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Glossary
abdominopelvic
(ab-dom-ih-no-PEL-vik)
Pertaining to the abdomen and pelvis
abduction
(ab-DUK-shun) Movement
away from the midline
abortifacient
(ah-bor-tih-FA-shent)
Agent that induces an abortion
abortion
(ah-BOR-shun) Loss of an em-
bryo or fetus before the 20th week of
pregnancy
abscess
(AB-ses) Area of tissue break-
down; a localized space in the body
containing pus and liquefied tissue
absorption
(ab-SORP-shun) Transfer of
digested nutrients from the digestive
tract into the circulation
accommodation
(ah-kom-o-DA-shun)
Coordinated changes in the lens of the
eye that enable one to focus on near
and far objects
acetylcholine
(as-e-til-KO-lene)
(Ach)
Neurotransmitter; released at synapses
within the nervous system and at the
neuromuscular junction
acid
(AH-sid) Substance that can donate
a hydrogen ion to another substance
acid-fast stain
Procedure used to color
cells for viewing under the microscope
acidosis
(as-ih-DO-sis) Condition that
results from a decrease in the pH of
body fluids
acne
(AK-ne) Disease of the sebaceous
glands
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS)
Viral disease that attacks the
immune system, specifically the T-
helper lymphocytes with CD4 recep-
tors
acromegaly
(
ak-ro-MEG-ah-le
) Condition
caused by oversecretion of growth hor-
mone in adults; there is overgrowth of
some bones and involvement of multi-
ple body systems
acrosome
(AK-ro-some) Caplike struc-
ture over the head of the sperm cell
that helps the sperm to penetrate the
ovum
ACTH
See adrenocorticotropic hormone
actin
(AK-tin) One of the two contractile
proteins in muscle cells, the other
being myosin
action potential
Sudden change in the
electric charge on a cell membrane,
which then spreads along the mem-
brane; nerve impulse
active transport
Movement of a sub-
stance into or out of a cell in an oppo-
site direction to the way in which it
would normally flow by diffusion; ac-
tive transport requires energy and
transporters
acupuncture
(AK-u-punk-chur) Ancient
Chinese method of inserting thin nee-
dles into the body at specific points to
relieve pain or promote healing
acute
(ah-KUTE) Referring to a severe
but short-lived disease or condition
Addison disease
Condition caused by
hypofunction of the adrenal cortex
adduction
(ad-DUK-shun) Movement to-
ward the midline
adenosine triphosphate
(ah-DEN-o-sene
tri-FOS-fate)
(ATP)
Energy-storing
compound found in all cells
ADH
See Antidiuretic hormone
adhesion
(ad-HE-zhun) Holding together
of two surfaces or parts; band of con-
nective tissue between parts that are
normally separate; molecular attraction
between contacting bodies
adipose
(AD-ih-pose) Referring to a type
of connective tissue that stores fat or
to fats
adrenal
(ah-DRE-nal)
gland
Endocrine
gland located above the kidney;
suprarenal gland
adrenaline
(ah-DREN-ah-lin) See Epi-
nephrine
adrenergic
(ad-ren-ER-jik) An activity or
structure that responds to epinephrine
(adrenaline)
adrenocorticotropic
(ah-dre-no-kor-tih-
ko-TRO-pik)
hormone (ACTH)
Hor-
mone produced by the pituitary that
stimulates the adrenal cortex
aerobic
(air-O-bik) Requiring oxygen
afferent
(AF-fer-ent) Carrying toward a
given point, such as a sensory neuron
that carries nerve impulses toward the
central nervous system
agglutination
(ah-glu-tih-NA-shun)
Clumping of cells due to an
antigen–antibody reaction
agranulocyte
(a-GRAN-u-lo-site) Leuko-
cyte without visible granules in the cy-
toplasm when stained; lymphocyte or
monocyte
AIDS
See Acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome
albinism
(AL-bih-nizm) A hereditary dis-
order that affects melanin production
albumin
(al-BU-min) Protein in blood
plasma and other body fluids; helps
maintain the osmotic pressure of the
blood
albuminuria
(al-bu-mih-NU-re-ah) Pres-
ence of albumin in the urine, usually
as a result of a kidney disorder
aldosterone
(al-DOS-ter-one) Hormone
released by the adrenal cortex that pro-
motes the reabsorption of sodium and
water in the kidneys
alkali
(AL-kah-li) Substance that can ac-
cept a hydrogen ion (H
); substance
that donates a hydroxide ion (OH
-
); a
base
alkalosis
(al-kah-LO-sis) Condition that
results from an increase in the pH of
body fluids
allele
(al-LELE
)
One member of the pair
of genes that controls a given trait
allergen
(AL-er-jen) Substance that
causes hypersensitivity; substance that
induces allergy
allergy
(AL-er-je) Tendency to react un-
favorably to a certain substance that is
normally harmless to most people; hy-
persensitivity
alopecia
