Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Removal by suction of fluid and cells through a needle. Aspiration also refers to the accidental sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs.

To draw in by suction. A patient may aspirate for example by accidentally drawing material from the stomach into the lungs. A doctor can aspirate a joint.

Name that many people with Asperger syndrome call themselves.

Impaired breathing that results in severely decreased delivery of oxygen to body tissues. Asphyxia can be fatal. Choking is an example of asphyxia. Traumatic asphyxia is an uncommon cause that results from an intense compression of the chest area. Asphyxia is also known as asphyxiation.

A family of fungal organisms and molds, some of which can cause disease.

Infection with the fungus Aspergillus, seen especially in people with compromised immune systems in whom there may be invasive lung infection and sometimes spread to other tissues, including the brain, the skin, and bones. Aspergillosis also causes allergic sinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary disease.

A group of disorders that effect behavior, language and social interactions.  An autistic disorder most notable for the often great discrepancy between the intellectual and social abilities of those who have it. Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. Typical features of the…

An autistic disorder most notable for the often great discrepancy between the intellectual and social abilities of those who have it. Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. Typical features of the syndrome also may include clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, social impairment…

An amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of protein. A amino acid that is not essential to the human diet, aspartic acid was discovered in protein in 1868. It has a role as a neurotransmitter. Symbol: Asp.

Also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), AST is an enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. AST is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood AST 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).…