Glossary of Terms

A

Abduction:

To move away from the body.

Abscess:

Localized accumulation of pus and disintegrating tissue.

Absorption:

The process by which products of digestion passed into the bloodstream.

Acetylcholine (Ach):

Chemical transmitter substance released by some nerve endings.

Achilles tendon:

see Calcaneal tendon.

Acidosis:

An abnormal increase in blood hydrogen ion concentration (i.e., arterial pH below 7.35).

Acids:

Compounds capable of giving up hydrogen ions into solution.

Acromegaly:

A condition caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland; characterized by enlargement of the extremities, such as the jaw, nose, and fingers.

Actin:

A structural proten of muscle that works with myosin in permitting muscular contraction.

Action potential:

The all-or-noe electrial event in the neuron or muscle cell in which the polarity of the cell membrane is rapidly reversed and then reestablised.

Adaptation:

(1) Any change in structure or response to suit a new environment;

(2) Decline in the transmission of a sensory nerve when a receptor is stimulated continuously and without change in stimulus strength.

Adduction:

To move toward the midline of the body.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP):

Organic molecule that stores and releases chemical energy for use in body cells.

Adipocyte:

An adipose or fat cell.

Adrenal cortex:

The outer portion of the adrenal gland. Synthesizes and secretes corticosteroid hormones, such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.

Adrenal glands:

Hormone-producing glands located above the kidneys; each consists of a medulla and cortex areas.

Adrenal glands:

Hormone producing glands located above each kidney, that manufacture adrenaline.

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH):

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Adventitia:

Outermost layer or covering of an organ.

Aerobic:

In the presence of oxygen, Oxygen-requiring.

Aerobic endurance:

The length of time a muscle can continue to contract using aerobic pathways.

Aerobic respiration:

Respiration in which oxygen is consumed and glucose is broken down entirely; water, carbon dioxide, and large amounts of ATP are the final products.

Afferent:

Carrying to or toward the center.

Afferent (sensory) nerve:

Nerve that contains processes of sensory neurons and carries nerve impulses to the central nervous system.

Afferent (sensory) neuron:

Nerve cell that carries impulses toward the central nervous system; initiates nerve impulses following receptor stimulation.

Agglutination:

Clumping of (foreign) cells.

Agonist:

Muscle that bears the major responsibility for effecting a particular movement; a prime mover.

Albumin:

The most abundant plasma protein.

Aldosterone:

A corticosteroid hormone involved in the regulation of electrolyte balance.

Alimentary canal:

The continuous hollow tube extending from the mouth to the anus; its walls are constructed by the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine.

Alkalosis:

An abnormal increase in blood concentration of OH- ions, resulting in a rise in arterial pH above 7.45.

Alleles:

Genes coding for the same trait and found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Allergy (hypersensitivity):

A overzealous immune response to an otherwise harmless substance.

Alopecia:

Baldness.

Alpha receptors:

A subtype of adrenergic receptors located on cell membranes of selected tissues.

Alveoli (Alveolus):

(1) One of the microscopic air sacs of the lungs where gas exchange occurs between respiratory gases and the blood;

(2) Tiny milk-producing glandular sac in the breast.

Alzheimer's disease:

A degenerative brain disease resulting in progressive loss of memory and motor control, and increasing dementia.

Amenorrhea:

The absence of menses.

Amino acids:

Organic compound containing nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; building blocks of protein.

Amnion:

Fetal membrane that forms a fluid-filled sac around the embryo.

Amylase:

Digestive system enzyme that breaks down starchy foods.

Anabolic steroid:

A prescription drug that has anaboli, or growth stimulating, characteristics similar to that of the male androgen, testosterone.

Anabolism:

Energy-requiring building phase of metabolism in which simpler substances are combined to form more complex substances.

Anaerobic:

Without oxygen, Not requiring oxygen.

Anaerobic glycolysis:

Energy-yielding conversion of glucose to lactic acid in various tissues, notably muscle, when sufficient oxygen is not available.

