Metabolism, Nutrition, and Body Temperature – Core Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to metabolism, nutrition, and body-temperature regulation from Chapter 20.

Anabolism

Metabolic reactions that build simple compounds into more complex, needed substances.

Catabolism

Metabolic reactions that break complex compounds down into simpler compounds, releasing energy.

Basal Metabolism

The energy required to maintain basic life functions while at rest.

Metabolic Rate

The speed at which cellular respiration converts nutrients into ATP; decreases with age.

Cellular Respiration

Catabolism of nutrients that generates ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

Glycolysis

Anaerobic breakdown of glucose in the cytoplasm, yielding 2 ATP and pyruvic acid.

Anaerobic Phase

Energy-producing stage of glucose catabolism that occurs without oxygen (glycolysis).

Aerobic Phase

Oxygen-dependent stage of glucose catabolism in mitochondria, yielding about 32 ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The main energy-carrying molecule produced during cellular respiration.

Glucose

Primary monosaccharide used by cells for energy; stored as glycogen.

Glycogen

Polysaccharide storage form of glucose in liver and muscle.

Oxidation

Chemical process in which a substance loses electrons; central to energy release from nutrients.

Kilocalorie (kcal)

Unit used to measure the energy content of food; often called a “Calorie.”

Essential Fatty Acid

Fatty acid that must be obtained in the diet, e.g., linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.

Saturated Fat

Typically animal-derived fat that is solid at room temperature; lacks double bonds.

Unsaturated Fat

Plant-derived fat that is liquid at room temperature; contains one or more double bonds.

Essential Amino Acid

Amino acid that the body cannot synthesize and must come from dietary protein.

Deamination

Removal of the amino group from an amino acid prior to oxidation for energy.

Urea

Nitrogenous waste formed in the liver from the amino groups removed during deamination.

Ketones

Acidic compounds derived from partial fat metabolism that can serve as brain fuel.

Glycemic Effect (Glycemic Index)

Measure of how quickly a food raises blood glucose and stimulates insulin.

Mineral

Inorganic chemical element needed for body structure, fluid balance, muscle and nerve function, or clotting.

Vitamin

Complex organic substance required in small amounts for metabolism; can be water- or fat-soluble.

Antioxidant

Vitamin or other substance that stabilizes free radicals, protecting cells from damage.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that serves as the integrating center for body temperature regulation.

Pyrogen

Substance that raises the hypothalamic set-point, producing fever.

Fever

Elevated body temperature due to an increased hypothalamic set-point.

Crisis (Fever)

Sudden drop in body temperature accompanied by sweating, vasodilation, and relaxation.

Lysis (Fever)

Gradual decline in an elevated body temperature.

Hyperthermia

Abnormally high body temperature not caused by a changed set-point.

Hypothermia

Excessively low body temperature in which cellular metabolism slows.

Heat Cramps

Localized muscle spasms caused by salt and water loss during heat exposure.

Heat Exhaustion

Inability to sustain physical activity in heat; features dizziness, weakness, and GI upset.

Heat Stroke

Life-threatening condition with body temperature >40 °C, hot skin, and neurologic symptoms.

Frostbite

Local tissue damage from extreme cold, commonly affecting face, ears, and extremities.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of cutaneous blood vessels to conserve heat in cold conditions.

Vasodilation

Widening of cutaneous blood vessels to enhance heat loss in hot conditions.

Shivering

Involuntary skeletal-muscle activity that generates metabolic heat during cold exposure.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight-to-height ratio used to estimate adiposity; obesity defined as BMI >30.

Protein–Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

Condition caused by inadequate intake of protein and calories.

Marasmus

Severe wasting malnutrition characterized by loss of fat and muscle in children.

Kwashiorkor

Protein-deficiency malnutrition with edema, fatty liver, and bulging abdomen.

Malnutrition

Condition resulting from missing nutrients or excessive intake of unhealthy foods.

Anorexia Nervosa

Psychological eating disorder marked by self-imposed starvation and excessive exercise.

Bulimia

Eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging or other compensatory behaviors.

Bariatric Surgery

Surgical treatment for severe obesity; Roux-en-Y bypass skips parts of stomach and small intestine.

Thermoregulation

Maintenance of body temperature by balancing heat gain and heat loss via negative feedback.

Homeostasis

Stable internal environment maintained through coordinated physiological processes.

Alcohol (in nutrition)

Not a nutrient; interferes with metabolism and should be consumed only in moderation.