Absorption |
Acid/base balancemaintenance of the normal pH within the body systems |
Acromegalyexcess growth of bones after the epiphyses have closed, caused by excess secretion of growth hormone |
Actina contractile protein found in muscle fibres |
Active transportthe movement of molecules or ions through transport proteins across a cell membrane, against their concentration gradient. The process requires energy from ATP |
Acutea disease that has a rapid onset, short duration and pronounced clinical signs |
Ad libitum feedingfeeding performed with freedom. Sometimes called free-choice or Ad lib |
Addison's diseasedisease caused by insufficient adrenocortical hormones; hypoadrenocorticism |
Additivea substance purposely put into food to give a desirable characteristic (e.g. color, flavor, texture, resistance to spoilage etc) |
Adipose tissuefat tissue in the body |
Aerobicrequiring oxygen for life and growth |
Aerobic respiration |
Afferent nerve fibrescarry nerve impulses towards the central nervous system |
Agonal gaspa terminal breathing pattern where the animal appears to be gasping for breath |
Agonistsomething which increases a response |
Albuminthe most abundant plasma protein. Principally responsible for maintenance of circulating blood volume by preventing too much water leaving the capillaries by osmosis. |
Allele |
Allelesthese are alternative forms of a gene, showing different options for the same gene e.g. red, black, white coat coloring. Each has a specific place or ‘locus’ on the chromosome. |
AlopeciaA partial or complete loss of hair in areas where it is normally present |
AMTRAAnimal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority |
Anabolic reactiona reaction in which chemical substances are built up and energy is used |
Anaemiaa deficiency in the number of circulating red blood cells or haemoglobin concentration in the blood |
Anaerobicnot requiring oxygen |
Anaerobic respiration |
Anastomosisan artificial or naturally occurring connection between two structures, which are normally separate, for example between blood vessels or loops of intestine |
Androgensa group of male sex hormones e.g., testosterone |
Aniona negatively charged particle |
AnisocoriaPupils that are not symmetrical in size. i.e. one pupil may be constricted and the other dilated. |
Anodea positively charged electrode to which electrons are attracted |
Anorexialoss of appetite for food |
Antagonistsomething which prevents or decreases a response |
Anthroponosisa disease which can be spread from humans to animals |
Antibody |
Antidotesspecific reversing agent for a poison |
Antigena substance that is foreign to the body and stimulates an immune response |
Antiperistalsismovement of food material up the digestive tract. This is in the opposite direction to peristalsis. |
Antisepsisthe prevention of sepsis (presence of pathogenic organisms or their toxins in the blood or body tissues) |
Antiseptica chemical use to control, prevent or destroy pathogens present on living tissues/skin |
Anurialack of urine output |
Anxiolysisdecreased level of anxiety |
Apnoeaabsence of breathing |
Arrhythmiaan abnormal heart rhythm |
Artefactany mark on a radiograph which decreases the quality |
Arteryblood vessel carrying blood away from the heart |
As fed basisthe concentration of a nutrient in the food as it is fed to the animal, which includes the water content of the food |
Ascitesexcess fluid in the abdominal cavity |
Asepsisfreedom from infectious material |
Asepticthe complete absence of bacteria, viruses or fungi that could cause disease. Asepsis is the ideal situation for the performance of surgical or other invasive procedures, and is achieved by sterilisation techniques |
Asexual reproductionreproduction which involves only one parent and produces offspring which are identical to the parent |
Ashthe residue left after combustion of the food - generally the mineral content |
Asystoleno electrical activity in the heart – a ‘flat line’ on the ECG |
Atomsmallest particle capable of existing on its own or as molecules when in combination with other atoms |
ATPadenosine triphosphate, a high energy phosphate molecule used to store and release energy for work within the body |
Auscultationa technique used for listening to the sounds of the body with the use of a stethoscope, for example the heart beat and respiratory sounds within the thoracic cavity |
Autonomic nervous systempart of the peripheral nervous system that supplies stimulation to the cardiac and smooth muscles and the glands of the body, involved in unconscious control |
Autosomesall the chromosomes within the nucleus of the cell except the sex chromosomes |
Autotransformerprevents fluctuations in the mains voltage and ensures constant 240 volts supplied to the X-ray machine |
AVM GSLAuthorised Veterinary Medicine - General Sales List |
Azotaemiaincreased levels of nitrogenous by-products in the bloodstream |
Back cross to recessiveidentification of the recessive carrier can be done by a test mating with a known homozygous recessive animal. This will determine if the other animal is carrying a recessive gene. If they are carrying a recessive gene, then a percentage of the animals show the recessive characteristic. If they are not a recessive carrier then the recessive characteristic will not appear. We will use the Labrador as an example at the end of the glossary. |
Back scatterscattered radiation which travels in the opposite direction to the primary beam |
Bacteraemiathe presence of bacteria in the blood |
Bacteriaprokaryotic single-celled organism. Ranges in size from 0.3µm-10 µm |
Bactericidalan agent that kills bacteria |
Bacteriostaticprevents bacteria from multiplying but does not kill them |
Barrier nursingutilisation of protective clothing and isolation to prevent transmission of disease from hospitalised animals |
Basophiltype of granular white blood cell |
Biliarypertaining to the bile duct |
Bilirubinyellow green bile pigment which results from the breakdown of red blood cells |
Bilirubinuriathe presence of bilirubin in the urine |
Binary fissionthe replication of bacteria |
Biological vectorsthe organism undergoes part of its lifecycle inside the host |
Blood brain barriera semipermeable membrane that keeps circulating blood separate from cerebrospinal fluid and the brain |
Blood plasmafluid surrounding the blood cells and transported by the blood-vascular system |
Bolusa ball of chewed food bound together with saliva that is formed in the mouth by the action of the tongue |
Brachycephalichaving a short, broad skull, e.g. boxers, bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats, lionhead rabbits. These animals tend to have overlong soft palates, excessive soft tissue in their oral cavity and pharynx, smaller tracheal diameters than expected, and narrow nares. |
Bradycardiaa slower than normal heart rate |
Bradypnoeaa slower than normal respiratory rate |
Breathing |
