| mechanical tubelength | <microscopy> Measurement from the shoulder of the objective to the upper end of the drawtube. The generally accepted length for most microscopes is now 160 mm. Metallographic objectives and some others are corrected for use with longer tube lengths - 190 to 215 mm or more. See: optical tubelength. (05 Aug 1998) |
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| mechanical vector | A vector that conveys pathogens to a susceptible individual without essential biological development of the pathogens in the vector, as in the transfer of septic organisms on the feet or mouth parts of the housefly. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mechanical ventilation | <anaesthetics> Mechanically assisted breathing using a electrically powered device that forces oxygenated air into the lungs and then allow time for passive exhalation of air. (27 Sep 1997) |
| mechanical ventilator | <apparatus> Mechanically assisted breathing using a electrically powered device that forces oxygenated air into the lungs and then allow time for passive exhalation of air. (27 Sep 1997) |
| mechanical vertigo | Vertigo caused by continued rotation or vibration of the body. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mechanically balanced occlusion | A balanced occlusion without reference to physiologic considerations, as on an articulator. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mechanico-chemical | Pertaining to, connected with, or dependent upon, both mechanics and chemistry; said especially of those sciences which treat of such phenomena as seem to depend on the laws both of mechanics and chemistry, as electricity and magnetism. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mechanicoreceptor | A receptor which responds to mechanical pressure or distortion; e.g., receptors in the carotid sinuses, touch receptors in the skin. Synonym: mechanicoreceptor. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mechanics | That science, or branch of applied mathematics, which treats of the action of forces on bodies. That part of mechanics which considers the action of forces in producing rest or equilibrium is called statics; that which relates to such action in producing motion is called dynamics. The term mechanics includes the action of forces on all bodies, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous. It is sometimes, however, and formerly was often, used distinctively of solid bodies only: The mechanics of liquid bodies is called also hydrostatics, or hydrodynamics, according as the laws of rest or of motion are considered. The mechanics of gaseous bodies is called also pneumatics. The mechanics of fluids in motion, with special reference to the methods of obtaining from them useful results, constitutes hydraulics. <physiology> Animal mechanics, that portion of physiology which has for its object the investigation of the laws of equilibrium and motion in the animal body. The most important mechanical principle is that of the lever, the bones forming the arms of the levers, the contractile muscles the power, the joints the fulcra or points of support, while the weight of the body or of the individual limbs constitutes the weight or resistance. Applied mechanics, the principles of abstract mechanics applied to human art; also, the practical application of the laws of matter and motion to the construction of machines and structures of all kinds. Origin: Cf. F. Mecanique. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mechanism | The manner of combination of parts, processes, etc., which subserve a common function. Origin: Gr. Mechan = machine (18 Nov 1997) |
| mechanism-based inhibitor | A competitive inhibitor that is converted to an irreversible inhibitor at the active site of the enzyme. Synonym: mechanism-based inhibitor. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mechanist | 1. A maker of machines; one skilled in mechanics. 2. One who regards the phenomena of nature as the effects of forces merely mechanical. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| mechanistic school | A group of academicians, of whom Descartes was one of the foremost proponents, who maintained that all physiologic processes were the result of physical laws. Synonym: mechanistic school. (05 Mar 2000) |
| mechanobullous disease | This represents a group of rare inherited disorders in which blistering of the skin occurs in response to skin trauma. Large fluid-filled blisters can occur in response to injury, skin rubbing, chafing or even increases in room temperature. Secondary bacterial infection of the blisters is common. Complications include oesophageal stricture, infections, loss of function of hands and feet and malnutrition. The dermatologist is the expert in the evaluation and treatment of this disorder. (27 Sep 1997) |
| mechanocardiography | Use of graphic tracings reflecting the mechanical effects of the heartbeat, such as the carotid pulse tracing or apexcardiogram; phonocardiography is also usually considered a form of mechanocardiography. (05 Mar 2000) |