C
confabulation - connexus

confabulation (con·fab·u·la·tion) (kon”fab-u-la´shən) [l. confabulari to converse together]  unconscious filling in of gaps in memory with fabricated facts and experiences, most commonly associated with organic pathology. It differs from lying in that the patient has no intention to deceive and believes the fabricated memories to be real. Called also fabrication and fabulation.

confection (con·fec·tion) (kən-fek´shən) [L. confectio]  a medicated conserve, sweetmeat, or electuary.

c. of senna  a mild laxative containing powdered senna with other ingredients.

confertus (con·fer·tus) (kən-fər´təs) [L.]  close together; confluent.

confidentiality (con·fi·den·ti·al·i·ty) (kon”fĭ-den”she-al´ĭ-te)  the principle in medical ethics that the information a patient reveals to a health care provider is private and has limits on how and when it can be disclosed to a third party; usually the provider must obtain permission from the patient to make such a disclosure.

configuration (con·fig·u·ra·tion) (kən-fig”u-ra´shən)  the arrangement of parts of a whole. In chemistry, the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, the property that distinguishes a compound from its stereoisomers. Cf. constitution.

cis c.  in genetics, arrangement of two or more loci, especially pseudoalleles, occurring on the same chromosome of a homologous pair. Cf. trans c.

trans c.  in genetics, arrangement of two or more loci, especially pseudoalleles, on opposite chromosomes of a homologous pair. Cf. cis c.

conflict (con·flict) (kon´flikt)  in psychiatry, a psychic struggle, often unconscious, arising from the clash of incompatible or opposing impulses, wishes, drives, or external demands.

approach-approach c.  conflict resulting from two available goals which are desirable but incompatible.

approach-avoidance c.  conflict resulting from a single goal having both desirable and undesirable consequences or qualities.

avoidance-avoidance c.  conflict resulting from the desire to avoid two equally distasteful alternatives.

extrapsychic c.  conflict between a person's wishes or needs and the expectations or desires of others.

intrapersonal c.  intrapsychic c.

intrapsychic c.  conflict between incompatible and often unconscious wishes, impulses, needs, thoughts, or demands within one's own mind. Called also intrapersonal c.

confluence (con·flu·ence) (kon´floo-əns) [L. confluens running together]  1. a place of running together; the meeting of streams.  2. in embryology, the flowing of cells, a component process of gastrulation.

c. of sinuses  confluens sinuum.

confluens (con·flu·ens) (kon´floo-əns) [L., from confluere to run together]  confluence.

c. si´nuum  [TA]  confluence of (venous) sinuses: the dilated point of confluence of the superior sagittal, straight, occipital, and two transverse sinuses of the dura mater, lodged in a depression at one side of the internal occipital protuberance; called also torcular Herophili.

confluent (con·flu·ent) (kon´floo-ənt) [L. confluens running together]  becoming merged; not discrete.

confocal (con·fo·cal) (kon-fo´kəl)  having the same focus.

conformation (con·for·ma·tion) (kon”for-ma´shən)  the particular shape of an entity. In chemistry, the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule produced by rotations about single bonds, the property that distinguishes different conformers (conformational isomers) from each other.

conformer (con·form·er) (kən-for´mər)  1. any of the group of structures that are produced by rotations about single bonds in a molecule.  2. a device that covers the surface of a spherical eye implant, used following enucleation to preserve the shape of the conjunctival fornices prior to the fitting of a cosmetic prosthesis.

confounder (con·found·er) (kən-foun´dər)  a third variable that can indirectly distort the statistical relationship between two variables under manipulation or observation.

confounding (con·found·ing) (kon-foun´ding)  interference by a third variable so as to distort the association being studied between two other variables, because of a strong relationship with both of the other variables; a relationship between two causal factors such that their individual contributions cannot be separated.

confrication (con·fri·ca·tion) (kon”frĭ-ka´shən) [L. confricatio]  the rubbing of a drug to the consistency of a powder.

confrontation (con·fron·ta·tion) (kon”frən-ta´shən) [con- + frons face]  the act of facing or being made to face one's own attitudes and shortcomings, the way one is perceived, and the consequences of one's behavior, or of causing another to face these things; a therapeutic technique which demonstrates where change must begin, but which also has destructive potential.

