Category: Ra-Re

An enzyme that permits DNA to be made, using RNA as the template. A retrovirus, such as the HIV virus, can propagate itself by converting its RNA into DNA with reverse transcriptase.

The reabsorption of a secreted substance by the cell that originally produced and secreted it. The process of reuptake, for example, affects serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger). It is produced by nerve cells in the brain and is used by nerves to communicate with one another. A nerve releases the serotonin that it has produced into…

Urinating backwards. Also an animal such as a raccoon that urinates backwards. As in: “You have revealed yourself as a miserable, carping, retromingent vigilante, and I for one am sick of wasting my time communicating with you” (Benjamin C. Bradlee, Editor, The Washington Post). From the Latin retro- (back) + mingent from mingere (to urinate).

Any disease of the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. The type of retinopathy is often specified, such as arteriosclerotic retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, or hypertensive retinopathy.

1. Vitamin A (retinol) or a naturally occurring or synthetic substance chemically related to it. (Retinoid literally means “like retinol.”)2. In ophthalmology, resembling the retina.

The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and creates impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain. There is a small area, called the macula, in the retina that contains special light-sensitive cells. The macula allows us to see fine details clearly. The eye has a number of…

The procedure of restoring to life, as in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

An uncomfortable (creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, twitching, tearing, aching, throbbing, prickling, or grabbing) sensation in the calves that occurs while sitting or while lying down. The result is an uncontrollable urge to relieve the uncomfortable sensation by moving the legs. Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of painful legs. The leg pain typically eases with motion of…

An uncomfortable (creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, twitching, tearing, aching, throbbing, prickling, or grabbing) sensation in the calves that occurs while sitting or while lying down. The result is an uncontrollable urge to relieve the uncomfortable sensation by moving the legs. Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of painful legs. The leg pain typically eases with motion of…

Restless anal syndrome is a proposed variant of restless legs syndrome described in a 2021 case report in relation to an infection with the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2). It was described by doctors in Japan after a patient with COVID-19 disease developed restless, deep anal discomfort associated with an urge to move that worsened with rest and in the…