function (redirected from functionless)

function /func·tion/ (funk´shun)

1. the special, normal, or proper physiologic activity of an organ or part.

2. to perform such activity.

3. in mathematics, a rule that assigns to each member of one set (the domain) a value in another set (the range).

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func·tion (fngkshn)

n.

1. The physiological property or the special action of an organ or body part.

2. Something closely related to another thing and dependent on it for its existence, value, or significance, such as growth resulting from nutrition.

3. A mathematical variable so related to another that for each value assumed by one there is a value determined for the other.

4. A rule of correspondence between two sets such that there is a unique element in the second set assigned to each element in the first set.

5. The general properties of a substance, depending on its chemical character and relation to other substances, that provide the basis upon which it may be grouped as among acids or bases.

6. A particular reactive grouping in a molecule.

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function

[fungk′shən]

Etymology: L, functio, performance

1  n, an act, process, or series of processes that serve a purpose.

2  v, to perform an activity or to work properly and normally.

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function,

n/v the normal or special action of a part. As a noun,
function has the following synonyms:
role, capacity, task, use, purpose, service, activity, and
direction. As a verb, it has the following synonyms:
act, operate, work, perform, go, take effect, and
serve. Use of the term to express intended purpose may be misleading.

function, auxiliary,

n a function that is supplementary or additional to the function for which the part or organ is primarily intended.

function, dental, normal,

n the correct action of opposing teeth in the process of mastication; sometimes referred to as normal occlusion.

function, group,

n the simultaneous contact of opposing teeth in a segment or group.

function, heavy (occlusal function),

n an increase in functional activities of the tooth, which may result in compensatory changes in the attachment apparatus (e.g., a stronger periodontal ligament) with an increase in the number of fibers, a reinforcement of the supporting bone by formation of new bone, and the formation of cemental spikes, which are calcifications of the cemental fibers. Such changes take place so that the increased stress may be withstood without damage.

function, impaired,

n a diminished, weakened, or less-than-optimal work or action.

function, insufficiency of,

n the hypofunction of the tooth, which may lead to regressive changes in the attachment apparatus and supporting bone. The severity of lesions varies with the degree of hypofunction. See also atrophy of disuse.

function, muscle,

n the action of muscle, which is principally contraction.

function, occlusal,

n See function, heavy.

function, physiologic,

n the degree of activity that stimulates the physical structures but that is so limited as not to irritate those tissues.

function, skeletal,

n the role of the skeleton in relation to the maintenance of body functions. The bony skeleton welds together and protects the softer vital visceral organs, supports and maintains the body form, and accomplishes body movement for locomotion, respiration, manual skills, and the functions associated with mandibular motion.

function, subcortical,

n the function controlled by all the structures of the brain except the outer cortical rim of the cerebrum; most of the nonconscious activities of a sensory and motor nature.

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function

1. the special, normal or proper action of any part or organ.

2. a variable quantity whose value at any time can be determined by the value at that time of some other variable because there is a fixed mathematical relationship between them. The first variable is said to be a function of the second.

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function abnormality

the basis of all disease; structural abnormalities are important only insofar as they impede normal function.

function tests

tests which assess the efficiency of functions of the organ, e.g. liver function, renal function tests, glucose tolerance, xylose absorption tests.

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function

1. The particular action of an organ or tissue. 2. Any two variables in which the value of one depends upon the value of the other.
contrast sensitivity f . (CSF) The graphical representation of contrast sensitivity for the detection of a sine wave grating from a uniform field as a function of its spatial frequency. It is done by reducing the contrast of a grating until it can no longer be resolved (this point represents the contrast threshold) and repeating the procedure for a number of different spatial frequencies. The contrast sensitivity (1/contrast threshold) is plotted against spatial frequency (Fig. F10). The CSF is greatest at a spatial frequency around 3 cycles/degree and the point where the curve intercepts the spatial frequency axis (called the cut-off frequency) represents the standard visual acuity of the subject at 100% contrast. See contrast sensitivity chart; spurious resolution; contrast sensitivity.
line-spread f . A mathematical description of the distribution of light across the image of a very thin bright line object. On the retina the image of a thin bright slit spreads over a distance subtending about six minutes of arc at which point the intensity is less than two log units below the maximum.
modulation transfer f . (MTF) A relationship between the spatial frequency of an image (e.g. in number of cycles per degree or lines per inch) and the modulation amplitude (i.e. the difference between the luminance at the peaks and troughs of a grating). This gives an indication of the ability of a lens to resolve a grating. The greater the quality of a lens, the higher the spatial frequency at which the modulation amplitude falls to zero. At this point the lens can no longer transfer spatial modulation of intensity from the object to the image and the image appears as a uniform intensity distribution. This technique has been applied to assess the quality of the retinal image by measuring the contrast sensitivity function.
point-spread function  (PSF) The mathematical description of the light distribution across the image of a point source. The shape and width of the function depends upon the amount of diffraction, aberrations and scatter and in the eye, the shape of the pupil. Its shape, which resembles a normal distribution, is conventionally defined by its 'half-width', being the width of the curve at half the peak luminance. If only diffraction is considered the point-spread function is known as Airy's disc.See Fig. D5

Fig. F10 Typical contrast sensitivity function of an adult human eye (O, cut-off frequency) (both scales are logarithmic)

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function

Vox populi The activity of a system. See Cognitive function, Core function, Hotel function, Sexual function.

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Patient discussion about functionless.

Q. How do i explain to my son that he has Autism? My son is 10 years old. He was diagnosed with High-functioning Autism about 3 years ago. His doctor told us that we should tell him that he has this disorder, but i've put it off and put it off. I now feel like i need to tell him and his brothers about Autism, but have no idea how to explain it to them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

A. My 10 year old has Asperger's Syndrome. There are several books written by kids with Aspergers. These have been very helpful. Even if your son's diagnosis isn't exactly Asperger's, I'm sure he could relate to the stories. Christian enjoys reading about others with his same "viewpoint."
You may be surprised by your son's reaction to finding out he's autistic. For one, he probably really likes himself, and like other Autistics they aren't really into the "labels" like so called normal people. To them, they don't see a problem with being Autistic. They know that they have an incredible view of the world, and don't understand why anyone would want to be "normal." And if you think about it..they're right. We're so darn worried about what other people think about everything....while the Aspies are busy being themselves!

Q. how can models function without eating? whenever I skip lunch I find that I am not feeling well by the afternoon, and according to a magazine I read they basically live on ice(!), diet coke, champaign and cigarettes…

A. Champaign (as all alcoholic drinks) actually contains a significant amount of calories... :-) No one can function with out eating AT ALL, but they do get more used to eating LESS, and their body adjust itself (i.e. uses the food more efficiently) - it's harmful and may damage them in the short and long term, but it's possible.

Q. if a liver has been damaged can it go back to function as normal?

A. the liver is an amazing organ. it's cells divide usually once a year but if it needs, it can recover in a miraculously manner. but it depends on how much damage you did. there is a point that it can go no further. but alcoholism cause cirrhosis. this is scar tissue in the liver- that i'm afraid is not reversible. and most of it's side effects are not too.