confusion (con·fu·sion) (kən-fu´zhən) [L. confusus, past participle of confundere to mix together]  disturbed orientation in regard to time, place, or person, sometimes accompanied by disordered consciousness.

confusional (con·fu·sion·al) (kən-fu´zhən-əl)  pertaining to, characterized by, or resulting in confusion.

congelation (con·ge·la·tion) (kon”jə-la´shən) [L. congelatio]  frostbite or freezing.

congener (con·ge·ner) (kon´jə-nər) [con- + genus race]  1. something closely related to another thing or derived from the same source or stock, such as a member of the same genus, a muscle having the same function as another, or a chemical compound closely related to another in composition and exerting similar or antagonistic effects.  2. a secondary product in alcohol fermentation that helps to determine the composition of the final product.

congeneric (con·ge·ner·ic) (kon”jə-ner´ik)  pertaining to a congener.

congenerous (con·gen·er·ous) (kən-jen´ər-əs) [con- + genus race]  having a common action or function; derived from the same source. See congener.

congenic (con·gen·ic) (kən-jen´ik) [con- + L. genus race, kind]  pertaining to two inbred strains of animals that are genetically identical except at a single locus or a few specified loci so that their known genetic differences are expressed in the same “genetic background.” A congenic strain is produced by outbreeding a strain and then eliminating the background genes by many generations of backcrosses while maintaining the desired genetic differences by selection of progeny. Called also coisogenic.

congenital (con·gen·i·tal) (kən-jen´ĭ-təl) [L. congenitus born together]  existing at, and usually before, birth; referring to conditions that are present at birth, regardless of their causation. Cf. hereditary.

congested (con·gest·ed) (kən-jest´əd)  overloaded, as with blood; in a state of congestion.

congestin (con·ges·tin) (kən-jes´tin)  a toxic substance derived from the tentacles of sea anemones which, when injected into dogs, causes intense congestion of the splanchnic vessels, and hemorrhage; originally called actinocongestin.

congestion (con·ges·tion) (kən-jes´chən) [L. congestio, from congerere to heap together]  excessive or abnormal accumulation of fluid, as of blood in a part. Cf. hyperemia.

active c.  accumulation of blood in a part because of dilatation of the lumen of its supplying blood vessels.

functional c.  increased vascularization and flow of blood to an organ during the performance of its function. Called also physiologic c.

hypostatic c.  congestion of the lowest part of an organ simply from the effect of gravity when the circulation is weakened.

neurotonic c.  that which is due to irritation of the vasodilator nerves.

passive c.  congestion of a part due to obstruction to escape of blood from it; called also venous c.

physiologic c.  functional c.

pulmonary c.  engorgement of the pulmonary vessels, with transudation of fluid into the alveolar and interstitial spaces (pulmonary edema); it occurs in cardiac disease, infections, and certain injuries.

venous c.  passive c.

congestive (con·ges·tive) (kən-jes´tiv)  pertaining to, characterized by, or resulting in congestion.

conglobate (con·glo·bate) (kon´glo-bāt) [L. conglobatus]  forming a rounded mass or clump; said of certain glands and of a form of acne.

conglobation (con·glo·ba·tion) (kon”glo-ba´shən)  the act of forming, or the state of being formed, into a rounded mass.

conglomerate (con·glom·er·ate) (kən-glom´ər-āt) [L. con- together + glomerare to heap]  heaped together.

conglutin (con·glu·tin) (kən-gloo´tin)  a protein from almonds and from seeds of various leguminous plants.

conglutinant (con·glu·ti·nant) (kən-gloo´tĭ-nənt) [L. conglutinare to glue together]  promoting union, as of the edges of a wound.

conglutinatio (con·glu·ti·na·tio) (kən-gloo”tĭ-na´she-o) [L. conglutinare to glue together]  conglutination (def. 2).

c. orifi´cii exter´ni  a condition in labor in which the circular fibers around the cervical os will not relax, and the cervix does not dilate.