Buffera substance which is able to resist change in the pH of a solution so that the pH remains constant |
Buffer solutiona solution which will maintain body pH due to the release or absorption of hydrogen ions to balance any loss or gain. Carbon dioxide only partially dissolves in solution, and this means that it can act as a buffer. If more hydrogen is present then it will be combined with bicarbonate and converted to water and carbon dioxide. Water will be lost through the kidneys and carbon dioxide will be lost in exhaled air. Alternatively, if metabolic alkalosis is present, then carbon dioxide will be combined with water and converted to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, to maintain the pH. |
Calculusstone like deposits of mineral salts found in hollow organs or on the teeth. In the urethra they can result in blockage of the passage of urine. |
Callingpersistent yowling exhibited by the female cat (queen) during the pro-oestrus period of the oestrous cycle |
Canaliculus |
Capillary refill timetime taken for blood capillaries to refill after flow in them has been disrupted in some way |
Carcinogenicany agent or substance that can cause tumour formation and cancer |
Cardiacpertaining to the heart |
Carnivoremeat-eating animal |
Carrieran individual who has a copy of a recessive gene that is not expressed because of heterozygosity, but the gene can be passed on to the next generation, alternatively, an individual, infected with a pathogen, but not showing any symptoms of disease. |
Carriersconvalescent carrier: animal which has had a disease and recovered |
Carriondecaying flesh |
Cassettea light-proof container which holds X-ray film and intensifying screens in close contact |
Catabolic reactiona reaction in which chemical substances are broken down and energy is released |
Cathodenegatively charged electrode which produces electrons |
Cationa positively charged particle |
Caudal fermenterherbivorous animal whose main microbial fermentation takes place in the large intestine |
Cella structure bound by a plasma membrane, containing cytoplasm and organelles; the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. |
Central Nervous Systemthe part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and the spinal cord |
Centriolean organelle composed of microtubules, that is involved in the formation of the spindle during mitosis |
Centromerethe part of the chromosome to which spindle fibres attach during cell division |
Cerebrospinal fluidclear fluid produced in the choroid plexus of the ventricles of the brain. It is found in the brain and spinal cord. |
Chlamydiabacterial agent that causes Chlamydia infection in cats |
Chloroplastsorganelles, found in plant cells, which contain chlorophyll (green pigment). They are the sites of photosynthesis. |
Chondrocytecell found in cartilage |
Chromatidtwo identical chromosomes, joined together by a centromere, formed during the interphase of the cell cycle |
Chromatin |
Chromosome |
ChronotropeA drug that increases the rate of cardiac contraction |
Chylefatty liquid absorbed from the small intestine by lymphatic capillaries known as lacteals |
Chylothoraxlymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity |
Chymepartially digested food with an acid pH expelled from the stomach |
Ciliashort hair-like structures found on the surfaces of some cells and organisms; used for either propelling trapped material out of the body or for locomotion |
Cisternal punctureobtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the cisterna magnum |
Clotting timetime taken for blood to clot naturally |
Codominance |
Coitusthe act of mating |
Collimationthe process of altering the size of the primary beam using a light beam diaphragm (LBD) |
Colloida fluid where solid molecules are suspended in a liquid (but invisible to the naked eye). In fluid therapy, colloid fluids contain large molecules that remain in the circulation and therefore are plasma volume expanders. |
Colonisationthe formation of compact population groups of the same type of microorganism |
Commensalliving on or within another organism, and deriving benefit without harming or benefiting the host individual; an organism that causes neither harm nor benefit to the host |
Compound folliclehair follicle which consists of a primary hair follicle and several secondary hair follicles |
Concentration gradientthe change in the concentration of a substance from one area to another |
Conceptus |
Conditionally essential nutrienta nutrient that is normally not essential but becomes so, due to certain physiological or pathological conditions resulting in relative deficiency |
Conditioned reflexa reflex action which has been modified in response to experience or learning. For example, a dog may salivate when it sees its owner remove a tin opener from a drawer. |
Conjugationbacterial mating |
Connective tissuetissue that binds structures together, made up of cells and an intercellular matrix and its functions include support, protection and repair |
Constipationinfrequent or difficulty passing of faeces |
Contagionthe transmission of disease from one individual to another |
Contagiouscapable of being transmitted between animals by direct or indirect contact |
Contaminationthe soiling or making inferior by contact or mixture |
Contrastthe difference in radiographic density between adjacent areas on a radiograph |
Contrast mediasubstances which are introduced into the patient to increase or decrease radiopacity and contrast during an X-ray |
Contrast studya radiographic procedure which improves the contrast of the area under examination |
Controlled druga drug whose use and possession is controlled by legislation |
Coprophagiaeating faeces |
Coupagepercussion of the chest using cupped hands to aid removal of secretions |
Cranial fermenterherbivorous animal whose main microbial fermentation takes place in a modified stomach |
Craniumthe skull containing the brain |
Crossed gridtwo parallel grids at right angles to each other |
Crystalloida fluid containing small molecules which move quickly from the circulation |
Cumulativeto build up |
Cushing's diseasedisease caused by excess adrenocortical hormones; hyperadrenocorticism |
Cystitisinflammation of the bladder |
Cytokinesis |
Cytoplasm |
Dead spacethe air within the respiratory tract that never reaches the alveoli within the lungs and so does not undergo gaseous exchange |
Deaminationthe breakdown of excess amino acids in the liver, whereby the amine group is removed and converted to ammonia and eventually urea before excretion |
Deciduous dentitionteeth seen in the young animal soon after birth. These are shed after a few months and are replaced by the permanent teeth. |
Defecationact of passing feces from the rectum |
Definition (radiographic)the quality of the radiograph which is affected by density, contrast and sharpness |
Deglutitionthe act of swallowing |
Density (radiographic)the degree of blackening of the radiograph |
