| muscle, smooth | Unstriated and unstriped muscle, one of the muscles of the internal organs, blood vessels, hair follicles, etc. Contractile elements are elongated, usually spindle-shaped cells with centrally located nuclei. Smooth muscle fibres are bound together into sheets or bundles by reticular fibres and frequently elastic nets are also abundant. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| muscle, smooth, vascular | The nonstriated, involuntary muscle tissue of blood vessels. (12 Dec 1998) |
| smooth muscle | <anatomy, pathology, physiology> Muscle tissue in vertebrates made up from long tapering cells that may be anything from 20-500m long. Smooth muscle is generally involuntary and differs from striated muscle in the much higher actin/myosin ratio, the absence of conspicuous sarcomeres and the ability to contract to a much smaller fraction of its resting length. Smooth muscle cells are found particularly in blood vessel walls, surrounding the intestine (particularly the gizzard in birds) and in the uterus. The contractile system and its control resemble those of motile tissue cells (e.g. Fibroblasts, leucocytes) and antibodies against smooth muscle myosin will cross react with myosin from tissue cells, whereas antibodies against skeletal muscle myosin will not. See: dense bodies. (18 Nov 1997) |
| smooth muscle relaxant | An agent, such as an antispasmodic, bronchodilator, or vasodilator, that reduces the tension or tone of smooth (involuntary) muscle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| smooth muscle tissue | <anatomy, pathology, physiology> Muscle tissue in vertebrates made up from long tapering cells that may be anything from 20-500m long. Smooth muscle is generally involuntary and differs from striated muscle in the much higher actin/myosin ratio, the absence of conspicuous sarcomeres and the ability to contract to a much smaller fraction of its resting length. Smooth muscle cells are found particularly in blood vessel walls, surrounding the intestine (particularly the gizzard in birds) and in the uterus. The contractile system and its control resemble those of motile tissue cells (e.g. Fibroblasts, leucocytes) and antibodies against smooth muscle myosin will cross react with myosin from tissue cells, whereas antibodies against skeletal muscle myosin will not. See: dense bodies. (18 Nov 1997) |
| smooth muscle tumour | A tumour composed of smooth muscle tissue, as opposed to leiomyoma, a tumour derived from smooth muscle. (12 Dec 1998) |
| amyloidosis: gastrointestinal manifestations | <radiology> Oesophagus, loss of peristalsis, megaesophagus, stomach, small and rigid (simulate linitis plastica), effaced rugal pattern, diminished/absent peristalsis, may be localised to antrum, amyloidoma: well defined submucosal mass, small bowel, diffuse form (more common), diffuse, uniform thickening of valvulae conniventes, broadened flat undulated mucosal folds (mucosal atrophy), jejunalization of ileum, impaired motility, small bowel dilatation, localised form: multiple small deposits; associated with pseudoobstruction, colon, psudopolyps (12 Dec 1998) |
| gastrointestinal | <anatomy> Pertaining to or communicating with the stomach and intestine, as a gastrointestinal fistula. (18 Nov 1997) |
| gastrointestinal agents | Drugs used for their effects on the gastrointestinal system, as to control gastric acidity, regulate gastrointestinal motility and water flow, and improve digestion. (12 Dec 1998) |
| gastrointestinal bleeding | <gastroenterology> This describes any bleeding that may occur along the course of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes bleeding from the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine, rectum or anus. (12 Jan 1998) |
| gastrointestinal contents | The residue of ingested substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Excludes natural secretions and feces. (12 Dec 1998) |
| gastrointestinal fistula | A fistulous tract connecting the stomach with the intestine. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gastrointestinal haemorrhage | Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. (12 Dec 1998) |
| gastrointestinal hormone | <endocrinology> A general term for any hormone which is secreted by some part of the digestive system for the purpose of aiding digestion. For example: gastrin. (09 Oct 1997) |
| gastrointestinal hormones | Hormones that originate in and regulate motor and secretory activity of the digestive organs. (12 Dec 1998) |