conglutination (con·glu·ti·na·tion) (kən-gloo”tĭ-na´shən)  1. agglutination by conglutinin or immunoconglutinin of bacteria or erythrocytes in the presence of specific antibody or complement components.  2. abnormal adhesion; see adhesion (def. 2).

conglutinin (con·glu·ti·nin) (kən-gloo´tĭ-nin)  a nonimmunoglobulin bovine serum protein that aggregates immune complexes with conglutinogen activity (inactivated C3b) in the presence of divalent cations. It has been used as an indicator system, replacing complement fixation, in serologic tests, and in the detection of immune complexes. Not to be confused with immunoconglutinin. Called also bovine colloid.

immune c.  immunoconglutinin.

conglutinogen (con·glu·ti·no·gen) (kən-gloo´tĭ-no-jən)  the capacity of certain immune complexes to react with conglutinin due to the fixation of the complement component C3 and the subsequent inactivation of C3b by factor I (formerly called conglutinogen-activating factor [KAF]).

congophilic (con·go·phil·ic) (kon”go-fil´ik) [Congo red + -philic]  staining with Congo red.

coni (co·ni) (ko´ni) [L.]  genitive and plural of conus.

conic (con·ic) (kon´ik)  conical.

conical (con·i·cal) (kon´ĭ-kəl)  cone-shaped.

Conidae (Co·ni·dae) (kon´ĭ-de)  the cones, a family of gastropods of the order Neogastropoda that live in warm ocean water. Some members of the genus Conus have a poisonous bite.

conidia (co·nid·ia) (ko-nid´e-ə) [L.]  plural of conidium.

conidial (co·nid·i·al) (ko-nid´e-əl)  1. pertaining to or of the nature of conidia.  2. bearing conidia.

Conidiobolus (Co·ni·dio·bo·lus) (ko-nid”e-ob´o-ləs) [conidium + Gr. bolos a throw]  a genus of fungi of the family Entomophthoraceae, having few septa in the mycelium and producing few zygospores but many chlamydospores and a large number of conidia that are ejected from the conidiophores. C. corona´tus is usually a saprobe but sometimes causes entomophthoromycosis in humans and horses. C. incon´gruus has been isolated from a few cases of human entomophthoromycosis.

conidiogenesis (co·nid·io·gen·e·sis) (ko-nid”e-o-jen´ə-sis)  the development of conidia; the two principal types are blastic c. and thallic c.

blastic c.  that in which a fertile hypha or conidiogenous cell enlarges or blows out to form a conidium before delimitation by a septa takes place; two types are distinguished, holoblastic c. and enteroblastic c.

enteroarthric c.  thallic-arthric c. in which conidia are formed from only the inner part of the wall of the conidiogenous cell.

enteroblastic c.  blastic c. in which only the inner part of the cell wall is used to form the conidium.

holoarthric c.  thallic-arthric c. in which conidia are formed from both walls of the conidiogenous cell.

holoblastic c.  blastic c. in which all of the cell wall is used to form the conidium.

holothallic c.  thallic c. in which just one portion of the conidiogenous cell disarticulates to form a conidium.

thallic c.  that in which an entire parent cell becomes a conidium with formation of a septum, without enlargement or new growth. Two types are distinguished: holothallic c. and thallic-arthric c.

thallic-arthric c.  thallic c. in which several conidia form by separation at the septa; two types are distinguished: enteroarthric c. and holoarthric c.

conidiogenous (co·nid·io·gen·ous) (kə-nid”e-oj´ə-nəs)  producing conidia.

conidioma (co·ni·di·o·ma) (kə-nid”e-o´mə)  pl. conidio´mata  A specialized, polyhyphal structure bearing conidia.

conidiophore (co·nid·io·phore) (ko-nid´e-o-for) [conidium + -phore]  the branch of the mycelium of a fungus that bears conidia.

determinate c.  one whose growth does not continue after a conidium has started to form.

indeterminate c.  one that continues to lengthen as sporulation continues.

macronematous c.  one noticeably different morphologically from its hypha.

micronematous c.  one similar morphologically to its hypha.

conidiospore (co·nid·io·spore) (ko-nid´e-o-spor) [Gr. konidion a particle of dust + spore]  conidium.