(al-o-PE-she-ah) Baldness
alveolus
(al-VE-o-lus) Small sac or
pouch; usually a tiny air sac in the
lungs through which gases are ex-
changed between the outside air and
the blood; tooth socket; pl., alveoli
Alzheimer
(
ALZ-hi-mer
)
disease
Unex-
plained degeneration of the cerebral
cortex and hippocampus with intellec-
tual impairment, mood changes and
confusion
amblyopia
(am-ble-O-pe-ah
) Loss of vi-
sion in a healthy eye because it cannot
work properly with the other eye
amino
(ah-ME-no)
acid
Building block of
protein
amniocentesis
(am-ne-o-sen-TE-sis) Re-
moval of fluid and cells from the amni-
otic sac for prenatal diagnostic tests
amniotic
(am-ne-OT-ik) Pertaining to
the sac that surrounds and cushions
the developing fetus or to the fluid that
fills that sac
amphiarthrosis
(am-fe-ar-THRO-sis)
Slightly movable joint
amyotrophic
(
ah-mi-o-TROF-ik
)
lateral
sclerosis
Disorder of the nervous sys-
tem in which motor neurons are de-
stroyed
anabolism
(ah-NAB-o-lizm) Metabolic
building of simple compounds into
more complex substances needed by
the body
anaerobic
(an-air-O-bik) Not requiring
oxygen
analgesic
(an-al-JE-zik) Relieving pain; a
pain-relieving agent that does not
cause loss of consciousness
anaphase
(AN-ah-faze) The third stage of
mitosis in which chromosomes sepa-
rate to opposite sides of the cell
anaphylaxis
(
an-ah-fih-LAK-sis) Severe,
life-threatening allergic response
anastomosis
(ah-nas-to-MO-sis) Com-
munication between two structures,
such as blood vessels
anatomy
(ah-NAT-o-me) Study of body
structure
anemia
(ah-NE-me-ah) Abnormally low
level of hemoglobin or red cells in the
blood, resulting in inadequate delivery
of oxygen to the tissues
androgen
(AN-dro-jen) Any male sex
hormone
GL-2
G
LOSSARY
anesthesia
(an-es-THE-ze-ah) Loss of
sensation, particularly of pain; drug
with this effect is an anesthetic
aneurysm
(AN-u-rizm) Bulging sac in the
wall of a vessel
angiotensin
(an-je-o-TEN-sin) Substance
formed in the blood by the action of
the enzyme renin from the kidneys. It
increases blood pressure by causing
constriction of the blood vessels and
stimulating the release of aldosterone
from the adrenal cortex.
angina
(an-JI-nah) Severe choking pain;
disease or condition producing such
pain. Angina pectoris is suffocating
pain in the chest, usually caused by
lack of oxygen supply to the heart
muscle
angioplasty
AN-je-o-plas-te Use of a bal-
loon inserted with a catheter to open a
blocked vessel
anion
(AN-i-on) Negatively charged par-
ticle (ion)
anorexia
(an-o-REK-se-ah) Chronic loss
of appetite. Anorexia nervosa is a psy-
chological condition in which a person
may become seriously, even fatally,
weakened from lack of food.
anoxia
(ah-NOK-se-ah) See Hypoxia
ANP
See Atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS
See Autonomic nervous system
antagonist
(an-TAG-o-nist) Muscle that
has an action opposite that of a given
movement; substance that opposes the
action of another substance
anterior
(an-TE-re-or) Toward the front
or belly surface; ventral
anthelmintic
(ant-hel-MIN-tik) Agent tht
acts against worms; vermicide; ver-
mifuge
antibiotic
(an-te-bi-OT-ik) Substance
produced by living cells that kills or ar-
rests the growth of bacteria
antibody
(AN-te-bod-e)
(Ab)
Substance
produced in response to a specific anti-
gen; immunoglobulin
antidiuretic
(an-ti-di-u-RET-ik)
hormone
(ADH)
Hormone released from the
posterior pituitary gland that increases
the reabsorption of water in the kid-
neys, thus decreasing the volume of
urine excreted
antigen
(AN-te-jen)
(Ag)
Foreign sub-
stance that produces an immune re-
sponse
antineoplastic
(an-ti-ne-o-PLAS-tik) Act-
ing against a neoplasm (tumor)
antioxidant
(an-te-OX-ih-dant) Sub-
stances in the diet that protect against
harmful free radicals
antipyretic
(an-ti-pi-RET-ik) Drug that
reduces fever
antiseptic
(an-tih-SEP-tik) Substance that
prevents pathogens from multiplying
but does not necessarily kill them
antiserum
(an-te-SE-rum) Serum con-
taining antibodies that may be given to
provide passive immunity; immune
serum
antitoxin
(an-te-TOKS-in) Antibody that
neutralizes a toxin
antivenin
(an-te-VEN-in) Antibody that
neutralizes a snake venom
anus
(A-nus) Distal opening of the diges-
tive tract
aorta
(a-OR-tah) The largest artery; car-
ries blood out of the left ventricle of
the heart
apex
(A-peks) The pointed region of a
cone-shaped structure
aphasia
(ah-FA-ze-ah) Loss or defect in
language communication. Loss of the
ability to speak or write is expressive
aphasia; loss of understanding of writ-
ten or spoken language is receptive
aphasia.
