consideration. For example, the muscles operating the hand but having fleshy bellies located in the forearm.
extrinsic muscles of eyeball extraocular muscles.
muscles of eyeball SYN: extraocular muscles.
facial muscles [TA] the numerous muscles supplied by the facial nerve that are attached to and move the skin of the face. Terminologia Anatomica includes the buccinator m. in this group because of its innervation and embryonic origin, even though it functions primarily in mastication. SYN: mimetic muscles, muscles of facial expression, musculi faciei.
muscles of facial expression SYN: facial muscles.
femoral m. SYN: vastus intermedius (m.).
fibularis brevis (m.) [TA] origin, lower two-thirds of lateral surface of fibula; insertion, base of fifth metatarsal bone; action, everts foot; nerve supply, superficial peroneal. SYN: musculus fibularis brevis [TA] , musculus peroneus brevis&star, peroneus brevis (m.)&star, short fibular m., short peroneal m..
fibularis longus (m.) [TA] origin, upper two-thirds of outer surface of fibula and lateral condyle of tibia; insertion, by tendon passing behind lateral malleolus and across sole of foot to medial cuneiform and base of first metatarsal; action, plantar flexes and everts foot; nerve supply, superficial peroneal. SYN: musculus fibularis longus [TA] , musculus peroneus longus&star, peroneus longus (m.)&star, long fibular m., long peroneal m..
fibularis tertius (m.) [TA] origin, in common with musculus extensor digitorum longus; insertion, dorsum of base of fifth metatarsal bone; nerve supply, deep branch of peroneal; action, assists in dorsiflexion and eversion of foot. SYN: musculus fibularis tertius [TA] , musculus peroneus tertius&star, peroneus tertius (m.)&star, third peroneal m..
fixator m. a m. that acts as a stabilizer of one part of the body during movement of another part.
flat m. [TA] broad, relatively thin, sheetlike m., e.g., muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall (external and internal oblique, transversus abdominis). SYN: musculus plana [TA] .
flexor m. [TA] m. producing flexion, i.e., a movement that bends or decreases the angle of joints. SYN: musculus flexor [TA] .
flexor accessorius (m.) quadratus plantae (m.).
flexor carpi radialis (m.) [TA] m. of the anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, common flexor origin of medial condyle of humerus; insertion, anterior surface of the base of the second and most often sending a slip to that of the third metacarpal bone; action, flexes and abducts wrist; nerve supply, median; its tendon travels in its own canal roofed by a layer of the transverse carpal ligament. SYN: musculus flexor carpi radialis [TA] , radial flexor (m.) of wrist.
flexor carpi ulnaris (m.) [TA] m. of anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, via a humeral head from the medial condyle of humerus and an ulnar head from the olecranon and upper three-fifths of posterior border of ulna; insertion, pisiform bone, but is continued to the fifth metacarpal bone via the pisometacarpal ligament; action, flexes and adducts the hand at the wrist joint ulnarward; nerve supply, ulnar. SYN: musculus flexor carpi ulnaris [TA] , ulnar flexor (m.) of wrist.
flexor digiti minimi brevis (m.) of foot [TA] m. of third layer of plantar muscles; origin, base of metatarsal bone of the little toe and sheath of fibularis longus m.; insertion, lateral surface of base of proximal phalanx of little toe; action, flexes the little toe at the metacarpophalangeal joint; nerve supply, lateral plantar. SYN: musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis pedis [TA] , short flexor (m.) of little toe.
flexor digiti minimi brevis (m.) of hand [TA] hypothenar m. of palm; origin, hook of hamate bone; insertion, medial side of proximal phalanx of little finger; action, flexes little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint; nerve supply, deep branch of ulnar. SYN: musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis manus [TA] , short flexor (m.) of little finger.
flexor digitorum brevis (m.) [TA] m. of first layer of lantar muscles; origin, medial tubercle of calcaneus and plantar aponeurosis; insertion, middle phalanges of four lateral toes by tendons perforated by those of the flexor digitorum longus; action, flexes lateral four toes; nerve supply, medial plantar. SYN: musculus flexor digitorum brevis [TA] , musculus flexor brevis digitorum, short flexor (m.) of toes.
flexor digitorum longus (m.) [TA] m. of deep posterior or flexor (plantar flexor) comparment of leg; origin, middle third of posterior surface of tibia; insertion, by four tendons, perforating those of the flexor brevis, into bases of distal phalanges of four lateral toes; action, flexes second to fifth toes; nerve supply, tibial nerve. SYN: musculus flexor digitorum longus [TA] , long flexor (m.) of toes, musculus flexor longus digitorum.
flexor digitorum profundus (m.) [TA] m. of deep layer of anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, anterior surface of proximal third of ulna; insertion, by four tendons, piercing those of the flexor digitorum superficialis, into anterior aspect of the base of distal phalanx of each finger; action, flexes distal interphalangeal joint of fingers; nerve supply, ulnar and median (anterior interosseous m.). SYN: musculus flexor digitorum profundus [TA] , deep flexor (m.) of fingers, musculus flexor profundus.
flexor digitorum superficialis (m.) [TA] intermediate m. of anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, via a humeroulnar head from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the medial border of the coronoid process, and a tendinous arch between these points, and a radial head from the oblique line and middle third of the lateral border of the radius; insertion, by four split tendons, passing to either side of the flexor digitorum profundus tendons, into sides of middle phalanx of each finger; action, flexes proximal interphalangeal joint of the fingers; nerve supply, median. SYN: musculus flexor digitorum superficialis [TA] , musculus flexor digitorum sublimis, musculus flexor sublimis, superficial flexor (m.) of fingers.
flexor hallucis brevis (m.) [TA] thenar m. of palm; origin, medial surface of cuboid and middle and lateral cuneiform bones; insertion, by two tendons, embracing that of the flexor longus hallucis, into the sides of the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe; action, flexes great toe; nerve supply, medial and lateral plantar. SYN: musculus flexor hallucis brevis [TA] , musculus flexor brevis hallucis, short flexor (m.) of great toe.
flexor hallucis longus (m.) [TA] m. of deep posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of leg; origin, lower two-thirds of posterior surface of fibula; insertion, base of distal phalanx of great toe; action, flexes great toe; nerve supply, medial plantar. SYN: musculus flexor hallucis longus [TA] , long flexor (m.) of great toe, musculus flexor longus hallucis.
flexor pollicis brevis (m.) [TA] thenar m. of palm; origin, superficial portion from flexor retinaculum of wrist, deep portion from ulnar side of first metacarpal bone; insertion, palmar aspect of base of proximal phalanx of thumb; action, flexes proximal phalanx of thumb; nerve supply, median (superficial head) and deep branch of ulnar (deep head). Some authors consider the deep head to be the first in a series of four palmar interossei muscles of the hand. SYN: musculus flexor pollicis brevis [TA] , short flexor (m.) of thumb.
flexor pollicis longus (m.) [TA] m. of deep layer of anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, anterior surface of middle third of radius; insertion, palmar aspect of distal phalanx of thumb; action, flexes thumb at interphalangeal joint; nerve supply, median (anterior interosseous). SYN: musculus flexor pollicis longus [TA] , long flexor m. of thumb, musculus flexor longus pollicis.
four-headed m. [TA] having four heads; denoting a m. of the thigh, quadriceps femoris m., and—uncommonly—one of the calf, quadriceps surae m., or the combined gastrocnemius (with two heads), soleus, and plantaris, more commonly called triceps surae m., the plantaris being counted as a separate m.. SYN: quadriceps.
frontalis m. SYN: frontal belly of occipitofrontalis m..
fusiform m. [TA] one that has a fleshy belly, tapering at either extremity. SYN: musculus fusiformis [TA] , spindle-shaped m..
Gantzer m. an accessory m. extending from the superficial flexor of the digits to the deep flexor of the digits.
gastrocnemius (m.) [TA] superficial m. of posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of leg; origin, by two heads (lateral and medial) from the lateral and medial condyles of the femur; insertion, with soleus by tendo calcaneus into lower half of posterior surface of calcaneus; action, plantar flexion of foot; nerve supply, tibial. SYN: musculus gastrocnemius [TA] , gastrocnemius.
Gavard m. oblique fibers in the muscular coat of the stomach.
genioglossal m. SYN: genioglossus (m.).
genioglossus (m.) [TA] one of the paired lingual muscles; origin, mental spine of the mandible; insertion, lingual fascia beneath the mucous membrane and epiglottis; action, depresses and protrudes the tongue; nerve supply, hypoglossal. SYN: musculus genioglossus [TA] , genioglossal m., genioglossus, musculus geniohyoglossus.
geniohyoid (m.) [TA] one of the suprahyoid muscles of the neck; origin, mental spine of mandible; insertion, body of hyoid bone; action, draws hyoid forward, or depresses jaw when hyoid is fixed; nerve supply, fibers from ventral primary rami of first and second cervical spinal nerves conveyed by the hypoglossal nerve. SYN: musculus geniohyoideus [TA] , geniohyoid, geniohyoideus.
gluteus maximus (m.) [TA] superficial m. of buttock; origin, ilium behind posterior gluteal line, posterior surface of sacrum and coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament; insertion, iliotibial band of fascia lata (superficial three-quarters) and gluteal ridge (deep inferior one-quarter) of femur; action, extends thigh, especially from the flexed position, as in climbing stairs or rising from a sitting position; nerve supply, inferior gluteal. SYN: musculus gluteus maximus [TA] .
gluteus medius (m.) [TA] intermediate m. of buttock; origin, ilium between anterior and posterior gluteal lines; insertion, lateral surface of greater trochanter; action, abducts and medially rotates thigh; nerve supply, superior gluteal. SYN: musculus gluteus medius [TA] , mesogluteus.
gluteus minimus (m.) [TA] deep m. of buttock; origin, ilium between anterior and inferior gluteal lines; insertion, greater trochanter of femur; action, abducts and medially rotates thigh; nerve supply, superior gluteal. SYN: musculus gluteus minimus [TA] .
gracilis (m.) [TA] m. of medial compartment of thigh; origin, ramus of pubis near symphysis; insertion, shaft of tibia below medial tuberosity (see pes anserinus); action, adducts thigh, flexes knee, rotates leg medially; nerve supply, obturator. SYN: musculus gracilis [TA] , gracilis (2) .
great adductor m. SYN: adductor magnus (m.).
greater pectoral m. SYN: pectoralis major (m.).
greater posterior rectus m. of head SYN: rectus capitis posterior major (m.).
greater psoas m. SYN: psoas major (m.).
greater rhomboid m. SYN: rhomboid major (m.).
greater zygomatic m. SYN: zygomaticus major (m.).
Guthrie m. SYN: external urethral sphincter.
hamstring muscles the muscles at the back of the thigh, comprising the long head of biceps, the semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus muscles; hamstring muscles ariose from ischial tuberosity, act across both hip and knee joints, and are innervated by the tibial nerve.
muscles of head [TA] the muscles of expression, of mastication, and the suboccipital muscles in general. SYN: musculi capitis [TA] .
m. of heart SYN: cardiac m..
helicis major (m.) [TA] auricular m. occurring as a narrow band of muscular fibers on the anterior border of the helix of the auricle, arising from the spine and inserted at the point where the helix becomes transverse. SYN: musculus helicis major [TA] , large m. of helix.
helicis minor (m.) [TA] auricular m. occurring as a band of oblique fibers covering the crus of the helix of the auricle. SYN: musculus helicis minor [TA] , smaller m. of helix.
Horner m. SYN: lacrimal part of orbicularis oculi m.. See orbicularis oculi (m.).
Houston m. SYN: compressor venae dorsalis penis.
hyoglossal m. SYN: hyoglossus (m.).
hyoglossus (m.) [TA] m. of tongue; origin, body and greater horn of hyoid bone; insertion, side of the tongue; action, retracts and pulls down side of tongue; nerve supply, motor by hyoglossal, sensory by lingual. SYN: musculus hyoglossus [TA] , hyoglossal m., hyoglossus.
iliac m. SYN: iliacus (m.).
iliacus (m.) [TA] origin, iliac fossa; insertion, via a common tendon with psoas major into anterior surface of lesser trochanter of the femur, and capsule of hip joint; action, flexes thigh and rotates it medially; nerve supply, lumbar plexus. SYN: musculus iliacus [TA] , iliac m..
iliacus minor (m.) the fibers of the iliacus arising from the anterior inferior iliac spine and inserted into the iliofemoral ligament, sometimes distinctly separate from the rest of the m.. SYN: musculus iliacus minor, musculus iliocapsularis.
iliococcygeal m. SYN: iliococcygeus (m.).
iliococcygeus (m.) [TA] the posterior part of the levator ani; origin, tendinous arch of the levator ani m. (obturator fascia); insertion, anococcygeal ligament and coccyx; action, resistance to increase intrapelvic pressure, postdefecatory elevation of anal canal. SYN: musculus iliococcygeus [TA] , iliococcygeal m..
iliocostal m. SYN: iliocostalis (m.).
iliocostalis (m.) [TA] the lateral division of the erector spinae, having three subdivisions: iliocostalis lumborum musculus, iliocostalis thoracis musculus, and iliocostalis cervicis musculus. SYN: musculus iliocostalis [TA] , iliocostal m..
iliocostalis cervicis (m.) [TA] deep back (erector spinae) m.; origin, angles of upper six ribs; insertion, transverse processes of middle cervical vertebrae; action, extends, abducts, and rotates cervical vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal branches of upper thoracic nerves. SYN: musculus iliocostalis cervicis [TA] , cervical iliocostal m., cervicalis ascendens (1) , musculus cervicalis ascendens.
iliocostalis lumborum (m.) [TA] deep back (erector spinae) m.; origin, posterior aspect of sacrum and thoracolumbar fascia; insertion, the angles of lower six ribs; action, extends, abducts, and rotates lumbar vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal branches of thoracic and lumbar nerves. SYN: musculus iliocostalis lumborum [TA] , lumbar iliocostal m., musculus sacrolumbalis.
iliocostalis thoracis (m.) [TA] deep back (erector spinae) m.; origin, medial side of angles of lower six ribs; insertion, angles of upper six ribs; action, extends, abducts, and rotates thoracic vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal branches of thoracic nerves. SYN: musculus iliocostalis thoracis [TA] , musculus iliocostalis dorsi.
iliopsoas (m.) [TA] a compound m., consisting of the iliacus musculus and psoas major musculus inserting via a common tendon into the anterior surface of the lesser trochanter of the femur. SYN: musculus iliopsoas [TA] .
index extensor (m.) SYN: extensor indicis (m.).
inferior constrictor (m.) of pharynx [TA] lowest part of outer “circular” m. layer of pharynx; origin, outer surfaces of thyroid (thyropharyngeal part [TA]) and cricoid (cricopharyngeal part [TA], musculus cricopharyngeus [TA]; superior or upper esophageal sphincter m.) cartilages; insertion, pharyngeal raphe in the posterior portion of wall of pharynx; action, narrows lower part of pharynx in swallowing, the cricopharyngeal part has a sphincteric function for the esophagus, allowing some voluntary control of eructation and reflux; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus (cranial root of accessory nerve via the vagus) and rami of the external and recurrent laryngeal nerves. SYN: musculus constrictor pharyngis inferior [TA] , laryngopharyngeus, musculus laryngopharyngeus, superior esophageal sphincter.
inferior gemellus (m.) [TA] deep m. of gluteal region; origin, tuberosity of ischium; insertion, tendon of musculus obturator internus; action, rotates thigh laterally; nerve supply, sacral plexus. SYN: musculus gemellus inferior [TA] , gemellus.
inferior lingual m. SYN: inferior longitudinal m. of tongue.
inferior longitudinal m. of tongue [TA] an intrinsic m. of the tongue, cylindrical in shape, occupying the underpart on either side; action, shortens the lower part of the tongue; nerve supply, motor by hypoglossal, sensory by lingual. SYN: musculus longitudinalis inferior linguae [TA] , inferior lingual m..
inferior oblique (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, orbital plate of maxilla lateral to the lacrimal groove; insertion, sclera between the superior and lateral recti; action, primary, extorsion; secondary, elevation and abduction; nerve supply, oculomotor (inferior branch). SYN: musculus obliquus inferior [TA] .
inferior oblique m. of head SYN: obliquus capitis inferior (m.).
inferior posterior serratus m. SYN: serratus posterior inferior (m.).
inferior rectus (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, inferior part of the common tendinous ring; insertion, inferior part of sclera of the eye; action, primary, depression; secondary, adduction and extorsion; nerve supply, oculomotor (inferior branch). SYN: musculus rectus inferior [TA] .
inferior tarsal m. [TA] poorly developed smooth m. in the lower eyelid that acts to widen the palpebral fissure. SYN: musculus tarsalis inferior [TA] .
infrahyoid muscles [TA] the small, flat muscles inferior to the hyoid bone including the sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and levator m. of the thyroid gland. SYN: musculi infrahyoidei [TA] , strap muscles.
infraspinatus (m.) [TA] intrinsic (scapulohumeral) m. of shoulder joint, the tendon of which contributes to the formation of the rotator cuff; origin, infraspinous fossa of scapula; insertion, middle facet of greater tubercle of humerus; action, extends arm and rotates it laterally; its tonic contraction helps to hold the head of the humerus in the shallow glenoid fossa; nerve supply, suprascapular (from fifth to sixth cervical spinal nerves). SYN: musculus infraspinatus [TA] .
innermost intercostal (m.) [TA] flat m. of thorax that occurs as a layer parallel to and essentially part of the internal intercostal m. but separated from it by the intercostal vessels and nerves. See also entries under internal intercostal m. for attachment, action and nerve supply. SYN: musculus intercostalis intimus [TA] .
intermediate great m. SYN: vastus intermedius (m.).
intermediate vastus (m.) SYN: vastus intermedius (m.).
internal intercostal (m.) [TA] flat m. of thorax arising from lower border of rib and passes obliquely downward and backward to be inserted into upper border of rib below; action, contract during expiration, also maintain tension in the intercostal spaces to resist mediolateral movement; nerve supply, intercostal. SYN: musculus intercostalis internus [TA] .
internal oblique (m.) [TA] flat m. of anterolateral abdominal wall; origin, iliac fascia deep to lateral part of inguinal ligament, anterior half of crest of ilium, and lumbar fascia; insertion, tenth to twelfth ribs, with aponeurosis contributing to the sheath of rectus; some of the fibers from inguinal ligament terminate in the conjoint tendon; action, diminishes capacity of abdomen, flexes lumbar vertebral column (bends thorax forward); nerve supply, lower thoracic. SYN: musculus obliquus internus abdominis [TA] , abdominal internal oblique m..
internal obturator m. SYN: obturator internus (m.).
internal pterygoid m. SYN: medial pterygoid (m.).
internal sphincter m. of anus SYN: internal anal sphincter.
interosseous muscles [TA] muscles which arise from and run between the long (metacarpal and metatarsal) bones of the hand and foot, extending to and producing movement of the digits. SEE ALSO: dorsal interossei (interosseous muscles) of foot, dorsal interossei (interosseous muscles) of hand, palmar interossei (interosseous muscles), plantar interossei (interosseous muscles). SYN: musculi interossei [TA] .
interspinal muscles SYN: interspinales (muscles).
interspinales (muscles) [TA] the paired muscles between spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae; subdivided into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar muscles. SYN: musculi interspinales [TA] , interspinal muscles.
interspinales cervicis (muscles) [TA] continuation of deep back m. into neck; origin, tubercle of spinous process of cervical vertebra; insertion, tubercle of spinous process of next superior vertebra; action, extends the neck; nerve supply, dorsal rami of cervical nerves. SYN: cervical interspinal m., cervical interspinales muscles, musculus interspinalis cervicis.
interspinales lumborum (muscles) [TA] deep m. of lower back; origin, superior margin of lumbar spinous process; insertion, inferior margin of next superior spinous process; action, extends lumbar vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of lumbar spinal nerves. SYN: musculus interspinalis lumborum [TA] , lumbar interspinal m..
interspinales thoracis (muscles) [TA] often poorly developed or absent deep muscles of back spanning between spinous process of thoracic vertebrae; action, extends thoracic vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of thoracic nerves. SYN: musculus interspinalis thoracis [TA] , thoracic interspinal m., thoracic interspinales muscles.
intertransversarii (muscles) [TA] the paired muscles between transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae; there are anterior and posterior muscles in the cervical region; lateral and medial muscles in the lumbar region; and single muscles in the thoracic region. SYN: musculi intertransversarii [TA] , intertransverse muscles.
intertransverse muscles SYN: intertransversarii (muscles).
intrinsic muscles muscles fully contained (origin, belly, and insertion) within the structure under consideration. For example, the interossei and lumbrical muscles are intrinsic muscles of the hand.
intrinsic muscles of foot muscles fully contained (origin, belly, insertion) in the foot and toes. These muscles are arranged in four layers and all are innervated by the plantar branches of the tibial nerve. Although they may be capable of producing the actions described under their individual entries, as a group the primary function of the intrinsic muscles of the foot is to provide dynamic support of the longitudinal arch of the foot, resisting the forces which act momentarily to spread the arch during walking and running.
involuntary muscles muscles not ordinarily under control of the will; except in the case of the heart, they are composed of smooth (nonstriated) m. fibers, innervated by the autonomic nervous system.
ischiocavernous (m.) [TA] m. of urogenital triangle; origin, ramus of ischium; insertion, corpus cavernosum penis (or clitoridis); action, compresses the crus of the penis (or clitoris) forcing blood in its sinuses into the distal part of the corpus cavernosum and diminishing egress of venous blood; nerve supply, pudendal (perineal). SYN: musculus ischiocavernosus [TA] , musculus erector clitoridis, musculus erector penis.
Jung m. SYN: pyramidal m. of auricle.
Kohlrausch m. the longitudinal muscles of the rectal wall.
Landström m. microscopic m. fibers in the fascia behind and about the eyeball, attached anteriorly to the lids and anterior orbital fascia; its action is to draw the eyeball forward and the lids backward, resisting the pull of the four orbital muscles.
Langer m. SYN: pectorodorsalis m..
large m. of helix SYN: helicis major (m.).
muscles of larynx [TA] the intrinsic muscles that regulate the length, position, and tension of the vocal cords and serve as sphincters and dilators of the airway, adjusting the size of the openings between the aryepiglottic folds, the ventricular folds and the vocal folds. SYN: musculi laryngis [TA] .
lateral cricoarytenoid (m.) [TA] an intrinsic m. of larynx; origin, upper margin of arch of cricoid cartilage; insertion, muscular process of arytenoid; action, adducts vocal folds (narrows rima glottidis); nerve supply, recurrent laryngeal. SYN: musculus cricoarytenoideus lateralis [TA] .
lateral great m. SYN: vastus lateralis (m.).
lateral lumbar intertransversarii (muscles) [TA] deep m. of lower back; origin, transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae; insertion, next superior transverse process; action, abducts lumbar vertebrae; nerve supply, ventral branches of lumbar nerves. SYN: musculi intertransversarii laterales lumborum [TA] , lateral lumbar intertransverse muscles.
lateral lumbar intertransverse muscles SYN: lateral lumbar intertransversarii (muscles).
lateral posterior cervical intertransversarii muscles [TA] See posterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles).
lateral pterygoid (m.) [TA] masticatory m. of infratemporal fossa; origin, inferior head from lateral lamina of pterygoid process; superior head from infratemporal crest and adjacent greater wing of the sphenoid; insertion, into pterygoid fovea of mandible and articular disk and capsule of temporomandibular joint; action, protrudes lower jaw to enable opening of mouth; unilateral contraction deviates chin laterally, enabling grinding motion for chewing; nerve supply, nerve to lateral pterygoid from mandibular division of trigeminal. SYN: musculus pterygoideus lateralis [TA] , external pterygoid m., musculus pterygoideus externus.
lateral rectus (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, lateral part of the common tendinous ring that bridges superior orbital fissure; insertion, lateral part of sclera of eye; action, abduction; nerve supply, abducens. SYN: musculus rectus lateralis [TA] , abducens oculi, musculus rectus externus.
lateral rectus m. of the head SYN: rectus capitis lateralis (m.).
lateral vastus (m.) SYN: vastus lateralis (m.).
latissimus dorsi (m.) [TA] thoracoappendicular m. (superficial m. of back); origin, spinous processes of lower five or six thoracic and the lumbar vertebrae, median ridge of sacrum, and outer lip of iliac crest; insertion, with teres major into posterior lip of bicipital groove of humerus; action, adducts arm, rotates it medially, and extends it; nerve supply, thoracodorsal. SYN: musculus latissimus dorsi [TA] , broadest m. of back.
lesser rhomboid m. SYN: rhomboid minor (m.).
lesser zygomatic m. SYN: zygomaticus minor (m.).
levator anguli oris (m.) [TA] facial m. of upper lip; origin, canine fossa of maxilla; insertion, orbicularis oris and skin at angle of mouth; action, raises angle of mouth; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus levator anguli oris [TA] , musculus caninus, musculus triangularis labii superioris.
levator ani (m.) [TA] compound m. of pelvis; formed by pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles; origin, posterior body of pubis, tendinous arch of the levator ani (obturator fascia), and spine of ischium; insertion, anococcygeal ligament, sides of the lower part of the sacrum and of coccyx; action, resists prolapsing forces and draws the anus upward following defecation; supports the pelvic viscera; nerve supply, nerve to levator ani (fourth sacral spinal nerve). SYN: musculus levator ani [TA] , elevator m. of anus.
levatores costarum longi (muscles) [TA] vertebrothoracic (costovertebral) muscles; insertion, the second rib below their origin; action, raise ribs; nerve supply, intercostal. SYN: musculi levatores costarum longi [TA] , long levatores costarum (muscles).
levatores costarum (muscles) [TA] m. of thorax; origin, tips of transverse processes of C7 and T1–T11 vertebrae; insertion, ribs, between tubercle and angle; action, elevate ribs for deep inspiration; nerve, dorsal rami of C8–T11 spinal nerves. See levatores costarum longi (muscles), levatores costarum breves (muscles). SYN: musculi levatores costarum [TA] , elevator m. of rib, musculus levator costae.
levatores costarum breves (muscles) [TA] origin, the transverse processes of last cervical and eleven thoracic vertebrae; insertion ribs immediately below, between angle and tubercle. SYN: musculi levatores costarum breves [TA] , short levatores costarum (muscles).
levator labii superioris (m.) [TA] facial m. of upper lip; origin, maxilla below infraorbital foramen; insertion, interspersed with orbicularis oris to reach skin of upper lip; action, elevates upper lip; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus levator labii superioris [TA] , caput infraorbitale quadrati labii superioris, elevator m. of upper lip.
levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (m.) [TA] facial m. of upper lip and nose; origin, root of nasal process of maxilla; insertion, wing of nose and orbicularis oris m. of upper lip; action, elevates upper lip and wing of nose; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus levator labii superioris alaeque nasi [TA] , caput angulare quadrati labii superioris, elevator m. of upper lip and wing of nose.
levator palati (m.) SYN: levator veli palatini (m.).
levator palpebrae superioris (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, orbital surface of the lesser wing of the sphenoid, above and anterior to the optic canal; insertion, skin of eyelid, tarsal plate, and orbital walls, by medial and lateral expansions of the aponeurosis of insertion; action, raises the upper eyelid; nerve supply, oculomotor. SYN: musculus levator palpebrae superioris [TA] , elevator (m.) of upper eyelid, musculus orbitopalpebralis, palpebralis.
levator prostatae (m.) puboprostaticus (m.).
levator scapulae (m.) [TA] extrinsic m. of the shoulder; origin, from posterior tubercles of transverse processes of four upper cervical vertebrae; insertion, into superior angle of scapula; action, raises the scapula; nerve supply, dorsal scapular nerve. SYN: musculus levator scapulae [TA] , elevator (m.) of scapula, musculus levator anguli scapulae.
levator (m.) of thyroid gland [TA] a fasciculus occasionally passing from the thyrohyoid m. to the isthmus of the thyroid gland. SYN: musculus levator glandulae thyroideae [TA] , elevator (m.) of thyroid gland, Soemmerring m..
levator veli palatini (m.) [TA] m. of soft palate; origin, apex of petrous portion of temporal bone and lower part of cartilaginous pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube; insertion, aponeurosis of soft palate; action, raises soft palate; through the expansion of its fleshy belly during contraction, it helps to “push” open the auditory tube for equilibration of pressure; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus (cranial root of accessory nerve). SYN: musculus levator veli palatini [TA] , (elevator) m. of soft palate, levator palati (m.), musculus levator palati, musculus petrostaphylinus.
lingual muscles SYN: muscles of tongue.
long abductor m. of thumb SYN: abductor pollicis longus (m.).
long adductor m. SYN: adductor longus (m.).
long extensor (m.) of great toe SYN: extensor hallucis longus (m.).
long extensor (m.) of thumb SYN: extensor pollicis longus (m.).
long extensor (m.) of toes SYN: extensor digitorum longus (m.).
long fibular m. SYN: fibularis longus (m.).
long flexor (m.) of great toe SYN: flexor hallucis longus (m.).
long flexor m. of thumb SYN: flexor pollicis longus (m.).
long flexor (m.) of toes SYN: flexor digitorum longus (m.).
long m. of head SYN: longus capitis (m.).
longissimus (m.) [TA] the intermediate division of the erector spinae m. having three subdivisions: longissimus capitis m., longissimus cervicis m., and longissimus thoracis m.. SYN: musculus longissimus [TA] .
longissimus capitis (m.) [TA] intermediate erector spinae m. in neck; origin, from transverse processes of upper thoracic and transverse and articular processes of lower and middle cervical vertebrae; insertion, into mastoid process; action, keeps head erect, draws it backward or to one side; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical spinal nerves. SYN: musculus longissimus capitis [TA] , musculus complexus minor, musculus trachelomastoideus, musculus transversalis capitis.
longissimus cervicis (m.) [TA] intermediate erector spinae m. in neck; origin, transverse processes of upper thoracic vertebrae; insertion, transverse processes of middle and upper cervical vertebrae; action, extends cervical vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves. SYN: musculus longissimus cervicis [TA] , cervical longissimus m., musculus transversalis cervicis, musculus transversalis colli.
longissimus thoracis (m.) [TA] intermediate erector spinae m. of back; origin, with iliocostalis and from transverse processes of lower thoracic vertebrae; insertion, by lateral slips into most or all of the ribs between angles and tubercles and into tips of transverse processes of upper lumbar vertebrae, and by medial slips into accessory processes of upper lumbar and transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae; action, extends vertebral column; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves. SYN: musculus longissimus thoracis [TA] , musculus longissimus dorsi, thoracic longissimus m..
long levatores costarum (muscles) SYN: levatores costarum longi (muscles).
long m. of neck SYN: longus colli (m.).
long palmar m. SYN: palmaris longus (m.).
long peroneal m. SYN: fibularis longus (m.).
long radial extensor m. of wrist SYN: extensor carpi radialis longus (m.).
longus capitis (m.) [TA] prevertebral m. of neck; origin, anterior tubercles of transverse processes of third to sixth cervical vertebrae; insertion, basilar process of occipital bone; action, twists or flexes neck anteriorly; nerve supply, cervical plexus. SYN: musculus longus capitis [TA] , long m. of head, musculus rectus capitis anticus major.
longus colli (m.) [TA] prevertebral m. of neck; medial part: origin, the bodies of the third thoracic to the fifth cervical vertebrae; insertion, the bodies of the second to fourth cervical vertebrae; superolateral part: origin, the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third to fifth cervical vertebrae; insertion, the anterior tubercle of the atlas; inferolateral part: origin, the bodies of the first to third thoracic vertebrae; insertion, the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae; action, for all three parts, twist neck and flex neck anteriorly; nerve supply, for all three parts, ventral primary rami of cervical spinal nerves (cervical plexus). SYN: musculus longus colli [TA] , long m. of neck.
lumbar iliocostal m. SYN: iliocostalis lumborum (m.).
lumbar interspinal m. SYN: interspinales lumborum (muscles).
lumbar quadrate m. SYN: quadratus lumborum (m.).
lumbar rotator muscles SYN: rotatores lumborum (muscles).
lumbricals (lumbrical muscles) of foot [TA] four intrinsic muscles of second layer of plantar muscles; origin, first: from tibial side of tendon to second toe of flexor digitorum longus; second, third, and fourth: from adjacent sides of all four tendons of this musculus; insertion, tibial side of extensor tendon on dorsum of each of the four lateral toes; action, flex the proximal and extend the middle and distal phalanges; nerve supply, lateral (second to fourth lumbricals) and medial (first lumbrical) plantar. SYN: musculus lumbricalis pedis [TA] .
lumbricals (lumbrical muscles) of hand [TA] four intrinsic muscles of the palm; origin, the two lateral: from the radial side of the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus going to the index and middle fingers; the two medial: from the adjacent sides of the second and third, and third and fourth tendons; insertion, radial side of extensor tendon on dorsum of each of the four fingers; action, flexes metacarpophalangeal joint and extends the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint; nerve supply, the two radial muscles by the median, the two ulnar muscles by the ulnar. SYN: musculus lumbricalis manus [TA] .
Marcacci m. a sheet of smooth m. fibers underlying the areola and nipple of the mammary gland.
masseter (m.) [TA] masticatory m. of posterior cheek; origin, superficial part: inferior border of the anterior two-thirds of the zygomatic arch; deep part: inferior border and medial surface of the zygomatic arch; insertion, lateral surface of ramus and coronoid process of the mandible; action, elevates mandible (closes jaw); nerve supply, masseteric branch of mandibular division of trigeminal. SYN: musculus masseter [TA] .
muscles of mastication SYN: masticatory muscles.
masticatory muscles [TA] muscles derived from the first (mandibular) arch used in chewing; all receive innervation from the motor root of the trigeminal nerve via its mandibular division; includes masseter m., temporalis m., lateral pterygoid m., and medial pterygoid m.. SYN: muscles of mastication.
medial great m. SYN: vastus medialis (m. ).
