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Dupuytren contracture
Dupuytren contracture A localized formation of scar tissue in the palm of the hand. The scarring accumulates in a tissue called the fascia beneath the skin of the palm that normally covers the tendons that pull the fingers grip. As Dupuytren contracture progresses, more of the fascia becomes thickened and shortened. Dimpling and puckering of the skin over the area eventually occur.
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Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Fascia
Tough membrane that encloses muscles and other organs.
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Contracture
Deformity caused by abnormal shortening of the muscles.
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Dupuytren's Contracture
A hereditary thickening of the tough tissue, called fascia, that lies just below the skin of the palm.
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Ductus, patent
Failure for the ductus arteriosus, an arterial shunt in fetal life, to close on schedule. Before birth, blood pumped from the heart through the pulmonary artery toward the lungs is shunted into the aorta. This arterial shunt is a short vessel called the ductus arteriosus. When the shunt is open, it is said to be patent.
Dumdum fever
Also called kala-azar, a chronic, potentially fatal parasitic disease of the viscera (the internal organs) due to infection by an agent called Leishmania donovani.
Dummy
In science experiments, a substance without any active ingredient, a placebo.
Duodenal biliary drainage
A procedure used to diagnose gallstones when suspicion is high but other tests are negative. A thin tube is passed through a nostril down the throat, through the esophagus and stomach, into the duodenum. Once the tube is in place, a synthetic hormone related to cholecystokinin is injected IV. It causes the gallbladder to contract and squeeze out bile into the duodenum. The bile then is sucked up through the tube and examined for the presence of cholesterol and pigment particles under a microscope. A modification of duodenal biliary drainage involves collection of bile through an endoscope at the time of EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) or ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography).
Duplication
Part of a chromosome in duplicate, a particular kind of mutation (change) involving the production of one or more copies of any piece of DNA, including a gene or even an entire chromosome.
Dupuytren contracture
Dura
The outermost, toughest, and most fibrous of the three membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. Dura is short for dura mater (from the Latin for hard mother). Also called the pachymeninx (singular) or pachymeniges (plural).
Durable power of attorney
This is a type of advance medical directive in which legal documents provide the power of attorney to another person in the case of an incapacitating medical condition.
Dural
Pertaining to the dura.
Dural sac
The membranous sac that encases the spinal cord within the bony structure of the vertebral column. Dural refers to the dura, the name of the membrane around the spinal cord (and brain, too).
Dursban
An insecticide that has adverse neurological effects. Known alternatively as chlorpyrifos. Dursban causes weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and other ill effects in children. It can also cause blurred vision and memory loss.
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