House, M.D./Anatomy and Biology

Definitions in the House, M.D. Medical Dictionary for organs, tissues and chemicals found in the human body and biological terms and processes.

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A

ACE

See angiotensin I converting enzyme.

ACL

See anterior cruciate ligament.

adrenal glands

A pair of glands atop the kidneys which regulate the stress response. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor, 1x09 - DNR, 1x12 - Sports Medicine and 1x16 - Heavy.)

agglutination

The biological process of the clumping of particles, such as blood cells or antibodies. If antibodies are found to be undergoing agglutination in a subject, that is indicative of a disease, and the type of antibodies involved can be used to diagnose the infection. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

alanine transaminase

(Also ALT.) An enzyme produced by the liver. High concentrations may indicate a liver problem. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do, 1x08 - Poison and 1x11 - Detox.)

albumin

A protein produced by the liver which forms the majority of plasma protein. (Appears in 1x15 - Mob Rules.)

ALT

See alanine transaminase.

amygdala

An almond-shaped region of the brain known to play a role in controlling emotions and aggression. (Appears mispronounced by the character "Chase" at 00:13:17 in 1x16 - Heavy.)

ANA

See anti-nuclear antibody.

angiotensin I converting enzyme

A protein used by the body to assist in the constriction of blood levels. High levels may indicate the presence of sarcoidosis in the body. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

anterior cruciate ligament

(Also ACL.) A major ligament in the knee which connects the outside back of the femur to the inside front of the tibia. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

anti-nuclear antibody

(Also ANA.) A natural antibody, a high concentration of which may indicate a disorder of the immune system. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do, 1x11 - Detox and 1x13 - Cursed.)

aspartate transminase

(Also AST.) An enzyme produced by the liver which raises in times of liver damage. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do and 1x11 - Detox.)

aspirate

1.) To inhale matter into the lungs. 2.) To remove matter with a suction dev ce. 3.) Matter removed through aspiration. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

AST

See aspartate transaminase.

atrium

One of the two upper chambers in the human heart. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

axonal nerves

Nerves comprised of axons - long, slender cells which carry electrical impulses away from the nerve cells and are thus the main lines of impulse transmission in the human body. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

B

B cell

Lymphocytes produced by the bone marrow which play a role in fighting infections and vaccinating the system against future infections. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

bilirubin

A byproduct of the breakdown of iron in the blood. There are two types: direct and indirect bilirubin. The latter must be put into a solution before it is measured. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

BP

An abbreviation for "blood pressure." (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

Broca's area

An area of the brain in the left front area which plays a crucial role in language processing, speech production and comprehension. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

bronchial tube

A passageway which conducts air into the lungs. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

C

C-ANCA

See cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody.

carotid artery

One of several major arteries in the head and neck. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR and 1x20 - Love Hurts.)

cauda equina

A structure of nerve roots and rootlets in the lower spinal cord. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

cavernous sinus

One of two collections of veins in the head behind the eyes. Inside the cavity created by these veins are some of the main nerves to the eyes and arteries to the brain. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

CD11

A protein found in the lymph nodes which serves as an antibody. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

cerebral cortex

The grey-colored outermost layer of the human brain. It plays a role in a variety of higher brain functions, including memory, language and consciousness. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

cerebro-spinal fluid

(Also CSF.) A saline solution between the skull and brain that acts as a cushion for the brain. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity, 1x07 - Fidelity, 1x10 - Histories and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

CK

See creatine kinase.

CK-MB

An enzyme which is normally found in low levels in muscle tissue and higher levels in the heart tissue. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

codon

A unit of three nucleotide acids on a DNA molecule, each one of which codes for a different amino acid. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

cornea

The front part of the eye, which includes both the pupil and the iris and does most of the work in focusing. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method and 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

corpus callosum

A thick mass of nerves which connects the left and right hemispheres of mammalian brains. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity.)

cortical

Of or relating to the cerebral cortex. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

cortisol

A steroid produced by the adrenal glands and synthesized by the pituitary gland which plays an important role in the regulation of stress, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and the immune system. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

creatine kinase

(Also CK.) An enzyme which helps to neutralize waste in the body. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

creatinine

A by-product of muscular work filtered by the kidneys, it is an indicator of whether or not the kidneys are working. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity, 1x03 - Occam's Razor, 1x05 - Damned If You Do and 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

