| glossary
K-O |
| |
| K |
| Keratin
|
Protein
in the upper layer of the skin, hair, nails and animal
horns. |
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| L
|
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| M |
| Malabsorption
|
Defective
or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal
tract. |
| Megaloblasitic
aneamia |
An anaemia caused
when fewer mature red blood cells (erythrocytes) enter the
bloodstream, which decreases the blood’s oxygen carrying
capacity. |
| Metabolically |
Of, relating
to, or resulting from metabolism. |
| Metabolism
|
The
sum of all the physical and chemical processes within
the body that involve the production and use of energy. The
term is commonly used to refer specifically to the breakdown
of food and its transformation into energy.
|
| Molecule
|
The
smallest unit of a substance that can exist alone and retain
the characteristics of that substance. |
| Monosaccharide |
Any
of several carbohydrates that cannot be broken down to
simpler sugars by hydrolysis.
Also called simple sugar. |
| Myelin
sheath |
The
insulating envelope that surrounds the core of a nerve fiber
facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses.
|
| |
|
| N |
| Neurotransmitters |
A compound made by the nerve cells that allows for communication
between it and other cells. |
| Nucleated |
To
posses a nucleus. |
| Nucleus |
A
large, membrane-bound, usually round structure of the
cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth
and reproduction. |
| O |
| Osteoporosis |
Thinning
of the bones causing the bone mass to decrease because of
a loss of calcium and bone protein. Osteoporosis increases
the risk for fractures, which are often slow to heal and
heal poorly. |
| Oxidative
stress |
A
condition of increased levels of free radicals and oxidants,
associated with disease and aging, causing cell damage and
cell death. |
| Oxidant |
A
substance that oxidizes another substance. |
