| comparative psychology | A branch of psychology concerned with the study and comparison of the behaviour of organisms at different levels of phylogenic development to discover developmental trends. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| comparator microscope | <instrument> A device constructed with one or more microscope's having micrometer eyepieces used to measure dimensional changes during setting or temperature changes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compartment | <biology> In the insect wing, for example: there are two compartments, anterior and posterior, each containing several clones, but clones do not cross the boundary. It seems from studies with homoeotic mutants that cells in different compartments are expressing different sets of genes. The evidence for such developmental compartments in vertebrates is sparse at present. (18 Nov 1997) |
| compartment syndrome | <syndrome> A group of symptoms which indicate a nerve, blood vessel or tendon is being constricted due to swelling within a closed anatomic space. A compartment syndrome may occur in an extremity after trauma (fracture) or inflammation (carpal tunnel syndrome). Some medications can also precipitate this condition. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain or loss of movement in an extremity. Surgery may be indicated if symptoms are severe or prolonged. (05 Jan 1998) |
| compartment syndromes | Conditions in which increased pressure within a limited space compromises the circulation and function of tissue within that space. Compartmentation involves mainly the leg but also involved are the forearm, arm, thigh, shoulder, and buttock. Some of the causes of increased pressure are trauma, tight dressings, haemorrhage, and exercise. Sequelae include nerve compression, paralysis, and contracture. (12 Dec 1998) |
| compartmental model | <epidemiology> A mathematical model which divides hosts into different compartments according to their infectious state. A typical model for microparasites might be an SEIR model. Sometimes referred to as a prevalence model. (05 Dec 1998) |
| compartmental syndrome | <syndrome> A condition in which increased pressure in a confined anatomical space adversely affects the circulation and threatens the function and viability of the tissues therein. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compartmentation | The division of a cell into different regions, either structurally or biochemically. (05 Mar 2000) |
| 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) |