monostotic fibrous dysplasia Excessive growth in a single bone of hard-fibrous tissue that replaces the normal bone tissue. Symptoms of monostotic fibrous dysplasia may include pain and fracture of the bone. Most cases are diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood and remain unchanged throughout life. The outlook is usually very good. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia appears…
monosomy Missing one chromosome from a pair. For example, if a female has one X chromosome (X monosomy) rather than two, she has Turner syndrome.
mononucleosis A condition resulting from infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, human herpesvirus 4 [HHV-4]) in which there is an increase of white blood cells that have a single nucleus (monocytes). The infection can be spread by saliva. Its incubation period is 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph…
mononeuritis multiplex Inflammation of two or more nerves, typically in unrelated parts of the body. Mononeuritis multiplex causes a loss of function in the muscle tissue that is innervated by the affected nerves. For example, sudden loss of the ability to lift the foot normally while walking (foot drop) can be caused by mononeuritis multiplex,…
mononeuritis Inflammation of a single nerve. The many causes of mononeuritis include diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Lyme disease. The treatment for mononeuritis depends on the underlying cause. See also mononeuritis multiplex.
monocyte A white blood cell that has a single nucleus and can take in (ingest) foreign material.
monoclonal antibody An antibody produced by a single clone of cells. A monoclonal antibody is therefore a single pure type of antibody. Monoclonal antibodies can be made in large quantities in the laboratory and are a cornerstone of immunology. Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly coming into use as therapeutic agents.
monoclonal Derived from a single cell and cells identical to that cell.
monochromatism 1 Total inability to perceive color due to the lack of or damage to the cones of the eye that perceive color, or the inability of the nerves to translate information received from the cones. A person with true monochromatism perceives only black, white, and shades of gray. Complete monochromatism is usually an inherited…
monochromat A person with one of the many forms of colorblindness. See also colorblindness.
monoarticular Involving just one joint, as opposed to polyarticular.
monoamine oxydase See MAO.