Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells, and is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. Blood SGPT levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise SGPT levels. Interpretation of…

From the Latin meaning “across, over, or beyond.” Medical terms containing “trans- ” as a prefix include transcription, transfusion, transplant, transsexual, transurethral, transvaginal, transvestism, etc.

In genetics, a trait refers to any genetically determined characteristic. In technical terms, a genetic trait is amenable to segregation analysis rather than quantitative analysis. A dominant lethal trait is a trait that is expressed if present in the genome and therefore precludes having descendants. All such cases must necessarily be sporadic and must represent new mutations, not inherited ones (because a…

Surgical removal of the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina. Trachelectomy is done in younger women with early cancer of the cervix (with a tumor no larger than 2-3 centimeters). In this surgery, the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed but the rest of the uterus is left in place.…

A tube-like portion of the respiratory tract that connects the larynx with the bronchial parts of the lungs. Also known as windpipe.

Total parenteral nutrition.

An infection caused by a single-celled parasite named Toxoplasma gondii that may invade tissues and damage the brain, especially of the fetus and newborn. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is very common (more than 60 million people in the US carry it) but few are aware of it because the immune system often keeps the parasite from causing illness. The…

A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.

The degree to which a substance (a toxin or poison) can harm humans or animals. Acute toxicity involves harmful effects in an organism through a single or short-term exposure. Subchronic toxicity is the ability of a toxic substance to cause effects for more than one year but less than the lifetime of the exposed organism. Chronic toxicity…

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening disorder that produces widespread blistering and peeling of the skin. TEN is most commonly induced by a drug (for example, an antibiotic or other medication), but other triggers occasionally cause TEN (triggers like an infection or a malignancy). With severe TEN, occasionally the barrier and containment properties of the skin are…