C
1-10 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZC-band-centromere banding
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C-band-centromere banding is a selective chromosome banding used in human cytogenetics, employing Giemsa after most of the DNA is denatured.
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C-peptide, also known as connecting peptide, is a peptide produced (along with insulin) by hydrolysis of the insulin precursor molecule. A certain proportion of the C-peptide is excreted in the urine, and the urinary C-peptide excretion rate is used as a marker for insulin secretion.
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C-reactive protein, a beta-globulin, is found in the serum of persons with inflammatory, degenerative and neoplastic diseases.
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C3, the third component of complement, can be activated by either antibody binding or by microbial polysaccharides.
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Calcified refers to the occurrence of the process of calcification, which is the deposition of calcium salts in tissue. This occurs as part of the normal process of bone formation, called ossification.
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Calciotropic refers to the group of hormones responsible for bone growth and remodeling.
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Calcitonin (also called thyrocalcitonin or CT) is a hormone, produced by certain cells in the thyroid gland, that lowers the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood. Calcitonin is believed to inhibit the resorption of bone.
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Calcium is a chemical element essential for the normal development and functioning of the body, typically present in the blood at a concentration of about 10mg/100ml. Calcium is an important constituent of bones and teeth, and it is essential for many metabolic processes, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
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Calcium alginate is a topical hemostatic.
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Calcium balance is a measure of the intake and output of calcium from the body. The amount of free calcium in the body is measured by blood calcium levels. Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) may be an indication of many things, including an abnormal loss of bone calcium, caused by bone demineralization.
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Calcium deposition refers to the process by which calcium and phosphate are added to organic bone material (osteoid). The addition of calcium and phosphate is responsible for the final hardening stage during bone formation or remodeling.
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The calcium homeostatic mechanism refers to a group of physiologic processes which act jointly to maintain normal blood calcium levels by regulating intestinal calcium absorption, calcium deposition and resorption from bone, and calcium excretion.
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Calcium lactate is a salt of lactic acid commonly used as a calcium replenisher.
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Calcium metabolism refers to the way calcium is absorbed through digestion and distributed throughout the body in the bone, blood, and cells. This also includes bone formation and resorption and the hormones that regulate these processes.
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Calcium oxalate is a chemical compound usually found as sediment in the urine and in urinary calculi. It can, if found in large quantities in the urine, indicate a higher than normal loss of calcium from the body, and thus indicate potential disease or abnormalities.
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Calcium phosphate is formed when free calcium and phosphate interact. In the human body, this interaction can happen when both minerals are excreted through the urinary tract, due to saturation of both minerals in the body, leading to the build-up of calculi and/or renal stones. Calcium phosphate is also referred to as calcium rock and its chemical formula is Ca3(PO4)2.
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Calcium/bone homeostatic system is another term for the process of calcium balance, which is a measure of the intake and output of calcium from the body as measured in blood. Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) may be an indication of many things, including an abnormal loss of bone density. Demineralization is the term used to describe the breakdown of bone minerals, including calcium, during conditions of bed rest or disuse of bones, such as in weightlessness, and in medical conditions like osteoporosis.
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Calcium/bone homeostatic system is another term for the process of calcium balance, which is a measure of the intake and output of calcium from the body as measured in blood. Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) may be an indication of many things, including an abnormal loss of bone density. Demineralization is the term used to describe the breakdown of bone minerals, including calcium, during conditions of bed rest or disuse of bones, such as in weightlessness, and in medical conditions like osteoporosis.
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To calibrate means to check or adjust the graduations of a quantitative measuring instrument. To cross-calibrate is to extend the check or adjustment of graduations across one or more instruments.
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A cytosolic calcium binding protein that regulates a variety of proteins and their acitvities.
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Caloric nystagmus is a reflexive rhythmical oscillation (jerky motion) of the eyeballs. The caloric nystagmus effect is stimulated by dropping hot or cold water into the ear.
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A caloric test is designed to produce and measure a condition known as caloric nystagmus. Caloric nystagmus is a jerky, involuntary, rapid, rhythmic movement of the eyeball, which may be horizontal, vertical, rotatory or mixed. Caloric nystagmus is induced by injecting warm or cold water into the labyrinth of the inner ear.
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The calvaria (cranium cerebrale) is the roof of the skull, i.e., the upper dome-like portion of the skull.
