Acute: Term used to describe disorders or symptoms that occur abruptly or that run a short course; opposite of Chronic
Aerobic: Requiring the presence of oxygen. Aerobic exercise, for example, requires increased oxygen consumption. Opposite of Anaerobic
Ambulatory: Able to walk
Amino acid: A component of protein, containing nitrogen. The body produces many amino acids; those it needs but cannot make are known as essential amino acids and must be obtained through the diet
Anaerobic: Able to live without oxygen (as certain bacteria), or a type of exercise in which short, vigorous bursts of activity requiring little additional oxygen are performed. Opposite of Aerobic
Anemia: Condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells, amount of hemoglobin, or amount of blood
Aneurysm: The localized bulging of a blood vessel, usually an artery, to form a bulge or sac
Anorexia: Loss of appetite, often due to depression, fever, illness, widespread cancer, or addiction to alcohol or drugs
Anorexia nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by aberrant eating patterns and disturbed ideas about body weight
Antibody: Protein of the immune system that counteracts or eliminates foreign substances known as antigens
Antigen: Substance foreign to the body that causes antibodies to form
Apnea: Temporary cessation of breathing
Arteriosclerosis: Condition in which the walls of arteries become hard and thick, sometimes interfering with blood circulation
Artery: Blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to other tissues of the body
Asymptomatic: Without symptoms
Atherosclerosis: Condition in which fatty deposits accumulate in the lining of the arteries, resulting in restricted, less flexible pathways for the blood
Atrophy: Wasting of tissue or an organ due to disease or lack of use
Autoimmune: Reaction of the body against one or some of its own tissues that are perceived as foreign substances, resulting in production of antibodies against that tissue
Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms, some of which cause disease and some of which are beneficial to biological processes
Benign: Harmless; not progressive or recurrent
Blood pressure: Force placed on the walls of the arteries. See Diastole and Systole
Bowel: Small or large intestine. The small intestine is sometimes called the small bowel. The large intestine is also called the colon
Brand-name drug: A drug carrying a trademark name designated by its manufacturer
Cachexia: Malnutrition and wasting due to illness
Caffeine: A stimulant found naturally in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cocoa; may be added to, for example, soft drinks and over-the-counter drugs
Calorie: The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1° Centigrade
Cancer: General term for various conditions characterized by abnormal growth of cells, forming malignant tumors that can develop in various parts of the body. See Malignant and Benign
Capillaries: Minute blood vessels connecting the smallest arteries to the smallest veins
Carbohydrate: A group of compounds composed of starches or sugars, found primarily in breads and cereals and in fruits and vegetables
Carcinogen: A potential cancer-causing agent Cardiac: Pertaining to the heart
Cardiopulmonary: Pertaining to both heart and lungs
Cardiovascular: Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels
Carotid artery: Main (right and left) artery of the neck which carries blood to the head and brain
Cerebrovascular: Pertaining to the blood vessels of the brain
Chemotherapy: Treatment of disease by chemicals that have a direct effect on the disease-causing organism or disease cells; widely used in the treatment of cancer
Cholesterol: A fat-like substance made in the liver and found in the blood, brain, liver, and bile and as deposits in the walls of blood vessels. Essential to the production of sex hormones. Found in foods of animal sources
Chromosome: One of 46 rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that carry genetic information to each cell
Chronic: Term used to describe long-lasting disease or conditions. Opposite of Acute
Clinical: Pertaining to information gathered from direct observation of patients, as distinct from laboratory findings
Coagulate: To solidify or change from a liquid to a semisolid, as when blood clots
Colon: The large intestine extending from the small intestine and ending in the anus. It is responsible for extracting water from undigested food and storing the waste, which is eliminated in bowel movements
Colorectal: Pertaining to the colon and rectum
Complex carbohydrate: A substance that contains several sugar units linked together, such as starch
Constipation: The difficult or infrequent passage of stool
Coronary: Pertaining to the arteries that supply blood to the heart
Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries, resulting in decreased blood supply to the heart (ischemia). Also called "ischemic heart disease"
Corticosteroids: Hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands; also, synthetic hormones used as medications
Debility: A state of physical weakness
