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GLOSSARY Abrasion (ah-bra’zhun). A scraping injury in which the skin or a membrane is denuded. Acidosis (as’i-do’sis). A pathological condition resulting from an accumulation of acid or loss of base in the body, and characterized by increase in hydrogen ion concentration. Adrenal glands (ad-re’nal). Two small endocrine glands located one above each kidney. Aflatoxins (a’flah-tok’sin). Group of toxic substances produced by certain molds which grow on peanuts and cereals and which have toxic and carcinogenic effects in many animal species. Alimentary canal (al-e-men’tar-e). The continuous tract from mouth to anus through which food moves during the process of digestion. Alkalosis (al’kah-lo’sis). A pathological condition resulting from accumulation of base or loss of acid in the body and characterized by a decrease in hydrogen ion in the body.
Antibodies (an’ti-bod-es). Substances built up by lymphoid tissue as defensive response to invasion by organism, foreign proteins, etc. Anticoagulant (an’ti-ko-ag’-u-lant). A substance that inhibits or prevents blood coagulation by interfering with the clotting mechanism. Antioxidant (an’ti-ok’se-dant). A substance that prevents or delays oxidation. Often applied to vitamin E. Anus (a’nus). Terminal portion of the intestinal tract, about 1 “- 1½” long. Aorta (a-or’tah). Largest artery in the body; arises from the heart and courses down the body trunk. Aortic valve. Fibrous tissue flaps or leaflets which open and close between the left ventricle and the aorta. Valve closure prevents backflow (reflux) of blood. Appendix (ah-pen’diks). Blind, wormlike pouch normally found at the cecum. Has no known robe in digestion. Aqueous humor (a’kwe-us hu’mor). Watery, transparent fluid found in the