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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) acts as a focal point for Canada's space activities. The agency encourages and supports research, technology, and operations throughout Canada. CSA is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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The outer canthus of the eye refers to the small area of skin closest to the side of the head, where the upper eyelid meets the lower eyelid.
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A capillary is the narrowest type of blood vessel in the circulatory system. Their walls are only one cell layer thick, so that oxygen and nutrients can pass through them into the surrounding tissues. Capillaries also transport waster material (e.g. urea and carbon dioxide) to venules for ultimate excretion.
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A high capillary density means that many small capillaries are present in the tissue, allowing a high supply or oxygen and nutrients.
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The capillary endothelium is the single layer of cells that build the walls of the capillaries. Capillaries are microscopic blood vessels which enable the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood and the tissues.
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A capillary tube is a very thin tube (approximately 1.1 or 0.75 mm in diameter).
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Capstan is a vertical cleated drum or cylinder, revolving on an upright spindle, and surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for bars or levers. It is much used, especially on shipboard, for moving or raising heavy weights or exerting great power by traction upon a rope or cable, passing around the drum.
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A carbohydrate is any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods.
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Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas formed in the tissues during metabolism and carried in the blood to the lungs, where it is exhaled (an increase in the concentration of this gas in the blood stimulates respiration). Carbon dioxide occurs in small amounts in the atmosphere (0.04% volume); it is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis. Its chemical symbol is CO2.
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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon (like in car exhaust). Its toxic action is due to its strong ability to bond with red blood cells and thus block the binding site for oxygen, thus reducing the ability for the blood to transport oxygen in the body. Its chemical symbol is CO.
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Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) measures the transfer of a diffusion-limited gas (carbon monoxide, CO) across the alveolocapillary membrane. CO combines with hemoglobin approximately 210 times more readily than oxygen. In the presence of normal amounts of hemoglobin and normal ventilatory function, the primary limiting factor of diffusion of CO is the status of the alveolocapillary membrane. This is significant because DLCO is usually decreased in emphysema because of the decrease in the total lung surface area, loss of capillary bed, increased distance from terminal bronchiole to alveolocapillary membrane and the mismatching of ventilation to blood flow.
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Carbonaceous means producing, containing or pertaining to carbon, a naturally abundant nonmetallic element that occurs in many inorganic and in all organic compounds.
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A carcinoma is cancerous tissue or cell of epithelial origin.
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Cardiac means of, relating to, situated near, or acting on the heart.
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A cardiac arrhythmia is any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart.
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The cardiac cycle is the period from the end of one heart contraction to the end of the next.
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Cardiac filling refers to the process by which the heart fills with blood.
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Cardiac output (CO) is the amount of blood pumped by the heart in a unit period of time. The overall blood flow in the circulation of an adult person at rest is about 5000 ml per minute.
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Cardioacceleration is a term used to describe a condition that increases the heart beat of a living organism.
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Cardiogenic Oscillations (CGO) are respiratory oscillations of cardiac origin, i.e., originating from the heart, which are usually apparent on respiratory recordings made by a spirometer (a device which records the movement of air into and out of the lungs).
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A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in the heart and cardiovascular system.
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Cardiopulmonary means pertaining to both the heart and lungs.
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Cardiotachometer is an instrument that continuously monitors and measures the heart beat.
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The cardiothoracic (C/T) ratio is the ratio of the transverse diameter of the heart to the internal diameter of the chest at its widest point just above the level of the dome of the diaphragm.
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Cardiovascular means pertaining to the heart and the blood vessels.
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Cardiovascular deconditioning is the term used to describe the changes that occur in the cardiovascular system (system of heart and blood vessels that supplies blood throughout the body). Cardiovascular deconditioning occurs also during stays in microgravity. Some deconditioning changes occur rapidly, within the first few hours in near-weightlessness, while other changes occur over several days or even weeks. In general, changes resulting from adaptation to microgravity include a headward shift of body fluids, consequent loss of water (and lower blood volume) from the body and a slight weakening of the heart muscle due to a decreased work load in space.
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Cardiovascular physiology is the study of the function of the heart and the blood vessels.
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The cardiovascular system is the system of the heart and blood vessels.
