| ecosystem function | The collective intraspecific and interspecific interactions of the biota, such as primary and secondary production and mutualistic relationships. The interactions between organisms and the physical environment, such as nutrient cycling, soil development, water budgeting, and flammability. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| function | The special, normal or proper physiologic activity of an organ or part. Origin: L. Functio, from fungi = to do (18 Nov 1997) |
| function corrector | A removable orthodontic appliance utilizing oral and facial muscle forces to move teeth and possibly change the relationship of the dental arches. (05 Mar 2000) |
| line spread function | A measure of the ability of a system to form sharp images; in radiology, determined by measuring the spatial density distribution on film of the X-ray image of a narrow slit in a dense metal, such as uranium; from this can be calculated the modulation transfer function. (05 Mar 2000) |
| liver function test | <investigation> A test that measures the blood serum level of several enzymes produced by the liver. An elevated liver function test is a sign of possible liver damage. Examples include: prothrombin time, PTT, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase and serum albumin. (14 Oct 1997) |
| lymphocyte function associated antigen | A member of the integrin family that is expressed on all leukocytes and binds to ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 on a variety of cells. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 | A heterodimer molecule widely expressed on cells of haematopoietic origin. Cd11a antigen comprises the alpha chain and the CD18 antigen (antigens, CD18) the beta chain. Lfa-1 is a major receptor of T-cells, B-cells, and granulocytes. It mediates the leukocyte adhesion reactions underlying cytolytic conjugate formation, helper T-cell interactions, and antibody-dependent killing by natural killer cells and granulocytes. Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (icam-1) has been defined as a ligand for lfa-1. (12 Dec 1998) |
| vein of olfactory gyrus | A tributary of the basal vein which drains the medial olfactory stria. Synonym: vein of olfactory gyrus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| region of olfactory mucosa | The specialised olfactory receptive area that includes the upper one-third of the nasal septum and the lateral wall above the superior concha; it is lined with olfactory mucosa. Synonym: regio olfactoria tunicae mucosae nasi, olfactory region of tunica mucosa of nose, Schultze's membrane. (05 Mar 2000) |
| glomerular layer of olfactory bulb | A layer composed of spherical bodies, called glomeruli, formed by the synapses of mitral cells with the olfactory nerve fibres derived from the cells of the olfactory epithelium. (05 Mar 2000) |
| roots of olfactory tract | Lateral and medial, the two fibre bands that form the caudal continuation of the olfactory tract which, upon diverging, enclose the olfactory tubercle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| molecular layers of olfactory bulb | The layer's, composed mainly of nerve fibres, on the outer and inner sides of the layer of mitral cells of the bulb. (05 Mar 2000) |
| olfactory | <physiology> Of, pertaining to, or connected with, the sense of smell; as, the olfactory nerves; the olfactory cells. <anatomy> Olfactory organ, an organ for smelling. In vertebrates the olfactory organs are more or less complicated sacs, situated in the front part of the head and lined with epithelium innervated by the olfactory (or first cranial) nerves, and sensitive to odouriferous particles conveyed to it in the air or in water. Origin: L. Olfactus, p.p. Of olfacere to smell; olere to have a smell + facere = to make. See Odour, and Fact. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| olfactory angle | The angle formed by the plane of the lamina cribrosa and the basicranial axis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| olfactory area | A region at the base of the brain through which numerous small branches of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries (lenticulostriate arteries) enter the depth of the cerebral hemisphere; it is bordered medially by the optic chasm and anterior half of the optic tract, rostrally and laterally by the lateral olfactory stria; its anteromedial part corresponds to the olfactory tubercle. Synonym: substantia perforata anterior, locus perforatus anticus, olfactory area. (05 Mar 2000) |