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L

Labile tissues

Cells continue to divide even once the organism has finished growing, repair by regeneration is usually possible.


Lactation

production of milk from the mammary glands


Lactose

one of the sugars derived from milk


Lacunae

spaces within the matrix of bone tissue containing cells


Laryngoscope

an aid to visualisation for endotracheal intubation. The equipment consists of a blade which depresses the tongue, and a light source for illumination.


Larynx

part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and trachea. It is made up of cartilages,  ligaments and muscles and lined with mucus membrane.


Latent image

an invisible image on X-ray film following exposure but before processing

Lead

a dense metal which is efficient at absorbing X-rays


Lethal gene

gene that produces a characteristic that is incompatible with life


Leukaemia

a disease where there are increased numbers of immature and abnormal white blood cells (leukocytes)


Leukocyte

white blood cell


Leukocytosis

an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood


Licensed drug

Medication 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 breeding

similar 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 genes

gene 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


Locus

the position of a gene on a chromosome


Lordosis

excessive 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 transformer

decreases the incoming mains voltage (240 V) to provide small current to the filament and prevent overheating

Lymph

excess tissue fluid carried in the lymphatics. Has similar constituents to plasma but contains fewer plasma proteins.

Lymphocyte

type of agranular white blood cell, responsible for the production of antibodies


Lysosomes

structures found within the cytoplasm of cells which contain digestive enzymes; responsible for removal of cell debris



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