Dehydration: A lack of an adequate amount of fluid in the body. Dehydration may be accompanied by dry mouth, thirst, constipation, dizziness, concentrated urine, or fever
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): A substance found in the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information
Dextrose: A simple sugar that is found in the blood
Diabetes mellitus: Disorder characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes mellitus may be caused by a failure of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin or by resistance of the body to the action of insulin
Diabetic ketoacidosis: A serious condition that develops in persons with diabetes when there is not enough insulin and the body begins breaking down fat, producing ketones (acids)
Diagnosis: Identification of a disease or disorder
Diarrhea: An increase in the number or liquidity of bowel movements
Diastole: Period during the heart cycle in which the muscle relaxes, followed by contraction (Systole). In a blood pressure reading, the lower number is the diastolic measurement
Diastolic pressure: The lowest blood pressure reached during the relaxation of your heart. Recorded as the second number in a blood pressure measurement
Digestion: Breakdown of food so it can be absorbed
Duodenum: The part of the small intestine next to the stomach
Edema: Swelling of body tissues due to excessive fluid
Endocardium: The thin, inner membrane that lines the heart. See Epicardium and Myocardium
Enzyme: A complex protein that stimulates a chemical reaction
Epicardium: The thin membrane on the surface of the heart.
Epinephrine: Adrenal hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure and affects other body functions
Esophagus: The muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach
Estrogen: Hormone produced primarily in women that contributes to the development of female secondary sex characteristics and cyclic changes such as menstruation and pregnancy. An oral replacement dose of estrogen is often used to lessen the effects of menopause, among other effects. The hormone is also produced in small quantities in men
Ethanol: Grain or ethyl alcohol
Fats: A group of organic compounds that are composed of fatty acids. Fats are either saturated or unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are classified further as either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated
Fatty acids: Substances that occur in foods; different fatty acids have different effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Fiber: As applies to food, a substance that resists digestion and passes through the system essentially unchanged. Fiber adds bulk to the diet and aids in the passage of bowel movements
Flatulence: Excessive gas in the stomach or intestine
Fracture: To break or crack a bone; or, a break or a crack in a bone
Fructose: A sugar found in fruit, corn syrup, and honey
Gallbladder: Structure located under the liver that stores bile and then releases it into the small intestine
Gastric: Pertaining to the stomach
Gastroenteritis: An inflammatory condition of the stomach and intestines leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Usually of bacterial or viral origin
Gastrointestinal tract: The stomach and intestines
Gene: Structure within a chromosome that is responsible for inheritance of a particular characteristic
Generalized: Overall, not limited to one area of the body
Genetic engineering: Manufacture, alteration, or repair of genetic material by synthetic means
Geriatrics: The branch of medicine that specializes in the care of problems related to aging
Germ: A microorganism that causes disease
Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, resulting in improper regulation of glucose levels in the blood
Gland: Any organ or tissue that releases a substance to be used elsewhere in the body; endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream
Glucose: A form of sugar. All of carbohydrate and part of fat can be changed by the body into glucose; used by the body for energy
Gluten: Protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Gluten helps hold in the gas bubbles when flour dough rises
Glycogen: Stored form of carbohydrate in the liver and muscles
Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland
Gout: A condition in which excess uric acid may lead to arthritis and kidney stones
HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol; a type of cholesterol thought to help protect against atherosclerosis; known as "good" cholesterol
Heart attack: Descriptive term for a myocardial infarction: an incident caused by the blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries, resulting in interruption of blood flow to a part of the heart
Heartburn: Pain due to regurgitation (reflux) of juices from the stomach into the esophagus; pyrosis
Hemoglobin: A iron-containing protein found in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen to body tissues
Hemorrhage: Loss of blood from a blood vessel
Hemorrhoid: Swollen vein in and around the anus that may bleed
Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver
Heredity: Genetic transmission of traits from parent to offspring