Anaerobic threshold:

The point at which muscle metabolism converts to anaerobic glycolysis.

Anastomosis:

A union or joining of nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatics.

Anatomy:

Study of the structure of living organisms.

Androgens:

Male sex hormones. Synthesized in the testes and in limited amounts in the adrenal crotex. Steoids that have masculinizing effects.

Anemia:

Reduced oxygen-carrying ability of the blood resulting from too few red blood cells or abnormal hemoglobin.

Aneurysm:

Blood-filled sac in an artery wall caused by dilation or weakening of the wall.

Angina pectoris:

Chest pain due to a lack of blood flow (ischemia) to the myocardium.

Anticoagulant:

Something that delays or prevents blood-clotting.

Antigen:

A substance or part of a substance (living or nonliving) that is recognized as foreign by the immune system, activates the immune system, and reacts with immune cells or their products.

Antihistamine:

Substance that causes blood vessels to constrict and decreases vascular permeability.

Arteries:

blood vessels that move blood away from the heart and into circulation.

Ataxia:

Disruption of muscle coordination resulting in inaccurate movements.

ATP:

A molecule called adenosine triphosphate; organic molecule that stores and releases chemical energy for use in body cells.

Axial:

Relating to the head, neck and trunk; one of the two major divisions of the body.

B

B-Cells:

Oversee humoral immunity; their descendants differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells.

Bases:

Compounds that ionize in water to release hydroxyl ions or other ions that are capable of combining with hydrogen ions.

Beta oxidation:

Breakdown of ree fatty acids to form acetyl-CoA.

Bioenergetics:

The chemical processes involved with the production of cellular ATP.

Biological control systems:

A control system capable of maintaining homeostasis with a cell or organ system in a living creature.

Bradycardia:

A resting heart rate less than sixty beats per minute.

Brain stem:

Portion of the brain that includes mid brain, pons, and medulla.

Buffer:

A compound that resists pH change.

Bulk flow:

Mass movement of molecules from an area of high pressure to an area of lower pressure.

Bursa:

A fibrous sac lined with synovial membrane and containing synovial fluid; occurs between bones and muscle tendons (or other structures), where it acts to decrease friction during movement.

Bursitis:

Inflammation of a bursa.

C

Calcaneal tendon:

Tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone (calcaneus).

Calcitonin:

Hormone, released from the thyroid gland, that plays a minor role in calcium metabolism.

Calculus:

A stone formed within various body parts.

Callus:

Localizing thickening of skin epidermis resulting from physical trauma; repair tissue formed at a fracture site.

Calorie (cal):

Amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water one degree Celsius.

Calyx:

A cuplike extension of the pelvis of the kidney.

Cancer:

A malignant, invasive cellular neoplasm that has the capability of spreading throughout the body or body parts.

Capillaries:

The smallest of the blood vessels and the sites of exchange between the blood and tissue cells.

Carbohydrate:

Organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; includes starches, sugars, and cellulose.

Carcinogen:

A cancer-causing agent.

Cardiac accelerator nerves:

Part of the sympathetic nervous system that stimulates the SA node to increase heart rate.

Cardiac cycle:

Sequence of events encompassing one complete contraction and relaxation of the atria and ventricles of the heart.

Cardiac muscle:

Specialized muscle of the heart.

Cardiac output:

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per unit of time; equal to product of heart rate and stroke volume.

Cardiac reserve:

The difference between resting and maximal cardiac output.

Cardiogenic shock:

Pump failure; the heart is so inefficient that it cannot sustain adequate circulation.

Cardiovascular control center:

The area of the medulla that regulates the cardiovascular system.

Cartilage:

White semi-opaque connective tissue.

Catabolism:

Process in which living cells break down substances into simpler substances.

Catalyst:

Substance that increases the rate of a chemical reactions without itself becoming chemically charged or part of the product.

Cataract:

Clouding of the eye's lens; often cogenital or age-related.

Catecholamines:

Organic compounds including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Cellular respiration:

Process of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production in cells.

