Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A genetic autoimmune disease with an extraordinary array of clinical features but characterized most often by at least 2 of the following 3 findings: hypoparathyroidism — underfunction of the parathyroid glands which control calcium, candidiasis (yeast infection), and adrenal insufficiency (underfunction of the adrenal gland). PGA was the first systemic (bodywide) autoimmune disease found due to a defect in a single gene. By “autoimmune”…

A genetic disorder that is caused by the combined action of more than one gene. Examples of polygenic conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Because such disorders depend on the simultaneous presence of several genes, they are not inherited as simply as are single-gene diseases.

Constant, excessive drinking as a result of thirst. Polydipsia occurs in untreated or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

More than the normal number of fingers or toes. From the Greek “polys” (many) + “dactylos” (finger) = many fingers or, medically, too many fingers. Polydactyly is the opposite of oligodactyly (too few fingers or toes).

Overproduction (proliferation) of red blood cells due to bone marrow disease (myeloproferative disorder). Polycythemia vera tends to evolve into acute leukemia or a condition with the marrow replaced by scar tissue (myelofibrosis). To have Polycythemia vera, there must be polycythemia which formally exists when the hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, and total RBC volume are all above normal. For example, the hematocrit (the percentage of red blood…

Too many red blood cells. The opposite of anemia. polycythemia formally exists when the hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, and total RBC volume are all above normal.

Abbreviated PCOS. Polcystic ovary syndrome is a condition in women characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. PCOS is a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and hyperandrogenism (abnormally elevated androgen levels). It affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is also called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Women with PCOS do not…

Abbreviated PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in women characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. PCOS is a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and hyperandrogenism (abnormally elevated androgen levels). It affects 5%-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is also called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Women with PCOS do not ovulate —…

1: Prefix meaning much or many. For example, polycystic means characterized by many cysts. 2: Short form for polymorphonuclear leukocyte, a type of white blood cell.

An acute and sometimes devastating viral disease. Man is the only natural host for poliovirus. The virus enters the mouth and multiplies in lymphoid tissues in the pharynx and intestine. Small numbers of virus enter the blood and go to other sites where the virus multiplies more extensively. Another round of viremia (virus in the bloodstream) leads to invasion…