Mineralocorticoids
A group of hormones (the most important being aldosterone) that regulate the balance of water and electrolytes (ions such as sodium and potassium) in the body. The mineralocorticoid hormones act on the kidney (and specifically on the tubules of the kidney).
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- Minimal residual disease
Tests for MRD using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can identify malignant cells based on their characteristic chromosome rearrangements. For example, PCR can detect evidence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome which is found in about 95% of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), 2%-10% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 20%-50% of adults […]
- Minipill
A form of oral contraceptive taken daily, like combined oral contraceptives (the “pill”), but containing only the hormone progestin and no estrogen. The minipill works by reducing and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also keeps the uterine lining from thickening, which prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the […]
- Minor
In general, something that is less than something else. For example, the teres minor muscle is smaller than the teres major muscle.
- Minor anomaly
An unusual anatomic feature that is of no serious medical or cosmetic consequence to the patient. A minor anomaly of the feet might, for example, be curvature of the second toe so it overlaps the third toe a little. A major anomaly, by contrast, might be a cleft lip and palate, a birth defect of […]
- Minor salivary gland
A small gland that produces saliva. The mouth and palate contain numerous minor salivary glands.