| compartmentation | The division of a cell into different regions, either structurally or biochemically. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| compassionate use | <pharmacology> Refers to situations where a drug is provided to a patient on humanitarian grounds prior to the drug's receiving regulatory approval. (05 Jan 1998) |
| compatibility | The condition of being compatible. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compatibility group | <molecular biology> A group of plasmids (rings of DNA) which is able to coexist in the same cell with another plasmid from a different group. (05 Jan 1998) |
| compatible | 1. <pharmacology> Capable of harmonious coexistence, of medications, suitable for simultaneous administration without nullification or aggravation of the effects of either. 2. <haematology> Denoting a donor and recipient of a blood transfusion in which there is no transfusion reaction. 3. <immunology> Histocompatible, denoting a donor and recipient of an organ transplant that is not rejected. (05 Jan 1998) |
| compatible solute | <biochemistry> An organic compounds which serve as cytoplasmic solutes to balance water relations for cells growing in environments of high salt or sugar. (05 Jan 1998) |
| compensated acidosis | An acidosis in which the pH of body fluids is normal; compensation is achieved by respiratory or renal mechanisms. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensated alkalosis | Alkalosis in which there is a change in bicarbonate but the pH of body fluids approaches normal; respiratory alkalosis may be compensated by increased production of metabolic acids or increased renal excretion of bicarbonate; metabolic alkalosis is rarely compensated by hypoventilation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensated glaucoma | <ophthalmology> A disorder which is characterised by increased pressure within the eyeball. This occurs secondary to the chronic blockage of normal fluid circulation within the eye. Increased pressure within the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve and eventual blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Symptoms include decreased vision, halos around lights (worse at night) and mild chronic headaches. Treatment is generally with beta-blocker eyedrops. Synonym: chronic glaucoma, compensated glaucoma, simple glaucoma, glaucoma simplex. (22 Sep 2002) |
| compensated metabolic alkalosis | The retention of acid, primarily carbon dioxide by the lung and acid ions by the renal tubules, to reduce the effect on the pH of the blood of excess alkali produced by ingestion or metabolism of alkali-producing substances. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensated respiratory acidosis | Retention of bicarbonate by the renal tubules to minimise the effect on the pH of the blood of retention of carbon dioxide by the lungs, such as occurs with hypoventilation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensated respiratory alkalosis | The increased excretion of acid ions by the kidney to minimise the effect on the pH of the blood of excessive loss of carbon dioxide via the lungs, such as occurs with hyperventilation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensating curve | The anteroposterior and lateral curvature in the alignment of the occluding surfaces and incisal edges of artificial teeth; used to develop balanced occlusion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensating emphysema | Compensatory emphysema, increase in the air capacity of a portion of the lung when another portion is consolidated, shrunken, or unable to perform its respiratory function; the alveoli are distended, but there is no destruction of alveolar walls, and hence, no true emphysema, as this term is now defined. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensating eyepieces | <microscopy> Those designed for use with objectives such as apochromats in order to correct chromatic aberration. (05 Aug 1998) |