Wickenburg Health Net
Healthy Adults Program

Health Education Glossary


  

Word Phonetic Description
abdomen AB do men Also called "belly" - it holds many things inside, including stomach and intestines
abide by uh BYD by Live with; accept
abnormal ab NOR mul Not normal, average, typical, or usual
absorb ab SORB, ab SORB uh bul Like a sponge, our bodies soak up things after they have been taken in by eating or breathing
absorbent ab SORB unt Able to soak up water or other liquid
abuse uh BUSE, uh BUSE iv Take advantage of a smaller or weaker person; make a person hurt, or make them do something wrong and bad
accomplish, accomplishment uh COM plish; uh COM plish ment Do something that needs to be done
accredited uh CRED uh tid Approved after evaluation by a governing agency; given a stamp of approval
acid ASS id One of these is a strong stomach liquid for dissolving food
acknowledge ak NALL ej Notice someone or something
acne AK nee Skin condition with pimples and blackheads; starts at puberty
acrobat, acrobatic AK ro bat, AK ro bat ik A person having special skills, a tumbler
adapt uh DAPT Learn and use new things; develop new skills for solving new problems
adaptable uh DAP tuh bul Learns and uses new things easily
addictive ad DIC tiv Changing our brain so that it can't get along without something; nicotine and alcohol can produce this
additive ADD ih tiv Put into food or anything else during processing; makes it do its job better
adequate AD ih quate Plenty; enough to go around
adrenal cortex uh DREE nul CORE tex Outer layer of the adrenal gland; makes cortisone
adrenal glands uh DREE nul One on top of each kidney; produce cortisone and epinephrine (adrenalin)
advanced degree ad VANSD duh GREE After four years of college, there are programs in special areas; by completing one of these programs, a person will be given another, or 'advanced' college degree
Africanized AFF rik un ized Refers to bees which have become aggressive because of mixing with bees imported from Africa
AIDS AIDS This terrible condition makes it impossible for people to develop immunity to diseases.
ailment ALE munt An illness or sickness
alcoholism AL co HALL ism Frequent excessive use of alcoholic beverages, with decreased ability to function socially and on the job, and severe health consequences
alignment uh LINE ment In a straight line; also, how things meet and match with each other
alimentary al ih MEN tare ee Anything related to taking in and processing food
allergen AL ur gen Anything which causes an allergic reaction
allergic al URGE ick Overreacton to ordinarily harmless substances in nature or in foods
alter ALL tur Change
alternative all TURN uh tiv Another choice; another way to get something done
alveoli al VEE oh lie Tiny sacks in the lung where things in air can get into or out of the blood
ambulatory AM bew luh TOR ee Literally, means walking around; as an adjective, refers to places where people walk in to receive medical care
amino acids uh MEAN o ASS id Proteins are made of long strings of amino acids; digestion of dietary protein makes the acids absorbable
anabolic AN a ball ick Any process which results in building our body by increasing the number of cells and storing energy
anal sphincter A null SFINK tur This muscle around our anus keeps feces inside until we are ready to go to the bathroom
analysis, analyze an AL uh sis Taking something apart to see how it works; careful study
anatomy an AT o me Study of all parts of the human body
anemia, anemic a NEEM e yuh Not enough red blood cells; red cells have hemoglobin to carry oxygen.
anesthetic an ess THET ick Medicine used to make something or someone not feel any pain during an operation
anomaly an OM uh lee Something strange; unusual and different
anorectic an oh REK tick Afraid to eat; a person who is afraid eating will make her fat
anorexia an oh REK see uh An eating disorder; victims are afraid they might get fat so they quit eating
antacid an TASS id Like Tums or Rolaids, chewed and swallowed to reduce stomach acid
anterior an TEER ee or The front of something, front end
anthropologist an throw POL o jist A scientist who studies ancient and modern people and their societies
anti-oxidant ANT eye OX id unt Nutrient which stops excessive oxidation (burning) of cell material
antibiotic an tee bi OT ick Medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria
antibody ANT e body Our body makes these after an infection or after an immunization
antivenin AN tie VEN in Special medicine made to treat victims of snake bite or some insect bites
aorta a OR tah The biggest artery, it comes out of our heart
appendectomy a (as in as) pen DECK toe me An operation to remove the appendix
appendicitis uh pen duh SI tus An infection of the appendix; causes pain in the belly
appendix uh PEN dix A small tube at the beginning of our large intestine
applause uh PLAWS Noise made by clapping hands together
apple(s) AP ul (ulz) Red, yellow, and sometimes green; a good and very tasty snack
appropriate a PRO pri ut proper, right for the occasion
arteries ARE tur ees These tubes carry oxygen-rich blood from our heart to every part of our body.
arteriosclerosis are TEER ee oh sklare OH sis Hardening of the arteries
arthritis are THRY tus Painful problem with joints which may swell and get red
articular are TICK you lar, are TICK you late The part of a joint where two bones come together; this word indicates movement is possible
asthma AZ ma This lung disease makes it hard to breathe out
atmosphere AT mos fear A layer of gasses around the earth; 20 miles thick
atom AT um Very small piece of matter
atrium A tree um (Pl: A tree ah) Small pumping chamber in heart; there are two, right and left
attack uh TACK Beginning or onset of disease, illness, or other medical condition; usually rapid and dramatic
attending a-TEN-ding Paying attention to
B complex vitamins B COM plex VI tuh mins From cereal grains or green leafy vegetables, these are important for many body processes
bacteria back TEER ee ya Small living things with only one cell. They can live in food, water or us, and are the cause of many diseases.
bagels BAY gulls Hard white bread shaped like an O; mostly carbohydrate; one or two a week is plenty
balanced diet BAL unced DI ut Selecting and eating something from all of the different food groups - protein, fat, carbohydrate
ballet bah LAY Beautiful kind of dancing, including dancing on your toes
banana(s) buh NA nuh Good fruit with lots of potassium
behavior bee HAYVE yur The way a person gets along and acts with others in everyday life
beri-beri BARE e BARE e Illness caused by a lack of vitamin B6
beverage BEV ur uj Any kind of drink; water, milk, tea and coffee are examples
biceps BI seps "Popeye" muscle, makes our elbow bend when we pick something up
bile BILE Dark green liquid made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder; full of cholesterol
binocular bi NOCK u lar Having two eyes
biochemistry BY oh KEM iss tree The observation and analysis of the atoms and molecules in living things
biologic BI oh LOJ ick Having to do with life; living organisms
biology bi ALL o gee The study of all kinds of life and life forms
biscuit(s) BIS cut A substitute for bread; it's mostly carbohydrate
blood BLUD This fluid (FLEW id) carries energy and oxygen to every part of our body
blood vessel(s) blud VES ul Arteries and veins (small tubes) which carry blood all around our body
bloodstream BLUD streem The blood flowing in our bodies and the tubes which carry it
BMI BMI This is short for Body Mass Index, a good way to see how much fat we carry around
body image BAH dee IM ug The feeling a person has about how he or she looks
body wastes BAH de WAISTS We get rid of these in the toilet when we go to the bathroom
bolus BOW luss A ball of something; also a concentrated dose of medicine given IV
bombard bom BARD Drop a big load of something (like information) on someone
bones BONZ Strong, hard, and white, these keep our body from falling in a soft pile on the ground
bowel BOW ul Same as intestine; hollow tubes in our digestive system
bread BRED Comes in slices or chunks; the best ones for us are made with whole grain
bronchi BRONK eye Branching tubes which carry air to and from the lobes of the lung
bronchiole BRON key ole (like hole) Small tube(s) at the end of larger airways in our lungs
budget BUD jet A way to keep track of what comes in and what goes out
bulimia boo LEE me uh An eating disorder; victims make themselves throw up after they eat
bunion BUN yun A deformity of the joint between the big toe and the foot; caused by wearing shoes that are too small and too tight
bureaucracy bew ROCK race ee The combination of many different government agencies; often used when describing a slow acting government
bursitis bur SY tus Inflammation around elbow, shoulder, or knee; sometimes very painful
caffeine caff EEN Stimulant found in coffee and soft drinks
cake CAYK A cooked dessert with lots of sugar and oil
calcium CAL(like pal) see um We get this important mineral from milk and cottage cheese and yogurt to help make strong bones and teeth.