Dermal papillastructure situated at the base of the hair follicle containing nerves and blood vessels, which supply nutrients necessary for hair growth |
Dermislayer of dense connective tissue lying beneath the epidermis |
Desiccationthe process of losing moisture or “drying out” when exposed to air |
Detergenta chemical that disperses and removes soil, organic material and greasy residue from surfaces as well as reducing surface tension and increase the penetrating ability of water. This is a process that is important in allowing disinfectants to penetrate the pathogens underneath. Some disinfectants have their own detergent properties (eg the halogens – bleach and iodine, quaternary ammonium compounds). |
Developera chemical solution which converts exposed silver bromide crystals into silver metal within the emulsion during processing |
Diarrhoeaproduction of faeces that contain an excess amount of water |
Diastemaa space between teeth. There is a natural space in the jaw of rodents and herbivores where canine teeth would be found in other species. |
Diastolerelaxation stage of the cardiac cycle. The term applies to both atrial and ventricular relaxation. |
Diffusionthe net movement, as a result of random motion of its particles, of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration |
Digestionthe process by which food materials are broken down into small soluble chemical units |
Dilated pupilsDilated pupils (mydriasis) are when the black center of your eyes are larger than normal. The condition may be caused by dilating eye drops from an eye exam, the side effects from a drug/medication or traumatic injury. |
Diploid cellscells with the full number of chromosomes, each in pairs. These include most cells within the animal’s body. |
Diploid numberthe number of chromosomes (2n) found in the nucleus of all cells except gametes which are haploid cells |
Disinfectanta chemical used to control, prevent and destroy pathogens present on inanimate objects - although it is not usually active against bacterial spores. The process does not necessarily kill all micro-organisms, but reduces then to a level acceptable for a defined purpose, for example a level which is considered not harmful to health. (Note, the difference between “disinfectants” and “antiseptics” which are applied to living tissues.) |
Disinfectionthe removal or inactivation of pathogenic micro-organisms but not necessarily of bacterial spores |
Disinhibitedto loose inhibitions and become exited |
Diuresisincreased amount of urine produced |
Diureticsdrugs used to increase the production of urine by the kidneys and so reduce water retention in the body |
DNA |
DNA gyrase |
DNA polymerase |
Dominant genea gene whose characteristics are always present in the phenotype, in homozygous and heterozygous individuals. It is represented with a capital letter, e.g. B. |
Dosemetera device for monitoring exposure to X-rays |
Drug scheduleclassification of drugs within the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 |
Dry matterfood residue after being heated to remove all the water |
Dwarfismsmaller than normal size |
Dysecdysisabnormal shedding of the skin of reptiles |
Dysphagiadifficulty swallowing |
Dyspnoeadifficulty breathing |
Dystociadifficult parturition; difficulty giving birth |
Dysuriadifficulty in passing urine |
Ectoparasitea parasite that lives on the outside of the host |
Efferent nerve fibrescarry nerve impulses away from the central nervous system |
Electrolytea liquid that contains ions (salts) such as sodium and potassium |
Electromagnetic spectrumRadiation which possesses electrical and magnetic properties |
Electrona negatively charged particle |
Embolisma clot, air bubble or debris (embolus) which is carried in the blood stream from one point in the circulation to lodge at another point |
Embryostage of development in the zygote in which the external and internal structures are developing |
Emesisvomiting |
EmeticSomething that induces vomiting |
Emollientssubstances such as liquid paraffin that will aid expulsion from the digestive tract |
Emulsificationprocess where fat particles are broken down into smaller globules suspended in a liquid |
Emulsiona liquid in which droplets of other liquids are suspended, but the liquids do not mix |
Endemica disease peculiar to or that occurs constantly in certain localities or populations |
Endobronchialpositioned in the bronchus |
Endocardiumthe innermost layer of the heart |
Endocrine gland |
Endocytosisthe movement of a substance, in bulk, into a cell by the formation of vesicles from the plasma membrane |
Endoparasitea parasite that lives inside the host |
Endothermicregulation of body temperature by internal heat production |
Endotoxina toxic substance released by bacteria when the organism dies |
Endotrachealpositioned in the trachea |
Energythe ability to do work; all the body's activities require energy which is provided by the consumption of food containing chemical energy |
Enteral feedinguses the gastrointestinal tract to provide nutrition |
Enzootica disease peculiar to or that occurs regularly in certain localities or populations |
Enzymea protein which is able to act as a catalyst within a living organism |
Eosinopaeniareduced numbers of circulating eosinophils in the blood |
Eosinophiltype of granular white blood cell |
Eosinophiliaincreased number of circulating eosinophils in the blood. May be seen in cases of allergy or parasite infestation. |
Epidermisthe tough outer protective layer of the skin |
Epistasisa gene that suppresses the activity of other genes at other loci |
Epitheliumtissue composed of cells that lines the internal and external surfaces of the body; plural is epithelia |
Eructationa belch; oral ejection of gas or air from the stomach |
Eruption of teethProcess by which teeth break through the gum to appear in the jaw |
Erythemareddening of the skin |
Erythroblastsimmature red blood cells |
Erythrocytesred blood corpuscles or cells |
Erythropoiesisthe formation of red blood cells |
Erythropoietinhormone produced by the kidney which stimulates the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells |
Eukaryote |
Excretionthe process by which waste materials are removed from the body |
Exocrine gland |
Exocytosisthe movement of a substance, in bulk, out of a cell by fusion of vesicles containing the substance with the plasma membrane |
Exothermicregulation of body temperature by the external environment rather than by internal metabolism |
Exotoxina toxic substance released by the living bacteria |
Expirationthe process by which gas is expelled from the lungs - breathing out |
Expiratory capacity |
Expiratory reserve volumethe extra volume of air forced out of the lungs, above that of normal tidal volume after a forced expiration |
External respirationthe exchange of gases between the atmospheric air and the blood. Also called breathing. |
