| phagocyte | <cell biology> A cell that is capable of phagocytosis. The main mammalian phagocytes are neutrophils and macrophages. Origin: L. Phagedaena, Gr Phago, To eat. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| phagocyte bactericidal dysfunction | Disorders in which phagocytic cells cannot kill ingested bacteria; characterised by frequent recurring infection with formulation of granulomas. (12 Dec 1998) |
| phagocyte dysfunction | Disorder in which the ability of the phagocyte to engulf and ingest particles may be impaired. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mononuclear phagocyte | <haematology> Monocytes and their differentiated products, macrophages. Mononuclear cells are leucocytes other than polymorphonuclear cells and include lymphocytes. (18 Nov 1997) |
| mononuclear phagocyte system | A widely distributed collection of both free and fixed macrophages derived from bone marrow precursor cells by way of monocytes; their substantial phagocytic activity is mediated by immunoglobulin and the serum complement system. In both connective and lymphoid tissue, they may occur as free and fixed macrophages; in the sinusoids of the liver, as Kupffer cells; in the lung, as alveolar macrophages; and in the nervous system, as microglia. Synonym: system of macrophages. (05 Mar 2000) |
| adenocarcinoma, bronchiolo-alveolar | A carcinoma thought to be derived from epithelium of terminal bronchioles, in which the neoplastic tissue extends along the alveolar walls and grows in small masses within the alveoli. Involvement may be uniformly diffuse and massive, or nodular, or lobular. The neoplastic cells are cuboidal or columnar and form papillary structures. Mucin may be demonstrated in some of the cells and in the material in the alveoli, which also includes denuded cells. Metastases in regional lymph nodes, and in even more distant sites, are known to occur, but are infrequent. (12 Dec 1998) |
| alveolar | <anatomy> Of, pertaining to, or resembling, alveoli or little cells, sacs, or sockets. Alveolar processes, the processes of the maxillary bones, containing the sockets of the teeth. Origin: L. Alveolus a small hollow or cavity: cf. F. Alveolaire. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| alveolar abscess | A pocket of pus adjacent to or within (apical abscess) the tooth's root caused by plaque and calculus invasion. Symptoms include tooth pain and tenderness that may be accompanied by facial swelling and a fever. Treatment includes antibiotics and a thorough cleansing of the infected site by a dentist. See: apical abscess. (27 Sep 1997) |
| alveolar adenocarcinoma | <tumour> Adenocarcinoma of the lung in which tumour cells form structures resembling alveoli. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alveolar air | The gas in the pulmonary alveoli, where O2-CO2 exchange with pulmonary capillary blood occurs. Synonym: alveolar air. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alveolar angle | The angle between the horizontal plane and a line connecting the base of the nasal spine and the middle point of the projection of the alveolus of the maxilla. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alveolar arch of mandible | The free margin of the alveolar process of the mandible. Synonym: arcus alveolaris mandibulae, limbus alveolaris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alveolar arch of maxilla | The free border of the alveolar process of the maxilla. Synonym: arcus alveolaris maxillae, limbus alveolaris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alveolar-arterial oxygen difference | The difference or gradient between the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveolar spaces and the arterial blood: P(A-a)02. Normally in young adults this value is less than 20 mm Hg. See: alveolar gas equation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alveolar atrophy | Diminution in size of the supportive tissues of the teeth due to lack of function, reduced blood supply, or unknown causes. (05 Mar 2000) |