| massa intermedia | The variable connection between the two thalamic masses across the third ventricle; absent in about 20% of human brains. Synonym: adhesio interthalamica, commissura cinerea, commissura grisea, intermediate mass, massa intermedia. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| massa lateralis atlantis | The thick lateral part of the atlas on each side that articulates above with the occipital condyle and below with the axis. Synonym: massa lateralis atlantis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| massacre | 1. The killing of a considerable number of human beings under circumstances of atrocity or cruelty, or contrary to the usages of civilized people; as, the massacre on St. Bartholomew's Day. 2. Murder. Synonym: Massacre, Butchery, Carnage. Massacre denotes the promiscuous slaughter of many who can not make resistance, or much resistance. Butchery refers to cold-blooded cruelty in the killing of men as if they were brute beasts. Carnage points to slaughter as producing the heaped-up bodies of the slain. "I'll find a day to massacre them all, And raze their faction and their family." (Shak) "If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds, Brhold this pattern of thy butcheries." (Shak) "Such a scent I draw Of carnage, prey innumerable !" (Milton) Origin: F, fr. LL. Mazacrium; cf. Prov. G. Metzgern, metzgen, to kill cattle, G. Metzger a butcher, and LG. Matsken to cut, hew, OHG. Meizan to cut, Goth. Maitan. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| massage | The systematic therapeutic friction, stroking and kneading of the body. Origin: Fr., Gr. Massein = to knead (18 Nov 1997) |
| massasauga | <zoology> The black rattlesnake (Crotalus, or Caudisona, tergemina), found in the Mississippi Valley. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Masselon's spectacles | Spectacles with little offsets of metal with smooth edges which engage above the upper eyelid and keep it raised above the pupil in cases of paralytic blepharoptosis. Synonym: Masselon's spectacles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Masselon, M Julian | <person> French physician, 1844-1917. See: Masselon's spectacles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masseter | <anatomy, muscle> Origin, superficial part: inferior border of the anterior two-thirds of the zygomatic arch; deep part: inferior border and medial surface of the zygomatic arch; insertion, lateral surface of ramus and coronoid process of the mandible; action, elevates mandible (closes jaw); nerve supply, masseteric branch of mandibular division of trigeminal. Synonym: musculus masseter. (06 Mar 2000) |
| masseter muscle | <anatomy> A masticatory muscle whose action is closing the jaws. (12 Dec 1998) |
| masseter reflex | A spasmodic contraction of the temporal muscles following a downward tap on the loosely hanging mandible. Synonym: chin jerk, chin reflex, jaw jerk, mandibular reflex, masseter reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masseteric | <anatomy> Of or pertaining to the masseter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| masseteric artery | <anatomy, artery> Origin, maxillary; distribution, deep surface of masseter muscle; anastomoses, branches of transverse facial and masseteric branches of facial. Synonym: arteria masseterica. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masseteric fascia | The fascia that covers the lateral surface of the masseter muscle. Synonym: fascia masseterica. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masseteric nerve | <anatomy, nerve> A muscular branch of the mandibular nerve passing through the mandibular notch to the medial surface of the masseter muscle which it supplies and the temporomandibular joint. Synonym: nervus massetericus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| masseteric tuberosity | A roughened surface on the external aspect of the angle of the mandible, giving attachment to fibres of the masseter muscle. Synonym: tuberositas masseterica. (05 Mar 2000) |