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Cytoskeleton
Cytoskeleton System of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell that gives the cell a polarized shape and the capacity for directed movement. Its most abundant components are actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Cytoplasm
The living matter within a cell (excluding the nucleus) that is responsible for the function of the cell (for example, protein synthesis).
Eukaryotic
The living world is divided into two classes of organism. Eukaryotic and, much simpler, prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria. Generally eukaryotes are diploid and their cells have internal organelles, such as nuclei. Prokaryotes are haploid with much simpler cells.
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Cyto
A combining form denoting a cell.
Cytochrome oxidase
Histochemical method. Indicator of functional state of neurons as brain derives energy from oxidase metabolism. Used in the discovery of blobs in the visual cortex.
Cytogenetics
The study of chromosomes, the visible carriers of DNA, the hereditary material. Cytogenetics is a fusion science due to joining of cytology (the study of cells) with genetics (the study of inherited variation).
Cytogenetics, clinical
The application of cytogenetics to clinical medicine.
Cytokine
A small protein released by cells that has a specific effect on the interactions between cells, on communications between cells or on the behavior of cells. The cytokines includes the interleukins, lymphokines and cell signal molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor and the interferons, which trigger inflammation and respond to infections.
Cytokines
Peptides which regulate cellular growth, differentiation and activation.
Cytology
The study of cells.
Cytolytic T cell
Cell that kills target cells bearing appropriate antigen within the groove of an MHC class I molecule that is identical to that of the T cell.
Cytomegalovirus
A virus that infects cells and causes them to become enlarged. Babies infected with the virus develop mental and sensory disorders.
Cytomegalovirus infection
A common viral infection transmitted by saliva, breast milk, or urine.Relatively rare and relatively mild, the infection does occasionally causedeafness and neurological problems in newborns.
Cytomegaly
Marked enlargement of cells.
Cytomel
Cytomel is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): liothyronine sodium.
Cytometry, flow
Analysis of biological material by detection of the light-absorbing or fluorescing properties of cells or subcellular fractions such as chromosomes passing in a narrow stream through a laser beam. Flow cytometry is used with automated sorting devices to sort successive droplets of the stream into different fractions depending on the fluorescence emitted by each droplet.
Cytoplasm
The living matter within a cell (excluding the nucleus) that is responsible for the function of the cell (for example, protein synthesis).
Cytosar-u
Cytosar-u is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cytarabine.
Cytosine
One of the pyrimidine nitrogenous bases occurring in both DNA and RNA.
Cytosine (C)
One member of the G-C (guanine-cytosine) pair of bases in DNA.
Cytosis
1. Suffix referring to cells, as in anisocytosis (inequality in the size of red blood cells), elliptocytosis (elliptical red cells), and phagocytosis (ingestion of cells). 2. Suffix connoting an increase in cells, as in leukocytosis (increase in white blood cells) and lymphocytosis (increase in lymphocytes).
Cytotec
Cytotec is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): misoprostol.
Cytotoxic
Capable of killing cells.
Cytotoxic T cell
Cell that kills target cells bearing appropriate antigen within the groove of an MHC class I molecule that is identical to that of the T cell.
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
A T cell that is antigen-specific and is able to search out and kill specific types of virus-infected cells. When cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) find cells carrying the viral peptide they are looking for, they induce these cells to secrete proteins that attract nearby macrophages (a type of white blood cells). These macrophages then surround and destroy the infected cells. CTLs are important in the body's response to viruses and cancer.
Cytovene
Cytovene is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): ganciclovir.
Cytovene iv
Cytovene iv is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): ganciclovir sodium.
Cytoxan
Cytoxan is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cyclophosphamide .
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Corticosteroid
Hormones produced by the adrenal gland which are important to almost every function of cells and organs. They are divided into two groups: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids regulate protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Mineralocorticoids regulate electrolyte balances.
Cardiolipin
One of the components of a cell membrane.
Cirrhosis
A disease involving the destruction of liver cells and diminished liver function. Cirrhosis can block blood flow to the liver causing high blood pressure and/or jaundice.
Chiropractic medicine
Chiropractic medicine is a form of treatment that uses manipulative therapy
to correct subluxation, which many chiropracters hold are the cause of most
disease. Although manipulative therapy has been shown to have some efficacy
in treating back pain, headache, and other symptoms of spinal-related
conditions, the application of chiropractic medicine as a cure or outside of
this specific area is controversial and generally rejected by medical
doctors in most countries. Practictioners of chiropractic medicine generally hold themselves out as
doctors of chiropratic (D.C.). The use of manipulative therapy by D.C.'s to
treat back pain, headache, and other spinal and musculo-skeletal symptoms
enjoys wide acceptance by government medical authorities in many nations,
where it is covered by many health plans such as Medicare in the United
States. Although some medical doctors (M.D.'s) and many doctors of
osteopathy (D.O.'s) do perform manipulative therapy, more than 90% of the
treatment of back pain by manipulative therapy is performed by D.C.'s.
The studies have shown a high level of patient satisfaction with
manipulative therapy by persons with back problems.
Chorionic gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone produced in pregnancy, that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by the trophoblast (part of the placenta). Its role is to prevent the demise of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. hCG may have additional functions, for instance it is thought that it affects the immune tolerance of the pregnancy.
Cytoskeleton
Cell nucleus
An organelle, found in most eukaryotic cells, which contains most of the cell's genetic material. Nuclei have two primary functions: to control chemical reactions within the cytoplasm and to store information needed for cellular division. Plural: nuclei.
Calcitonin
A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland which controls the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood.
Carbohydrates
A type of food, usually derived from plants; one of three nutrients that supply calories to the body; includes simple carbohydrates (sugar, fruit) and complex carbohydrates (vegetables, starches).
Cholesterol
A substance similar to fat that is found in the blood, muscles, liver, brain, and other body tissues.
Computer Tomography Scan
A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
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