polyploid
polyploid Having three or more full sets of chromosomes. For example, a polyploid brain tumor cell might have 69 or 92 chromosomes.
polyploid Having three or more full sets of chromosomes. For example, a polyploid brain tumor cell might have 69 or 92 chromosomes.
polypectomy The surgical removal of a polyp. See also polyp.
polypapilloma tropicum See yaws.
A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue that develops on the inner lining of a hollow organ. Polyps can occur in various parts of the body, including the colon, stomach, nasal cavity, uterus, bladder, and vocal cords. Types of Polyps Neoplastic (Adenomatous) Polyps – Have the potential to become cancerous (especially in the colon).Non-neoplastic…
polyostotic fibrous dysplasia A disorder that features the replacement of multiple areas of bone by fibrous tissue, which may cause fractures and deformity of the legs, arms, and skull. A genetic disorder that is characterized by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia along with skin pigmentation and hormonal problems, with premature sexual development, is known as McCune-Albright’s syndrome….
polyneuritis, acute idiopathic See GuillainBarre syndrome.
polymyositis An autoimmune inflammatory disease of muscle that begins when white blood cells spontaneously invade muscles, especially those closest to the trunk or torso. This immune activity results in muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness. Blood testing in a person with polymyositis shows significantly elevated creatinine phosphokinase levels. The diagnosis is further suggested by electromyogram testing…
polymyalgia rheumatica A disorder of the muscles and joints that is characterized by pain and stiffness that affect both sides of the body and involves the shoulders, arms, neck, and buttock areas. Abbreviated PMR. PMR generally affects persons who are over the age of 50 years. Blood testing in a person with PMR usually shows…
polymorphonuclear leukocyte See leukocyte, polymorphonuclear.
polymerase chain reaction A key technique in molecular genetics that permits the analysis of any short sequence of DNA or RNA without having to clone it. Abbreviated PCR. PCR is used to amplify selected sections of DNA in only a few hours. The PCR technique has innumerable uses, from diagnosing genetic diseases to DNA fingerprinting….
polyhydramnios Too much amniotic fluid. The opposite of polyhydramnios is oligohydramnios.
polygenic disease A genetic disorder that is caused by the combined action of more than one gene. Examples of polygenic conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Because such disorders depend on the simultaneous presence of several genes, they are not inherited as simply as are single-gene diseases.