CSF

See cerebro-spinal fluid.

cytokine

A type of protein which is critical to immune system responses and the development of an embryo into a fetus. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody

(Also C-ANCA.) An antibody which protects the white blood cells. High counts may indicate Wegener's granulomatosis. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

D

dopamine

A common neurotransmitter, or chemical which carries impulses from the brain cells to other cells, and hormone which controls the pituitary gland. It travels in the brain via dopaminergic pathways. Disruption to these pathways frequently result in schizophrenia and other mental illness. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method, 1x07 - Fidelity and 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

dopaminergic pathways

See dopamine.

E

endometrial tissue

The inner lining of the uterus in mammals, where fertilized eggs are implanted. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

eosinophils

White blood cells which attack most parasites. A high count suggests the presence of parasites in the body or some kinds of allergic reactions. (Appears in 1x01 - Pilot and 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

epiphyseal plate

An area of cartilage on bones located between the shaft and the end of the bone. As the skeleton ages, the cartilage is gradually replaced with bone, until a child reaches skeletal maturity (between the ages of 18 to 25), at which point the epiphyseal plate disappears, and the ossification of cartilage slows to a near stop. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method.)

esophagus

The muscular tube in the throat and chest which passes food from the mouth to the stomach. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

estrogen

A group of steroids which serve as the primary female hormone, regulating the menstrual cycle and development of secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts, although small levels naturally appear in males, as well. (Appears in 1x15 - Mob Rules, 1x19 - Kids and 1x20 - Love Hurts.)

F

femur

The thigh bone. In humans, it is the longest and strongest bone in the body. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

frontal lobe

One of two lobes in vertebrate brains located in the front of each hemisphere. It plays an important role in motor control, impulse control and judgement, language, memory, problem solving, sexual behavior and socialization. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

G

gamma glutamyl transpeptidase

(Also GGT.) An enzyme produced by the liver. High concentrations may indicate liver failure. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

GGT

See gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.

GI

Short for "gastrointestinal," the part of the digestive system which includes the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

glucose

A common carbohydrate found in almost all living beings, which is created by the liver and kidneys for energy. Its concentration in the blood is regulated by insulin. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

H

haptoglobin

A protein in the blood which helps metabolize iron. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

hilar lymph node

See lymph node.

I

IG

See immunoglobulin.

IgG

A type of antibody produced by the human body. It often protects fetuses. Intrathecal IgG would be found in the spine ("intrathecal"). (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity.)

immunoglobulin

(Also IG.) A protein which functions as an antibody. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity, 1x09 - DNR, 1x17 - Role Model, 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

indirect bilirubin

See bilirubin.

interferon

A type of protein produced by the immune systems of most animals to fight various infections. An intraventricular interferon is one found deep inside the brain. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity and 1x15 - Mob Rules.)

intracranial

A medical term meaning "within the skull," referring to something happening inside the head. (Appears in 1x19 - Kids.)

intrathecal IgG

See IgG.

intraventricular interferon

See interferon.

L

limbic system

The structures in the brain which control emotion, motivation and emotional association with memory. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

lymph node

An organ in the body which collects lymphocytes to destroy bacteria and viruses. There are several of them throughout the body. The hilar lymph nodes are in depressions in the lungs. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox, 1x13 - Cursed and 1x17 - Role Model.)

lymphocytes

White blood cells which play an important role in the body's natural defenses against viruses and other infections. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity and 1x15 - Mob Rules.)

M

mast cell

A cell of connective tissue which plays a role in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, as well as healing wounds and defending against infections. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

mediastinum

A structure comprised of loose connective tissue in the chest. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

meninges

Membranes which shield and protect the central nervous system. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity.)

mesodiencephalic region

A region of the brain which is involved in controlling metabolism and body temperature. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

mitosis

The process of cell division and replication. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

mitral valve

A valve which regulates the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle of the heart. (Appears in 1x20 - Love Hurts.)

myocardium

The muscular tissue of the heart. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity.)

myoglobin

A protein found in the muscles which carries most of the oxygen and gives the muscles their reddish color. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

N

neurogenic

Of or relating to the nervous system. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

O

oligoclonal bands

A type of antibody which may show up in a protein analysis. The presence of two to five of them often indicates a central nervous system disease. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity.)

optic nerve

The nerve which sends information from the retina of the eye to the brain, where it is processed into images. (Appears in 1x20 - Love Hurts.)

