Author: Glossary

Specialized receptors mainly found in the carotid body, within the carotid arteries of the neck, which are sensitive to changes in the blood concentration of oxygen (P02), carbon dioxide (PC02) and acidity (pH). The distal end of sensory dendrites especially adapted for chemical stimulation. A cell which responds to the presence of a chemical compound…

Chemicals that combine with metal ions and remove them from their sphere of action, also called sequestrants, e.g. citrates, tartrates, phosphates, and EDTA. Chemical used to form stable complexes with metals. A molecule capable of binding metal atoms. The chelating agent/metal complex is held together by coordination bonds which have a strong polar character. One…

Abnormal relaxation of the cardiac sphincter muscle of the stomach so that gastric contents reflux into the oesophagus, leading to regurgitation. An excessive relaxation of the oesophageal muscles, which causes regurgitation. Abnormal relaxation of a muscle or opening especially of the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and stomach, resulting in reflux of stomach contents into…

An enzyme that hydrolyses cellulose to glucose and cellobiose. It is present in the digestive juices of some wood-boring insects and in various microorganisms, but not in mammals. The enzyme that digests cellulose to simple sugars such as glucose. An enzyme that hydrolyzes cellulose. An enzyme that converts cellulose to cellobiose. It is present in…

A disaccharide of 2 glucose linked β-1,4, which is not hydrolysed by mammalian digestive enzymes; a product of the hydrolysis of cellulose A disaccharide resulting from the hydrolysis of cellulose.  

Suppressor T-cells recognised by the presence of cluster of differentiation antigen 8 (CD8) on their exterior cell surfaces.  

Helper T-cells, part of the immune system, recognised by the presence of cluster of differentiation antigen 4 (CD4) on their exterior cell surfaces.  

A group of intracellular enzymes that hydrolyse proteins. They are involved in the normal turnover of tissue protein, and the softening of meat when game is hung. A calcium-dependent protease involved in the degradation of cellular protein. A group of protein-destroying, lysosomal enzymes found in nearly every cell in the body. Many of these enzymes…

An enzyme that splits hydrogen peroxide to yield oxygen and water; an important part of the body’s antioxidant defences. An agent that participates in a chemical reaction, speeding the rate, but itself remains unchanged. An enzyme. A substance that undergoes no chemical change itself, but which accelerates or affects chemical reactions. An enzyme that catalyzes…

Those pathways of metabolism concerned with the breakdown and oxidation of fuels and hence provision of metabolic energy. People who are undernourished or suffering from cachexia are sometimes said to be in a catabolic state, in that they are catabolising their body tissues, without replacing them. Energy-yielding pathway. The phase of metabolism involved in the…