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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Avastin
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AvastinThe first drug in a new class designed to treat cancer by compromising its blood supply. Avastin (bevacizumab) prevents angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with blood, oxygen and other nutrients and allow the tumor to grow and metastasize to other sites in the body. Avastin is a monoclonal antibody, a type of genetically engineered protein, that binds to another protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which spurs the growth of blood vessels. Blocking VEGF is thought to be the mechanism by which Avastin cuts off the supply of vessels that spring up to feed a tumor.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Avastin
The first drug in a new class designed to treat cancer by compromising its blood supply. Avastin (bevacizumab) prevents angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with blood, oxygen and other nutrients and allow the tumor to grow and metastasize to other sites in the body. Avastin is a monoclonal antibody, a type of genetically engineered protein, that binds to another protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which spurs the growth of blood vessels. Blocking VEGF is thought to be the mechanism by which Avastin cuts off the supply of vessels that spring up to feed a tumor.
Angiogenesis
The process of developing new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is important in the normal development of the embryo and fetus. It also appears important to tumor formation. Certain proteins, including angiostatin and endostatin, secreted by tumors work (at least in mice) by interfering with the blood supply tumors need. Angiostatin is a piece of a larger and very common protein, plasminogen, that the body uses in blood clotting. Endostatin is a piece of a different protein, collagen 18, that is in all blood vessels.
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Oxygen
A chemical element essential for sustaining life.
Nutrients
Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals provided by food and necessary for growth and the maintenance of life.
Metastasize
To spread to another part of the body, usually through the blood vessels, lymph channels, or spinal fluid.
Monoclonal
Literally, coming from a single clone. A clone is the progeny of a single cell. In immunology, monoclonal generally describes a preparation of antibody that is monogenous, or cells of a single specificity.
Antibody
An infection-fighting protein molecule in blood or secretory fluids that tags, neutralizes, and helps destroy pathogenic microorganisms (eg, bacteria, viruses) or toxins. Antibodies, known generally as immunoglobulins, are made and secreted by B-lymphocytes in response to stimulation by antigens. Each specific antibody binds only to the specific antigen that stimulated its production.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Vascular
Pertaining to blood vessels.
Endothelial
Relating to the endothelium, the layer of flat cells lining the closed spaces of the body such as the inside of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, the heart, and body cavities. By contrast, the outside layer of cells that covers all the free, open surfaces of the body including the skin and mucous membranes that communicate with the outside of the body is called the epithelium.
Blocking
A sudden obstruction or interruption in spontaneous flow of thinking or speaking, perceived as an absence or deprivation of thought.
Mechanism
The arrangement or association of the elements or parts of anything in relation to the effect they generate; the combination of mental processes by which an effect is generated.
Cuts
Severed skin. Washing a cut or scrape with soap and water and keeping it clean and dry is all that is required to care for most wounds. Putting alcohol hydrogen peroxide, and iodine into a wound can delay healing and should be avoided. Seek medical care early if you think that you might need stitches. Any delay can increase the rate of wound infection. Any puncture wound through tennis shoes has a high risk of infection and should be seen by your healthcare professional. Any redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus draining from the wound may indicate an infection that requires professional care.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Avascular necrosis
See 'Aseptic necrosis'.
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
See Legg-Calv‚-Perthes disease.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Autotransplantation
The process of transplanting tissue from one part of the body to another in the same individual. The transplanted tissue is termed an autotransplant or an autograft. Ovarian autotransplantation has been done to the upper arm to protect the ovary while the patient had radiotherapy to the abdomen.
Aux
Prefix indicating growth or increase.
AV (atrioventricular)
AV is the standard medical abbreviation for atrioventricular, a combination that means pertaining to the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) and the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). For example, the AV node is an electrical relay station between the atria and the ventricles. Electrical signals from the atria must pass through the AV node to reach the ventricles. The AV node is a major element in the cardiac conduction system that generates electrical impulses within the heart, conducts them throughout the muscle of the heart, stimulates the heart to contract and pump blood, and so controls the heart rate.
AV node
An electrical relay station between the atria (the upper) and the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). Electrical signals from the atria must pass through the AV node to reach the ventricles. The AV node is one of the major elements in the cardiac conduction system, the system that controls the heart rate. This stunningly designed system generates electrical impulses and conducts them throughout the muscle of the heart, stimulating the heart to contract and pump blood.
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
See Legg-Calv‚-Perthes disease.
Avastin
Avery
See: Avery, Oswald Theodore
Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty
"Authors of a scientific paper entitled ""Studies on the chemical nature of the substance inducing transformation of pneumococcal types"" "
Avian flu
See: Avian influenza.
