Category: D
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Diastole (diastolic pressure)
The blood pressure when the heart is resting; specifically, the minimum arterial pressure during relaxation and dilatation of the ventricles of the heart when the ventricles fill with blood. The time at which the heart is in a state of relaxation is called diastole. Blood pressure within the arteries when the heart is in relaxation…
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Diastasis recti
A separation of the abdominal muscle that might occur during pregnancy. A separation of the two halves of the rectus abdominis muscles in the midline at the linea alba. This condition is benign when it occurs in pregnant women.
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Diaphragm
A dome-shaped skeletal muscle between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Domelike sheet of skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities; contraction during inspiration expands the thoracic (chest) cavity. A contraceptive device that fits over the entrance of the cervix and serves as a barrier to sperm. Its effectiveness as a contraceptive is increased…
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Depression
Moving a body part toward the feet, such as pressing your shoulders downward. When used to describe a mood, depression refers to feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement. As such, depression may be a normal feeling state. The overt manifestations are highly variable and may be culture specific. Depression may be a symptom seen in…
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Deep-water exercise
Exercise performed in water depths that allow the participant to remain vertical and yet not touch the pool bottom, providing a truly nonimpact workout. Flotation equipment is typically used to maintain correct alignment.
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Deconditioned
A decline from a condition of physical fitness, as through a prolonged period of inactivity.
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Dicotyledons
One of the two major divisions of the angiosperms (a group characterized by having ovules borne in ovaries) bearing two (or rarely more) cotyledons or seed leaves, comprising most of the familiar seed plants. One of the two major subdivisions of the flowering plants (the other, lesser one is the monocotyledons). Characterized by a pair…
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Dehiscent
Opening when mature, exposing or releasing the contents, as in a fruit releasing it seeds. Breaking open at maturity to release the contents. Opening by valves or along regular lines, as in ripe seed capsules or some anthers. A fruit that opens by sutures, pores, or caps. Breaking open at maturity to release the contents.…
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Docosahexaenoic (DNA)
An omega-3 fatty acid found in algae and fish oil.
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DNA adduct
A piece of DNA covalently bonded to a cancer-causing chemical; the start of a cancer cell.