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Argentaffinoma
Argentaffinoma A tumor which secretes large amounts of the hormone serotonin. Argentaffinoma is also called carcinoid tumor. The tumor usually arises in the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere between the stomach and the rectum (the favorite spot is in the appendix) and from there may metastasize (spread) to the liver. In the liver the tumor produces and releases large quantities of serotonin into the systemic bloodstream.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Hormone
A chemical substance formed in the body that is carried in the bloodstream to affect another part of the body; an example is thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, which affects growth, temperature regulation, metabolic rate, and other body functions.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter important in filtering out information. If its levels are low, it can be the underlying cause of depression and violence.
Argentaffinoma
A tumor which secretes large amounts of the hormone serotonin. Argentaffinoma is also called carcinoid tumor. The tumor usually arises in the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere between the stomach and the rectum (the favorite spot is in the appendix) and from there may metastasize (spread) to the liver. In the liver the tumor produces and releases large quantities of serotonin into the systemic bloodstream.
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines.
Stomach
The organ between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Metastasize
To spread to another part of the body, usually through the blood vessels, lymph channels, or spinal fluid.
Liver
The largest organ in the body. The liver carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood.
Systemic
Disease or symptoms that affect many different parts of the body.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Argentinian doctor
A doctor who, being or not a citizen of that country, has been admitted to practice medicine in Argentina.
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ARDS
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. A fulminant lung condition in which trauma to the lungs leads to inflammation of the lungs, accumulation of fluid in the alveolar air sacs, low blood oxygen, and respiratory distress.
Areflexia
Absence of neurologic reflexes such as the knee jerk reaction.
Arenaviridae
See: Arenavirus.
Arenavirus
One of a family of viruses called Arenaviridae whose members are generally associated with diseases transmitted by rodents to humans. Each arenavirus is usually associated with a particular rodent host species in which it is maintained. Arenavirus infections are relatively common in humans in some areas of the world and can cause severe illnesses.
Arg
Arginine. See also: Amino acid symbols.
Argentaffinoma
Arginine
"An amino acid, one of the 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks in protein. Arginine is not an ""essential"" amino acid. It is not essential to the diet, but can be made by the body from other substances. However, it is usually considered essential to the diet for children so they can grow normally. Lack of arginine in the diet impairs growth and in adult males it decreases the sperm count."
Argon laser
A laser with ionized argon as the active medium. Argon lasers are used for photocoagulation in ophthalmology.
Argyria
Silver poisoning resulting in ashen gray discolored skin (and other tissues of the body). Due to long-term use of silver salts.
Arimidex
Brand name for anastrozole, an oral antiestrogen. Arimidex inhibits the enzyme aromatase in the adrenal glands that produces the estrogens (estradiol and estrone) and thereby lowers their levels.
Aristolochia fangchi
A Chinese herb that is injurious to the kidney and is also associated with an increased risk of cancer of the urinary system.
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