medial lumbar intertransversarii (muscles) [TA] part of deep muscles of back; origin, accessory and mammillary processes of lumbar vertebrae; insertion, corresponding processes of next superior vertebra; action, abducts lumbar vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of lumbar spinal nerves. SYN: musculi intertransversarii mediales lumborum [TA] , medial lumbar intertransverse muscles.
medial lumbar intertransverse muscles SYN: medial lumbar intertransversarii (muscles).
medial posterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles See posterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles).
medial pterygoid (m.) [TA] masticatory m. of infratemporal fossa; origin, pterygoid fossa of sphenoid and tuberosity of maxilla; insertion, medial surface of mandible between angle and mylohyoid groove; action, elevates mandible closing jaw; nerve supply, nerve to medial pterygoid from mandibular division of trigeminal. SYN: musculus pterygoideus medialis [TA] , internal pterygoid m., musculus pterygoideus internus.
medial rectus (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, medial part of the anulus tendineus communis; insertion, medial part of sclera of the eye; action, adduction; nerve supply, oculomotor. SYN: musculus rectus medialis [TA] , musculus rectus internus.
medial vastus (m.) SYN: vastus medialis (m. ).
mentalis (m.) [TA] facial m. of chin; origin, incisor fossa of mandible; insertion, skin of chin; action, raises and wrinkles skin of chin, thus elevating the lower lip; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus mentalis [TA] , chin m., musculus levator labii inferioris.
Merkel m. SYN: ceratocricoid (m.).
middle constrictor (m.) of pharynx [TA] intermediate part of outer “circular” m. layer of pharynx; origin, stylohyoid ligament, lesser cornu of the hyoid bone (chondropharyngeal part [TA]) and greater cornu of the hyoid bone (ceratopharyngeal part [TA]); insertion, pharyngeal raphe in the posterior wall of the pharynx; action, narrows pharynx in the act of swallowing; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus. SYN: musculus constrictor pharyngis medius [TA] .
middle scalene m. scalenus medius (m.).
mimetic muscles SYN: facial muscles.
Müller m. 1. SYN: orbitalis (m.). 2. SYN: circular fibers, under fiber. 3. SYN: superior tarsal m..
multifidus (m.) [TA] intermediate layer of deepest (transversospinales) muscles of back; origin, from the sacrum, sacroiliac ligament, mamillary processes of the lumbar vertebrae, transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae, and articular processes of last four cervical vertebrae; insertion, into the spinous processes of all the vertebrae up to and including the axis; action, rotates vertebral column; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves. SYN: musculus multifidus [TA] , musculus multifidus spinae.
multipennate m. [TA] a m. with several central tendons toward which the m. fibers converge like the barbs of feathers. SYN: musculus multipennatus [TA] .
mylohyoid (m.) [TA] m. of floor of mouth; origin, mylohyoid line of mandible; insertion, upper border of hyoid bone and raphe separating m. from its fellow; action, elevates floor of mouth and the tongue, depresses jaw when hyoid is fixed; nerve supply, nerve to mylohyoid from mandibular division of trigeminal. SYN: musculus mylohyoideus [TA] , diaphragm of mouth, diaphragma oris, mylohyoideus.
nasal m. SYN: nasalis (m.).
nasalis (m.) [TA] facial m. of nose; compound m. consisting of: a transverse part [TA] (pars transversa [TA], musculus compressor naris) arising from the maxilla above the root of the canine tooth on each side and forming an aponeurosis across the bridge of the nose; and an alar part [TA] (pars alaris [TA], musculus dilator naris) arising from the maxilla above the lateral incisor and attaching to the wing of the nose; the alar part dilates the nostril; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus nasalis [TA] , nasal m..
muscles of neck [TA] the anterolateral muscles of the neck including the platysma, sternocleidomastoid, suprahyoid muscles, infrahyoid muscles, longus colli and scalene muscles. SYN: musculi colli [TA] , musculi cervicis&star.
m. of notch of helix SYN: m. of terminal notch.
oblique arytenoid m. [TA] intrinsic laryngeal m.; origin, muscular process of arytenoid cartilage; insertion, summit of arytenoid cartilage of opposite side and continuing as the aryepiglottic m. in the aryepiglottic fold to the epiglottis; action, narrows or closes the interarytenoid portion of the rima glottidis; nerve supply, recurrent laryngeal. SYN: musculus arytenoideus obliquus [TA] , arytenoideus.
oblique m. of auricle [TA] a thin band of oblique muscular fibers extending from the upper part of the eminence of the concha to the convexity of the helix, running across the groove corresponding to the inferior crus of the anthelix. SYN: musculus obliquus auriculae [TA] , oblique auricular m., Tod m..
oblique auricular m. SYN: oblique m. of auricle.
obliquus capitis inferior (m.) [TA] suboccipital m. that, despite its name, has no attachment to the cranium; origin, spinous process of axis; insertion, transverse process of the atlas; action, rotates head; origin, spinous process of axis; insertion, transverse process of the atlas; nerve supply, suboccipital. SEE ALSO: suboccipital muscles. SYN: musculus obliquus capitis inferior [TA] , inferior oblique m. of head.
obliquus capitis superior (m.) [TA] suboccipital m.; origin, transverse process of atlas; insertion, lateral third of inferior nuchal line; action, rotates head; nerve supply, suboccipital. SEE ALSO: suboccipital muscles. SYN: musculus obliquus capitis superior [TA] , superior oblique m. of head.
obturator externus (m.) [TA] m. of medial (adductor) compartment of thigh; origin, lower half of margin of obturator foramen and adjacent part of external surface of obturator membrane; insertion, trochanteric fossa of greater trochanter; action, rotates thigh laterally; nerve supply, obturator. SYN: musculus obturator externus [TA] , external obturator m..
obturator internus (m.) [TA] intrapelvic m. extending into gluteal region; origin, pelvic surface of obturator membrane and margin of obturator foramen; insertion, passes out of pelvis through lesser sciatic foramen, in so doing, making a 90° turn to insert into the medial surface of greater trochanter; action, rotates thigh laterally; nerve supply, nerve to obturator internus (sacral plexus). SYN: musculus obturator internus [TA] , internal obturator m..
occipitalis m. SYN: occipital belly of occipitofrontalis m..
occipitofrontal m. SYN: occipitofrontalis (m.).
occipitofrontalis (m.) [TA] compound facial m. part of epicranius m.; the occipital belly (occipitalis m.) arises from the occipital bone and inserts into the galea aponeurotica; the frontal belly (frontalis m.) arises from the galea and inserts into the skin of the eyebrow and nose; action, to move the scalp; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus occipitofrontalis [TA] , occipitofrontal m..
ocular muscles SYN: extraocular muscles.
Oehl muscles strands of m. fibers in the chordae tendineae of the left atrioventricular valve.
omohyoid (m.) [TA] infrahyoid m.; formed of two bellies attached to intermediate tendon; origin, by inferior belly from upper border of scapula between superior angle and notch; insertion, by superior belly into hyoid bone; action, depresses hyoid; nerve supply, upper cervical spinal nerves through ansa cervicalis. SYN: musculus omohyoideus [TA] , omohyoid.
opponens m. [TA] m. that facilitates the opposing of pad of distal phalanx of thumb to the pads of other fingers, especially that of the little finger. SYN: musculus opponens [TA] .
opponens digiti minimi (m.) [TA] hypothenar m. of palm; origin, hamulus of the hamate bone and transverse carpal ligament; insertion, shaft of fifth metacarpal; action, “cups” palm, drawing ulnar side of hand toward center of palm; nerve supply, ulnar. SYN: musculus opponens digiti minimi [TA] , musculus opponens digiti quinti, musculus opponens minimi digiti, opposer (m.) of little finger.
opponens pollicis (m.) [TA] thenar m. of palm; origin, ridge of trapezium and transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum); insertion, anterior surface of the full length of the shaft of the first metacarpal bone; action, acts at carpometacarpal joint to “cup” palm, enabling one to oppose thumb to other fingers; nerve supply, median. SYN: musculus opponens pollicis [TA] , opposer (m.) of thumb.
opposer (m.) of little finger SYN: opponens digiti minimi (m.).
opposer (m.) of thumb SYN: opponens pollicis (m.).
orbicular m. [TA] a sphincterlike sheet of m. that encircles an orifice such as the mouth or the palpebral fissures. SYN: musculus orbicularis [TA] , orbicularis m., orbicularis (2) .
orbicular m. of eye SYN: orbicularis oculi (m.).
orbicularis m. SYN: orbicular m..
orbicularis oculi (m.) [TA] facial m. of eyelids; consists of three portions: orbital part, or external portion, which arises from frontal process of maxilla and nasal process of frontal bone, encircles aperture of orbit, and is inserted near origin; palpebral part, or internal portion, which arises from medial palpebral ligament, passes through each eyelid, and is inserted into lateral palpebral raphe; lacrimal part (tensor tarsi m., Duverney or Horner m.) arises from posterior lacrimal crest and passes across lacrimal sac to join palpebral portion; action, closes eye, wrinkles forehead vertically; nerve supply, zygomatic and temporal branches of facial. SYN: musculus orbicularis oculi [TA] , musculus orbicularis palpebrarum, orbicular m. of eye, sphincter oculi.
orbicularis oris (m.) [TA] facial m. of mouth; origin, by nasolabial band from septum of the nose, by superior incisive bundle from incisor fossa of maxilla, by inferior incisive bundle from lower jaw each side of symphysis; insertion, fibers surround mouth between skin and mucous membrane of lips and cheeks, and are blended with other muscles; action, closes lips; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus orbicularis oris [TA] , musculus sphincter oris, orbicular m. of mouth, sphincter oris.
orbicular m. of mouth SYN: orbicularis oris (m.).
orbital m. SYN: orbitalis (m.).
orbitalis (m.) [TA] a rudimentary nonstriated m., crossing the infraorbital groove and sphenomaxillary fissure, intimately united with the periosteum of the orbit. SYN: musculus orbitalis [TA] , Müller m. (1) , orbital m..
palatoglossus (m.) [TA] palatine m. that forms anterior pillar of tonsillar fossa; origin, oral surface of soft palate; insertion, side of tongue; action, raises back of tongue and narrows fauces; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus (cranial root of accessory nerve). SYN: musculus palatoglossus [TA] , glossopalatinus, musculus glossopalatinus, palatoglossus.
palatopharyngeal (m.) SYN: palatopharyngeus (m.).
palatopharyngeus (m.) [TA] origin, soft palate; forms the posterior pillar of the fauces or tonsillar fossa; insertion, posterior border of thyroid cartilage and aponeurosis of pharynx as it becomes part of the inner longitudinal m. layer of the pharynx; action, narrows fauces, depresses soft palate, elevates pharynx and larynx; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus (cranial root of accessory nerve). SYN: musculus palatopharyngeus [TA] , musculus pharyngopalatinus, palatopharyngeal (m.), palatopharyngeus, pharyngopalatinus, pharyngostaphylinus.
palatouvularis m. SYN: m. of uvula.
palmar interossei (interosseous muscles) [TA] three intrinsic muscles in the hand; origin, first: ulnar side of second metacarpal; second and third: radial sides of fourth and fifth metacarpals; insertion, first: into ulnar side of index; second and third: into radial sides of ring and little fingers; action, adducts fingers toward axis of middle finger; nerve supply, ulnar. SEE ALSO: flexor pollicis brevis (m.). SYN: musculus interosseus palmaris [TA] , musculus interosseus volaris.
palmaris brevis (m.) [TA] cutaneous m. of hand; origin, ulnar side of central portion of the palmar aponeurosis; insertion, skin of ulnar side of hand; action, wrinkles skin on medial side of palm; nerve supply, ulnar. SYN: musculus palmaris brevis [TA] , short palmar m..
palmaris longus (m.) [TA] m. of superficial layer of anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, medial epicondyle of humerus; insertion, flexor retinaculum of wrist and palmar fascia; action, tenses palmar fascia and flexes the hand and forearm; is absent about 20% of the time; when tensed, its tendon stands out sharply at the wrist and overlies the median nerve; nerve supply, median. SYN: musculus palmaris longus [TA] , long palmar m..
panniculus carnosus m. 1. a sheet of m., lying beneath the skin, by which the skin can be made to shiver; it is especially well developed in the horse; 2. in humans, platysma.
papillary m. [TA] one of the group of myocardial bundles which terminate in the chordae tendineae that attach to the cusps of the atrioventricular valves; each ventricle has an anterior and a posterior papillary m.; the right ventricle sometimes has a septal papillary m.. SYN: musculus papillaris [TA] .
pectinate muscles [TA] prominent ridges of atrial myocardium located on the inner surface of much of the right atrium and both auricles. SYN: musculi pectinati [TA] , pectinate fibers.
pectineal m. SYN: pectineus (m.).
pectineus (m.) [TA] origin, crest of pubis; insertion, pectineal line of femur; action, adducts thigh and assists in flexion; nerve supply, obturator and femoral. SYN: musculus pectineus [TA] , pectineal m..
pectoralis major (m.) [TA] superficial thoracoappendicular m. of chest; origin, clavicular part [TA] (pars clavicularis [TA]), medial half of clavicle; sternocostal part [TA] (pars sternocostalis [TA]), anterior surface of manubrium and body of sternum and cartilages of first to sixth ribs; abdominal part [TA] (pars abdominalis [TA]), aponeurosis of external oblique; insertion, crest of greater tubercle of humerus; action, adducts and medially rotates arm; nerve supply, anterior thoracic. SYN: musculus pectoralis major [TA] , greater pectoral m..
pectoralis minor (m.) [TA] deep thoracoappendicular m. of chest; origin, third to fifth ribs at the costochondral articulations; insertion, tip of coracoid process of scapula; action, draws down scapula or raises ribs; nerve supply, medial pectoral nerve. SYN: musculus pectoralis minor [TA] , smaller pectoral m..
pectorodorsal m. SYN: pectorodorsalis m..
pectorodorsalis m. an anomalous m. or tendinus slip that passes across the axilla from the pectoralis major to insert with the latissimus dorsi onto the humerus. Though to be a vestige of the panniculus carnosus m. of lower mammals. SYN: axillary arch m., axillary arch, Langer arch, Langer m., pectorodorsal m..
pennate m. [TA] a m. with a central tendon toward which the fibers converge on either side like the barbs of a feather. SYN: musculus pennatus [TA] , bipennate m., musculus bipennatus. See semipennate m..
perineal muscles [TA] the muscles located in the perineal region; these are the external anal sphincter, the superficial transverse perineal m., ischiocavernosus m., bulbospongiosus m., deep transverse perineal m., and sphincter urethrae m.. SYN: musculi perinei [TA] .
peroneus brevis (m.) fibularis brevis (m.).
peroneus longus (m.) fibularis longus (m.).
peroneus tertius (m.) fibularis tertius (m.).
piriform m. SYN: piriformis (m.).
piriformis (m.) [TA] m. extending from pelvis into gluteal region; origin, margins of pelvic sacral foramina and greater sciatic notch of ilium; insertion, upper border of greater trochanter; action, rotates thigh laterally; nerve supply, nerve to piriformis (sciatic plexus). SYN: musculus piriformis [TA] , musculus pyriformis, piriform m..
plantar m. SYN: plantaris (m.).
plantar interossei (interosseous muscles) three intrinsic muscles of foot; origin, the medial side of the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal bones; insertion, corresponding side of proximal phalanx of the same toes; action, adducts three lateral toes; nerve supply, lateral plantar. SYN: musculi interosseus plantaris [TA] .
plantaris (m.) [TA] small m. of superficial posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of leg; origin, lateral supracondylar ridge; insertion, medial margin of tendo achillis and deep fascia of ankle; action, traditionally described as plantar flexion of foot; many investigators now believe the plantaris m. to be primarily a proprioceptive organ; nerve supply, tibial nerve. SYN: musculus plantaris [TA] , musculus tibialis gracilis, plantar m..
plantar quadrate m. SYN: quadratus plantae (m.).
platysma (m.) [TA] facial m. in neck region; origin, subcutaneous layer and fascia covering pectoralis major and deltoid at level of first or second rib; insertion, lower border of mandible, risorius and platysma of opposite side; action, depresses lower lip, forms ridges in skin of neck and upper chest when jaws are “clenched”, denoting stress, anger; nerve supply, cervical branch of facial. SYN: platysma [TA] , musculus platysma myoides, musculus platysma, musculus subcutaneus colli, musculus tetragonus.
pleuroesophageal (m.) SYN: pleuroesophageus (m.).
pleuroesophageus (m.) [TA] muscular fasciculi, arising from the mediastinal pleura, which reinforce musculature of esophagus. SYN: musculus pleuroesophageus [TA] , pleuroesophageal (m.).
popliteal m. SYN: popliteus (m.).
popliteus (m.) [TA] m. forming floor of popliteal fossa; origin, lateral condyle of femur; insertion, posterior surface of tibia above oblique line; action, from the fully extended and “locked” position, rotates the femur medially, on the fixed (planted) tibial plateau about 5°, “unlocking” the knee to enable flexion to occur; nerve supply, tibial. SYN: musculus popliteus [TA] , popliteal m., popliteus (3) .
posterior auricular (m.) SYN: auricularis posterior (m.).
posterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles) [TA] origin, lateral muscles: posterior tubercle of cervical transverse process; medial muscles: transverse process; insertion, corresponding parts of next superior transverse process; action, abducts cervical vertebrae; nerve supply, lateral part: ventral primary rami of cervical spinal nerves; medial part: dorsal primary rami of cervical spinal nerves. SYN: musculi intertransversarii posteriores cervicis [TA] , posterior cervical intertransverse muscles.
posterior cervical intertransverse muscles SYN: posterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles).
posterior cricoarytenoid (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of larynx; origin, depression on posterior surface of lamina of cricoid; insertion, muscular process of arytenoid; action, abducts vocal folds, widening rima glottidis as for taking a deep breath; nerve supply, recurrent laryngeal. SYN: musculus cricoarytenoideus posterior [TA] .
posterior scalene m. scalenus posterior (m.).
posterior tibial m. SYN: tibialis posterior (m.).
Pozzi m. SYN: extensor digitorum brevis (m.) of hand.
procerus (m.) [TA] facial m. of central forehead; insertion, into frontalis; action, assists frontalis; origin, from membrane covering bridge of nose; nerve supply, branch of facial. SYN: musculus procerus [TA] , musculus pyramidalis nasi, procerus.
pronator (m.) [TA] m. that twists forearm about a longitudinal axis from the supinated or neutral position toward one in which the dorsum of the hand is directed anteriorly from the anatomical position. SYN: musculus pronator [TA] .
pronator quadratus (m.) [TA] m. of deep layer of anterior (flexor) compartment of forearm; origin, distal fourth of anterior surface of ulna; insertion, distal fourth of anterior surface of radius; action, pronates forearm; nerve supply, anterior interosseous. SYN: musculus pronator quadratus [TA] , quadrate pronator m..
pronator teres (m.) [TA] m. of superficial layer of anterior compartment of forearm; origin, superficial (humeral) head from the common flexor origin on the medial epicondyle of the humerus, deep (ulnar) head from the medial side of the coronoid process of the ulna; insertion, middle of the lateral surface of the radius; action, pronates forearm; nerve supply, median. SYN: musculus pronator teres [TA] , musculus pronator radii teres, round pronator m..
psoas major (m.) [TA] groin m.; origin, bodies of vertebrae and intervertebral disks from the twelfth thoracic to the fifth lumbar, and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae; insertion, forms a common insertion with iliacus m. into lesser trochanter of femur; action, primary flexor of hip joint; nerve supply, lumbar plexus (ventral rami of first, second and usually third lumbar spinal nerves). SYN: musculus psoas major [TA] , greater psoas m..
psoas minor (m.) [TA] an inconstant m., absent in about 40%; origin, bodies of twelfth thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae and disk between them; insertion, iliopubic eminence via iliopectineal arch (iliac fascia); action, assists in flexion of lumbar spine; nerve supply, lumbar plexus. SYN: musculus psoas minor [TA] , smaller psoas (m.).
puboanalis (m.) [TA] part of pubococcygeus m., the fibers of which insert onto the external surface of the anal canal. SYN: musculus puboanalis [TA] .
pubococcygeal m. SYN: pubococcygeus (m.).
pubococcygeus (m.) [TA] anterior part of the levator ani, arising from the pelvic surface of the body of the pubis and adjacent tendinous arch of obturator fascia, attaching to the coccyx. SYN: musculus pubococcygeus [TA] , pubococcygeal m..
puboperinealis (m.) [TA] part of pubococcygeus m., the fibers of which insert into the perineal body. SYN: musculus puboperinealis [TA] .
puboprostatic (m.) SYN: puboprostaticus (m.).
puboprostaticus (m.) [TA] smooth m. fibers within the puboprostatic ligament. SYN: musculus puboprostaticus [TA] , levator prostatae (m.)&star, musculus levator prostatae&star, elevator (m.) of prostate, puboprostatic (m.).
puborectal m. SYN: puborectalis (m.).
puborectalis (m.) [TA] the medial part of the pubococcygeus m. (levator ani) that passes from the body of the pubis around the posterior aspect of the anus to form a muscular sling at the level of the anorectal junction; it contracts to increase the anorectal (perineal) flexure during a peristalsis to maintain fecal continence and relaxes to allow defecation. SYN: musculus puborectalis [TA] , Braune m., puborectal m..
pubovaginal m. SYN: pubovaginalis (m.).
pubovaginalis (m.) [TA] in the female, the most medial fibers of the pubococcygeus m. (levator ani) that extend from the pubis into the lateral walls of the vagina. SYN: musculus pubovaginalis [TA] , pubovaginal m..
pubovesical m. SYN: pubovesicalis (m.).
pubovesicalis (m.) [TA] smooth m. fibers within the pubovesical ligament in the female. SYN: musculus pubovesicalis [TA] , pubovesical m..
pyramidal m. SYN: pyramidalis (m.).
pyramidal m. of auricle [TA] an occasional prolongation of the fibers of the tragicus to the spine of the helix. SYN: musculus pyramidalis auriculae [TA] , Jung m., pyramidal auricular m..
pyramidal auricular m. SYN: pyramidal m. of auricle.
pyramidalis (m.) [TA] m. of inferior abdomen; origin, crest of pubis; insertion, lower portion of linea alba; action, makes linea alba tense; nerve supply, subcostal. SYN: musculus pyramidalis [TA] , pyramidal m..
quadrate m. [TA] a m. that is approximately square or four-sided. SYN: musculus quadratus [TA] , quadratus m..
quadrate m. of loins SYN: quadratus lumborum (m.).
quadrate pronator m. SYN: pronator quadratus (m.).
quadrate m. of sole SYN: quadratus plantae (m.).
quadrate m. of thigh SYN: quadratus femoris (m.).
quadrate m. of upper lip SYN: musculus quadratus labii superioris.
quadratus m. SYN: quadrate m..
quadratus femoris (m.) [TA] deep m. of inferior gluteal (buttock) region; insertion, intertrochanteric ridge; origin, lateral border of tuberosity of ischium; action, rotates thigh laterally; nerve supply, nerve to quadratus femoris (sacral plexus). SYN: musculus quadratus femoris [TA] , quadrate m. of thigh.
quadratus lumborum (m.) [TA] flat m. of posterior abdominal wall; origin, iliac crest, iliolumbar ligament, and transverse processes of lower lumbar vertebrae; insertion, twelfth rib and transverse processes of upper lumbar vertebrae; action, abducts trunk; nerve supply, ventral primary rami of upper lumbar spinal nerves. SYN: musculus quadratus lumborum [TA] , lumbar quadrate m., quadrate m. of loins.
quadratus plantae (m.) [TA] m. of second layer of plantar muscles; origin, by two heads from the lateral and medial borders of the inferior surface of the calcaneus; insertion, tendons of flexor digitorum longus; action, assists long flexor; nerve supply, lateral plantar. SYN: musculus quadratus plantae [TA] , flexor accessorius (m.)&star, musculus flexor accessorius&star, accessory flexor m. of foot, caro quadrata sylvii, musculus pronator pedis, plantar quadrate m., quadrate m. of sole.
quadriceps femoris (m.) [TA] anterior thigh muscles; origin, by four heads: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis; insertion, patella, and thence by patellar ligament to tibial tuberosity; action, extends leg; flexes thigh by action of rectus femoris; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus quadriceps femoris [TA] , musculus quadriceps [TA] , musculus quadriceps extensor femoris, quadriceps m. of thigh.
quadriceps m. of thigh SYN: quadriceps femoris (m.).
radial flexor (m.) of wrist SYN: flexor carpi radialis (m.).
rectococcygeal m. SYN: rectococcygeus (m.).
rectococcygeus (m.) [TA] a band of smooth m. fibers passing from the posterior surface of the rectum to the anterior surface of second or third coccygeal segment. SYN: musculus rectococcygeus [TA] , rectococcygeal m..
rectourethral muscles anorectoperineal muscles.
rectouterine m. SYN: rectouterinus (m.).
rectouterinus (m.) [TA] a band of fibrous tissue and smooth m. fibers passing between the cervix of the uterus and the rectum in the rectouterine fold, on either side. SYN: musculus rectouterinus [TA] , rectouterine m..
rectovesical m. SYN: rectovesicalis (m.).
rectovesicalis (m.) [TA] smooth m. fibers in the sacrogenital fold in the male; they correspond to rectouterinus m. of female. SYN: musculus rectovesicalis [TA] , rectovesical m..
rectus m. of abdomen SYN: rectus abdominis (m.).
rectus abdominis (m.) [TA] m. of ventral abdominal wall, flanking the linea alba, and characterized by tendinous intersections separating its length into multiple bellies; origin, crest and symphysis of the pubis; insertion, xiphoid process and fifth to seventh costal cartilages; action, flexes lumbar vertebral column, draws thorax downward toward pubis; nerve supply, thoracoabdominal nerves. SYN: musculus rectus abdominis [TA] , rectus m. of abdomen.
rectus capitis anterior (m.) [TA] suboccipital (prevertebral) m.; origin, transverse process and lateral mass of atlas; insertion, basilar process of occipital bone; action, turns and inclines head forward; nerve supply, ventral primary ramus of first and second cervical spinal nerve. SYN: musculus rectus capitis anterior [TA] , anterior rectus m. of head, musculus rectus capitis anticus minor.
rectus capitis lateralis (m.) [TA] suboccipital (prevertebral) m. of upper neck; origin, transverse process of atlas; insertion, jugular process of occipital bone; action, inclines head to one side; nerve supply, ventral primary ramus of first cervical spinal nerve. SYN: musculus rectus capitis lateralis [TA] , lateral rectus m. of the head.
rectus capitis posterior major (m.) [TA] m. of suboccipital triangle; origin, spinous process of axis; insertion, middle of inferior nuchal line of occipital bone; action, rotates and draws head backward; nerve supply, dorsal branch of first cervical (suboccipital). SEE ALSO: suboccipital muscles. SYN: musculus rectus capitis posterior major [TA] , greater posterior rectus m. of head, musculus rectus capitis posticus major.
rectus capitis posterior minor (m.) [TA] m. of suboccipital triangle; origin, from posterior tubercle of atlas; insertion, medial third of inferior nuchal line of occipital bone; action, rotates head and draws it backward; nerve supply, dorsal branch of first cervical (suboccipital). SEE ALSO: suboccipital muscles. SYN: musculus rectus capitis posterior minor [TA] , musculus rectus capitis posticus minor, smaller posterior rectus m. of head.
rectus femoris (m.) [TA] anterior (superficial) middle head of quadriceps femoris; origin, anterior inferior spine of ilium and upper margin of acetabulum; insertion, via common tendon of quadriceps femoris into patella, and via patellar ligament to tibial tuberosity. SYN: musculus rectus femoris [TA] , rectus m. of thigh.
rectus m. of thigh SYN: rectus femoris (m.).
red m. slow-twitch m. in which small dark “red” m. fibers predominate; myoglobin is abundant and great numbers of mitochondria occur, characterized by slow, sustained (tonic) contraction. Contrast with white m..
Reisseisen muscles microscopic smooth m. fibers in the smallest bronchial tubes.
rhomboid major (m.) [TA] thoracoappendicular m.; origin, spinous processes and corresponding supraspinous ligaments of first four thoracic vertebrae; insertion, medial border of scapula below spine; action, draws scapula toward vertebral column; nerve supply, dorsal of scapula nerve. SYN: musculus rhomboideus major [TA] , greater rhomboid m..
rhomboid minor (m.) [TA] thoracoappendicular m.; origin, spinous processes of sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae; insertion, medial margin of scapula above spine; action, draws scapula toward vertebral column and slightly upward; nerve supply, dorsal nerve of scapula. SYN: musculus rhomboideus minor [TA] , lesser rhomboid m..
rider's muscles the adductor muscles of the thigh, which come into play especially in horseback riding.
Riolan m. 1. marginal fibers of the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi (m.); 2. SYN: cremaster m..
risorius (m.) [TA] facial m. of mouth; origin, from platysma and fascia of masseter; insertion, orbicularis oris and skin at corner of mouth; action, draws angle of mouth laterally, lenghthening rima oris; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus risorius [TA] , Albinus m. (1) , Santorini m..
rotator m. 1. one of the rotatores (muscles); 2. m. that produces a rotation, alone or in concert with other rotators, around an axis, e.g., rotator muscles of vertebral column. SYN: musculus rotator [TA] , rotator.
rotatores (muscles) [TA] deepest of the three layers of transversospinalis muscles, chiefly developed in the thoracic region; they arise from the transverse process of one vertebra and are inserted into the root of the spinous process of the next two or three vertebrae above; action, traditionally described as a column, it is more likely that these muscles, provided with a very high density of m. spindles, are organs of proprioception; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of the spinal nerves. SYN: musculi rotatores [TA] .
rotatores cervicis (muscles) [TA] the rotator muscles attached to the cervical vertebrae. SYN: musculi rotatores cervicis [TA] , cervical rotator muscles.
rotatores lumborum (muscles) [TA] the rotator muscles of the lumbar vertebrae. SYN: musculi rotatores lumborum [TA] , lumbar rotator muscles.
rotatores thoracis (muscles) [TA] the rotators of the thoracic vertebrae. SYN: musculi rotatores thoracis [TA] , thoracic rotator muscles.
Rouget m. SYN: circular fibers, under fiber.
round pronator m. SYN: pronator teres (m.).
Ruysch m. the muscular tissue of the fundus of the uterus.
salpingopharyngeal m. SYN: salpingopharyngeus (m.).
salpingopharyngeus (m.) [TA] origin, medial lamina of cartilaginous part of auditory tube; insertion, longitudinal muscular layer of pharynx in association with musculus palatopharyngeus; action, assists in elevating pharynx and, according to some, assists in opening the auditory tube during swallowing; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus. SYN: musculus salpingopharyngeus [TA] , salpingopharyngeal m..
Santorini m. SYN: risorius (m.).
sartorius (m.) [TA] superficial anterior thigh m.; origin, anterior superior spine of ilium; insertion, medial border of tuberosity of tibia; action, flexes thigh and leg, rotates leg medially and thigh laterally; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus sartorius [TA] , tailor's m..
scalenus anterior (m.) [TA] lateral m. of inferior half of neck; origin, anterior tubercles of transverse processes of third to sixth cervical vertebrae; insertion, scalene tubercle of first rib; action, raises first rib; nerve supply, cervical plexus. SYN: musculus scalenus anterior [TA] , anterior scalene m.&star, musculus scalenus anticus.
scalenus medius (m.) [TA] lateal m. of inferior half of neck; origin, costotransverse lamellae of transverse processes of second to sixth cervical vertebrae; insertion, first rib posterior to subclavian artery; action, raises first rib; nerve supply, cervical plexus. SYN: musculus scalenus medius [TA] , middle scalene m.&star.
scalenus minimus (m.) [TA] an occasional independent muscular fasciculus between the scalenus anterior and medius, and having the same action and innervation. SYN: musculus scalenus minimus [TA] , Albinus m. (2) , Sibson m., smallest scalene m..
scalenus posterior (m.) [TA] lateal m. of inferior half of neck; origin, posterior tubercles of transverse processes of fourth to sixth cervical vertebrae; insertion, lateral surface of second rib; action, elevates second rib; nerve supply, cervical and brachial plexuses. SYN: musculus scalenus posterior [TA] , posterior scalene m.&star, musculus scalenus posticus.
scalp m. SYN: epicranius (m.).
scapulohumeral muscles [TA] intrinsic muscles of the shoulder joint originating on the scapula and inserting into and acting upon the humerus, producing motion of the glenohumeral joint; includes supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and major, and subscapularis. SYN: musculi scapulohumerales [TA] .
Sebileau m. deep fibers of the dartos tunic which pass into the scrotal septum.
second tibial m. SYN: musculus tibialis secundus.
semimembranosus (m.) [TA] deep hamstring m. of posterior (flexor) compartment of thigh; origin, tuberosity of ischium; insertion, medial condyle of tibia and by membrane to tibial collateral ligament of knee joint, popliteal fascia, and via its reflected tendon of insertion (oblique popiteal ligament) lateral condyle of femur; action, flexes knee and rotates leg medially when knee is flexed; and contributes to the stability of extended knee by making capsule of knee joint tense; nerve supply, tibial. SYN: musculus semimembranosus [TA] .
semipennate m. [TA] a m. with a lateral tendon to which the fibers are attached obliquely, like one half of a feather. SYN: musculus semipennatus [TA] , musculus unipennatus&star, unipennate m.&star.
semispinal m. SYN: semispinalis m..
semispinal m. of head SYN: semispinalis capitis (m.).
semispinalis m. [TA] the most superficial layer of the three layers of the transversospinal m.; comprised of semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and semispinalis thoracis muscles. SYN: musculus semispinalis [TA] , semispinal m..
semispinalis capitis (m.) [TA] origin, transverse processes of five or six upper thoracic and articular processes of four lower cervical vertebrae; insertion, occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines; action, rotates head and draws it backward; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical spinal nerves. SYN: musculus semispinalis capitis [TA] , musculus complexus, semispinal m. of head.
semispinalis cervicis (m.) [TA] continuous with musculus semispinalis thoracis; origin, transverse processes of second to fifth thoracic vertebrae; insertion, spinous processes of axis and third to fifth cervical vertebrae; action, extends cervical spine; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves. SYN: musculus semispinalis cervicis [TA] , musculus semispinalis colli&star, semispinal m. of neck.
semispinalis thoracis (m.) [TA] origin, transverse processes of fifth to eleventh thoracic vertebrae; insertion, spinous processes of first four thoracic and fifth and seventh cervical vertebrae; action, extends vertebral column; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves. SYN: musculus semispinalis thoracis [TA] , musculus semispinalis dorsi, semispinal m. of thorax.
semispinal m. of neck SYN: semispinalis cervicis (m.).
semispinal m. of thorax SYN: semispinalis thoracis (m.).
semitendinosus (m.) [TA] superficial medial hamstring m. of posterior (flexor) compartment of thigh; origin, ischial tuberosity; insertion, medial surface of the upper fourth of shaft of tibia; action, extends thigh, flexes leg and rotates it medially; nerve supply, tibial. SYN: musculus semitendinosus [TA] .
