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Fat cell
Fat cell A cell containing fat. Also called an adipocyte. A fat cell, or adipocyte, is a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat. The fat cell (adipocyte) is important to the body in maintaining proper energy balance, storing calories in the form of lipids, mobilizing energy sources in response to hormonal stimulation, and commanding changes by signal secretions.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
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.
Fat
A major energy source for animals and humans. Fat contains nine calories per gram.
Adipocyte
A fat cell, a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat. The adipocyte is important to the body in maintaining proper energy balance, storing calories in the form of lipids, mobilizing energy sources in response to hormonal stimulation, and commanding changes by signal secretions. Under the microscope, the adipocyte appears bloated with triglycerides. The nucleus of the cell is displaced to one side by the fat. The cytoplasm of the cell looks like a thin line surrounding the pool of fat.
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Differentiated
Having developed into a specialized cell or tissue type
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Balance
A biological system that enables us to know where our bodies are in the environment and to maintain a desired position. Normal balance depends on information from the inner ear, other senses (such as sight and touch) and muscle movement.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Fat requirements, infant
Fat in human milk provides 30%-35% of the total daily caloric needs for a growing infant. Manufacturers of infant formulas utilize many different vegetable oils for fat including corn, soy, safflower, and coconut oils. Some formulas contain "predigested" fats known as medium chain triglycerides (MCT). These are analogous to the "predigested proteins." Because of their unique application, formulas containing MCT are not routinely recommended for healthy infants and children.
Fat Substitute
Fat substitutes are ingredients that mimic one or more of the roles of fat in a food.
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Fascinoma
Medical slang for a fascinating case, usually involving a rare disease.
Fasciola hepatica
A parasite called the liver fluke which causes Fascioliasis or "liver rot" in ruminants and many other mammals, including people. Eating contaminated vegetation such as watercress is a common mode of infection. Fasciola hepatica is cosmopolitan in distribution being found throughout all regions of the world, both temperate and tropical.
Fasciolopsiasis
Infection with Fasciola flukes such as Fasciolopsis buski.
Fasciolopsis
A parasite that is the largest intestinal fluke in humans. Known scientifically as Fasciolopsis buski and popularly as the giant intestinal fluke. Infection occurs primarily in Asia and the Indian subcontinent, especially in areas where humans raise pigs and consume freshwater plants. The immature eggs of the fluke in human feces reach fresh water where they hatch and form what are called miracidia. Upon contact with host snails, the miracidia penetrate them and form cercariae. The cercariae encyst on various plants such as the water chestnut, lotus (on the roots), water bamboo, and other aquatic vegetables. Humans are infected by consuming these raw vegetables. Most infections are light and asymptomatic. Heavy infection may cause nausea, diarrhea, malabsorption, or intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis is made by microscopic identification of the fluke eggs or, more rarely, the adult flukes in the stool or vomitus. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment.
Fasciolopsis buski
The giant intestinal fluke.
Fat cell
Fat requirements, infant
Fat in human milk provides 30%-35% of the total daily caloric needs for a growing infant. Manufacturers of infant formulas utilize many different vegetable oils for fat including corn, soy, safflower, and coconut oils. Some formulas contain "predigested" fats known as medium chain triglycerides (MCT). These are analogous to the "predigested proteins." Because of their unique application, formulas containing MCT are not routinely recommended for healthy infants and children.
Fat, saturated
A fat that is solid at room temperature and comes chiefly from animal food products. Some examples are butter, lard, meat fat, solid shortening, palm oil, and coconut oil. These fats tend to raise the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Fat, trans
An unhealthy substance, also known as trans fatty acid, made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils. Hydrogenation solidifies liquid oils and increases the shelf life and the flavor stability of oils and foods that contain them. Trans fat is found in vegetable shortenings and in some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods and other foods.
Fat, unsaturated
A fat that is liquid at room temperature and comes from a plant such as olive, peanut, corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean. Unsaturated fats tend to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Fatal familial insomnia
Abbreviated FFI. An hereditary prion disease characterized by disrupted sleep (insomnia), motor abnormalities (myoclonus, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, and pyramidal signs), and hyperactivation of the autonomic nervous system. Due to a missense mutation at codon 178 of the prion protein gene on chromosome 20. A sporadic form of fatal insomnia is also known.
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