| low platelet count | <haematology> An abnormally low platelet count. Normal platelet counts are 150,000-400,000 per cubic millimetre. Those with low platelet counts may exhibit haematuria, haematemesis, easy bruising, bleeding gums, melena (blood in stools), prolonged menses or nosebleeds. Spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage can occur with platelet counts of 10-15,000 (or less). (27 Sep 1997) |
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| allomeric function | The combined function of the several segments of the spinal cord and medulla, communicating with each other by means of the white matter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aperture function | <microscopy> In a diffraction-limited optical system, the function that determines the relationship between the image and each point in the object. Modifying the aperture function changes the image according to the modified Fourier-filtering (or optical filtration) property of the aperture. (05 Aug 1998) |
| arousal function | The ability of a sensory event to arouse the cortex to vigilance or readiness. (05 Mar 2000) |
| atrial function | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the atria. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial function, left | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the left atrium. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial function, right | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the right atrium. (12 Dec 1998) |
| atrial transport function | The role of the atria in filling and stretching the ventricles by their presystolic contraction, without which the force of ventricular contraction and hence the cardiac output may significantly decrease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pancreatic function tests | Tests based on the biochemistry and physiology of the exocrine pancreas and involving analysis of blood, duodenal contents, feces, or urine for products of pancreatic secretion. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mapping function | In linkage analysis, a formula that converts the recombination fraction (which is on the probability scale) into map distance (in morgans). (05 Mar 2000) |
| ventricular function | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the ventricles. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ventricular function, left | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the left ventricle. Its measurement is an important aspect of the clinical evaluation of patients with heart disease to determine the effects of the disease on cardiac performance. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ventricular function, right | The haemodynamic and electrophysiological action of the right ventricle. (12 Dec 1998) |
| path function | <chemistry> A property that is dependent on the path taken. (09 Jan 1998) |
| respiratory function tests | Measurement of the various processes involved in the act of respiration: inspiration, expiration, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, lung volume and compliance, etc. (12 Dec 1998) |