Exteroreceptorssensory cells that receive information from the environment outside the body |
Extracellular fluid (ECF)fluid found outside the cells |
Exudatefluid with a high protein and cell content that has seeped out of the blood vessels and is found in tissues, usually as a result of inflammation |
Facilitated diffusion |
Fata mixture of lipids, mainly triglycerides, that is solid at room temperature. In mammals fat is deposited within the body as adipose tissue. |
Feedbackcontrol mechanism by which the output of a system is regulated by the product or response that system produces |
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)condition of cats characterized by dysuria, haematuria, pollakiuria and/or urethral obstruction |
Fermentationthe anaerobic conversion of organic compounds (especially carbohydrates) to simpler compounds such as volatile fatty acids (SCFAs). Occurring in the caecum and colon, it is an essential part of the digestive process. |
Fetusstage of development in the zygote in which all the organs are fully developed |
Fibrethe portion of the food that cannot be broken down by the intestinal enzymes of mammals |
Fibrinderived from fibrinogen, an insoluble protein which forms a mesh across areas of damaged capillaries that traps cells and platelets to form a clot |
Fibrinogenone of the plasma proteins; involved in the blood clotting mechanism |
Filamentthe coil of wire at the cathode which produces electrons when heated |
Film focal distance (FFD)the distance between the focal spot in the tube head and the X-ray film on the table. Usually 75-100 cm. |
First filial generationthe offspring produced from a parental cross, denoted as F1 in genetic notation |
Fixera chemical used in radiographic processing, which dissolves unexposed silver bromide crystals and causes the film's emulsion to harden |
Flagellalong cell appendages used for locomotion in some micro-organisms. Singular - flagellum. |
Flexi-cassettea flexible structure which contains intensifying screens and X-ray film |
Fluoroscopyimaging technique that uses X-rays to view real-time images |
Focal spotthe actual small area on the target that the electrons hit |
Focussed grida grid where the lead strips are progressively more angled towards the edges |
Focussing cupa structure located at the cathode in the tubehead, made of molybdenum, which focuses the electron beam towards the anode |
Foggingan overall appearance of grey on a radiograph which decreases contrast |
Fomitean inanimate object that has been contaminated and can act as a source of infection |
Functional residual volumethe volume of air left in the lungs after normal expiration |
Gametespecialized germ cell. Either sperm or ovum. Contains the haploid (n) number of chromosomes. |
Ganglion (pl.ganglia)collection of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system |
Gaseous exchangethe movement of gases between an organism and its environment; often takes place across a specialized surface, for example the alveoli of the lungs |
GastritisInflammation of the stomach |
Geneunit of inheritance. Short units of DNA which codes for a particular protein or polypeptide. |
Genetic damageharmful effects of X-rays which affect the genes of the reproductive cells |
Genetics the science of inheritance. Physical characteristics and abilities are largely determined by ‘genetic makeup’. In the 1860s, Mendel carried out studies which showed that each organism has physical traits which correspond to invisible elements within the cell. |
Genotypethe genetic make-up of an animal |
GeriatricElderly; the term is often used when an animal reaches or exceeds 75% of its expected lifespan |
Gestationthe period of development of the young from fertilization to birth |
Giantismlarger than normal size |
Gingivitisinflammation of the gingiva or gums |
Glial cell |
Glucosuriathe presence of glucose in the urine |
Glutenthe protein found in wheat and other cereal grains |
Glycogenolysisbreakdown of glycogen stored in the liver to release glucose |
Glycolipidsfats that bind to one or more chains of sugars |
Glycoproteinsproteins that bind to one or more chains of sugars |
Golgi apparatusa stack of membrane-bound, flattened sacs responsible for the modification and export of proteins from the cell |
Gonadmale (testis) or female (ovary) organ responsible for producing the gametes |
Gonadotrophinany of the hormones that stimulate the gonads |
Gram negativeclassification of bacteria; Gram negative bacteria do not retain the crystal violet stain in a Gram stain |
Gram positiveclassification of bacteria; Gram positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain in a Gram stain |
Grida device for absorbing scattered radiation and decreasing fogging |
Grid cut-offunderexposed areas at the edges of a radiograph due to absorption of more of the primary beam by the grid |
Grid factorthe amount by which the mAs has to be increased when using a grid |
Grid linesfine lines which are apparent on a radiograph when a stationary grid is used |
Grid ratio |
Guard hairthe longest, thickest hairs in an animal's coat, forming the topcoat. They protect the undercoat and are often waterproof. |
Gustationscientific name for the sensation of taste |
Haematocrita test to measure the red blood cells as a percentage of the total volume of blood. Haematocrit is the calculated number, using an analyser, whereas packed cell volume (PCV) is derived from manual measurement. |
Haematopoiesisformation of blood and blood cells |
Haematuriapresence of blood in the urine |
Haemoglobinuriapresence of haemoglobin in the urine |
Haemorrhageloss of blood |
Haemothoraxblood in the pleural cavity |
Hair bulb matrixpart of the hair that is situated at the end of the follicle and produces the cells of the hair |
Halitosisbad breath |
Haploid cellcell with half the number of chromosomes, and no pairs. These include the gametes (i.e. sperm and ova). |
Haploid numbera single set of chromosomes (n) found in the nuclei of gametes, this is half the number of chromosomes found in the nuclei of all other eukaryotic cells |
Haversian canalchannel in the center of a Haversian system containing nerves, blood vessels and lymph vessels |
Haversian systema unit of bone structure in which the bone cells are arranged in concentric circles |
Healthy carriersanimals that have not shown clinical signs of disease |
Hepaticpertaining to the liver |
Herbivoreplant-eating animal |
Hering Breuer reflex |
Heterozygous |
High voltage transformerincreases the incoming mains voltage (240 V) to thousands of volts (kV) |
Histologythe study of normal healthy tissues using a microscope |
Histonesproteins that bind to DNA in eukaryotic cells |
Homeostasisthe maintenance of a constant internal environment |
Homozygous |
Hormonesecretion produced by an endocrine gland and carried to its target organ by means of the blood |
Hydrophilicwater loving |
Hydrophobicwater hating |
Hyperadrenocorticism |
