Glossary

An event that can do harm.

The organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community.

A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and removing waste products.

Occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries.

The protein contained in red blood cells that is responsible for delivery of oxygen to the tissues.

Medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage problems associated with your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Having two different alleles of a particular gene or genes.

A state of balance among all the body systems needed to survive and function correctly. In homeostasis, body levels of acid, blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, energy, hormones, oxygen, proteins, and temperature are constantly adjusted to respond to changes inside and outside the body, to keep them at a normal level.

Having two identical alleles of a particular gene or genes.

A chemical substance produced by the body that regulates various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Hormones are typically released by glands, such as the thyroid or adrenal glands, and carried through the bloodstream to their target cells.

Hydrophilic substances are attracted to water and are able to dissolve in it. These substances typically have polar or charged molecules that allow them to interact with water molecules.

Hydrophobic substances are repelled by water and are unable to dissolve in it. These substances typically have nonpolar molecules that do not interact well with water molecules.

The increased thickness of the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the skin.

High blood pressure develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures.