Health 9

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the union of the sperm and ovum.

Blastocyst

A hollow sphere formed by a zygote that travels to the uterus.

Embryo

The cluster of cells that develops after implantation.

Placenta

A sac of blood vessels that functions as the kidney and lungs for the developing fetus.

Umbilical cord

A bundle of three blood vessels connecting the fetus to the placenta.

Fetus

The developing baby from the 9th week of pregnancy until birth.

Adolescence

The transitional period from childhood to adulthood.

Puberty

The stage of development in which the body becomes capable of reproduction.

Endocrinology

The study of the endocrine system and its hormones.

Pituitary gland

The master gland that regulates growth and produces growth hormones.

Somatotropin

The growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

Antidiuretic hormone

A hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and the body's water balance.

Thyroid gland

Gland that regulates metabolism.

Thyroxine

The principal hormone produced by the thyroid gland that affects metabolism.

Parathyroid gland

Gland that regulates calcium levels in the body.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, a hormone that triggers the body's emergency response.

Aldosterone

A hormone that helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body.

Cortisol

A hormone that helps the body repair itself and manage stress.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that regulate blood sugar levels.

Insulin

A hormone that decreases blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose.

Glucagon

A hormone that increases blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen to glucose.

Reproductive glands

Gonads responsible for producing reproductive cells; testes in males and ovaries in females.

Pineal gland

Gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles by secreting melatonin.

Digestion

The chemical breakdown of food into smaller components for absorption.

Absorption

The process of transferring nutrients from food into the bloodstream.

Elimination

The process of excreting undigested waste from the body.

Crown

The visible part of a tooth, covered by enamel.

Dentin

The hard tissue that forms the main structure of the tooth.

Pulp

The soft tissue in the center of a tooth.

Esophagus

The muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach.

Peristalsis

The wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Sphincter

Muscle that regulates the passage of food into the stomach.

Chyme

The thick liquid formed in the stomach after food is digested.

Villi

Tiny hair-like projections in the small intestine that increase absorption surface area.

Gastroenterology

The study of the digestive system and its disorders.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates

Nutrients made of sugars, providing energy.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars like glucose.

Disaccharides

Sugars formed from two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides, such as starch.

Dietary fiber

Nutrients that aid in digestion and movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Proteins

Nutrients made up of amino acids that build and repair tissues.

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins.

Fats

Macronutrients that provide energy and support cell growth.

Saturated fats

Fats that are solid at room temperature, typically from animal sources.

Unsaturated fats

Fats that are liquid at room temperature, typically from plant sources.

Lipoproteins

Carrier molecules that transport fats in the bloodstream.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

The 'bad' cholesterol that can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts.

Antioxidants

Substances such as vitamins C and E that help eliminate free radicals.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in water; includes vitamin B and C.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in fats; includes vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Deficiency disease

Health issues caused by a lack of essential nutrients.

Enriched foods

Foods that have vitamins added during processing.

Calcium

A mineral important for bone health and muscle function.

Electrolytes

Minerals that dissolve in water and conduct electricity; includes sodium, potassium, and chloride.

Trace elements

Essential nutrients needed in very small amounts.

Kilocalories

A unit of measurement for energy in food, often referred to as calories.

Metabolism

The chemical processes that convert food into energy.

Basal metabolism

The rate at which the body burns calories at rest.

Nutrient density

The ratio of nutrients to calories in food.

Gingiva

The medical term for gums.

Pharynx

The medical term for the throat.

Epiglottis

A flap that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Junction

The connection point of two or more anatomical structures.

Cementum

The calcified substance that covers the root of a tooth, anchoring it in place.

Periodontal membrane

The tissue that holds the tooth in its socket by producing cementum.

Uvula

A small fleshy extension at the back of the throat that helps block food from entering the nasal cavity.

Digestive enzymes

Proteins that accelerate the process of digestion.

Hydrochloric acid

A strong acid produced by the stomach that aids in food digestion.

Gastric juice

The digestive fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

Jejunum

The middle section of the small intestine where most absorption occurs.

Ileum

The longest part of the small intestine connecting to the colon.

Colon

The large intestine, responsible for waste elimination.

Liver

The largest internal organ, responsible for producing bile and processing nutrients.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats.

Diuretic

A substance that promotes the production of urine, leading to fluid loss.

Clinical dietitian

A dietitian who collaborates with healthcare teams to provide nutritional care.

Community dietitian

A dietitian who works in public health programs.

Consult dietitian

A dietitian who operates their own nutritional consultancy.

Caffeine

A stimulant that can increase urine production and lead to loss of fluids.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

The number of calories the body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.

Calories

A measure of energy that food provides to the body.

Endocrinologist

Treats diseases and disorders of the endocrine system

Gastroenterologist

Treats diseases disorders of the digestive system

Peri-

Surrounding

Entero-

Intestines

Gastro-

Stomach

Hepato

Liver

Macro-

Large

Mono-

One

Hyper

Excessive

Di-

Two

-osis

Disease

En, end, endo

In or inside

-logy

Study of

-ose

Sugar

Lip, lipo

Fat or fatty

Poly

Many