serratus anterior (m.) [TA] thoracoappendicular (scapulothoracic) m.; origin, from center of lateral aspect of first eight to nine ribs; insertion, superior and inferior angles and intervening medial margin of scapula; action, rotates scapula and pulls it forward, elevates ribs; nerve supply, long thoracic from brachial plexus. SYN: musculus serratus anterior [TA] , anterior serratus m., costoscapularis, musculus serratus magnus.
serratus posterior inferior (m.) [TA] lower intermediate m. of back; origin, with latissimus dorsi, from spinous processes of two lower thoracic and two upper lumbar vertebrae; insertion, into lower borders of last four ribs; action, draws lower ribs backward and downward; nerve supply, ninth to twelfth intercostal. SYN: musculus serratus posterior inferior [TA] , inferior posterior serratus m..
serratus posterior superior (m.) [TA] upper intermediate m. of back; origin, from spinous processes of two lower cervical and two upper thoracic vertebrae; insertion, into lateral side of angles of second to fifth ribs; nerve supply, first to fourth intercostals. SYN: musculus serratus posterior superior [TA] , superior posterior serratus m..
shawl m. obsolete term for trapezius (m.).
short abductor m. of thumb SYN: abductor pollicis brevis (m.).
short adductor m. SYN: adductor brevis (m.).
short extensor (m.) of great toe SYN: extensor hallucis brevis (m.).
short extensor (m.) of thumb SYN: extensor pollicis brevis (m.).
short extensor (m.) of toes SYN: extensor digitorum brevis (m.).
short fibular m. SYN: fibularis brevis (m.).
short flexor (m.) of great toe SYN: flexor hallucis brevis (m.).
short flexor (m.) of little finger SYN: flexor digiti minimi brevis (m.) of hand.
short flexor (m.) of little toe SYN: flexor digiti minimi brevis (m.) of foot.
short flexor (m.) of thumb SYN: flexor pollicis brevis (m.).
short flexor (m.) of toes SYN: flexor digitorum brevis (m.).
short levatores costarum (muscles) SYN: levatores costarum breves (muscles).
short palmar m. SYN: palmaris brevis (m.).
short peroneal m. SYN: fibularis brevis (m.).
short radial extensor m. of wrist SYN: extensor carpi radialis brevis (m.).
shunt m. [TA] m. that, rather than producing observable motion, contracts to resist dislocating forces occurring at joints, e.g., the coracobrachialis, short head of biceps, and long head of triceps all contract to resist downward dislocating forces at the shoulder joint, as when toting luggage.
Sibson m. SYN: scalenus minimus (m.).
skeletal m. grossly, a collection of striated m. fibers connected at either or both extremities with the bony framework of the body; it may be an appendicular or an axial m.; histologically, a m. consisting of elongated, multinucleated, transversely striated skeletal m. fibers together with connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves; individual m. fibers are surrounded by fine reticular and collagen fibers (endomysium); bundles (fascicles) of m. fibers are surrounded by irregular connective tissue (perimysium); the entire m. is surrounded, except at the m. tendon junction, by a dense connective tissue (epimysium). SYN: musculus skeleti.
smaller m. of helix SYN: helicis minor (m.).
smaller pectoral m. SYN: pectoralis minor (m.).
smaller posterior rectus m. of head SYN: rectus capitis posterior minor (m.).
smaller psoas (m.) SYN: psoas minor (m.).
smallest scalene m. SYN: scalenus minimus (m.).
smooth m. one of the m. fibers of the internal organs, blood vessels, hair follicles, etc.; contractile elements are elongated, usually spindle-shaped cells with centrally located nuclei and a length from 20 to 200 μm, or even longer in the pregnant uterus; although transverse striations are lacking, both thick and thin myofibrils occur; smooth m. fibers are bound together into sheets or bundles by reticular fibers, and frequently elastic fiber nets are also abundant. SEE ALSO: involuntary muscles. SYN: unstriated m., unstriped m., visceral m..
Soemmerring m. SYN: levator (m.) of thyroid gland.
soleus (m.) [TA] m. of superficial posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of leg; origin, posterior surface of head and upper third of shaft of fibula, oblique line and middle third of medial margin of tibia, and a tendinous arch passing between tibia and fibula over the popliteal vessels; insertion, with gastrocnemius by tendo calcaneus (achillis) into tuberosity of calcaneus; action, plantar flexion of foot; nerve supply, tibial. SYN: musculus soleus [TA] .
sphincter m. [TA] SYN: sphincter.
sphincter m. of common bile duct SYN: sphincter of (common) bile duct.
sphincter m. of pancreatic duct SYN: sphincter of pancreatic duct.
sphincter m. of pupil SYN: sphincter pupillae.
sphincter m. of pylorus SYN: pyloric sphincter.
sphincter m. of urethra SYN: external urethral sphincter.
sphincter m. of urinary bladder SYN: internal urethral sphincter.
spinal m. SYN: spinalis (m.).
spinal m. of head SYN: spinalis capitis (m.).
spinalis (m.) [TA] the medial component of the erector spinae m.; it is comprised of the spinalis capitis, spinalis cervicis, and spinalis thoracis muscles. SYN: musculus spinalis [TA] , spinal m..
spinalis capitis (m.) [TA] an inconstant extension of spinalis cervicis to the occipital bone, sometimes fusing with semispinalis capitis. SYN: musculus spinalis capitis [TA] , biventer cervicis, spinal m. of head.
spinalis cervicis (m.) [TA] an inconstant or rudimentary m.; origin, spinous processes of sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae; insertion, spinous processes of axis and third cervical vertebra; action, extends cervical spine; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical. SYN: musculus spinalis cervicis [TA] , musculus spinalis colli, spinal m. of neck.
spinalis thoracis (m.) [TA] origin, spinous processes of upper lumbar and two lower thoracic vertebrae; insertion, spinous processes of middle and upper thoracic vertebrae; action, supports and extends vertebral column; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of thoracic and upper lumbar. SYN: musculus spinalis thoracis [TA] , musculus spinalis dorsi, spinal m. of thorax.
spinal m. of neck SYN: spinalis cervicis (m.).
spinal m. of thorax SYN: spinalis thoracis (m.).
spindle-shaped m. SYN: fusiform m..
splenius (muscles) [TA] SYN: musculi splenii [TA] .
splenius capitis (m.) [TA] flat superficial m. of the posterior neck, distinguished from the splenius cervicis primarily by its insertion onto the cranium; origin, from ligamentum nuchae of last four cervical vertebrae and supraspinous ligament of first and second thoracic vertebrae; insertion, lateral half of superior nuchal line and mastoid process; action, rotates head and extends neck; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of second to sixth cervical spinal nerves. SYN: musculus splenius capitis [TA] , splenius m. of head.
splenius cervicis (m.) [TA] flat superficial m. of the posterior neck, distinguished from the splenius capitis primarily by its insertion onto the cervical vertebrae; origin, from supraspinous ligament and spinous processes of third to fifth thoracic vertebrae; insertion, posterior tubercles of transverse processes of first and second (sometimes third) cervical vertebrae; action, rotates and extends neck; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of fourth to eighth cervical spinal nerves. SYN: musculus splenius cervicis [TA] , musculus splenius colli, splenius m. of neck.
splenius m. of head SYN: splenius capitis (m.).
splenius m. of neck SYN: splenius cervicis (m.).
stapedius (m.) [TA] one of the muscles of the auditory ossicles; origin, internal walls of pyramidal eminence in tympanic cavity; insertion, neck of the stapes; action, dampens vibration of stapes by drawing head of stapes backward as a result of a protective reflex stimulated by loud noise; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus stapedius [TA] , stapedius.
sternal m. SYN: sternalis (m.).
sternalis (m.) [TA] an inconstant m., running parallel to the sternum across the costosternal origin of the pectoralis major, and usually connected with the sternocleidomastoid and rectus abdominis muscles due to their common development source. SYN: musculus sternalis [TA] , musculus rectus thoracis, sternal m..
sternochondroscapular m. an occasional m. arising from the manubrium of the sternum and first costal cartilage and passing lateralward and backward to be inserted into the upper border of the scapula. SYN: musculus sternochondroscapularis.
sternoclavicular m. an occasional m., a slip from the subclavius m., passing from the upper part of the sternum to the clavicle beneath the pectoralis major m.. SYN: musculus sternoclavicularis.
sternocleidomastoid (m.) (SCM) [TA] superficial m. of the anterolateral neck; origin, by two heads from anterior surface of manubrium of the sternum and sternal end of clavicle; insertion, mastoid process and lateral half of superior nuchal line; action, turns head obliquely to opposite side; when acting together, flex the neck and extend the head; nerve supply, motor by accessory, sensory by cervical plexus. SYN: musculus sternocleidomastoideus [TA] , sternomastoid m..
sternocostalis m. SYN: transversus thoracis (m.).
sternohyoid (m.) [TA] infrahyoid (strap) m. of anterior neck; origin, posterior surface of manubrium sterni and first costal cartilage; insertion, body of hyoid bone; action, depresses hyoid bone; nerve supply, upper cervical via spinal nerves(ansa cervicalis). SYN: musculus sternohyoideus [TA] .
sternomastoid m. SYN: sternocleidomastoid (m.).
sternothyroid (m.) [TA] infrahyoid (strap) m. of anterior neck; origin, posterior surface of manubrium of sternum and first or second costal cartilage; insertion, oblique line of thyroid cartilage; action, depresses larynx; nerve supply, upper cervical via spinal nerves (ansa cervicalis). SYN: musculus sternothyroideus [TA] .
straight m. [TA] member(s) of a group of muscles that proceed either in a more direct or more nearly vertical or horizontal direction than other muscles of the group, e.g., rectus muscles of extraocular or suboccipital muscles. SYN: musculus rectus [TA] .
strap muscles SYN: infrahyoid muscles.
striated m. skeletal or voluntary m. in which cross striations occur in the fibers as a result of regular overlapping of thick and thin myofilaments; contrast with smooth m.. Although cardiac m. (which is not voluntary m.) is also striated in appearance, the term “striated m.” is commonly used as a synonym for voluntary, skeletal m..
styloauricular (m.) an occasional small m. extending from the root of the styloid process to the cartilage of the meatus of the ear. SYN: musculus styloauricularis.
styloglossus (m.) [TA] extrinsic m. of tongue; action, retracts tongue; origin, lower end of styloid process; insertion, side and undersurface of tongue; nerve supply, hypoglossal. SYN: musculus styloglossus [TA] .
stylohyoid (m.) [TA] origin, styloid process of temporal bone; insertion, hyoid bone by two slips on either side of intermediate tendon of digastric; action, elevates hyoid bone; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus stylohyoideus [TA] .
stylopharyngeal m. SYN: stylopharyngeus (m.).
stylopharyngeus (m.) [TA] origin, root of styloid process; insertion, thyroid cartilage and wall of pharynx (becomes part of the longitudinal coat): action, elevates pharynx and larynx; nerve supply, glossopharyngeal. SYN: musculus stylopharyngeus [TA] , stylopharyngeal m..
subanconeus m. SYN: articularis cubiti (m.).
subclavian m. SYN: subclavius (m.).
subclavius (m.) [TA] thoracoappendicular m.; origin, first costal cartilage; insertion, inferior surface of acromial end of clavicle; action, fixes clavicle or elevates first rib; nerve supply, subclavian from brachial plexus. SYN: musculus subclavius [TA] , subclavian m..
subcostal m. [TA] one of a number of inconstant muscles of the posterolateral thoracic wall having the same direction as the internal intercostal muscles but extending across (deep to) one or more ribs. SYN: musculus subcostalis [TA] , musculus infracostalis.
subcrural m. SYN: articularis genus (m.).
suboccipital muscles [TA] a group of muscles located immediately below the occipital bone; they are: rectus capitis anterior m., rectus capitis posterior major and minor muscles, rectus capitis lateralis musculus, obliquus capitis superior and inferior muscles; innervated by suboccipital nerve; although actions are described, it is held by many authorities that these muscles act primarily as organs of proprioception. SYN: musculi suboccipitales [TA] .
subquadricipital m. SYN: articularis genus (m.).
subscapular m. SYN: subscapularis (m.).
subscapularis (m.) [TA] intrinsic (scapulohumeral) m. of shoulder joint, the tendon of which contributes to the formation of the rotator cuff; origin, subscapular fossa; insertion, lesser tuberosity of humerus; action, rotates arm medially; its tonic contraction helps to hold the head of the humerus in the shallow glenoid fossa; nerve supply, upper and lower subscapular from posterior cord of brachial plexus (fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves). SYN: musculus subscapularis [TA] , subscapular m..
superficial back muscles muscles originating from the vertebral column and having their fleshy bellies located in the back, but inserting onto the appendicular skeleton of the upper limb or the ribs. They are not innervated by dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves, as are the deep or true muscles of the back; includes the trapezius m. (innervated by spinal accessory nerve) and latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and thoracic muscles (innervated by ventral primary rami of spinal nerves, or derivatives thereof).
superficial flexor (m.) of fingers SYN: flexor digitorum superficialis (m.).
superficial lingual m. SYN: superior longitudinal m. of tongue.
superficial transverse perineal m. [TA] an inconstant m. of the urogenital triangle; origin, ramus of ischium; insertion, central tendon of perineum acting with other perineal muscles of resist increased intrapelvic pressure; action, draws back and fixes the central tendon of the perineum; nerve supply, pudendal (perineal). SYN: musculus transversus perinei superficialis [TA] , superficial transverse m. of perineum, Theile m..
superficial transverse m. of perineum SYN: superficial transverse perineal m..
superior auricular m. SYN: auricularis superior (m.).
superior gemellus (m.) [TA] deep m. of gluteal region; origin, ischial spine and margin of lesser sciatic notch; insertion, tendon of musculus obturator internus; action, rotates thigh laterally; nerve supply, sacral plexus. SYN: musculus gemellus superior [TA] , gemellus.
superior longitudinal m. of tongue [TA] an intrinsic m. of the tongue, running from base to tip on the dorsum just beneath the mucous membrane; action, shortens the upper part of the tongue; nerve supply, motor by hypoglossal, sensory by lingual. SYN: musculus longitudinalis superior linguae [TA] , superficial lingual m..
superior oblique (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, above the medial margin of the optic canal; insertion, by a tendon passing through the trochlea, or pulley, and then reflected backward, downward, and laterally to the sclera between the superior and lateral recti; action, primary, intorsion; secondary, depression and abduction; nerve supply, trochlear nerve. SYN: musculus obliquus superior [TA] .
superior oblique m. of head SYN: obliquus capitis superior (m.).
superior pharyngeal constrictor (m.) [TA] uppermost component of the outer “circular” m. layer of pharynx; origin, medial pterygoid plate (pterygopharyngeal part [TA]), pterygomandibular raphe (buccopharyngeal part [TA]), mylohyoid line of mandible (mylopharyngeal part [TA]), and the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth and the side of the tongue (glossopharyngeal part [TA]); insertion, pharyngeal raphe in the posterior wall of the pharynx; action, narrows pharynx; helps to seal nasopharynx off from oropharynx and contracts in a peristaltic manner during swallowing; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus. SYN: musculus constrictor pharyngis superior [TA] , musculus cephalopharyngeus.
superior posterior serratus m. SYN: serratus posterior superior (m.).
superior rectus (m.) [TA] extraocular m. in orbit; origin, superior part of common tendinous ring; insertion, superior part of sclera of the eye; action, primary, elevation; secondary, adduction and intorsion; nerve supply, oculomotor. SYN: musculus rectus superior [TA] , attollens oculi.
superior tarsal m. [TA] a well-defined layer of smooth m. that extends from the aponeurosis of the musculus levator palpebrae superioris to the superior tarsus; it is innervated by sympathetic nerves and acts to hold the upper lid in an elevated position; its paralysis in Horner syndrome result in ptosis. SYN: musculus tarsalis superior [TA] , Müller m. (3) .
supinator (m.) [TA] 1. m. of deep layer of proximal part of posterior compartment of forearm; origin, lateral epicondyle of humerus radial collateral and anular ligaments, and supinator ridge of ulna; insertion, anterior and lateral surface of radius; action, supinates the forearm; nerve supply, radial (posterior interosseous). 2. a m. that supinates, i.e., twists the forearm about a longitudinal axis from the pronated or neutral position toward one in which the palms face anteriorly (in the anatomic position). SYN: musculus supinator [TA] , supinator [TA] , musculus supinator radii brevis.
supraclavicular m. an anomalous muscular slip running from the upper edge of the manubrium of the sternum lateralward to about the middle of the upper surface of the clavicle. SYN: musculus supraclavicularis.
suprahyoid muscles [TA] the group of muscles attached to the upper part of the hyoid bone including the digastric, stylohyoid, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid muscles. SYN: musculi suprahyoidei [TA] .
supraspinalis (m.) one of a number of muscular bands passing between the tips of the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. SYN: musculus supraspinalis.
supraspinatus (m.) [TA] intrinsic (scapulohumeral) m. of shoulder joint, the tendon of which contributes to the rotator cuff; origin, supraspinous fossa of scapula; insertion, greater tuberosity of humerus; action, initiates abduction of arm; its tonic contraction helps to hold the head of the humerus in the shallow glenoid fossa; nerve supply, suprascapular from fifth and sixth cervical. SYN: musculus supraspinatus [TA] , supraspinous m..
supraspinous m. SYN: supraspinatus (m.).
suspensory m. of duodenum [TA] a broad flat band of smooth m. and fibrous tissue attached to the right crus of the diaphragm and to the duodenum at its junction with the jejunum. SYN: musculus suspensorius duodeni [TA] , ligamentum suspensorium duodeni&star, suspensory ligament of duodenum&star, Treitz ligament, Treitz m..
synergistic muscles muscles having a similar and mutually helpful function or action.
tailor's m. SYN: sartorius (m.).
temporal m. SYN: temporalis (m.).
temporalis (m.) [TA] superiormost masticatory m.; origin, temporal fossa; insertion, coronoid process of mandible and anterior border of ramus; action elevates mandible (closes jaw); its posterior, nearly horizontally-oriented fibers are the primary retractors of the protruded mandible. nerve supply, deep temporal branches of mandibular division of trigeminal. SYN: musculus temporalis [TA] , temporal m., temporalis.
temporoparietal m. SYN: temporoparietalis (m.).
temporoparietalis (m.) [TA] the part of epicranius m. that arises from the lateral part of the epicranial aponeurosis and inserts in the cartilage of the auricle. SYN: musculus temporoparietalis [TA] , temporoparietal m..
tensor fasciae latae (m.) [TA] anterior m. of gluteal region (abductor compartment of thigh); origin, anterior superior spine and adjacent lateral surface of the ilium; insertion, iliotibial band of fascia lata; action, tenses fascia lata; flexes, abducts and medially rotates thigh; nerve supply, superior gluteal. SYN: musculus tensor fasciae latae [TA] , tensor (m.) of fascia lata&star, musculus tensor fasciae femoris.
tensor (m.) of fascia lata tensor fasciae latae (m.).
tensor (m.) of soft palate SYN: tensor veli palati (m.).
tensor tarsi m. lacrimal part of orbicularis oculi m.. See orbicularis oculi (m.).
tensor tympani (m.) [TA] m. of auditory ossicles; origin, the cartilaginous part of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube and the walls of its hemicanal just above the bony portion of the pharyngotympanic tube; insertion, handle of malleus; action, draws the handle of the malleus medially tensing the tympanic membrane to protect it from excessive vibration by loud sounds. nerve supply, branches of trigeminal through the otic ganglion. SYN: musculus tensor tympani [TA] , tensor (m.) of tympanic membrane, Toynbee m..
tensor (m.) of tympanic membrane SYN: tensor tympani (m.).
tensor veli palati (m.) [TA] m. that tenses the soft palate so that the tongue may compress the food bolus against it during swallowing, forcing the mass into the oropharynx; origin, scaphoid fossa of sphenoid, cartilaginous and membranous part of pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube and spine of sphenoid; insertion, posterior border of hard palate and aponeurosis of soft palate; action, tenses the soft palate for swallowing; contributes to opening of auditory tube to enable equilibration of pressure; nerve supply, branches of trigeminal nerve through the otic ganglion. SYN: musculus tensor veli palatini [TA] , musculus palatosalpingeus, tensor (m.) of soft palate.
teres major (m.) [TA] intrinsic (scapulohumeral) m. of shoulder joint; origin, inferior angle and lower third of border of scapula; insertion, medial border of intertubercular groove of humerus; action, adducts and extends arm and rotates it medially; nerve supply, lower subscapular from posterior cord of brachial plexus (fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves). SYN: musculus teres major [TA] .
teres minor (m.) [TA] intrinsic (scapulohumeral) m. of shoulder joint, the tendon of which contributes to formation of the rotator cuff; origin, upper two-thirds of the lateral border of scapula; insertion, lower facet of greater tuberosity of humerus; action, adducts arm and rotates it laterally; its tonic contraction helps to hold the head of the humerus in the shallow glenoid fossa; nerve supply, axillary (fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves). SYN: musculus teres minor [TA] .
m. of terminal notch [TA] an occasional m. on the cranial surface of the auricle spanning the antitragohelicine fissure. SYN: musculus incisurae helicis [TA] , m. of notch of helix, musculus intertragicus.
Theile m. SYN: superficial transverse perineal m..
third peroneal m. SYN: fibularis tertius (m.).
thoracic interspinal m. SYN: interspinales thoracis (muscles).
thoracic interspinales muscles SYN: interspinales thoracis (muscles).
thoracic intertransversarii (muscles) [TA] deep muscles of upper back; origin, transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae; insertion, next superior transverse process; action, abducts thoracic vertebrae; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of thoracic nerves. SYN: musculi intertransversarii thoracis [TA] , thoracic intertransverse muscles.
thoracic intertransverse muscles SYN: thoracic intertransversarii (muscles).
thoracic longissimus m. SYN: longissimus thoracis (m.).
thoracic rotator muscles SYN: rotatores thoracis (muscles).
thoracoappendicular muscles [TA] extrinsic muscles of the upper limb, having an origin from the axial skeleton of the trunk (ribs and spinous processes of cervicothoracic vertebrae) and inserting into the appendicular skeleton of the upper limb. SYN: musculi thoracoappendiculares [TA] .
muscles of thorax [TA] the muscles attaching to the rib cage including the pectoral muscles, serratus anterior, subclavius, levator muscles, intercostal muscles, transverse thoracic m., subcostal muscles, and diaphragm. SYN: musculi thoracis [TA] .
three-headed m. [TA] complex m. in which three separate heads of origin converge to insert via a common tendon, e.g., triceps brachii, triceps coxae, or triceps surae. SYN: musculus triceps [TA] , triceps (m.) [TA] . [L. fr. tri-, three, + caput, head]
thyroarytenoid (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of larynx; origin, inner surface of thyroid cartilage; insertion, muscular process and outer surface of arytenoid; action, decreases tension on (relaxes) vocal cords lowering the pitch of the voice tone; it is antagonistic to the cricothyroid m. in this action; nerve supply, recurrent laryngeal. SYN: musculus thyroarytenoideus [TA] , musculus thyroarytenoideus externus.
thyroepiglottic m., thyroepiglottidean m. SYN: thyroepiglottic part of thyroarytenoid (m.).
thyrohyoid (m.) [TA] infrahyoid (strap) m. of anterior neck that appears to be a continuation of the sternothyroid; origin, oblique line of thyroid cartilage; insertion, body of hyoid bone; action, approximates hyoid bone to the larynx; nerve supply, upper cervical spinal nerves carried by hypoglossal. SYN: musculus thyrohyoideus [TA] .
tibialis anterior (m.) [TA] medial m. of anterior (dorsiflexor) compartment of leg; origin, upper two-thirds of lateral surface of tibia, interosseous membrane, and overlying crural fascia; insertion, medial cuneiform and base of first metatarsal; action, dorsiflexion and inversion of foot; provides dynamic support of longitudinal and transverse arches of foot; nerve supply, deep peroneal. SYN: musculus tibialis anterior [TA] , anterior tibial m., musculus tibialis anticus.
tibialis posterior (m.) [TA] most anterior (deepest) m. of deep posterior (plantar flexor) compartment of leg; origin, soleal line and posterior surface of tibia, the head and shaft of the fibula between the medial crest and interosseous border, and the posterior surface of interosseous membrane; insertion, navicular, three cuneiform, cuboid, and second, third, and fourth metatarsal bones; action, plantar flexion and inversion of foot; nerve supply, tibial. SYN: musculus tibialis posterior [TA] , musculus tibialis posticus, posterior tibial m..
Tod m. SYN: oblique m. of auricle.
muscles of tongue [TA] the extrinsic muscles include the genioglossus, hyoglossus, chondroglossus, and styloglossus muscles; the intrinsic muscles are the vertical, transverse, and the superior and inferior longitudinal; all are innervated by the hypoglssal nerve. SYN: musculi linguae [TA] , lingual muscles.
Toynbee m. SYN: tensor tympani (m.).
trachealis (m.) [TA] the band of mostly transversely disposed smooth muscular fibers in the fibrous membrane connecting posteriorly the ends of the tracheal rings; action, reduces caliber of trachea. SYN: musculus trachealis [TA] .
tracheloclavicular m. an anomalous m. occasionally arising from the cervical vertebrae and inserted into the lateral end of the clavicle. SYN: musculus tracheloclavicularis.
tragicus (m.) [TA] one of the auricular muscles occurring as a band of vertical muscular fibers on the outer surface of the tragus of the auricle. SYN: musculus tragicus [TA] , m. of tragus, Valsalva m..
m. of tragus SYN: tragicus (m.).
transverse m. of abdomen SYN: transversus abdominis (m.).
transverse arytenoid (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of larynx; a band of muscular fibers passing between the two arytenoid cartilages posteriorly; action, narrows the intercartilaginous portion of the rima glottidis; nerve supply, recurrent laryngeal. SYN: musculus arytenoideus transversus [TA] , arytenoideus.
transverse m. of auricle [TA] a band of sparse muscular fibers on the cranial surface of the auricle, extending from the eminence of the concha to the eminence of the scapha. SYN: musculus transversus auriculae [TA] , transverse auricular m.&star.
transverse auricular m. transverse m. of auricle.
transverse m. of chin SYN: transversus menti (m.).
transverse m. of nape SYN: transversus nuchae (m.).
transverse m. of thorax SYN: transversus thoracis (m.).
transverse m. of tongue [TA] an intrinsic m. of the tongue, the fibers of which arise from the septum and radiate to the dorsum and sides; action, decreases lateral dimension of the tongue; nerve supply, hypoglossal for motor, lingual for sensory. SYN: musculus transversus linguae [TA] .
transversospinal m. SYN: transversospinales (muscles).
transversospinales (muscles) [TA] the group of deep back muscles that originate from transverse processes of vertebrae and pass to spinous processes of higher vertebrae; they act as rotators and include the semispinalis (capitis, cervicis, thoracis), multifidus, and rotatores (cervicis, thoracis, lumborum) muscles. All are innervated by dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves. SYN: musculi transversospinales [TA] , transversospinal m., transversospinales.
transversus abdominis (m.) [TA] deepest layer of flat muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall; origin, seventh to twelfth costal cartilages, lumbar fascia, iliac crest, and inguinal ligament; insertion, xiphoid cartilage and linea alba and, through the conjoint tendon, pubic tubercle and pecten; action, compresses abdominal contents; rotates and flexes trunk; nerve supply, lower thoracic. SYN: musculus transversus abdominis [TA] , musculus transversalis abdominis, transverse m. of abdomen.
transversus menti (m.) [TA] facial m. of chin formed as inconstant fibers of the depressor anguli oris musculus continue into the neck and cross to the opposite side inferior to the chin. SYN: musculus transversus menti [TA] , transverse m. of chin.
transversus nuchae (m.) [TA] an occasional m. passing between the tendons of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid, possibly a fasciculus of the posterior auricular m.. SYN: musculus transversus nuchae [TA] , transverse m. of nape.
transversus thoracis (m.) [TA] internal m. of thorax; origin, dorsal surface of xiphoid process and lower portion of dorsal surface of body of sternum; insertion, second to sixth costal cartilages; action, contributes to depression of ribs, narrowing chest; nerve supply, intercostal. SYN: musculus transversus thoracis [TA] , musculus triangularis sterni, sternocostalis m., transverse m. of thorax.
trapezius (m.) [TA] extrinsic (thoracoappendicular) m. of shoulder; origin, medial third of superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes of seventh cervical and the thoracic vertebrae and corresponding supraspinous ligaments; insertion, lateral third of posterior surface of clavicle, anterior side of acromion, and upper and medial border of the spine of the scapula; action, when scapulae are fixed, portions of m. can act independently: cervical portion elevates scapula, thoracic portion contributes to depression of scapula; upper and lowermost portions act simultaneously to rotate glenoid fossa superiorly; when the entire m. and especially middle part contracts, the scapulae retract; draws head to one side or backward; nerve supply, motor by accessory, sensory by cervical plexus. SYN: musculus trapezius [TA] , cowl m., trapezius.
Treitz m. SYN: suspensory m. of duodenum.
triangular m. [TA] 1. a three-sided m.; SYN: musculus triangularis (1) [TA] . 2. SYN: depressor anguli oris (m.).
triceps (m.) [TA] SYN: three-headed m..
triceps m. of arm SYN: triceps brachii (m.).
triceps brachii (m.) [TA] three-headed m. of posterior (extensor) compartment of arm; origin, long or scapular head: lateral border of scapula below glenoid fossa, lateral head: lateral and posterior surface of humerus below greater tubercle, medial head: posterior surface of humerus below radial groove; insertion, olecranon of ulna; action, extends elbow; nerve supply, radial. SYN: musculus triceps brachii [TA] , triceps m. of arm.
triceps (m.) of calf SYN: triceps surae (m.).
triceps coxae (m.) the obturator internus and superior and inferior gemellus muscles considered as one m., inserting via a single common tendon into the greater trochanter of the femur. SYN: musculus triceps coxae, triceps (m.) of hip.
triceps (m.) of hip SYN: triceps coxae (m.).
triceps surae (m.) [TA] the two bellies of the gastrocnemius and soleus considered as one m. inserting via the calcaneal tendon into the calcaneal tuberosity. SYN: musculus triceps surae [TA] , triceps (m.) of calf.
true muscles of back SYN: muscles of back proper.
two-bellied m. [TA] SYN: digastric (m.) (1) .
two-headed m. [TA] a m. with two origins or heads. Commonly used to refer to the biceps brachii (m.).
ulnar extensor (m.) of wrist SYN: extensor carpi ulnaris (m.).
ulnar flexor (m.) of wrist SYN: flexor carpi ulnaris (m.).
unipennate m. semipennate m..
unstriated m., unstriped m. SYN: smooth m..
muscles of urogenital triangle [TA] muscles located between ischiopubic rami and anterior to a line connecting ischial tuberosities, includes bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and transverse perineal muscles and the external urethral sphincter. SYN: musculi regionis urogenitalis [TA] .
m. of uvula [TA] intrinsic m. of soft palate; origin, posterior nasal spine; insertion, forms chief bulk of the uvula; action, raises the uvula; nerve supply, pharyngeal plexus. SYN: musculus uvulae [TA] , musculus azygos uvulae, palatouvularis m., uvular m., uvularis.
uvular m. SYN: m. of uvula.
Valsalva m. SYN: tragicus (m.).
vastus intermedius (m.) [TA] central deep head of quadriceps m. of anterior (extensor) compartment of thigh; origin, upper three-fourths of anterior surface of shaft of femur; insertion, tibial tuberosity by way of common tendon of quadriceps femoris and patellar ligament; action, extends leg; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus vastus intermedius [TA] , crureus, femoral m., intermediate great m., intermediate vastus (m.).
vastus lateralis (m.) [TA] lateral head of quadriceps m. of anterior (extensor) compartment of thigh; origin, lateral lip of linea aspera as far as great trochanter; insertion, tibial tuberosity by way of common tendon of quadriceps femoris and patellar ligament; action, extends leg; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus vastus lateralis [TA] , lateral great m., lateral vastus (m.), musculus vastus externus.
vastus medialis (m. ) [TA] medial head of quadriceps m. of anterior (extensor) compartment of thigh; origin, medial lip of linea aspera; insertion, tibial tuberosity by way of common tendon of quadriceps femoris and ligamentum patellae; action, extends leg; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus vastus medialis [TA] , medial great m., medial vastus (m.), musculus vastus internus.
ventral sacrococcygeal m. SYN: ventral sacrococcygeus (m.).
ventral sacrococcygeus (m.) an inconstant m. on the pelvic surfaces of the sacrum and coccyx, the remains of a portion of the tail musculature of lower animals. SYN: musculus sacrococcygeus anterior, musculus sacrococcygeus ventralis, ventral sacrococcygeal m..
vertical m. of tongue [TA] an intrinsic m. of the tongue, consisting of fibers that pass from the aponeurosis of the dorsum to the aponeurosis of the inferior surface; action, decreases the superior to inferior dimension of (flattens) the tongue; nerve supply, hypoglossal for motor, lingual for sensory. SYN: musculus verticalis linguae [TA] .
vestigial m. an imperfect structure in humans corresponding to a functioning m. in the lower animals.
visceral m. SYN: smooth m..
vocal m. SYN: vocalis (m.).
vocalis (m.) [TA] intrinsic m. of the larynx formed by a number of the most medial and finer fibers of the thyroaryteroid m. attached directly to the outer side of the vocal ligament; origin, depression between the two laminae of thyroid cartilage; insertion, portions of vocal ligament and vocal process of arytenoid; action, shortens and relaxes portions of vocal cords; nerve supply, recurrent laryngeal. SYN: musculus vocalis [TA] , musculus thyroarytenoideus internus, vocal m..
voluntary m. one whose action is under the control of the will; all the striated muscles, except the heart, are voluntary muscles.
white m. a rapid or fast-twitch m. in which pale large “white” fibers predominate; mitochondria and myoglobin are relatively sparse compared with red m.; involved in phasic contraction.
Wilson m. 1. SYN: external urethral sphincter. 2. certain fibers of the levator ani.
wrinkler m. of eyebrow SYN: corrugator supercilii (m.).
zygomaticus major (m.) [TA] facial m. of anterior cheek extending to upper lip; origin, zygomatic bone anterior to temporozygomatic suture; insertion, muscles at angle of mouth; action, draws upper lip upward and laterally; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus zygomaticus major [TA] , greater zygomatic m., musculus zygomaticus.
zygomaticus minor (m.) [TA] facial m. of anterior cheek extending to upper lip; origin, zygomatic bone posterior to zygomaticomaxillary suture; insertion, orbicularis oris of upper lip; action, draws upper lip upward and outward; nerve supply, facial. SYN: musculus zygomaticus minor [TA] , caput zygomaticum quadrati labii superioris, lesser zygomatic m..