callus CAL (like PAL) us Soft material which forms where a bone breaks; it starts soft and gets very hard
calorie(s) CAL (like PAL) o ree Units of energy people take from food products
cancer CAN sur Abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in part of one's body
candy CAN dee Most of this is pure sugar; bad for our teeth and may make us too fat
canine CAY nine Four pointed teeth next to the sharp cutting ones; used by animals for tearing meat from bones; we use a knife and fork instead
capacity cuh PA (like in pat) suh tee How much something can hold
capillaries CAP uh lare ees These tiny tubes are the end of arteries and the beginning of veins. From them oxygen and nutrients pass to cells, and carbon dioxide and waste are absorbed from cells.
carbohydrate carb oh HIDE rate Starch or sugar, this is found mostly in bread, pasta, potatoes and rice
carbon CAR bun An important mineral; part of carbohydrate, fat, and protein
carbon dioxide CAR bun di OX ide After cells have used oxygen in their daily activities, they discharge this into the bloodstream. It then goes to the lungs for release into the air.
carbon monoxide CAR bun mo NOX ide Extremely dangerous poison from cars and from gas or fuel oil heaters
carcinogen car SIN oh gen Anything which causes cancer to start growing
cardiac CAR dee ack Having to do with the heart
carotene CARE oh teen Vitamin A comes from this; found in green and yellow vegetables
carpal CAR pul The area between our hand and our arm; the wrist
carpal tunnel syndrome CAR pul TUN ul SIN drome Too much pressure on a nerve in our wrist; causes pain in our wrist and hand
carrots CARE uts Grow in the ground and have lots of vitamin A to help our eyes; a good snack
cartilage CART uh lij Firm and flexible tissue which makes a framework for our ears and nose; also in joints at the ends of bones
catabolic CAT uh ball ick All processes which result in loss of body cells and use up energy which was previously stored
cataract CAT uh racked A condition causing cloudiness and poor vision in the normally clear lens of an eye
catastrophe cuh TASS tro fee A disaster; very bad
catastrophic cat uh STRO fik A very bad situation or happening
cavity, cavities CAV (like cat) uh tee A hole in a tooth from too much candy and too little brushing and flossing; a space inside some other body part
celery SELL ree Good snack with some peanut butter; has a lot of fiber in it
cell SELL These are little factories. Put them all together and they make our body work.
cellular SELL you lar All of the tiny parts of any cell in our body; also all the things that go on inside any cell
cellulose SELL you lows Undigestible material from plants; part of dietary fiber
cereal SERE e ul Breakfast food made of wheat, corn, and oats; has some extra iron, vitamin B and calcium
cerebellum sare uh BELL um Part of our brain which doesn't do any thinking but helps with balance; at the bottom in the back
cerebral cortex suh REE brul CORE tex Grey colored covering of our main brain where all important human thoughts and decisions are made
cervical SIR vuh cul Something in the neck; having to do with the neck
characteristic care uk tur ISS tick Feature; a constant example
cheese CHEEZ Made from milk, it has calcium, protein, and fat
chemical KEM ih cul Something used or made in a laboratory; also found in our body and blood
chemist KEM ist A person who puts atoms together in a laboratory to make new compounds
chewing CHOO ing Using our teeth to grind food into tiny bits; makes it easy for our body to use
chlorine CLOR een Kills germs which might be in drinking water
cholecystokinin co lee sis toe KI nin A hormone produced by the small intestine; makes the gall bladder empty out
cholesterol co LESS tur all A fat substance in our diet; also made by our liver; less is better
chromosome CROW muh some (like home) A piece of genetic material which is responsible for transmitting something from parent to child
chronic CRON ick Present for a long time; not sudden
chrysalis CRISS uh liss Life stage of a butterfly; after caterpillar and just before adult
cilia SILL ee ya Like short hair these grow out of cells in our air tubes; sweepers
circulatory SIR cue luh tor ee, sir cue LAY shun A way to move things around our body; circulatory system
clavicle CLAV ih cul Part of the shoulder and upper chest, also called the collarbone.
coagulation co ag u LAY shun Process of making a blood clot; helps stop bleeding after a cut or injury
cobalamin co BALL uh min Vitamin B12; part of B complex
cochlea COKE lee ah Cone shaped part of inner ear, the real organ of hearing
cochlear implant COKE lee ur IM plant A device whose small wires are put into the inner ear of a person to restore hearing
colitis co LY tus An inflammation of the large intestine
collaborate, collaborating co LAB o rate, co LAB o rate ing To work with or assist another person in doing a job
collagen CALL uh gen Strong protein, usually in long fibers; helps heal cuts and make healthy scar tissue
colon CO lun The large intestine; it is about three feet long
command and control cuh MAND and cun TROLL Done by our brain, using electrical and chemical signals
compensate COM pen sate Use a different skill when the first choice fails; also, pay for services
complementary COM pluh MEN tuh ree Adding to the value or effectiveness of something else
complete com-PLEET everything is there, finished
complex COM plex Not simple
complication com pli CA shun What happens to make something worse
component com PO nent Part of a system
compulsive com PULSE iv, com PULSE iv lee Driven to do something; good or bad
concentration con sen TRAY shun The amount of something present in air or water, or in our body
concept(s) CON sept An idea; a product of someone's imagination
cones CONZ (like BONES) In the retina of our eye; these tell us what colors we are seeing
confer cun FUR Discuss something with another person or group; have a conference
congenital con GEN uh tul Present at birth; may be a physical or metabolic condition
conscious, consciously CON shush, CON shush lee Being aware of what we are doing
consequence CON see kwens Result of an act or behavior
constipation con stuh PAY shun Difficulty in having bowel movements (BM); often a chronic problem
constrict cun STRIKT Narrow down; become smaller
consult cun SULT Discuss something with a person who has more experience or knowledge
contagious, contagion con TAY jus, con TAY jun Likely to be passed from one person to another easily
contaminate, contaminated con TAM in ate, con TAM in ate ud Made dirty or infected
contraction con TRAK shun Get shorter; muscles do this; in a tube like the esophagus, this makes the tube smaller and squeezes food through
convert con VERT, con VERT ing Change from one form to another
convey, conveying con VAY, con VAY ing Pass something to another; share an idea
convulsion con VUL shun Also called a fit or seizure (SEE zure); muscles jump and the person passes out for a little while
coordinate co ORD in ate - co ord in AY shun Take several bits of information and make sense of them; use muscles and special senses to perform a task or play a game
coral COR ul A small poisonous snake; also something which grows in the ocean
cornbread CORN bred Looks like yellow cake and is good with beans
cornea COR nee ah Clear part in the front of our eye; it is very sensitive
correlate COR uh late Compare to something; have the same meaning as something else
cortex COR tex Outer layer of something, like the peel on an orange
cortisone CORT ih sone Name for a group of hormones from the adrenal gland; some deal with stress, others keep the right amount of salt.