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The carotid artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the head. A pair of carotid arteries arise from the aorta and run up the neck; they branch into an external and an internal artery, which supply the head with oxygenated blood.
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The carotid sinus is a slight dilation of the common carotid artery at its bifurcation into external and internal carotids. The carotid sinus contains baroreceptors.
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Cartilage is a dense connective tissue composed of a matrix and is capable of withstanding considerable pressure. Cartilage is commonly found in adults in the nose, ear, intervertebral disks and tendons.
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Casein is a group of proteins isolated from milk.
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Catabolism is the chemical decomposition of complex substances by the body to form simpler ones, accompanied by the release of energy. The substances broken down include nutrients in food (carbohydrates, proteins, etc.), as well as the body's storage products (such as glycogen).
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Catalase is a hemoprotein that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.
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A catalyst is substance which increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being used up in the reaction.
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Catecholamines are a group of chemical substances, including epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, having various roles (mainly as neurotransmitters) in the functioning of the sympathetic and central nervous systems. Chemically, all contain a benzene ring with adjacent hydroxyl groups and an amine group on a side chain.
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A catheter is a thin plastic tube that can be inserted into the body to make measurements or add or remove fluid. For example, a catheter can be introduced into an artery and moved to a location in the heart to measure pressure changes.
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A cathode has a positive electrical charge; all negative ions move towards the cathode.
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The caudate nucleus is an area of the brain which is a part of several important neural pathways. It helps to control intentional body movements that are normally performed subconsciously, such as the positioning of large body parts (such as the arm) so that other, smaller body parts can be manipulated (such as the fingers and hand).
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A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; the smallest structure capable of performing all the activities vital to life.
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Researchers in gravitational cell and molecular biology study the effects of gravity and its absence on biological processes at the cellular, organelle, and molecular levels.
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Cell biology is the study of cellular form and function on a microscopic and molecular level.
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Cell culture is the maintenance or growth of cells after removal from the body, commonly on a glass surface immersed in nutrient fluid.
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Cell differentiation, in embryology, is the process in embryonic development during which unspecialized cells become specialized for particular functions. Differentiation, in oncology, is the degree of similarity or difference of tumor cells to the structure of the organ from which the tumor arose.
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Cell-mediated immunity is that component of immunity in which specially sensitized lymphocytes (T cells) attach to antigens to destroy them.
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Cellulolytic means having the capacity to hydrolyze cellulose.
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Cellulose acetate electrophoresis is a process by which charged particles are separated in a gel by differences in their charge density. The particles are then detected by staining on a cellulose acetate sheet for quantification of particle size.
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The Central Nervous System consists of the brain and the spinal cord; the CNS is responsible for the integration of all nervous activities.
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Central venous pressure is the pressure in the right atrium of the heart (normally 0 mm Hg); it is regulated by the ability of the heart to pump blood out of the right atrium and the tendency for blood to flow from the peripheral vessels back into the heart.
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A centrifuge is a device that rotates at various speeds about a fixed, central point. It can separate liquids from solids or liquids of different densities by way of the centrifugal force resulting from its rotation.
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Centripetal acceleration occurs during uniform circular motion. It is the average acceleration, proportional to the change in velocity, directed towards the center of the circle. Centripetal force, which causes centripetal acceleration, acts on the body in motion and is directed towards the center of the circle.
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Cerebellar refers to cerebellum, the largest part of the hindbrain. The cerebellum is concerned with coordination of muscle movements and is essential for maintenance of muscle tone and balance.
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The cerebellum is the largest part of the hindbrain and is located behind the pons and the medulla oblongata. The cerebellum is concerned with coordination of muscle movements. It is also essential for maintenance of muscle tone, balance, and the synchronization of activity in groups of muscles under voluntary control, converting muscular contractions into smooth coordinated movements.
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The term cerebral refers to the portion of the brain that comprises mainly the central hemisphere (cerebral cortex and basal ganglia).
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Cerebral blood flow is the amount of blood flowing through the cerebrum (the brain).
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Cerenkov radiation is visible light produced by charged particles (as electrons) traversing a transparent medium at a speed greater than that of light in the same medium; it is also called Cerenkov light. The light observed is frequently attributed to a shock wave phenomenon and has been thought of as an optical analog of the sonic boom. High-energy nuclei with a charge greater than or equal to six are capable of producing Cerenkov light.