muscle-bound
muscle-bound (mus′el-bownd)

Denoting a condition in which individual muscles are overdeveloped but dyssynergic in concerted action.

muscle-trimming
muscle-trimming

SYN: border molding.

muscone
muscone (mus′kon)

Muskone.

musculamine
musculamine (mus′kul-a-men)

SYN: spermine.

muscular
muscular (mus′ku-lar)

1. Relating to a muscle or the muscles. 2. Having well developed musculature.

muscularis
muscularis (mus-ku-la′ris)

The muscular coat of a hollow organ or tubular structure. [Mod. L. muscular]
m. mucosae the thin layer of smooth muscle found in most parts of the digestive tube located outside the lamina propria mucosae and adjacent to the tela submucosa. SYN: lamina m. mucosae, muscular layer of mucosa.

muscularity
muscularity (mus′ku-lar′i-te)

The state or condition of having well developed muscles.

musculature
musculature (mus′ku-la-choor)

The arrangement of the muscles in a part or in the body as a whole.

musculoaponeurotic
musculoaponeurotic (mus′ku-lo-ap′o-noo-rot′ik)

Relating to muscular tissue and an aponeurosis of origin or insertion.

musculocutaneous
musculocutaneous (mus′ku-lo-ku-ta′ne-us)

Relating to both muscle and skin. SYN: myocutaneous, myodermal.

musculomembranous
musculomembranous (mus′ku-lo-mem′bra-nus)

Relating to both muscular tissue and membrane; denoting certain muscles, such as the occipitofrontalis, that are largely membranous.

musculophrenic
musculophrenic (mus′ku-lo-fren′ik)

Relating to the muscular portion of the diaphragm; denoting an artery supplying this part.

musculoskeletal
musculoskeletal (mus′ku-lo-skel′e-tal)

Relating to muscles and to the skeleton, as, for example, the m. system.

musculospiral
musculospiral (mus′ku-lo-spi′ral)

Denoting the m. nerve. See radial nerve.

musculotendinous
musculotendinous (mus′ku-lo-ten′di-nus)

Relating to both muscular and tendinous tissues.

musculotropic
musculotropic (mus′ku-lo-trop′ik)

Affecting, acting upon, or attracted to muscular tissue.

musculus
musculus, gen. and pl. musculi (mus′ku-lus, -ku-li) [TA]