apnea
(AP-ne-ah) Temporary cessation of
breathing
apocrine
(AP-o-krin) Referring to a gland
the releases some cellular material
along with its secretions
aponeurosis
(ap-o-nu-RO-sis) Broad
sheet of fibrous connective tissue that
attaches muscle to bone or to other
muscle
appendicular
(ap-en-DIK-u-lar)
skeleton
Part of the skeleton that includes the
bones of the upper extremities, lower
extremities, shoulder girdle, and hips
appendix
(ah-PEN-diks) Fingerlike tube
of lymphatic tissue attached to the first
portion of the large intestine; vermi-
form (wormlike) appendix
aqueous
(A-kwe-us) Pertaining to water.
An aqueous solution in one in which
water is the solvent
aqueous
(
A-kwe-us
)
humor
Watery fluid
that fills much of the eyeball anterior
to the lens
arachnoid
(ah-RAK-noyd) Middle layer
of the meninges
areolar
(ah-RE-o-lar) Referring to loose
connective tissue, any small spaces or
to an areola, a circular area of marked
color
arrector pili
(ah-REK-tor PI-li) Muscle
attached to a hair follicle that raises the
hair
arrhythmia
(ah-RITH-me-ah) Abnormal
rhythm of the heartbeat; dysrhythmia
arteriole
(ar-TE-re-ole) Vessel between a
small artery and a capillary
arteriosclerosis
(ar-te-re-o-skle-RO-sis)
Hardening of the arteries
artery
(AR-ter-e) Vessel that carries
blood away from the heart
arthritis
(arth-RI-tis) Inflammation of the
joints
arthrocentesis
(ar-thro-sen-TE-sis) Punc-
ture of a joint to withdraw fluid
arthroscope
(AR-thro-skope) Instrument
for examining the interior of the knee
and doing surgical repair of the knee
articular
(ar-TIK-u-lar) Pertaining to a
joint
ascites
(ah-SI-teze) Abnormal collection
of fluid in the abdominal cavity
asepsis
(a-SEP-sis) Condition in which
no pathogens are present; adj., aseptic
asthma
(AZ-mah) Allergy-induced in-
flammation and constriction of the air
passageways
astigmatism
(ah-STIG-mah-tizm) Visual
defect due to an irregularity in the cur-
vature of the cornea or the lens
ataxia
(ah-TAK-se-ah) Lack of muscular
coordination; irregular muscular action
atelectasis
(at-e-LEK-tah-sis) Incomplete
expansion of the lung; collapsed lung
atherosclerosis
(ath-er-o-skleh-RO-sis)
Hardening of the arteries due to the
deposit of yellowish, fatlike material in
the lining of these vessels
atom
(AT-om) Smallest subunit of a
chemical element
atomic number
The number of protons
in the nucleus of an element’s atoms; a
number characteristic of each element
atopic dermatitis
(ah-TOP-ik der-mah-
TI-tis) Skin condition that may involve
redness, blisters, pimples, scaling, and
crusting; eczema
ATP
See Adenosine triphosphate
atrial natriuretic
(
na-tre-u-RET-ik
)
pep-
tide (ANP
)
Hormone produced by the
atria of the heart which lowers blood
pressure
atrioventricular
(a-tre-o-ven-TRIK-u-lar)
(AV) node
Part of the conduction sys-
tem of the heart
atrium
(A-tre-um) One of the two upper
chambers of the heart; adj., atrial
atrophy
(AT-ro-fe) Wasting or decrease
in size of a part
attenuated
(ah-TEN-u-a-ted) Weakened
autoclave
Instrument used to sterilize
material with steam under pressure
autoimmunity
(aw-to-ih-MU-nih-te) Ab-
normal reactivity to one’s own tissues
autologous
(aw-TOL-o-gus) Related to
self, such as blood or tissue taken from
one’s own body
autonomic
(aw-to-NOM-ik)
nervous sys-
tem (ANS)
The part of the nervous
system that controls smooth muscle,
cardiac muscle, and glands; the visceral
or involuntary nervous system
autosome
(
AW-to-some) One of the 44
chromosomes not involved in sex de-
termination
AV node
See Atrioventricular node
axial
(AK-se-al)
skeleton
The part of the
skeleton that includes the skull, spinal
column, ribs, and sternum
axilla
(ak-SIL-ah) Hollow beneath the
arm where it joins the body; armpit
axon
(AK-son) Fiber of a neuron that