Hypercalcaemiaincreased blood calcium level |
Hypercapniaincreased carbon dioxide levels - end tidal and in the blood |
Hyperglycaemiaincreased blood glucose level |
Hyperkalaemia |
Hyperpnoeaincrease in the depth of breathing |
Hyperreflexiaexcessive or exaggerated reflex action |
Hypertensionhigher than normal blood pressure |
Hyperthermiahigher than normal body temperature |
Hyperthyroidismdisease caused by excess thyroid hormone in the blood |
Hypertonica fluid with a higher osmotic pressure than that with which it is compared (usually plasma) |
Hypertonic fluidhas a higher concentration of solutes than blood plasma and causes water to be drawn out of the cells into the circulation |
Hyperventilationexcessive rate and depth of ventilation |
Hypervolaemiaabnormal increase in blood volume |
Hypoadrenocorticismdisease caused by insufficient adrenocortical hormones; also known as Addison's disease |
Hypocapniadecreased carbon dioxide levels - end tidal and in the blood |
Hypoglycaemiadecreased blood glucose level |
Hypoproteinaemia |
Hyporeflexiaweaker than normal reflex action |
Hypotensionlower than normal blood pressure |
Hypothermialower than normal body temperature |
Hypothyroidismdisease caused by a lack of thyroid hormone in the blood |
Hypotonica fluid with a lower osmotic pressure than that with which it is compared (usually plasma) |
Hypotonic fluidhas a lower concentration of solutes than blood plasma and causes water to enter the cells |
Hypoventilationinadequate ventilation |
Hypovolaemiaabnormal decrease in blood volume |
Hypoxaemiadecreased level of oxygen in the blood |
Hypoxiadecreased level of oxygen in the body tissues |
Immunityability to resist specific types of disease |
InappetenceLack of appetite
|
Inbreedingbreeding from two animals that are closely related, e.g. brother and sister |
Inbreeding depressionloss of health and increasing weakness brought about by inbreeding over successive generations |
Incubation periodthe time between an individual animal meeting a source of infection and developing clinical signs of disease |
Infectionthe invasion and multiplication of micro-organisms in body tissues |
Infectiouscapable of causing disease between animals |
Inflammationthe body's reaction to injury and infection characterized by pain, swelling and heat |
Ingestionthe taking in of food |
Ingredienta raw or processed foodstuff used in manufacturing food |
Inorganica substance that is not derived from a living organism and does not contain hydrocarbon groups |
Inotropedrug that increases the force of cardiac contraction |
Insensible losseswater losses from the body that cannot be accurately measured |
Inspirationthe act of taking air into the body - breathing in |
Inspiratory capacity |
Inspiratory reserve volumethe extra volume of air taken into the lungs, above that of the normal tidal volume after a forced inspiration |
Intensifying screensstructures within a radiographic cassette which fluoresce when struck by X-rays |
Intercalated neurona neuron that lies between a sensory and a motor neuron but which in itself has neither sensory nor motor functions |
Internal respirationthe exchange of gases between the blood and the tissues. Also called tissue respiration. |
Interoceptorssensory cells that detect stimuli from within the body, for example, information pertaining to blood pressure |
Interspecific hybridresult of crossing two animals from different species |
Interstitial fluidfluid found between the cells but not within the vascular system |
Intracellular fluid (ICF)fluid found inside the cells |
Intramuscularinto a muscle |
Intrathecalinjection where drugs are administered into the cerebrospinal fluid |
Intravenousinto a vein |
Intussusceptiontelescoping of part of the intestine into itself causing an obstruction |
Inverse square lawthe intensity of the radiation beam is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source i.e. X-rays diverge increasingly, the further they travel from the tube head, and their intensity falls |
Iona charged particle |
Isotonica fluid with the same osmotic pressure as that with which it is compared (usually plasma) |
Isotonic fluidhas the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma; water neither enters nor leaves the cells and remains in equilibrium |
Jejunumpart of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum |
Keratolytican agent that breaks down keratin of the stratum corneum |
Ketonuriapresence of ketones in the urine |
Kilocaloriethe amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1 degree Celsius |
Kilovoltage (kV) |
Labile tissuesCells continue to divide even once the organism has finished growing, repair by regeneration is usually possible. |
Lactationproduction of milk from the mammary glands |
Lactoseone of the sugars derived from milk |
Lacunaespaces within the matrix of bone tissue containing cells |
Laryngoscopean aid to visualisation for endotracheal intubation. The equipment consists of a blade which depresses the tongue, and a light source for illumination. |
Larynxpart of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and trachea. It is made up of cartilages, ligaments and muscles and lined with mucus membrane. |
Latent imagean invisible image on X-ray film following exposure but before processing |
Leada dense metal which is efficient at absorbing X-rays |
Lethal genegene that produces a characteristic that is incompatible with life |
Leukaemiaa disease where there are increased numbers of immature and abnormal white blood cells (leukocytes) |
Leukocytewhite blood cell |
Leukocytosisan abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood |
Licensed drugMedication which has been approved to be given to animals |
Light Beam Diaphragm (LBD)a device fitted to the tube head for altering the size of the primary beam |
Line breedingsimilar to inbreeding but involves breeding from family lines that are not closely related e.g. grandparents or cousins. The aim is to increase the likelihood of the desired characteristics, but reduce the chances of those that are not desired. |
Linked genesgene that are so close together on the same chromosome that they move with each other into the same cells during meiosis and do not act independently |
Locusthe position of a gene on a chromosome |
Lordosisexcessive inward curvature of the spine. In female cats, it is a behaviour pattern exhibited during the oestrous cycle, where they raise the tail and hindquarters. |
Low voltage transformerdecreases the incoming mains voltage (240 V) to provide small current to the filament and prevent overheating |
Lymphexcess tissue fluid carried in the lymphatics. Has similar constituents to plasma but contains fewer plasma proteins. |
Lymphocytetype of agranular white blood cell, responsible for the production of antibodies |
Lysosomes |
Magnificationthe number of times greater an image is than the actual object |
Malnutritionabnormal nutrition, usually nutritional deficiency but may also mean excess of nutrition |