Cerebellum:

Portion of the brain that is concerned with fine coordination of skeletal muscles during movement.

Cerebral cortex:

The outer gray matter region of the cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebral dominance:

Designates the hemisphere that is dominant for language.

Cerebral palsy:

Neuromuscular disability in which voluntary muscles are poorly controlled or paralyzed as a result of brain damage.

Cerebral white matter:

Provides for communication between cerebral areas and lower central nervous system centers.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):

Plasma-like fluid that fills the cavities of the CNS and surrounds the CNS externally; protects the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA):

Condition in which brain tissue is deprived of a blood supply, as in blockage of cerebral blood vessel; a stroke.

Cerebrum:

Superior aspect of the brain that occupies the upper cranial cavity. Contains the motor cortex.

Chemotaxis:

Movement of a cell, organism, or part of an organism toward or away from a chemical substance.

Cholecystokinin (CCK):

An intestinal hormone that stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic juice release.

Cholesterol:

Steroid found in animal fats as well as in most body tissues; made by the liver.

Chromatin:

Structures in the nucleus of a cell that carry the hereditary factors (genes).

Chyme:

Semi-fluid, creamy mass consisting of partially digested food and gastric juices.

CNS (Central Nervous System):

Brain and spinal cord.

Coagulation:

Process in which blood is transformed from a liquid to a gel; blood clotting.

Cochlea:

Snail-shaped chamber of bony cavities and membranes that houses the receptor for hearing.

Coenzyme:

Nonprotein substance associated with and activating enzyme, typically a vitamin.

Collagen fiber:

The most abundant of the three fibers found in the matrix of connective tissue.

Concentric action:

Occurs when a muscle is activated and shortens.

Conduction:

Transfer of heat from warmer to cooler objects that are in contact with each other.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS):

The replacement of a blocked coronary artery with another vessel to permit blood flow to the myocardium.

Cortex:

Outer surface area of an organ.

D

Deglutition:

Swallowing.

Dehydration:

Condition of excessive water loss.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS):

Muscle soreness that occurs twelve to twenty-four hours after an exercise bout.

Diabetes insipidus:

Disease characterized by passage of a large quantity of urine plus intense thirst and dehydration caused by inadequate release of antidiuretic hormone.

Diabetes mellitus:

Disease caused by deficient insulin release, leading to inability of the body cells to use carbohydrates.

Diabetic coma:

Unconscious state induced by a lack of insulin.

Diaphragm:

The mafor respiratory muscle responsible for inspiration. Dome shaped-separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Diastole:

Period of filling of the heart between contractions (i.e. resting phase of the heart).

Direct calorimetry:

Assessment of the body's metabolic rate by direct measurement of the amount of heat produced.

Distal:

Away from the attached end of a limb or the origin of a structure.

Diuretics:

Chemicals that enhance urinary output.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid):

A nucleic acid found in all living cells; it carries the organism's hereditary information.

Dorsal:

Pertaining to the past; posterior.

Double product:

The product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure; estimate of the work of the heart.

Dura mater:

Outermost and toughest of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Dynamic stretching:

Stretching that involves controlled movement.

Dysmenorrhea:

Painful menstruation.

Dyspnea:

Shortness of breath or labored breathing. May be due to various types of lung or heart diseases.

E

Eccentric action:

Occurs when a muscle is activated and force is produced but the muscle lengthens.

Edema:

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in body parts or tissues; causes swelling.

Efferent:

Carrying away or away from, especially a nerve fiber that carries impulses away from the central nervous system.

Electrolyte:

Chemical substances, such as salts, acids, and bases, that ionize and dissociate in water and are capable of conducting an electrical current.

Element:

A single chemical substance composed of only one type of atom (e.g., calcium or potassium).

Embolism:

Obstruction of blood vessel by a blood clot, fatty mass, bubble of air, or other debris floating in the blood.

Encephalitis:

Inflammation of the brain.

Endomorphy:

The somatotype (body type) category that is rated for roundness.

