Category: E

Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main…

A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. Material produced by cells and excreted to the extracellular space within the tissues. It takes the form…

Outside a cell or cells, as in serum which surrounds the blood cells. From outside the cell wall or membrane: intracellular. Situated or occurring outside cells; for example, extracellular fluid is the fluid surrounding cells. An adjective that describes an object or event outside a cell. An example is extracellular fluid, the medium surrounding cells.…

Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external radiation.  

The act of breathing out, or expelling air from the lungs. The stage in respiration, or breathing, when air is expelled from the lungs. During this process, the diaphragm is pulled upward and the rib cage contracts, or moves downward. The act of breathing out air from the lungs; exhalation. Expulsion of air from the…

An act of irritation or stimulation or of responding to a stimulus; the addition of energy, as the excitation of a molecule by absorption of photons. In physiology, the process whereby activity is elicited in a nerve. The state of being mentally or physically aroused. The triggering of a conducted impulse in the membrane of…

The electric response recorded from the cerebral cortex after stimulation of a peripheral sense organ.  

Cells of the higher organisms, containing a true nucleus bounded by a nuclear membrane.  

An organism (or a cell) that carries its genetic material physically constrained within a nuclear membrane, separate from the cytoplasm. Organism containing cells that have true nuclei (compare prokaryote). A cell that has a nucleus bounded by a membrane and with chromosomes containing DNA, RNA and proteins. The cell divides by mitosis and also contains…

One of a class of organic compounds in which any two organic radicals are attached directly to a single oxygen atom. A central nervous system depressant used as a general anesthetic until relatively recently. Now replaced by other more reliable, safer drugs. An anaesthetic substance, now rarely used. Solvent used to make free-base cocaine. Liquid…