couch potato COUCH puh tay to Person who sits and watches TV all day
coverage CUH ver ij In medical care, provision of service in a particular area or specialty
CPR C P R This means "cardio-pulmonary resuscitation" - a technique of restoring a heartbeat and breathing when they have stopped
crackers CRAK urz Starchy, salty and easy to eat; don't eat more than a few
criteria cry TEER e uh Standards used to measure success
critical, critically CRIT uh cul, CRIT uh cul lee In medical care, an extremely serious case; fatal if not treated quickly and well
crutches CRUT chez Two wood or aluminum supports to use when we have a hurt foot or ankle
CT scan CT skan A special radiographic (xray) method for diagnosing illness or injury
custodial care cuss TOE dee ul care Providing for the needs of a person who can no longer take care of him- or herself easily
cystic fibrosis SIS tick fi BRO sis Rare lung disease of children; also affects the pancreas
cytoplasm SI toe plas um Protein and water; fills up the space in a cell around the nucleus
deciduous dee CID u us Something which is normally lost or shed; leaves on some trees, and baby teeth
decrease dee CREES Take away; reduce an amount
defecate DEF uh cate Have a BM; "go poop"; eliminate solid waste
defensive dee FENS iv Process of fighting back against or resisting something felt to be threatening
deficiency dee FISH en cee Not having enough of something
defined dee FIND Explained, described, or drawn clearly
deformity dee FORM uh tee Not shaped right
deglutition dee glu TISH un The act of swallowing food
dehydrated dee HIDE rated Not enough water in our body; can be a dangerous condition
deltoid DEL toid Shaped like a triangle; a muscle with this shape is important for shoulder motion
dementia dee MEN sha Loss of one's mind; inability to think clearly and make good decisions
demonstrate, demonstrating DEH mun strate; DEH mun strate ing Show how; showing how something looks and works
density DENS uh tee A property of matter; how solidly packed it is
dental implant DEN tul IM plant A false tooth which is put into a person's jaw bone to replace a missing natural tooth
dentin DEN tin Most of a tooth; covered and protected by hard enamel
deplete dee PLEET Use up; run out of something
deploy, deployed dee PLOY, dee PLOYED Put into use
depression dee PRESH un Feeling of worthlessness; loss of interest in life; unable to enjoy friends or family
deprivation deh pry VAY shun Situation in which a person can't get something he or she needs
dermis DUR miss Inner layer of our skin where all the nerves and blood vessels are
dessert duh ZERT Sweet treat at the end of a meal; fruit is best.
determine dee TUR min Decide, conclude
diabetes di uh BEET us Disease in which a person's blood sugar is 'way too high
diabetic coma di a BET ick CO ma Loss of consciousness (passing out) due to very high blood sugar
diagnosis di ug NO sis Identification of an illness; like the answer to a riddle
diagnostic radiography di ag NOS tick ray dee AH graf ee Use of radiography (formerly called 'xray') to make images of the body or parts of the body; the images are used by doctors to help diagnose problems
dialysis di AL uh sis A process to clean our blood if our kidneys don't work
diaphragm DI uh fram Between our chest and abdomen, its movement helps us breathe
diarrhea di uh REE uh Having a lot of watery BMs; often caused by an infection
diastole di ASS tuh lee Rest period during the heart cycle
diastolic DI uh stall ic Lower of two numbers in a blood pressure reading
dietary DI uh TARE ee Anything having to do with food selection and preparation
dietetic DI uh TET ick Preparation and serving of food
digestion di JEST shun What happens to food we eat so our body can use it
digit DIJ it A toe or a finger
dignify DIG ni fy Pay attention to; show respect for something or someone
disaster dis AS ter A really big problem for a lot of people
disastrous dis AS truss A very bad happening; a terrible outcome
disease dis EZ Any condition which prevents a human body from doing its job
dislocated dis LOW cate, dis LOW cate ud Out of normal position; "out of joint"
disorientation DIS ore ee en TAY shun Inability to act and react normally; failure to recognize people or surroundings
dispersed dis PURSED Scattered everywhere
disproportionate DIS pro POR shun ut Not fitting in due to a size or shape unlike everything else
dissipate DIS uh pate Go away; decrease and disappear
diuretic di you RET ick Medicine which makes a person urinate (pee) more
dominant DOM i nant Stronger, easier to use than its pair companion, such as an eye or arm; also, more important
dose DOS (Also dosage - DOS udg) Amount of a medicine to be taken, and how often to take it
drink(s) DRINKS Anything liquid we swallow; mostly water, and important to keep us alive and well
duct DUCKT A small tube
duodenum do oh DEE num First part of small intestine: a foot long, curved like a "C"
dynamic di NAM ick Full of movement and energy
dysfunctional dis FUNK shun ul Acting badly, often as a group
effectively ee FEC tiv lee Reaching a desired result
egg white EG white Looks like water before cooking and is white after cooking; mostly protein
egg yolk EG yok Yellow or orange middle of an egg; mostly fat
egg(s) EG Nice little package of protein and fat; good for breakfast or lunch
eject e JEKT Pump out; discharge
elastic compression ee LAS tick com PRESS shun We do this with a rolled bandage; sometimes called an Ace bandage; for treatment of an injury
element EL a ment The simplest part of something; examples are atoms which combine to make molecules
elimination ee lim un A shun Getting rid of what our body can't use; body waste goes into the toilet and down the drain
emergency e MUR gen see Bad problem which happens fast and needs quick treatment
emoting, emotions ee MO ting, ee MO shuns Showing feelings (emotions), like joy, sadness or anger
enamel ee NAM ul Hard white outside layer of a tooth
encourage en CUR ij Try to get someone to do what he may not want to do
endocrine EN doe crin Glands which produce hormones to be used all over the body are endocrine glands; two examples are thyroid and pancreas.
endocrine system EN do crin All the glands in our body whose hormones go through the blood stream to target organs far away
endodontics END oh DON tiks Dental care of the soft parts inside of teeth; root canal procedure is an example
endurance en DEW runs Ability to work a long time without getting tired
energy We get this from the food we eat. It is like gas for a car, and it makes us GO!
engaged en GAJD Involved in an activity or relationship
enhance en HANS Make more complete; improve the way something works
enriched en RICHD Food with good things like iron, calcium, and vitamins added
environment en VI ron ment, en vi ron MEN tal Everything around us
enzymes EN zimes Compounds produced by glands in and near the intestine to aid digestion of food; also active inside some cells
EPA E P A From the US government, this agency watches for dangerous problems in our environment (en VI ron ment)
epidemic ep ih DEM ick When a lot of people get the same sickness at about the same time and in the same place
epidermis EP ih derm iss The outer layer of our skin, it protects what is inside
epiglottis ep e GLOT is A flap that covers the larynx to keep food or water out of our airway
epinephrine ep ee NEF rin Also called adrenaline, this hormone helps us escape danger by raising our pulse and blood pressure.
equation e KWAY shun A way of showing how one or more things can be equal to one or more other things
esophagus ee SOF uh gus After we chew food and swallow, it goes down this long tube to our stomach.
essential ess EN shul Can't get along without it.
estrogen ES tro gen Female hormone which comes from ovaries makes girls into women
ethical ETH ih cul (ETH icks) Consideration for the desires and feelings of other people
ethyl alcohol ETH ul AL co hall A chemical which can be added to gasoline, it is also in beer, wine, and other drinks
evaluate e VAL you ate Examine something or someone, then decide whether any problems are present and what they are
evaporate ee VAP o rate A liquid changes into a gas; when sweat does this it leaves cool skin behind
Evel Knievel EE vul kuh NEE vul Once famous daredevil; tried to jump ten buses on his motorcycle; didn't make it
exception eck CEP shun Not on the list of rules
exercise EX ur size May be work or play; raking the yard, walking and running, or tossing a frisbie
exhale EX hale, ex hale A shun This is when you blow your breath out.
exocrine EX oh crin Glands which secrete enzymes directly into the digestive system; salivary glands and the pancreas are examples
expel ex PELL Get rid of something not needed or wanted
expiratory ex PURR uh tor ee, ex purr A shun The process of breathing air out of our lungs
exposed, exposure ex POSE d, ex PO zure To be in a place with something which may make us sick
extract ex TRACT Remove; pull out, like an unwanted tooth
eye I The special organ for seeing
familial fuh MILL e ul Something that is characteristic of a particular family
famine FAM un A time when there is little or no food
fat FAT (as in "at") Part of all human bodies; part of most human diets; in the diet, too much animal fat can make a person fat, also
fat-soluble FAT-SALL you bul Can be dissolved in oil or fat but not water
fatigue fuh TEEG Tiredness; more tired than ever
fatty acid FAT ee ASS id All body and dietary fat has three of these plus glycerine; in our diet, the "good" ones are unsaturated.
feces FEE sees Also BM or poop; solid waste after digestion is finished with what we eat
fellowship FELL o ship Period of intense training concentrating on a very special assignment
femur FEE mur Upper leg bone; the longest and biggest bone in our body
fertile FUR til Able to reproduce
fertilization fur till eye ZAY shun What makes an ovum (egg) complete and ready to become a person
fiber FI bur Chewy stuff in cereal, fruit, and vegetables. All of us need more of this.
