A description of an agent that stops the growth (reproduction) of bacteria, but does NOT kill them. Inhibits or retards bacterial growth.... ↪ Read more

A description of an agent that kills bacteria. Kills bacteria.... ↪ Read more

Condition in which in the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. To properly function, the immune system must identify foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, slivers, etc., and it must be able to distinguish normal body tissue from these foreign substances. If it fails to... ↪ Read more

Weakened. An attenuated virus is one which has been changed such that it will no longer cause disease. An attenuated virus would be used in a modified live vaccine.... ↪ Read more

A heart condition in which the atria (chambers of the heart that receive the blood) contract rapidly, irregularly, and independently of the ventricles (the chambers of the heart that pump the blood). This greatly decreases the efficiency of the heart and its ability to move blood.... ↪ Read more

The two chambers of the heart that receive blood. The right atrium receives blood from the body. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.... ↪ Read more

Adenosine triphosphate; a compound used for energy by cells... ↪ Read more

An allergy to something that is inhaled such as pollen or house dust. Also called 'inhalant allergy'. See articles in the Allergies section. Allergic inhalant dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Allergens are true antigens which are usually inhaled or penetrate the skin as complete allergens or... ↪ Read more

A lack of muscle coordination, usually causing an abnormal or staggered gait. Incoordination or abnormal gait.... ↪ Read more

A term used to decide a condition in which no symptoms are present.... ↪ Read more

Withdraw fluid or cells through the use of suction - usually the suction produced by pulling back on the plunger of a syringe attached to a needle which is inserted into the area to be sampled.... ↪ Read more

Fluid accumulation in the abdomen. The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal)(belly) cavity. The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Some define ascites as fluid of any type including blood, bile and other exudates. Others define ascites as including only pure transudates.... ↪ Read more