Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An increase in the number of receptors on the surface of target cells, making the cells more sensitive to a hormone or another agent. For example, there is an increase in uterine oxytocin receptors in the third trimester of pregnancy, promoting the contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus.

An infection of the upper part of the respiratory system which is above the lungs. An upper respiratory infection can be due to any number of viral or bacterial infections. These infections may affect the throat (pharyngitis), nasopharynx (nasopharyngitis), sinuses (sinusitis), larynx (laryngitis), trachea (tracheitis) or bronchi (bronchitis). Upper respiratory infection is commonly abbreviated URI.

A neuron that starts in the motor cortex of the brain and terminates within the medulla (another part of the brain) or within the spinal cord. Damage to upper motor neurons can result in spasticity and exaggerated reflexes. There is no standard laboratory test for upper motor neuron disease.

More properly called the thigh, the upper leg is the area between the knee and the hip. It has only one bone, the femur, which spans the distance from the hip to the knee.

Not well or not in good health. Ailing, sick, or indisposed. For example, “I am well-nigh choked with the sulfurous heat of the weather — or I am unwell.” (1826, Journal of Sir Walter Scott)

Loss of one’s equilibrium in regard to the environment, often with a feeling of almost falling, or the result of bumping into things. There are many causes for unsteadiness, including problems in the cerebral or cerebellar portions of the brain, the spinal cord, vestibular system, or inner ear. Unsteadiness is medically distinct from dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo.

Abbreviated USP. A publication, established in 1820, that contains legally recognized standards of identity, strength, quality, purity, packaging, and labeling for drug substances, dosage forms, and other therapeutic products, including nutritionals and dietary supplements.

Having, or relating to, one side. For example, a unilateral rash is one that is only on one side of the body.

To have a wavy border or form. Also, to rise and fall like a wave. For example, the border of a wound may undulate, as may the edge of a rash. And sound waves may undulate. The word “undulate” comes from the Latin “undula” which is the diminutive of “unda” meaning wave. So “undula” is a…

An infectious disease due to the bacteria Brucella that characteristically causes rising and falling fevers, sweats, malaise, weakness, anorexia, headache, myalgia (muscle pain) and back pain. The disease is called undulant fever because the fever is typically undulant, rising and falling like a wave. It is also called brucellosis after its bacterial cause. The disease is transmitted through contaminated and untreated milk…