Mangeskin conditions caused by a variety of mites |
Masticationchewing |
Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD)an amount of radiation exposure whichis considered no more hazardous than that which could be encountered on a day to day basis |
Mechanical vectorthe organism is only carried by the host and does not undergo any development inside the host |
Megakaryocyteslarge cells, found in the bone marrow, that break up to form platelets, which are important in the clotting mechanism of blood |
Meibomian glandsmodified sebaceous glands present in the eyelids which produce an oily secretion, which helps to prevent the eye from drying out. Also called tarsal glands. |
Meiosiscell division involved in ova and sperm production. Four haploid cells are produced, each with half the number of chromosomes than the parent cell. |
Melanocytecell in the skin that produces and contains the pigment called melanin |
Mendel's First Law of Inheritance - the Law of Segregation |
Mendel's Second Law of Inheritance - the Law of Independent Assortmenteach pair of genes is inherited without being influenced by the presence of other genes |
Metabolic acidosis |
Metabolic alkalosisless acidic plasma pH due to a metabolic process. A common example of this is acute vomiting resulting in a loss of hydrogen ions from the stomach. Chronic vomiting will result in metabolic acidosis due to a loss of bicarbonate from intestinal contents. |
Metabolismthe sum of the physical and chemical changes that take place in living organisms. These changes include both synthesis (anabolism) and breakdown (catabolism) of substances in the body. |
Micro-organisman organism too small to be seen by the naked eye; a microscopic organism |
Microtubules |
Micturitionthe act of expelling urine from the bladder |
Milk teethsee deciduous teeth |
Milliamperes (mA)combination of the mA and exposure time which dictates the number of X-rays produced during an exposure |
Miosisconstriction of the pupil |
Mitochondriamembrane-bound organelle that is the site of aerobic respiration in the cell |
Mitosisthe division of the nucleus that results in two diploid cells with exactly the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cell |
Mixed nervecontains both sensory and motor fibres |
Modified transudatetransudate with a high protein and cell content, as in inflammation. Eventually, modified transudate may become exudate. |
Monocytetype of agranular white blood cell |
Monogastricstomach with only one compartment |
Monosynaptic reflexa reflex that only involves a single set of synapses |
Motor fibresnerve fibres that carry impulses away from the central nervous system |
MulticellularOrganisms that consist of more than one cell |
Multiparousgive birth to more than one offspring; litter-bearing |
Murmurabnormal heart sound created by alteration of blood flow through the heart |
Mutualistic bacteriaan association between organisms of two different species in which each member benefits |
Mycoplasmaprokaryotic organism that does not have a cell wall |
MydriasisDilation of the pupil |
Myelin sheaththe insulating, fatty layer, produced by Schwann cells, that surrounds the axon in some nerves |
Myelographydiagnostic imaging procedure, whereby contrast agent is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid |
Myosincontractile protein found in muscle fibres |
Neonatea newborn animal |
Nephrotic syndrome |
Neuromuscular blocking agentdrug that prevents the transmission or reception of impulses from motor nerves to skeletal muscle and therefore produces muscle paralysis |
Neuronsthe primary cells in nervous tissue. They transmit information as electrical signals around the body. |
Neutropaeniareduced numbers of circulating neutrophils in the blood |
Neutrophiltype of granular white blood cell, also known as polymorphonucleocyte |
Neutrophiliaincreased numbers of circulating neutrophils in the blood, e.g. in the presence of infection |
NFA VPSNon-Food Animal - Veterinary, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person |
Non-screen film |
Normothermianormal body temperature |
Nuclear envelopethe double membrane surrounding the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. It separates the contents of the nucleus (DNA in particular) from the rest of the cell. |
Nuclear poressmall gaps in the nuclear envelope which allows passage of materials in and out of the nucleus |
Nucleic acidlarge molecules composed of smaller units of nucleotides; includes both RNA and DNA |
Nucleolus |
Nucleotideany of a group of molecules that link together to form the basic structural unit of DNA and RNA |
Nucleus1. collection of nerve cell bodies within the central nervous system. 2. a membrane-bound organelle, found in all eukaryotic cells, which contains most of the cell's genetic material. 3. the positively charged centre of an atom. |
Nutraceuticalfunctional foodstuff, including fortified food and dietary supplements, that may have health benefits |
Nutrienta component of food with a metabolically useful function |
Nystagmus |
Oedemaexcessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues or body cavities; often results in swelling of the area |
Oestrogenfemale sex hormone secreted by the ovary |
Olfactionscientific name for the sensation of smell |
Oliguriareduced urine output |
Omnivoreanimal that eats both plants and meat |
Organa group of tissues that perform a particular function |
Organic substancea substance that is derived from a living organism or contains hydrocarbon groups, for example fats and carbohydrates |
Orthopnoeabreathing in an upright position, usually standing; the elbows are abducted to minimise compression of the chest wall |
Osmoregulationthe maintenance of optimal osmotic pressure by controlling water and salt content of body fluids |
Osmosisthe movement of water from an area of low concentration to one of high concentration through a semipermeable membrane, in order to equalise the concentrations on each side of the membrane |
Osmotic pressurethe pressure needed to prevent osmosis from occurring; depends on the number of particles in a solution |
Osteoblastbone-forming cell |
Osteoclastcell that breaks down bone |
Osteocytebone cell |
Ototoxicitytoxic to the ear, specifically the vestibulcochlear system (inner ear) |
Outbreedingbreeding from two animals that are not related |
Oxidation1. reaction in which oxygen molecules are added to a chemical substance. 2. loss of electrons. |
Palpationexamination using the hands to feel part of the body, for example the pulse in an artery or organs in the abdomen |
Pandemican epidemic which occurs all over the world |
Panleukopeniadecreased number of all white blood cells circulating in the blood |
Papulea small, solid bump that rises from the skin |
Paracellularbetween cells; paracellular transport is the route substances travel between cells |
