9 Flashcards
Weber-Fechner’s law
exponential equation showing the relationship between stimulus and response in sensory systems
fermentation
anaerobic enzymatic conversion of organic compounds, especially carbohydrates, to simpler compounds usually by bacteria (e.g. fermentation of cellulose in the alimentary canal)
LDL
low density lipoprotein – lipoprotein in the blood containing “bad” cholesterol
RPF
(renal plasma flow), the amount of blood plasma flowing through the kidneys per unit of time
musculus ciliaris
the lens is attached to the ciliary body (ciliary muscles) in the eye, its contraction is needed for accommodation
endogenous hyperglycemia
blood sugar level is abnormally high without carbohydrate consumption
digestion
chemical break-down of the nutritive macromolecular polymers (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids) into oligomers, dimers and finally monomers.
ketogenic amino-acids
amino-acids with ketone-like derivatives that cannot enter into the sugar-metabolism
hypophysiotropic area
parvocellular region of the hypothalamus that regulates the function of the adenohypophysis; releasing and inhibiting factors (hormones) are produced here
diuretics
drugs that increase the amount of urine and urination
ergocalciferol
vitamin D2, precursor of calcitriol, a dietary supplement found in certain fish oils and fungi
mass peristalsis
a fast and powerful peristaltic wave in the large intestine initiated by the sudden distension of the (usually empty) duodenum (frequently results in defecation)
optical illusion
distortion of visual perception at the cortical level caused by previous experiences
basal ganglia
collective name for the neostriatum, pallidum, substantia nigra and subthalamic nucleus, subcortical nuclei involved in motor control
osteoporosis
weakening of the bones due to a loss of minerals (calcium) and organic components