Hernia: Protrusion of an organ or part of an organ into surrounding tissues
Hormone: A substance secreted in the body and carried through the bloodstream to various tissues of the body, where it serves a regulatory function
Hydrogenation: A process that changes an unsaturated fat to a more saturated one
Hyper-: Prefix meaning "excessive" or "increased"
Hyperactivity: Condition of disturbed behavior characterized by constant overactivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, and aggressiveness
Hypercholesterolemia: Increased level of cholesterol in the bloodstream
Hyperglycemia: Increased level of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream
Hyperlipidemia: Excess of fats (lipids) in the bloodstream Hyperplasia: Excessive growth of tissues
Hypertension: Condition in which the blood is pumped through the body under abnormally high pressure; also known as high blood pressure
Hypo-: Prefix meaning "inadequate" or "insufficient"
Hypoglycemia: Condition in which the sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream decreases below normal levels
Hypotension: Low blood pressure
Iatrogenic disease: Disorder or disease resulting as a side effect of a prescribed treatment
Idiopathic: Pertaining to a condition or disease of unknown cause
Ileum: Lower portion of the small intestine
Immobilize: To make a limb or part immovable in order to promote healing
Immunity: State of being resistant to a disease, particularly an infectious one
Indigestion: Impaired digestion, commonly refers to abdominal pain after meals
Infarct: An area of tissue that dies because of lack of blood supply
Infection: Disease caused by invasion of body tissue by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
Infectious: Ability to transmit a disease caused by microorganisms
Inferior vena cava: Large vein returning blood from your legs and abdomen to your heart
Inflammation: Body tissue’s reaction to injury that leads to swelling, pain, heat, and redness
Insulin: A hormone made by the pancreas or taken by injection that regulates the amount of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream
Insulin pump: A device that delivers a predetermined amount of insulin into the body
Insulin reaction: A condition in insulin-taking diabetics resulting in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to excess insulin or inadequate carbohydrate intake
Intestines: Portion of the digestive tract extending from stomach to anus and responsible for much of the absorption of nutrients. See Duodenum, Ileum, Jejunum, and Colon
Intolerance: Inability to endure, as with pain or a drug therapy
Involuntary: Not controlled through will
Irradiation of food: A process of exposing food to low-dose radiation in order to extend shelf life by killing microorganisms and insects
Ischemia: Deficiency of blood flow within an organ or part of an organ. Often refers to the situation in which an artery is narrowed or blocked by spasm or atherosclerosis and cannot deliver sufficient blood to the organ it supplies
Jejunum: The portion of the small intestine located between the duodenum and ileum
Joint: The point of juncture between two or more bones where movement occurs
Ketoacidosis: A disturbance of body chemistry that occurs in starvation or as a complication of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes
Ketone: An acidic substance produced when the body must use fat for energy
Kidneys: The two bean-shaped organs located in the back portion of the upper abdomen that are responsible for excreting urine and regulating the water and chemical contents of the blood
Kilogram: A metric unit of weight; 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds or 1,000 grams
Kyphosis: Excessive curvature of the upper spine, resulting in humpback, hunchback, or rounding of the shoulders. May result from diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or rickets, from conditions such as compression fracture, or from a congenital abnormality
Lactation: The production of breast milk
Lactose: The sugar found in milk
Laparoscopy: Examination of the inside of the abdominal cavity by means of a laparoscope (a viewing instrument) inserted through a small incision
LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; provides cholesterol for necessary body functions, but in excessive amounts it tends to accumulate in artery walls; known as "bad" cholesterol
Lesion: Area of tissue that is injured or diseased such as a wound, abscess, sore, tumor, mole, or cyst
Lipid: Description term for a fat or fat-like substance found in the blood, such as cholesterol
Lipoproteins: Proteins that combine with lipids to make them dissolve in blood
Liver: A large organ in the upper abdomen that is the site of many metabolic functions, including the secretion of bile, the manufacture of proteins, and the storage of glycogen and certain vitamins
Lungs: The two organs of respiration that bring air and blood into close contact so that oxygen can be added to and carbon dioxide removed from the blood