Parallel gridthe most basic type of grid where the lead strips are parallel to each other |
Parasitean agent that lives with and at the expense of an animal host |
Parasympathetic nervous systempart of the autonomic nervous system |
Paratenic hostan intermediate host where no development of the parasite occurs; the paratenic host is ingested by the final host for completion of the life cycle |
Parenteralroute of administration other than gastrointestinal tract |
Parenteral nutritionnutrition that is given intravenously |
Parturitionthe process of giving birth |
Passive transportmovement of molecules down a concentration gradient without energy use |
Pathogena disease-producing organism |
Pathogenesisthe origin and development of disease |
Pathogeniccapable of causing disease |
Penetrating powerthe ability of X-rays to penetrate tissue i.e. their energy affected by kV setting |
Penumbrazone of unsharpness or blurring on a radiograph |
Peripheral nervous systempart of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord |
Peristalsiswaves of muscular contractions that occur in tubular structures to move contents forwards, e.g. food and other ingested material is moved along the gastrointestinal tract towards the anus. Peristalsis also occurs in the uterine tubes and the ureters. |
Permanent dentitionteeth that develop in the jaw after the deciduous teeth have been shed, and remain for the whole lifetime |
Permanent tissuesCells have very limited capacity for regeneration and as such repair by replacement is the most likely response to injury. |
pHliterally, ‘per hydrogen’. pH refers to the acidity of a substance - one with a low pH has a high concentration of hydrogen ions and is acidic. One with a high pH has a low concentration of hydrogen ions and is alkaline. |
Phagocytosis |
Pharmacologystudy of drugs, including their use, effects and mode of action |
Phenotypephysical appearance of an animal |
Phlebitisinflammation of a vein |
Phospholipida lipid that contains a phosphate group. Phospholipids are the main form of lipid in cell membranes. |
PhotosynthesisThe process by which green plants make carbohydrates such as sugar, using water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight |
Pinocytosisthe process by which fluid is taken into the cell |
Plasmathe fluid part of blood that remains when a sample of blood is separated in a centrifuge |
Plasma membranethe membrane that surrounds a living cell; it consists of a double layer of phospholipids with embedded proteins |
Plateletsalso called thrombocytes, these are small particles derived from megakaryocytes, found in plasma, that are involved in the clotting mechanism of blood |
Pleurisyinfection and inflammation of the pleural membranes. May be exudative or dry. |
Pneumoniainfection and inflammation of the lungs |
Pneumothoraxair in the pleural cavity |
Polydipsiaexcessive thirst and intake of fluid |
Polyphagiaexcessive appetite and intake of food |
Polysynaptic reflexa reflex that involves several intercalated neurons in the pathway |
Polyuriaexcessive excretion of urine |
POM VPrescription Only Medicine - Veterinary |
POM VPSPrescription Only Medicine - Veterinary, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person |
Potter-Buckya parallel grid which moves rapidly from side to side during the exposure |
Precursorsubstance from which another is formed by chemical reaction |
Prehensionpicking up or grasping food |
Prescribing cascadeLegislation controlling which medications can be given to animals |
Preservativea substance added to another to protect against spoilage during storage |
Primary beamthe beam of X-rays which emerge from the tube head during an exposure |
Primary follicleopening on the surface of the skin through which a single guard hair grows |
Prokaryote |
Proprioceptorssensory cells that receive information about the position of limbs or the tension of muscles and tendons within the body |
Prostatitisinflammation of the prostate gland |
Proteina large complex molecule made up of one or more chains of amino acids |
Proteinuriapresence of protein in the urine |
Prothrombin |
Protozoaeukaryotic single-celled organisms |
Pruritusitching |
Pseudo-focussed grid |
Pulmonarypertaining to the lungs |
Pulse ratethe number of times a pulse is felt in one minute; this should be the same as the heart rate |
Pyaemiathe presence of a pus-forming organism in the blood |
Pyothoraxpus in the pleural cavity |
Radiographa visible record on film of the pattern of X-rays passing through a patient |
Receptorssensory cells that receive information from the environment, in the form of a stimulus, and transfer this information to the brain or spinal cord as a nerve impulse |
Recessive gene |
Reflex actiona fast, automatic response to a stimulus |
Reflex arcthe pathway taken by an action potential leading to a reflex action |
Renalpertaining to the kidneys |
Reservoira source of infection |
Residual volumethe volume of air left in the lungs after the deepest possible expiration; the air that is always in the lungs |
Resolutionthe ability to distinguish between two objects very close together; the higher the resolution of an image the greater the detail that can be seen |
Respirationbreathing; exchange of gases - oxygen and carbon dioxide |
Respiratory acidosisa decrease in pH of blood, ECF and CSF, due to hypoventilation and accumulation of hydrogen ions and carbon dioxide |
Respiratory alkalosisan increase in pH of blood, ECF and CSF, due to hyperventilation and loss of hydrogen ions and carbon dioxide |
Respiratory ratethe number of breaths in one minute |
Respiratory tractthe conducting pathway of air in and out of the body, from the nose to the pulmonary alveoli |
Rhythmic segmentationmuscular contractions which break up and mix the food within the gastro-intestinal tract. These movements do not push the food along the tract. |
Ribosomecellular organelle that is the site of protein synthesis |
Ricketsabnormal ossification during growth due to a deficiency of vitamin D |
RickettsiaA micro-organism that requires other cells for growth but which uses oxygen and possesses a cell wall |
Rough endoplasmic reticulumsystem of membrane-bound tubes and sacs containing ribosomes that functions in the synthesis of proteins |
Ruminantanimal in which the stomach is multi-chambered, the largest chamber of which is the rumen |
Saltssynonym for electrolytes |
Saphrophitean organism living and feeding on dead and putrefying matter |
Sarcolemmamembrane surrounding a skeletal muscle fibre |
Satietythe satisfaction of appetite |
Scattered radiation (scatter)X-rays which have collided with matter, lost some energy and changed direction |
Screen filmX-ray film which is placed in a cassette containing intensifying screens prior to use |
Sebaceous |
SeborrhoeaExcessively oily skin, due to overproduction of sebum |
Sebuman oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin |
