| 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) |
| acute renal failure | <nephrology> A sudden decline in renal function may be triggered by a number of acute disease processes. Examples include sepsis (infection), shock, trauma, kidney stones, kidney infection, drug toxicity (aspirin or lithium), poisons or toxins (drug abuse) or after injection with an iodinated contrast dye (adverse effect). Chronic renal failure represents a slow decline in kidney function over time. Chronic renal failure may be caused by a number of disorders which include long-standing hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, lupus or sickle cell anaemia. Both forms of renal failure result in a life-threatening metabolic derangement. (27 Sep 1997) |
| aminoaciduria, renal | Impairment of renal tubular transport of amino acids. (12 Dec 1998) |
| back-pressure renal atrophy | <radiology> Caliectasis without obstruction, due to repeated episodes of obstruction, gradual loss of renal pyramids (12 Dec 1998) |
| base of renal pyramid | The outer broad part of a renal pyramid that lies next to the cortex. Synonym: basis pyramidis renis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| branchio-oto-renal syndrome | <syndrome> An autosomal dominant disorder manifested by various combinations of preauricular pits, branchial fistulae or cysts, lacrimal duct stenosis, hearing loss, structural defects of the outer, middle, or inner ear, and renal dysplasia. Associated defects include asthenic habitus, long narrow facies, constricted palate, deep overbite, and myopia. Hearing loss may be due to mondini type cochlear defect and stapes fixation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| capsular branches of renal artery | <anatomy, artery> Branches arising from the renal artery outside of the kidney that are distributed to the renal capsule. Synonym: rami capsulares arteriae renalis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| captopril renal scan | <radiology> In a kidney with a lesion in the afferent arteriole (e.g. Atherosclerotic plaque), reflex constriction of the efferent arteriole occurs through angiotensin system thus maintaining renal perfusion. ACE inhibition prevents constriction of efferent arteriole. Therefore, perfusion is decreased to a kidney with afferent lesions and the renal scan to looks WORSE. Bottom line: renal scans appear WORSE with captopril administration if there is a lesion in the afferent arteriole. See: renal artery stenosis (12 Dec 1998) |
| carcinoma, renal cell | Carcinoma of the renal parenchyma usually occurring in middle age or later and composed of tubular cells in varying arrangements. It was first described in 1826. Possible causal factors are environmental, hormonal, cellular, and genetic. Smoking is a definite risk factor and obesity is associated with increased risk. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 3% of adult cancer; the male-female ratio is 2:1. It is more common among urban residents than rural. (12 Dec 1998) |