| parasympatholytics | Agents that inhibit the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system. The major group of drugs used therapeutically for this purpose is the muscarinic antagonists. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| parasympathomimetic | 1. <pharmacology> Producing effects resembling those of stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve supply to a part. 2. An agent that produces effects similar to those produced by stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves, usually refers to drugs that mimic the effects of parasympathetic nervous system activity. Includes drugs that directly stimulate muscarinic receptors and drugs that potentiate cholinergic activity, usually by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine (cholinesterase inhibitor). Drugs that stimulate both sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons (ganglionic stimulants) are not included. Synonym: cholinergic. Origin: Gr. Mimetikos = imitative (12 Dec 1998) |
| parasympathotonia | Hyperexcitability of the vagus nerve, a condition in which the vagus nerve dominates in the general functioning of the body organs. It is marked by vasomotor instability, constipation, sweating and involuntary motor spasms with pain. (18 Nov 1997) |
| parasynapsis | Union of chromosomes side to side in the process of reduction. Origin: para-+ G. Synapsis, a connection, junction (05 Mar 2000) |
| parasynovitis | Inflammation of the tissues immediately adjacent to a joint. Origin: para-+ synovitis (05 Mar 2000) |
| parasyphilis | Any condition indirectly due to syphilis. Synonym: metasyphilis, parasyphilosis, quaternary syphilis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| parasyphilitic | Denoting certain diseases supposed to be indirectly due to syphilis but presenting none of the recognised lesions of that infection. Synonym: metaluetic. Synonym: metasyphilitic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| parasyphilosis | Any condition indirectly due to syphilis. Synonym: metasyphilis, parasyphilosis, quaternary syphilis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| parasystole | A cardiac arrhythmia caused by the interaction of two foci independently initiating cardiac impulses at different rates. Generally one of the foci is the sinoatrial node (the normal pacemaker) and the ectopic focus is usually in the ventricle, but can occur in the sinus and av nodes, atrium and ventricle, and av junction. Each focus - and thus each rhythm - is protected from the influence of the other. (12 Dec 1998) |
| parasystolic beat | A cardiac arrhythmia caused by the interaction of two foci independently initiating cardiac impulses at different rates. Generally one of the foci is the sinoatrial node (the normal pacemaker) and the ectopic focus is usually in the ventricle, but can occur in the sinus and av nodes, atrium and ventricle, and av junction. Each focus - and thus each rhythm - is protected from the influence of the other. (12 Dec 1998) |