Enzyme:

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction.

Epilepsy:

Neurological disorder manifested by muscular seizures.

Epinephrine:

A hormone synthesized by the adrenal medulla; also called adrenaline.

Ergogenic aid:

A substance, appliance, or procedure (e.g. blood doping) that improves performance.

Ergometer:

Instrument for measuring work.

Ergometry:

Measurement of work output.

Eupnea:

Normal respiratory rate and rhythm.

Exergonic reactions:

Chemical reactions that release energy.

Exogenous:

Developing or originating outside and organ or part.

Extension:

Movement that increases the angle of a joint.

Extensors:

Muscles that extend a limb-that is, increase the angle at a joint.

Extrasystole:

Premature heart contraction.

Extrinsic eye muscles:

The six skeletal muscles which attach to and move each eye.

Exudate:

Material including fluid, pus, or cells that has escaped from blood vessels and been deposited in tissues.

F

Fasciculi:

A small bundle of muscle fibers.

Fast-twitch fibers:

One of several types of muscl fibers found in skeletal muscle; also called Type II fibers; characterized as having low oxidative capacity but high glycolytic capacity.

Ferritin:

The iron-carrying molecule used as an idex of whole-body iron status.

Fibrin:

Fibrous insoluble protein formed during blood clotting.

Flexors:

Muscle groups that cause flexion of limbs-that is, decrease the angle at a joint.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH):

A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the development of an ovarian follicle in the female and the production of sperm in the male.

Free fatty acid (FFA):

A type of fat that combines with glycerol to form triglycerides. Is used as an energy source.

Free-radicals:

Highly reactive chemicals with unpaired electrons that can scramble the structure of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

G

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS):

A term defined by Selye in 1936 that describes the organism's response to chronic stress. In response to stress the organism has a three-stage response: (1) alarm reaction; (2) stage of resistance; and (3) readjustment to the stress, or exhaustion.

Glucagon:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose and free fatty acid levels.

Glucocorticoids:

Any one of a group of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that influences carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

Gluconeogenesis:

The synthesis of glucose from amino acids, lactate, glycerol, and other short carbon-chain molecules.

Glucose:

Principle blood sugar.

Glycogen:

Main carbohydrate stored in animal cells; a polysaccharide.

Glycogenolysis:

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose.

Glycolysis:

a metabolic pathway in the cytoplasm of the cell that results in the degradation of glucose into pyruvate or lactate.

Golgi tendon organ (GTOs):

A tension receptor located in series with skeletal muscle.

Gross efficiency:

A simple measure of exercise efficiency defined as the ration of work performed to energy expended, expressed as a percent.

Growth hormone:

Hormone synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth of the skeleton and soft tisues during the growing years. It is also involved in the mobilization of the body's energy stores.

H

Heart murmur:

Abnormal heart sound (usually resulting from heart valve problems).

Hemoglobin:

A heme-containing protein in redblood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues. Hemoglobin also serves as a weak buffer within red blood cells.

Hemosiderin:

An insoluble form of iron stored in tissues.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL):

Proteins used to transport cholesterol in blood; high levels appear to offer some protection from atherosclerosis.

Homeostasis:

A state of body equilibrium or stable internal environment of the body.

Homologous:

Parts or organs corresponding in structure but not necessarily in function.

Hormone:

Steroidal or amino acid-based molecules released to the blood that act as chemical messengers to regulate specific body functions.

Hydrochloric acid:

Acid that aids in protein digestion in the stomach; produced by parietal cells.

Hypercapnia:

High carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Hyperemia:

An increase in blood flow into a tissue or organ; congested with blood.

Hyperglycemic:

Term used to describe hormones such as glucagon to elevate blood glucose levels.

Hyperopia:

A condition in which visual images are routinely focused behind the retina; commonly known as farsightedness.

Hyperoxia:

Oxygen concentration in an inspired gas that exceeds 21%.

Hyperplasia:

An increase in the number of cells in a tissure.

