Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A form of alternative medicine in which essential oils or other scents are inhaled to achieve therapeutic benefit. The mechanism of action in aromatherapy is unknown, but recent studies have shown that aromatherapy may be beneficial for some health problems.

A drug that inhibits the enzyme aromatase and by that means lowers the level of the estrogen estradiol. Aromatase inhibitors represent a class of antiestrogens. Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of testosterone (an androgen) to estradiol (an estrogen) in many tissues including the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose (fat) tissue, and brain. Estrogen is produced directly by…

An enzyme involved in the production of estrogen that acts by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone (an androgen) to estradiol (an estrogen). Aromatase is located in estrogen-producing cells in the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose (fat) tissue, and brain. The growth of some breast cancers is promoted by estrogens. For example, the drug letrozole (brand name: Femara) is an antiestrogen sometimes used to…

Brand name of exemestane, an oral antiestrogen. Aromasin inhibits the enzyme aromatase in the adrenal glands that produces the estrogens (estradiol and estrone) and thereby lowers their levels. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. A drug that…

An appendage in anatomy and in clinical trials.  1. In popular usage, the appendage that extends from the shoulder to the hand. However, the medical definition refers to the upper extremity extending from the shoulder only to the elbow, excluding the forearm, which extends from the elbow to the wrist. The arm contains one bone: the humerus. …

Taenia solium.

An agency of the US Department of Defense specializing in pathology consultation, education and research. The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) consults on many cases, including difficult, unusual, or rare tumors sent for an expert “second opinion.” The AFIP is located in Washington, DC.

Age-related macular degeneration (which may also be abbreviated as AMD).

1. In popular usage, the appendage that extends from the shoulder to the hand. However, the medical definition refers to the upper extremity extending from the shoulder only to the elbow, excluding the forearm, which extends from the elbow to the wrist. The arm contains one bone: the humerus.  2. In a randomized clinical trial, any of…

Aristotle of Stagira (384-322 B.C.), Greek philosopher and scientist. The son of a physician, Aristotle was a student of Plato but developed methods of inquiry different from those of his teacher. Unlike Plato, Aristotle felt that one could, and in fact must, trust one’s senses in the investigation of knowledge and reality. Aristotle’s writings cover…