biomed

forensic science

forThe application of scientific knowledge to resolve questions of civil and criminal law.

heart rate

A measure of cardiac activity usually expressed in number of beats per minute.

vital signs

Measurements—pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure—that indicate essential body functions.

pulse

The rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries caused by heart contractions.

respiratory rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

control group

The group in an experiment where the independent variable is not applied; used for comparison.

independent variable

The variable intentionally changed by the researcher.

dependent variable

The variable being measured; affected by the independent variable.

hypothesis

A proposed explanation predicting experimental results.

experimental design

The structured process of planning an experiment.

iterative

Repeating steps until the desired outcome is achieved.

experiment

A research study to understand phenomena and variable effects.

trace evidence

Tiny fragments of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, or glass.

leukocyte (white blood cell)

A blood cell involved in immune response; contains a nucleus.

erythrocyte (red blood cell)

Cells that carry oxygen; contain hemoglobin and lack nuclei.

thrombocyte (platelet)

Small blood components that help in clotting.

blood plasma

The liquid portion of blood containing water and dissolved substances.

antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response.

positive control

The group expected to show a positive result to confirm the experiment works.

negative control

The group expected to show a negative result; detects outside influences.

ABO system

Blood typing system based on antigens: A, B, AB, O.

antibody

A protein that binds to and neutralizes pathogens.

agglutination

The clumping of particles.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

A nucleic acid containing A, T, C, and G; double-stranded and helical.

protein

A polymer of amino acids; structure determined by DNA.

nucleotide

A DNA unit consisting of sugar, base, and phosphate.

helix

A spiral three-dimensional structure.

adenine

A purine base found in DNA, RNA, and ATP.

thymine

A pyrimidine base found in DNA.

guanine

A purine base found in DNA and RNA.

cytosine

A pyrimidine base found in DNA and RNA.

gene

A sequence of DNA that codes for a protein or trait.

genome

All the genetic material of an organism.

cell

The smallest unit of life.

organelle

Small structures inside cells that perform specific functions.

eukaryotic

Cells with membrane-bound organelles.

prokaryotic

Cells without membrane-bound organelles; usually unicellular.

chromosome

Tightly coiled DNA in the nucleus.

histone

Protein DNA wraps around to form chromosomes.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

Technique used to amplify DNA.

restriction enzyme

Enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences.

recognition sites

DNA sequences where restriction enzymes cut.

restriction digestion

Cutting DNA into fragments using enzymes.

gel electrophoresis

Technique for separating DNA or proteins by size and charge.

RFLPs

DNA fragment length variations caused by sequence differences.

morgue

A place where bodies are kept before identification or autopsy.

autopsy

A postmortem exam to determine cause of death.

cause of death

The specific injury or disease that directly caused death.

mechanism of death

The physiological changes leading to death.

manner of death

Classification of death: natural, accident, homicide, suicide, or undetermined.

medical examiner

A physician who performs autopsies and investigates deaths.

system

A group of organs working together to perform a function.

physiological time of death

The actual time vital functions stopped.

estimated time of death

The medical examiner’s estimate of when death occurred.

legal time of death

The time recorded on the death certificate.

algor mortis

Body cooling after death.

rigor mortis

Stiffening of muscles after death.

livor mortis

Pooling of blood after death, causing discoloration.

digestive system

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

nutrient

A substance needed for life and health.

molecule

A group of atoms bonded together.

chemical reaction

A process where atoms or molecules are rearranged.

physical digestion

Mechanical breakdown of food.

chemical digestion

Breakdown of food using enzymes and acids.

metabolism

Chemical processes for energy and building molecules.

forensic chemistry

Testing non-biological samples to identify substances.

presumptive test

A quick test indicating a substance might be present.

confirmatory test

A test identifying a specific substance.

personal protective equipment

Gear worn to protect against hazards.

histology

The study of microscopic tissues.

tissue

A group of cells with a common function.

organ

A group of tissues performing a specific function.

organ system

Organs working together for a function.

MRI

Imaging technique using magnets and radio waves.

TBI

Brain dysfunction caused by external force.

CTE

Brain degeneration from repeated injuries.

concussion

A brain injury caused by rapid movement inside the skull.

cardiovascular system

Transports blood, oxygen, and nutrients.

atrium

Upper chamber of the heart.

ventricle

Lower chamber of the heart.

valve

Structure ensuring one-way blood flow.

tricuspid valve

Valve between right atrium and right ventricle.

mitral valve

Valve between left atrium and left ventricle.

pulmonary valve

Valve between right ventricle and pulmonary artery.

aortic valve

Valve between left ventricle and aorta.

artery

Vessel carrying blood away from the heart.

vein

Vessel returning blood to the heart.

pulmonary circulation

Blood flow between heart and lungs.

systemic circulation

Blood flow between heart and body tissues.

coronary artery

Arteries supplying the heart muscle.

apex

The pointed bottom of the heart.

left ventricle

Pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

right ventricle

Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

auricles

Ear-like extensions of the atria.

left atrium

Receives oxygenated blood from lungs.

right atrium

Receives deoxygenated blood from body.

superior vena cava

Returns blood from upper body to heart.

aorta

Largest artery; carries blood to the body.

brachiocephalic artery

Major artery branching from the aorta.

pulmonary veins

Carry oxygenated blood to the left atrium.