Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Inflammatory cell:
Cells associated with the succession of changes which occur in living tissue when
it is injured. These include macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and lymphocytes.
Intermolecular crosslink:
Covalent bonds formed
in vivo
between a side group of one molecule and a
side group of another molecule; covalent bonds formed between a side group of one molecule
and one end of a bifunctional agent and between a side group of a second molecule and the
other end of a bifunctional agent.
Intrafibrillar volume:
The volume of a fibril excluding the volume occupied by the collagen molecule.
In vitro
:
In glass, as in a test tube. An
in vitro
test is one done in the laboratory, usually involving isolated
tissues, organs, or cells.
In vivo
:
In the living body or organism. A test performed in a living organism.
Isoelectric point:
Generally used to refer to a particular pH of a protein solution. At this pH, there is no
net electric charge on the molecule.
Isoleucine (Ile):
One of the amino acids in collagen molecules.
Leucine (Leu):
One of the amino acids in collagen molecules.
Lipid:
Any one of a group of fats or fat-like substances, characterized by their insolubility in water and
solubility in fat solvents such as alcohol, ether, and chloroform.
Lysine (Lys):
One of the amino acids in collagen molecules.
Macrophage:
Cells of the reticuloendothelial system having the ability to phagocytose particulate sub-
stances and to store vital dyes and other colloidal substances. They are found in loose connec-
tive tissues and various organs of the body.
Meniscus:
A C-shaped fibrocartilage anatomically located between the femoral condyles and tibial plateau
providing stability and shock absorption and assisting in lubrication of the knee joint.
Mycobacterium:
A genus of acid-fast organisms belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae which includes the
causative organisms of tuberculosis and leprosy. They are slender, nonmotile, Gram-positive
rods, and do not produce spores or capsules.
Osteoarthritis:
A chronic disease involving the joint, especially those bearing the weight, characterized
by destruction of articular cartilage, overgrown of bone with impaired function.
Pepsin:
A proteolytic enzyme commonly found in the gastric juice. It is formed by the chief cells of
gastric glands and produces maximum activity at a pH of 1.5-2.0.
Permeability:
The space within a collagen matrix, excluding the space occupied by collagen molecules,
which is accessible to a given size of molecule.
Phenolalanine (Phe):
One of the amino acids in collagen molecules.
Platelet:
A round or oval disk, 2-4 μm in diameter, found in the blood of vertebrates. Platelets contain
no hemoglobin.
Polydioxanone:
A synthetic polymer formed from dioxanone monomers which degrades by hydrolysis.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA):
A synthetic polymer formed from glycolic acid monomers which degrades by
hydrolysis.
Polylactic acid (PLA):
A synthetic polymer formed from lactic acid monomers which degrades by
hydrolysis.
Polymorphism
:
Different types of aggregated states of the collagen molecules.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte:
A white blood cell which possesses a nucleus composed of two or more
lobes or parts; a granulocyte (neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil).
Polypeptide:
Polymerized amino acid molecules formed by enzymatically regulated stepwise polymer-
ization
in vivo
between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of a second
amino acid.
Polysaccharide:
Polymerized sugar molecules found in tissues as lubricant (synovial fluid) or cement
(between osteons, tooth root attachment) or complexed with proteins such as glycoproteins or
proteoglycans.
Proline (Pro):
One of the amino acids commonly occurring in collagen molecules.
Proteolytic enzyme:
Enzymes which catalyze the breakdown of native proteins.