conducts impulses away from the cell
body
G
LOSSARY
GL-3
bacillus
(bah-SIL-us) Rod-shaped bac-
terium; pl., bacilli (bah-SIL-i)
bacterium
(bak-TE-re-um) Type of mi-
croorganism; pl., bacteria (bak-TE-re-
ah)
bacteriostasis
(bak-te-re-o-STA-sis) Con-
dition in which bacterial growth is in-
hibited but the organisms are not
killed
band cell
Immature neutrophil
basal ganglia
(BA-sal GANG-le-ah) Gray
masses in the lower part of the fore-
brain that aid in muscle coordination
base
Substance that can accept a hydro-
gen ion (H
); substance that donates
a hydroxide ion (OH
-
) an alkali
basophil
(BA-so-fil) Granular white
blood cell that shows large, dark blue
cytoplasmic granules when stained
with basic stain
B cell
Agranular white blood cell that
gives rise to antibody-producing
plasma cells in response to an antigen;
B lymphocyte
Bell palsy
Facial paralysis caused by
damage to the facial nerve (VII), usu-
ally on one side of the face.
benign
(be-NINE) Describing a tumor
that does not spread; not recurrent nor
becoming worse
bile
Substance produced in the liver that
emulsifies fats
bilirubin
(BIL-ih-ru-bin) Pigment derived
from the breakdown of hemoglobin
and found in bile
biofeedback
(bi-o-FEED-bak) A method
for controling involuntary responses by
means of electronic devices that moni-
tor changes and feed information back
to a person
biopsy
(BI-op-se) Removal of tissue or
other material from the living body for
examination, usually under the micro-
scope
blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Amount of
nitrogen from urea in the blood; test to
evaluate kidney function
bolus
(BO-lus) A concentrated mass; the
portion of food that is moved to the
back of the mouth and swallowed
Bowman capsule
Enlarged portion of the
nephron that contains the glomerulus;
glomerular capsule
bone
Hard connective tissue that makes
up most of the skeleton, or any struc-
ture composed of this type of tissue
bradycardia
(brad-e-KAR-de-ah) Heart
rate of less than 60 beats per minute
brain
The central controlling area of the
central nervous system (CNS)
brain stem
Portion of the brain that con-
nects the cerebrum with the spinal
cord; contains the midbrain, pons, and
medulla oblongata
Broca
(
bro-KAH
)
area
Area of the cere-
bral cortex concerned with motor con-
trol of speech
bronchiole
(BRONG-ke-ole) Microscopic
terminal branch of a bronchus
bronchoscope
(BRONG-ko-skope) Endo-
scope for examination of the bronchi
and removal of small objects from the
bronchi
bronchus
(BRONG-kus) Large air pas-
sageway in the lung; pl., bronchi
(BRONG-ki)
buffer
(BUF-er) Substance that prevents
sharp changes in the pH of a solution
bulbourethral
(bul-bo-u-RE-thral)
gland
Gland that secretes mucus to lubricate
the urethra and tip of penis during sex-
ual stimulation; Cowper gland
bulimia
(bu-LIM-e-ah) Eating disorder
also known as binge-purge syndrome
bulk transport
Movement of large
amounts of material through the
plasma membrane of a cell
Bulla (BUL-ah)
Vesicle
BUN
See Blood urea nitrogen
bursa
(BER-sah) Small, fluid-filled sac
found in an area subject to stress
around bones and joints; pl., bursae
(BER-se)
bursitis
(ber-SI-tis) Inflammation of a
bursa
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Method to restore heartbeat and
breathing by mouth-to-mouth resusci-
tation and closed chest cardiac massage
cardiovascular system
(kar-do-o-VAS-
ku-lar) The system consisting of the
heart and blood vessels that transports
blood throughout the body
caries
(KA-reze) Tooth decay
carotenemia
(kar-o-te-NE-me-ah) Yel-
lowish color of the skin caused by eat-
ing excessive amounts of carrots and
other deeply colored vegetables
carrier
Individual who has a gene that is
not expressed but that can be passed to
offspring
cartilage
(KAR-tih-lij) Type of hard con-