conidium (co·nid·i·um) (kə-nid´e-əm)  pl. conid´ia [L., from Gr. konidion a particle of dust]  An asexual fungal spore that is deciduous (shed at maturity) and formed by budding or splitting off from the summit of a conidiophore. Called also conidiospore and exospore. See also aleurioconidium and chlamydoconidium.

coniine (co·ni·ine) (co´ne-ēn)  a poisonous alkaloid found in Conium maculatum; it causes gastrointestinal irritation and paralysis with respiratory failure in many animal species, including humans.

coni(o)- (coni(o)-) [Gr. konis dust]  combining form denoting a relationship to dust.

coniofibrosis (co·nio·fi·bro·sis) (ko”ne-o-fi-bro´sis) [conio- + fibrosis]  a form of pneumoconiosis marked by an exuberant growth of connective tissue caused by a specific irritant, as in asbestosis, silicosis, and silicotuberculosis.

coniology (co·ni·ol·o·gy) (ko-ne-ol´ə-je) [conio- + -logy]  the scientific study of dust and its influence and its effects on plant and animal life.

coniolymphstasis (co·nio·lymph·sta·sis) (ko”ne-o-limf´stə-sis)  a form of pneumoconiosis caused by dusts that act by blocking the lymphatics.

coniometer (co·ni·om·e·ter) (ko”ne-om´ə-tər)  konimeter.

coniophage (co·nio·phage) (ko´ne-o-fāj”) [conio- + -phage]  a macrophage that ingests dust particles.

coniosis (co·ni·o·sis) (ko”ne-o´sis) [Gr. konis dust]  a disease state caused by the inhalation of dust, such as byssinosis or pneumoconiosis.

Coniosporium (Co·nio·spor·i·um) (ko”ne-o-spor´e-əm)  Cryptostroma.

coniosporosis (co·nio·spo·ro·sis) (ko”ne-o-spo-ro´sis)  maple bark disease.

coniotomy (co·ni·ot·o·my) (ko”ne-ot´ə-me)  cricothyrotomy.

coniotoxicosis (co·nio·tox·i·co·sis) (ko”ne-o-tok”sĭ-ko´sis)  a form of pneumoconiosis in which the irritants affect the tissues directly.

Conium (Co·ni·um) (ko-ni´əm) [L., from Gr. kōneion]  a genus of plants of the family Umbelliferae. C. macula´tum L. is the poison hemlock (q.v.).

conization (con·iza·tion) (kon”ĭ-za´shən)  the removal of a cone of tissue, as in partial excision of the cervix uteri.

cold c.  that done with a cold knife, as opposed to electrocautery.

laser c.  that done with a laser beam.

conjoined (con·joined) (kən-joind´)  joined together; united; see conjoined twins, under twins.

conjugal (con·ju·gal) (kon´j-gəl) [con- + jugal]  pertaining to marriage; pertaining to husband and wife.

conjugant (con·ju·gant) (kon´j-gənt)  either individual of a pair of organisms or gametes during the process of conjugation; after separation, each is known as an exconjugant.

conjugata (con·ju·ga·ta) (kon”j-ga´tə)  1. conjugate (def. 1).  2. conjugata anatomica pelvis.

c. anato´mica pel´vis  [TA]  anatomical conjugate of pelvis: the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet (superior aperture of the pelvis), measured from the superior margin of the symphysis pubis to the sacrovertebral angle; called also conjugata vera pelvis; anteroposterior or conjugate diameter of pelvis; anatomical, internal, or true conjugate diameter; and anatomical, internal, or true conjugate.

c. diagona´lis pel´vis  [TA]  diagonal conjugate of pelvis: a diameter of the pelvic inlet; the distance from the posterior surface of the pubis to the tip of the sacral promontory. Called also diagonal conjugate diameter.

c. exter´na pel´vis  [TA]  external conjugate of pelvis: the distance from the depression under the last lumbar spine to the upper margin of the pubis; called also external conjugate diameter and Baudelocque's diameter or line.

c. ve´ra pel´vis  [TA]  c. anatomica pelvis.

c. ve´ra obstet´rica  obstetric conjugate diameter.