SYN: muscle.For histologic description, see muscle. [L. a little mouse, a muscle, fr. mus (mur-), a mouse]
musculi abdominis SYN: muscles of abdomen, under muscle.
m. abductor [TA] SYN: abductor (muscle).
m. abductor digiti minimi manus [TA] SYN: abductor digiti minimi (muscle) of hand.
m. abductor digiti minimi pedis [TA] SYN: abductor digiti minimi (muscle) of foot.
m. abductor digiti quinti 1. SYN: abductor digiti minimi (muscle) of hand. 2. SYN: abductor digiti minimi (muscle) of foot.
m. abductor hallucis [TA] SYN: abductor hallucis (muscle).
m. abductor pollicis brevis [TA] SYN: abductor pollicis brevis (muscle).
m. abductor pollicis longus [TA] SYN: abductor pollicis longus (muscle).
m. adductor [TA] SYN: adductor muscle.
m. adductor brevis [TA] SYN: adductor brevis (muscle).
m. adductor hallucis [TA] SYN: adductor hallucis (muscle).
m. adductor longus [TA] SYN: adductor longus (muscle).
m. adductor magnus [TA] SYN: adductor magnus (muscle).
m. adductor minimus [TA] SYN: adductor minimus (muscle).
m. adductor pollicis [TA] SYN: adductor pollicis (muscle).
m. anconeus [TA] SYN: anconeus muscle.
musculi anorectoperineales [TA] SYN: anorectoperineal muscles, under muscle.
m. antitragicus [TA] SYN: antitragicus (muscle).
m. arrector pili [TA] SYN: arrector muscle of hair.
m. articularis SYN: articular muscle.
m. articularis cubiti [TA] SYN: articularis cubiti (muscle).
m. articularis genus [TA] SYN: articularis genus (muscle).
m. aryepiglotticus SYN: aryepiglottic part of oblique arytenoid muscle.
m. arytenoideus obliquus [TA] SYN: oblique arytenoid muscle.
m. arytenoideus transversus [TA] SYN: transverse arytenoid (muscle).
m. aryvocalis a number of the deeper fibers of the vocalis muscle attached directly to the outer side of the true vocal cord.
m. attollens aurem, m. attollens auriculam SYN: auricularis superior (muscle).
m. attrahens aurem, m. attrahens auriculam SYN: auricularis anterior (muscle).
musculi auriculares [TA] SYN: auricular muscles, under muscle.
m. auricularis anterior SYN: auricularis anterior (muscle).
m. auricularis posterior [TA] SYN: auricularis posterior (muscle).
m. auricularis superior [TA] SYN: auricularis superior (muscle).
m. azygos uvulae SYN: muscle of uvula.
m. biceps brachii [TA] SYN: biceps brachii (muscle).
m. biceps femoris [TA] SYN: biceps femoris (muscle).
m. biceps flexor cruris SYN: biceps femoris (muscle).
m. bipennatus SYN: pennate muscle.
m. biventer [TA] SYN: digastric (muscle) (1) .
m. biventer mandibulae SYN: digastric (muscle) (1) .
m. brachialis [TA] SYN: brachialis (muscle).
m. brachioradialis [TA] SYN: brachioradialis (muscle).
m. bronchoesophageus [TA] SYN: bronchoesophageus (muscle).
m. buccinator [TA] SYN: buccinator (muscle).
m. buccopharyngeus superior pharyngeal constrictor (muscle).
musculi bulbi SYN: extraocular muscles, under muscle.
m. bulbocavernosus SYN: bulbospongiosus (muscle).
m. bulbospongiosus [TA] SYN: bulbospongiosus (muscle).
m. caninus SYN: levator anguli oris (muscle).
musculi capitis [TA] SYN: muscles of head, under muscle.
m. cephalopharyngeus SYN: superior pharyngeal constrictor (muscle).
m. ceratocricoideus [TA] SYN: ceratocricoid (muscle).
m. ceratoglossus [TA] SYN: ceratoglossus (muscle).
m. ceratopharyngeus middle constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. cervicalis ascendens SYN: iliocostalis cervicis (muscle).
musculi cervicis muscles of neck, under muscle.
m. chondroglossus SYN: chondroglossus muscle.
m. chondropharyngeus middle constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. ciliaris [TA] SYN: ciliary muscle.
m. cleidoepitrochlearis the anterior portion of the deltoid, arising from the clavicle.
m. cleidomastoideus the portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle passing between the clavicle and the mastoid process.
m. cleido-occipitalis the portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle between the clavicle and the superior nuchal line.
musculi coccygei SYN: muscles of coccyx, under muscle.
m. coccygeus [TA] SYN: coccygeus muscle.
musculi colli [TA] SYN: muscles of neck, under muscle.
m. complexus SYN: semispinalis capitis (muscle).
m. complexus minor SYN: longissimus capitis (muscle).
m. compressor naris nasalis (muscle).
m. compressor urethrae [TA] SYN: compressor urethra (muscle).
m. constrictor pharyngis inferior [TA] SYN: inferior constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. constrictor pharyngis medius [TA] SYN: middle constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. constrictor pharyngis superior [TA] SYN: superior pharyngeal constrictor (muscle).
m. constrictor urethrae SYN: external urethral sphincter.
m. coracobrachialis [TA] SYN: coracobrachialis muscle.
m. corrugator cutis ani SYN: corrugator cutis muscle of anus.
m. corrugator supercilii [TA] SYN: corrugator supercilii (muscle).
m. cremaster [TA] SYN: cremaster muscle.
m. cricoarytenoideus lateralis [TA] SYN: lateral cricoarytenoid (muscle).
m. cricoarytenoideus posterior [TA] SYN: posterior cricoarytenoid (muscle).
m. cricopharyngeus inferior constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. cricothyroideus [TA] SYN: cricothyroid muscle.
m. cruciatus SYN: cruciate muscle.
m. cutaneus [TA] SYN: cutaneous muscle.
m. deltoideus [TA] SYN: deltoid (muscle).
m. depressor anguli oris [TA] SYN: depressor anguli oris (muscle).
m. depressor labii inferioris [TA] SYN: depressor labii inferioris (muscle).
m. depressor septi [TA] SYN: depressor septi nasi (muscle).
m. depressor supercilii [TA] SYN: depressor supercilii (muscle).
m. detrusor urinae [TA] SYN: detrusor (muscle).
m. diaphragma diaphragm.
m. digastricus [TA] SYN: digastric (muscle) (1) .
m. dilatator [TA] SYN: dilator muscle.
m. dilator SYN: dilator muscle.
m. dilator iridis SYN: dilator pupillae muscle.
m. dilator naris nasalis (muscle).
m. dilator pupillae [TA] SYN: dilator pupillae muscle.
m. dilator pylori gastroduodenalis SYN: dilator (muscle) of pylorus.
m. dilator pylori ilealis SYN: dilator (muscle) of ileocecal sphincter.
m. dilator tubae that portion of m. tensor veli palatini that attaches to the mucous membrane of the auditory tube; formerly described as a separate muscle.
musculi dorsi [TA] SYN: muscles of back, under muscle.
musculi dorsi proprii [TA] SYN: muscles of back proper, under muscle.
m. ejaculator seminis SYN: bulbospongiosus (muscle).
m. epicranius [TA] SYN: epicranius (muscle).
m. epitrochleoanconeus an occasional muscle origin, from the back of the medial condyle of the humerus, and insertion into the medial side of the olecranon process.
m. erector clitoridis SYN: ischiocavernous (muscle).
m. erector penis SYN: ischiocavernous (muscle).
m. erector spinae [TA] SYN: erector spinae (muscles), under muscle.
m. extensor [TA] SYN: extensor muscle.
m. extensor brevis digitorum SYN: extensor digitorum brevis (muscle).
m. extensor brevis pollicis SYN: extensor pollicis brevis (muscle).
m. extensor carpi radialis brevis [TA] SYN: extensor carpi radialis brevis (muscle).
m. extensor carpi radialis longus [TA] SYN: extensor carpi radialis longus (muscle).
m. extensor carpi ulnaris [TA] SYN: extensor carpi ulnaris (muscle).
m. extensor coccygis SYN: dorsal sacrococcygeus muscle.
m. extensor digiti minimi [TA] SYN: extensor digiti minimi (muscle).
m. extensor digiti quinti proprius SYN: extensor digiti minimi (muscle).
m. extensor digitorum [TA] SYN: extensor digitorum muscle.
m. extensor digitorum brevis [TA] SYN: extensor digitorum brevis (muscle).
m. extensor digitorum brevis manus SYN: extensor digitorum brevis (muscle) of hand.
m. extensor digitorum communis SYN: extensor digitorum muscle.
m. extensor digitorum longus [TA] SYN: extensor digitorum longus (muscle).
m. extensor hallucis brevis [TA] SYN: extensor hallucis brevis (muscle).
m. extensor hallucis longus [TA] SYN: extensor hallucis longus (muscle).
m. extensor indicis [TA] SYN: extensor indicis (muscle).
m. extensor indicis proprius SYN: extensor indicis (muscle).
m. extensor longus digitorum SYN: extensor digitorum longus (muscle).
m. extensor longus pollicis SYN: extensor pollicis longus (muscle).
m. extensor minimi digiti SYN: extensor digiti minimi (muscle).
m. extensor ossis metacarpi pollicis SYN: abductor pollicis longus (muscle).
m. extensor pollicis brevis [TA] SYN: extensor pollicis brevis (muscle).
m. extensor pollicis longus [TA] SYN: extensor pollicis longus (muscle).
musculi externi bulbi oculi [TA] SYN: extraocular muscles, under muscle.
musculi faciei SYN: facial muscles, under muscle.
m. fibularis brevis [TA] SYN: fibularis brevis (muscle).
m. fibularis longus [TA] SYN: fibularis longus (muscle).
m. fibularis tertius [TA] SYN: fibularis tertius (muscle).
m. flexor [TA] SYN: flexor muscle.
m. flexor accessorius quadratus plantae (muscle).
m. flexor brevis digitorum SYN: flexor digitorum brevis (muscle).
m. flexor brevis hallucis SYN: flexor hallucis brevis (muscle).
m. flexor carpi radialis [TA] SYN: flexor carpi radialis (muscle).
m. flexor carpi ulnaris [TA] SYN: flexor carpi ulnaris (muscle).
m. flexor digiti minimi brevis manus [TA] SYN: flexor digiti minimi brevis (muscle) of hand.
m. flexor digiti minimi brevis pedis [TA] SYN: flexor digiti minimi brevis (muscle) of foot.
m. flexor digitorum brevis [TA] SYN: flexor digitorum brevis (muscle).
m. flexor digitorum longus [TA] SYN: flexor digitorum longus (muscle).
m. flexor digitorum profundus [TA] SYN: flexor digitorum profundus (muscle).
m. flexor digitorum sublimis SYN: flexor digitorum superficialis (muscle).
m. flexor digitorum superficialis [TA] SYN: flexor digitorum superficialis (muscle).
m. flexor hallucis brevis [TA] SYN: flexor hallucis brevis (muscle).
m. flexor hallucis longus [TA] SYN: flexor hallucis longus (muscle).
m. flexor longus digitorum SYN: flexor digitorum longus (muscle).
m. flexor longus hallucis SYN: flexor hallucis longus (muscle).
m. flexor longus pollicis SYN: flexor pollicis longus (muscle).
m. flexor pollicis brevis [TA] SYN: flexor pollicis brevis (muscle).
m. flexor pollicis longus [TA] SYN: flexor pollicis longus (muscle).
m. flexor profundus SYN: flexor digitorum profundus (muscle).
m. flexor sublimis SYN: flexor digitorum superficialis (muscle).
m. frontalis occipitofrontalis (muscle).
m. fusiformis [TA] SYN: fusiform muscle.
m. gastrocnemius [TA] SYN: gastrocnemius (muscle).
m. gemellus inferior [TA] SYN: inferior gemellus (muscle).
m. gemellus superior [TA] SYN: superior gemellus (muscle).
m. genioglossus [TA] SYN: genioglossus (muscle).
m. geniohyoglossus SYN: genioglossus (muscle).
m. geniohyoideus [TA] SYN: geniohyoid (muscle).
m. glossopalatinus SYN: palatoglossus (muscle).
m. glossopharyngeus superior pharyngeal constrictor (muscle).
m. gluteus maximus [TA] SYN: gluteus maximus (muscle).
m. gluteus medius [TA] SYN: gluteus medius (muscle).
m. gluteus minimus [TA] SYN: gluteus minimus (muscle).
m. gracilis [TA] SYN: gracilis (muscle).
m. helicis major [TA] SYN: helicis major (muscle).
m. helicis minor [TA] SYN: helicis minor (muscle).
m. hyoglossus [TA] SYN: hyoglossus (muscle).
m. hypopharyngeus middle constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. iliacus [TA] SYN: iliacus (muscle).
m. iliacus minor SYN: iliacus minor (muscle).
m. iliocapsularis SYN: iliacus minor (muscle).
m. iliococcygeus [TA] SYN: iliococcygeus (muscle).
m. iliocostalis [TA] SYN: iliocostalis (muscle).
m. iliocostalis cervicis [TA] SYN: iliocostalis cervicis (muscle).
m. iliocostalis dorsi SYN: iliocostalis thoracis (muscle).
m. iliocostalis lumborum [TA] SYN: iliocostalis lumborum (muscle).
m. iliocostalis thoracis [TA] SYN: iliocostalis thoracis (muscle).
m. iliopsoas [TA] SYN: iliopsoas (muscle).
m. incisivus labii inferioris inferior incisive bundle of origin of orbicularis oris m..
m. incisivus labii superioris superior incisive bundle of origin of orbicularis oris m..
m. incisurae helicis [TA] SYN: muscle of terminal notch.
m. infracostalis, pl .musculi infracostales SYN: subcostal muscle.
musculi infrahyoidei [TA] SYN: infrahyoid muscles, under muscle.
m. infraspinatus [TA] SYN: infraspinatus (muscle).
m. intercostales externi, pl .musculi intercostales externi [TA] SYN: external intercostal (muscle).
m. intercostalis internus, pl .musculi intercostales interni [TA] SYN: internal intercostal (muscle).
m. intercostalis intimus, pl .musculi intercostales intimi [TA] SYN: innermost intercostal (muscle).
musculi interossei [TA] SYN: interosseous muscles, under muscle.
musculi interossei dorsalis manus, pl .musculi interossei dorsales manus [TA] SYN: dorsal interossei (interosseous muscles) of hand, under muscle.
musculi interossei dorsalis pedis, pl .musculi interossei dorsales pedis [TA] SYN: dorsal interossei (interosseous muscles) of foot, under muscle.
musculi interosseus plantaris [TA] SYN: plantar interossei (interosseous muscles), under muscle.
m. interosseus palmaris, pl .musculi interossei palmares [TA] SYN: palmar interossei (interosseous muscles), under muscle.
m. interosseus volaris SYN: palmar interossei (interosseous muscles), under muscle.
musculi interspinales [TA] SYN: interspinales (muscles), under muscle.
m. interspinalis cervicis SYN: interspinales cervicis (muscles), under muscle.
m. interspinalis lumborum [TA] SYN: interspinales lumborum (muscles), under muscle.
m. interspinalis thoracis [TA] SYN: interspinales thoracis (muscles), under muscle.
m. intertragicus SYN: muscle of terminal notch.
musculi intertransversarii [TA] SYN: intertransversarii (muscles), under muscle.
musculi intertransversarii anteriores cervicis [TA] SYN: anterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles), under muscle.
musculi intertransversarii laterales lumborum [TA] SYN: lateral lumbar intertransversarii (muscles), under muscle.
musculi intertransversarii mediales lumborum [TA] SYN: medial lumbar intertransversarii (muscles), under muscle.
musculi intertransversarii posteriores cervicis [TA] SYN: posterior cervical intertransversarii (muscles), under muscle.
musculi intertransversarii thoracis [TA] SYN: thoracic intertransversarii (muscles), under muscle.
m. ischiocavernosus [TA] SYN: ischiocavernous (muscle).
m. ischiococcygeus SYN: coccygeus muscle.
m. keratopharyngeus middle constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
musculi laryngis [TA] SYN: muscles of larynx, under muscle.
m. laryngopharyngeus SYN: inferior constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. latissimus dorsi [TA] SYN: latissimus dorsi (muscle).
m. levator alae nasi portion of m. levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle inserting into wing of nose.
m. levator anguli oris [TA] SYN: levator anguli oris (muscle).
m. levator anguli scapulae SYN: levator scapulae (muscle).
m. levator ani [TA] SYN: levator ani (muscle).
m. levator costae, pl .musculi levatores costarum SYN: levatores costarum (muscles), under muscle.
musculi levatores costarum [TA] SYN: levatores costarum (muscles), under muscle.
musculi levatores costarum breves [TA] SYN: levatores costarum breves (muscles), under muscle.
musculi levatores costarum longi [TA] SYN: levatores costarum longi (muscles), under muscle.
m. levator glandulae thyroideae [TA] SYN: levator (muscle) of thyroid gland.
m. levator labii inferioris SYN: mentalis (muscle).
m. levator labii superioris [TA] SYN: levator labii superioris (muscle).
m. levator labii superioris alaeque nasi [TA] SYN: levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (muscle).
m. levator palati SYN: levator veli palatini (muscle).
m. levator palpebrae superioris [TA] SYN: levator palpebrae superioris (muscle).
m. levator prostatae puboprostaticus (muscle).
m. levator scapulae [TA] SYN: levator scapulae (muscle).
m. levator veli palatini [TA] SYN: levator veli palatini (muscle).
musculi linguae [TA] SYN: muscles of tongue, under muscle.
m. longissimus [TA] SYN: longissimus (muscle).
m. longissimus capitis [TA] SYN: longissimus capitis (muscle).
m. longissimus cervicis [TA] SYN: longissimus cervicis (muscle).
m. longissimus dorsi SYN: longissimus thoracis (muscle).
m. longissimus thoracis [TA] SYN: longissimus thoracis (muscle).
m. longitudinalis inferior linguae [TA] SYN: inferior longitudinal muscle of tongue.
m. longitudinalis superior linguae [TA] SYN: superior longitudinal muscle of tongue.
m. longus capitis [TA] SYN: longus capitis (muscle).
m. longus colli [TA] SYN: longus colli (muscle).
m. lumbricalis manus, pl .musculi lumbricales manus [TA] SYN: lumbricals (lumbrical muscles) of hand, under muscle.
m. lumbricalis pedis, pl .musculi lumbricales pedis [TA] SYN: lumbricals (lumbrical muscles) of foot, under muscle.
m. masseter [TA] SYN: masseter (muscle).
m. mentalis [TA] SYN: mentalis (muscle).
m. multifidus [TA] SYN: multifidus (muscle).
m. multifidus spinae SYN: multifidus (muscle).
m. multipennatus [TA] SYN: multipennate muscle.
m. mylohyoideus [TA] SYN: mylohyoid (muscle).
m. mylopharyngeus superior pharyngeal constrictor (muscle).
m. nasalis [TA] SYN: nasalis (muscle).
m. obliquus auriculae [TA] SYN: oblique muscle of auricle.
m. obliquus capitis inferior [TA] SYN: obliquus capitis inferior (muscle).
m. obliquus capitis superior [TA] SYN: obliquus capitis superior (muscle).
m. obliquus externus abdominis [TA] SYN: external oblique (muscle).
m. obliquus inferior [TA] SYN: inferior oblique (muscle).
m. obliquus internus abdominis [TA] SYN: internal oblique (muscle).
m. obliquus superior [TA] SYN: superior oblique (muscle).
m. obturator externus [TA] SYN: obturator externus (muscle).
m. obturator internus [TA] SYN: obturator internus (muscle).
m. occipitalis occipitofrontalis (muscle).
m. occipitofrontalis [TA] SYN: occipitofrontalis (muscle).
m. omohyoideus [TA] SYN: omohyoid (muscle).
m. opponens [TA] SYN: opponens muscle.
m. opponens digiti minimi [TA] SYN: opponens digiti minimi (muscle).
m. opponens digiti quinti SYN: opponens digiti minimi (muscle).
m. opponens minimi digiti SYN: opponens digiti minimi (muscle).
m. opponens pollicis [TA] SYN: opponens pollicis (muscle).
m. orbicularis [TA] SYN: orbicular muscle.
m. orbicularis oculi [TA] SYN: orbicularis oculi (muscle).
m. orbicularis oris [TA] SYN: orbicularis oris (muscle).
m. orbicularis palpebrarum SYN: orbicularis oculi (muscle).
m. orbitalis [TA] SYN: orbitalis (muscle).
m. orbitopalpebralis SYN: levator palpebrae superioris (muscle).
musculi ossiculorum auditoriorum muscles of auditory ossicles, under muscle.
musculi ossiculorum auditus [TA] SYN: muscles of auditory ossicles, under muscle.
m. palatoglossus [TA] SYN: palatoglossus (muscle).
m. palatopharyngeus [TA] SYN: palatopharyngeus (muscle).
m. palatosalpingeus SYN: tensor veli palati (muscle).
m. palatostaphylinus a bundle of muscular fibers from the tensor veli palatini joining the m. uvulae.
m. palmaris brevis [TA] SYN: palmaris brevis (muscle).
m. palmaris longus [TA] SYN: palmaris longus (muscle).
m. papillaris [TA] SYN: papillary muscle.
musculi pectinati [TA] SYN: pectinate muscles, under muscle.
m. pectineus [TA] SYN: pectineus (muscle).
m. pectoralis major [TA] SYN: pectoralis major (muscle).
m. pectoralis minor [TA] SYN: pectoralis minor (muscle).
m. pennatus [TA] SYN: pennate muscle.
musculi perinei [TA] SYN: perineal muscles, under muscle.
m. peroneocalcaneus an occasional muscle arising from the shaft of the fibula and inserted into the calcaneus.
m. peroneus brevis fibularis brevis (muscle).
m. peroneus longus fibularis longus (muscle).
m. peroneus tertius fibularis tertius (muscle).
m. petropharyngeus an occasional accessory levator muscle of the pharynx, arising from the undersurface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone and inserted into the pharynx.
m. petrostaphylinus SYN: levator veli palatini (muscle).
m. pharyngopalatinus SYN: palatopharyngeus (muscle).
m. piriformis [TA] SYN: piriformis (muscle).
m. plana [TA] SYN: flat muscle.
m. plantaris [TA] SYN: plantaris (muscle).
m. platysma SYN: platysma (muscle).
m. platysma myoides SYN: platysma (muscle).
m. pleuroesophageus [TA] SYN: pleuroesophageus (muscle).
m. popliteus [TA] SYN: popliteus (muscle).
m. procerus [TA] SYN: procerus (muscle).
m. pronator [TA] SYN: pronator (muscle).
m. pronator pedis SYN: quadratus plantae (muscle).
m. pronator quadratus [TA] SYN: pronator quadratus (muscle).
m. pronator radii teres SYN: pronator teres (muscle).
m. pronator teres [TA] SYN: pronator teres (muscle).
m. prostaticus SYN: muscular substance of prostate.
m. psoas major [TA] SYN: psoas major (muscle).
m. psoas minor [TA] SYN: psoas minor (muscle).
m. pterygoideus externus SYN: lateral pterygoid (muscle).
m. pterygoideus internus SYN: medial pterygoid (muscle).
m. pterygoideus lateralis [TA] SYN: lateral pterygoid (muscle).
m. pterygoideus medialis [TA] SYN: medial pterygoid (muscle).
m. pterygopharyngeus superior pharyngeal constrictor (muscle).
m. pterygospinosus a muscular slip, occasionally present, passing between the spine of the sphenoid bone and the posterior margin of the lateral pterygoid plate.
m. puboanalis [TA] SYN: puboanalis (muscle).
m. pubococcygeus [TA] SYN: pubococcygeus (muscle).
m. puboperinealis [TA] SYN: puboperinealis (muscle).
m. puboprostaticus [TA] SYN: puboprostaticus (muscle).
m. puborectalis [TA] SYN: puborectalis (muscle).
m. pubovaginalis [TA] SYN: pubovaginalis (muscle).
m. pubovesicalis [TA] SYN: pubovesicalis (muscle).
m. pyramidalis [TA] SYN: pyramidalis (muscle).
m. pyramidalis auriculae [TA] SYN: pyramidal muscle of auricle.
m. pyramidalis nasi SYN: procerus (muscle).
m. pyriformis SYN: piriformis (muscle).
m. quadratus [TA] SYN: quadrate muscle.
m. quadratus femoris [TA] SYN: quadratus femoris (muscle).
m. quadratus labii inferioris SYN: depressor labii inferioris (muscle).
m. quadratus labii superioris composed of three heads usually described as three separate muscles; they are the caput angulare or levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle; caput infraorbitale or levator labii superioris muscle; caput zygomaticum or zygomaticus minor muscle. SYN: quadrate muscle of upper lip.
m. quadratus lumborum [TA] SYN: quadratus lumborum (muscle).
m. quadratus menti SYN: depressor labii inferioris (muscle).
m. quadratus plantae [TA] SYN: quadratus plantae (muscle).
m. quadriceps [TA] SYN: quadriceps femoris (muscle).
m. quadriceps extensor femoris SYN: quadriceps femoris (muscle).
m. quadriceps femoris [TA] SYN: quadriceps femoris (muscle).
m. rectococcygeus [TA] SYN: rectococcygeus (muscle).
musculi rectourethrales anorectoperineal muscles, under muscle.
m. rectouterinus [TA] SYN: rectouterinus (muscle).
m. rectovesicalis [TA] SYN: rectovesicalis (muscle).
m. rectus [TA] SYN: straight muscle.
m. rectus abdominis [TA] SYN: rectus abdominis (muscle).
m. rectus capitis anterior [TA] SYN: rectus capitis anterior (muscle).
m. rectus capitis anticus major SYN: longus capitis (muscle).
m. rectus capitis anticus minor SYN: rectus capitis anterior (muscle).
m. rectus capitis lateralis [TA] SYN: rectus capitis lateralis (muscle).
m. rectus capitis posterior major [TA] SYN: rectus capitis posterior major (muscle).
m. rectus capitis posterior minor [TA] SYN: rectus capitis posterior minor (muscle).
m. rectus capitis posticus major SYN: rectus capitis posterior major (muscle).
m. rectus capitis posticus minor SYN: rectus capitis posterior minor (muscle).
m. rectus externus SYN: lateral rectus (muscle).
m. rectus femoris [TA] SYN: rectus femoris (muscle).
m. rectus inferior [TA] SYN: inferior rectus (muscle).
m. rectus internus SYN: medial rectus (muscle).
m. rectus lateralis [TA] SYN: lateral rectus (muscle).
m. rectus medialis [TA] SYN: medial rectus (muscle).
m. rectus superior [TA] SYN: superior rectus (muscle).
m. rectus thoracis SYN: sternalis (muscle).
musculi regionis analis [TA] SYN: muscles of anal triangle, under muscle.
musculi regionis urogenitalis [TA] SYN: muscles of urogenital triangle, under muscle.
m. retrahens aurem, m. retrahens auriculam SYN: auricularis posterior (muscle).
m. rhomboatloideus an occasional muscle arising with the rhomboids from the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and inserted into the atlas.
m. rhomboideus major [TA] SYN: rhomboid major (muscle).
m. rhomboideus minor [TA] SYN: rhomboid minor (muscle).
m. risorius [TA] SYN: risorius (muscle).
m. rotator [TA] SYN: rotator muscle.
musculi rotatores [TA] SYN: rotatores (muscles), under muscle.
musculi rotatores cervicis [TA] SYN: rotatores cervicis (muscles), under muscle.
musculi rotatores lumborum [TA] SYN: rotatores lumborum (muscles), under muscle.
musculi rotatores thoracis [TA] SYN: rotatores thoracis (muscles), under muscle.
m. sacrococcygeus anterior SYN: ventral sacrococcygeus (muscle).
m. sacrococcygeus dorsalis SYN: dorsal sacrococcygeus muscle.
m. sacrococcygeus posterior SYN: dorsal sacrococcygeus muscle.
m. sacrococcygeus ventralis SYN: ventral sacrococcygeus (muscle).
m. sacrolumbalis SYN: iliocostalis lumborum (muscle).
m. sacrospinalis SYN: erector spinae (muscles), under muscle.
m. salpingopharyngeus [TA] SYN: salpingopharyngeus (muscle).
m. sartorius [TA] SYN: sartorius (muscle).
m. scalenus anterior [TA] SYN: scalenus anterior (muscle).
m. scalenus anticus SYN: scalenus anterior (muscle).
m. scalenus medius [TA] SYN: scalenus medius (muscle).
m. scalenus minimus [TA] SYN: scalenus minimus (muscle).
m. scalenus posterior [TA] SYN: scalenus posterior (muscle).
m. scalenus posticus SYN: scalenus posterior (muscle).
musculi scapulohumerales [TA] SYN: scapulohumeral muscles, under muscle.
m. semimembranosus [TA] SYN: semimembranosus (muscle).
m. semipennatus [TA] SYN: semipennate muscle.
m. semispinalis [TA] SYN: semispinalis muscle.
m. semispinalis capitis [TA] SYN: semispinalis capitis (muscle).
m. semispinalis cervicis [TA] SYN: semispinalis cervicis (muscle).
m. semispinalis colli semispinalis cervicis (muscle).
m. semispinalis dorsi SYN: semispinalis thoracis (muscle).
m. semispinalis thoracis [TA] SYN: semispinalis thoracis (muscle).
m. semitendinosus [TA] SYN: semitendinosus (muscle).
m. serratus anterior [TA] SYN: serratus anterior (muscle).
m. serratus magnus SYN: serratus anterior (muscle).
m. serratus posterior inferior [TA] SYN: serratus posterior inferior (muscle).
m. serratus posterior superior [TA] SYN: serratus posterior superior (muscle).
m. skeleti SYN: skeletal muscle.
m. soleus [TA] SYN: soleus (muscle).
m. sphincter [TA] SYN: sphincter.
m. sphincter ampullae biliaropancreaticae sphincter of hepatopancreatic ampulla.
m. sphincter ampullae sphincter of hepatopancreatic ampulla.
m. sphincter ampullae hepatopancreaticae [TA] SYN: sphincter of hepatopancreatic ampulla.
m. sphincter ani externus [TA] SYN: external anal sphincter.
m. sphincter ani internus [TA] SYN: internal anal sphincter.
m. sphincter ductus biliaris sphincter of (common) bile duct.
m. sphincter ductus choledochi [TA] SYN: sphincter of (common) bile duct.
m. sphincter ductus pancreatici SYN: sphincter of pancreatic duct.
m. sphincter oris SYN: orbicularis oris (muscle).
m. sphincter palatopharyngeus posterior fascicle of palatopharyngeus muscle.
m. sphincter pupillae [TA] SYN: sphincter pupillae.
m. sphincter pylori [TA] SYN: pyloric sphincter.
m. sphincter urethrae externus SYN: external urethral sphincter.
m. sphincter urethrae externus femininae [TA] SYN: external urethral sphincter of female.
m. sphincter urethrae externus masculinae [TA] SYN: external urethral sphincter of male.
m. sphincter urethrae internus internal urethral sphincter.
m. sphincter urethrovaginalis [TA] SYN: urethrovaginal sphincter.
m. sphincter vaginae SYN: bulbospongiosus (muscle).
m. sphincter vesicae SYN: internal urethral sphincter.
m. spinalis [TA] SYN: spinalis (muscle).
m. spinalis capitis [TA] SYN: spinalis capitis (muscle).
m. spinalis cervicis [TA] SYN: spinalis cervicis (muscle).
m. spinalis colli SYN: spinalis cervicis (muscle).
m. spinalis dorsi SYN: spinalis thoracis (muscle).
m. spinalis thoracis [TA] SYN: spinalis thoracis (muscle).
musculi splenii [TA] SYN: splenius (muscles), under muscle.
m. splenius capitis [TA] SYN: splenius capitis (muscle).
m. splenius cervicis [TA] SYN: splenius cervicis (muscle).
m. splenius colli SYN: splenius cervicis (muscle).
m. stapedius [TA] SYN: stapedius (muscle).
m. sternalis [TA] SYN: sternalis (muscle).
m. sternochondroscapularis SYN: sternochondroscapular muscle.
m. sternoclavicularis SYN: sternoclavicular muscle.
m. sternocleidomastoideus [TA] SYN: sternocleidomastoid (muscle).
m. sternofascialis an occasional muscular slip arising from the manubrium of the sternum and inserted into the fascia of the neck.
m. sternohyoideus [TA] SYN: sternohyoid (muscle).
m. sternothyroideus [TA] SYN: sternothyroid (muscle).
m. styloauricularis SYN: styloauricular (muscle).
m. styloglossus [TA] SYN: styloglossus (muscle).
m. stylohyoideus [TA] SYN: stylohyoid (muscle).
m. stylolaryngeus that part of the stylopharyngeus which is inserted into the thyroid cartilage.
m. stylopharyngeus [TA] SYN: stylopharyngeus (muscle).
m. subclavius [TA] SYN: subclavius (muscle).
m. subcostalis, pl .musculi subcostales [TA] SYN: subcostal muscle.
m. subcutaneus colli SYN: platysma (muscle).
musculi suboccipitales [TA] SYN: suboccipital muscles, under muscle.
m. subscapularis [TA] SYN: subscapularis (muscle).
m. supinator [TA] SYN: supinator (muscle).
m. supinator longus obsolete and inaccurate term for brachioradialis (muscle).
m. supinator radii brevis SYN: supinator (muscle).
m. supraclavicularis SYN: supraclavicular muscle.
musculi suprahyoidei [TA] SYN: suprahyoid muscles, under muscle.
m. supraspinalis SYN: supraspinalis (muscle).
m. supraspinatus [TA] SYN: supraspinatus (muscle).
m. suspensorius duodeni [TA] SYN: suspensory muscle of duodenum.
m. tarsalis inferior [TA] SYN: inferior tarsal muscle.
m. tarsalis superior [TA] SYN: superior tarsal muscle.
m. temporalis [TA] SYN: temporalis (muscle).
m. temporoparietalis [TA] SYN: temporoparietalis (muscle). SEE ALSO: auricularis anterior (muscle), auricularis superior (muscle).
m. tensor fasciae femoris SYN: tensor fasciae latae (muscle).
m. tensor fasciae latae [TA] SYN: tensor fasciae latae (muscle).
m. tensor tarsi SYN: lacrimal part of orbicularis oculi muscle. See orbicularis oculi (muscle).
m. tensor tympani [TA] SYN: tensor tympani (muscle).
m. tensor veli palatini [TA] SYN: tensor veli palati (muscle).
m. teres major [TA] SYN: teres major (muscle).
m. teres minor [TA] SYN: teres minor (muscle).
m. tetragonus SYN: platysma (muscle).
musculi thoracis [TA] SYN: muscles of thorax, under muscle.
musculi thoracoappendiculares [TA] SYN: thoracoappendicular muscles, under muscle.
m. thyroarytenoideus [TA] SYN: thyroarytenoid (muscle).
m. thyroarytenoideus externus SYN: thyroarytenoid (muscle).
m. thyroarytenoideus internus SYN: vocalis (muscle).
m. thyroepiglotticus SYN: thyroepiglottic part of thyroarytenoid (muscle).
m. thyrohyoideus [TA] SYN: thyrohyoid (muscle).
m. thyropharyngeus inferior constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
m. tibialis anterior [TA] SYN: tibialis anterior (muscle).
m. tibialis anticus SYN: tibialis anterior (muscle).
m. tibialis gracilis SYN: plantaris (muscle).
m. tibialis posterior [TA] SYN: tibialis posterior (muscle).
m. tibialis posticus SYN: tibialis posterior (muscle).
m. tibialis secundus an inconstant muscle, of small size, arising from the back of the tibia and inserted into the articular capsule of the ankle joint. SYN: second tibial muscle.
m. tibiofascialis anterior, m. tibiofascialis anticus separate fibers of the tibialis anterior inserted into the fascia of the dorsum of the foot.
m. trachealis [TA] SYN: trachealis (muscle).
m. tracheloclavicularis SYN: tracheloclavicular muscle.
m. trachelomastoideus SYN: longissimus capitis (muscle).
m. tragicus [TA] SYN: tragicus (muscle).
m. transversalis abdominis SYN: transversus abdominis (muscle).
m. transversalis capitis SYN: longissimus capitis (muscle).
m. transversalis cervicis, m. transversalis colli SYN: longissimus cervicis (muscle).
m. transversalis nasi nasalis (muscle).
musculi transversospinales [TA] SYN: transversospinales (muscles), under muscle.
m. transversus abdominis [TA] SYN: transversus abdominis (muscle).
m. transversus auriculae [TA] SYN: transverse muscle of auricle.
m. transversus linguae [TA] SYN: transverse muscle of tongue.
m. transversus menti [TA] SYN: transversus menti (muscle).
m. transversus nuchae [TA] SYN: transversus nuchae (muscle).
m. transversus perinei profundus [TA] SYN: deep transverse perineal muscle.
m. transversus perinei superficialis [TA] SYN: superficial transverse perineal muscle.
m. transversus thoracis [TA] SYN: transversus thoracis (muscle).
m. trapezius [TA] SYN: trapezius (muscle).
m. triangularis [TA] 1. [NA] SYN: triangular muscle (1) . 2. SYN: depressor anguli oris (muscle).
m. triangularis labii inferioris SYN: depressor anguli oris (muscle).
m. triangularis labii superioris SYN: levator anguli oris (muscle).
m. triangularis sterni SYN: transversus thoracis (muscle).
m. triceps [TA] SYN: three-headed muscle.
m. triceps brachii [TA] SYN: triceps brachii (muscle).
m. triceps coxae SYN: triceps coxae (muscle).
m. triceps surae [TA] SYN: triceps surae (muscle).
m. triticeoglossus an occasional thin band of muscular fibers passing between the root of the tongue and the triticeal cartilage. SYN: Bochdalek muscle.
m. unipennatus semipennate muscle.
m. uvulae [TA] SYN: muscle of uvula.
m. vastus externus SYN: vastus lateralis (muscle).
m. vastus intermedius [TA] SYN: vastus intermedius (muscle).
m. vastus internus SYN: vastus medialis (muscle ).
m. vastus lateralis [TA] SYN: vastus lateralis (muscle).
m. vastus medialis [TA] SYN: vastus medialis (muscle ).
m. ventricularis fibers of the thyroarytenoid which pass into the vestibular fold (false vocal cord).
m. verticalis linguae [TA] SYN: vertical muscle of tongue.
m. vocalis [TA] SYN: vocalis (muscle).
m. zygomaticus SYN: zygomaticus major (muscle).
m. zygomaticus major [TA] SYN: zygomaticus major (muscle).
m. zygomaticus minor [TA] SYN: zygomaticus minor (muscle).

mushbite
mushbite (mush′bit)

A maxillomandibular record made by introducing a mass of soft wax into the patient's mouth and instructing the patient to bite into it to the desired degree; not a generally accepted procedure.

musicotherapy
musicotherapy (mu′sik-o-thar′a-pe)

An adjunctive treatment of mental disorders by means of music.

Musset
Musset

L.C. Alfred de, French poet, 1810–1857; person in whom M. sign was studied. See M. sign.

mussitation
mussitation (mus-i-ta′shun)

Movements of the lips as if speaking, but without sound; observed in delirium, semicoma, and severe Parkinson disease. [L. mussito, to murmur constantly, fr. musso, pp. -atus, to mutter]

Mussy Mussy

See Guéneau de M..

must
must (must)

Unfermented juice of the grape or other fruits. [L. mustum, new wine, ntr. of mustus, fresh]

Mustard
Mustard

William T., Canadian thoracic surgeon, 1914–1987. See M. operation, M. procedure.

mustard
mustard (mus′tard)

1. The dried ripe seeds of Brassica alba (white m.) and B. nigra (black m.) (family Cruciferae). 2. SYN: m. gas. [O.Fr. moustarde, fr. L. mustum, must]
black m. the dried ripe seed of Brassica nigra or of B. juncea; it is the source of allyl isothiocyanate; it contains sinigrin (potassium myronate); myrosin; sinapine sulfocyanate; erucic, behenic, and synapolic acids; and fixed oil; a prompt emetic, a rubefacient, and a condiment.
m. chlorohydrin SYN: hemisulfur m..
hemisulfur m. an antineoplastic agent. SYN: m. chlorohydrin, semisulfur m..
nitrogen mustards (HN2) compounds of the general formula R— N(CH₂CH₂C1) the prototype is HN-2 nitrogen m., mechlorethamine, in which R is CH₃. Some have been used therapeutically for their destructive action upon lymphoid tissue in lymphosarcoma, leukemia, Hodgkin disease, and certain other cancers; most are blister agents. SEE ALSO: mechlorethamine hydrochloride.
semisulfur m. SYN: hemisulfur m..
sulfur m. SYN: m. gas.
uracil m. uracil m..
white m. the ripe seeds of Brassica (Sinapis) alba; less pungent than black m., but with the same constituents and uses.

mustard oil
mustard oil

Term applied to any of the organic isothiocyanates in general, but more specifically to allyl isothiocyanate; such oils are metabolically convertible to thiocyanates and may thus lead to goiter.
expressed m. the fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Brassica alba and B. nigra; it contains the glycerides of oleic, arachidic, and other fatty acids; used as salad oil and in the manufacture of oleomargarine.
volatile m. SYN: allyl isothiocyanate.

mustine hydrochloride
mustine hydrochloride (mus′ten)

SYN: mechlorethamine hydrochloride.

mutacism
mutacism (mu′ta-sizm)

SYN: mytacism.

mutagen
mutagen (mu′ta-jen)

Any agent that promotes a mutation or causes an increase in the rate of mutational events, e.g., radioactive substances, x-rays, or certain chemicals. [L. muto, to change, + G. -gen, producing]
frame-shift m. a m., such as an acridine derivative, that causes a reading-frame-shift mutation; codons (base triplets) are read out of phase and different amino acids are utilized.

mutagenesis
mutagenesis (mu-ta-jen′e-sis)

1. Production of a mutation. 2. Production of genetic alteration through use of chemicals or radiation.
cassette m. the production of mutants within a region (often bounded by unique restriction sites) by the use of synthetic oligonucleotides that fill the gap with mutants designed into the synthetic genetic material.
insertional m. mutation caused by insertion of new genetic material into a normal gene, particularly of retroviruses into chromosomal DNA.
site-directed m. the controlled alterations of selected regions of a DNA molecule.

mutagenic
mutagenic (mu-ta-jen′ik)

Promoting mutation.

mutant
mutant (myu′tant)

1. A phenotype in which a mutation is manifested. 2. A gene that is rare and usually harmful, in contrast to a wild-type gene, not necessarily generated recently.
active m. a m. with overt phenotypic expression.
amber m. a m. with a mutation resulting in a UAG codon.
auxotrophic m. m. with a nutritional requirement not present in the wild-type organism. SYN: defective organism, deficiency m..
cold-sensitive m. a m. that is defective at low temperature but functional at normal temperature. Cf.:temperature-sensitive m..
conditional-lethal m. SYN: conditionally lethal m..
conditionally lethal m. a viral m. that can replicate under some (permissive) conditions but not under other (restrictive or nonpermissive) conditions, the parent (wild-type) strain being able to replicate under both conditions. See suppressor-sensitive m., temperature-sensitive m.. SYN: conditional-lethal m..
deficiency m. SYN: auxotrophic m..
inactive m. a m. that is not phenotypically manifest. SYN: silent m..
petite m. a m. with a mutation that caused the microorganism to grow very slowly or to form small colonies. [Fr. small]
quick-stop m. a bacterial m. that ceases replication immediately when the temperature reaches a certain level. Cf.:temperature-sensitive m..
silent m. SYN: inactive m..
suppressor-sensitive m. a conditionally lethal, host range, bacteriophage m. that produces nonsense codons and can replicate only in a host bacterium able to translate the nonsense codon; the mutation's effects are lethal ( i.e., prevent replication of the virus) in a bacterium without such a suppressor mechanism.
temperature-sensitive m. a viral m. that is able to replicate at one portion of a temperature range but not at another, the parent (wild-type) strain being able to replicate over the whole temperature range; usually a product is not made at the elevated temperature. Cf.:cold-sensitive m., quick-stop m..
uninducible m. a m. that cannot be induced.
virulent phage m. a m. of a phage that is unable to establish lysogeny.

mutarotase
mutarotase (mu′ta-ro-tas)

SYN: aldose 1-epimerase.

mutarotation
mutarotation (mu′ta-ro-ta′shun)

The process of changing specific rotation at a given wavelength; e.g., a solution of α-d-glucose recrystallized from its solution in acetic acid and freshly dissolved in water gives a rotation of [α] = +112.2°, but when recrystallized from a boiling aqueous solution (as the β-form) it shows an initial rotation of [α] = +18.7°; either solution upon standing slowly changes its specific rotation to a value of [α] = +52.7°, indicating a mixture of the two forms of d-glucose. SYN: birotation, multirotation.

mutase
mutase (mu′tas)

Any enzyme that catalyzes the apparent migration of groups within one molecule, e.g., phosphoglycerate phosphomutase; sometimes the transfer is from one molecule to another, e.g., phosphoglucomutase, phosphoglyceromutase (both phosphotransferases).

mutation
mutation (mu-ta′shun)

1. A change in the chemistry of a gene that is perpetuated in subsequent divisions of the cell in which it occurs; a change in the sequence of base pairs in the chromosomal molecule. 2. De Vries term for the sudden production of a species, as distinguished from variation. [L. muto, pp. -atus, to change]
addition m. SYN: reading-frame-shift m..
addition-deletion m. SYN: reading-frame-shift m..
amber m. a m. that results in the formation of the codon UAG, which results in the premature termination of a polypeptide chain. Cf.:suppressor m..
back m. reversion of a gene to an ancestral form due to further m. to the original codon or one coding for the same amino acid. SYN: reverse m..
deletion m. SYN: reading-frame-shift m..
frame-shift m. SYN: reading-frame-shift m..
induced m. a m. caused by exposure to a mutagen.
lethal m. a mutant trait that leads to a phenotype incompatible with effective reproduction.
missense m. a m. in which a base change or substitution results in a codon that causes insertion of a different amino acid into the growing polypeptide chain, giving rise to an altered protein. [mis-sense by analogy with non-sense]
natural m. SYN: spontaneous m..
neutral m. a m. with a negligible impact on genetic fitness.
new m. redundant term for a heritable trait present in the offspring but in neither parent, i.e., not a pre-existing mutant form inherited.
nonsense m. SYN: suppressor m..
ochre m. a m. yielding the termination codon UAA, resulting in premature termination of a polypeptide chain. Cf.:suppressor m..
opal m. SYN: umber m..
point m. a m. that involves a single nucleotide; it may consist of loss of a nucleotide, substitution of one nucleotide for another, or the insertion of an additional nucleotide.
reading-frame-shift m. a m. that results from insertion or deletion of a single nucleotide into, or from, the normal DNA sequence; since the genetic code is read three nucleotides at a time, all nucleotide triplets distal to the m. will be one step out of phase and misread, and hence translated as different amino acids. SYN: addition m., addition-deletion m., deletion m., frame-shift m..
reverse m. SYN: back m..
silent m. the form of a genetic trait distinguishable at the genotypic level but not at the level of arbitrary phenotype ( e.g., clinical, immunological, or electrophoretic).
site specific m. an alteration of the structure of a gene at a specific sequence, usually referring to experimentally produced changes in gene sequence.
somatic m. a m. occurring in the general body cells (as opposed to the germ cells) and hence not transmitted to progeny.
spontaneous m. a m. that arises naturally and not as a result of exposure to mutagens. SYN: natural m..
suppressor m. 1. a second m. that alters the anticodon in a tRNA so that it can recognize a nonsense (stop) codon, thus suppressing termination of the amino acid chain. Cf.:amber m., ochre m., umber m.. 2. genetic changes such that the effect of a m. in one place can be masked by a second m. in another location. There are two types: intergenic suppression (occurring in a different gene) and intragenic suppression (occurring in the same gene but at a different site). SYN: nonsense m..
transition m. a point m. involving substitution of one base-pair for another, i.e., replacement of one purine for another and of one pyrimidine for another pyrimidine without change in the purine-pyrimidine orientation.
transversion m. a point m. involving base substitution in which the orientation of purine and pyrimidine is reversed, in contradistinction to transition m..
umber m. a m. yielding the termination codon UGA, resulting in premature termination of a polypeptide chain. Cf.:suppressor m.. SYN: opal m..
up promoter m. a m. that increases the frequency of initiation of transcription.

mute
mute (mut)

1. Unable or unwilling to speak. 2. A person who has not the faculty of speech. [L. mutus]

mutein
mutein (mu′ten)

A term used for a protein arising as a result of a mutation. [mutation + protein]

mutilation
mutilation (mu-ti-la′shun)

Disfigurement or injury by removal or destruction of any conspicuous or essential part of the body. [L. mutilatio, fr. mutilo, pp. -atus, to maim]

mutism
mutism (mu′tizm)

1. The state of being silent. 2. Organic or functional absence of the faculty of speech. [L. mutus, mute]
akinetic m. subacute or chronic state of altered consciousness, in which the patient appears alert intermittently, but is not responsive, although his/her descending motor pathways appear intact; due to lesions of various cerebral structures. SYN: coma vigil.
elective m. m. due to psychogenic causes. SYN: voluntary m..
voluntary m. SYN: elective m..

muton
muton (mu′ton)

In genetics, the smallest unit of a chromosome in which alteration can be effective in causing a mutation (a single nucleotide change). [mutation + -on]

mutualism
mutualism (mu′tu-al-izm)

Symbiotic relationship in which both species derive benefit. Cf.:commensalism, metabiosis, parasitism.

mutualist
mutualist (mu′tu-al-ist)

SYN: symbion. [L. mutuus, in return, mutual]

Mv
Mv

Obsolete abbreviation for mendelevium.

mV
mV

Abbreviation for millivolt.

