Microcytic
Literally, referring to any abnormally small cell; in practice, referring to an abnormally small red blood cell. For example, microcytic anemia is characterized by small red blood cells. The opposite of microcytic is macrocytic.
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- Microdeletion
Loss of a tiny piece’a piece that may be too small to be seen readily through a microscope’from a chromosome. Microdeletions can be detected via high-resolution chromosome banding, molecular chromosome analysis (with FISH), or DNA analysis. Disorders caused by microdeletions include Angelman, DiGeorge, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndromes.
- Microduplication
The gain of a tiny piece of a chromosome, a piece so small its presence is not apparent on ordinary examination (using a regular light microscope to look at chromosomes prepared in the usual fashion). The detection of microduplications requires special techniques such as high-resolution chromosome banding, molecular chromosome analysis (with FISH), or molecular genetic […]
- Microdosimetry
A technique for measuring the microscopic distribution of energy, useful with different types of radiation. Microdosimetry provides the scientific underpinnings for the measurement of radiation. It is vitally important to both radiation therapy and radiation protection. The prefix “micro-” is derived from the Greek “mikros” meaning small. It diminishes whatever it precedes.
- Microduplication 22q11.2 syndrome
A syndrome due to duplication of a tiny part of chromosome band 22q11.2. Features of the syndrome include the appearance of widely spaced eyes and superior placement of eyebrows; downslanting palpebral fissures (eye slits); mild micrognathia (small chin) and retrognathia (recessed chin); and a long, narrow face. The microduplication arises because chromosome band 22q11.2 is […]
- Microembolus
An embolus of microscopic size. For example, a tiny blood clot or little clump of bacteria. Like any embolus, it travels through the bloodstream, lodges in a blood vessel and blocks it.