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.

X-ray

A commonly used term that refers to an image of a body part made from the projection of electromagnetic radiation through the body part onto a photographic plate or film.

Xenograft

A tissue, such as skin, bone, or blood vessel, which is surgically removed from an individual of one species and transplanted to an individual of a different species.