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F

Facilitated diffusion

the diffusion of a substance through protein channels in a cell membrane

Fat

a mixture of lipids, mainly triglycerides, that is solid at room temperature. In mammals fat is deposited within the body as adipose tissue.

Feedback

control 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

Fermentation

the 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.

Fetus

stage of development in the zygote in which all the organs are fully developed

Fibre

the portion of the food that cannot be broken down by the intestinal enzymes of mammals

Fibrin

derived from fibrinogen, an insoluble protein which forms a mesh across areas of damaged capillaries that traps cells and platelets to form a clot

Fibrinogen

one of the  plasma proteins; involved in the blood clotting mechanism

Filament

the 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 generation

the offspring produced from a parental cross, denoted as F1 in genetic notation

Fixer

a chemical used in radiographic processing, which dissolves unexposed silver bromide crystals and causes the film's emulsion to harden

Flagella

long cell appendages used for locomotion in some micro-organisms. Singular - flagellum.

Flexi-cassette

a flexible structure which contains intensifying screens and X-ray film

Fluoroscopy

imaging technique that uses X-rays to view real-time images

Focal spot

the actual small area on the target that the electrons hit

Focussed grid

a grid where the lead strips are progressively more angled towards the edges

Focussing cup

a structure located at the cathode in the tubehead, made of molybdenum, which focuses the electron beam towards the anode

Fogging

an overall appearance of grey on a radiograph which decreases contrast

Fomite

an inanimate object that has been contaminated and can act as a source of infection

Functional residual volume

the volume of air left in the lungs after normal expiration

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