Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Inflammation of the lining membrane in any of the hollow areas (sinuses) of the skull around the nose. Sinusitis may be caused by anything that interferes with air flow into the sinuses and the drainage of mucous out of the sinuses. The sinus openings, called ostia, may be obstructed by swelling of the tissue lining the ostia and adjacentnasal passage tissue; for example,…

The normal regular rhythm of the heart set by the natural pacemaker of the heart called the sinoatrial (or sinus) node. It is located in the wall of the right atrium (the right upper chamber of the heart). Normal cardiac impulses start there and are transmitted to the atria and down to the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). Sinus arrhythmia refers to…

The sinus node is one of the major elements in the cardiac conduction system, the system that controls the heart rate. This stunningly designed system generates electrical impulses and conducts them throughout the muscle of the heart, stimulating the heart to contract and pump blood. The sinus node is the heart’s natural pacemaker. The sinus node consists of a cluster of cells…

A regular but unusually slow heart beat (50 beats/minute or less at rest). Sinus bradycardia can be the result of many things including good physical fitness, medications, and some forms of heart block. “Sinus” refers to the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker which creates the normal regular heartbeat. “Bradycardia” means that the heart rate is slower than normal. Fainting can occur…

1. An air-filled cavity in a dense portion of a skull bone. The sinuses decrease the weight of the skull. The sinuses are formed in four right-left pairs. The frontal sinuses are positioned behind the forehead, while the maxillary sinuses are behind the cheeks. The sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses are deeper in the skull behind the eyes and…

A single transverse crease in the palm, a minor variation associated with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and a number of chromosomal and other abnormalities. Also called a four-finger crease; single palmar flexion crease; single upper palm crease.

Silver poisoning, medically termed argyria, causes ashen gray discoloration of the skin (and other tissues of the body). Due to chronic use of silver salts. For example, a medical report related the case of a woman, now in her 50s, with discolored skin. At 11 she had been given nose drops of unknown composition for “allergies,” her…

Or magic bullet. 1. The perfect drug to cure a disease with no danger of side effects. The term magic bullet was first used in this sense by the German scientist Paul Ehrlich to describe antibody and, later, the drug salvarsan that he created to treat syphilis. 2. In general, a magical solution to any vexing problem.

Is noted in the periodic table as Ag with an atomic number 47. It is a precious metal used in jewelry, dental fillings, silverware and other consumer goods. A metal used in some medications and in many “natural” remedies. Silver has antibiotic properties. However, overuse of silver, or use of products containing silver by people with certain health conditions,…

That part of the prescription that contains the doctor’s directions to the patient. For example, the signature might say “take twice daily with food”. Also known as the sig.. The word “signature” comes from the Latin “signare” meaning “to sign or mark.”