Proliferative
Growing and increasing in number rapidly.
For example, the lymphoproliferative disorders are diseases in which there is malignant growth of lymphoid cells and of cells from the reticuloendothelial system (which take up and sequester inert particles).
As another example, the myeloproliferative disorders are malignancies of certain bone marrow cells including those that give rise to the red blood cells, the granulocytes (types of white blood cells), and the platelets (crucial to blood clotting).
“Proliferative” comes from the French who derived it from the Latin “proles” (offspring or descendants) + the combining form “-fer” (bearing). Cells that are proliferating are bearing offspring.
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The prominence of the larynx, more commonly known as the Adam’s apple. This familiar feature in front of the neck is due to forward protrusion of the largest cartilage of the larynx. It takes its name from the story that a piece of the forbidden fruit stuck in Adam’s throat. The prominent cartilage is the […]
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In molecular biology, a site on DNA to which the enzyme RNA polymerase can bind to initiate the transcription of DNA into RNA.
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Rotation of the forearm and hand so that the palm is down (and the corresponding movement of the foot and leg with the sole down), as opposed to supination. For a more complete listing of terms used in medicine for spatial orientation, please see the entry to “Anatomic Orientation Terms”.
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A type of foot that rolls far inward during the weight-bearing phase of the stride. This type of foot is characterized by a very low or flat arch. Heavier people often have feet of this type.