| capsule | <microbiology> Thick gel like material attached to the wall of gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria, giving colonies a smooth appearance. May contribute to pathogenicity by inhibiting phagocytosis. Mostly composed of very hydrophilic acidic polysaccharide, but considerable diversity exists. <pathology> Cellular response in invertebrate animals to a foreign body too large to be phagocytosed. A multicellular aggregate of haemocytes or coelomocytes isolates the foreign object. In some insects the capsule is apparently acellular and composed of melanin. (08 Oct 1997) |
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| capsule cell | One of the cells located around the bodies of the cerebrospinal and sympathetic ganglionic neurons. Synonym: capsule cell. Origin: amphi-+ G. Kytos, cell (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsule forceps | Forceps used for removing the capsule of the lens in extracapsular extraction of a cataract. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsulectomy | Removal of a capsule, as around a breast implant (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsules | Hard or soft, soluble containers of a suitable substance, for enclosing a dose of medicine, usually for oral administration. (12 Dec 1998) |
| capsulitis | Inflammation of the capsule of an organ or part, as of the liver or the lens of the eye. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsulolenticular | Referring to the lens of the eye and its capsule. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsulolenticular cataract | A cataract in which both the lens and its capsule are involved. See: membranous cataract. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsuloplasty | Plastic surgery of a capsule; more specifically, the capsule of a joint. Origin: L. Capsula, capsule, + G. Plastos, formed (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsulorhexis | The making of a continuous circular tear in the anterior capsule during cataract surgery in order to allow expression or phacoemulsification of the nucleus of the lens. (12 Dec 1998) |
| capsulorrhaphy | Suture of a tear in any capsule; specifically, suture of a joint capsule to prevent recurring dislocation of the articulation. Origin: L. Capsula, capsule, + rhaphe, suture (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsulotome | 1. An instrument for incising the urinary bladder or gallbladder. 2. A surgical instrument used for incising the capsule of a lens. Synonym: capsulotome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsulotomy | 1. Division of a capsule as around a breast implant. 2. Creation of an opening through a capsule; e.g., of a scar that might form around a foreign body. 3. Specifically, incision of the capsule of the lens in the extracapsular cataract operation. Origin: L. Capsula, capsule, + G. Tome, a cutting Renal capsulotomy, incision of the capsule of the kidney. (05 Mar 2000) |