function (redirected from functions)

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,

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.