| contracted pelvis | A pelvis with less than normal measurements in any diameter. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| contractile | Having the property of contracting. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contractile proteins | Proteins which participate in contractile processes. They include muscle proteins as well as those found in other cells and tissues. In the latter, these proteins participate in localised contractile events in the cytoplasm, in motile activity, and in cell aggregation phenomena. (12 Dec 1998) |
| contractile ring | The equatorial ring of microfilaments that diminishes in diameter probably both by contraction and disassembly as cytokinesis proceeds. (18 Nov 1997) |
| contractile stricture | A stricture due to the presence of contractile tissue which may be dilated but soon returns. Synonym: contractile stricture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contractile vacuole | A specialised vacuole of eukaryote cells, especially Protozoa, that fills with water from the cytoplasm and then discharges this externally by the opening of a permanent narrow neck. Function is probably osmoregulatory. (18 Nov 1997) |
| contractility | Capacity for becoming short in response to a suitable stimulus. (18 Nov 1997) |
| contraction | <physiology> A shortening or reduction in size, in connection with muscles contraction implies shortening and/or development of tension. Origin: L. Contractus = drawn together (18 Nov 1997) |
| contraction band | A microscopic change in myocardial cells in which excessive contraction, associated with elevated intracellular calcium and serum norepinephrine, causes the formation of transverse amorphous band's in the fibres which are then incapable of contracting again. Synonym: contraction band necrosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contraction band necrosis | A microscopic change in myocardial cells in which excessive contraction, associated with elevated intracellular calcium and serum norepinephrine, causes the formation of transverse amorphous band's in the fibres which are then incapable of contracting again. Synonym: contraction band necrosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contraction stress test | A test used to evaluate foetal well-being by inducing contractions and analyzing the foetal heart rate response. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contraction, uterine | The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During labour, contractions accomplish two things: (1) they cause the cervix to thin and dilate (open); and (2) they aid the baby to descend into the birth canal. (12 Dec 1998) |
| contractual psychiatry | Psychiatric intervention voluntarily assumed by the patient, who is prompted by his personal difficulties or suffering and who retains control over his participation with the psychiatrist. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contractual psychotherapy | Psychotherapy based on a firm agreement, or "contract," between therapist and patient as to the role of each in the therapeutic situation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contractural diathesis | A tendency to have contractures in hysteria. (05 Mar 2000) |