| primitive pit | The depression in the primitive node that serves to connect the notochordal canal with the surface ectoderm and the yolk sac. These connections are referred to as the neurenteric canal. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| primitive reticular cell | A cell with processes making contact with those of other similar cell's to form a cellular network; along with the network of reticular fibres, the reticular cell's form the stroma of bone marrow and lymphatic tissues. (05 Mar 2000) |
| primitive ridge | One of the paired ridge's on either side of the primitive groove. (05 Mar 2000) |
| primitive streak | An ectodermal ridge in the midline at the caudal end of the embryonic disk from which arises the intraembryonic mesoderm; achieved by inward and then lateral migration of cells; in human embryos, it appears on day 15 and gives a cephalocaudal axis to the developing embryo. Synonym: germinal streak. (05 Mar 2000) |
| neuroectodermal tumour, primitive | A malignant brain tumour sharing common features and biologic properties with medulloblastoma. Some pathologists and clinicians use the terms interchangeably: they both can disseminate throughout the nervous system and, in some cases, systemically. most lesions arise from the posterior fossa in children under five years of age. The tumour often produces hydrocephalus and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Papilledema is often present. (12 Dec 1998) |
| abdominocardiac reflex | Mechanical stimulation (usually distention) of abdominal viscera causing changes (usually a slowing) in the heart rate or the occurrence of extrasystoles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abrams' heart reflex | A contraction of the myocardium when the skin of the precordial region is irritated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accommodation reflex | Increased convexity of the lens, due to contraction of the ciliary muscle and relaxation of the suspensory ligament, to maintain a distinct retinal image. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Achilles reflex | A contraction of the calf muscles when the tendo calcaneus is sharply struck. Synonym: ankle jerk, ankle reflex, tendo Achillis reflex, triceps surae reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acousticopalpebral reflex | A form of the wink reflex in which there is a contraction, sometimes very slight, of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle when a sudden noise is made close to the ear; it is absent in labyrinthine disease with total deafness. Synonym: acousticopalpebral reflex, auropalpebral reflex, cochleo-orbicular reflex, startle reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acquired reflex | A reflex that is gradually developed by training and association through the frequent repetition of a definite stimulus. See: conditioning. Synonym: acquired reflex, behaviour reflex, trained reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acromial reflex | Contraction of the biceps muscle caused by a tap on the acromion or the coracoid process. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acute reflex bone atrophy | Atrophy of bones, commonly of the carpal or tarsal bones, following a slight injury such as a sprain. See: causalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Synonym: acute reflex bone atrophy, posttraumatic osteoporosis, Sudeck's syndrome. Origin: L. English sweat (05 Mar 2000) |
| adductor reflex | Contraction of the adductors of the thigh caused by tapping the tendon of the adductor magnus muscle while the thigh is abducted. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anal reflex | Contraction of the internal sphincter gripping the finger passed into the rectum. (05 Mar 2000) |