conjugate (con·ju·gate) (kon´j-gāt) [L. conjugatus yoked together]  1. the distance between two specified opposite points on the periphery of the pelvic inlet. Called also conjugate diameter and pelvic c.  2. conjugata anatomica pelvis.  3. the product of chemical conjugation.

anatomical c. ,  anatomical c. of pelvis  conjugata anatomica pelvis.

diagonal c.  diagonal conjugate diameter.

external c.  conjugata externa pelvis.

internal c.  conjugata anatomica pelvis.

obstetric c.  obstetric conjugate diameter.

pelvic c.  conjugate (def. 1).

true c.  conjugata anatomica pelvis.

conjugation (con·ju·ga·tion) (kon”j-ga´shən) [L. conjugatio a blending]  1. the act of joining together or the state of being conjugated.  2. a sexual process seen in bacteria, ciliate protozoa, and certain fungi in which nuclear material is exchanged during the temporary fusion of two cells (conjugants). In bacterial genetics, a form of sexual reproduction in which a donor bacterium (male) contributes some, or all, of its DNA (in the form of a replicated set) to a recipient (female), which then incorporates differing genetic information into its own chromosome by recombination and passes the recombined set on to its progeny by replication. In ciliate protozoa, two conjugants of separate mating types exchange micronuclear material and then separate, each now being a fertilized cell. In certain fungi, the process involves fusion of two gametes, resulting in union of their nuclei and formation of a zygote.  3. in chemistry, the joining together of two compounds to produce another compound, such as the combination of a toxic product with some substance in the body to form a detoxified product that can then be eliminated, or the binding of tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies to cytotoxic drugs in immunotherapy.

conjunctiva (con·junc·ti·va) (kən-jənk´ti-və)  pl. conjunc´tivae [L.]  the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the sclera, divided into the palpebral c. and the bulbar or ocular c. Called also tunica conjunctiva [TA].

bulbar c. ,  ocular c.  the portion of the tunica conjunctiva covering the cornea and front part of the sclera, appearing white because of the sclera behind it; called also tunica conjunctiva bulbaris and tunica conjunctiva bulbi [TA].

palpebral c.  the portion of the tunica conjunctiva lining the eyelids, appearing red because of its great vascularity. Called also tunica conjunctiva palpebralis and tunica conjunctiva palpebrarum [TA].

conjunctival (con·junc·ti·val) (kən-junk´tĭ-vəl)  pertaining to the conjunctiva.

conjunctiviplasty (con·junc·ti·vi·plas·ty) (kən-junk´tĭ-vĭ-plas”te)  conjunctivoplasty.

conjunctivitis (con·junc·ti·vi·tis) (kən-junk”tĭ-vi´tis)  inflammation of the conjunctiva, generally consisting of conjunctival hyperemia associated with a discharge.

actinic c.  conjunctivitis produced by ultraviolet (actinic) rays, as that of Klieg lights, therapeutic lamps, or acetylene torches. Called also arc-flash or welder's c., flash keratoconjunctivitis, and actinic ray, electric, flash, or ultraviolet ray ophthalmia.

acute contagious c. ,  acute epidemic c.  a mucopurulent, epidemic conjunctivitis caused by Haemophilus aegyptius, occurring in the spring or fall, with the same symptoms as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis. Called also pinkeye.

acute hemorrhagic c.  a highly contagious disease, certain epidemics of which have been associated etiologically with enteroviruses, characterized by subconjunctival hemorrhage varying from minute petechiae to confluent hemorrhages, and by sudden swelling of the eyelids and congestion, redness, and pain in the eye.

allergic c.  conjunctival inflammation, itching, tearing, and redness caused by allergens; it includes vernal conjunctivitis, phlyctenular conjunctivitis, and that occurring in hay fever.

angular c.  conjunctivitis with characteristic reddening at the canthi, usually due to Morax-Axenfeld bacillus or Staphylococcus aureus; called also diplobacillary c. and Morax-Axenfeld c.

arc-flash c.  actinic c.

atopic c.  allergic conjunctivitis of the immediate type, due to such airborne allergens as pollens, dusts, spores, and animal hair.

atropine c.  follicular conjunctivitis from continued use of atropine.

blennorrheal c.  gonorrheal c.

calcareous c.  c. petrificans.