Hypertrophy:

Increase in size of a tissue or organ independent of the body's general growth.

Hypertrophy:

Anincrease in cell size.

Hyperventilation:

Increased depth and rate of breathing.

Hypocapnia:

Low carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Hypoglycemia:

A condition caused by abnormally low blood sugar.

Hypoglycemic:

Term used to describe hormones such as insulin that decrease blood glucose level.

Hypotension:

Low blood pressure.

Hypothalamus:

Brain structure that integrates many physiological functions to maintain homeostasis; site of secretion of hormones released by the posterior pituitary; also releases hormones that control anterior pituitary secretions.

Hypoventilation:

Decreased depth and rate of breathing.

Hypoxia:

Condition in which inadequate oxygen is available to tissues.

I

Ichthyosis:

A condition characterized by a scaliness on the outer layer of skin.

Immune system:

A functional system whose components attack foreign substances or prevent their entry into the body.

Immunity:

Ability of the body to resist many agents (both living and nonliving) that can cause disease; resistance to diseases.

In vitro:

In a test tube, glass, or artificial environment.

In vivo:

In the living body.

Incremental exercise test:

An exercise test involving a progressive increase in work rate over time. Often graded exercise tests are used to determined the subject's VO2 max or lactate threshold.

Indirect calorimetry:

Estimationm of heat or energy production on the basis of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and nitrogen excretion.

Infarct:

Region of dead, deteriorating tissue resulting from a lack of blood supply.

Inguinal:

Pertaining to the groin region.

Innervation:

Supply of nerves to a body part.

Inorganic:

Relating to substances that do not contain carbon (C).

Insokinetic:

Action in which the rate of movement is constantly maintained through a specific range of motion even though maximal force is exerted.

Insulin:

A hormone that enhances the carrier-mediated diffusion of glucose into tissue cells, thus lowering blood glucose levels.

Insulin shock:

Condition brought on by too much insulin, which causes an immediate hypoglycemia; symptoms include tremors, dizziness, and possibly convulsions.

Intercalated discs:

Portion of cardiac muscle cell where one cell connects to the next.

Isometric:

Action in which the muscle develops tension, but does not shorten; also called a static conction. No movement occurs.

Isotonic:

Contraction in which a muscle shortens against a constant load or tension, resulting in movement.

IU:

International Units.

J

K

L

Lactation:

Production and secretion of milk.

Lactic acid:

Product of anaerobic metabolism, especially in muscle.

Lipid:

Organic compound formed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; examples are fats and cholesterol.

M

Medulla:

Central portion of certain organs.

Melanin:

Dark pigment formed by cells called melanocytes; imparts color to skin and hair.

Metabolic rate:

Energy expended by the body per unit time.

Metabolism:

Sum total of the chemical reactions occurring in the body cells.

Muscular dystrophy:

A group of inherited muscle-destroying diseases.

Myosin:

One of the principal contractile proteins found in muscle.

N

Nervous system:

Fast-acting control system that triggers muscle contraction or gland secretion.

Nutrients:

Chemical substances taken in via the diet that are used for energy and cell building.

O

Oblique section:

A cut made diagonally between the horizontal and vertical plane of the body or an organ.

Orthomolecular:

The right molecule used for the right treatment; doctors who practice preventive medicine and use vitamin therapies are known as orthomolecular physicians.

OSHA:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Osteoblasts:

Bone-forming cells.

Osteoclasts:

Large cells that break down bone matrix.

Osteogenesis:

The process of bone formation; also called ossification.

Osteomalacia:

Disorder in which bones are inadequately mineralized; soft bones.

Osteoporosis:

Increased softening of the bone resulting from a gradual decrease in rate of bone formation.

Oxalates:

Organic chemicals found in certain foods, especially spinach, which can combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate, an insoluble chemical the body cannot use.

P

Palate:

Roof of the mouth.

Parietal:

Pertaining to the walls of a cavity.

Pathogen:

Disease causing microorganism.

Pectoral:

Pertaining to the chest.