Second filial generationoffspring produced by breeding from two individuals from the F1 generation; denoted as F2 in genetic notation |
Sensory fibresnerve fibres that carry impulses towards the central nervous system |
Septicaemiathe presence of pathogenic bacteria in the blood |
Serumthe fluid that separates from blood when it clots |
Sex chromosomesthe pair of chromosomes that determine the gender of an individual |
Sex-limited genegene that influences a characteristic seen in either the male or the female |
Sex-linked genegene carried on one of the sex chromosomes |
Sharpnessthe clarity of structures on a radiograph |
Shift to the leftincreased numbers of immature white blood cells circulating in the blood |
Sinuscavity within a bone or other tissue; paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the face |
Smooth endoplasmic reticulumsystem of membrane-bound tubes and sacs that is involved in the synthesis of lipids |
Smooth musclemuscle tissue with no striations that is not under voluntary control |
Solubiliseda substance is dissolved in another |
Solutethe ionic component of an electrolyte |
Solventthe liquid component of an electrolyte |
Somatic cellsthe classification of every cell in the body except for the germ (reproductive) cells |
Somatic damagedamage to the tissues caused by X-rays which becomes apparent during the individual's lifetime |
Somatic motor nervenerve fibres that carry impulses from the central nervous system to a somatic structure |
Somatic sensory nervenerve fibres that carry impulses from a somatic structure to the central nervous system |
Somatic structuresstructures that lie in the skin and the musculoskeletal system |
Special sense organsorgans that have evolved to house the exteroreceptors of the body |
Sphinctermuscular ring that controls flow in and out of an organ |
Spinal nervesany of the pairs of nerves that arise from the spinal cord |
Stable tissuesRepair by regeneration is sometimes possible. |
Steatorrhoeathe presence of excess fat in faeces |
Stercobolinbile pigment found in faeces and responsible for the characteristic colour of faeces |
Sterilisationthe destruction of all microorganisms and their spores |
Striated musclemuscle fibres that have striations and are under voluntary control; also called skeletal muscle |
Subcutaneousunder the skin |
Subcutisthe deepest layer of skin composed mainly of adipose tissue |
Sudoriferous glandgland in the dermis of the skin that secretes sweat |
Sympathetic nervous systempart of the autonomic nervous system |
Syncopefainting |
Systolecontraction stage of the cardiac cycle. The term applies to both atrial and ventricular contraction. |
Tachycardiaa faster than normal heart rate |
Tachypnoearapid respiration |
Tactile hairlong thick hairs such as the whiskers in cats and dogs, that are highly sensitive to pressure and touch and which provide sensory information about the environment |
Targetthe area of the anode which electrons bombard during an exposure |
Temporary teethsee deciduous teeth |
Teratogenic |
Thermionic emissionthe process where electrons are released from the filament when it is heated |
Thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD)a device for monitoring exposure to X-rays |
Thrombocytessee Platelets |
Tidal airthe air that passes in and out of the lungs in one breath |
Tidal volumethe volume of air that passes in and out of the lungs in one breath during normal respiration |
Timera device that controls the length of exposure |
Tissuea group of similar cells that all perform a particular function |
Tissue respiration |
Titrateto give small incremental doses of a drug to effect |
Tonsilitisinflammation of the tonsils |
Topical applicationtreatment applied to the skin or mucous membranes to act on these sites |
Total lung capacitythe volume of air breathed in with maximum inspiration or breathed out with maximum expiration; it is the vital capacity plus the residual volume |
Toxaemiathe presence of toxins in the blood |
Transaminationthe conversion of one amino acid into another by the liver |
Transcellular fluidthe portion of extracellular fluid formed by active cellular secretions |
Transcellular routethe path substances take to travel across the cells |
Transformeralters the mains voltage |
Transport vectorone that can shed the organism at any time |
Transudate |
Tube headthe structure that is responsible for producing X-rays |
Tungsten |
Unconditioned reflexa reflex that is automatic and unconscious |
Unicellularcomposed of a single cell |
Uniparousgives birth to one neonate |
Upper motor neurona motor neuron that starts in the brain and transfers information to the spinal cord |
Uraemiaincreased level of urea in the blood |
Urethritisinflammation of the urethra |
Urinary incontinenceinability to control the flow of urine out of the body |
Urinary tenesmusstraining to pass urine |
Urolitha calculus in the urinary tract |
Urolithiasisthe formation of uroliths, calculi or 'stones' in the kidney, bladder or urethra |
Vacuole |
Vapourgas phase of an agent that can be compressed to a liquid by pressure, e.g. isoflurane and sevoflurane |
Vasoconstrictionnarrowing of blood vessels |
Vasodilationwidening of blood vessels |
Veinblood vessel carrying blood towards the heart |
Viraemiathe presence of viruses in the blood |
Virulencethe degree of pathogenicity |
Virusan microscopic infectious agent that requires the cells of a host animal (or plant) in which to reproduce |
Visceral motor nervenerve fibres that carry impulses from the central nervous system to an organ |
Visceral peritoneumthin layer of epithelial tissue covering all the organs in the peritoneal cavity |
Visceral sensory nervenerve fibres that carry impulses from an organ to the central nervous system |
Visceral systemany of the body systems made up of internal organs, e.g. digestive and respiratory systems |
Vital capacityvolume of air that can be exhaled after the deepest possible inspiration; it is the usable air in the respiratory system |
Vitamina number of unrelated organic compounds essential in small amounts for normal metabolism |
VMD Veterinary Medicines Directorate |
VMPVeterinary Medicinal Product |
Vocalizationmaking sounds |
Vomitusmatter from the stomach that returns against the normal direction of peristalsis and may be ejected from the mouth by vomiting |
Water potentialthe tendency of a solution to lose water molecules |
Weaningthe act of separating the young from their nursing mother, as they become dependant on other foodstuffs for their nourishment |
Withdrawal periodthe set time that must pass, after giving a medicine to a food-producing animal, before it can be slaughtered for meat or its products used for human food |
Wool hairthe fine soft hairs that make up the undercoat |
X-raya type of high energy electromagnetic radiation |
Zoonosisa disease that can be passed from animals to people. Plural: zoonoses |
Zygotestructure formed from the fusion of two gametes and which contains the diploid number of chromosomes |