Author: Glossary

Alcohols derived from the steroids; including cholesterol, ergosterol in yeast, sitosterol and stigmasterol in plants, and coprosterol in faeces. Fats bound to plant fibers, with protective agents. An alcohol of high molecular weight, such as cholesterol and ergosterol. An insoluble substance which belongs to the steroid alcohols, e.g. cholesterol. A four-ring structure typical of all…

Occurs when compounds have the same molecular and structural formula, but with the atoms arranged differently in space. There are two subdivisions: optical and geometrical isomerism.  

Stone formed of dried compressed faeces. A hard ball of dried faeces in the bowel. A stone formed of dried compressed feces.  

One of the brown pigments of the faeces; formed from the bile pigments, which, in turn, are formed as breakdown products of haemoglobin. A brown pigment which colours the faeces. A brownish-red pigment formed during the metabolism of the bile pigments biliverdin and bilirubin, which are derived from hemoglobin. Stercobilin is subsequently excreted in the…

Excretion of faeces containing a large amount of fat, and generally foul-smelling. A condition in which fat is passed in the faeces. Any condition characterized by the passing of stools (FAECES) containing an excess of fat. The condition marked by an abundance of fat in the feces is known as steatorrhea. This leads to the…

Accumulation of larger amounts of fat in the buttocks. Excessive fat on the buttocks. The accumulation of large quantities of fat in the buttocks. In the Hottentots of Africa this is a normal condition, thought to be an adaptation that allows fat storage without impeding heat loss from the rest of the body. Abnormal accumulation…

Saturated fatty acid with (08:0). A monobasic fatty acid, C18H3602, occurring naturally in plants and animals. It is used in the manufacture of soap and pharmaceutical products such as glycerin suppositories.  

legal qualification to practise as a dietitian in the UK.  

Compounds that inhibit amylase and so reduce the digestion of starch. Used as a slimming aid, with little evidence of efficacy.