Pepsin:

Enzyme capable of digesting proteins in an acid pH.

Physiology:

Study of the function of living organisms.

Platelet:

Cell fragment found in blood; involved in clotting.

Pore:

The surface opening of the duct of a sweat gland.

Prostaglandins:

A lipid-based membrane-associated hemical messenger synthesized by most tissue cells that acts locally as a hormone-like substance.

Pulmonary circuit:

System of blood vessels that serves gas exchange in the lungs; i.e. pulmonary arteries, capillaries, and veins.

Pulmonary edema:

Leakage of fluid into the air sacs and tissue of the lungs.

Pulmonary veins:

Vessels that deliver freshly oxygenated blood from the respiratory zones of the lungs to the heart.

Pulmonary ventilation:

Breathing; consists of inhaling and exhaling.

Pulse:

Rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries resulting from heart contraction' can be felt outside the body.

Purkinje fibers:

Modified cardiac muscle fibers of the conduction system of the heart.

Pyruvic acid:

An intermediate compound in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Q

R

Ramus:

Branch of a nerve, artery, vein or bone.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep:

Stage of sleep in which rapid eye movements and dreaming occur; also called paradoxical sleep.

Referred pain:

Pain felt at a site other than the area of origin.

Reflex:

Automatic reaction to stimuli.

Regeneration:

Replacement of destroyed tissue with the same kind of tissue.

Renal:

Pertaining to the kidney.

Renin:

Substance released by the kidneys that is involved with raising blood pressure.

Rennin:

Stomach-secreted enzyme e that acts on milk protein; not produced in adults.

Resistance exercise:

High-intensity exercise in which the muscles are pitted against high resistance or immoveable forces and, as a result, muscle cells increase in size.

Respiration:

The processes involved in supplying the body with oxygen and disposing of carbon dioxide.

Respiratory system:

Organ system that carries out gas exchange; includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs.

RNA (Ribonucleic acid):

Nucleic acid that contains ribose and the bases A, G, C, and U. Carries out DNA's instructions for protein synthesis.

S

Saliva:

Secretion of the salivary glands; cleanses and moistens the mouth and begins chemical digestion of starchy foods.

Sprain:

Ligaments reinforcing a joint are stretched or torn.

Stroke volume:

Amount of blood pumped out of a ventricle during one contraction.

Subcutaneous:

Beneath the skin.

Synergistic:

Muscle that aids the action of a prime mover by effecting the same movement or by stabilizing joints across which the prime mover acts to prevent undesirable movements.

Systemic:

Pertaining to the whole body.

Systemic circuit:

System of blood vessels that serves gas exchange in the body tissues.

Systole:

Period when either the ventricles or the atria are contracting.

Systolic pressure:

Pressure exerted by blood on the blood vessel walls during ventricular contractions.

T

T-Cells:

Lymphocytes, white blood cells, that mediate cellular immunity; include helper, killer, suppressor, and memory cells. Also called T lymphocytes.

Tachycardia:

A heart rate over 100 beats per minute.

Tendon:

Cord on dense fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

Triglycerides:

Fats and oils composed of fatty acids and glycerol; are the body';s most concentrated source of energy fuel; also known as neutral fats.

U

Unsaturated fatty acids:

Most often liquid at room temperature; primarily found in vegetable fats.

USAN:

United States Adopted Names Council; cosponsored by the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for the specific purpose of coining suitable, acceptable, nonpropfietary names in the drug field.

USRDA:

United States Recommended Daily Allowances.

V

Ventral:

Pertaining to front; anterior.

Veins:

Blood vessels that return blood toward the heart from the circulation.

Ventricle:

Paired, inferiorly located heart chambers that function as the major blood pumps; cavities in the brain.

Venule:

A small vein.

Vital signs:

Includes pulse, blood pressure, respirator rate, and body temperature measurements.

W

X

Xerosis:

A condition of dryness.

Y

Z

Zein:

Protein from corn.

Zygote:

Fertilized egg.

Zyme:

A fermenting substance.