| NVM | neovascular membrane; nonvolatile matter |
|---|---|
| SCWM | subcortical white matter |
| SPM | shocks per minute; spermine; subhuman primate model; suspended particulate matter; synaptic plasma m... |
| TPM | temporary pacemaker; thrombophlebitis migrans; total particulate matter; total passive motion; triph... |
| WM | Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia; ward manager; warm and moist; Wernicke-Mann [hemiplegia]; wet mount; ... |
| gray wedge | <microscopy> An elongated rectangular pattern whose brightness changes from black through shades of gray to white along its length. In calibration wedges, the brightness may vary linearly or logarithmically in discrete steps. (05 Aug 1998) |
|---|---|
| gray wing | A prominence in the floor of the inferior fovea of the fourth ventricle that overlies the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Synonym: trigonum nervi vagi, ala cinerea, ashen wing, gray wing, trigone of vagus nerve, va'gi eminentia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| middle gray layer of superior colliculus | See: gray layer of superior colliculus. Molecular layer, term applied to any layer of brain tissue that contains few nerve-cell bodies and is composed largely of terminal arborizations of dendrites and axons; notable examples are the superficial layer (first layer) of the cerebral cortex and the molecular layer of cerebellum. Synonym: plexiform layer, stratum moleculare. (05 Mar 2000) |
| superficial gray layer of superior colliculus | See: gray layer of superior colliculus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| deep gray layer of superior colliculus | A layer of myelinated fibres, the deepest layer of the colliculus superior, delimiting the latter from the central gray substance surrounding the cerebral aqueduct. Synonym: stratum album profundum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| digital gray scale | 1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width. "Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part." (Sir H. Wotton) 2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence. "In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged." (Jer. Taylor) 3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc. "No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations." (Fuller) 4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope. "I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude." (Locke) 5. <geography> Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian. 6. <astronomy> The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic. Ascending latitude, Circle of latitude, Geographical latitude, etc. See Ascending. Circle, etc. High latitude, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, especially. That part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle. Low latitude, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator. Origin: F. Latitude, L. Latitudo, fr. Latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. Akin to E. Strew. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| coeliac (nervous) plexus | The most substantial, superior portion of the abdominal aortic plexus lying anterior to the aorta at the level of origin of the coeliac trunk (vertebral level T-12); the coeliac ganglia lie within the plexus; it is formed by contributions from the greater splanchnic and vagus (especially the posterior or right vagus) nerves and communicating branches to and from the superior mesenteric and renal plexuses and ganglia; most sympathetic, parasympathetic and visceral afferent fibres serving the abdominal viscera pass through this plexus. Synonym: plexus coeliacus, solar plexus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Henle's nervous layer | The layers of the retina from the outer plexiform to the nerve fibre layer inclusive. Synonym: Henle's nervous layer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| high pressure nervous syndrome | <syndrome> A syndrome of tremors, nausea, dizziness, and decreased motor and mental performance which develops in those who dive deeply (c. 1000 ft) usually breathing a mixture of oxygen and helium. Nitrogen is not a factor as it is in inert gas narcosis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| nervous | 1. Possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. "Nervous arms." 2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterised by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer. 3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever. 4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed. "Poor, weak, nervous creatures." (Cheyne) 5. Sensitive; excitable; timid. "Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous about the land." (M. <anatomy> Arnold) Nervous fever, the specialized coordinating apparatus which endows animals with sensation and volition. In vertebrates it is often divided into three systems: the central, brain and spinal cord; the peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the sympathetic. See Brain, Nerve, Spinal cord, under Spinal, and Sympathetic system. In Appendix. Nervous temperament, a condition of body characterised by a general predominance of mental manifestations. Origin: L. Nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F. Nerveux. See Nerve. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| nervous asthenopia | Asthenopia due to functional or organic nervous disease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nervous asthma | Asthma precipitated by psychic stress. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nervous breakdown | Nonmedical term for an emotional or mental illness; often a euphemism for a psychiatric disorder. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nervous colon syndrome | <syndrome> A common gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with alternating diarrhoea and constipation, symptoms that tend to be chronic and wax and wane over the years. Although nervous colon syndrome can cause chronic recurrent discomfort, it appears to be an abnormal condition of gut contractions (motility) and does not lead to any serious organ problems. Diagnosis usually involves excluding other illnesses. Treatment is directed toward relief of symptoms and includes high fibre diet, exercise, relaxation techniques, avoidance of caffeine, milk products and sweeteners, and medications. Alternative names include irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, and mucus colitis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| nervous dyspepsia | Dyspepsia associated with nervousness, tension, or anxiety. Synonym: functional dyspepsia. (05 Mar 2000) |