fibrin FI brin Stringy protein; helps make blood clots
fibrous FI bruss Strong and flexible tissue covering many organs; ligaments are this kind of tissue also
fibula FIB you la This long thin bone goes from our knee down to our ankle, where it's the outside bump
fish FISH From the ocean or lakes; the protein and fat in fish are good for us
flesh FLESH Usually means muscle and fat inside our skin; this word can be used for everything that isn't bone
flexible FLECKS uh bul Easy to bend without breaking
floss Sounds like "flaws" Strong white string used to clean between our teeth and keep our gums healthy
flour Powdery white or brown, this is what you get when you grind up grain.
flu
fluid Anything with lots of water in it.
fluoroscopy flew RAHS cup ee Process of making a video, or moving picture show, of the inside of a human body at work
focus, focussed FOE cuss Make clear and sharp; easy to see
follicle stimulating hormone. FSH FALL ick ul STIM yew late ing HOR moan Causes an egg in the ovary to grow
food Anything we can eat safely. It will be used to build our bodies and make energy
food processing Food processing takes what the farmer grows and turns it into somethng we can easily cook or prepare for eating
food pyramid A colorful guide to a balanced diet
footnote FOOT note Extra explanation or information added at the bottom of a page
forearm FOR arm Arm from the elbow to the wrist
format
fortified FORT ih fide Made better by adding something extra
fracture FRAK shur A break; often refers to a broken bone
free radical free RAD ick ul Produced by too much stress or exercise; can damage normal cells
free-standing FREE STAND ing Not associated with any other healthcare facility
fruit(s) Grow on trees or bushes, are usually sweet, amd have good fiber, vitamin C and potassium
fuel Like an engine our body needs to burn something to make energy. This is fuel and we get it from food.
function FUNK shun Do a job; make something happen
gall bladder GALL BLAH der A small sack under the liver; it collects bile
gastroenterology gass trow ent ur ALL oh gee A medical field which diagnoses and treats diseases of all parts of the digestive system
gastrointestinal gas trow in TEST in ul General term for the entire digestive tract; stomach and intestines
gender JEN dur Male or female sex; masculine or feminine
general anesthesia GEN ur ul an ess THEE zee uh A process in which a patient is made to sleep in a pain-free condition; allows pain-free major surgery
generalist GEN ur uh list One who does a lot of things well; sometimes called a 'jack of all trades'
genetics gen ET icks The study of inheritance; this explans why we sometimes look like our grandmother or uncle
germs JERMZ Anything which can cause an infection; most of them are bacteria or viruses
glenoid fossa GLEN oid FOSS uh A shallow cup on the scapula bone, where our shoulder joint is formed
glucagon GLU kuh gahn Hormone from the pancreas; raises blood sugar
glucose GLUE cose A simple sugar; it is the only important one in our blood
gluteus GLUE tee us Large muscle we sit on; helps move our leg
glycerine GLI sir in Part of fat which could be an energy source in a pinch
glycogen GLY co gen Combination of simple sugar molecules plus protein, it's a good energy source between meals.
goiter GOY tur Enlargement of the thyroid gland for any reason
gonorrhea
good fat This fat comes from olives, corn, or canola, and is OK for us to eat.
gravy This makes potatoes taste good, but may have a lot of fat in it
hair It doesn't take much energy to make hair grow, but hair needs good nutrition to look pretty and shiny
hammertoe HAM ur tow Deformity of one of the small toes; the toe is always doubled up and looks like a little hammer
hamstring HAM string A group of muscles on the back of our upper leg which cause our knee to bend
hazard HA (like in hat) zurd Something likely to cause harm to us
healthy fat Unsaturated fat (omega-3 is one of these) that is good for our bodies
heart This is our pump, and it makes the blood go around
hematology HEEM uh TALL uh gee The blood and its problems are the focus for this medical spsecialty
hemicellulose HEM ee SELL you lows From plants; one of the undigestible fibers
hemoglobin HEE mo GLO bin This important protein in red blood cells carries oxygen all over our bodies.
hemorrhage HEM oh ruj Bleed a lot; the event of bleeding a lot
hemorrhoids
hepatic huh PAT ick Having to do with the liver
hepatitis hep uh TIE tus Infection of the liver; three main virus types are A, B, and C
herpes
hibernate HY burr nate Slow down all body activity, conserve energy, and sleep
histamine HISS tuh meen Substance released by cells in our body; causes itching and sneezing
holistic ho LIST ick An all inclusive approach to solving problems; in medical care, a process which considers the body, the mind, and the environment as being equal contributors to wellness
hormone HOR mone A messenger produced by a gland and sent through the bloodstream to cause a reaction somewhere else
host HOST Animal or insect which provides food and shelter to an alien organism
human body HEW mun BAH dee The thing we live in from our head to our toes
human immune deficiency HEW mun - im MUNE - de FISH en see A condition cause by a virus; people who have it can't fight infection
humerus HEW mur us The only bone in our upper arm
hydrogen HI dro gen Alone, it's a gas; with oxygen it makes water; with carbon and oxygen it makes carbohydrate
hydrogenated Manufacturers add hydrogen to fatty acids to change the texture of margarine or peanut butter.
hygiene HI jeen Keeping something or someone clean; keep free of infecting 'germs'
hygienist HI JEN ist A person trained to keep something very clean to avoid infections
hypothyroid HI po THY roid (ism) Low output from the thyroid gland
ice cream Has milk (calcium) and tastes good, but there is a lot of sugar and fat so don't eat too much
ileum ILL ee um Third part of our small intestine; about two feet long
ilium ILL ee um Part of our pelvis, sticks out just beneath our waist
immune globulin im MEWN GLOB yew lin Group of proteins in our blood; antibodies; types are A, G, and E
immune, immunity im MUNE, im MUNE it ee Protection against an infection after having it once, or after getting a special shot (flu shot, for example)
immunization im you nye ZAY shun Giving something to prevent an illness; causes our body to produce antibodies
impacted im PACK ted Buried deeply; difficult to remove
impulse IM puls Unit of activity; may be electrical or chemical
inadequate in AD uh kwut Not enough
incisor in SI zor Sharp front teeth for biting
incubation in kew BAY shun The time between picking up a germ and getting sick because of it; can be one day or a few weeks
induce in DUCE Cause to happen; put something into a system
infection in FECK shun Illness due to the presence in our body of a virus or bacteria
infectious mononucleosis in FECK shush mono new klee OH sis Illness with sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes; occurs in the springtime in kids aged 10 to 17
inflammatory in FLAM uh tor ee Capable of causing pain, redness, and swelling
influenza in flu EN za A virus infection which makes us very sick with fever, and cough
ingot ING ut The form of a metal before it is made into something useful
ingredients in GREED e unts Parts of a completed project; together make up something which works
inhabit in HAB it Live inside of something or someone
inhale IN hale, in hale A shun This means air goes into your lungs.
inhaled in HALED Taken into the lungs with a big breath
inhibit, inhibitions in HIB it , in hib ISH uns The rules in our head which keep us from doing stupid or dangerous things
inject in JEKT, in JEK shun Force fluid through a small tube or needle into something soft
input What comes in, like a money into a piggy bank
insoluble fiber This kind of fiber doesn't get digested in our intestine. It makes it easy to go to the bathroom.
insulin IN sue lin This hormone comes from the pancreas gland and helps cells use sugar or store it for later use.
integrity in TEG ruh tee State of condition; how free is something from defects
intensive care in TEN siv care Special medical attention given to very sick patients
interrelationship IN tur ree LAY shun ship Network; how several things work together
intoxicate in TOX ih cate Cause to lose control, coordination, and good sense
intracellular IN tra SELL u lar Anything which is inside (or takes place inside) a cell
intravenous (IV) in tra VEEN us, eye VEE Water or medicine given by a needle in a vein; medicine given this way will work faster
intuitive in TOO ih tiv A method of understanding based on past experience and acquired knowledge.
involuntary IN vol un tare ee Without thinking; without mind control
involuntary muscle This kind of muscle does its job without our having to tell it. It works day and night, 24/7. Heart muscle is a good example.
