dantrolene

n. a muscle relaxant whose primary action is directly on skeletal muscles; it also indirectly affects the central nervous system as a secondary action. Dantrolene is used in the treatment of muscular spasms associated with spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, as well as with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. U.S. trade name: Dantrium.

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

open call system

a system of vocal communication in which new vocalizations can be added throughout life. Whereas many songbirds rarely show change in song structure after the end of a critical period, other birds, including parrots, starlings, mynahs, and mockingbirds, can acquire new calls and songs throughout their lives. Few mammals have an open call system, but some dolphins and whales show evidence of acquiring new calls throughout life. Compare closed call system.