Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Kala-azar
A chronic and potentially fatal parasitic disease of the viscera (the internal organs, particularly the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes) due to infection by the parasite called Leishmania donovani. Leishmania donovani, the agent of kala-azar, is transmitted by sandfly bites in parts of Asia (primarily India), Africa (primarily Sudan) and South America (primarily Brazil) where all together there are an estimated half million…
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K (potassium)
K is the symbol for potassium, the major positive ion (cation) found inside of cells. The chemical notation for potassium is K+. The proper level of potassium is essential for normal cell function. An abnormal increase of potassium (hyperkalemia) or decrease of potassium (hypokalemia) can profoundly affect the nervous system and heart, and when extreme, can be fatal.…
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Juxtaglomerular apparatus
The prefix “juxta-” comes from the Latin preposition meaning near, nearby, close. The juxtaglomerular apparatus is a collective term referring to the cells near a structure called the glomerulus in the kidney. The juxtaglomerular cells are specialized cells that stimulate the secretion of the adrenal hormone aldosterone and play a major role in renal autoregulation, the kidney’s self-governance.The JGA is also…
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Juxtaarticular
Near a joint. For example, a juxta-articular fracture is a break near a joint.
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Juxta-
Prefix meaning near, nearby, or close, as in juxtaspinal (near the spinal column) and juxta-vesicular (near the bladder).
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Jugular vein
The jugular veins are in the neck and drain blood from the head, brain, face and neck and convey it toward the heart. The external jugular vein collects most of the blood from the outside of the skull and the deep parts of the face. It lies outside the sternocleidomastoid muscle, passes down the neck and joins…
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Joint
The area where two bones are attached for the purpose of permitting body parts to move. A joint is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. Joints are grouped according to their type of motion: ball-and-socket joint; hinge joint; condyloid joint, which permits all forms of angular movement except axial rotation; pivot joint; gliding joint; or saddle…
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Johnny
A hospital gown. A johnny is a short collarless gown that ties in the back, worn by patients being examined or treated in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. Johnnies are generally disliked by patients as skimpy, ugly, ill-fitting garments often leaves one’s backside ignominiously exposed. In British slang, a johnny is also a condom.
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Jock itch
A common fungal infection sometimes referred to as ringworm, involving the skin of the inner thighs, buttocks, and genitals. Also known as tinea cruris. It occurs most frequently in people who are overweight and/or who sweat profusely, such as athletes. Symptoms include an itchy, red, sometimes ring-shaped rash. Treatment involves topical or oral antifungal medications.
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JIP
Juvenile intestinal polyposis.
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