involved in VOLv d paying attention to
iodized EYE oh dized Iodine added; an example is table salt
ionizing radiation EYE un EYE zing ray dee A shun Invisible rays, or radiations, from several sources; may cause changes in atoms (the smallest units in our bodies) if exposure is prolonged
iron EYE urn We need iron to make red blood cells to carry oxygen. We get iron from meat and vegetables and some cereals.
irritation ear uh TAY shun Discomfort, often involves the skin; may be associated with redness and itching
ischium ISH ee um Part of our pelvis; we sit on this bone
islet EYE let A small clump of cells; in the pancreas, the "islets of Langerhans" produce insulin
jam A tasty treat made from whole fruits and a lot of sugar.
jaundice
jejunum jay JUNE um Second part of our small intestine; several feet long
jelly A sweet treat made from fruit juice with a lot of sugar.
joints JOINTS Where two bones are connected; there are little ones in fingers and big ones in arms and legs
justifiable just ih FY uh bul Supported by all evidence; worth doing or following
kettle KET ul A heavy pan for heating things
kidney KID nee Bean shaped organ which filters blood and makes urine
kinetics kuh NET icks The study of things which move, how they move, and how they assist other moving parts
large intestine In this large tube at the end of our digestive system, water is taken out and waste is stored until we can get to the bathroom and eliminate it.
larynx LAIR inks This is another name for our voice box - we use it to talk.
laser LAY zur Very strong beam of concentrated light; often used for cutting tissues or repairing damaged tissues
lead LED A metal and a mineral; this is very harmful if children get it in their bodies
leukemia loo KEY me uh A cancer which affects the bone marrow or spleen where white blood cells are made
ligament LIG uh ment A strong band of tissue; used to hold two bones together
lipogenesis LIE po GEN uh sis Taking small pieces of sugar or protein and changing them into fat
liquid Liquid means something that can't hold its shape unless it's in a container like a can or bottle
listless LIST lus Totally out of energy, like a car with no gasoline
liter LEE tur A volume measurement; a little larger than a quart
literate LIT ur ut Familiar with and able to understand a process and the information about it
lobule LOB yule A separate section of something; like you find in an orange
lungs LUNGS These organs bring in good air, take out the oxygen and blow out what's left over
lutein LOO teen A nutrient used to help preserve vision in aging eyes
luteinizing hormone, LH LOO ten eye zing HOR moan Stimulates ovulation; an egg is released from the ovary
lymphatic lim FAT ick Anything in the lymph system
lymphocyte LIM foe site A small white blood cell; fights infection
macrophage MAC row fage A large cell which eats things like germs or dead cells
maintain main TAIN To keep
maintenance What goes on in our body to keep it in good working order. Maintenance uses up some energy.
malaria mal AIR ee ah Severe illness caused by a parasite; carried by mosquitoes
malformation mal form AY shun Something which doesn't look normal; not lined up with everything around it
malignant muh LIG nant Cancer or having to do with cancer; also something very bad
malnourished mal NUR ished Poorly fed; not eating enough nutrients
malocclusion mal oh CLU sion Situation in which one's upper and lower teeth don't come together like they should, resulting in poor biting and chewing
mammal MAM (like MAN) ul Animal with warm blood; gives birth to living young
managerial MAN uh JEER e ul Advising and supervising job or activity
mandible MAN dih bul Jaw bone; it moves with chewing and talking
manifested MAN uh fest ed How something appears to an examiner
manipulate man IP u late Move something; cause something to go in a different direction
manipulating man IP ulating handling
manipulation man IP you lay shun Applying force to move body parts (neck, back, arms and legs); its purpose is to relieve pain or discomfort
manual dexterity MAN you ul dex TARE uh tee Ability to do fine work with one's fingers and hands
margarine Something to spread on bread or put on vegetables. It's mostly fat, but sometimes the fat is the good kind.
marrow MARE oh Inside many bones, this makes red and white blood cells
mass MASS Anything with size and shape; a growth or tumor
meals
mechanism MECK un ism Working parts; method of action
medication
medulla meh DULL ah The center part of something
membrane MEM brane Thin layer of tissue covering something, often wet
meniscus men ISS cuss There are two of these in our knee joint; they make the joint more stable
menopause
menstrual cycle MEN stru ul SI cul Complex series of events controlled by female hormones; monthly preparation for pregnancy
mentality men TAL (like PAL) uh tee Way of thinking; mind set
mentor(s) MEN-tor A person who assists and guides another less-experienced or unknowledgeable person.
mercury MUR cu ree This metal mineral is present in our water and air, but isn't dangerous until it gets into our food, mainly in fish
metabolic system met uh BOL ick SIS tem Our body's factory for burning fuel and making new cells and energy. We "meTABolize" sugar and make energy or fat.
metabolism muh TAB uh liz um Taking nutrients from food and using them for body growth and activity
metacarpal met uh CAR pul Five bones in our hand
micro-organism OR gun ism A very small living thing; a germ or parasite
micronutrient MY crow NEW tree unt Very important part of our diet in very small amounts
microscopic mike row SKOP ick Very small; also an examination done with a microscope
milk Milk was invented to feed baby cows (or goats) but we drink it and get calcium, protein and fat.
milligram MIL ih gram In the metric system, a very small weight; 1000 = one gram
milliliter MIL ih LEE ter A small volume of liquid; 5 of these equals one teaspoon
mineral(s) MIN ur ul(s) These are iron and calcium, sodium and potassium, and copper that our bodies need to work right. Lead and mercury are minerals we DON'T need.
misaligned (misalignment) MISS uh LINED MISS uh LINE ment Not in proper position in relation to another object
miscarriage
mitochondria my toe CON dree uh Teeny little factories floating in cytoplasm where a lot of things go on
mobility mo BIL i tee How easy it is for something to move
moccasin MOCK uh sin A type of snake found in the southern US; also a kind of shoe
modification mod i fi CA shun the act of changing something
moisture This is a word we use to tell how much water is in something
molar MOE lar Large flat teeth in the back of our jaws; for grinding food
molecule, molecular MAHL uh cule, mo LECK you lar Anything put together with atoms; water molecules are H2O
monitor MAHN ih tor Watch something closely; there are doctor monitors, hallway monitors, and even TV monitors
mono MAH no Short name for infectious mononucleosis (in FECK shush MAH no new klee oh sis); also called glandular fever or the kissing disease
monocular mon OCK you lar Vision with one eye; or seeing things as though with only one eye
moral MORE ul Personal standard(s) of behavior
motivate MO ti VATE Cause a person to want to do something; encourage
MRI scan MRI skan A method of scanning our bodies or parts of our bodies using a huge magnet; helps diagnose illness or injury
mucous membrane MEW cus MEM brane Lining of many hollow organs in our body; wet and smooth
mucus MEW cuss Clear and thick, this protects a lot of tissues
municipal mew NISS uh pul Around and about a city or town
musculoskeletal muss que low SKEL uh tul All of the muscles and the supporting bones in the human body
mutual MEW choo ul Something shared; working together for a common purpose
myoglobin MY o globe in In muscle, this protein holds oxygen until it can be used
nausea NAW zee uh The feeling just before throwing up; upset stomach
nephron NEH fron A little filter in the kidney that collects urine
nerves NURVS Special bundles like wires which carry electrical signals around the body
neurology new RALL uh gee This medical practice involves diseases and conditions of the human nervous system
neuroma noo RO ma A painful lump of nerve tissue between two toes
neutralize NOO trul ize Make inactive; take away power
niacin NY uh sin Vitamin B3; part of B complex
nicotine NICK o teen In tobacco, this chemical produces addiction in users
nitrogen NY tro gen A gas in our air; with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen it makes protein
notify
nuclear physics NOO clee ur FIZZ icks Study of the activity of the small parts in the nucleus, a structure which is inside every cell in our body
nucleoprotein noo klee oh PRO teen DNA and RNA; these make us who we are
nucleus NEW klee us In the middle of a cell, this is where important information about us is found
nuisance NEW sans Something which bothers us a little
nutrient(s) NEW tree unt The usable part of everything eaten; for humans it is carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.