MVV
MVV

Abbreviation for maximum voluntary ventilation.

MW
MW

Abbreviation for molecular weight.

myalgia
myalgia (mi-al′je-a)

Muscular pain. SYN: myodynia. [G. mys, muscle, + algos, pain]
epidemic m. SYN: epidemic pleurodynia.
m. thermica SYN: heat cramps, under cramp.

myasthenia
myasthenia (mi-as-the′ne-a)

Muscular weakness. [G. mys, muscle, + astheneia, weakness]
m. angiosclerotica SYN: intermittent claudication.
m. gravis a disorder of neuromuscular transmission marked by fluctuating weakness and fatigue of certain voluntary muscles, including those innervated by brainstem motor nuclei; caused by a marked reduction in the number of acetylcholine receptors in the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, resulting from an autoimmune mechanism. SYN: Goldflam disease.

myasthenic
myasthenic (mi′as-then′ik)

Relating to myasthenia.

myatonia
myatonia, myatony (mi-a-to′ne-a, mi-at′o-ne)

Abnormal extensibility of a muscle. [G. mys, muscle, + a priv. + tonos, tone]
m. congenita SYN: amyotonia congenita.

myatrophy
myatrophy (mi-at′ro-fe)

SYN: muscular atrophy.

mycelia
mycelia (mi-se′le-a)

Plural of mycelium.

mycelian
mycelian (mi-se′le-an)

Pertaining to a mycelium.

mycelioid
mycelioid (mi-se′le-oyd)

Resembling a mycelium. [mycelium + G. eidos, resemblance]

mycelium
mycelium, pl .mycelia (mi-se′le-um, -a)

The mass of hyphae making up a colony of fungi. [G. mykes, fungus, + helos, nail, wart, excrescence on animal or plant]
aerial m. the portion of m. that grows upward or outward from the surface of the substrate, and from which propagative spores develop in or on characteristic structures that are distinctive for various generic groups.
nonseptate m. one in which there are no septa, or “cross-walls,” in the hyphae; inasmuch as the latter are not divided into numerous individual cells, the multinucleated protoplasm may flow throughout the tubelike structures.
septate m. one in which septa, or “cross-walls,” divide the hyphae into numerous uninucleated or multinucleated cells.

mycet- mycet-, myceto-

Fungus. SEE ALSO: myco-. [G. mykes, fungus]

mycete
mycete (mi′set)

A fungus. [G. mykes, fungus]

mycetism
mycetism, mycetismus (mi′se-tizm, -tiz′mus)

Poisoning by certain species of mushrooms. SYN: muscarinism. [G. mykes, fungus]
m. cerebralis a condition characterized by transient hallucinogenic symptoms following ingestion of mushrooms such as Psilocybe and Panaeolus.
m. choliformis a severe and occasionally fatal illness due to the consumption of Amanita phalloides and other poisonous mushroom species.
m. gastrointestinalis a relatively mild type of mushroom poisoning characterized by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and caused by eating certain species of Boletus, Lactarius, Entoloma, and Lepiota.
m. nervosa mushroom poisoning that involves the parasympathetic nervous system and causes gastrointestinal distress, after consumption of species such as Amanita, Inocybe, and Clitocybe.
m. sanguinareus a transient hemoglobinuria and jaundice caused by eating the mushroom Helvella esculenta, either raw or cooked.

mycetogenetic
mycetogenetic, mycetogenic (mi-se′to-je-net′ik, mi′se-to-; -jen′ik)

Caused by fungi. SYN: mycetogenous. [G. mykes, fungus, + gennetos, begotten]

mycetogenous
mycetogenous (mi-se-toj′e-nus)

SYN: mycetogenetic.

mycetoma
mycetoma (mi-se-to′ma)

A chronic infection involving the subcutaneous tissue, skin, and contiguous bone; characterized by the formation of localized lesions with tumefactions and multiple draining sinuses. The exudate contains granules that may be yellow, white, red, brown, or black, depending upon the causative agent. M. is caused by two principal groups of microorganisms: 1) actinomycetoma is caused by actinomycetes, including species of Streptomyces, Actinomadurae, and Nocardia, 2) eumycetoma is caused by true fungi, including species of Madurella, Exophiala, Pseudallescheria, Curvularia, Neotestudina, Pyrenochaeta, Aspergillus, Leptosphaeria, Plemodomus, Polycytella, Fusarium, Phialophora, Corynespora, Cylindrocarpon, Pseudo-chaetosphaeronema, Bipolaris, and Acremonium. SYN: Madura boil, Madura foot, maduromycosis.

myco- myco-

Fungus. SEE ALSO: mycet-. [G. mykes, fungus]

mycobacteria
mycobacteria (mi′ko-bak-te′re-a)

Organisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium.
atypical m. species of m. other than M. tuberculosis or M. bovis that can cause disease in immunocompromised humans; being replaced by the designation of MOTT (M. Other Than Tuberculosis).
Runyon group I m. m. that produce a bright yellow color when grown in the presence of light. Organisms placed in this group include Mycobacterium kansasii. SYN: photochromogens.
Runyon group II m. m. that produce a yellow pigment even when grown in the dark; when grown in the light, the pigment is orange. These organisms behave as saprophytes do in humans and are usually nonpathogenic to laboratory animals. SYN: scotochromogens.
Runyon group III m. m. that are either colorless or that slowly produce a light yellow pigment when grown in the presence of light. Organisms placed in this group include Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare. SYN: nonchromogens.
Runyon group IV m. m. that grow rapidly and that do not produce pigment. Organisms placed in this group belong to such species as Mycobacterium ulcerans and M. marinum.

Mycobacteriaceae
Mycobacteriaceae (mi′ko-bak-ter-e-a′se-e)

A family of aerobic bacteria (order Actinomycetales) containing Gram-positive, spherical to rod-shaped cells. Branching does not occur under ordinary cultural conditions. They are usually acid-fast. They occur in soil and dairy products and as parasites on humans and other animals. The type genus is Mycobacterium.

mycobacteriosis
mycobacteriosis (mi′ko-bak-ter′e-o′sis)

Infection with mycobacteria.

Mycobacterium
Mycobacterium (mi′ko-bak-ter′e-um)

A genus of aerobic, nonmotile bacteria (family Mycobacteriaceae) containing Gram-positive, acid-fast, slender, straight or slightly curved rods; slender filaments occasionally occur, but branched forms rarely are produced. Parasitic and saprophytic species occur. A number of species are associated with infections in immunocompromised people, especially those with AIDS. The type species is M. tuberculosis. It is the type genus of the family Mycobacteriaceae. [myco- + bacterium]
M. abscessus SYN: M. chelonae abscessus.
M. avium a bacterial species causing tuberculosis in fowl and other birds. Causes opportunistic infections in humans.
M. avium-intracellulare complex an opportunistic agent of infection, particularly in people with AIDS. Difficult to treat because M. avium-intracellulare is resistant to many antibiotics. The organism may also cause chronic lower respiratory tract infections in patients who are not severely immunocompromised, especially those with underlying abnormal lung parenchyma.
M. bovis a bacterial species that is the primary cause of tuberculosis in cattle; transmissible to humans and other animals, causing tuberculosis. SYN: tubercle bacillus (2) .
M. chelonae rapid-growing m. (Runyon group IV) that cause sporadic infection in any tissue or organ system in humans following cardiothoracic surgery, peritoneal- and hemodialysis, augmentation mammaplasty, arthroplasty, and immunocompromised patients.
M. chelonae abscessus a bacterial species originally found in a traumatic infection of the knee. SYN: M. abscessus.
M. fortuitum a saprophytic bacterial species found in soil and in infections of humans, cattle, and cold-blooded animals. Causes skin abscesses.
M. intracellulare a bacterial species found in lung lesions and sputum of humans; may cause bone and tendon-sheath lesions in rabbits; some strains are pathogenic for mice. Recently linked to opportunistic infections in humans. SYN: Battey bacillus.
M. kansasii a bacterial species causing a tuberculosislike pulmonary disease; found to cause rare infections (and usually lesions) in spinal fluid, spleen, liver, pancreas, testes, hip joint, knee joint, finger, wrist, and lymph nodes.
M. leprae a bacterial species that causes Hansen disease (leprosy); an obligatory intracellular m. that has not been propagated in the laboratory, but that will survive in the 9-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). SYN: Hansen bacillus, leprosy bacillus.
M. marianum former name for M. scrofulaceum.
M. marinum a bacterial species causing spontaneous tuberculosis in salt water fish; it also occurs in other cold-blooded animals, in some aquaria and swimming pools in which it may cause human cutaneous infection (see swimming pool granuloma), irrigation canals and ditches, and ocean beaches.
M. microti a bacterial species causing generalized tuberculosis in voles; transmissible to guinea pigs, rabbits, and calves, causing localized infections.
M. paratuberculosis a bacterial species causing Johne disease, a chronic enteritis in cattle.
M. phlei a bacterial species found in soil and dust and on plants. SYN: Moeller grass bacillus.
M. scrofulaceum a bacterial species frequently associated with cervical adenitis in children.
M. smegmatis a saprophytic bacterial species of bacteria found in smegma from the genitalia of humans and many of the lower animals; it is also found in soil, dust, and water.
M. tuberculosis a bacterial species that causes tuberculosis in humans; it is the type species of the genus M.. SYN: Koch bacillus, tubercle bacillus (1) .
M. ulcerans a bacterial species causing Buruli ulcers in humans; transmissible from soil, usually after an injury, and possibly by an insect vector.
M. vaccae a rapidly growing scotochromogenic, nonpathogenic species that is distributed widely in nature.
M. xenopi a bacterial species found in a skin lesion of a cold-blooded animal, Xenopus laevis; a rare cause of nosocomial human pulmonary tuberculosis.

mycobactin
mycobactin (mi′ko-bak′tin)

A complex lipid factor reported to be required for the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human plasma; appears to be identical with the lipid factor extracted from M. phlei and essential for the growth of M. johnei.

mycocide
mycocide (mi′ko-sid)

SYN: fungicide. [myco- + L. caedo, to kill]

mycodermatitis
mycodermatitis (mi′ko-der-ma-ti′tis)

An obsolete term to designate an eruption of mycotic (fungus, yeast, mold) origin.

mycogastritis
mycogastritis (mi′ko-gas-tri′tis)

Inflammation of the stomach due to the presence of a fungus. [myco- + G. gaster, stomach, + -itis, inflammation]

mycolic acids
mycolic acids (mi-kol′ik)

Long-chain cyclopropanecarboxylic acids (C₁₉–C₂₁), further substituted by long-chain (C₂₄–C₃₀) alkanes containing free hydroxyl groups, found in certain bacteria; these waxy substances appear to be responsible for the acid-fastness of the bacteria that contain them. SYN: mykol.

mycologist
mycologist (mi-kol′o-jist)

A person specializing in mycology.

mycology
mycology (mi-kol′o-je)

The study of fungi: their classification, edibility, cultivation, and biology. [myco- + G. logos, study]
medical m. the study of fungi that produce disease in humans and other animals, and of the diseases they produce, their ecology, and their epidemiology.

mycophage
mycophage (mi′ko-faj)

A virus, the host of which is a fungus, in contradistinction to a bacteriophage, the host of which is a bacterium. SEE ALSO: mycovirus. [myco- + G. phago, to eat]

Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma (mi′ko-plaz′ma)

A genus of aerobic to facultatively anaerobic bacteria (family Mycoplasmataceae) containing Gram-negative cells that do not possess a true cell wall but are bounded by a three-layered membrane; they do not revert to bacteria containing cell walls or cell wall fragments. The minimal reproductive units of these organisms are 0.2–0.3 μm in diameter. The cells are pleomorphic, and in liquid media appear as coccoid bodies, rings, or filaments. Colonies of most species consist of a central core, growing down into the medium, surrounded by superficial peripheral growth. They require sterol for growth. They also require enrichment with serum or ascitic fluid. These organisms are found in humans and other animals and can be pathogenic. The type species is M. mycoides. SYN: Asterococcus. [myco- + G. plasma, something formed (plasm)]
M. buccale a species which is an infrequent parasitic inhabitant of the human oropharynx; it is the predominant m. in the oropharynx of nonhuman primates.
M. faucium a bacterial species that is a rare member of the normal flora of the human oropharynx; it is occasionally found in the oropharynx of nonhuman primates.
M. fermentans a bacterial species found in ulcerative genital lesions associated with fusiform bacteria and spirilla and also on the apparently normal genital mucosa of humans.
M. genitalium a bacterial species that may be a causative agent of urethritis; cross-reacts immunologically with M. pneumoniae; can cause serious infections involving the respiratory tract, heart, bloodstream, central nervous system, and prosthetic valves and joints.
M. hominis a bacterial species that is the causative agent of pelvic inflammatory disease and other genitourinary tract infections; can also cause chorioamnionitis and postpartum fever; can be an oropharyngeal commensal and has caused nosocomial wound infections.
M. laidlawii SYN: Acholeplasma laidlawii.
M. orale a bacterial species of M. associated with the buccal and pharyngeal cavities of humans and animals.
M. pharyngis a bacterial species occurring as a commensal in the human oropharynx.
M. pneumoniae a bacterial species causing otitis and upper and lower respiratory tract disease including primary atypical pneumonia in human beings. SYN: Eaton agent.
M. salivarium a bacterial species found in the human pharynx.

mycoplasma
mycoplasma, pl .mycoplasmata (mi′ko-plaz′ma, -plaz′mah-ta)

A vernacular term used only to refer to any member of the genus M..

Mycoplasmatales
Mycoplasmatales (mi′ko-plaz′ma-ta′lez)

An order of Gram-negative bacteria containing cells which are bounded by a three-layered membrane but which do not possess a true cell wall. The minimal reproductive units are 0.2 to 0.3 μm in diameter. Pathogenic and saprophytic species occur. These organisms reproduce through the breaking up of branched filaments into coccoid, filterable elementary bodies. The order includes the so-called pleuropneumonia-like organisms, under organism (PPLO).

mycopus
mycopus (mi′ko-pus)

SYN: mucopus.

mycose
mycose (mi′kos)

SYN: trehalose.

mycosis
mycosis, pl .mycoses (mi-ko′sis, -sez)

Any disease caused by a fungus (filamentous or yeast). [myco- + G. -osis, condition]
m. framboesioides SYN: yaws.
m. fungoides a chronic progressive lymphoma arising in the skin that initially simulates eczema or other inflammatory dermatoses; the appearance of plaques is associated with acanthosis and bandlike infiltration of the upper dermis by a pleomorphic infiltrate including helper T lymphocytes with large, convoluted nuclei that also collect in clear spaces in the lower epidermis (Pautrier microabscesses); in advanced cases, ulcerated tumors and infiltration of lymph nodes may occur.
m. intestinalis gastroenteric form of anthrax, the symptoms of which are those of gastroenteritis followed by toxemia and general depression.

mycostatic
mycostatic (mi-ko-stat′ik)

SYN: fungistatic.

mycosterols
mycosterols (mi-kos′ter-olz)

Sterols obtained from fungi.

mycotic
mycotic (mi-kot′ik)

Relating to or caused by a fungus.

mycotoxicosis
mycotoxicosis (mi′ko-tok-si-ko′sis)

Poisoning due to the ingestion of preformed substances produced by the action of certain fungi on particular foodstuffs or ingestion of the fungi themselves; e.g., ergotism. [myco- + G. toxikon, poison, + -osis, condition]

mycotoxin
mycotoxin (mi′ko-tok-sinz)

Toxic compound produced by certain fungi; some are used for medicinal purposes; e.g., muscarine, psilocybin.

mycovirus
mycovirus (mi′ko-vi-rus)

A virus that infects fungi.

mydaleine
mydaleine (mi-da′le-en)

A poisonous ptomaine formed in putrefying liver and other viscera; it acts specifically upon the heart, causing arrest of its action in diastole. [G. mydaleos, moldy, fr. mydos, dampness]

mydatoxin
mydatoxin (mi-da-tok′sin)

A ptomaine from putrefying viscera and flesh. [G. mydos, dampness, decay, + toxikon, poison]

mydriasis
mydriasis (mi-dri′a-sis)

Dilation of the pupil. [G.]
alternating m. m. alternately affecting each eye.
amaurotic m. a moderate widening of both pupils resulting from impaired visual input from one or both eyes.
paralytic m. pupillary dilation due to paralysis of the sphincter muscle of the pupil induced by anticholinergic drugs given topically or systemically, or resulting from lesions of the oculomotor nucleus or nerve, contusion of the eyeball, or glaucoma.
spastic m. pupillary dilation due to contraction of the dilator muscle of the pupil induced by adrenergic drugs or by stimulation of the sympathetic pathway.

mydriatic
mydriatic (mi-dre-at′ik)

1. Causing mydriasis or dilation of the pupil. 2. An agent that dilates the pupil.

myectomy
myectomy (mi-ek′to-me)

Excision of a portion of a muscle. [G. mys, muscle, + ektome, excision]

myectopy
myectopy, myectopia (mi-ek′to-pe, mi-ek-to′pe-a)

Rarely used term for dislocation of a muscle. [G. mys, muscle, + ektopos, out of place]

myel- myel-, myelo-

1. The bone marrow. 2. The spinal cord and medulla oblongata. Cf.:medullo-. 3. The myelin sheath of nerve fibers. [G. myelos, medulla, marrow]

myelapoplexy
myelapoplexy (mi′el-ap′o-plek′se)

SYN: hematomyelia. [myel- + G. apoplexia, apoplexy]

myelatelia
myelatelia (mi′el-a-te′le-a)

Developmental defect of the spinal cord. [myel- + G. ateleia, incompleteness]

myelauxe
myelauxe (mi-el-awk′se)

Hypertrophy of the spinal cord. [myel- + G. auxe, increase]

myelemia
myelemia (mi-e-le′me-a)

Rarely used term for myelocytosis. [myel- + G. haima, blood]

myelencephalon
myelencephalon (mi′el-en-sef′a-lon) [TA]

SYN: medulla oblongata. [myel- + G. enkephalos, brain]

myelic
myelic (mi-el′ik)

Relating to (1) the spinal cord, or (2) bone marrow.

myelin
myelin (mi′e-lin)

1. The lipoproteinaceous material, composed of regularly alternating membranes of lipid lamellae (cholesterol, phospholipids, sphingolipids, phosphatidates) and protein, of the m. sheath. 2. Droplets of lipid formed during autolysis and postmortem decomposition.

myelinated
myelinated (mi′e-li-nat-ed)

Having a myelin sheath. SYN: medullated (2) .

myelination
myelination (mi′e-li-na′shun)

The acquisition, development, or formation of a myelin sheath around a nerve fiber. SYN: medullation (2) , myelinization, myelinogenesis.

myelinic
myelinic (mi′e-lin′ik)

Relating to myelin.

myelinization
myelinization (mi′e-li-ni-za′shun)

SYN: myelination.

myelinoclasis
myelinoclasis (mi′e-li-nok′la-sis)

Destruction of myelin. SEE ALSO: demyelination, dysmyelination. [myelin + G. klasis, a breaking]

myelinogenesis
myelinogenesis (mi′e-lin-o-jen′e-sis)

SYN: myelination. [myelin + G. genesis, production]

myelinolysis
myelinolysis (mi′e-li-nol′i-sis)

Dissolution of the myelin sheaths of nerve fibers. [myelin + G. lysis, dissolution]
central pontine m. localized loss of myelin within the midbase of the pons; related to malnutrition and often to alcoholism.

myelinopathy
myelinopathy (mi′e-lin-op′a-the)

A disorder affecting the myelin of peripheral nerve fibers, in contrast to one affecting axons (axonopathy).

myelitic
myelitic (mi-e-lit′ik)

Relating to or affected by myelitis.

myelitis
myelitis (mi-e-li′tis)

1. Inflammation of the spinal cord. 2. Inflammation of the bone marrow. [myel- + G. -itis, inflammation]
acute necrotizing m. a spinal cord disorder, probably a demyelinating disease, which affects persons of all ages and either sex. Presents with abrupt or more gradual onset with sensory abnormalities and upper motor neuron weakness; soon a reflexic flaccid motor paralysis and sphincter paralysis supervenes, which is permanent. In some, but not all cases, bilateral or unilateral optic neuritis is associated. In the cerebrospinal fluid, the protein is increased, and mononuclear cells are present. After autopsy, the lesion has been identified as a necrotizing hemorrhagic leukomyelitis.
acute transverse m. acute inflammation and softening of the spinal cord; involves the entire thickness of the spinal cord but of limited longitudinal extent; multiple etiologies.
ascending m. progressive inflammation involving successively higher areas of the spinal cord.
bulbar m. inflammation of the medulla oblongata.
concussion m. traumatic myelopathy.
demyelinated m. acute multiple sclerosis presenting as a m..
Foix-Alajouanine m. SYN: subacute necrotizing m..
funicular m. 1. inflammation involving any of the columns of the spinal cord; 2. SYN: subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.
postinfectious m. spinal cord inflammation that follows a viral infection, usually one of the exanthemas.
postvaccinal m. spinal cord inflammation that follows vaccination.
radiation m. SYN: radiation myelopathy.
subacute necrotizing m. a disorder of the lower spinal cord in adult males resulting in progressive paraplegia. SYN: angiodysgenetic myelomalacia, Foix-Alajouanine m..
systemic m. inflammation confined to special tracts of the spinal cord.
transverse m. an inflammatory process involving both gray and white matter of spinal cord.

myelo- myelo-

See myel-.

myeloarchitectonics
myeloarchitectonics (mi′e-lo-ar′ki-tek-ton′iks)

The pattern of myelinated nerve fibers in the brain, as distinguished from cytoarchitectonics.

myeloblast
myeloblast (mi′e-lo-blast)

An immature cell (10 to 18 μm in diameter) in the granulocytic series, occurring normally in bone marrow, but not in the circulating blood (except in certain diseases). When stained with the usual dyes, the cytoplasm is light blue, nongranular, and variable in amount, sometimes being only a thin rim around the nucleus; the latter is deep purple-blue with finely divided, punctate, threadlike chromatin that is somewhat condensed at the periphery. A few light blue nucleoli are usually present in the nucleus, and these generally disappear as the m. matures into a promyelocyte and then a myelocyte. Myeloblasts ordinarily yield a negative reaction with peroxidase. [myelo- + G. blastos, germ]

myeloblastemia
myeloblastemia (mi′e-lo-blas-te′me-a)

The presence of myeloblasts in the circulating blood. [myeloblast + G. haima, blood]

myeloblastoma
myeloblastoma (mi′e-lo-blas-to′ma)

A nodular focus or fairly well-circumscribed accumulation of myeloblasts, as sometimes observed in acute myeloblastic leukemia and chlorosis. [myeloblast + G. -oma, tumor]

myeloblastosis
myeloblastosis (mi′e-lo-blas-to′sis)

The presence of unusually large numbers of myeloblasts in the circulating blood, or tissues, or both (as in acute leukemia).

myelocele
myelocele (mi′e-lo-sel)

1. Protrusion of the spinal cord in spina bifida. [myelo- + G. kele, hernia] 2. The central canal of the spinal cord. [G. myelos, marrow, + koilia, a hollow]

myelocyst
myelocyst (mi′e-lo-sist)

Any cyst (usually lined with columnar or cuboidal cells) that develops from a rudimentary central canal in the central nervous system. [myelo- + G. kystis, bladder]

myelocystic
myelocystic (mi′e-lo-sist′ik)

Pertaining to or characterized by the presence of a myelocyst.

myelocystocele
myelocystocele (mi′e-lo-sis′to-sel)

Spina bifida containing spinal cord substance. [myelo- + G. kystis, bladder, + kele, tumor]

myelocystomeningocele
myelocystomeningocele (mi′e-lo-sis′to-me-ning′go-sel)

SYN: meningomyelocele. [myelo- + G. kystis, bladder, + meninx (mening-), membrane, + kele, hernia]

myelocyte
myelocyte (mi′e-lo-sit)

1. A young cell of the granulocytic series, occurring normally in bone marrow, but not in circulating blood (except in certain diseases). When stained with the usual dyes, the cytoplasm is distinctly basophilic and relatively more abundant than in myeloblasts or promyelocytes, even though m.'s are smaller cells; numerous cytoplasmic granules ( i.e., neutrophilic, eosinophilic, or basophilic) are present in the more mature forms of m.'s, and the first two types are peroxidase-positive. The nuclear chromatin is coarser than that observed in myeloblasts, but it is relatively faintly stained and lacks a well defined membrane; the nucleus is fairly regular in contour ( i.e., not indented), and seems to be “buried” beneath the numerous cytoplasmic granules. 2. A nerve cell of the gray matter of the brain or spinal cord. SYN: medullocell. [myelo- + G. kytos, cell]
m. A the youngest form of m., characterized by only a few (not more than ten) cytoplasmic granules, which are most reliably demonstrated by means of staining with neutral red; the mitochondria are numerous, and resemble those of the myeloblast.
m. B the intermediate form of m., characterized by approximately 30–100 (or more) cytoplasmic granules scattered among the mitochondria; the latter are less numerous than in myelocytes of the A stage, and they are frequently displaced toward the periphery of the cell.
m. C the most mature of the myelocytes characterized by numerous cytoplasmic granules that are recognizable as neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and basophilic; with neutral red these are stained, respectively, red, bright yellow, and deep maroon; C myelocytes are frequently larger than earlier forms; if the nucleus is indented, the m. is maturing into a metamyelocyte.

myelocythemia
myelocythemia (mi′e-lo-si-the′me-a)

The presence of myelocytes in the circulating blood, especially in persistently large numbers (as in myelocytic leukemia). [myelocyte + G. haima, blood]

myelocytic
myelocytic (mi′e-lo-sit′ik)

Pertaining to or characterized by myelocytes.

myelocytoma
myelocytoma (mi′e-lo-si-to′ma)

A nodular focus or fairly well-circumscribed, relatively dense accumulation of myelocytes, as in certain tissues of persons with myelocytic leukemia. [myelocyte + G. -oma, tumor]

myelocytomatosis
myelocytomatosis (mi′e-lo-si′to-ma-to′sis)

A form of tumor involving chiefly the myelocytes.

myelocytosis
myelocytosis (mi′e-lo-si-to′sis)

The occurrence of abnormally large numbers of myelocytes in the circulating blood, or tissues, or both. [myelocyte + G. -osis, condition]

myelodiastasis
myelodiastasis (mi′e-lo-di-as′ta-sis)

Softening and destruction of the spinal cord. [myelo- + G. diastasis, separation]

myelodysplasia
myelodysplasia (mi′e-lo-dis-pla′ze-a)

1. An abnormality in development of the spinal cord, especially the lower part of the cord. 2. Inappropriate term for spina bifida occulta. [myelo- + G. dys-, difficult, + plasis, a molding]

myelofibrosis
myelofibrosis (mi′e-lo-fi-bro′sis)

Fibrosis of the bone marrow, especially generalized, associated with myeloid metaplasia of the spleen and other organs, leukoerythroblastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia, although the bone marrow often contains many megakaryocytes. SYN: myelosclerosis, osteomyelofibrotic syndrome.

myelogenesis
myelogenesis (mi′e-lo-jen′e-sis)

1. Development of bone marrow. 2. Development of the central nervous system. 3. Formation of myelin around an axon.

myelogenetic
myelogenetic, myelogenic (mi′e-lo-je-net′ik, -jen′ik)

1. Relating to myelogenesis. 2. Produced by or originating in the bone marrow. SYN: myelogenous.

myelogenous
myelogenous (mi-e-loj′e-nus)

SYN: myelogenetic (2) .

myelogone
myelogone, myelogonium (mi′e-lo-gon, mi′e-lo-go′ne-um)

An immature white blood cell of the myeloid series that is characterized by a relatively large, fairly deeply stained, finely reticulated nucleus that contains palely stained nucleoli, and a scant amount of rimlike, nongranular, moderately basophilic cytoplasm. Myelogones are difficult to distinguish from lymphoblasts and monoblasts, unless one evaluates them in relation to the more mature forms usually associated with the younger cells. [myelo- + G. gone, seed]

myelogram
myelogram (mi′e-lo-gram)

Radiographic contrast study of the spinal subarachnoid space and its contents.
cervical m. contrast medium introduced directly into the cervical subarachnoid space, or moved with the help of gravity from the lumbar region, to outline the cervical cord and nerve roots.
lumbar m. most common study for herniated nucleus pulposus or intervertebral disc protrusion.

myelography
myelography (mi′e-log′ra-fe)

Radiography of the spinal cord and nerve roots after the injection of a contrast medium into the spinal subarachnoid space. [myelo- + G. graphe, a drawing]

myeloic
myeloic (mi-e-lo′ik)

Pertaining to the tissue and precursor cells from which neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are derived.

myeloid
myeloid (mi′e-loyd)

