| compression paralysis | Paralysis due to external presure on a nerve. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| compression plating | A technique for internal fixation of fractures in which plates and screws are applied so as to produce compression of the line of fracture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compression retinopathy | See: Berlin's oedema. See: traumatic retinopathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compression syndrome | Trauma and ischemia of soft tissues, principally skeletal muscle, due to prolonged severe crushing of the tissues, leading to increased permeability of the cell membrane and to the release of potassium, enzymes, and myoglobin from within cells. Ischemic renal dysfunction secondary to hypotension and diminished renal perfusion results in acute tubular necrosis and uraemia. (12 Dec 1998) |
| compression thrombosis | Thrombosis due to arrest of the circulation in a vessel by compression, as from a tumour. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compression wave | <radiobiology> Waves where the quantity which oscillates is the density of the medium, that is the medium at a given point alternately compresses and expands. Low-amplitude compression waves in air or water are commonly known as sound waves, shock waves are a high-amplitude form. Synonym: density wave. (13 Jan 1998) |
| heat of compression | Heat produced when a gas is compressed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spinal cord compression | A condition in which pressure is exerted on the spinal cord, as by a tumour, spinal fracture, etc. Its manifestations, which vary with location and degree of pressure, may include pain, paresthesias, and sensory and motor disturbances. (12 Dec 1998) |
| nerve compression syndromes | Repeated or prolonged pressure on a nerve root or peripheral nerve leading to ischemia, the response to which is oedema above and below the source of pressure. If the pressure is not relieved, fibrosis tends to develop. Types of nerve compression syndromes are the neuropathy caused by intervertebral disk herniation, compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, compression of the ulnar nerve in the elbow, and compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh in meralgia paresthetica. This is also called pressure neuropathy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| eyeball compression reflex | Slowing of the heart rate due to the vagal effects of compressing an eyeball. Synonym: eyeball compression reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ulnar nerve compression syndrome | <syndrome> A condition caused by compression or entrapment of the ulnar nerve. It may involve both sensory and motor problems and most often results from compression or entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome). Compression of the nerve may occur during normal activities or as a complication of general anaesthesia. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Abbe test plate | <equipment> A long, wedge-shaped coverslip about 0.20 mm thick at one end and 0.10 to 0.12 mm at the other end coated chemically with a silver film on which are ruled horizontal lines. at each variation in thickness of 0.01 mm there are vertical lines. By means of oblique illumination and by focusing on different portions of the plate, it is possible to determine the optimum coverslip thickness for any objective and also, for microscopes with drawtubes, the tube length for best objective performance. The approximate freedom from spherical and chromatic aberrations can also be estimated. Small isolated bits of silver near the edges of the lines form good objects for the star test (05 Aug 1998) |
| acetone test | A test for ketonuria; the suspected urine is shaken up with a few drops of sodium nitroprusside, and strong ammonia water is then gently poured over the mixture; if acetone is present, a magenta ring forms at the line of contact; tablets containing sodium nitroprusside and alkali are now more commonly used. (05 Mar 2000) |
| achievement test | A standardised test used to measure acquired learning, e.g., competence in a specific subject area such as reading or arithmetic, in contrast to an intelligence test which is a useful index of potential ability or learning. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acidified serum test | Lysis of the patient's red cells in acidified fresh serum, specific for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. Synonym: Ham's test. (05 Mar 2000) |