nutrition new TRISH un Supplying our needs for vitamins, minerals, and energy (also nutritional - new TRISH un ul)
nuts Hard seeds that are chewy, tasty, and nutritious
oatmeal Oat grain which has been mashed flat and cooked for a good breakfast or sometimes cookies
OB/GYN O B jin Specialist for women; includes care during pregnancy and any problems associated with delivery of babies
obesity o BEE sit ee Disease caused by overeating; BMI above the 95th percentile
objective ob JECT iv This word refers to information about another person gathered by using tests plus touching them and looking at them
obstetric ub STET rick A branch of medical care dealing with pregnancy and delivery of babies
obstetrics ob STET ricks Medical practice of caring for women during pregnancy and childbirth
obstruction ob STRUK shun When a normal path is closed and nothing can go by; obstruction in a blood vessel stops blood flow
occupation
off task off task doing something other than what the teacher or leader wants a group or individual to do
olive oil If you squeeze olives really hard, oil comes out and we use it for cooking and for salad dressing. Eat more of this oil.
opposable o POSE uh bul Able to press two digits (thumb and a finger) together to pick up something and use it
optimist(s) OP-ti-mist(s) a habit of seeing the good in life
option(s) OP-shun(s) choices
optometrist op TOM uh trist One who measures vision; 'opto' - meaning eyes, and 'metrist' - meaning one who measures something
orange juice Good drink with natural sugar, fiber, vitamin C, and sometimes extra calcium
orange(s) A great snack or dessert with lots of fiber and vitamin C
orderly OR dur lee A hospital worker who does jobs that require more muscle than education; may be moving beds, moving patients in their beds, and taking patients from their rooms to other parts of the hospital
organ OR gun Anything in our body; liver, kidney, and heart are all organs
orthodontics OR tho DON tiks Dental practice in which teeth are straightened and lined up correctly
orthodontist or tho DON tist A dentist who fixes crooked teeth
osteopathy ah stee AH puh thee Once different from typical medical care and dealing with manipulation of the spine, training in and practice of this are now almost exactly the same as for medical doctors
osteoporosis
out of breath This means we are working or playing very hard, and our lungs can't get oxygen into our body fast enough
output This is what comes out of a factory and can have many forms
overwhelming over WHELM ing Defeating badly; a wipe-out
ovulation ov you LAY shun Production of an egg by an ovary; controlled by hormones
oxygen OX uh gen The most important part of the air we breathe. Our bodies need it for everything we do.
oxygen-rich; oxygen-poor OX uh gen Blood in arteries is bright red because it is oxygen-rich. Blood in veins has much less oxygen and is darker. We say it is "oxygen-poor."
palate PAL ut It forms the roof of our mouth. The soft part in the back lifts up and closes the opening into the nose when we swallow.
pancakes Fast food breakfast with lots of carbohydrate and fat, and a little bit of protein
pancreas PAN cree us Large gland in our abdomen; makes insulin which controls sugar and fat; makes enzymes for digestion
papillae puh PILL ee Thousands of tiny hair-like projections on our tongue which help us taste
parathyroid glands PARE uh THY roid glands Four small glands in our neck; how we use calcium to make bones is their job
pasteurize PAST u rise Heat milk to destroy germs
patella puh TELL ah Also called kneecap, protects our knee joint when we kneel down
pathology path ALL o gee The study of diseases and how those diseases affect humans
peak flow PEEK flo How fast air goes out of your mouth when you're blowing out birthday cake candles
peanut butter Tasty snack or sandwich with protein and good fat, but some people are allergic to it.
pectin PECK tin From apples and other fruit; type of soluble fiber
pediatric pee dee AT rick Medical care of children from birth to age 18
pediatrics PEED e AT ricks Part of medicine dealing with children from infancy through teen years
pelvic
pelvic bone PEL vick Large circle of bones which supports our abdomen; where our hips are
pepsin PEP sin Digestive enzyme produced by glands in the stomach; makes protein soft
percentile purr SEN tile Position relative to everything else being measured; 90th percentile is near the top, 5th percentile near the bottom
perforate PURR for ate, purr for A shun A hole in something which normally doesn't have holes
peritonitis pare ih tun EYE tus A bad infection of the lining of our abdomen
personable PER sun uh bul Used to describe someone who likes most other people and enjoys being with them
pessimist(s) PEH si mist(s) people who always think the worst will happen
phalanges fay LAN gees Fingers and toes are divided into these small sections
pharmacist FARM uh sist Trained to give patients the medicine their doctors prescribe; works in drugstores and hospitals
pharmacology farm uh CALL o gee The study of medicines, or drugs, and how they affect humans
pharynx FAIR inks Another name for throat
phenomenon fee NOM i non an event, sometimes surprising
phosphorus FOSS for us An important mineral in bones and in metabolism
physiology fizz ee AH lo gee The study of ways human organs and systems work
pill
pituitary gland pih TOO ih tare ee gland Small gland about the size of a marble in the middle of our brain; affects all the other glands, so is called "the master gland"
pizza All of us love pizza, but it has so much fat that we have to be careful and not eat too much
plague PLAYG Also "bubonic" plague; very serious infection carried to humans by fleas
plantar wart PLAN tar wart Caused by a virus; a small growth on the sole of a foot
plaque PLAK Hard substance which builds up on teeth; cause of tooth decay
platelet PLATE let If we get cut, these clump together to plug up the hole and stop bleeding
plentiful PLEN ti full More than enough to go around
pneumonia new MOAN yuh A lung infection with high fever and cough
pollen POLL (like DOLL) un Fine, powdery grains made by flowering plants and trees; carried by the wind to other plants to make seeds
portal vein PORT ul VANE Carries all the blood from our intestines to our liver
posterior po STEER ee or The rear of something; back end
potassium po TASS ee um Our muscles and nerves need this mineral to work right; too much or too little is harmful.
potential po TEN shul Possible; something which might happen; also everything a person might be able to do
potential energy po TEN shul EN ur gee Energy stored in food or in our body; ready to use when needed
practitioner prack TISH uh nur One who performs a skilled job or a profession
precautionary pree CAW shun air ee Done to keep a problem from happening
precursor PREE cur sir Something which comes before something else
predator PREH da tor Someone or something who takes advantage of smaller or weaker things; it eats them or harms them in some way
pregnancy
prescription pree SKRIP shun An order to a drug store for a patient's medicine; written by a healthcare provider
prey PRAY A meal for someone or something bigger and stronger
problematic prob lem AT ick Full of problems
processed PRAH sessed Changed a lot during manufacture; not always a good thing
proficiency pro FISH un see Ability to do a job very well
profound, profoundly pro FOUND Important, "deep"; used to emphasize something
progesterone pro JEST er own One of two hormones made by ovaries; very important to protect pregnancy
prominent PROM ih nent Important, vital; also something which stands out
prop(s) PROP An object or objects used by a teacher in explaining a new idea or concept to students.
proportion pro-POR-shun an amount, part of a larger amount
protein PRO teen Source of building blocks (amino acids) for all of our "manufacturing" cells
prothrombin pro THROM bin One of several proteins which help make blood clot
psychiatric si kee AT rick Professional care for mental illness
puberty PEW bur tee Time when boys grow beards and girls get a new body shape; 11 to 13 years old
pubis, pubic PEW biss, PEW bic One of three pelvic bones; it is in the front
pulmonary PULL mun air ee Having to do with the lungs
pulp pulp Soft stuff on the inside of a tooth; this is where the nerves are
pylorus pie LOR us This area of the stomach is a strong muscle; works like a valve
pyridoxine peer uh DOX een Vitamin B6; part of B complex
quadriceps KWAD ri seps Really four muscles together on the front of our upper leg; the biggest muscle in our body
quench KWENCH Satisfy thirst; put a stop to something
radiography ray dee AH graf ee Having to do with making images or pictures using special equipment; formerly called "taking xrays"
radius RAY dee us One of two bones in our lower arm, bigger at the wrist
raisins These are dried up grapes and they have lots of iron and potassium. Good snack!
