Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The left eye (oculus sinister), as opposed to the right eye (oculus dexter).

A support, brace, or splint used to support, align, prevent, or correct the function of movable parts of the body. Shoe inserts are orthotics that are intended to correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern, by altering slightly the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. Other orthotics include neck braces,…

A temporary lowering of blood pressure, usually related to suddenly standing up. Healthy people may experience orthostatic hypotension if they rise quickly from a seated position, especially after a meal. Orthostatic hypotension occurs most commonly in older people. The change in position causes a temporary reduction in blood flow and therefore a shortage of oxygen to the brain. This…

Having correct vision, producing correct vision, free from optical distortion, or designed to correct distorted vision.

Slang term for an orthopedist.

An orthopedic surgeon, a physician who corrects congenital or functional abnormalities of the bones with surgery, casting, and bracing. Orthopedists also treat injuries to the bones. Sometimes spelled orthopaedist.

The use of devices to move teeth or adjust underlying bone. The ideal age for starting orthodontic treatment is between ages 8 to 14 years while growth is still occurring. An evaluation for orthodontic treatment is recommended by the age of 7. Teeth can be moved by removable appliances or by fixed braces. Crowding of teeth can…

Prefix meaning straight or erect. From the Greek “orthos” that means just that: straight or erect. Examples of terms involving ortho- include orthodontics (straightening the teeth), orthopaedics (straightening the child), orthopnea (breathing easily only in an upright position), orthostatic (an upright posture), etc.

A disease that has not been adopted by the pharmaceutical industry because it provides little financial incentive for the private sector to make and market new medications to treat or prevent it. An orphan disease may be a rare disease (according to US criteria, a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people) or a common disease that…

A rare metabolic disorder, OTC is one of the urea-cycle disorders. The urea cycle is a series of five liver enzymes that help rid the body of ammonia, a toxic breakdown product of protein. When one of these enzymes is missing or deficient, ammonia accumulates in the blood and travels to the brain, causing coma, brain damage and death.…