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Spindle apparatus
Spindle apparatus A microtubule assembly appearing during cell division. Microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton of biological cells, the quasi-rigid matrix that among other things determines cell shape. The microtubules are 25 nanometers in diameter, and composed of the protein tubulin. They occur in regular arrays in cilia, flagella, the mitotic spindle, and in the cytoplasm in general, and they contribute not only to cell shape, but also to cell motility.
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Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Cytoskeleton
System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives the cell a polarized shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Cilia
Short, hair-like structures extending from certain cells.
Cytoplasm
The living matter within a cell (excluding the nucleus) that is responsible for the function of the cell (for example, protein synthesis).
Motility
The movement of food through the digestive tract.
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Spina Bifida
A neural tube defect resulting from the improper closure of the fetal spine. The defect can be low in the spine and problems are often mild. If the defect is higher in the spine it can cause more serious problems such as leg paralysis and & bladder control.
Spina bifida
A birth defect caused by imperfect closure of part of the spinal column, exposing some of the nervous system.
Spinal anesthesia
Injection of an anesthetic into the area around the spinal cord to block pain sensation during surgery.
Spinal cord
The ovoid column of nervous tissue, extending from the medulla to the second lumbar vertebra in the spinal canal. All nerves to the trunk and limbs issue from the spinal cord, the center of reflex action containing conducting paths to and from the brain. Sensory neurons enter posteriorly; motor nerves arise anteriorly.
Spinal disorders
Any of the disorders relating to the spine, including spina bifida and scoliosis.
Spinal fluid
See cerebrospinal fluid
Spine
A column in the body consisting of 33 vertebrae.
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Skeleton
The skeleton or skeletal system is the biological system providing support in living organisms.
Skeletal system
The rigid framework of bones in the body that supports soft tissues and protects internal organs.
Syncytiotrophoblast
A true syncytium making up the outer layer of the trophoblast. Produces human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) Large multinucleated cells with indistinct borders and a large amount of eosinophilic nuclei. See trophoblast.
Syncytium
A large cell-like structure formed by the joining together of two or more cells. The plural is syncytia.
Synapsis
The point of interaction between adjacent neurons or between a neuron and a muscle or gland, involving a chemical neurotransmitter. Plural: synapses.
Spindle apparatus
Suprarenal glands
Another name for the adrenal glands.
Sebaceous glands
Fatty glands found in hair follicles throughout the body that secrete oil into the hair and surrounding skin.
Staphylococcus
Spherical gram-positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies; some cause boils or septicemia or infections.
Streptococcus
A type of bacterium that may infect tonsils. Infection with this bacterium, if not treated with penicillin or other appropriate antibiotic, can lead to rheumatic fever.
Sertral
Sertral comes from sertraline and is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with well established antidepressant and anxiolytic activity. Sertral is used effectively to treat major depressive disorder in elderly patients over 60 years of age.
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