raw milk RAW MILK Milk which has not been treated to remove germs
re-absorb ree ab SORB Pick up again
reacting ree-ACT-ing doing something in response to what is happening
realistic ree uh LISS tick Something that works in the real world; practical
recede ree SEED Pull away from; to go away
receptor ree CEP tor A place or thing which gets information and uses it
recluse REK loose Someone or something who wants to be alone
reconstruct RE cun STRUCT Make over; take apart and build again
rectal
recuperating ree COOP ur ate ing; ree coop ur AY shun Getting over something; getting better
red blood cell red blud cell This cell is full of hemoglobin, and it carries oxygen all over our body
reduce ree DUCE First meaning - lose weight; second meaning - put bones or joints back in normal position after a break or injury
reflect re FLEKT Bounce off of something
regulate REG you late Keep normal
rehabilitation re hab ill ih TAY shun Process of restoring something or someone to normal
reinforce
relative, relatively REL a tiv These words are used to compare one thing with something else
relax This means no work and no worry
renin REE nin A hormone from the kidney; keeps blood pressure from going too low
repair In our bodies repair is when new cells replace old ones
repellent re PELL ant A liquid or spray, often used to keep insects away
repetition reh-pe-TI-shun repeating, often several times
reptile REP tile Animals which need sunshine or shade to control body temperature; they lay eggs instead of having living babies
residency RES ih dun see A period of special training after graduating from a medical or dental college; will last as long as two to five years
respiration res pur A shun The process of getting oxygen from the air and delivering it to the cells in our body
respirator RES pur ate or A machine to breathe for someone who can't breathe on his own
respiratory RES pur uh tory Having to do with the nose, throat, airways and lungs
rest A rest is good after hard work or play. Then we can start up again.
resuscitation re suss ih TAY shun Procedures used to restore a human process which is needed for life to continue
retardation ree tar DAY shun Slowing down; unable to perform to normal standards
retention ree TEN shun Keeping something in our body
retina RET in ah Gets pictures from the world around us and sends them to our brain
retrieve ree TREEV Pick up and bring back
rheumatoid ROOM uh toid A type of arthritis which often affects wrists, hands, and fingers; it happens more in women than in men
riboflavin RI bo flay vin Vitamin B2; part of B complex
RNA RNA (RY bo new CLAY ick ASS id) Messenger protein which gets its instructions from DNA and carries them to the body's factories
rods RODS In the retina, these tell us how much light is coming into our eye
role ROLL A part to play; have something to do with
roughage RUFF uj Old name for dietary fiber; bran, fruits and vegetables
routine, routinely roo TEEN, roo TEEN lee Done regularly; all the time
ruptured RUP churd Broken, torn, or burst open
sacrum SAY crum Shaped like a small shovel, this bone at the end of our spine fits into the pelvic bone
saliva sa LIVE uh Watery liquid produced by special glands in our mouth. Helps soften food for swallowing and starts digestion of carbohydrate
salt Something we need but often eat more then we should.
sandwich Put anything- meat, cheese, peanut butter- between two slices of bread and you have a sandwich.
saturated fat SAT you rated From meat and whole milk, we should not eat too much of this fat.
sauce Runny green, red, or brown stuff used to make food taste better. Has too much salt most of the time.
scapula SCAP you la Also called the shoulder blade, this fan-shaped bone is part of our shoulder joint
sclera SKLARE uh Tough, white outer covering of the eyeball
scoliosis sco lee OH sis An abnormal curve in our spine; it happens more in girls who are growing fast
scorpion SCORE pee un A desert insect who likes to hide under rocks or wood;its stinger is at the end of its tail which can move very fast
scrambled eggs This is made by stirring eggs fast and then cooking them.
scurvy SKUR vee Condition caused by lack of vitamin C; old time sailors with no fresh fruit in their diet got this disease
segment SEHG ment Piece or part of something larger
seizure
semi-circular canals SEM eye - CIR cue lur - cuh NALS Three of these in our inner ear, shaped like a "C"; they are not open like irrigation ditches, but closed like tubes
sensory SEN sor ee Having to do with pain, heat or cold, and touch
serving size This is the amount of something on your plate, like a big spoon of mashed potato
sexually
shin splints SHIN SPLINTS A painful lower leg condition caused by over-work; or lots of running on hard surfaces
shredded wheat Good cereal with lots of fiber. Looks like a bale of hay
simple sugar Most of the sugar we eat is a combination of two simple sugars. In order to be absorbed, digestion must break the combination in half.
sinus node SI nus NODE Tiny clump of tissue at the top of the heart; its automatic electric discharge causes the heart to beat regularly
skeletal SKEL uh tul Anything to do with our bones or how they are put together
skeleton SKEL uh tun The framework on which our body is built
skin Skin keeps us in a nice package, and protects what's inside
skull Strong head bone. It protects your brain
skull and crossbones SKULL and CROSSbones Symbol for poisons; danger
sleep When your mind stops thinking and you start to snore
slums SLUMS (like plums) Crowded places in cities; living conditions are very bad here
small intestine After it leaves the stomach, food goes here; more digestion happens, then the good stuff is absorbed into our blood.
smear SMEER The result of wiping something like glue or raw egg white on a smooth surface
snack A bite to eat between meals. OK if it's nutritious but easy to over-do
Snellen SNELL un This person invented the chart we all use to test our vision
social SO shul Living and working with other people in a group
socket SOCK ut A deep cup, part of a joint, to hold the ball of another bone
sodium SO dee um One part of table salt, this mineral is important in our bodies for nerve and muscle action; too much is a problem more often than too little
solids Solids can keep their shape without being in a bottle or package. Solid foods need plenty of chewing
soluble fiber This fiber gets soft in our stomach and intestine and helps get rid of things we don't need. Oat meal is a good source.
solvent SAHL vent Liquid used to dissolve a solid; some solvents dissolve grease and are used for cleaning
sonography sahn AH gruh fee Sound waves are sent into a person's body; the reflections of the waves can be shown on a screen, helping to "see" into the body
soot SUHT (sounds like put) When smoke goes up the chimney, this is left on the chimney walls
sophisticated so FIST ih cate ud Very complex; very smart
spaghetti Kids' favorite pasta with meatballs or sauce, this is a starchy carbohydrate
specimen SPESS uh men Sample or example of something
spermatozoa sperm at oh ZO uh Male reproductive cell; also called sperm
sphincter SFINK tur Ring shaped muscle around a tube; keeps the tube closed until it's time to open
sphygmomanometer sfig-mo-man-AH-meter A device which wraps around an arm to measure blood pressure
spit Same thing as saliva, just sounds worse - we need it to make food easy to swallow and to start digestion
spleen SPLEEN This organ is the size of your fist; it is just under your ribs on the left side
sprain SPRAIN Injury to a ligament near a joint; not a complete tear (TARE)
stabilize STAY bill ise Bring order to an accident scene; keep a patient's condition from getting worse
stable STAY bul Steady, constant, and normal
standpoint stand point a way of saying 'from the point of view of'
stapes STAY pees The last in a chain of small bones which move together to transmit sound across the middle ear
starch Good energy source which becomes sugar after we digest it. Careful! It's easy to eat too much
static STAT (like HAT) ick Not moving; still and quiet
status STAT us Position, ranking; importance among others
sterile STARE ul (In health care) Free of bacteria or viruses which could cause infection; very, very clean
sterols STEER alls Found in foods; we turn them into vitamin D
stimulating STIM you late ing Making something else act; exciting
stimulus STIM you luss A push; a command
stomach Where the food goes after we chew it up and swallow it.