nective tissue found at the ends of
bones, the tip of the nose, larynx, tra-
chea and the embryonic skeleton
CAT
See Computed tomography
catabolism
(kah-TAB-o-lizm) Metabolic
breakdown of substances into simpler
substances; includes the digestion of
food and the oxidation of nutrient mol-
ecules for energy
catalyst
(KAT-ah-list) Substance that
speeds the rate of a chemical reaction
cataract
(KAT-ah-rakt) Opacity of the eye
lens or lens capsule
catheter
(KATH-eh-ter) Tube that can be
inserted into a vessel or cavity; may be
used to remove fluid, such as urine or
blood; v., catheterize
cation
(KAT-i-on) Positively charged par-
ticle (ion)
caudal
(KAWD-al) Toward or nearer to
the sacral region of the spinal column
cecum
(SE-kum) Small pouch at the be-
ginning of the large intestine
cell
Basic unit of life
cell membrane
Outer covering of a cell;
regulates what enters and leaves cell;
plasma membrane
cellular respiration
Series of reactions by
which nutrients are oxidized for energy
within the cell
central nervous system (CNS)
Part of
the nervous system that includes the
brain and spinal cord
centrifuge
(SEN-trih-fuje) An instrument
that separates materials in a mixture
based on density
centriole
(SEN-tre-ole) Rod-shaped body
near the nucleus of a cell; functions in
cell division
cerebellum
(ser-eh-BEL-um) Small sec-
tion of the brain located under the
cerebral hemispheres; functions in co-
ordination, balance, and muscle tone
cerebral
(SER-e-bral)
cortex
The very
thin outer layer of gray matter on the
surface of the cerebral hemispheres
cerebral palsy
(
PAWL-ze
) Disorder
caused by brain damage occurring be-
fore or during the birth process
calcitonin
(
kal-sih-TO-nin
) Hormone
from the thyroid gland that lowers
blood calcium levels and promotes de-
posit of calcium in bones; thyrocalci-
tonin
calcitriol
(kal-sih-TRI-ol) The active form
of vitamin D; dihydroxycholecalciferol
(di-hi-drok-se-ko-le-kal-SIF-eh-rol)
calculus
(KAL-ku-lus) Stone, such as a
urinary stone; pl calculi (KAL-ku-li)
calyx
(KA-liks) Cuplike extension of the
renal pelvis that collects urine; pl. ca-
lyces (KA-lih-seze)
cancellous
(KAN-sel-us) Referring to
spongy bone tissue
cancer
(KAN-ser) Tumor that spreads to
other tissues; a malignant neoplasm
capillary
(CAP-ih-lar-e) Microscopic ves-
sel through which exchanges take
place between the blood and the tis-
sues
carbohydrate
(kar-bo-HI-drate) Simple
sugar or compound made from simple
sugars linked together, such as starch
or glycogen
carbon
Element that is the basis of or-
ganic chemistry
carbon dioxide
(di-OX-ide) (CO
2
) The
gaseous waste product of cellular me-
tabolism
carcinogen
(kar-SIN-o-jen) Cancer-caus-
ing substance
carcinoma
(kar-sih-NO-mah) Malignant
growth of epithelial cells; a form of
cancer
cardiac
(KAR-de-ak) Pertaining to the
heart
GL-4
G
LOSSARY
cerebrospinal
(ser-e-bro-SPI-nal)
fluid
(CSF)
Fluid that circulates in and
around the brain and spinal cord
cerebrovascular
(ser-e-bro-VAS-ku-lar)
accident
(CVA) Condition involving
obstruction of blood flow to brain tis-
sue or bleeding into brain tissue, usu-
ally as a result of hypertension or ath-
erosclerosis; stroke
cerebrum
(SER-e-brum) Largest part of
the brain; composed of two cerebral
hemispheres
cerumen
(seh-RU-men) Earwax; adj.,
ceruminous (seh-RU-min-us)
cervix
(SER-vix) Constricted portion of
an organ or part, such as the lower
portion of the uterus; neck.; adj., cervi-
cal
chemistry
(KEM-is-tre) Study of the
composition and properties of matter
chemoreceptor
(ke-mo-re-SEP-tor) Re-
ceptor that responds to chemicals in
body fluids
chemotherapy
(ke-mo-THER-ah-pe)
Treatment of a disease by administra-
tion of a chemical agent
Cheyne-Stokes
(CHANE-stokes)
respira-
tion
Rhythmic variation in the depth of
