fibrae pontis transversae |
Fibres arising from the pontine nuclei, decussate and pass into the cerebellum as the middle cerebellar peduncles. Synonym: fibrae pontis transversae. (05 Mar 2000) |
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fibrae pyramidales |
The fibres that compose the pyramidal tract (corticospinalis). Synonym: fibrae corticospinales, corticospinal fibres, fibrae pyramidales. (05 Mar 2000) |
fibrae zonulares |
Delicate fibres that pass from the equator of the lens to the ciliary body, collectively known as the ciliary zonule. Synonym: fibrae zonulares. (05 Mar 2000) |
fibraemia |
Presence of formed fibrin in the blood, causing thrombosis or embolism. Synonym: inosaemia. Origin: fibrin + G. Haima, blood (05 Mar 2000) |
fibre |
A substance found in foods that come from plants (fruits and vegetables) and typically cannot be digested. Also called bulk or roughage. Fibre helps in the digestive process and is thought to lower cholesterol and help control blood glucose. The two types of fibre in food are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre, found in beans, fruits, and oat products, dissolves in water and is thought to help lower blood fats and blood glucose. Insoluble fibre, found in whole-grain products and vegetables, passes directly through the digestive system, helping to rid the body of waste products and possibly prevent diseases such as colon cancer. High fibre diets help delay the progression of diverticulosis and, at least, reduce the bouts of diverticulitis. In many cases, it helps reduce the symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis, and nervous colon syndrome.) It is generally accepted that a diet high in fibre is protective, or at least reduces the incidence, of colon polyps and colon cancer. Soluble fibre substances are effective in helping reduce the blood cholesterol. This is especially true with oat bran, fruits, psyllium and legumes. High soluble-fibre diets may lower cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins ( the 'bad' lipoproteins ) by 8% to 15%. Insoluble fibre retains water in the colon, resulting in a softer and larger stool. It is used effectively in treating constipation resulting from poor dietary habits. Bran is particularly rich in insoluble fibre. Soluble fibres (oat bran, apples, citrus, pears, peas/beans, psyllium, etc.) slow down the digestion of carbohydrates (sugars), which results in better glucose metabolism. Some patients with the adult-onset diabetes may actually be successfully treated with a high-fibre diet alone, and those on insulin, can often reduce their insulin requirements by adhering to a high-fibre diet. (12 Dec 1998) |
fibre cell |
<plant biology> Greatly elongated type of plant cell with very thick lignified wall. Usually dead at maturity, this cell type is specialised for the provision of mechanical strength. Fibre cells and sclereids together make up the tissue known as sclerenchyma. (18 Nov 1997) |
fibreoptic |
Pertaining to fibreoptics. (05 Mar 2000) |
fibreoptic endoscope |
<instrument> A flexible fibreoptic scope that is used to directly visualize the internal anatomy of a hollow organ. Fibreoptics technology uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit light (along their length through internal reflection) for imaging. (12 Nov 1997) |
fibreoptics |
<optics> An optical system in which the image is conveyed by a compact bundle of small diameter, flexible, glass or plastic fibres. (05 Mar 2000) |
fibres of lens |
<biology, ophthalmology, physiology> The elongated cells of ectodermal origin forming the substance of the crystalline lens of the eye. Synonym: fibrae lentis. (05 Mar 2000) |
fibrescope |
<instrument> An optical instrument that transmits light and carries images back to the observer through a flexible bundle of small (about 10 micron) glass or plastic fibres. It is used to inspect of interior portions of the body. See: fibreoptics. (05 Mar 2000) |
fibriform |
<biology> Having the form of a fibre or fibres; resembling a fibre. Origin: L. Fibra a fibre. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
fibril |
The diminuitive of fibre. A small fibre, a fine thread. (12 Dec 1998) |
fibrilla |
<biology> A minute thread of fibre, as one of the fibrous elements of a muscular fibre; a fibril. Origin: NL. See Fibril. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
fibrillar |
1. Relating to a fibril. 2. <biology> Denoting the fine rapid contractions or twitchings of fibres or of small groups of fibres in skeletal or cardiac muscle. Synonym: filar. (05 Mar 2000) |