Entgegen

Entgegen

Entgegen is a German word that translates to "against" or "contrary to" in English. It is often used in various contexts to indicate opposition, contrast, or a direction that is opposite to another. In medical terminology, "entgegen" can be used to describe anatomical directions, physiological processes, or even philosophical approaches in medical ethics.

Etymology

The term "entgegen" originates from the Old High German "intgegen," which combines "in" (in) and "gegen" (against). It has been used in the German language to denote opposition or contrast.

Usage in Medicine

In the medical field, "entgegen" can be applied in several contexts:

Anatomical Directions

In anatomy, "entgegen" might be used to describe structures or movements that are opposite to each other. For example, when discussing the movement of limbs, one might refer to the flexion of a joint as being "entgegen" to its extension.

Physiological Processes

Physiologically, "entgegen" can describe processes that counteract each other. For instance, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems often have "entgegen" effects on the body, with one stimulating and the other inhibiting certain functions.

Medical Ethics

In medical ethics, "entgegen" might be used to describe approaches or principles that are in opposition. For example, the principle of autonomy might be "entgegen" to paternalism in certain ethical debates.

Examples

• In pharmacology, an antagonist drug works "entgegen" to an agonist by blocking its action.
• In biomechanics, the force exerted by muscles can be "entgegen" to the force of gravity.

Also see

• Anatomical terms of location
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Medical ethics
• Pharmacology

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