catarrhal c., acute  an acute, infectious conjunctivitis associated with cold or catarrh and marked by vivid hyperemia, edema, loss of translucence, and mucous or mucopurulent discharge. Called also mucopurulent c., simple c., and simple acute c.

catarrhal c., chronic  a mild, chronic conjunctivitis with only slight hyperemia and mucous discharge. It may be a sequel to acute catarrhal conjunctivitis, or the result of eyestrain, dust, glare, or ingrown lashes.

chemical c.  that due to exposure to chemical irritants.

croupous c.  pseudomembranous c.

diphtheritic c.  membranous conjunctivitis occurring as a primary infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae or secondarily to diphtheria of the respiratory tract.

diplobacillary c.  angular c.

eczematous c.  phlyctenular c.

Egyptian c.  trachoma.

epidemic c.  acute contagious c.

follicular c.  a form characterized by dense localized infiltrations of lymphoid tissue that occur as a response to irritation.

gonococcal c. ,  gonorrheal c.  a severe form caused by infection with gonococci, marked by greatly swollen conjunctivae and eyelids and by a profuse purulent discharge. The infection is bilateral in newborns, who acquire it from an infected vaginal passage; it is usually unilateral in adults, who acquire it by autoinoculation into the eye of other gonococcal infections, e.g., gonococcal urethritis, either in themselves or in others. Called also blennorrheal c. and gonoblennorrhea. Cf. gonorrheal ophthalmia and ophthalmia neonatorum, under ophthalmia.

granular c.  trachoma.

inclusion c.  conjunctivitis caused by an organism (Chlamydia trachomatis) of the psittacosis-lymphogranuloma venereum-trachoma group; it affects primarily newborn infants, beginning as an acute purulent conjunctivitis that leads to papillary hypertrophy of the palpebral conjunctiva. Called also inclusion blennorrhea and swimming pool c.

infantile purulent c.  ophthalmia neonatorum.

Koch-Weeks c.  acute contagious c.

larval c.  myiasis of the conjunctiva.

lithiasis c.  c. petrificans.

c. medicamento´sa  conjunctivitis due to medication.

membranous c.  severe conjunctivitis marked by the presence of a membrane on the inner surface of the lids formed by the profuse fibrinous exudation from the cul-de-sac, which on attempted removal leaves a raw, bleeding surface; it is caused by various bacteria, including Corynebacterium diphtheriae, streptococci, gonococci, and pneumococci. Cf. pseudomembranous c.

meningococcus c.  conjunctivitis occurring as a complication of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis.

molluscum c.  conjunctivitis occurring as a complication of molluscum contagiosum.

Morax-Axenfeld c.  angular c.

mucopurulent c.  acute catarrhal c.

necrotic infectious c.  a unilateral, purulent, necrotic conjunctivitis marked by small, diffuse, elevated, white spots in the palpebral conjunctiva and fornices, with ipsilateral swelling of the preauricular, parotid, and submaxillary lymph glands. Called also Pascheff's c.

neonatal c.  ophthalmia neonatorum.

c. nodo´sa ,  nodular c.  ophthalmia nodosa.

Parinaud's c.  Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome.

Pascheff's c.  necrotic infectious c.

c. petri´ficans  a variety of conjunctivitis marked by the formation of deposits of chalky concretions in the conjunctiva and attended with necrosis; called also calcareous c., lithiasis c., and uratic c.

phlyctenular c.  a variety marked by small vesicles or ulcers, each surrounded by a reddened zone; called also eczematous c. and scrofular c. See also phlyctenulosis.

pseudomembranous c.  inflammation of the conjunctiva resembling membranous conjunctivitis except that the membrane can be removed without traumatizing the epithelium and in addition to being caused by bacterial infections can also be caused by toxic and allergic factors and various viral infections. Called also croupous c.

purulent c.  acute conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses, particularly gonococci, meningococci, pneumococci, and streptococci, characterized by severe inflammation of the conjunctiva and copious discharge of pus.

scrofular c.  phlyctenular c.

shipyard c.  epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

simple c. ,  simple acute c.  acute catarrhal c.

spring c.  vernal c.

swimming pool c.  inclusion c.

trachomatous c.  trachoma.

tularemic c.  see oculoglandular tularemia, under tularemia.

uratic c.  c. petrificans.

vaccinial c.  autovaccinia affecting the eye.

vernal c.  bilateral conjunctivitis of seasonal occurrence, of unknown cause, affecting children, especially boys. Flattened papules and a thick, gelatinous exudate develop on the conjunctivae on the inside of the upper lid; itching and photophobia are present. The condition is usually self-limiting, but it may become severe if corneal vascularization and ulceration develop. Also called vernal catarrh and spring ophthalmia.

welder's c.  actinic c.

