Category: At-At

A seizure in which the person suddenly loses muscle tone and strength and, unless supported, falls down. Also called drop attack or drop seizure. Atonic means a lack of muscle tone and strength.

Without normal muscle tone or strength. An atonic seizure is one in which the person suddenly loses muscle tone and strength; the person cannot sit or stand upright and, unless supported, falls down.

A frightening form of paralysis that occurs when a person suddenly finds himself or herself unable to move for a few minutes, most often upon falling asleep or waking up. Sleep paralysis is due to an irregularity in passing between the stages of sleep and wakefulness. The symptoms of sleep paralysis include sensations of noises, smells, levitation, paralysis, terror, and images…

The smallest part of any material that cannot be broken up by chemical means. Each atom has a center (the nucleus) which contains protons and neutrons. Electrons orbit around the nucleus. The atom is primarily empty space. If the nucleus of an atom were the size of the button on a baseball pitcher’s cap, the…

Acute tubular necrosis.

Symbol for the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. The protein made by the ATM gene functions to control the rate at which cells grow. The ATM protein does this by sending signals and modifying proteins in the cell, which then alters the function of the proteins. This protein also interacts with other proteins (for example BRCA1) to respond…

The joint between the atlas and axis bones. The atlas is the first cervical (neck) vertebra which is just under the head; it is named for Atlas, the Greek god who supported the world on his shoulders. The axis is the second cervical vertebra; it has what is called the odontoid process about which the…

The first vertebra in the neck. It supports the head at the base of the skull. Also known as the first cervical vertebra.

The joint between the atlas and axis bones. The atlas is the first cervical (neck) vertebra which is just under the head; it is named for Atlas, the Greek god who supported the world on his shoulders. The axis is the second cervical vertebra; it has what is called the odontoid process about which the…

Pertaining to the first and second cervical vertebrae which meet at a joint called the atlantoaxial joint. The uppermost cervical vertebra (the atlas) rotates about the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra (the axis). The joint between the axis and atlas is a pivot type of joint that allows the head turn.