Avian influenza
Also called fowl plague, avian flu, and bird flu. A highly contagious viral disease with up to 100% mortality in domestic fowl. Caused by influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7. All types of birds are susceptible to the virus but outbreaks occur most often in chickens and turkeys. The infection may be brought by migratory wild birds which can carry the virus but show no signs of disease. Humans are only rarely affected.
Avian tuberculosis
See: Tuberculosis, avian.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Avastin
The first drug in a new class designed to treat cancer by compromising its blood supply. Avastin (bevacizumab) prevents angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with blood, oxygen and other nutrients and allow the tumor to grow and metastasize to other sites in the body. Avastin is a monoclonal antibody, a type of genetically engineered protein, that binds to another protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which spurs the growth of blood vessels. Blocking VEGF is thought to be the mechanism by which Avastin cuts off the supply of vessels that spring up to feed a tumor.
Angiogenesis
The process of developing new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is important in the normal development of the embryo and fetus. It also appears important to tumor formation. Certain proteins, including angiostatin and endostatin, secreted by tumors work (at least in mice) by interfering with the blood supply tumors need. Angiostatin is a piece of a larger and very common protein, plasminogen, that the body uses in blood clotting. Endostatin is a piece of a different protein, collagen 18, that is in all blood vessels.
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Oxygen
A chemical element essential for sustaining life.
Nutrients
Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals provided by food and necessary for growth and the maintenance of life.
Metastasize
To spread to another part of the body, usually through the blood vessels, lymph channels, or spinal fluid.
Monoclonal
Literally, coming from a single clone. A clone is the progeny of a single cell. In immunology, monoclonal generally describes a preparation of antibody that is monogenous, or cells of a single specificity.
Antibody
An infection-fighting protein molecule in blood or secretory fluids that tags, neutralizes, and helps destroy pathogenic microorganisms (eg, bacteria, viruses) or toxins. Antibodies, known generally as immunoglobulins, are made and secreted by B-lymphocytes in response to stimulation by antigens. Each specific antibody binds only to the specific antigen that stimulated its production.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Vascular
Pertaining to blood vessels.
Endothelial
Relating to the endothelium, the layer of flat cells lining the closed spaces of the body such as the inside of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, the heart, and body cavities. By contrast, the outside layer of cells that covers all the free, open surfaces of the body including the skin and mucous membranes that communicate with the outside of the body is called the epithelium.
Blocking
A sudden obstruction or interruption in spontaneous flow of thinking or speaking, perceived as an absence or deprivation of thought.
Mechanism
The arrangement or association of the elements or parts of anything in relation to the effect they generate; the combination of mental processes by which an effect is generated.
Cuts
Severed skin. Washing a cut or scrape with soap and water and keeping it clean and dry is all that is required to care for most wounds. Putting alcohol hydrogen peroxide, and iodine into a wound can delay healing and should be avoided. Seek medical care early if you think that you might need stitches. Any delay can increase the rate of wound infection. Any puncture wound through tennis shoes has a high risk of infection and should be seen by your healthcare professional. Any redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus draining from the wound may indicate an infection that requires professional care.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Avascular necrosis
See 'Aseptic necrosis'.
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
See Legg-Calv‚-Perthes disease.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Autotransplantation
The process of transplanting tissue from one part of the body to another in the same individual. The transplanted tissue is termed an autotransplant or an autograft. Ovarian autotransplantation has been done to the upper arm to protect the ovary while the patient had radiotherapy to the abdomen.
Aux
Prefix indicating growth or increase.
AV (atrioventricular)
AV is the standard medical abbreviation for atrioventricular, a combination that means pertaining to the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) and the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). For example, the AV node is an electrical relay station between the atria and the ventricles. Electrical signals from the atria must pass through the AV node to reach the ventricles. The AV node is a major element in the cardiac conduction system that generates electrical impulses within the heart, conducts them throughout the muscle of the heart, stimulates the heart to contract and pump blood, and so controls the heart rate.
AV node
An electrical relay station between the atria (the upper) and the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). Electrical signals from the atria must pass through the AV node to reach the ventricles. The AV node is one of the major elements in the cardiac conduction system, the system that controls the heart rate. This stunningly designed system generates electrical impulses and conducts them throughout the muscle of the heart, stimulating the heart to contract and pump blood.
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
See Legg-Calv‚-Perthes disease.
Avastin
Avery
See: Avery, Oswald Theodore
Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty
"Authors of a scientific paper entitled ""Studies on the chemical nature of the substance inducing transformation of pneumococcal types"" "
Avian flu
See: Avian influenza.
Avian influenza
Also called fowl plague, avian flu, and bird flu. A highly contagious viral disease with up to 100% mortality in domestic fowl. Caused by influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7. All types of birds are susceptible to the virus but outbreaks occur most often in chickens and turkeys. The infection may be brought by migratory wild birds which can carry the virus but show no signs of disease. Humans are only rarely affected.
Avian tuberculosis
See: Tuberculosis, avian.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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