1. Pertaining to, derived from, or manifesting certain features of the bone marrow. 2. Sometimes used with reference to the spinal cord. 3. Pertaining to certain characteristics of myelocytic forms, but not necessarily implying origin in the bone marrow. [myel- + -oid]

myeloidosis
myeloidosis (mi′e-loy-do′sis)

General hyperplasia of myeloid tissue.

myelokathexis
myelokathexis

SYN: kathexis.

myeloleukemia
myeloleukemia (mi′e-lo-loo-ke′me-a)

A form of leukemia in which the abnormal cells are derived from myelopoietic tissue.

myelolipoma
myelolipoma (mi′e-lo-li-po′ma)

Nodular accumulations of cells derived from localized proliferation of reticuloendothelial tissue in the blood sinuses of the adrenal glands; grossly, the nodules may seem to be adipose tissue, but actually are foci of bone marrow containing erythropoietic or myeloid cells.

myelolymphocyte
myelolymphocyte (mi′e-lo-mon′o-sit)

Obsolete term for an abnormal form of the lymphocytic series in the bone marrow, and presumed to be formed in that tissue.

myelolysis
myelolysis (mi-e-lol′i-sis)

Decomposition of myelin.

myeloma
myeloma (mi-e-lo′ma)

1. A tumor composed of cells derived from hemopoietic tissues of the bone marrow. 2. A plasma cell tumor. [myelo- + G. -oma, tumor]
Bence Jones m. multiple m. in which the malignant plasma cells excrete only light chains of one type (either κ or λ); lytic bone lesions occur in about 60% of the cases, and light chains (Bence Jones protein) occur in the urine; amyloidosis and severe renal failure are more common than in multiple m.. SYN: L-chain disease, L-chain m..
endothelial m. SYN: Ewing tumor.
giant cell m. SYN: giant cell tumor of bone.
L-chain m. SYN: Bence Jones m..
multiple m., m. multiplex an uncommon disease that occurs more frequently in men than in women and is associated with anemia, hemorrhage, recurrent infections, and weakness. Ordinarily, it is regarded as a malignant neoplasm that originates in bone marrow and involves chiefly the skeleton, with clinical features attributable to the sites of involvement and to abnormalities in formation of plasma protein; characterized by numerous diffuse foci or nodular accumulations of abnormal or malignant plasma cells in the marrow of various bones (especially the skull), causing palpable swellings of the bones, and occasionally in extraskeletal sites; radiologically, the bone lesions have a characteristic punched-out appearance. The m. cells produce abnormal proteins in the serum and urine; those formed in any one example of multiple m. are different from other m. proteins, as well as from normal serum proteins, the most frequent abnormalities in the metabolism of protein being: 1) the occurrence of Bence Jones proteinuria, 2) a great increase in monoclonal γ-globulin in the plasma, 3) the occasional formation of cryoglobulin, and 4) a form of primary amyloidosis. The Bence Jones protein is not a derivative of abnormal serum protein, but seems to be formed de novo from amino acid precursors. SEE ALSO: plasma cell m.. SYN: multiple myelomatosis, myelomatosis multiplex, plasma cell m. (1) .
nonsecretory m. multiple m. in which there is no detectable paraproteinemia or paraproteinuria.
plasma cell m. 1. SYN: multiple m.. 2. plasmacytoma of bone, which is usually a solitary lesion and not associated with the occurrence of Bence Jones protein or other disturbances in the metabolism of protein (as observed in multiple m.). Some observers emphasize that the solitary lesion probably represents an early phase of classic multiple m., or an example of the latter in which only one focus is recognized.

myelomalacia
myelomalacia (mi′e-lo-ma-la′she-a)

Softening of the spinal cord. [myelo- + G. malakia, a softness]
angiodysgenetic m. SYN: subacute necrotizing myelitis.

myelomatosis
myelomatosis (mi′e-lo-ma-to′sis)

A disease characterized by the occurrence of myeloma in various sites.
multiple m., m. multiplex SYN: multiple myeloma.

myelomeningocele
myelomeningocele (mi′e-lo-me-ning′go-sel)

SYN: meningomyelocele. [myelo- + G. meninx, membrane, + kele, hernia]

myelomere
myelomere (mi′e-lo-mer)

Neuromere of the brain or spinal cord. [myelo- + G. meros, part]

myelomonocyte
myelomonocyte (mi′e-lo-mon′o-sit)

A leukocyte that appears to resemble both myelocytes and monocytes in that nuclear chromatin is less condensed than in the myelocyte and the cytoplasm has few neutrophilic granules; such cells represent aberrant maturation, as occurs in myelomonocytic leukemia.

myeloneuritis
myeloneuritis (mi′e-lo-noo-ri′tis)

SYN: neuromyelitis.

myelonic
myelonic (mi-e-lon′ik)

Relating to the spinal cord. [G. myelon, fr. myelos, marrow]

myeloparalysis
myeloparalysis (mi′e-lo-pa-ral′i-sis)

SYN: spinal paralysis.

myelopathic
myelopathic (mi′e-lo-path′ik)

Relating to myelopathy.

myelopathy
myelopathy (mi-e-lop′a-the)

1. Disorder of the spinal cord. 2. A disease of the myelopoietic tissues. [myelo- + G. pathos, suffering]
carcinomatous m. degeneration or necrosis of the spinal cord associated with a carcinoma. SYN: paracarcinomatous m..
compressive m. destruction of spinal cord tissue caused by pressure from neoplasms, hematomas, or other masses.
diabetic m. degenerative changes in spinal cord tissue occurring as a complication of diabetes mellitus.
paracarcinomatous m. SYN: carcinomatous m..
radiation m. damage to the spinal cord from exposure to x-rays or other high energy radiation; usually radiation myelitis. SYN: radiation myelitis.

myeloperoxidase
myeloperoxidase (mi′el-o-per-oks′i-das)

A peroxidase occurring in phagocytic cells that can oxidize halogen ions ( e.g., I⁻) to the free halogen; an autosomal recessive deficiency of m. leads to impaired bacterial killing.

myelopetal
myelopetal (mi-e-lop′e-tal)

Proceeding in a direction toward the spinal cord; said of different nerve impulses. [myelo- + L. peto, to seek]

myelophthisic
myelophthisic (mi′e-lo-tiz′ik, -thiz′ik)

Relating to or suffering from myelophthisis.

myelophthisis
myelophthisis (mi′e-lof′thi-sis, mi′e-lo-ti′sis, -te′sis)

1. Wasting or atrophy of the spinal cord as in tabes dorsalis. 2. Replacement of hemopoietic tissue in the bone marrow by abnormal tissue, usually fibrous tissue or malignant tumors that are most commonly metastatic carcinomas. SYN: panmyelophthisis. [myelo- + G. phthisis, a wasting away]

myeloplast
myeloplast (mi′e-lo-plast)

Any of the leukocytic series of cells in the bone marrow, especially young forms. [myelo- + G. plastos, formed]

myeloplegia
myeloplegia (mi′e-lo-ple′je-a)

SYN: spinal paralysis. [myelo- + G. plege, a stroke]

myelopoiesis
myelopoiesis (mi′e-lo-poy-e′sis)

Formation of the tissue elements of bone marrow, or any of the types of blood cells derived from bone marrow; or both processes. [myelo- + G. poiesis, a making]

myelopoietic
myelopoietic (mi′e-lo-poy-et′ik)

Relating to myelopoiesis.

myeloproliferative
myeloproliferative (mi′e-lo-pro-lif′er-a-tiv)

Pertaining to or characterized by unusual proliferation of myelopoietic tissue.

myeloradiculitis
myeloradiculitis (mi′e-lo-ra-dik-u-li′tis)

Inflammation of the spinal cord and nerve roots. [myelo- + L. radicula, root, + G. -itis, inflammation]

myeloradiculodysplasia
myeloradiculodysplasia (mi′e-lo-ra-dik′u-lo-dis-pla-ze-a)

Congenital maldevelopment of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. [myelo- + L. radicula, root, + dysplasia]

myeloradiculopathy
myeloradiculopathy (mi′e-lo-ra-dik′u-lop′a-the)

Disease involving the spinal cord and nerve roots. SYN: radiculomyelopathy. [myelo- + L. radicula, root, + G. pathos, disease]

myeloradiculopolyneuronitis
myeloradiculopolyneuronitis (mi′e-lo-ra-dik′u-lo-pol′e-noo-ron-i′tis)

SYN: Guillain-Barré syndrome.

myelorrhagia
myelorrhagia (mi′e-lo-ra′je-a)

SYN: hematomyelia. [myelo- + G. rhegnymi, to burst forth]

myelorrhaphy
myelorrhaphy (mi-e-lor′a-fe)

Suture of a wound of the spinal cord. [myelo- + G. rhaphe, a seam]

myeloschisis
myeloschisis (mi-e-los′ki-sis)

Cleft spinal cord resulting from failure of the neural folds to close normally in the formation of the neural tube; inevitably spina bifida is a sequel. [myelo- + G. schisis, a cleaving]

myelosclerosis
myelosclerosis (mi′e-lo-skle-ro′sis)

SYN: myelofibrosis. [myelo- + G. sklerosis, induration]

myelosis
myelosis (mi-e-lo′sis)

1. A condition characterized by abnormal proliferation of tissue or cellular elements of bone marrow, e.g., multiple myeloma, myelocytic leukemia, myelofibrosis. 2. A condition in which there is abnormal proliferation of medullary tissue in the spinal cord, as in a glioma.
aleukemic m. m. with absence of abnormal cellular elements in peripheral blood.
chronic nonleukemic m. a condition in which there is abnormal proliferation of leukopoietic tissue that results in immature white blood cells in the circulating blood, but the total count is within the normal range.
erythremic m. a neoplastic process involving the erythropoietic tissue, characterized by anemia, irregular fever, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, hemorrhagic disorders, and numerous erythroblasts in all stages of maturation (with disproportionately large numbers of less mature forms) in the circulating blood; postmortem studies reveal primitive erythroblasts and reticuloendothelial cells, not only in hemopoietic organs, but also in the kidneys, adrenal glands, and other sites. Acute and chronic forms are recognized, but in the latter there is less prominence of the immature cells; the former is also called Di Guglielmo disease and acute erythremia.
funicular m. degeneration of spinal cord white matter.
leukemic m. 1. SYN: granulocytic leukemia. 2. SYN: myeloblastic leukemia.
leukopenic m., subleukemic m. SYN: subleukemic leukemia.

myelospongium
myelospongium (mi′e-lo-spun′je-um)

The fibrocellular meshwork in the spinal cord of the embryo, from which the neuroglia is developed. [myelo- + G. spongos, sponge]

myelosyphilis
myelosyphilis (mi′e-lo-sif′i-lis)

SYN: tabetic neurosyphilis.

myelotome
myelotome (mi′e-lo-tom)

An instrument used in making serial sections of the spinal cord or for incising the spinal cord. [myelo- + G. tomos, cutting]

myelotomography
myelotomography (mi′e-lo-to-mog′ra-fe)

Tomography of the spinal subarachnoid space opacified with contrast medium; an obsolete procedure.

myelotomy
myelotomy (mi-e-lot′o-me)

Incision of the spinal cord. [myelo- + G. tome, incision]
Bischof m. longitudinal incision of the spinal cord through the lateral column for treatment of spasticity of the lower extremities.
commissural m. SYN: midline m..
midline m. section of the midline transverse fibers of the spinal cord for the treatment of intractable pain. SYN: commissural m., commissurotomy (2) .
T m. midline m. with lateral cuts into the anterior horns.

myelotoxic
myelotoxic (mi′e-lo-tok′sik)

1. Inhibitory, depressant, or destructive to one or more of the components of bone marrow. 2. Pertaining to, derived from, or manifesting the features of diseased bone marrow.

myenteric
myenteric (mi-en-ter′ik)

Relating to the myenteron.

myenteron
myenteron (mi-en′ter-on)

The muscular coat, or muscularis, of the intestine. [G. mys, muscle, + enteron, intestine]

myesthesia
myesthesia (mi-es-the′ze-a)

SYN: kinesthetic sense. [G. mys, muscle, + aisthesis, sensation]

myiasis
myiasis (mi-i′a-sis)

Any infection due to invasion of tissues or cavities of the body by larvae of dipterous insects. [G. myia, a fly]
accidental m. gastrointestinal m. from ingestion of contaminated food.
African furuncular m. SYN: cordylobiasis.
aural m. invasion of the external, middle, or inner ear by larvae of dipterous insects.
human botfly m. SYN: dermatobiasis.
intestinal m. presence of larvae of certain dipterous insects in the gastrointestinal tract, as of Musca domestica (domestic housefly), the cheese mite, and Fannia canicularis (lesser housefly).
nasal m. fly larva invasion of the nasal passages, due most commonly in the U.S. to primary screw-worms, the larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax, which develop in the nasal or aural cavity.
ocular m. invasion of the conjunctival sac or eyeball by larvae of flies, e.g., Hypoderma bovis, H. lineata, Sarcophaga, or Gasterophilus intestinalis. SYN: ophthalmomyiasis.
tumbu dermal m. SYN: cordylobiasis.
wound m. the infestation of a surface wound or other open lesion by fly larvae.

mykol
mykol (mi′kol)

SYN: mycolic acids.

mylabris
mylabris (mil′a-bris)

The dried beetle, M. phalerata; a vesicant similar to cantharis. [G. a cockroach found in mills and bakehouses, fr. myle, mill]

mylohyoid
mylohyoid (mi′lo-hi′oyd)

Relating to the molar teeth, or posterior portion of the lower jaw, and to the hyoid bone; denoting various structures. See nerve to m., muscle, region, sulcus. [G. myle, a mill, in pl. mylai, molar teeth]

mylohyoideus
mylohyoideus (mi-lo-hi-oy′de-us)

SYN: mylohyoid (muscle).

myo- myo-

Muscle. [G. mys, muscle]

myoadenylate deaminase
myoadenylate deaminase (mi′o-a-den-il-at)

Muscle AMP deaminase. See AMP deaminase.

myoalbumin
myoalbumin (mi′o-al-bu′min)

Albumin in muscle tissue, possibly the same as serum albumin.

myoarchitectonic
myoarchitectonic (mi′o-ar′ki-tek-ton′ik)

Relating to the structural arrangement of muscle or of fibers in general. [myo- + G. architektonikos, relating to construction]

myoatrophy
myoatrophy (mi-o-at′ro-fe)

SYN: muscular atrophy.

myoblast
myoblast (mi′o-blast)

A primitive muscle cell with the potentiality of developing into a muscle fiber. SYN: sarcoblast, sarcogenic cell. [myo- + G. blastos, germ]

myoblastic
myoblastic (mi-o-blas′tik)

Relating to a myoblast or to the mode of formation of muscle cells.

myoblastoma
myoblastoma (mi′o-blas-to′ma)

A tumor of immature muscle cells. [myo- + G. blastos, germ, + -oma, tumor]
granular cell m. obsolete term for granular cell tumor.

myobradia
myobradia (mi-o-bra′de-a)

Sluggish reaction of muscle to stimulation. [myo- + G. bradys, slow]

myocardia
myocardia (mi-o-kar′de-a)

Plural of myocardium.

myocardial
myocardial (mi-o-kar′de-al)

Relating to the myocardium.

myocardiograph
myocardiograph (mi′o-kar′de-o-graf)

An instrument composed of a tambour with recording lever attachment, by means of which a tracing is made of the movements of the heart muscle. [myo- + G. kardia, heart, + grapho, to record]

myocardiopathy
myocardiopathy (mi′o-kar-de-op′a-the)

SYN: cardiomyopathy. [myocardium + G. pathos, suffering]
alcoholic m. SYN: alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
chagasic m. (cha′ga-sik) heart muscle disease due to Chagas disease (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi) in which right bundle branch block is common.

myocardiorrhaphy
myocardiorrhaphy (mi′o-kar-de-or′a-fe)

Suture of the myocardium. [myocardium + G. rhaphe, suture]

myocarditic
myocarditic (mi-o-kar′di-ik)

Related to myocarditis (adjective).

myocarditis
myocarditis (mi′o-kar-di′tis)

Inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart.
acute isolated m. an acute interstitial m. of unknown cause, the endocardium and pericardium being unaffected. SYN: Fiedler m..
Fiedler m. SYN: acute isolated m..
giant cell m. acute isolated m. characterized by infiltration by granulomas containing giant cells.
idiopathic m. inflammation of the heart muscle of unknown origin.
indurative m. chronic m. leading to hardening of the muscular wall of the heart.
toxic m. inflammation of heart muscle caused by any noxious chemical, e.g., alcohol, heavy metals.

myocardium
myocardium, pl .myocardia (mi-o-kar′de-um, -kar′de-a) [TA]

The middle layer of the heart, consisting of cardiac muscle. [myo- + G. kardia, heart]
hibernating m. ventricular dysfunction following months or years of ischemia that is reversible when blood flow is restored. Must be carefully distinguished from dysfunction due to necrotic or scarred m..
stunned m. impaired myocardial contractile performance following a period of ischemia and ultimately reversible.

myocele
myocele (mi′o-sel)

1. Protrusion of muscle substance through a rent in its sheath. [myo- + G. kele, hernia] 2. The small cavity that appears in somites. SYN: somite cavity. [myo- + G. koilia, a cavity]

myocelialgia
myocelialgia (mi′o-se-le-al′je-a)

Obsolete term for celiomyalgia. [myo- + G. koilia, the belly, + algos, pain]

myocelitis
myocelitis (mi′o-se-li′tis)

Inflammation of the abdominal muscles. [myo- + G. koilia, belly, + -itis, inflammation]

myocellulitis
myocellulitis (mi′o-sel-u-li′tis)

Inflammation of muscle and cellular tissue. [myo- + Mod. L. cellularis, cellular (tissue), + G. -itis, inflammation]

myocerosis
myocerosis (mi′o-se-ro′sis)

Waxy degeneration of the muscles. SYN: myokerosis. [myo- + G. keros, wax]

myochrome
myochrome (mi′o-krom)

Rarely used term for cytochrome found in muscle tissue.

myochronoscope
myochronoscope (mi-o-kron′o-skop)

An instrument for timing a muscular impulse, i.e., the interval between the application of the stimulus and the muscular movement in response. [myo- + G. chronos, time, + skopeo, to examine]

myocinesimeter
myocinesimeter (mi′o-sin-e-sim′e-ter)

SYN: myokinesimeter.

myoclonia
myoclonia (mi′o-klo′ne-a)

Any disorder characterized by myoclonus. [myo- + G. klonos, a tumult]
fibrillary m. the twitching of a limited part or group of fibers of a muscle.

myoclonic
myoclonic (mi-o-klon′ik)

Showing myoclonus.

myoclonus
myoclonus (mi-ok′lo-nus, mi-o-klo′nus)

One or a series of shock-like contractions of a group of muscles, of variable regularity, synchrony, and symmetry, generally due to a central nervous system lesion. [myo- + G. klonos, tumult]
benign m. of infancy SYN: benign infantile m..
benign infantile m. a seizure disorder of infancy in which myoclonic movements occur in the neck, trunk, and extremities; the EEG is normal, and seizures do not persist beyond 2 years of age. SYN: benign m. of infancy.
m. multiplex an ill-defined disorder marked by rapid and widespread muscle contractions. SYN: paramyoclonus multiplex, polyclonia, polymyoclonus.
nocturnal m. frequently repeated muscular jerks occurring at the moment of dropping off to sleep.
palatal m. rhythmic contractions of the soft palate, the facial muscles, and the diaphragm, related to lesions of the olivocerebellar pathways. SEE ALSO: palatal nystagmus.
stimulus sensitive m. m. induced by a variety of stimuli, e.g., talking, calculation, loud noises, tapping, etc.

myocolpitis
myocolpitis (mi-o-kol-pi′tis)

Inflammation of the muscular tissue of the vagina. [myo- + G. kolpos, bosom (vagina), + -itis, inflammation]

myocomma
myocomma, pl .myocommata (mi-o-kom′a, -kom′a-ta)

The connective tissue septum separating adjacent myotomes. SYN: myoseptum. [myo- + G. komma, a coin or the stamp of a coin]

myocrismus
myocrismus (mi-o-kris′mus)

A creaking sound sometimes heard on auscultation of a contracting muscle. [myo- + G. krizo, to squeak]

myocutaneous
myocutaneous (mi-o-ku-ta′ne-us)

SYN: musculocutaneous. [myo- + L. cutis, skin]

myocyte
myocyte (mi′o-sit)

A muscle cell. [myo- + G. kytos, cell]
Anitschkow m. SYN: cardiac histiocyte.

myocytolysis
myocytolysis (mi-o-si-tol′i-sis)

Dissolution of muscle fiber. [myo- + G. kytos, cell, + lysis, a loosening]
m. of heart local loss of myocardial syncytium as a result of a metabolic imbalance, insufficient in intensity or duration (or both) to cause stromal injury or to elicit any reactive exudation.

myocytoma
myocytoma (mi′o-si-to′ma)

A benign neoplasm derived from muscle.

myodegeneration
myodegeneration (mi′o-de-jen-e-ra′shun)

Muscular degeneration.

myodemia
myodemia (mi-o-de′me-a)

Fatty degeneration of muscle. [myo- + G. demos, tallow]

myodermal
myodermal (mi-o-der′mal)

SYN: musculocutaneous. [myo- + G. derma, skin]

myodiastasis
myodiastasis (mi′o-di-as′ta-sis)

Separation of muscle. [myo- + G. diastasis, separation]

myodynamia
myodynamia (mi′o-di-na′me-a)

Muscular strength. [myo- + G. dynamis, power]

myodynamics
myodynamics (mi′o-di-nam′iks)

The dynamics of muscular action.

myodynamometer
myodynamometer (mi′o-di-na-mom′e-ter)

An instrument for determining muscular strength. [myo- + G. dynamis, force, + metron, measure]

myodynia
myodynia (mi′o-din′e-a)

SYN: myalgia. [myo- + G. odyne, pain]

myodystony
myodystony (mi-o-dis′to-ne)

A condition of slow relaxation, interrupted by a succession of slight contractions, following electrical stimulation of a muscle. [myo- + G. dys-, difficult, + tonos, tone, tension]

myodystrophy
myodystrophy, myodystrophia (mi-o-dis′tro-fe, mi′-o-dis-tro′fe-a)

SYN: muscular dystrophy. [myo- + G. dys-, difficult, poor, + trophe, nourishment]

myoedema
myoedema (mi′o-e-de′ma)

A localized contraction of a degenerating muscle, occurring at the point of a sharp blow, independent of the nerve supply. SYN: idiomuscular contraction, mounding, myoidema. [myo- + G. oidema, swelling]

myoelastic
myoelastic (mi′o-e-las′tik)

Pertaining to closely associated smooth muscle fibers and elastic connective tissue.

myoelectric
myoelectric (mi′o-e-lek′trik)

Relating to the electrical properties of muscle.

myoendocarditis
myoendocarditis (mi-o-en′do-kar-di′tis)

Inflammation of the muscular wall and lining membrane of the heart. [myo- + G. endon, within, + kardia, heart, + -itis, inflammation]

myoepithelial
myoepithelial (mi′o-ep-i-the′le-al)

Relating to myoepithelium.

myoepithelioma
myoepithelioma (mi′o-ep-i-the-le-o′ma)

A benign tumor of myoepithelial cells. [myo- + epithelium, + G. -oma, tumor]

myoepithelium
myoepithelium (mi′o-ep-i-the′le-um)

Spindle-shaped, contractile, smooth musclelike cells of epithelial origin that are arranged longitudinally or obliquely around sweat glands and the secretory alveoli of the mammary gland; stellate myoepithelial cells occur around lacrimal and some salivary gland secretory units. SYN: muscle epithelium. [myo- + epithelium]

myoesthesis
myoesthesis, myoesthesia (mi′o-es-the′sis, -the′ze-a)

SYN: kinesthetic sense.

myofascial
myofascial (mi-o-fash′e-al)

Of or relating to the fascia surrounding and separating muscle tissue.

myofascitis
myofascitis (mi′o-fa-si′tis)

SYN: myositis fibrosa.

myofibril
myofibril (mi-o-fi′bril)

One of the fine longitudinal fibrils occurring in a skeletal or cardiac muscle fiber comprising many regularly overlapped ultramicroscopic thick and thin myofilaments. SYN: muscular fibril, myofibrilla. [myo- + Mod. L. fibrilla, fibril]

myofibrilla
myofibrilla, pl .myofibrillae (mi′o-fi-bril′a, -bril′e)

SYN: myofibril.

myofibrillar
myofibrillar (mi-o-fi-bril-ar)

Pertaining or relating to myofibril.

myofibroblast
myofibroblast (mi-o-fi′bro-blast)

A cell thought to be responsible for contracture of wounds; such cells have some characteristics of smooth muscle, such as contractile properties and fibrils, and are also believed to produce, temporarily, type III collagen.

myofibroma
myofibroma (mi′o-fi-bro′ma)

A benign neoplasm that consists chiefly of fibrous connective tissue, with variable numbers of muscle cells forming portions of the neoplasm.

myofibromatosis
myofibromatosis (mi-′yo-fi-bro-ma- to′sis)

Solitary or multiple tumors of muscle and fibrous tissue, or tumors composed by myofibroblasts. [myo- + L. fibra, fiber, + G. suffix, -oma, tumor, + suffix -osis, condition]
infantile m. m. seen at birth or in infants, with multiple lytic bone lesions and involving soft tissue, or with visceral involvement.

myofibrosis
myofibrosis (mi′o-fi-bro′sis)

Chronic myositis with diffuse hyperplasia of the interstitial connective tissue pressing upon and causing atrophy of the muscular tissue.
m. cordis m. of the heart walls.

myofibrositis
myofibrositis (mi′o-fi-bro-si′tis)

Inflammation of the perimysium.

myofilaments
myofilaments (mi-o-fil′a-ments)

The ultramicroscopic threads of filamentous proteins making up myofibrils in striated muscle. Thick ones contain myosin and thin ones actin; thick and thin m. also occur in smooth muscle fibers but are not regularly arranged in discrete myofibrils and thus do not impart a striated appearance to these cells.

myofunctional
myofunctional (mi′o-funk′shun-al)

1. Relating to function of muscles. 2. In dentistry, relating to the role of muscle function in the etiology or correction of orthodontic problems.

myogen
myogen (mi′o-jen)

Proteins extracted from skeletal muscle with cold water, largely the enzymes promoting glycolysis; from the residue, alkaline 0.6 mol L⁻¹ KCl extracts actin and myosin as actomyosin, with myosin further separable into two meromyosins by proteinase treatment. SYN: myosinogen. [myo- + G. -gen, producing]

myogenesis
myogenesis (mi-o-jen′e-sis)

Embryonic formation of muscle cells or fibers. [myo- + G. genesis, origin]

myogenetic
myogenetic, myogenic (mi-o-je-net′ik, -jen′ik)

1. Originating in or starting from muscle. 2. Relating to the origin of muscle cells or fibers. SYN: myogenous.

myogenous
myogenous (mi-oj′e-nus)

SYN: myogenetic.

myoglobin
myoglobin (Mb, MbCO, MbO₂) (mi-o-glo′bin)

The oxygen-carrying and storage protein of muscle, resembling blood hemoglobin in function but containing only one subunit and one heme as part of the molecule (rather than the four of hemoglobin), and with a molecular weight approximately one-quarter that of hemoglobin. SYN: muscle hemoglobin, myohemoglobin. [myo- + hemoglobin]
carbonmonoxy m. SYN: carboxyhemoglobin.

myoglobinuria
myoglobinuria (mi′o-glo-bi-noo′re-a)

Excretion of myoglobin in the urine; results from muscle degeneration, which releases myoglobin into the blood; occurs in certain types of trauma (crush syndrome), advanced or protracted ischemia of muscle, or as a paroxysmal process of unknown etiology. SYN: idiopathic paroxysmal rhabdomyolysis, Meyer-Betz disease, Meyer-Betz syndrome.

myoglobulin
myoglobulin (mi-o-glob′u-lin)

Globulin present in muscle tissue.

myoglobulinuria
myoglobulinuria (mi′o-glob′u-li-noo′re-a)

The excretion of myoglobulin in the urine.

myognathus
myognathus (mi-og′na-thus, mi-o-nath′us)

An unequal conjoined twin in which the rudimentary head of the parasite is attached to the lower jaw of the autosite by muscle and skin only. See conjoined twins, under twin. [myo- + G. gnathos, jaw]

myogram
myogram (mi′o-gram)

The tracing made by a myograph. SYN: muscle curve. [myo- + G. gramma, a drawing]

myograph
myograph (mi′o-graf)

A recording instrument by which tracings are made of muscular contractions. [myo- + G. grapho, to write]
palate m. SYN: palatograph.

myographic
myographic (mi-o-graf′ik)

Relating to a myogram, or the record of a myograph.

myography
myography (mi-og′ra-fe)

1. The recording of muscular movements by the myograph. 2. A description of or treatise on the muscles. SYN: descriptive myology.

myohemoglobin
myohemoglobin (mi′o-hem-o-glo′bin)

SYN: myoglobin.

myoid
myoid (mi′oyd)

1. Resembling muscle. 2. One of the fine, contractile, threadlike protoplasmic elements found in certain epithelial cells in lower animals. 3. A contractile part of retinal cones in certain fish and amphibia. In mammals, the m. is the inner part of the inner segment of rods and cones; it contains microtubules, the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes, but no myofibrils. [myo- + G. eidos, appearance]

myoidema
myoidema (mi-oy-de′ma)

SYN: myoedema. [myo- + G. oidema, swelling]

myoinositol
myoinositol (mi-o-in-o′-si-tol)

See myo-inositol.

myoischemia
myoischemia (mi′o-is-ke′me-a)

A condition of localized deficiency or absence of blood supply in muscular tissue.

myokerosis
myokerosis (mi′o-ke-ro′sis)

SYN: myocerosis.

myokinase
myokinase (mi-o-ki′nas)

SYN: adenylate kinase.

myokinesimeter
myokinesimeter (mi′o-kin-e-sim′e-ter)

A device for registering the exact time and extent of contraction of the larger muscles of the lower extremity in response to electric stimulation. SYN: myocinesimeter. [myo- + G. kinesis, movement, + metron, measure]

myokymia
myokymia (mi-o-ki′me-a)

Continuous involuntary quivering or rippling of muscles at rest, caused by spontaneous, repetitive firing of groups of motor unit potentials. SYN: fibrillary chorea, Morvan chorea. [myo- + G. kyma, wave]
facial m. m. that appears in the facial muscles, causing narrowing of the palpebral fissure and continuous undulation of the facial skin surface; the latter is referred to as “bag of worms” appearance and is best seen with reflected light; due to intrinsic brainstem lesion, such as a pontine glioma or multiple sclerosis.
generalized m. widespread m., present in multiple limbs and often the face; of various causes, including Isaac syndrome, uremia, thyrotoxicosis and gold toxicity (gold-m. syndrome).
hereditary m. [MIM*160100] a syndrome consisting of muscle contractions and night cramps; autosomal dominant inheritance.
limb m. m. present in one or more limbs; various causes, one of the more common being prior plexus radiation.