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Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing alpha globulin of blood plasma. It is believed to play a part in red blood cell production and oxygen (O2) reduction.
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Cervical means of or relating to the neck or cervix of the womb.
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Cervical vertebrae are the seven bones making up the neck region of the backbone.
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Challenger is the name of the second the American Space Shuttle built. Challenger's maiden voyage was STS-6 in April 1983. Challenger traveled nine times into space before the orbiter was destroyed in an accident on January 28, 1986, during the launch of the STS-51L mission.
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Chelicerae are one of the anterior parts of appendages of an arachnid, often specialized as fangs.
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Chemoreceptive means pertaining to chemoreception, the physiological detection of chemical stimuli. For example, the chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies are stimulated by chemical changes, such as hypoxia, in the composition of the blood.
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Chemotactic means relating to the attraction of living protoplasm to chemical stimuli whereby the cells are attracted or repelled by acids, alkalies or other bodies exhibiting chemical properties.
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Chemotaxis is a response of motile cells or organisms in which the direction of movement is affected by the gradient of a diffusible substance. Differs from chemokinesis in that the gradient alters probability of motion in one direction only, rather than rate or frequency of random motion.
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Chloride is a chemical compound containing chlorine. Chloride is the major extracellular ion and is significantly involved in the maintenance of proper water distribution, osmotic pressure and normal anion-cation balance in the extracellular fluid compartment.
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Chloroform is a nonflammable, volatile liquid that was the first inhalation anesthetic to be discovered. It is a dangerous drug which can cause hypotension, myocardial and respiratory depression, cardiogenic shock, ventricular fibrillation, coma, and death if improper dosage is used. Delayed poisoning, even weeks after apparently complete recovery, can occur and serious vision or eye damage is frequently reported.
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A chloroplast is a cellular organelle that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis and starch formation in plant cells.
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Chocolate agar is agar to which blood has been added and heated until the blood becomes brown or chocolate in color.
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Cholesterol is a fat-soluble crystalline steroid alcohol found in animal fats and oils, and egg yolks and widely distributed through the body, especially in the bile, blood, brain tissue, liver, kidneys adrenal glands, and myelin sheaths of nerve fiber. It facilitates the absorption and transport of fatty acids and acts as the precursor of the synthesis of vitamin D at the surface of the skin, as well as for the synthesis of the various steroid hormones, including cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone in the adrenal glands and of the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
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The term cholinergic refers to nerve cells or fibers that employ acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter.
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One theory of signal transmission relating to plant tropisms. "Growth curvaturesÉ are due to an unequal distribution of auxin between the two sides of the curving organ."
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A chondrocyte is a mature cartilage cell.
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The choroid plexus is a rich network of blood vessels located in the brain, and is responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid which surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
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Chromium is a metallic, non-toxic element, with period table symbol Cr. Chromium does not have any function in the human body.
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Chromium 51 (Cr51) is an ion of the element chromium. It is used as a radioactive tracer because it binds to red blood cells. By measuring the amount of radioactivity produced by the Cr51, red blood cell mass and survival can be measured.
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Chromosomal refers to chromosomes. Chromosomes contain DNA, which transmits genetic information. They are located in the nucleus of both plant and animal cells. In humans there are 46 chromosomes.
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Chromosomes contain DNA, which transmits genetic information. They are located in the nucleus of both plant and animal cells. In humans there are 46 chromosomes.
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Chromosome aberration is any deviation from the normal number or morphology of chromosomes.
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Chronic pulse/action relation means that for any contraction of a muscle, an electrical pulse, from a source such as the brain, must be generated. A specific delay between pulse generation and muscle action depends on various factors such as age, overall health, condition, mood, etc.
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Chronobiology is the aspect of biology concerned with the timing of biological events, especially repetitive or cyclic phenomena in individual organisms.
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Chronotropic means affecting the time or rate, as the rate of contraction of the heart.
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Circadian means being, having, characterized by, or occurring in approximately 24 hour periods or cycles; in relation to sleep cycles.
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All biological rhythms, including circadian rhythms, fluctuate between high and low values during a specified interval of time. The largest values are called "peaks", while the corresponding lowest values are called "troughs." The term "circadian phase" describes the time location during a 360 degree cycle, usually the peak or trough of the cycle with reference to some external point, such as local time, or the beginning of sleep.
