Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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PA X-ray
An?X-ray?picture in which the beams pass from back-to-front (posteroanterior). As opposed to an AP (anteroposterior) image in which the rays pass through the body from front-to-back
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PA (physician assistant)
A physician assistant (PA) is a mid-level medical practitioner who works under the supervision of a licensed doctor (an MD) or osteopathic physician (a DO). The physician assistant came about in the 1960s as a response to the need for more clinicians The first PA program was developed by Dr. Eugene Stead, chairman of the Department of…
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p.r.n.
Abbreviation meaning “when necessary” (from the Latin “pro re nata”, for an occasion that has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed).
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p.o.
Abbreviation meaning by mouth, orally (from the Latin “per os”, by mouth).
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p.c.
Abbreviation meaning after meals (from the Latin “post cibum”, after meals).
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p arm of a chromosome
The short arm of a chromosome. The “p” comes from the French “petit” meaning small. All human chromosomes have 2 arms – the p (short) arm and the q (long) arm – that are separated from each other only by a primary constriction, the centromere, the point at which the chromosome is attached to the spindle…
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Oz.
Abbreviation for ounce.
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Oxytocin
A hormone made in the brain that plays a role in childbirth and lactation by causing muscles to contract in the uterus (womb) and the mammary glands in the breast. Animal studies have shown that oxytocin also has a role in pair bonding, mate-guarding, and social memory. Oxytocin is a peptide (a compound consisting of 2 or more amino acids) that is…
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Oxymetholone
A synthetic male steroid hormone that is sometimes used to treat wasting in patients with HIV disease. Since it promotes large gains in body mass, it has sometimes been used illegally by bodybuilders and athletes. It has also been used in the treatment of anemia.
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Oxyhemoglobin
The oxygen-loaded form of hemoglobin, the predominant protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein molecule that binds to oxygen. Hemoglobin forms an unstable, reversible bond with oxygen. In its oxygen-loaded form, it is called oxyhemoglobin and is bright red. In the oxygen-unloaded form it is called deoxyhemoglobin and is purple-blue.
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