storage If we don't use a nutrient, we will store it as glycogen (available quickly) or fat (available slowly)
strawberry(ies) Fruit with crunchy little things in it. Has plenty of fiber and vitamin C
strenuous STREN you us Hard work or hard play; something to make you breathe hard and sweat
strep throat STREP THROWT Infection with a bacteria called strep (or, streptococcus, pronounced "strep tow COCK us"); causes a lots of pain when we swallow
stress STRES Application of physical or mental force on something or someone; will cause a disturbance in shape or balance
string cheese This kind of cheese doesn't have too much fat. Good source for calcium
stroke STROK (like OAK) Loss of blood supply to part of the brain; muscles controlled by that section of the brain become paralyzed
subjective sub JECT iv This word refers to gathering information based on personal feelings or senses
subluxation sub lux A shun Disturbance of a joint; partial dislocation of the bones in a joint
substance abuse SUB stans uh BUSE Dangerous use of anything (drugs, alcohol) with bad side effects
sugar The simplest food we eat, sugar can be used really fast by our bodies, but it can also change to fat if we don't exercise enough
summary SUH-muh-ree a statement outlining what will be or has been done
supplement SUH pluh ment Something added to a food to make it more complete; an addition to a person's diet
surplus SUR plus More than enough; too much
susceptible suh SEP tuh bul, suh sep tuh BIL uh tee High risk for something to happen; a person at high risk
suturing SOO chur ing Medical sewing, especially of skin which has been cut accidentally or during surgery
swallow This is what we do to make food go down to our stomach
sweat Salty water that shows up on our skin when we exercise. It comes from special glands in our skin
sweating Sweating helps us stay cool after we work hard. When sweat evaporates our body temperature goes down.
sweet We all like sweet - that's too bad because it makes it easy to eat too much candy and cookies
symptom SIM tum Anything you notice about being sick; pain, or headache, or a cough are examples
synapse SIN aps Place where two nerves meet; a connection
syndrome SIN drome A group of symptoms; always the same
synthesis SIN thi sis Process of putting something together; making something out of its parts
syphilis
syringe sih RINJ A hollow tube with a very sharp needle; used to draw blood from a vein
systole SISS tow lee Pumping time in the heart cycle
systolic SIS tall ick The higher of the two numbers in a blood pressure reading
Take note of take note of Notice; be aware of something
talus TAY lus This bone fits between the two leg bones at the ankle; it can rotate up and down
taste What we do with our tongue. The most important tastes are sweet, sour, and bitter
TB, tuberculosis TB, too bur kew LOW sis This is an infection of the lungs which can spread to other parts of the body; people who come to the USA from other places may bring it with them
technician tek NISH un A person who has become skilled in performing a complicated job
tendon TEN dun A strong cord of tissue which runs from the end of a muscle to a bone
testicle TES tick ul One of two male sex glands, the size and shape of an egg; spermatozoa and male hormones are produced here
testosterone tes TAH ster own Male hormone from testes and adrenal glands; causes muscles and beards to grow
therapeutic thair uh PEW tick A treatment; a cure; may be a process or a medicine
therapist THAIR uh pist A person trained to give special treatment
thiamine THI uh min Vitamin B1; part of B complex
thoracic thor ASS ick In the chest or part of the chest
thorax THOR ax Sometimes called chest, this is our ribs and their muscles plus what's inside (heart and lungs, mainly)
thyroid gland THY roid Located low and in front on our neck, its output is thyroxine
thyroxine thy ROCK sin Hormone made by the thyroid gland
tibia TIB e yah The main bone in our lower leg; it's the shin bone and the inside bone of our ankle
tidal TIE dul Anything which comes and goes; could be air or water
tired This is how we get after our body has used up a lot of energy or if we don't get enough sleep
tolerant TAH-ler-unt accepting of
tomato Very good vegetable which we should eat more often. Has fiber, vitamin C and A, and other good stuff
tomato juice Squeeze a tomato and you get juice with vitamins A and C
torso TOR so the main section of our body - no arms, legs, or head
tourniquet TURN ih kut A tight band around your arm or leg which stops blood flow in arteries and veins
toxic TOCK sick Harmful, dangerous
toxin TOCK sin A poison
trachea TRAY key uh This large tube starts at our throat and carries air down into our lungs
traditional truh DISH uh nul Something in common use for a long time; not different from accepted standards
tranquilizer TRAN kwill eye zer Strong medicine used by doctors to treat anxiety
trans-fatty acids These started out as unsaturated, or good fat, but in processing food to make it last longer manufacturers add hydrogen to the molecules. We should try to eat less trans-fatty acid.
transient TRAN shunt Temporary; will go away soon
transition tran ZISS shun Time or place of change; from one thing to another
transmit trans MIT, trans MIT ed To send; sent
triage TREE ahj Brief examination to determine who among a group of ill or injured patients needs immediate care and who can wait
triceps TRY seps Muscle on the back of our arm to make our elbow go out straight
triglyceride Combination of three fatty acids and glycerin
tubule TOOB yewl Very small tube
turbinates TER bin ates Rolled up small nose bones with a wet covering
tympanic tim PAN ick Like a drum - our ear drum is our tympanic membrane
ulcer UL sir A break in a surface; a pit or hole in skin or in the lining of an organ
ulna UL nuh One of two bones in our lower arm, larger at the elbow
unsaturated fat UN sat you rated Found in nuts, and oils from seeds; better for us
urea you REE ah Left over from protein metabolism; goes out with the urine
ureter YOUR uh tur A narrow tube which goes from the kidney to the urinary bladder
urethra you REE thrah Tube from the bladder to the outside world
urinate YOUR in ate To empty the bladder; to "pee"
urine, urinary YOUR in, YOUR in air ee Some people say "pee" or "piddle" instead of urine. Our body uses urine to get rid of things we don't need.
vaccination vac sin A shun (Also immunization) The process of giving something to prevent a disease
vaccine vak SEEN A medicine used to help prevent illness; can be an injection or something to swallow
vapor VAY pur Gas in the air; water in air is vapor
vary, varies VARE ee To change; changes
vas deferens vass DEF ur enz A small tube which carries sperm cells
vasopressin VASE oh PRESS in Hormone from the pituitary gland; regulates water in our body
veins VAINS These tubes carry oxygen-poor blood from distant parts of our body back to our heart.
vena cava VEE na CAVE uh Large vein which collects all blood going back to the heart
venom VEN um Poison produced by an animal or insect which can cause a bad reaction in humans
ventricle VEN trick ul Large, strong pumping chambers (left and right) in the heart
venture VEN-shure take a chance
vermiform VER mi form Like a worm
vertebrae VERT uh bray Twenty-four block shaped bones which make our spine
vertigo VER tu go A feeling of motion when there is none; spinning or falling to one side
villi VIL eye Tiny bumps on the intestine lining; for picking up nutrients from food
virulent VEER you lent Able to cause severe illness; very strong
virus VI rus A tiny bit of protein which needs a live body to survive; viruses cause many human illnesses
visible VIZ uh bul Can be seen with normal eyes
vital VI tul Very, very important
vitamin A We need this for our skin and eyes and can get it from carrots and squash and tomatoes
vitamin B VI ta min B Several vitamins which are found in whole grains and meat
vitamin C This is in almost all fruits and lots of vegetables. It helps keep us from getting colds and other diseases
vitamin D Helps us use calcium to make strong bones. We get it from milk and cereal, and can even make our own if we spend just a little time in the sunshine
vitamins VI tuh mins We can't make these in our bodies and must get them from food. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have lots of vitamins.
vitreous VIH tree us Clear jelly which fills our eye between the lens and the retina
vocablinks VO ca BLINKS Fast way to learn new words; with a little screen that works like an eye lid
voluntary muscle VOL un tare ee MUSS ul This kind of muscle only works when our brain tells it to work.
vomit, vomiting VOM it, VOM it ing Throw up
vulnerable VUL nur uh bul Easy to hurt; not immune to sickness
warrior WAR yur A soldier in a battle
water vapor WAH ter VAY pur One of the three forms water can take. Solid is ice, liquid is water, and gas is called water vapor.
well-being well BEE ing Good feeling about one's mental and physical self
whirlpool WHIRL pool Large tub of very warm water with a pump to make the water bubble; for treating injured arms and legs
whistle HWISS ul To make a loud or pretty noise that sounds something like a bird
white blood cell white blud cell These cells are infection fighters which can go anywhere we need them
wriggle RIG ul To move from side to side
wrist RIST A group of eight little bones between our arm and hand
yes Muscles move our bones, and so our bodies move, too.
zinc ZINK This mineral is used in several ways in our body.