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Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms or variations that repeat with a cycle of about 24 hours. They are also known as Diurnal Rhythms.
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Circulation refers to the cardiovascular system of the body in which the heart, together with two networks of blood vessels (arteries and veins), facilitates the movement of blood throughout the body. Circulation transports nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and removes waste products from the body.
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The circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body by a complex network of vessels -- arteries, arterioles, capillaries and veins. Arteries, arterioles and the microscopic capillaries carry blood to all parts of the body and allow exchange of nutrients and wastes through capillary walls from blood to the tissues and organs. Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the lungs for reoxygenation.
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Cislunar refers to that region of space between the Earth and the Moon (or the Moon's orbit).
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A citrate is a compound of citric acid and a base; in the body it is involved in blood coagulation (clotting) and the synthesis of fatty acids.
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Clearance is the removal of a substance from the blood via the kidneys. Kidney function can be tested by measuring the amount of a specific substance excreted in the urine in a given length of time.
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Clinical medicine is the branch of medicine dealing with the study of actual patients and the diagnosis and treatment of disease at the bedside, as opposed to the study of disease by pathologic examination or research in basic sciences.
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A clinostat is a device which uses a motor to rotate a wheel on which a sample under investigation (such as a plant in a pot) is attached. In the example of an attached plant, as the plant rotates, both the stem and roots will grow horizontally instead of exhibiting characteristic geotropic (gravity-oriented) responses.
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CNES stands for Centre Natianal D'Etudes Spatiales, the name of the French Space Agency. CNES is headquartered in Paris, France.
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Cobalt is a tough lustrous silver-white magnetic metallic element that is related to and occurs with iron and nickel and is used especially in alloys.
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Coccus (plural cocci) refers to a bacterium with a rounded or spherical shape.
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A codocyte is a red blood cell characterized by a bell-shaped appearance.
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Cognitive refers to the mental process by which knowledge is acquired and used.
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COHR is an acronym for Cardiac Output Heart Rate; it denotes heart rate during cardiac output.
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Colcemid is a compound that is used to stop cell division at the stage of metaphase.
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Collagen is a protein that is the principal constituent of white fibrous connective tissue; it occurs in tendons, skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments. It is relatively inelastic (not flexible) but has a high tensile strength (ability to resist forces of stretching).
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Collagenous describes something composed of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is the principal constituent of white fibrous connective tissue. Collagen is found in skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments. It is relatively inelastic (not flexible) but has a high tensile strength (able to resist forces of stretching).
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Collimate means to make straight. Collimation is the process, in x-ray, of restricting and confining the X-ray beam to a given area and, in nuclear medicine, of restricting the detection of emitted radiation from a given area of interest.
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A collision is an encounter between two or more particles, photons, atoms or nuclei during which quantities of energy, momentum, and charge may be exchanged. The products of the collision may or may not be the same as the pre-collision particles. The collision may be actual contact or the close approach and deflection of the particles.
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Colloidal describes atoms or molecules dispersed in a gas, liquid or solid, which resist sedimentation (setting to the bottom), diffusion (spreading out), and filtration.
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A colony is a group of the same kind of animals, plants, or one-celled organism living or growing together.
- Colony stimulating factor is a broad name for cytokines that induce the differentiation of bone marrow cells into specific kinds of white blood cells. Abbreviated CSF. CSF-G induces the differentiation of granulocytes. CSF-M stimulates the differentiation of monocytes/macrophages
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NASA operates four space shuttle vehicles, also called orbiters. Each one is named after famous historic sailing ships. Columbia is the oldest orbiter; its maiden voyage was also the first flight of a Space Shuttle, STS-1 in April 1981.
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Combustion is the burning of a material, i.e., a chemical change accompanied by the production of heat and light.
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A commode is another term for a toilet.
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Compact bone tissue forms the external layer of all bones in the body. It is very dense bone with few open spaces and is found mainly in the long bones (i.e., those that absorb the weight of the body). Compact bone tissue provides protection and support and helps the long bones resist the stress of weight placed on them.
