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Sickle cell trait
Sickle cell trait Inheriting the gene for sickle cell anemia from only one parent. It causes no symptoms.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Gene
1. A unit of DNA that carries information for the biosynthesis of a specific product in the cell. 2. Ultimate unit by which inheritable characteristics are transmitted to succeeding generations in all living organisms. Genes are contained by, and arranged along the length of, the chromosome. The gene is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each chromosome of each species has a definite number and arrangement of genes, which govern both the structure and metabolic functions of the cells and thus of the entire organism.
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.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which a deficiency in the size or number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) or the amount of hemoglobin they contain limits the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the tissue cells. Most anemias are caused by a lack of nutrients required for normal erythrocyte synthesis, principally iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid. Others result from a variety of conditions, such as hemorrhage, genetic abnormalities, chronic disease states or drug toxicity.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Sick role
An identity adopted by an individual as a "patient" that specifies a set of expected behaviors, usually dependent.
Sickle cell anemia
An inherited chronic anemia - caused by abnormally shaped red blood cells - exclusive to populations of African descent. If carefully monitored, women with sickle cell anemia can give birth to healthy babies.
Sickle Cell Disease
An inherited condition in which an abnormality of the red blood cells causes a variety of serious medical and physical problems.
Sickle-cell disease
A genetically transmitted form of anemia, characterized by sickle-shaped red blood cells and abnormal hemogoblin.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Sepsis
When disease-causing bacteria from an area of infection spread into the bloodstream and tissues.
Serology
The study of the antigen-antibody reaction.
Shingles
A viral infection of certain sensory nerves that causes pain and blisters on the skin along the course of the infected nerve. Also called herpes zoster.
Shoulder
The ball-and-socket joint connecting the arm with the body.
Siamese twins
Identical twins born joined together.
Sickle cell trait
Sigmoid
S-shaped.
Sinew
A tendon or fibrous cord.
Skull
The bony framework of the head.
Smallpox
A viral disease that was once highly contagious. Characterized by high fever, vomiting, and blisters and sores on the skin. Vaccination has eliminated this disease.
Smooth muscle
A type of muscle tissue controlled by the involuntary nervous system, occurring in the walls of the uterus, intestines or blood vessels.
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