Author: Glossary

A drug that dilates blood vessels and is used to prevent and treat angina. It is administered by mouth and large doses may cause flushing, headache, and fainting. Also known as trinitrin and nitroglycerin, this is a drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris and left ventricular failure of the heat. It is normally…

One of a group of simple proteins found in plants and soluble only in dilute acids and bases. An example is glutenin, found in wheat.  

The amino sugar of glucose, i.e. glucose in which the hydroxyl group is replaced by an amino group. Glucosamine is a component of mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins: for example, hyaluronic acid, a mucopolysaccharide found in synovial fluid, and heparin. A health food supplement used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis. Studies show that it has limited,…

A drug that reduces the level of sugar in the blood and is used to treat diabetes. It is  administered by mouth. Side-effects include mild digestive upsets and skin reactions.  

An infectious disease, thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, that affects the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin; it mainly affects adolescents and young adults. After an incubation period of up to 15 days, symptoms commence with swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes, fever, headache, a sore throat, and loss…

The nucleus of a mature oocyte, prior to fertilization. It is considerably larger than the nucleus of other cells.  

A technique of family psychotherapy, in which a family tree and family history are constructed in view of the whole family to help them understand each other better. A family map of three or more generations that records relationships, deaths, occupations, and health and illness history. A graphical representation, known as a genogram, depicting the…

The tip of the protuberance of the chin.  

One of the minute spines or surface extensions of a dendrite, through which contact is made with another neuron at a synapse.  

A unit of magnetic flux density equal to 1 maxwell per square centimeter. 1 gauss = 10‾⁴ tesla. The unit of intensity of a magnetic flux.