HomeCategoriesMedicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Evidence-based definitions for medical conditions, treatments, drugs, anatomy, and public health — without the jargon.

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Total terms
10
Subcategories
2 min
Avg. read time
49 terms
A
Adrenal Gland
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and stress management.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
A
Alveoli
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. They are essential for breathing and play a crucial role in delivering oxygen to the bloodstream.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
A
Artery
An artery is a type of blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system, ensuring that organs and tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
A
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system is a part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions. It regulates processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate without conscious effort.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
B
Bile
A digestive fluid produced by the liver, bile helps break down fats in the food we eat. It is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine during digestion.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
B
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: systolic and diastolic pressure.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
B
Bone
A bone is a rigid organ that forms part of the skeleton in many animals, including humans. It provides structure, protection for organs, and facilitates movement by serving as attachment points for muscles.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
B
Breathing
Breathing is the process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from the body. It is essential for survival as it provides the oxygen needed for cells to function and produces energy.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
C
Capillary
A capillary is a tiny blood vessel that connects arteries and veins. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system by allowing the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
C
Cardiac Output
Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute. It is a key measure of heart function and overall health.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
C
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is a network that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for circulating oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and supporting bodily functions.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
C
Cell Biology (medicine)
Cell biology is the study of cells, which are the basic building blocks of all living organisms. It focuses on understanding how cells function, interact, and contribute to the overall health of an organism. This field is crucial in medicine as it helps explain diseases and informs treatment strategies.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
C
Central Nervous System
The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. It processes information and coordinates actions throughout the body.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
D
Digestive System
The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. It includes the mouth, stomach, intestines, and other organs that aid in digestion. This system is essential for providing the body with the energy and nutrients it needs to function.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
E
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It provides a visual representation of the heart's rhythm and can help diagnose various heart conditions.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
E
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate various functions in the body. These hormones control processes such as growth, metabolism, and mood, playing a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
F
Feedback Loop
A feedback loop is a biological mechanism that helps regulate processes in the body by using information about the output of a system to influence its input. It ensures stability and balance in various physiological functions.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
F
Filtration
Filtration is a process that separates solids from liquids or gases by using a filter. It allows for the removal of unwanted particles, making substances cleaner and safer for use.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
G
Glucagon
A hormone produced by the pancreas, glucagon raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose stored in the liver. It plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance in the body, especially during fasting or intense exercise.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
H
Heart
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. It plays a crucial role in the circulatory system, maintaining the flow of blood to sustain life.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
H
Heart Rate
Heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in a minute. It reflects how hard your heart is working to pump blood throughout your body.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
I
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas, insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. It allows cells to take in glucose, which is used for energy or stored for later use.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
J
Joint
A joint is a connection between two or more bones in the body that allows for movement. Joints can be flexible or rigid, depending on their structure and function.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
K
Kidney
A kidney is a vital organ in the body that filters waste products from the blood and produces urine. It helps maintain the body's fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
L
Large Intestine
The large intestine is a crucial part of the digestive system that absorbs water and nutrients from food waste and prepares it for elimination from the body. It consists of several sections, including the colon and rectum, and plays a vital role in maintaining overall health.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
L
Ligament
A ligament is a tough band of connective tissue that connects bones to other bones at joints. It provides stability and support to the skeletal system, allowing for proper movement and function.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
L
Liver
The liver is a vital organ in the human body that plays a key role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. It helps process nutrients from food and filters harmful substances from the blood.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
L
Lung
The lung is a vital organ in the respiratory system that allows us to breathe by taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. It plays a crucial role in gas exchange, which is essential for sustaining life.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
L
Lymph Node
A lymph node is a small, bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system. It helps filter harmful substances and contains immune cells that can fight infection.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
L
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that helps maintain fluid balance in the body and supports the immune system. It transports lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. This system plays a crucial role in protecting against diseases and infections.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
M
Muscle
A muscle is a type of tissue in the body that can contract and produce movement. It plays a crucial role in various functions, including movement, posture, and circulation.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
M
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is the organ system that enables humans and other animals to move using the muscular and skeletal systems. It provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body. This system includes bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
N
Nephron
A nephron is the basic functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, which play a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
N
Nervous System
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body. It controls everything from basic functions like breathing to complex tasks like thinking and moving.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
O
Oxygen Saturation
Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen. It is an important measure of how well oxygen is being transported throughout the body.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
P
Pancreas
The pancreas is a vital organ located behind the stomach that plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
P
Peripheral Nervous System
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a part of the nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It includes all the nerves outside the central nervous system and is crucial for sending signals to and from different body parts.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
P
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing and releasing hormones that control growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
R
Reflex
A reflex is an automatic and rapid response to a stimulus that does not require conscious thought. It helps the body react quickly to certain situations, often to protect itself from harm.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
R
Reproductive System
The reproductive system is a collection of organs and structures that work together to produce offspring. It includes the male and female reproductive organs, which are responsible for producing gametes and facilitating fertilization.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
R
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is the network in our body that helps us breathe. It allows us to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, which is crucial for survival.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
S
Small Intestine
The small intestine is a long, coiled tube in the digestive system where most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs. It connects the stomach to the large intestine and plays a crucial role in breaking down food into nutrients that the body can use.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
S
Spleen
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen that plays a key role in filtering blood and supporting the immune system. It helps remove old or damaged blood cells and produces white blood cells to fight infections.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
S
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular organ in the digestive system that breaks down food after it is swallowed. It mixes food with digestive juices to help in the digestion process before sending it to the intestines.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
S
Stroke Volume
Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat. It is a key measure of heart function and overall cardiovascular health.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
S
Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic
The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are two parts of the autonomic nervous system that control involuntary body functions. The sympathetic system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, while the parasympathetic system promotes 'rest and digest' activities.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
T
Tendon
A tendon is a tough band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. It helps transmit the force generated by muscles to enable movement of the skeleton.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology1 min
T
Thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and development. It plays a key role in how the body uses energy and maintains overall health.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min
T
Tidal Volume
Tidal Volume is the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing. It is a key measurement in understanding lung function and respiratory health.
BeginnerAnatomy & Physiology2 min