Malabsorption: Inadequate absorption of nutrients from the small intestine. Symptoms and signs of malabsorption syndrome include loose, fatty stools, diarrhea, and weight loss, but anemia is not a symptom
Malignant: Harmful, as in cancerous tissue that can grow uncontrollably and spread (metastasize)
Malnutrition: Deficiency of nourishment in the body due to lack of healthful food or improper digestion and distribution of nutrients
Masticate: Chew
Melanoma: A pigmented tumor of the skin and, in rare instances, of the mucous membranes. A malignant melanoma can be invasive and spread to lymph nodes and other sites more frequently than other skin cancers
Membrane: A thin layer of tissue that lines, separates, or covers organs or structures
Menopause: The age-related, permanent cessation of menstruation
Menstruation: Monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus
Metabolism: Physical and chemical processes by which food is transformed into energy and tissues are broken down into waste products
Metastasis: Spreading of a disease from one part of the body to another, usually refers to movement of malignant cells (as in cancer) or bacteria through the lymph or blood
Microbes: Microscopic one-celled organisms such as bacteria, many of which cause disease
Mineral: A class of nutrients made from inorganic compounds
Mitosis: Type of cell division in which the new cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
mm Hg (millimeters of mercury): Unit used for measuring blood pressure
Mono-: Prefix meaning "one"
Muscle: Tissue that produces movement by its ability to contract Musculoskeletal: Pertaining to the muscles and the skeleton Myalgia: Muscle tenderness or pain
Myocardial infarction: Heart attack; death of an area of heart muscle due to lack of blood supply
Myocardium: The heart muscle. See Endocardium and Epicardium
Nausea: An unpleasant sensation in the stomach, often followed by vomiting
Necrosis: Changes due to death of cells or organs
Nerve: A bundle of nerve fibers through which nerve impulses pass
Neuropathy: A functional or structural change in nerves
Nucleus: Center portion of cells essential for cell growth, nourishment, and reproduction
Nutrients: Substances supplied by food that provide nourishment for the body
Nutrition: A combination of processes by which the body receives and uses the substances necessary for its function, for energy, and for growth and repair of the body
Obesity: Abnormal body weight, usually defined as more than 30 percent above average for age, height, and bone structure
Occlusion: Closure of a passage such as ducts or blood vessels. In dentistry, the alignment of upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed
Olfactory: Pertaining to the sense of smell
-oma: Suffix meaning "tumor"; generally not a cancer Oncology: The study of cancer
Organic food: Food that is grown and processed without the use of chemicals, including fertilizers, insecticides, artificial coloring, and additives
Orthostatic hypotension: Decrease in blood pressure upon standing; may lead to light-headedness or fainting -osis: suffix meaning "diseased state"
Osteoporosis: Reduction in bone that can result in weak bones and fractures
Over-the-counter (OTC): Sold without a prescription
Pancreas: Gland that produces enzymes essential to the digestion of food. The islets of Langerhans within the pancreas secrete insulin into the blood
Parasite: An organism that lives on or within another organism at the expense of the host
Parathyroid gland: Endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland that maintain the level of calcium in the blood
Parenteral: Method of administering medication or nutrition other than via the digestive tract, such as intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular
Pareve: A term describing food made without animal or dairy ingredients, according to kosher dietary regulations
Pasteurization: A method of killing bacteria in milk and other liquids by heating to moderately high temperatures for a short time
Pathogen: Disease-producing microorganism
Pathology: Study of the cause and nature of a disease
Pernicious: Destructive, sometimes fatal. Pernicious anemia is caused by the inability to absorb vitamin Bj2 from the intestinal tract
Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their effects on living beings
Phytochemicals: Plant chemicals that when eaten may have an effect on health
Pica: An uncommon urge to eat nonfood items such as laundry starch, dirt, baking powder, or frost from the freezer
Pinch: A measure of dry ingredients equivalent to approximately 1/16 of a teaspoon
Placebo: Substance given for psychological benefit or as part of a clinical research study; it has no specific pharmacologic activity against illness
Plaque: A film or deposit of bacteria and other material on the surface of a tooth that may lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease
Plasma: Fluid part of the blood and lymph
Poly-: Prefix meaning "multiple"
Polyp: A protruding growth, often on a stalk
Primary care physician: Physician responsible for a person’s general health care
Progesterone: Female sex hormone responsible for, among other things, preparation of the uterine lining for implantation of the fertilized egg
