| sexual partners | Married or single individuals who share sexual relations. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| sexual perversion | A sexual practice that is biologically atypical, considered morally wrong, or legally prohibited. See: bestiality, pedophilia. Synonym: sexual perversion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sexual potency | The ability to carry out and consummate sexual intercourse, usually referring to the male. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sexual preference | The biologic sex preferred in one's sexual partners. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sexual reproduction | The process where two cells (gametes) fuse to form one hybrid, fertilizedcell, results in a new genome that is different than that of either parent. (09 Oct 1997) |
| sexual selection | A form of natural selection in which, according to Darwin's theory, the male or female is attracted by certain characteristics, form, colour, behaviour, etc., in the opposite sex; thus modifications of a special nature are brought about in the species. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sterilization, sexual | Procedures for the purpose of rendering individuals incapable of reproduction. (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) |