myolemma
myolemma (mi-o-lem′a)

SYN: sarcolemma.

myolipoma
myolipoma (mi′o-li-po′ma)

A benign neoplasm that consists chiefly of fat cells (adipose tissue), with variable numbers of muscle cells forming portions of the neoplasm.

myologia
myologia (mi′o-lo′je-a)

SYN: myology.

myologist
myologist (mi-ol′o-jist)

One learned in the knowledge of muscles.

myology
myology (mi-ol′o-je)

The branch of science concerned with the muscles and their accessory parts, tendons, aponeuroses, bursae, and fasciae. SYN: myologia, sarcology (1) . [myo- + G. logos, study]
descriptive m. SYN: myography (2) .

myolysis
myolysis (mi-ol′i-sis)

Dissolution or liquefaction of muscular tissue, frequently preceded by degenerative changes such as infiltration of fat, atrophy, and fatty degeneration. [myo- + G. lysis, dissolution]
cardiotoxic m. cardiomalacia occurring in fever and various systemic infections.

myoma
myoma (mi-o′ma)

A benign neoplasm of muscular tissue. SEE ALSO: leiomyoma, rhabdomyoma. [myo- + G. -oma, tumor]

myomalacia
myomalacia (mi′o-ma-la′she-a)

Pathologic softening of muscular tissue. [myo- + G. malakia, softness]

myomatous
myomatous (mi-o′ma-tus)

Pertaining to or characterized by the features of a myoma.

myomectomy
myomectomy (mi-o-mek′to-me)

Operative removal of a myoma, specifically of a uterine myoma. SYN: fibroidectomy, fibromectomy, hysteromyomectomy. [myoma + G. ektome, excision]
abdominal m. removal of a myoma of the uterus through an abdominal incision.
left ventricular m. resection of myocardial tissue used in cases of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
vaginal m. removal of a myoma of the uterus through the vagina. SYN: colpomyomectomy.

myomelanosis
myomelanosis (mi′o-mela-no′sis)

Abnormal dark pigmentation of muscular tissue. SEE ALSO: melanosis. [myo- + G. melanosis, becoming black]

myomere
myomere (mi′o-mer)

SYN: myotome (4) . [myo- + G. meros, a part]

myometer
myometer (mi-om′e-ter)

An instrument for measuring the extent of a muscular contraction. [myo- + G. metron, measure]

myometrial
myometrial (mi-o-me′tre-al)

Relating to the myometrium.

myometritis
myometritis (mi′o-me-tri′tis)

Inflammation of the muscular wall of the uterus. [myo- + G. metra, uterus, + -itis, inflammation]

myometrium
myometrium (mi′o-me′tre-um) [TA]

The muscular wall of the uterus. SYN: tunica muscularis uteri [TA] , muscular coat of uterus. [myo- + G. metra, uterus]

myomitochondrion
myomitochondrion, pl .myomitochondria (mi′o-mi′to-kon′dre-on, -dre-a)

A mitochondrion of a muscle fiber.

myomotomy
myomotomy (mi-o-mot′o-me)

Incision of a myoma. [myoma + G. tome, incision]

myon
myon (mi′on)

An individual muscle unit. [G. mys, muscle]

myonecrosis
myonecrosis (mi′o-ne-kro′sis)

Necrosis of muscle.
clostridial m. SYN: gas gangrene.

myoneme
myoneme (mi′o-nem)

1. A muscle fibril. 2. One of the contractile fibrils of certain protozoans; thought to function in an analogous fashion to metazoan muscle fibers. [myo- + G. nema, thread]

myoneural
myoneural (mi-o-noo′ral)

Relating to both muscle and nerve; denoting specifically the synapse of the motor neuron with striated muscle fibers: m. junction or motor endplate. SEE ALSO: neuromuscular. [myo- + G. neuron, nerve]

myoneuroma
myoneuroma (mi′o-noo-ro′ma)

A tumefaction consisting chiefly of abnormally proliferating Schwann cells, with variable numbers of muscle cells forming portions of the mass; myoneuromas are probably malformations, rather than true neoplasms. [myo- + G. neuron, nerve, + -oma, tumor]

myonymy
myonymy (mi-on′i-me)

Nomenclature of the muscles. [myo- + G. onyma or onoma, name]

myopachynsis
myopachynsis (mi′o-pa-kin′sis)

Muscular hypertrophy. [myo- + G. pachynsis, a thickening]

myopalmus
myopalmus (mi-o-pal′mus)

Muscle twitching. [myo- + G. palmos, a quivering]

myopathic
myopathic (mi-o-path′ik)

Denoting a disorder involving muscular tissue.

myopathy
myopathy (mi-op′a-the)

Any abnormal condition or disease of the muscular tissues; commonly designates a disorder involving skeletal muscle. [myo- + G. pathos, suffering]
carcinomatous m. SYN: Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
centronuclear m. slowly progressive generalized muscle weakness and atrophy beginning in childhood; on biopsy of skeletal muscle, the nuclei of most muscle fibers are seen to be located near the center of a small fiber (the normal position for a 10-week embryo) rather than at the periphery of the fiber; familial incidence. Autosomal dominant [MIM*160150] recessive [MIM*255200] and X-linked [310400] forms occur. The X-linked form is caused by mutation in the myotubular m. gene (MTM1) on Xq28. SYN: myotubular m..
distal m. m. affecting predominantly the distal portions of the limbs; onset is usually after age 40, with weakness and wasting of small muscles of the hands; The infantile form [MIM*160300] and the Swedish later-onset [MIM*160500] are autosomal dominant. There is a Japanese late-onset type [MIM*254130] that is recessive and is caused by mutation in the gene encoding dysferlin on 2p13.
dysthyroid m. SYN: thyrotoxic m..
minicore-multicore m. an uncommon nonprogressive m. with early onset, proximal weakness, and hypotonia. Muscle fibers show focal defects of oxidative and myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase enzymes with disorganization of myofibril ultrastructure.
mitochondrial m. weakness and hypotonia of muscles, primarily those of the neck, shoulder, and pelvic girdles, with onset in infancy or childhood; on biopsy, giant, bizarre mitochondria are seen located between muscle fibrils just beneath the sarcolemma. There are autosomal dominant [MIM*251900] and recessive forms due to deletions or duplications of mitochondrial DNA, with one recessive form [MIM*252010] associated with a deficiency of complex 1 of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
myotubular m. SYN: centronuclear m..
nemaline m. congenital, nonprogressive muscle weakness most evident in the proximal muscles; named after the characteristic nemaline (threadlike) rods seen in the muscle cells composed of Z-band material. There are two forms, dominant [MIM*161800] caused by mutation in the tropomyosin-3 gene (TPM3) on 1q22–q23, and recessive [MIM*256030], that are clinically indistinguishable. SYN: rod m..
ocular m. SYN: chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.
proximal myotonic m. (PROMM) an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder, with onset in young adult life, characterized by proximal myotonia and weakness, muscle pain, baldness, cataracts, cardiac conduction disturbances, and testicular atrophy. In contrast to myotonic dystrophy, features of this disorder do not include facial weakness and ptosis, distal limb weakness and wasting, and trinucleotide repeat expansion at the gene loci for myotonic dystrophy.
rod m. SYN: nemaline m..
thyrotoxic m. extreme muscular weakness in severe thyrotoxicosis affecting muscles of limbs and trunk as well as those used in speech and swallowing. SYN: dysthyroid m..

myopericarditis
myopericarditis (mi′o-per-i-kar-di′tis)

Inflammation of the muscular wall of the heart and of the enveloping pericardium; also, perimyocarditis--choice of term determined by whether the principal involvement is pericardial or myocardial. [myo- + pericarditis]

myoperitonitis
myoperitonitis (mi′o-per-i-to-ni′tis)

Inflammation of the parietal peritoneum with myositis of the abdominal wall.

myophone
myophone (mi′o-fon)

An instrument to enable one to hear the murmur of muscular contractions. [myo- + G. phone, sound]

myophosphorylase
myophosphorylase (mi-o-fus-for′i-las)

Muscle phosphorylase

myopia
myopia (M) (mi-o′pe-a)

That optical condition in which only rays from a finite distance from the eye focus on the retina. SYN: near sight, nearsightedness, short sight, shortsightedness. [G. fr. myo, to shut, + ops, eye]
axial m. m. due to elongation of the globe of the eye.
curvature m. m. due to refractive errors resulting from excessive corneal curvature.
degenerative m. SYN: pathologic m..
index m. m. arising from increased refractivity of the lens, as in nuclear sclerosis.
malignant m. SYN: pathologic m..
night m. in dark adaptation the eye becomes more sensitive to shorter wavelengths (Purkinje shift), and visual acuity depends on parafoveal blue cones. Shorter wavelengths come into focus in front of the retina, and this chromatic aberration accounts for some of the relative m. that a normal eye experiences at night; much of the remainder is due to an increase in accommodative tone in the dark.
pathologic m. progressive m. marked by fundus changes, posterior staphyloma, and subnormal corrected acuity. SYN: degenerative m., malignant m..
prematurity m. m. observed in infants of low birthweight or in association with retrolental fibroplasia.
senile lenticular m. SYN: second sight.
simple m. m. arising from failure of correlation of the refractive power of the anterior segment and the length of the eyeball.
space m. a type of m. arising when no contour is imaged on the retina.
transient m. m. observed in accommodative spasm secondary to iridocyclitis or ocular contusion.

myopic
myopic (M) (mi-op′ik, -o′pik)

Relating to or suffering from myopia.

myoplasm
myoplasm (mi′o-plazm)

The contractile portion of the muscle cell, as distinguished from the sarcoplasm. [myo- + G. plasma, a thing formed]

myoplastic
myoplastic (mi-o-plas′tik)

Relating to the plastic surgery of the muscles, or to the use of muscular tissue to correct a defect.

myoplasty
myoplasty (mi′o-plas-te)

Plastic surgery of muscular tissue. [myo- + G. plastos, formed]

myopolar
myopolar (mi-o-po′lar)

Relating to muscular polarity, or to the portion of muscle between two electrodes.

myoprotein
myoprotein (mi-o-pro′ten)

Protein occurring in muscle.

myorrhaphy
myorrhaphy (mi-or′a-fe)

Suture of a muscle. [myo- + G. rhaphe, seam]

myorrhexis
myorrhexis (mi-o-rek′sis)

Tearing of a muscle. [myo- + G. rhexis, a rupture]

myosalpingitis
myosalpingitis (mi′o-sal-pin-ji′tis)

Inflammation of the muscular tissue of the uterine tube. [myosalpinx + G. -itis inflammation]

myosalpinx
myosalpinx (mi′o-sal′pingks)

The muscular tunic of the uterine tube. [myo- + salpinx]

myosarcoma
myosarcoma (mi′o-sar-ko′ma)

A general term for a malignant neoplasm derived from muscular tissue. SEE ALSO: leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma.

myosclerosis
myosclerosis (mi′o-skle-ro′sis)

Chronic myositis with hyperplasia of the interstitial connective tissue.

myoseptum
myoseptum (mi-o-sep′tum)

SYN: myocomma. [myo- + L. saeptum, a barrier]

myosin
myosin (mi′o-sin)

A globulin present in muscle that has an ATPase activity; in combination with actin, it forms actomyosin; m. forms the thick filaments in muscle.
m. light chain kinase a calcium/calmodulin-dependent enzyme that phosphorylates the light chains of smooth muscle m. and initiates contraction. In skeletal muscle, phosphorylation modulates tension during contraction.

myosinogen
myosinogen (mi-o-sin′o-jen)

SYN: myogen.

myosinose
myosinose (mi′o-si-nos)

A proteose formed by the partial hydrolysis of myosin.

myositic
myositic (mi-o-sit′ik)

Relating to myositis.

myositis
myositis (mi-o-si′tis)

Inflammation of a muscle. SYN: initis (2) . [myo- + G. -itis, inflammation]
cervical m. posttraumatic neck syndrome.
epidemic m., m. epidemica acuta SYN: epidemic pleurodynia.
m. fibrosa induration of a muscle through an interstitial growth of fibrous tissue. SYN: interstitial m., myofascitis.
infectious m. inflammation of the voluntary muscles, marked by swelling and pain, affecting usually the shoulders and arms, though almost the entire body may be involved.
interstitial m. SYN: m. fibrosa.
m. ossificans ossification or deposit of bone in muscle with fibrosis, causing pain and swelling in muscles.
m. ossificans circumscripta local deposit of bone in a muscle, usually following prolonged trauma; e.g., riders' bone.
m. ossificans progressiva a rare and frequently fatal mutation, beginning in early life, characterized by progressive ossification of the muscles; it is not strictly a m., but a noninflammatory ossification.
proliferative m. a rapidly growing benign infiltrating fibrous nodule in skeletal muscle, containing characteristic giant cells resembling ganglion cells.
m. purulenta tropica SYN: tropical pyomyositis.
tropical m. SYN: tropical pyomyositis.

myospasm
myospasm, myospasmus (mi′o-spazm, mi-o-spaz′mus)

Spasmodic muscular contraction.
cervical m. posttraumatic neck syndrome.

myospherulosis
myospherulosis (mi′o-sfer-oo-lo′sis)

A chronic granulomatous reaction to undetermined spherical structures frequently contained within a microscopic cyst; first reported in cystic lesions in skeletal muscle from eastern Africa and subsequently in nasal infections in the U.S. [myo- + L. sphaerula, small sphere, + G. -osis, condition]

myosthenometer
myosthenometer (mi′o-sthe-nom′e-ter)

An instrument for measuring the power of muscle groups. [myo- + G. sthenos, strength, + metron, measure]

myostroma
myostroma (mi-o-stro′ma)

The supporting connective tissue or framework of muscular tissue. [myo- + G. stroma, mattress]

myostromin
myostromin (mi-o-stro′min)

A protein found in muscle stroma.

myotactic
myotactic (mi-o-tak′tik)

Relating to the muscular sense. [myo- + L. tactus, a touching]

myotasis
myotasis (mi-ot′a-sis)

Stretching of a muscle. [myo- + G. tasis, a stretching]

myotatic
myotatic (mi-o-tat′ik)

Relating to myotasis.

myotenositis
myotenositis (mi′o-te-no-si′tis)

Inflammation of a muscle with its tendon. [myo- + G. tenon, tendon, + -itis, inflammation]

myotenotomy
myotenotomy (mi′o-te-not′o-me)

Cutting through the principal tendon of a muscle, with division of the muscle itself in whole or in part. SYN: tenomyotomy, tenontomyotomy. [myo- + G. tenon, tendon, + tome, incision]

myothermic
myothermic (mi-o-ther′mik)

Relating to the increased temperature in muscular tissue resulting from its contraction. [myo- + G. therme, heat]

myotome
myotome (mi′o-tom)

1. A knife for dividing muscle. 2. In embryos, that part of the somite that develops into skeletal muscle. SYN: muscle plate. 3. All muscles derived from one somite and innervated by one segmental spinal nerve. 4. In primitive vertebrates, the muscular part of a metamere. SYN: myomere. [myo- + G. tomos, a cut]

myotomy
myotomy (mi-ot′o-me)

1. Anatomy or dissection of the muscles. 2. Surgical division of a muscle. [myo- + G. tome, excision]
cricopharyngeal m. division of the cephalad portion of the cricopharyngeus muscle, usually for treatment of Zenker esophageal diverticulum.
Heller m. distal esophagomyotomy, usually for the treatment of achalasia.

myotone
myotone (mi′o-ton)

SYN: myotony.

myotonia
myotonia (mi-o-to′ne-a)

Delayed relaxation of a muscle after a strong contraction, or prolonged contraction after mechanical stimulation (as by percussion) or brief electrical stimulation; due to abnormality of the muscle membrane, specifically the ion channels. [myo- + G. tonos, tension, stretching]
m. acquisita acquired m. following exposure to certain toxins.
m. atrophica SYN: myotonic dystrophy.
m. congenita [MIM*160800] an uncommon muscle disorder, with onset in infancy or early childhood, characterized by muscle hypertrophy, m., and a nonprogressive course; autosomal dominant inheritance; caused by mutations in the skeletal muscle chloride channel gene (CLCN1) on chromosome 7q. SYN: Thomsen disease.
m. dystrophica SYN: myotonic dystrophy.
m. neonatorum SYN: neonatal tetany.

myotonic
myotonic (mi-o-ton′ik)

Pertaining to or exhibiting myotonia.

myotonoid
myotonoid (mi-ot′o-noyd)

Denoting a muscular reaction, naturally or electrically excited, characterized by slow contraction and, especially, slow relaxation. [myo- + G. tonos, tone, tension, + eidos, resemblance]

myotonus
myotonus (mi-ot′o-nus)

A tonic spasm or temporary rigidity of a muscle or group of muscles. [myo- + G. tonos, tension, stretching]

myotony
myotony (mi-ot′o-ne)

Muscular tonus or tension. SYN: myotone. [myo- + G. tonos, tension]

myotrophy
myotrophy (mi-ot′ro-fe)

Nutrition of muscular tissue. [myo- + G. trophe, nourishment]

myotube
myotube (mi′o-toob)

A skeletal muscle fiber formed by the fusion of myoblasts during a developmental stage; a few myofibrils occur at the periphery, and the central core is occupied by nuclei and sarcoplasm so that the fiber has a tubular appearance.

myotubule
myotubule (mi-o-t;oo′bool)

Former term for myotube.

Myoviridae
Myoviridae (mi-o-vir′i-de)

A family of relatively large bacterial viruses with complex contractile tails, heads that are usually elongated but are isometric in some species, and a double-stranded DNA genome (MW 21–190 × 10⁶). It includes the T-even phage group and probably other genera.

myrica
myrica (mir′i-ka)

The bark of M. cerifera (family Myricaceae); used in diarrhea and icterus, and externally in sore throat. SYN: bayberry bark.

myricin
myricin (mir′i-sin)

Myricyl palmitate, a white, almost odorless solid that is the chief constituent of beeswax.

myring- myring-

See myringo-.

myringa
myringa (mi-ring′ga)

SYN: tympanic membrane. [Mod. L. drum membrane]

myringectomy
myringectomy (mir-in-jek′to-me)

Excision of the tympanic membrane. [myring- + G. ektome, excision]

myringitis
myringitis (mir-in-ji′tis)

Inflammation of the tympanic membrane. SYN: tympanitis. [myring- + G. -itis, inflammation]
m. bulbosa SYN: myringodermatitis.
bullous m. painful inflammation of the tympanic membrane accompanied by bullae.

myringo- myringo-, myring-

The membrana tympani. [Mod. L. myringa]

myringodermatitis
myringodermatitis (mi-ring′go-der-ma-ti′tis)

Inflammation of the meatal or outer surface of the drum membrane and the adjoining skin of the external auditory canal. SYN: myringitis bulbosa.

myringoplasty
myringoplasty (mi-ring′go-plas′te)

Operative repair of a damaged tympanic membrane. [myringo- + G. plasso, to form]

myringosclerosis
myringosclerosis (mi-ring′go-skler-o′sis)

Formation of dense connective tissue in the tympanic membrane, usually not associated with hearing loss. [myringo- + sclerosis]

myringostapediopexy
myringostapediopexy (mi-ring′go-sta-pe′de-o-pek′se)

A technique of tympanoplasty in which the tympanic membrane or grafted tympanic membrane is brought into functional connection with the stapes. [myringo- + L. stapes, stirrup (stapes), + G. pexis, fixation]

myringotome
myringotome (mi-ring′go-tom)

A knife used for paracentesis of the tympanic cavity. [myringo- + G. tome, excision]

myringotomy
myringotomy (mir-ing-got′o-me)

Incision of the tympanic membrane. SYN: tympanotomy. [myringo- + G. tome, excision]

myrinx
myrinx (mi′ringks, mir′ringks)

SYN: tympanic membrane. [Mod. L. myringa, drum membrane]

myristica
myristica (mi-ris′ti-ka)

SYN: nutmeg. [G. myrizo, to anoint, fr. myron, an unguent]
m. oil SYN: nutmeg oil.

myristic acid
myristic acid (mi-ris′tik)

A saturated fatty acid present as an acylglycerol in milk, vegetable fats, cod liver oil, and waxes. SYN: tetradecanoic acid.

myristicin
myristicin (mi-ris′ti-sin)

A constituent of nutmeg thought to be responsible, at least in part, for the bizarre central nervous system symptoms produced by the ingestion of large amounts of nutmeg.

myristoleic acid
myristoleic acid (mi-ris-to-le′ik)

A 14-carbon unsaturated fatty acid with a double bond between carbons 9 and 10; the 14-carbon analog of oleic acid.

myrmecia
myrmecia (mir-me′she-a)

A form of viral wart in which the lesion has a domed surface ( i.e., an ant hill configuration) and is associated with pale staining intranuclear and amphophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the epidermal cells. [G. murmex, ant]

myrosinase
myrosinase (mi-ro′si-nas)

SYN: thioglucosidase.

myrrh
myrrh (mer)

A gum resin from Commiphora molmol and C. abyssinica (family Burseraceae) and other species of C., a shrub of Arabia and eastern Africa; used as an astringent, tonic, and stimulant, and locally for diseases of the oral cavity and in mouthwashes; thought to have been used in ancient Egyptian medicine and embalming. [G. myrrha]

mysophilia
mysophilia (mi-so-fil′e-a)

SYN: coprophilia (2) . [G. mysos, defilement, + philos, fond]

mysophobia
mysophobia (mi-so-fo′be-a)

Morbid fear of dirt or defilement from touching familiar objects. SYN: rhypophobia. [G. mysos, defilement, + phobos, fear]

mytacism
mytacism (mi′ta-sizm)

A form of stammering in which the letter m is frequently substituted for other consonants. SYN: mutacism. [G. my, the letter μ]

myurous
myurous (mi-u′rus)

Gradually decreasing in thickness, as a mouse's tail; rarely used term denoting certain symptoms in process of cessation, or the heartbeat in certain cases in which it grows feebler and feebler for a while and then strengthens. [G. mys, mouse, + ouros, tail]

myxadenitis labialis
myxadenitis labialis

SYN: cheilitis glandularis.

myxasthenia
myxasthenia (mik-sas-the′ne-a)

Faulty secretion of mucus. [myx- + G. astheneia, weakness]

myxedema
myxedema (mik-se-de′ma)

Hypothyroidism characterized by a relatively hard edema of subcutaneous tissue, with increased content of mucins (proteoglycans) in the fluid; characterized by somnolence, slow mentation, dryness and loss of hair, increased fluid in body cavities such as the pericardial sac, subnormal temperature, hoarseness, muscle weakness, and slow return of a muscle to the neutral position after a tendon jerk; usually caused by removal or loss of functioning thyroid tissue. [myx- + G. oidema, swelling]
congenital m. SYN: infantile hypothyroidism.
infantile m. SYN: infantile hypothyroidism.
operative m. m. developing after thyroidectomy.
pituitary m. m. resulting from inadequate secretion of the thyrotropic hormone; commonly occurs in association with inadequate secretion of other anterior pituitary hormones.

myxedematoid
myxedematoid (mik-se-dem′a-toyd)

Resembling myxedema.

myxedematous
myxedematous (mik-se-dem′a-tus)

Relating to myxedema.

myxemia
myxemia (mik-se′me-a)

SYN: mucinemia. [myx- + G. haima, blood]

myxo- myxo-, myx-

Mucus. SEE ALSO: muci-, muco-. [G. myxa, mucus]

myxochondrofibrosarcoma
myxochondrofibrosarcoma (mik′so-kon′dro-fi′bro-sar-ko′ma)

A malignant neoplasm derived from fibrous connective tissue, i.e., a fibrosarcoma, in which there are intimately associated foci of cartilaginous and myxomatous tissue. [myxo- + G. chondros, cartilage, + L. fibra, fiber, + G. sarx, flesh, + -oma, tumor]

myxochondroma
myxochondroma (mik′so-kon-dro′ma)

A benign neoplasm of cartilaginous tissue, i.e., a chondroma, in which the stroma resembles relatively primitive mesenchymal tissue. SYN: myxoma enchondromatosum. [myxo- + G. chondros, cartilage, + -oma, tumor]

Myxococcidium stegomyiae
Myxococcidium stegomyiae (mik′so-kok-sid′e-um steg-o-mi′e-e)

A protozoon once found in the body of the mosquito, Stegomyia calopus, that had fed on the blood of a patient with yellow fever; the organism was then postulated, incorrectly, to be the causal agent of yellow fever.

myxocyte
myxocyte (mik′so-sit)

One of the stellate or polyhedral cells present in mucous tissue. [myxo- + G. kytos, cell]

myxofibroma
myxofibroma (mik′so-fi-bro′ma)

A benign neoplasm of fibrous connective tissue that resembles primitive mesenchymal tissue. SYN: fibroma myxomatodes, myxoma fibrosum. [myxo- + L. fibra, fiber, + G. -oma, tumor]

myxofibrosarcoma
myxofibrosarcoma (mik′so-fi′bro-sar-ko′ma)

A malignant fibrous histiocytoma with a predominance of myxoid areas that resemble primitive mesenchymal tissue. [myxo- + L. fibra, fiber, + G. sarx, flesh, + -oma, tumor]

myxoid
myxoid (mik′soyd)

Resembling mucus. [myxo- + G. eidos, resemblance]

myxolipoma
myxolipoma (mik′so-li-po′ma)

A benign neoplasm of adipose tissue in which portions of the tumor resemble mucoid mesenchymal tissue. SYN: lipoma myxomatodes, myxoma lipomatosum. [myxo- + G. lipos, fat, + -oma, tumor]

myxoma
myxoma (mik-so′ma)

A benign neoplasm derived from connective tissue, consisting chiefly of polyhedral and stellate cells that are loosely embedded in a soft mucoid matrix, thereby resembling primitive mesenchymal tissue; occurs frequently intramuscularly (where it may be mistaken for a sarcoma), also in the jaw bones, and encysted in the skin (focal mucinosis and dorsal wrist ganglion). [myxo- + G. -oma, tumor]
atrial m. a primary cardiac neoplasm arising most commonly in the left atrium as a soft polypoid mass attached by a stalk to the atrial septum; it may resemble an organized mural thrombus, and the symptoms may include cardiac murmurs, which change with alteration of body position and signs of mitral stenosis or insufficiency, with continuous danger of embolism by fragments of the tumor or its entire mass.
m. enchondromatosum SYN: myxochondroma.
m. fibrosum SYN: myxofibroma.
m. lipomatosum SYN: myxolipoma.
odontogenic m. a benign, expansile, multilocular radiolucent neoplasm of the jaws consisting of myxomatous fibrous connective tissue; presumably derived from the mesenchymal components of the odontogenic apparatus.
m. sarcomatosum SYN: myxosarcoma.

myxomatosis
myxomatosis (mik′so-ma-to′sis)

1. SYN: mucoid degeneration. 2. Multiple myxomas.

myxomatous
myxomatous (mik-so′ma-tus)

1. Pertaining to or characterized by the features of a myxoma. 2. Said of tissue that resembles primitive mesenchymal tissue.

myxomycete
myxomycete (mik′so-mi-set)

A member of the class Myxomycetes.

Myxomycetes
Myxomycetes (mik′so-mi-se′tez)

A class of fungi containing the slime molds, which occur on rotting vegetation but are not pathogenic for humans. [myxo- + G. mykes, fungus]

myxoneuroma
myxoneuroma (mik′so-noo-ro′ma)

1. Obsolete term for a tumefaction resulting from abnormal proliferation of Schwann cells, in which focal or diffuse degenerative changes result in portions that resemble primitive mesenchymal tissue. 2. Obsolete term for a neurilemoma, meningioma, or glioma in which the stroma is myxomatous in nature. [myxo- + G. neuron, nerve, + -oma, tumor]

myxopapilloma
myxopapilloma (mik′so-pap-i-lo′ma)

A benign neoplasm of epithelial tissue in which the stroma resembles primitive mesenchymal tissue. [myxo- + L. papilla, a nipple, + G. -oma, tumor]

myxopoiesis
myxopoiesis (mik′so-poy-e′sis)

Mucus production. [myxo- + G. poiesis, a making]

myxorrhea gastrica
myxorrhea gastrica

SYN: gastromyxorrhea.

myxosarcoma
myxosarcoma (mik′so-sar-ko′ma)

A sarcoma, usually a liposarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytoma, with an abundant component of myxoid tissue resembling primitive mesenchyme containing connective tissue mucin. SYN: myxoma sarcomatosum. [myxo- + G. sarx, flesh, + -oma, tumor]

Myxospora
Myxospora (mik-so-spo′ra)

A subphylum of the phylum Protozoa, characterized by the presence of spores of multicellular origin, usually with two or three valves, two or more polar filaments, and an ameboid sporoplasm; parasitic in lower vertebrates, especially common in fishes. Important genera include Ceratomyxa, Hanneguya, Leptotheca, Myxidium, and Myxobolus. [myxo- + G. sporos, seed]

Myxosporea
Myxosporea (mik′so-spo-re′a)

A class of Myxozoa with spores containing one to six (usually two) polar capsules, each containing a coiled polar filament; parasitic in the celom or tissues of cold-blooded vertebrates, especially fishes. Important genera include Ceratomyxa, Hanneguya, Leptotheca, Myxidium, and Myxobolus.

myxovirus
myxovirus (mik′so-vi′rus)

Term formerly used for viruses with an affinity for mucins, now included in the families Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae. The myxoviruses included influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, measles virus, and mumps virus.

Myxozoa
Myxozoa (mik-so-zo′a)

A phylum of the subkingdom Protozoa, characterized by spores of multicellular origin (usually with two or three valves), one to six polar capsules or nematocysts (each with a coiled hollow filament), and a one- to many-nucleated ameboid sporoplasm; parasitic in annelids and other invertebrates (class Actinosporea; subclass Actinomyxa) and in lower vertebrates (class Myxosporea). [myxo- + G. zoon, animal]

meta-rhodopsin I
meta-rhodopsin I, meta-rhodopsin II, meta-rhodopsin III

Precursors of opsin and all-trans-retinal, formed from lumirhodopsin in the visual cycle.

87mSr
^87mSr

Abbreviation for strontium-87m.

99mTc
^99mTc

Symbol for technetium-99m.

99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid
^99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid

Radiopharmaceutical that localizes to the renal cortex for imaging to determine scarring or pyelonephritis.

99mTc-DMSA
^99mTc-DMSA

Abbreviation for ^99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid.

99mTc-glucoheptanate
^99mTc-glucoheptanate

Radiopharmaceutical possessing renal cortical-localizing and excretion-handling properties; may be used either for renal cortical imaging to determine scarring or for renal function imaging by renography.