| surface tension | The expression of intermolecular attraction at the surface of a liquid, in contact with air or another gas, a solid, or another immiscible liquid, tending to pull the molecules of the liquid inward from the surface; dimensional formula: mt-2. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| surface tension theory of narcosis | That substances which lower the surface tension of water pass more readily into the cell and cause narcosis by decreasing metabolism. (05 Mar 2000) |
| interfacial surface tension | The tension or resistance to separation possessed by the film of liquid between two well-adapted surfaces, as of the thin film of saliva between the denture base and the tissues. (05 Mar 2000) |
| intraocular tension | The pressure within the eye. See: Intraocular pressure. (12 Dec 1998) |
| intravenous tension | The pressure of the blood within a vein, the venous pressure. (12 Dec 1998) |
| isometric tension | Tension generated in a muscle without contraction occurring: cross bridges are being re formed with the same site on the thin filament and the tension (in striated muscle) is proportional to the overlap between thick and thin filaments. (18 Nov 1997) |
| ocular tension | Resistance of the tunics of the eye to deformation; it can be estimated digitally or measured by means of a tonometer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| tension | 1. The act of stretching. 2. The condition of being stretched or strained, the degree to which anything is stretched or strained. 3. <physics> Voltage. 4. <chemistry> The partial pressure of a gas in a fluid, for example, of oxygen in blood. Origin: L. Tensio, Gr. Tonos (13 Jan 1998) |
| tension, arterial | The pressure of the blood within an artery, the arterial pressure. Also called the intra-arterial pressure. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tension curve | The direction of the trabeculae in cancellous bone tissue adapted to resist stress. (05 Mar 2000) |
| tension headache | <neurology> A benign form of headache that results from the painful spasm (muscle tightness) and inflammation of muscles of the head and neck. Tension headache is one of the most common forms of headache. Spasm and contraction of the head and neck muscles may occur in response to fatigue, overuse, eye strain, excessive smoking, stress, anxiety or depression. Sleeping in an abnormal position or prolonged work involving immobilisation of the neck in one position (typing, computers, etc.) are considered common triggers. Exercising and stretching the muscles of the head and neck can reduce the occurrence of muscle tension headaches. (13 Jan 1998) |
| tension, intraocular | The pressure within the eye. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tension, intravenous | The pressure of the blood within a vein, the venous pressure. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tension pneumothorax | A variety of spontaneous pneumothorax in which air enters the pleural cavity and is trapped during expiration; intrathoracic pressure builds to values higher than atmospheric pressure, compresses the lung, and may displace the mediastinum and its structures toward the opposite side, with consequent disadvantageous effects on blood flow. Synonym: pressure pneumothorax, valvular pneumothorax. (05 Mar 2000) |
| tension suture | <surgery> A heavy reinforcing suture placed deep within the muscles and fasciae of the abdominal wall to relieve tension on the primary suture line and thus obviate postoperative wound disruption. Synonym: tension suture. (05 Mar 2000) |