respiratory movements alternating with
periods of apnea due to depression of
the breathing centers
c
hlamydia
(klah-MID-e-ah) A type of
very small bacterium that can exist
only within a living cell; members of
this group cause inclusion conjunctivi-
tis, trachoma, sexually transmitted dis-
eases, and respiratory diseases
cholecystokinin
(ko-le-sis-to-KI-nin)
(CCK
)
Hormone from the duodenum
that stimulates release of pancreatic en-
zymes and bile from the gallbladder
cholelithiasis
(ko-le-lih-THI-ah-sis) Gall-
stones
cholesterol
(ko-LES-ter-ol) An organic
fatlike compound found in animal fat,
bile, blood, myelin, liver, and other
parts of the body
cholinergic
(ko-lin-ER-jik) An activity or
structure that responds to acetyl-
choline
chondrocyte
(KON-dro-site) Cell that
produces cartilage
chordae tendineae
(KOR-de ten-DIN-e-e)
Fibrous threads that stabilize the AV
valve flaps in the heart
choriocarcinoma
(ko-re-o-kar-sih-NO-
mah) Very malignant tumor made of
placental tissue
choroid
(KO-royd) Pigmented middle
layer of the eye
choroid plexus
(KO-royd PLEKS-us)
Vascular network in the ventricles of
the brain that forms cerebrospinal fluid
creatinine
(kre-AT-in-in) A nitrogenous
waste product in the blood
chromosome
(KRO-mo-some) Dark-
staining, threadlike body in the nu-
cleus of a cell; contains genes that de-
termine hereditary traits
chronic
(KRON-ik) Referring to a disease
that develops slowly, persists over a
long time, or is recurring
chyle
(kile) Milky-appearing fluid ab-
sorbed into the lymphatic system from
the small intestine. It consists of lymph
and droplets of digested fat.
chyme
(kime) Mixture of partially di-
gested food, water, and digestive juices
that forms in the stomach
cicatrix
(SIK-ah-trix) Scar
cilia
(SIL-e-ah) Hairs or hairlike
processes, such as eyelashes or micro-
scopic extensions from the surface of a
cell; sing., cilium
ciliary
(SIL-e-ar-e)
muscle
Muscle of the
eye that controls the shape of the lens
circumduction
(ser-kum-DUK-shun) Cir-
cular movement at a joint
circumcision
(sir-kum-SIJ-un) Surgery to
remove the foreskin of the penis
cirrhosis
(sih-RO-sis) Chronic disease,
usually of the liver, in which active
cells are replaced by inactive scar tissue
cisterna chyli
(sis-TER-nah KI-li) First
part of the thoracic lymph duct, which
is enlarged to form a temporary storage
area
clitoris
(KLIT-o-ris) Small organ of great
sensitivity in the external genitalia of
the female
CNS
See Central nervous system
coagulation
(ko-ag-u-LA-shun) Clotting,
as of blood
coccus
(KOK-us) A round bacterium; pl.,
cocci (KOK-si)
cochlea
(KOK-le-ah) Coiled portion of
the inner ear that contains the organ of
hearing
colic
(KOL-ik) Spasm of visceral muscle
collagen
(KOL-ah-jen) Flexible white
protein that gives strength and re-
silience to connective tissue, such as
bone and cartilage
colloid
(kol-OYD) Mixture in which sus-
pended particles do not dissolve but re-
main distributed in the solvent because
of their small size (
e.g.,
cytoplasm);
colloidal suspension
colon
(KO-lon) Main portion of the large
intestine
colostrum
(ko-LOS-trum) Secretion of
the mammary glands prior to secretion
of milk
communicable
(kom-MU-nih-kabl) De-
scribing a disease that can be transmit-
ted from one person to another
complement
(KOM-ple-ment) Group of
blood proteins that helps antibodies to
destroy foreign cells
compliance
(kom-PLI-ans) The ease with
which the lungs and thorax can be ex-
panded
compound
Substance composed of two
or more chemical elements
computed tomography
(to-MOG-rah-fe)
(CT)
Imaging method in which multi-
ple radiographic views taken from dif-
ferent angles are analyzed by computer
to show a cross-section of an area; used
to detect tumors and other abnormali-
