differentiation

differentiation /dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion/ (-en″she-a´shun)

1. the distinguishing of one thing from another.

2. the act or process of acquiring completely individual characters, as occurs in progressive diversification of embryonic cells and tissues.

3. increase in morphological or chemical heterogeneity.

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dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion (df-rnsh-shn)

n.

1. The acquisition or possession of a character or function different from that of the original type. Also called specialization.

2. See differential diagnosis.

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Differentiation

The ability to retain one's identity within a family system while maintaining emotional connections with the other members.

Mentioned in: Family Therapy

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differentiation

[dif′əren′shē·ā′shən]

Etymology: L, differentia, difference

1 (in embryology) a process in development in which unspecialized cells or tissues are systemically modified and altered to achieve specific and characteristic physical forms, physiologic functions, and chemical properties. Kinds of differentiation are correlative differentiation, functional differentiation, invisible differentiation, and self-differentiation.

2 progressive diversification leading to complexity.

3 acquisition of functions and forms different from those of the original.

4 distinguishing of one thing or disease from another, as in differential diagnosis.

5 (in psychology) mental autonomy or separation of intellect and emotions so that one is not dominated by reactive anxiety of a family or group emotional system.

6 the first subphase of the separation-individuation phase in Mahler's system of preoedipal development. It generally occurs between 5 and 9 months of age, coinciding with the maturation of partial locomotor functioning and the beginning of the child's viewing the mother as a separate being. differentiate, v.

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differentiation

1. the distinguishing of one thing from another.

2. the act or process of acquiring completely individual characteristics, such as occurs in the progressive diversification of cells and tissues in the embryo, e.g. sex differentiation.

3. increase in morphological or chemical heterogeneity.

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differentiation

Oncology The degree to which tumor cells resemble normal cells; differentiated cells grow more slowly than undifferentiated tumor cells. See Dedifferentiation.

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Patient discussion about differentiation.

Q. how can i differentiate between normal stomach ache and an Appendicitis? I've been having a strange sharp pain in my stomach lately and a friend of mine told me it could be Appendicitis.

A. When you have Appendicitis, there should be a sharp pain on the right lower Abdomen. but you mustn't forget that Appendicitis is an inflammation. which means you'll have a fever some time in the near future, and it always get worse. not like other Abdominal pains. you'll vomit probably. i had my Appendix removed 2 years ago. don't worry, it's not too bad ;).

Q. What is the differential diagnosis of chest pain in a 35 year old woman? I am a 35 years old woman. I suffer from chest pain for about 24 hours. I just came back from a trip to Europe, and i feel really bad. I smoke and I take anti contraceptive and i know that I am at a risk for pulmonary embolism or costochondritis. Cat it be something else?

A. The differential diagnosis of chest pain is very wide.
It can start in costochondritis if u carried a lot of luggage or might be pulmonary embolism if you didn't move from the chair all the flight. But it can also be a sign for an acute coronary syndrome (even at the age of 35) or a pericarditis. To be sure you need to consult with your GP.

Q. How do you differentiate between fluorosis and caries? Both appear as white spots on the teeth, so clinically how do you differentiate between them? I know it has something to do with their appearance while wet and dry, but I am not sure what? please help me I can't find this in any book.

A. Only mild fluorosis is seen as white stop lesion on the tooth. It usually comes with brown spots. Look for them. Another method is trying to stick a dental explorer into it (not the Microsoft one- it’ll only be a portal for viruses..) and because caries is demineralized area it will feel kind of sticky. But I wouldn’t do that…it can harm the teeth. Another way is by an x ray. Fluorosis- you will see it as a whiter spot. Caries- a more translucent spot.