A protein involved in muscle contraction, in which microscopic filaments of actin and another protein, myosin, slide in between each other.
n. a protein, found in muscle, that plays an important role in the process of contraction. See striated muscle.
A chronic infectious condition caused by an anaerobic micro-organism, Actinomyces israelii, that often occurs as a COMMENSAL on the gums, teeth and tonsils. Commonest in adult men, the sites most affected are the jaw, lungs and intestine, though the disease can occur anywhere. Suppurating granulomatous tumours develop which discharge an oily, thick pus containing yellowish (‘sulphur’) granules. A slowly progressive condition, actinomycosis usually responds to antibiotic drugs but improvement may be slow and surgery is sometimes needed to drain infected sites. Early diagnosis is important. Treatment is with antibiotics such as penicillin and tetracyclines. The disease occurs in cattle, where it is known as woody tongue.... actinomycosis
Impulsive actions that may reflect unconscious wishes. The term is most often used by psychotherapists to describe behaviour during analysis when the patient “acts out” rather than reports fantasies, wishes, or beliefs. Acting out can also occur as a reaction to frustrations encountered in everyday life, often taking the form of antisocial, aggressive behaviour.... acting out
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