Modules 9-11: Bone Health, Energy Metabolism, Blood Health, and Body Weight

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions across Module 9 (Bone Health & Osteoporosis), Module 10 (Energy Metabolism, Blood Health & Supplements), and Module 11 (Healthful Body Weight).

Cortical bone

The dense, hard outer layer of bone that constitutes $80\%$ of the skeleton.

Trabecular bone

The spongy inner bone that makes up $20\%$ of the skeleton and breaks down faster than cortical bone.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for building new bone.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells responsible for breaking down old bone.

Peak bone mass

The maximum bone density reached around age $30$, after which bone loss slowly outpaces bone buildup.

DEXA scan

The primary medical test utilized to measure bone density.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone that works alongside active Vitamin D to pull calcium from bones when blood calcium levels drop.

Calcitonin

A hormone that inhibits bone breakdown when blood calcium levels are high.

Rickets

A condition in children resulting from low Vitamin D levels.

Osteomalacia

A condition characterized by soft bones in adults, caused by low Vitamin D levels.

Osteoporosis

A medical condition in which bones become porous and fragile, breaking easily.

Coenzymes

Helper molecules with zero calories (such as B vitamins) that unlock energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Thiamin (B1)

A B vitamin that assists in converting glucose into energy; a deficiency leads to beriberi.

Beriberi

A deficiency disease caused by a lack of thiamin (B1).

Pellagra

A condition caused by niacin (B3) deficiency, defined by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Vitamin B6

A B vitamin that assists in processing protein and producing red blood cells.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting from an iodine deficiency.

Macrocytic anemia

A blood condition characterized by abnormally large and immature red blood cells, caused by a deficiency in Folate (B9) or Vitamin B12.

Intrinsic factor

A stomach substance required for the proper absorption of Vitamin B12.

Microcytic anemia

A condition characterized by small, pale red blood cells and fatigue, caused by iron deficiency.

Heme iron

The form of iron derived from meat and fish that is easily absorbed by the body.

Non-heme iron

The form of iron found in plant foods that is poorly absorbed unless consumed with Vitamin C.

DSHEA (1994)

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which regulates dietary supplements as foods rather than drugs, requiring no pre-market proof of safety or efficacy.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The energy expended simply to sustain life at rest, representing $60\%$ to $75\%$ of total daily calorie expenditure.

Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)

The energy expended to digest food, accounting for $5\%$ to $10\%$ of daily calorie burn.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

An assessment metric based on height and weight that cannot distinguish between adipose tissue and muscle mass.

Apple shape

A body fat distribution pattern characterized by abdominal fat that poses a greater risk for heart disease and diabetes than a pear shape.

Pear shape

A body fat distribution pattern characterized by fat accumulation around the hips and thighs.

Hunger

The physiological need to consume food.

Appetite

The psychological desire to consume food.

Ghrelin

A key hormone responsible for stimulating feelings of hunger.

Leptin

A key hormone that signals satiety and fullness to the body.

Set-point theory

A hypothesis proposing that the body actively resists substantial weight changes by adjusting hunger levels and metabolic rate.