Glossary O

Ordinate is the vertical axis (see y-axis) of a graph, upon which the levels of a dependent variable are often represented; the vertical axis (or Y-axis) in a graph.

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Oregon "Death with Dignity Act” refers to a legislation that went into effect in October 1997 in the state of Oregon which specifies the conditions under which a terminally ill, adult resident of the state is permitted to request that a physician provide a prescription for lethal medication that an individual can use to end his or her life. It is commonly described as authorizing physician-assisted suicide.

Orexin (hypocretin) refers to a neurotransmitter that stimulates acetylcholine-releasing cells and thereby increases wakefulness and arousal.

Organ and tissue transplantation when using a donated human organ or tissue to save the life or improve the quality of the life of a transplant recipient

Organ donation means making a gift of a human organ for medical, research, or educational purposes

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Organ inferiority is a term in Adler's theory that refers to a strong sense that some organ of one's body is weak and inferior. The person becomes preoccupied with thoughts of this weakness.

Organ of Corti is the center part of the cochlea, containing hair cells, canals, and membranes. It is the major structure of the cochlear partition, containing the basilar membrane, the tectorial membrane, and the receptors for hearing.

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Organic Amnesia is defined as the loss of memory caused by brain injury resulting from disease, drugs, accidents (blows to head), or surgery