(Encyclopedia) beta-blocker or beta-adrenergic blocking agentbeta-adrenergic blocking agentbāˈtə ădˌrənûrˈjĭk [key], drug that reduces the symptoms connected with hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias,…
(Encyclopedia)
CE5
Cross section of vein showing valves
vein, blood vessel that returns blood to the heart. Except for the pulmonary vein, which carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the…
(Encyclopedia) blood pressure, force exerted by the blood upon the walls of the arteries. The pressure in the arteries originates in the pumping action of the heart, and pressure waves can be felt at…
(Encyclopedia)
CE5
Aorta
aortaaortaāôrˈtə [key], primary artery of the circulatory system in mammals, delivering oxygenated blood to all other arteries except those of the lungs. The human aorta…
(Encyclopedia) autoimmune disease, any of a number of abnormal conditions caused when the body produces antibodies to its own substances. In rheumatoid arthritis, a group of antibody molecules called…
(Encyclopedia) Kawasaki disease or Kawasaki syndrome, acute illness characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels that primarily affects young children; it is more common in boys and children of…
(Encyclopedia) thrombolytic drugthrombolytic drugthrŏmˌbəlĭtˈĭk [key] or clot-dissolving drug, substance, such as streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), that causes the breakdown of…
(Encyclopedia) Minnesota, University of, main campus at Minneapolis–St. Paul; land-grant and state supported; coeducational; chartered 1851 and 1868, opened as a university 1869. Other campuses are…
(Encyclopedia) calcium-channel blocker, any of a class of drugs used in treating hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain arrhythmias. They prevent the calcium ions needed for muscle contraction…