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Complement refers to a group of about 20 serum proteins with the overall function of controlling inflammation. Complement proteins act to (1) assist white blood cells in phagocytosis, (2) attract white blood cells to sites of infection, (3) increase blood flow to the site of activation and increase permeability of capillaries to plasma molecules and, (4) damage to plasma membranes of bacteria cells, viruses or organisms by lysis of the cell.
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A complement-fixing antibody is a sensitizing substance; an antibody that combines with and sensitizes an antigen, leading to the activation of complement, sometimes, but not always resulting in lysis.
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A compound is a pure and homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of different elements in definite proportions, usually having properties unlike those of its constituent elements. A compound can be broken down into two or more other substances by chemical means.
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Concanavalin A is a chemical compound extracted from the jack bean. This compound agglutinates (clumps or sticks red blood cells together) the blood of mammals. It stimulates T-lymphocytes more vigorously than B-lymphocytes.
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A concentric contraction causes muscle movement that shortens the muscle.
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Concomitant means designating one or more things, occurring simultaneously, that may or may not be interrelated.
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Condensate is the liquid formed from a vapor (gas) or a solid formed from a liquid through a chemical phase change. For instance, water condensate forms on the can of a cold soda as it sits at room temperature in a humid environment.
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Conductivity is a measure of the ability of a material to conduct electrical charge.
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Confluence is the flowing together of two streams.
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Conifers (Latin, coniferophyta) are seed-bearing plants such as pine, fir, and spruce trees. Conifers are typically evergreen trees that inhabit cool temperate regions and have leaves in the form of needles or scales. The wood of conifers, which is called "softwood" in contrast to the hardwood of angiosperm trees, is widely used for timber and pulp.
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Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the anterior surface of the eyeball and lining of the eyelids.
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Connective tissue supports, binds, or separates more specialized tissues and organs of the body; "packing tissue" of the body. Types of connective tissue include bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, adipose (fat), areolar and elastic.
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Constituent is a part of the whole; a component.
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Consumables are items that are meant to be used up, e.g. food.
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Contaminants are substances that make another substance impure or corrupt by contact or mixture.
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Contractile means being capable of contracting or producing contraction (becoming shorter in length or size).
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Contractile properties are the abilities to shorten or to undergo a reduction in size; in the case of muscle, contraction means the muscle either shortens or increases in tension.
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A control is a test subject not exposed to the treatment or condition being studied by the experiment. Controls are used to isolate factors or conditions which vary in other subjects under experimentation.
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A control system is one that provides operation, regulation, or guidance a machine or vehicle.
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The control unit of the Svet greenhouse provides automatic measurement of Svet environmental parameters every 4 hours.
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Controlled frequency breathing is a test where a subject is asked to adjust his breathing rate in time with a recording of normal, rapid and slow breathing rates.
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Convection is the transfer of heat by the circulation or movement of heated parts in a liquid or gas. Convection is also the circulatory motion that occurs in a fluid which is at a nonuniform (or varying) temperature caused by the variation of the density of liquid at different temperatures and the action of gravity.
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Cornmealt-malt-yeast agar is a culture medium that is low in nutrients, used to study yeastlike and filamentous fungi; it suppresses vegetative growth, while stimulating sporulation of many species. It is widely used to produce the distinctive and rapidly diagnostic chlymydiospores of Candida albicans.
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Correlate means to show a relationship between entities.
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The cortex of an organ refers to the outer portion (layer) of the organ.
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A corticosteroid is a steroid (a type of hormone) produced by the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids all have similar chemical formulas, but serve a wide variety of functions in the body, including fluid and mineral regulation, metabolism, reproductive development, growth, the regulation of body temperature and the absorption of nutrients from the intestines.
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Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a steroid hormone synthesized and released by the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands; it is important for normal carbohydrate metabolism and response to stress.
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Corynebacterium species is a genus of nonmotile, aerobic to anaerobic bacteria, containing irregular staining, and having straight to slightly curved shapes. These organisms are widely distributed in nature.
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Cosmic rays consist of completely ionized atomic nuclei originating outside the solar system. They accelerate to very high energies and penetrate the earth's atmosphere at speeds approaching that of light.
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The Cosmos Biosatellite Program consists of a group of Russian unmanned satellites which carry biological specimens, including rats and monkeys, into space to examine how space flight effects living systems.
