Glossary

The ration of the length of the line from the basion (anterior, midline rim of Foramen Magnum) to the posterior arch of C1 divided by the distance of the line from the anterior arch of C1 to the opisthion (posterior, midline rim of the Foramen Magnum).  An equal length in the two lines (quotient of one) is normal, whereas a ratio or quotient of first line divided by the second suggests a possible atlanta-occipital dislocation, ann odontoid fracture or a fracture of the ring of the atlas (C1).

Packed Red Blood Cells – Concentrated red blood cells used for blood transfusion to improve the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity. When prepared the white blood cells and much of the plasma components of the volume of blood being processed are removed.

Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. A protein that silences gene expression by catalyzing the methylation of H3K27 (process abrieviated H3K27me3), a process vital to normal cell development, differentiation and maintenance of cell identity. Its dysfunction related to cancer and abnormal development in humans.

Pro re nata – Latin for “as the circumstance arises” or “in the circumstance”. In common medical use its meaning is “as needed” or “as the situation arises” and it is typically used in prescribing medications to be used as needed..

Proximal Range of Motion. This is the range of motion of a body part achieved when it is moved by an outside force such as an examiner moving an arm or leg of a person they are examining.

Refers to breaking apart or destroying a protein.

A hyper-coagulable state.  A propensity for blood clotting or coagulating in the veins as would be seen with an abnormality in the blood’s coagulation system.

Prothrombin Time – a laboratory blood test for a component of the body’s blood clotting system.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog gene. This gene encodes a protein that is critical in maintaining cell cycle control and in tumor suppression.

Partial Thromboplastin Time – a laboratory blood test of a component of the body’s blood clotting system.