KSS 452 Key Terms Chapter 3 – Exercise During Pregnancy

Blastocyst

the name of the structure that implants into the endometrial lining of the uterus; develops into the embryo and embryonic membranes.

Follicle

a structure in the ovary in which the female gamete develops.

Secondary oocyte

a cell that is released by an ovary each month after puberty. This is the cell that fuses with a sperm cell if fertilization occurs.

Corpus luteum

a structure in the ovary formed from remnants of the follicle following ovulation; it releases hormones, most notably estrogen and progesterone.

Edema

fluid accumulation in the spaces in between cells.

Cardiac output

the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute; usually measured in liters per minute. CO = SV × HR

Peristalsis

alternating rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract that propel contents along. It must occur at an appropriate rate to allow nutrient absorption.

Critical period

A finite time period during which an organ system is growing rapidly. An organ system is particularly vulnerable to harmful conditions such as nutrient deficiencies or exposure to toxins during this.

Cardiac sphincter

Regulates the passage of food substances from the esophagus into the stomach.

Braxton Hicks contractions

irregular uterine contractions that usually begin midway through pregnancy and persist throughout pregnancy. Often occur with increased physical activity.

Stroke volume

the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle with one heart beat. Usually expressed in milliliters.

Tidal volume

the amount of air breathed in or out during normal respiration.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs through which gases are exchanged. Each lung contains millions of them.

Denaturation

A process that alters the three-dimensional shape of a protein.

Anabolic processes (anabolism)

metabolic processes that build. A reaction in which two smaller molecules or structures combine to form a larger molecule or structure.

Catabolic processes (catabolism)

metabolic processes that break down. A reaction in which a large molecule or structure is broken down into two or more smaller molecules or structures.

Hyperthermia

a condition of higher than normal body temperature.

Heart rate

the number of times the heart beats in 1 minute.

Gestational diabetes

a type of glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy. Affects approximately 9% of all pregnancies.

Preeclampsia

a condition that affects both the mother and the fetus. It is characterized by high blood pressure, persistent swelling, and excessive protein in the urine.

Body mass index

a measure of weight in relation to height; indicates overall risk for chronic disease; does not measure body fat percentage or indicate body fat distribution.

Varicose veins

visible, dilated, lumpy veins near the skin surface. Occur when venous valves function improperly and blood pools in a small section of a vein.

Nutrient-dense foods

foods that have a high nutrient content relative to their kilocalorie content.

Anencephaly

means "no brain." A serious birth defect represented by absence of all or part of the brain and/or skull.

Spina bifida

means "an open or severed spine." A serious birth defect that exposes part of the spinal cord thereby making the spinal cord vulnerable to injury.

Bioavailability

the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into body cells.

Complementary proteins

Two or more dietary proteins whose amino acids complement each other in such a way that the essential amino acids missing in one are supplied by the other.