Abdomen

The portion of the body located inferior to the thorax and superior to the pelvis.

Adipose

Relating to fat.

Allergen

A substance, such as pet dander, pollen, peanuts, that may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss, disturbance in body image, and fear of weight gain.  Individuals control body weight by means of starvation, compulsive exercising, vomiting, or abuse of diet, laxative or diuretic medications.

Anostosis

Failure of ossification.

Anterior

Before or in front of, synonym of ventral.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system, which circulate in the blood and interstitial tissues, and identify and deactivate antigens, including allergens and viruses.

Asana

A position or posture in yoga that is practiced to increase flexibility and strength as well as enhance relaxation and concentration.

Asthma

Hypersensitivity of the trachea and bronchial tubes to various stimuli, including allergens and stress, resulting in inflammation of the airways.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that consists of a nucleus, which contains both neutrons and positively charged protons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate is a chemical compound formed from nutrients during cellular respiration that provides energy to cells during metabolic reactions.

Bile

A yellow-green fluid made by the liver, consisting mostly of cholesterol, salts, and bilirubin. Bile is stored in the gall bladder and enters, via the bile duct, into the small intestine where it assists with the digestion of fats.

Bilirubin

The yellow-orange pigment found in bile that is derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin by macrophages.

Blood

The body fluid that migrates through the circulatory system to deliver oxygen, nutrients, minerals, hormones, antibodies and heat to tissues while removing metabolic wastes and carbon dioxide.

Blood pressure

The pressure, as measured with a sphygmomanometer, of the blood in the circulatory system. The factors that affect blood pressure are the strength of the heart's contractions, the resistance and elasticity of the vascular system, and the volume and viscosity of blood. Blood pressure is expressed as a systolic number over a diastolic number.

Bronchi

The air tubes separating from the trachea and dividing into the left and right lungs. Bronchi is the plural form of bronchus.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding, especially during sleep.

Buccal mucosa

The lining of the cheeks inside of the mouth.

Bulimia

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive eating followed by purging via either vomiting, induced diarrhea, excessive exercising, or dieting.