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Costodiaphragmatic
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A Coulter counter is a particle counter used for bacteria or eukaryotic cells; it works by detecting change in electrical conductance of a small aperture as fluid containing cells is drawn through.
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A countermeasure is a measure or action taken in opposition to another; in space flight, several countermeasures are used to counteract negative effects of space flight, such as rigorous exercise regimens meant to keep the muscles and bones from degenerating from disuse during stays in near weightlessness.
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Creatine is a precursor of phosphocreatine which is an important energy reservoir in skeletal muscle. Phosphocreatine transfers its phosphate and energy to ADP to create ATP.
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Creatine kinase is an enzyme present in skeletal and cardiac muscle and in the brain. Very high levels in the blood can indicate the presence of disease or an abnormality.
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Creatine phosphokinase (creatine kinase) is an enzyme in muscle, brain and other tissues that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate to creatine, producing adenosine diphosphate and phosphocreatine.
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Creatinine is a chemical substance excreted in the urine, which is derived from creatine and creatine phosphate. These substances serve to maintain adequate amounts of the substance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which produces muscle contractions.
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Cross-coupling is a reflex that occurs when a visual scene which a subject is looking at is not aligned with the direction of gravity, for example, when the head is tilted from the vertical. Cross-coupling causes eye movements to align with the gravitational reference and not with the visual scene.
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Cross-sectional Area (CSA) is the measurement of the area of a section formed by a plane cutting through an object, usually at right angles to an axis. For example, the cross-section of a muscle can be imaged using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The cross section can be measured to determine the area and volume of the muscle.
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Cryogenic means producing, or relating to the production of, low temperatures.
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Cryogenically refers to the storage or effects of materials in below-freezing temperatures. Biological specimens are sometimes stored in cryogenic conditions for long-term storage.
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Crystallinity refers to the crystal structure of the starch of a plant.
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Crystallographic means related to the study of crystal form and structure.
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Cross-sectional Area (CSA) is the measurement of the area of a section formed by a plane cutting through an object, usually at right angles to an axis. For example, the cross-section of a muscle can be imaged using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The cross section can be measured to determine the area and volume of the muscle.
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To cultivate is to promote the growth of something (a biological sample, for instance).
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A culture is a particular type of organism or cell growing in a laboratory nutrient medium.
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Culture media are nutrient substances, either solid or liquid, used for the cultivation, isolation, identification or storage of microorganisms or cells.
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A culture medium is a nutrient substance, either solid or liquid, used for the cultivation, isolation, identification or storage of microorganisms or cells.
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Cyanosis is bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by an excess of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood or a structural defect in the hemoglobin molecule.
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Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (Cyclic GMP) is a chemical substance that acts within cells to produce hormonal changes. It functions to allow hormones to affect only selected "target" cells to produce the desired changes in those cells.
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Cystine is a chemical substance which naturally occurs as a deposit in the urine, and can form a calculus (hard mineral formation) when deposited in the kidney.
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Cytochemistry is the study of chemical compounds and their activities in living cells.
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Cytochrome is a chemical compound consisting of a protein linked to heme (the oxygen-carrier of the blood). Cytochromes are involved in many types of biological chemical reactions that support the life of cells.
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Cytochrome oxidase is an enzyme that acts as a chemical catalyst to facilitate chemical reactions occurring inside of cells as they consume nutrients and produce life-sustaining functions.
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Cytogenetic refers to the science that links the study of inheritance (genetics) with that of cells (cytology) and is concerned mainly with the study of the chromosomes, their origin, structure, and functions.
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Cytokines are chemicals involved in growth and regulation. They also influence bone resorption (breakdown) and formation.
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Cytology is the study of the structure and function of cells.
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Cytomegalovirus is a group of herpetoviruses infecting man and other animals, many having special affinity for salivary glands, and causing enlargement of cells of various organs and development of characteristic inclusions in the cytoplasm or nucleus. Also known as visceral disease virus.
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Cytoplasmic streaming is the movement or flow of the cytoplasm, which is the living part of a cell external to its nuclear membrane.
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The cytoskeleton is a network of fibers running throughout the matrix of living cells that provides a framework for organelles, anchors the cell membrane, facilitates cellular movement, and provides a suitable surface for chemical reactions to take place.
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Czapek Dox agar is a culture medium used to cultivate fungus species and to identify Aspergillus species.