KSS 452 Key Terms: Chapter 5 – Exercise for Senior Adults

Homeostasis

the ability of the body to maintain a relatively constant internal environment despite an ever-changing external environment.

Chronic diseases

conditions that develop and persist over the long term.

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

activities that focus on personal care and maintenance; ADLs include eating, drinking, bathing, dressing, getting into and out of a chair, and using the toilet.

Gerontology

the branch of science that studies the causes of aging.

Chronological age

a person's age in years beginning with the date of birth.

Biological age

a concept that suggests that certain aspects of aging are under an individual's control; sometimes referred to as physiological age.

Apoptosis

cell death; this is a natural part of normal development, maintenance, and tissue renewal; also called programmed cell death.

Melanocytes

cells that produce melanin, a pigment that protects cellular DNA from mutations caused by exposure to UV radiation.

Cutaneous sensation

the ability to sense stimuli to the skin; stimuli include light touch, pressure, pain, warmth, and cold.

Lactose intolerance

the inability to digest lactose, a simple carbohydrate found in dairy products (due to insufficient lactase).

Lumen

a passageway, in this case through the digestive tract. Food and its by-products pass through the _______, which opens to the external environment at both ends.

Intestinal flora

consists of microorganisms found in healthy digestive tracts. The presence of these microorganisms benefits both the microbes and the individual (or host).

Osteoporosis

a condition of porous bones; makes bone vulnerable to fracture.

Autoimmune disease

a disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own cells. The precise symptoms depend upon which body cells are recognized as foreign.

Sarcopenia

age-associated loss of muscle mass.

Hormones

usually steroid or protein molecules that elicit an effect on target cells; target cells have receptors that bind specifically with these.

Insulin

a hormone released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels increase after a meal. (permits the movement of glucose into cells)

Glucagon

a hormone released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels drop in between meals. (releases glycogen)

Insulin resistance

a condition where normal amounts of insulin fail to move adequate glucose into liver, muscle, or fat cells. Insulin is present, but receptors do not respond to it.

Free radicals

unstable molecules that can initiate atherosclerotic plaque formation in blood vessels.

Thrombosis

formation of a clot inside a blood vessel. (Usually affects arteries)

Embolism

occurs when an object, called an embolus, migrates from one part of the body and causes blockage of a blood vessel in another part of the body. (usually forms in veins)

Varicose veins

develop because of weakened venous valves. Blood pools in areas where weak valves cannot prevent backflow.

Atrophy

partial or complete loss of tissue; a decrease in size.

Hypertrophy

an increase in size because of increased cross-sectional area of a cell or organ.

Macrophage

a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens; it also enhances the activity of other white blood cells.

Alveoli

Microscopic air sacs with thin walls located in the lungs. The site of gas exchange in the lungs. Each lung contains millions of alveoli.

Bronchioles

The branches of the respiratory passageways that terminate in alveoli.

ATP

High-energy molecule used by cells to do work; made in large amounts through aerobic processes and in smaller amounts through anaerobic processes.

HCl (hydrochloric acid)

produced by cells in the stomach. Denatures proteins in the stomach.

Pepsin

A protein-digesting enzyme secreted by stomach cells.

Intrinsic factor

A substance secreted by stomach cells; necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Osteoclast

Bone cells that break down bone tissue.

Pituitary hormones

Include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones influence follicle growth rate, progesterone production, and ovulation.

Prolapse

Occurs when an organ or structure slips out of its usual position; typically results from weakened support muscles or overstretched ligaments; often involves the uterus or urinary bladder.

Hot flash

A sensation of extreme heat in the face, neck, and upper body that lasts for up to 10 minutes at a time; often accompanied by severe sweating and chills.

Evaporative cooling

Occurs at the skin surface as sweat changes from a liquid to a gas. A large amount of heat is carried into the atmosphere during vaporization.

Radiative cooling

The primary means of body heat loss; occurs as blood vessels in the dermis dilate. This transports blood from deeper tissues to the skin surface. Infrared heat rays escape from warm blood to the cooler environment.

Ejection fraction

The amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle during each heartbeat. A normal one is 50% to 70%.

Maximal oxygen uptake

Also known as VO2max. The maximum amount of oxygen the body takes in and utilizes. Provides an indirect measure of a person's maximal aerobic capacity.

Risk factor

A behavior or condition that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. These do not necessarily cause disease, but they are positively correlated with disease development.

Peripheral artery disease

A condition that primarily affects peripheral circulation in the legs and feet, causing pain and tingling in the extremities during activity. Results from the accumulation of fatty deposits that block arteries and interfere with blood circulation. Studies show it can be managed and likely prevented with exercise.

Blood lipid profile

Blood tests that indicate a person's risk for cardiovascular disease.

Target cells

Cells throughout the body that have receptors for a given hormone.

Intermittent claudication

An aching, cramping, and sometimes burning leg pain that comes and goes. It typically occurs with walking and goes away with rest; caused by poor blood circulation in the arteries of the legs.

Metabolic equivalent (MET)

The unit used to estimate the amount of oxygen used by the body. One equals the oxygen used by the body at rest.

Dysrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm.

Catabolize

To break down larger molecules into smaller ones; releases energy as bonds are broken.

Empty kilocalories

Foods that are high in energy but low in nutritional value; also known as junk foods. Examples include potato chips, candy, and regular soda.

Phytochemicals

Nonnutritive plant chemicals that have protective properties in the human body. (can act as antioxidants)

Nutrient-dense foods

Foods that have a high nutrient to kilocalorie ratio; they provide the biggest nutrient "bang" for the smallest energy "buck."