| pectinesterase | <enzyme> An enzyme that converts pectin to d-galacturonic acid (pectic acid); used in the treatment of certain foodstuffs. Synonym: pectinesterase. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| pectineus | <anatomy, muscle> Origin, crest of pubis; insertion, pectineal line of femur; action, adducts thigh and assists in flexion; nerve supply, obturator and femoral. Synonym: musculus pectineus, pectineal muscle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pectinibranch | <zoology> One of the Pectinibranchiata. Also used adjectively. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pectinibranchiata | <zoology> A division of Gastropoda, including those that have a comblike gill upon the neck. Origin: NL. See Pecten, and Branchia. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pectinibranchiate | <zoology> Having pectinated gills. Origin: L. Pecten, -inis, a comb + E. Branchiate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pectinic acids | Term sometimes used for commercial pectins. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pectiniform | Comb-like. (09 Oct 1997) |
| pectiniform septum | Septum pectiniforme, the anterior portion of the septum penis which is broken by a number of slitlike perforations. Synonym: comblike septum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pectins | <chemical> High molecular weight polysaccharides present in the cell walls of all plants. Pectins cement cell walls together. They are used as emulsifiers and stabilisers in the food industry. They have been tried for a variety of therpeutic uses including as antidiarreals, where they are now generally considered ineffective, and in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Pharmacological action: food additives. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pectization | In colloidal chemistry, coagulation. Origin: G. Pektikos, curdling (05 Mar 2000) |
| pectolite | <chemical> A whitish mineral occurring in radiated or fibrous crystalline masses. It is a hydrous silicate of lime and soda. Origin: L. Pecten a comb. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pectoral | 1. Of or pertaining to the breast, or chest; as, the pectoral muscles. 2. Relating to, or good for, diseases of the chest or lungs; as, a pectoral remedy. 3. <zoology> Having the breast conspicuously coloured; as, the pectoral sandpiper. <anatomy> Pectoral arch, or Pectoral girdle, the jacksnipe . Origin: L. Pectoralis, fr. Pectus, -oris the breast; cf. F. Pectoral. 1. A covering or protecting for the breast. 2. A breastplate, especially. That worn by the Jewish high person. A clasp or a cross worn on the breast. 3. A medicine for diseases of the chest organs, especially the lungs. Origin: L. Pectorale a breastplate, neut. Of pectorials. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| pectoral and abdominal anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerves | The ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T7-T11 (seventh to eleventh intercostal nerves), which supply the abdominal as well as the thoracic wall; innervate intercostal, subcostal, serratus posterior inferior, transversus abdominis, external and internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles, and provide sensory branches to the periphery of the diaphragm, and parietal pleura and peritoneum. Synonym: rami cutanei anteriores pectoralis et abdominalis nervorum intercostalium, ramus cutaneus anterior (pectoralis et abdominalis) nervorum thoracicorum, anterior cutaneous nerves of abdomen, pectoral and abdominal anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerves. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pectoral branch of thoracoacromial artery | <anatomy, artery> Branches of the thoracoacromial artery descending between and supplying the pectoralis major and minor muscles, then continuing to supply the serratus anterior muscle and, in the adult female, the upper portion of the breast. Synonym: rami pectorales arteriae thoracoacromialis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pectoral fascia | The fascia that covers the pectoralis major muscle; it is attached to the sternum and to the clavicle; laterally and below it is continuous with the fascia of the shoulder, axilla, and thorax. Synonym: fascia pectoralis. (05 Mar 2000) |