| central limit theorem | The sum (or average) of n realizations of the same process, provided only that it has a finite variance, will approach the gaussian distribution as n becomes indefinitely large. This theory provides a broad warrant for the use of normal theory even for nongaussian data. In the form stated here, it constitutes the classical version; more general versions allow serious relaxation of the usual assumptions. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| central line | <equipment> Small, flexible plastic tube inserted into the large vein above the heart, through which drugs and blood products can be given and blood samples withdrawn painlessly. Synonym: central line, Hickman catheter. (12 Jan 1998) |
| central lobule | A division of the superior vermis of the cerebellum between the lingula and the monticulus. Synonym: lobulus centralis cerebelli, central lobule. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central lobule of cerebellum | A division of the superior vermis of the cerebellum between the lingula and the monticulus. Synonym: lobulus centralis cerebelli, central lobule. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central mesenteric lymph nodes | The mesenteric lymph nodes located along the intestinal (jejunal and ileal) branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Synonym: nodi lymphatici superiores centrales, central mesenteric lymph nodes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central metal ion | <chemistry> The metal ion to which the ligands are attached at the centre of a coordination complex. (09 Oct 1997) |
| central necrosis | Necrosis involving the deeper or inner portions of a tissue, or an organ or its units. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central neuritis | Inflammation of the nervous substance proper, the axons, and myelin. Synonym: axial neuritis, central neuritis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central obesity | The deposition of obesity around the trunk sparing the limbs. (27 Sep 1997) |
| central ossifying fibroma | <tumour> A painless, slow-growing, expansile, sharply circumscribed benign fibro-osseus tumour of the jaws that is derived from cells of the periodontal ligament; presents initially as a radiolucency that becomes progressively more opaque as it matures. See: central cementifying fibroma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central osteitis | <pathology> Inflammation of bone caused by a pyogenic organism. It may remain localised or may spread through the bone to involve the marrow, cortex, cancellous tissue and periosteum. Origin: Gr. Myelos = marrow (18 Nov 1997) |
| central palmar space | The more medial of the central palmar spaces, bounded medially by the hypothenar compartment; related distally to the synovial tendon sheaths of digits 3 and 4 and proximally to the common flexor sheath. Synonym: medial midpalmar space, middle palmar space. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central paralysis | Paralysis due to a lesion in the brain or spinal cord. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central pit | A depression in the centre of the macula retinae containing only cones and lacking blood vessels. Synonym: fovea centralis retinae, central pit. (05 Mar 2000) |
| central placenta previa | Placenta previa in which the placenta entirely covers the internal os of the cervix. Synonym: central placenta previa, total placenta previa. (05 Mar 2000) |