Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Long spider-like fingers and toes, a frequent finding in Marfan syndrome, a heritable disorder of connective tissue. “Arachnodactyly” is derived from the Greek “arachne” (spider) and “daktylos” (finger). The Greek word was derived from the name “Arachne,” a maiden in Greek mythology whom the goddess Athena turned into a spider after the girl, a skilled weaver,…

All of the genetic information contained in Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant belonging to the mustard family. The genomes of particular nonhuman organisms such as Arabidopsis have been studied for a number of reasons including the need to improve sequencing and analysis techniques. These nonhuman genomes also provide powerful sets of data against which to compare…

A plant belonging to the mustard family. Arabidopsis was the first plant genome to be sequenced, and is a popular tool for understanding the molecular biology of many plant traits, including flower development and light sensing. See also: Arabidopsis thaliana genome.

In medicine, humor refers to a fluid (or semifluid) substance. Thus, the aqueous humor is the fluid normally present in the front and rear chambers of the eye. It is a clear, watery fluid that flows between and nourishes the lens and the cornea; it is secreted by the ciliary processes. The humors were part of an ancient…

A canal that communicates between the third and fourth ventricles in a system of four communicating cavities within the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord. The four ventricles consist of the two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle: Lateral ventricles: The lateral ventricles are in the cerebral hemispheres.…

A canal between the third and fourth ventricles in the brain within the system of four communicating cavities that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord. The ventricles are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which is carried by the aqueduct of Sylvius.

A channel for the passage of fluid.

A water channel. Aquaporins form pores in the membranes of cells and selectively conduct water molecules through the membrane, while preventing the passage of ions (such as sodium and potassium) and other small molecules. Aquaporins are typically composed of identical subunit proteins. Water molecules traverse the narrowest portion of the water channel in single file.…

An abnormal and persistent fear of water. Sufferers from aquaphobia experience anxiety even though they realize the water in an ocean, a river, a lake, a creek or even a bathtub may pose no imminent threat. They generally avoid such activities as boating and swimming. Around the house, they may fear the water in a shower or tub and…

A skin reaction that results from contact with water. Urticaria is the medical term for hives, a skin reaction characterized by red, raised, itchy welts on the skin. Urticaria can be related to an allergic reaction, but its cause is not determined in many cases. The skin changes can come and go, change size, and move to different locations in the body. Symptoms…