Medical Dictionary Definitions A-Z List
Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z - «P»:
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Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia
Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia: A genetic disorder of bones, skin pigmentation and hormonal problems with premature sexual development. Also called McCune-Albright syndrome or the Albright syndrome.
In the syndrome, there is bone disease with fractures and deformity of the legs, arms and skull; pi...
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Polyp
Polyp: A mass of tissue that develops on the inside
wall of a hollow organ, as within the colon or rectum. The word polyp comes from the Greek words polys, many + pous, feet. The idea that a polyp has many feet is erroneous. Most polyps have a single pedicle. The term polyp is descriptive. Polyps m...
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Polyp colon family history
Polyp colon family history: See: Colon cancer family history....
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Polypectomy
Polypectomy: Removal of a polyp by surgery. In the case of polyps in the colon, polypectomy may be done by open abdominal surgery or, more commonly today, by colonoscopy. During colonoscopy, a small polyp may be snipped off with a biopsy forceps and larger polyps may be removed by putting a snare ar...
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Polypeptide
Polypeptide: A peptide consisting of 2 or more amino
acids. Amino acids make up polypeptides which, in turn, make up
proteins....
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Polyphenol
Polyphenol: A kind of chemical that (at least in theory) may protect against some common health problems and possibly certain effects of aging.
Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue dam...
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Polyploid
Polyploid: Three or more full sets of chromosomes. A polyploid
brain tumor cell might for example have 69 or 92 chromosomes. ...
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Polypsis of the colon
Polypsis of the colon: Multiple polyps with a high malignant
potential in the large bowel. This hereditary condition is also known as polypsis coli and
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). ...
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Polysomnography
Polysomnography: Continuous recording of specific physiologic variables during sleep. Polysomnography typically records brain wave changes (electroencephalogram), eye movements (electrooculogram), muscle tone (electromyogram), respiration, electrocardiogram (EKG), and leg movements....
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Polyubiquitination
Polyubiquitination:The binding of many ubiquitin molecules to the same target protein. Polyubiquitination of proteins is the triggering signal that leads to degradation of the protein in the proteasome. It is polyubiquitination that constitutes the "kiss of death" for the protein....
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Polyuria
Polyuria: The excessive passage of urine (at least 2.5 liters per day for an adult) resulting in profuse urination and urinary frequency (the need to urinate frequently).
Polyuria is a classic sign of diabetes mellitus that is under poor control or is not yet under treatment. Polyuria occurs in some...
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Pompe disease
Pompe disease: A genetic (inherited) deficiency of an enzyme called acid alpha glucosidase. This enzyme helps the body break down glycogen, a complex carbohydrate that is converted to glucose for energy. Without the enzyme, glycogen builds up in the heart and other muscles, causing extensive damage....
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PON
PON: The symbol for the enzyme called paraoxonase....
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Pondimin
Pondimin: See: Fenfluramine....
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Pons
Pons: A specific section of the brain formed by the rounded prominence on the front surface of the brainstem. (The brainstem is the lowest part of the brain that merges with the spinal cord; it consists of a structure called the medulla oblongata, the midbrain and the pons.) Cranial nerves V, VI, VI...