Prognosis: Prediction of the course or outcome of a disease
Prostate gland: Gland located at the base of the bladder in men that contributes to production of seminal fluid
Protein: One of many complex nitrogen-containing compounds, composed of amino acids; essential for the growth and repair of tissue
Puberty: The time when body changes particular to the sex occur and when reproduction becomes possible
Pulmonary: Pertaining to the lungs
Pulse: Expansion of an artery after each contraction of the heart
Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy penetrating waves to treat disease. Sources of radiation used in radiation therapy include x-ray, cobalt, and radium
Rectum: The lowest portion of the large intestine. Stores stool until it is emptied
Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys
Renal failure: The inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and maintain electrolyte balance
Retinopathy: Abnormality of the retina that may cause deterioration of eyesight
Risk factors: A factor that increases the chance of developing or aggravating a condition
Roughage: Indigestible fiber of fruits, vegetables, and cereals Saline: Salt (sodium chloride) solution
Saliva: Fluid secreted by the salivary and mucous glands of the mouth that moistens food and begins the process of digestion
Saute: To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or seasoned liquid over a high heat
Sclerosis: Hardening or thickening of an organ or tissue, usually due to abnormal growth of fibrous tissue
Screening: Tests or observations applied to a large cohort of individuals to identify disease or risk of disease
Secretion: The process of producing a substance by a gland; also, the substance produced
Sedentary: Lacking exercise; inactive
Sepsis: Infection with disease-causing microorganisms or other toxins in the bloodstream
Side effects: Undesirable effect of a medication or other treatment
Spleen: The largest organ in the lymphatic system. Located near the stomach, it has a role in the production, storage, and breakdown of blood cells
Squamous cell carcinoma: A malignant tumor arising from cells known as squamous epithelium; a common form of skin cancer
Stenosis: The narrowing or closure of an opening or passageway in the body
Sterilization: The process by which all microorganisms are killed, as in sterilization of surgical instruments
Steroids: See Corticosteroids
Stomach: A sac-like organ to which food is delivered by the esophagus. After the food is processed mechanically by a churning action and chemically with gastric acids, it passes from the stomach to the small intestine
Stool: Body waste excreted from the bowel; feces
Stroke: An injury of the brain due to bleeding or to an interruption of the blood supply
Sucrose: The simple sugar processed from sugarcane and sugar beets
Syndrome: A constellation of symptoms that characterize an ailment
Systemic: Affecting or pertaining to the entire body rather than one of its parts
Systole: The portion of the heart cycle during which the heart muscle is contracting
Systolic pressure: The highest blood pressure produced by the contraction of the heart. Recorded as the first number in a blood pressure measurement
Thoracic: Having to do with the chest (thorax)
Thyroid gland: The endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormone
Thyroxine: One of the forms of thyroid hormone that is involved in the control of the pace of chemical activity (metabolism) in the body
Tissue: A collection of similar cells that form a body structure
Toxin: A poison
Transient ischemic attack: Symptoms caused by temporary lack of circulation to part of the brain
Transplantation: The surgical transfer of an organ or tissue from one position (or person) to another
Trauma: The process or event leading to an injury or wound
Triglyceride: A form of fat that the body can make from sugar, alcohol, or excess calories
Truncal obesity: Fat deposited in the thorax and abdomen, instead of the hips and thighs
Tumor: A new growth of tissue; a neoplasm
Ulcer: An open sore on the skin or a mucous membrane
Ulcerative colitis: A disease characterized by inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum
Urine: Fluid waste produced in the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and released through the urethra
Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels; includes veins and arteries Vegans: People who do not eat any food of animal origin Vein: A blood vessel that returns blood to the heart Venous: Pertaining to veins Viral: Pertaining to or caused by a virus
Virus: Tiny organism that causes disease; viruses range from minor (common cold) to potentially deadly (AIDS)
Vital signs: Respiration, heart rate, and body temperature
Vitamins: Organic substances that are essential for most metabolic functions of the body; they are fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B vitamins and C).
Vomit: The ejection of contents of the stomach through the mouth; also, the material itself
X-ray: Electromagnetic vibrations of short wavelength that penetrate most matter and produce an image on film; also called roentgen ray