Widmark's c.  congestion of the inferior tarsal conjunctiva, with occasional slight stippling of the cornea.

conjunctivodacryocystostomy (con·junc·ti·vo·dac·ryo·cys·tos·to·my) (kən-junk”tĭ-vo-dak”re-o-sis-tos´tə-me)  surgical connection of the lacrimal sac directly to the conjunctival sac.

conjunctivoma (con·junc·ti·vo·ma) (kən-junk”tĭ-vo´mə)  a tumor of the eyelid made up of conjunctival tissue.

conjunctivoplasty (con·junc·ti·vo·plas·ty) (kən-junk´tĭ-vo-plas”te) [conjunctiva + -plasty]  repair of a defect of the conjunctiva by plastic surgery.

conjunctivorhinostomy (con·junc·ti·vo·rhi·nos·to·my) (kən-junk”tĭ-vo-ri-nos´tə-me)  surgical correction of total lacrimal canalicular obstruction: a dacryocystorhinostomy is done by suturing the posterior flaps, and the lacrimal caruncle is dissected out, preserving the conjunctiva.

Conn's syndrome (Conn's syndrome) (konz) [Jerome W. Conn, American internist, 1907–1994]  primary aldosteronism.

connectin (con·nec·tin) (kə-nek´tin)  titin.

connection (con·nec·tion) (kə-nek´shən)  1. something that joins other things together.  2. the act of joining or state of being joined together.  3. connector.

clamp c.  a short tubular branch connecting one cell of a hypha to another, formed by fusion during cell division in certain basidiomycetous fungi, and serving in the transfer of the two daughter nuclei of the parent cell to a newly formed cell.

intertendinous c.’s  connexus intertendinei.

Luer-Lok c.  a connection between extracorporeal equipment for peritoneal dialysis and the intra-abdominal catheter, using two rigid tubes that screw together.

connectology (con·nec·tol·o·gy) (kə-nek-tol´ə-je)  term coined to refer to the equipment and methods used to connect the dialysis apparatus outside the body to the intra-abdominal catheter.

connector (con·nec·tor) (kə-nek´tər)  1. anything serving as a link between two separate objects or units.  2. the part of a fixed partial denture that unites the retainer and the pontic; it may be rigid or nonrigid.

major c.  a rigid unit of a removable partial denture, serving as its chassis, which joins the parts of the prosthesis on one side of the dental arch to those on the other side, and to which all other components are attached. Called also saddle c. Cf. connector bar.

minor c.  a connecting link between the major connector or base of a partial denture and other units of the prosthesis, such as clasps, indirect retainers, and occlusal rests; called also connector bar.

saddle c.  major c.

Connell suture (Con·nell suture) (kon´əl) [Frank Gregory Connell, American surgeon, 1875–1968]  see under suture.

connexin 26 (con·nex·in 26) (kə-nek´sin)  the primary protein component of connexon at gap junctions; mutation in its gene is a common cause of hearing loss.

connexon (con·nex·on) (kə-nek´son)  the functional unit of a gap junction; it is the hexagonal array of membrane-spanning proteins around a central lumen that connects with its counterpart in an adjacent cell to form the intercellular pore of the gap junction.

connexus (con·nex·us) (kə-nek´səs) gen. and pl. connex´us [L., variant of conexus, q.v.]   [TA] a connecting structure; written also conexus.

c. intertendi´nei  [TA]  intertendinous connections: narrow bands extending obliquely between the tendons of insertion of the extensor digitorum muscles on the dorsum of the hand. Called also juncturae tendinum and tendinous junctions.

c. interthala´micus  adhesio interthalamica.