News Articles February 2022

Meninges, Plural of Meninx

Any membrane; specifically, one of the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

The brain and spinal cord are covered by 3 connective tissue layers collectively called the meninges that consist of the pia mater, the arachnoid and the dura mater. The meninges also support blood vessels and contain cerebrospinal fluid. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges; if severe, may become encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

Metastases

The spread of a disease process from one part of the body to another.

The appearance of abnormal tissue growths (malignant or nonmalignant) in parts of the body remote from the site of the primary tumor.

Microadenoma

Small adenoma.

Less than 10 mm in size.

Microscopy

Using an operating microscope to better visualize a small operating field or perform delicate surgery.

The examination of minute objects by means of a microscope, an instrument which provides an enlarged image of an object not visible with the naked eye.

Milliroentgens

One-thousandth of a roentgen.

The international unit of exposure for x-rays or gamma rays.

Modality

A form of application or employment of a therapeutic agent or regimen.

A method of treatment. For example, surgery and chemotherapy are treatment modalities.

Monoclonal Antibodies (MAB)

A biological response modifier with unique ‘homing device” properties.

Chemicals or radiation tagged to the MAB may be delivered directly to tumor cells. Or, the MAB itself may be capable of tumor cell destruction.

Musculoskeletal

Relating to muscles and to the skeleton, as, for example, the musculoskeletal system.

The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the skeleton, which provides mechanical support and determines shape; the muscles, which power movement; and connective tissues such as tendon and ligament, which hold the other components together. The cartilage surfaces of joints and the intervertebral discs of the spine allow for movement and flexibility. The Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases of the NIAMS supports research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system and its component tissues. Key public health problems addressed by this research include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and muscular dystrophy. Research is conducted at every level, from fundamental biology to clinical intervention.

Mutate

Change in the genetic material (DNA) inside the cell.

To change the genetic material of a cell. The changes (mutations) can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect.

Needle Biopsy

Removal of tissue or suspensions of cells from living patients through a small needle for diagnostic examination.

The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Fine-needle aspiration is used when a doctor finds a lump that appears to be a cyst. Removal of fluid from the lump is done using a thin needle and a syringe.
A core needle biopsy uses a needle with a special cutting edge. The core needle is inserted through a small cut in the skin, and a small core of tissue is removed.