| loop | 1. A fold or doubling of a thread, cord, rope, etc, through which another thread, cord, etc, can be passed, or which a hook can be hooked into; an eye, as of metal; a staple; a noose; a bight. "That the probation bear no hinge, nor loop To hang a doubt on." (Shak) 2. A small, narrow opening; a loophole. "And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence The eye of Reason may pry in upon us." (Shak) 3. A curve of any kind in the form of a loop. 4. A wire forming part of a main circuit and returning to the point from which it starts. 5. <physics> The portion of a vibrating string, air column, etc, between two nodes; called also ventral segment. Loop knot, a single knot tied in a doubled cord, etc. So as to leave a loop beyond the knot. Origin: Cf. Ir. & Gael. Lub loop, noose, fold, thong, bend, lub to bend, incline. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| loop bioreactors | Bioreactors in which the fermenting material is cycled between a bulk tank and a smaller tank or loop of pipes. The circulation helps mix the materials and ensures that gas injected into the fermenter is well distributed. (14 Nov 1997) |
| loop diuretic | A class of diuretic agents (e.g., furosemide, ethacrynic acid) that act by inhibiting reabsorption of sodium and chloride, not only in the proximal and distal tubules but also in Henle's loop. (05 Mar 2000) |
| loop electrocautery excision procedure | Electrocautery excisional biopsy of abnormal cervical tissue. (05 Mar 2000) |
| loop excision | A diagnostic and therapeutic gynecological surgical technique for removing dysplastic cells from the cervix. In this office procedure conducted with the aid of colposcopy, a small wire loop is used to excise visible patches of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Like cauterization, cryosurgery, and CO2 laser procedures, loop excision can be done with local anaesthetic, and is an uncomplicated, relatively inexpensive way of removing dysplastic cells; in addition, it provides material for biopsy. It is not advised for cases of severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, which are better addressed by cervical conization, an inpatient procedure. Synonym: loop resection. (05 Mar 2000) |
| loop of henle | A u-shaped turn in the medullary portion of a renal tubule, with a descending limb from the proximal convoluted tubule and an ascending limb to the distal convoluted tubule. (12 Dec 1998) |
| loop of hypoglossal nerve | A loop in the cervical plexus consisting of fibres from the first three cervical nerves. Fibres from a loop between the C-1 and C-2 spinal nerves accompany the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance, leaving it as the superior root of the ansa cervicalis. Fibres from a loop between the C-2 and C-3 spinal nerves form the inferior root of the ansa cervicalis. Most commonly, the roots merge, forming the ansa cervicalis, which gives rise to branches innervating infrahyoid muscles. Synonym: cervical loop, loop of hypoglossal nerve. (05 Mar 2000) |
| loop resection | A diagnostic and therapeutic gynecological surgical technique for removing dysplastic cells from the cervix. In this office procedure conducted with the aid of colposcopy, a small wire loop is used to excise visible patches of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Like cauterization, cryosurgery, and CO2 laser procedures, loop excision can be done with local anaesthetic, and is an uncomplicated, relatively inexpensive way of removing dysplastic cells; in addition, it provides material for biopsy. It is not advised for cases of severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, which are better addressed by cervical conization, an inpatient procedure. Synonym: loop resection. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abdominocardiac reflex | Mechanical stimulation (usually distention) of abdominal viscera causing changes (usually a slowing) in the heart rate or the occurrence of extrasystoles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abrams' heart reflex | A contraction of the myocardium when the skin of the precordial region is irritated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accommodation reflex | Increased convexity of the lens, due to contraction of the ciliary muscle and relaxation of the suspensory ligament, to maintain a distinct retinal image. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Achilles reflex | A contraction of the calf muscles when the tendo calcaneus is sharply struck. Synonym: ankle jerk, ankle reflex, tendo Achillis reflex, triceps surae reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acousticopalpebral reflex | A form of the wink reflex in which there is a contraction, sometimes very slight, of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle when a sudden noise is made close to the ear; it is absent in labyrinthine disease with total deafness. Synonym: acousticopalpebral reflex, auropalpebral reflex, cochleo-orbicular reflex, startle reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acquired reflex | A reflex that is gradually developed by training and association through the frequent repetition of a definite stimulus. See: conditioning. Synonym: acquired reflex, behaviour reflex, trained reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acromial reflex | Contraction of the biceps muscle caused by a tap on the acromion or the coracoid process. (05 Mar 2000) |