ties; also called computed axial tomog-
raphy (CAT)
concha
(KON-ka) Shell-like bone in the
nasal cavity; pl conchae (KON-ke)
concussion
(kon-CUSH-on) Injury re-
sulting from a violent blow or shock
condyle
(KON-dile) Rounded projection,
as on a bone
cone
Receptor cell in the retina of the
eye; used for vision in bright light
congenital
(con-JEN-ih-tal) Present at
birth
conjunctiva
(kon-junk-TI-vah) Mem-
brane that lines the eyelid and covers
the anterior part of the sclera (white of
the eye)
constipation
(kon-stih-PA-shun) Infre-
quency of or difficulty with defecation
contraception
(con-trah-SEP-shun) Pre-
vention of fertilization of an ovum or
implantation of a fertilized ovum; birth
control
convergence
(kon-VER-jens) The center-
ing of both eyes on the same visual
field
convulsion
(kon-VUL-shun) Series of
muscle spasms; seizure
cornea
(KOR-ne-ah) Clear portion of the
sclera that covers the front of the eye
coronary
(KOR-on-ar-e) Referring to the
heart or to the arteries supplying blood
to the heart
corpus callosum
(kal-O-sum) Thick bun-
dle of myelinated nerve cell fibers,
deep within the brain, that carries
nerve impulses from one cerebral
hemisphere to the other
corpus luteum
(LU-te-um) Yellow body
formed from ovarian follicle after ovu-
lation; produces progesterone
cortex
(KOR-tex) Outer layer of an
organ, such as the brain, kidney, or ad-
renal gland
coryza
(ko-RI-zah) Nasal discharge; acute
coryza is the common cold
countercurrent mechanism
Mechanism
for concentrating urine as it flows
through the distal portions of the
nephron
covalent
(KO-va-lent)
bond
Chemical
bond formed by the sharing of elec-
trons between atoms
CPR
See Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
cranial
(KRA-ne-al) Pertaining to the cra-
nium, the part of the skull that en-
closes the brain. Toward the head or
nearer to the head
creatine
(KRE-ah-tim)
phosphate
Com-
pound in muscle tissue that stores en-
ergy in high energy bonds
G
LOSSARY
GL-5
creatinine
(kre-AT-ih-nin
)
Nitrogenous
waste product eliminated in urine
crenation
(kre-NA-shun) Shrinking of a
cell, as when placed in a hypertonic so-
lution
crista
(KRIS-tah) Receptor for the sense
of dynamic equilibrium; pl. cristae
croup
(krupe) Loud barking cough asso-
ciated with upper respiratory infection
in children
cryoprecipitate
(kri-o-pre-SIP-ih-tate)
Precipitate formed when plasma is
frozen and then thawed
cryptorchidism
(kript-OR-kid-izm) Fail-
ure of the testis to descend into the
scrotum; undescended testicle
CSF
See Cerebrospinal fluid
CT
See Computed tomography
Cushing syndrome
Condition caused by
overactivity of the adrenal cortex
cutaneous
(ku-TA-ne-us) Referring to the
skin
cuticle
(KU-tih-kl) Extension of the stra-
tum corneum that seals the space be-
tween the nail plate and the skin above
the root of the nail
cyanosis
(si-ah-NO-sis) Bluish discol-
oration of the skin and mucous mem-
branes resulting from insufficient oxy-
gen in the blood
cystic
(SIS-tik)
duct
Duct that carries bile
into and out of the gallbladder
cystic fibrosis
(SIS-tik fi-BRO-sis) Hered-
itary disease involving thickened secre-
tions and electrolyte imbalances
cystitis
(sis-TI-tis) Inflammation of the
urinary bladder
cytology
(si-TOL-o-je) Study of cells
cytoplasm
(SI-to-plazm) Substance that
fills the cell, consisting of a liquid cy-
tosol and organelles
cytosol
(SI-to-sol) Liquid portion of the
cytoplasm, consisting of nutrients,
minerals, enzymes and other materials
in water
dendrite
(DEN-drite) Fiber of a neuron
that conducts impulses toward the cell
body
deoxyribonucleic
(de-OK-se-ri-bo-nu-
kle-ik)
acid (DNA)
Genetic material of
the cell; makes up the chromosomes in
the nucleus of the cell
depolarization
(de-po-lar-ih-ZA-shun) A
sudden reversal of the charge on a cell
membrane.
