Skip to main content
Glossary

Glossary

Completion requirements

Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

E

Endocrine glands

Endocrine glands are specialized organs in the body that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones serve as chemical messengers, regulating various physiological functions and maintaining homeostasis. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in coordinating and controlling processes such as metabolism, growth and development, immune function, and response to stress.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p628 


Endothelial cells

Endothelial cells are a type of specialised cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, forming the endothelium. The endothelium plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the circulatory system.

Unit 7,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1066


Endothelial dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction refers to a condition in which the endothelial cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels (the endothelium) are impaired or not functioning optimally. This dysfunction can lead to various cardiovascular problems and is considered an early marker of cardiovascular disease. Normally, healthy endothelial cells play a crucial role in maintaining vascular function, regulating blood flow, preventing blood clotting, and contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

Unit 7,

Reference: Medina-Leyte DJ, Zepeda-García O, Domínguez-Pérez M, González-Garrido A, Villarreal-Molina T, Jacobo-Albavera L. Endothelial Dysfunction, Inflammation and Coronary Artery Disease: Potential Biomarkers and Promising Therapeutical Approaches. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(8):3850. Published 2021 Apr 8.


Enzyme

A protein that, in small amounts, speeds up the rate of a biological reaction without itself being used up in the reaction (i.e. it acts as a catalyst). An enzyme acts by binding with the substance involved in the reaction (the substrate) and converting it into another substance (the product of the reaction). An enzyme is relatively specific in the type of reaction it catalyses; hence there are many different enzymes for the various biochemical reactions. Each enzyme requires certain conditions for optimum activity, particularly correct temperature and pH, the presence of *coenzymes, and the absence of specific inhibitors. Enzymes are unstable and are easily inactivated by heat or certain chemicals. They are produced within living cells and may act either within the cell (as in cellular respiration) or outside it (as in digestion). The names of enzymes usually end in '-ase'; enzymes are named according to the substrate upon which they act (as in lactase), or the type of reaction they catalyse (as in hydrolase). Enzymes are essential for the normal functioning and development of the body. Failure in the production or activity of a single enzyme may result in metabolic disorders; such disorders are often inherited and some have serious effects.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p1414


Epidemiology

Epidemiology refers to information and statistics related to the distribution and determinants of health-related events, conditions, or behaviours within specific populations.

Unit 1,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1416 


Epsilon cells (ε-cells)

Epsilon cells (ε-cells) are pancreatic cells that release ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, increases fat storage, and stimulates the growth hormone release from the pituitary gland.

Unit 3,

Reference: Shahid Z, Singh G. Physiology, Islets of Langerhans. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; October 3, 2022.


Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

calculation used to estimate how well your kidneys are filtering certain agents produced by your body, such as:

  • Creatinine (a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles)
  • Cystatin C (a protein that slows down the breakdown of other protein cells)

Your kidneys filter your blood by removing waste and extra water to make urine. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) shows how well the kidneys are filtering.

Reference: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr


Exocrine glands

Exocrine glands are specialised glands that secrete their products, such as enzymes, mucus, sweat, or oil, into ducts. These ducts transport the secretions to specific target areas, both externally and internally, within the body. Exocrine glands are involved in a wide range of functions, including digestion, temperature regulation, lubrication, and protection.

Unit 3,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1442