GLOSSARY. 



Abscissa. The line forming the basis of measurement of graphic 

 records, along which the time measurement is commonly made. 



Accommodation. The focusing of the eye for different distances ; 

 it depends upon changes in the lens, which becomes more convex 

 for near objects. 



Acinous glands. Secreting organs composed of small saccules filled 

 with glandular epithelium connected with the twigs of a branched 

 duct ; like the berries on a bunch of grapes. 



Adenoid tissue. The follicular part of lymphatic glands composed 

 of reticular tissue containing the lymph corpuscles. 



Adequate stimulus. The particular form of stimulus which excites 

 the nerve endings of a special sense organ. 



Afferent nerves. Nerves bearing impulses to the great nervous cen- 

 tres, from the various parts of the body, so as to give information to 

 the sensorium, or to excite reflex actions. 



Agminate glands. A name applied to those lymph follicles that 

 occur in groups in the lower part of the small intestine. 



Albumin. A term derived from the Latin for the white of egg 

 (albumen), used in physiology to denote a complex chemical sub- 

 stance which may be obtained from ova, blood plasma, and many 

 tissues of animals and plants. 



Albuminoids. A class of nitrogenous substances allied to the albumins 

 in composition, but differing from them in many important respects. 



Allantois. A vascular outgrowth from the embryo which in mammals 

 helps to form the placenta, and in birds becomes the respiratory 

 organ of the embryo. 



Alveoli. The term used to denote the small cavities found in some 

 parts, such as the air spaces of the lungs. 



Amnion. The membranous sack which grows around the embryo and 

 envelops the foetus while it is being developed in utero. 



Amoeba. A unicellular organism consisting of a nucleated mass of 

 protoplasm. 



Amorphous. Without definite or regular form ; the opposite of crys- 

 talline. 



Amylolytic. Relating to the conversion of starch into dextrin and 

 grape sugar. 



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