dermal papillae
(pah-PIL-le) Extensions
of the dermis that project up into the
epidermis; they contain blood vessels
that supply the epidermis
dermatitis
(der-mah-TI-tis) Inflammation
of the skin
dermatome
(DER-mah-tome) A region of
the skin supplied by a single spinal
nerve
dermatosis
(der-mah-to-sis) Any skin
disease
dermis
(DER-mis) True skin; deeper part
of the skin
dextrose
(DEK-strose) Glucose; simple
sugar
diabetes insipidus
(in-SIP-ih-dus) Con-
dition due to insufficient secretion of
ADH from the posterior pituitary; there
is excessive loss of water
diabetes mellitus
(di-ah-BE-teze mel-LI-
tus) Disease of insufficient insulin in
which excess glucose is found in blood
and urine; characterized by abnormal
metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat
diagnosis
(di-ag-NO-sis) Identification of
an illness
dialysis
(di-AL-ih-sis) Method for sepa-
rating molecules in solution based on
differences in their ability to pass
through a semipermeable membrane;
method for removing nitrogenous
waste products from the body, as by
hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
diaphragm
(DI-ah-fram) Dome-shaped
muscle under the lungs that flattens
during inhalation; separating mem-
brane or structure
diaphysis
(di-AF-ih-sis) Shaft of a long
bone
diarrhea
(di-ah-RE-ah) Abnormally fre-
quent watery bowel movements
diarthrosis
(di-ar-THRO-sis) Freely mov-
able joint; synovial joint
diastole
(di-AS-to-le) Relaxation phase of
the cardiac cycle; adj., diastolic (di-as-
TOL-ik)
diencephalon
(di-en-SEF-ah-lon) Region
of the brain between the cerebral hemi-
spheres and the midbrain; contains the
thalamus, hypothalamus, and pituitary
gland
diffusion
(dih-FU-zhun) Movement of
molecules from a region where they are
in higher concentration to a region
where they are in lower concentration
digestion
(di-JEST-yun) Process of break-
ing down food into absorbable particles
digestive system
(di-JES-tiv) The system
involved in taking in nutrients, con-
verting them to a form the body can
use and absorbing them into the circu-
lation
dihydroxycholecalciferol
(di-hi-drok-se-
ko-le-kal-SIF-eh-rol) The active form
of vitamin D
dilation
(di-LA-shun) Widening of a part,
such as the pupil of the eye, a blood
vessel, or the uterine cervix; dilatation
disaccharide
(di-SAK-ah-ride) Com-
pound formed of two simple sugars
linked together, such as sucrose and
lactose
disease
Illness; abnormal state in which
part or all of the body does not func-
tion properly
disinfection
(dis-in-FEK-shun) Killing of
pathogens but not necessarily harmless
microbes
dissect
(dis-sekt) To cut apart or separate
tissues for study
distal
(DIS-tal) Farther from the origin of
a structure or from a given reference
point
DNA
See Deoxyribonucleic acid
dominant
(DOM-ih-nant) Referring to a
gene that is always expressed if present
dopamine
(DO-pah-meme) A neurotran-
mitter
dorsal
(DOR-sal) Toward the back; pos-
terior
dorsiflexion
(dor-sih-FLEK-shun) Bend-
ing the foot upward at the ankle
Down syndrome
A congenital disorder
usually due to an extra chromosome
21; trisomy 21
duct
Tube or vessel
ductus deferens
(DEF-er-enz) Tube that
carries sperm cells from the testis to
the urethra; vas deferens
duodenum
(du-o-DE-num) First portion
of the small intestine
dura mater
(DU-rah MA-ter) Outermost
layer of the meninges
dysmenorrhea
(dis-men-o-RE-ah) Painful
or difficult menstruation
dyspnea
(disp-NE-ah) Difficult or la-
bored breathing
deamination
(de-am-ih-NA-shun) Re-
moval of amino groups from proteins
in metabolism
decubitus
(de-KU-bih-tus) Lying down
defecation
(def-e-KA-shun) Act of elimi-
nating undigested waste from the di-
gestive tract
degeneration
(de-jen-er-A-shun) Break-
down, as from age, injury, or disease
deglutition
(deg-lu-TISH-un) Act of swal-
lowing
dehydration
(de-hi-DRA-shun) Excessive
loss of body fluid
dementia
(de-MEN-she-ah) Gradual and
usually irreversible loss of intellectual
function
denaturation
(de-nah-tu-RA-shun)
Change in structure of a protein, such
as an enzyme, so that it can no longer
function
eccrine
(EK-rin) Referring to sweat
glands that regulate body temperature
and vent directly to the surface of the
skin through a pore
ECG
See Electrocardiograph
echocardiograph
(ek-o-KAR-de-o-graf)
Instrument to study the heart by
means of ultrasound; the record pro-
duced is an echocardiogram
eclampsia
(eh-KLAMP-se-ah) Serious and
sometimes fatal condition involving
convulsions, liver damage, and kidney
failure that can develop from preg-
nancy-induced hypertension
ectopic
(ek-TOP-ik) Out of a normal
place, as a pregnancy or heartbeat
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