P

pancreas

An organ which produces enzymes necessary in digestion and hormones, including insulin. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

parathyroid gland

A small gland located inside the thyroid gland which regulates the calcium in the blood. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

parathyroid hormone

(Also PTH.) A hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland to increase calcium levels in the blood. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

patellar tendon

The tendon which connects the shinbone to the kneecap. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

peripheral nervous system

That part of the nervous system which does not comprise the central nervous system - e.g., nerves which serve specific organs. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

peristalsis

The series of contractions which moves food through the digestive tract. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

phospholipid antibody

An antibody which may react against cell membranes and cause autoimmune disorders. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

pituitary gland

A pea-sized gland at the base of the brain which releases hormones that regulate a wide array of bodily functions. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor and 1x16 - Heavy.)

proteins C and S

Two proteins which work together to prevent the blood from clotting. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method.)

PTH

See parathyroid hormone.

Q

quad

See quadriceps.

quadriceps

(Also quad.) The main extensor muscle found in the thigh. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

R

rapid eye movement

(Also REM.) A stage of sleep in which most of the most vivid dreams, which people recall upon waking, occurs. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

REM

See rapid eye movement.

renal

Of or relating to the kidneys. (Appears in 1x19 - Kids.)

retina

A thin layer of cells in the back of the eye which converts light into images for the brain. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity, 1x08 - Poison and 1x11 - Detox.)

S

spirochetes

Bacteria of the phylum Spirochaetes, which have a long corkscrew-like shape. Major spirochetes include Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, and Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

spleen

A gland found in the abdomen which destroys old red blood cells and thus serves to protect against infection. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

sputum

Matter coughed up from the respiratory tract and mixed with saliva. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR and 1x13 - Cursed.)

superior vena cava

A short, large vein which carries blood from the upper body back to the heart. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

systolic

Medical terminology for a heartbeat. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity, 1x15 - Mob Rules and 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

T

T4

See thyroxine.

tau protein

Proteins which help promote healthy brain cells. If they are oversaturated, it can be a sign of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

T cell

A type of lymphocyte which plays a major role in both the targeting and destruction of infections in the body and in the regulation of the immune system to prevent it from targeting healthy tissue. The type of T cells which activate immune system response are targeted by the HIV virus, and low levels of T cells in an AIDS patient is usually a very bad sign. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

temporal lobe

One of a pair of lobes on the left and right sides of the brain which have been linked to hearing, language comprehension, object recognition, memory and spatial behavior. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do, 1x19 - Kids and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

testosterone

A steroid hormone which is the principal male sex hormone. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

thymus gland

A large gland in the chest which plays an important role in the early development of the immune system. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

thyroid gland

A gland found in the neck which regulates the metabolism and growth functions of the body. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR and 1x21 - Three Stories.)

thyroid-stimulating hormone

(Also TSH.) A hormone which regulates the thyroid gland. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

thyroxine

(Also T4.) A hormone produced by the thyroid gland which works to assist metabolism. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

transudate

A fluid in the body from which much of the protein and cellular elements are filtered to leave behind a watery solution. It can be an indicator of either very high pressure in the blood vessels and capillaries or low blood protein levels, and it may collect in the tissues and cause swelling. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

tricuspid valve

A valve which regulates the flow of blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle of the heart. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

TSH

See thyroid-stimulating hormone.

U

ulnar nerve

A major nerve running down the arm and forearm and into the hand. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

urethra

A tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body. It runs through the penis in males and the vagina in females. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

V

vascular

Of or related to the blood vessels. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

ventricle

1. Any part of the body which fills with fluid. 2. One of the two lower chambers of the human heart. 3. One of four canals in the brain in which cerebrospinal fluid is produced. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

vitreous humour

The clear liquid between the lens and the retina of the eyeball. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

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