Category: Mg-Mo

Pertaining to the microvasculature, the portion of the vasculature of the body consisting of the smaller vessels, those with an internal diameter of at most 100 microns. In contrast to macrovascular.

The examination of minute objects by means of a microscope, an instrument which provides an enlarged image of an object not visible with the naked eye. Aside from the usual microscopy, there are various special types of microscopy including, for example: The word “microscopy” comes from Greek roots: mikros, small + skopeo, to view = to view…

The study of normal structure of an organism under the microscope. Known among medical students simply as ‘micro.’ Also known as histology.

An optical instrument that augments the power of the eye to see small objects. The name microscope was coined by Johannes Faber (1574-1629) who in 1628 borrowed from the Greek to combined micro-, small with skopein, to view. Although the first microscopes were simple microscopes, most (if not all) optical microscopes today are compound microscopes.

An abnormally small penis. Also called micropenis. In medical practice, the dimension of the penis that is measured is the length. The measurement is taken along the upper surface of the shaft of the penis to the tip, using a measuring tape or preferably a ruler. The ruler is pressed firmly into the soft tissue over the…

An abnormally small penis. In medical practice, the dimension of the penis that is measured is the length. This measurement is taken along the upper surface of the shaft of the penis to the tip, using a measuring tape or, preferably, a ruler. The ruler is pressed firmly into the soft tissue over the pubic bone…

Abnormally small testes. To determine if the testes are too small, a device called an orchidometer is used that permits the testes to be compared to a series of plastic ovals (like miniature American footballs) of differing sizes. Microorchidism is a diagnostic feature, for example, of the Prader-Willi syndrome and certain other multiple malformation syndromes. Microorchidism may also result…

A disease of the capillaries (very small blood vessels), in which the capillary walls become so thick and weak that they bleed, leak protein, and slow the flow of blood. For example, diabetes predisposes to the development of microangiopathy in many areas, including the eye.

Prefix meaning small, as in microcephaly (small head) and microsomia (small body). The opposite of micro- is macro-.

A poisonous vapor or mist believed to be made up of particles from decomposing material that could cause disease and could be identified by its foul smell. The miasma theory of disease originated in the Middle Ages and persisted for centuries. During the Great Plague of 1665, doctors wore masks filled with sweet-smelling flowers to keep out the…