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trans fats Also called hydrogenated fats. Fats that are made during the manufacturing of stick margarine and canned shortening and used in many processed, baked, and deep-fried foods. Trans fats can raise total blood cholesterol level and the level of harmful LDL cholesterol.

transfusion Infusion of large amounts of blood (or the components of blood) directly into the bloodstream, usually to replace severe blood loss or to correct anemia. Before donor blood is used for transfusion, it is screened for infectious microorganisms and then matched for compatibility with the recipient’s blood type.

transient ischemic attack See TIA.

transplant Transfer of an organ or tissue from one part of the body to another or from one person to another. Or an organ or tissue that has been transplanted.

trauma Any physical or mental wound or injury.

tremor Temporary or permanent involuntary trembling or quivering caused by rapidly alternating contraction and relaxation of the muscles; can be brought on by drugs (including alcohol) or by physical or emotional disorders.

triglycerides One of the major fats in the blood. A high level in the blood can indicate an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

U

ulcer An open sore on the skin or on a mucous membrane.

ultraviolet light therapy See phototherapy.

unsaturated fat A type of fat that lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating monounsaturated fats instead of saturated fats reduces harmful LDL cholesterol and raises beneficial HDL cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats reduce LDL cholesterol but also lower HDL cholesterol. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats tend to be soft or liquid at room temperature.

urea A waste product from the breakdown of protein in the body.

uremia Excess urea and other waste products in the bloodstream as a result of kidney failure.

uric acid A waste product from the breakdown of protein in cells. Uric acid is eliminated from the body in urine.

V

vaccination See immunization.

vaccine A preparation containing killed or weakened or otherwise altered versions of a specific infectious microorganism; given to provide immunity to infection with the microorganism.

valve A structure inside a blood vessel or other passageway that allows fluid, such as blood, to flow in one direction only.

vein A blood vessel that carries oxygen-depleted blood from the organs and tissues back to the heart and lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen.

ventilator Also called a respirator. A machine that takes over a person’s breathing by regularly pumping air into the lungs; air is expelled by the natural elasticity of the lungs and rib cage.

ventricle A normal cavity or chamber in a body or organ, especially the right or left ventricle of the heart or any of the interconnecting ventricles of the brain.

venules Very small veins.

very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol See VLDL cholesterol.

viruses Simple microorganisms that are responsible for most coughs, colds, and childhood fevers. Viruses are smaller than bacteria and can multiply only by invading a cell and using the cell’s DNA to make copies of themselves.

vitamin A chemical that is essential for normal functioning of the body.

VLDL cholesterol Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A type of cholesterol made by the liver and transported in the blood. A high VLDL cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease.

W

weight-bearing exercise Any exercise, such as jogging, brisk walking, or stair climbing, that works the large muscles of the lower body, stimulating bone growth and building bone density.

white blood cells Colorless blood cells—including lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes—that have a central role in the immune system, protecting the body from infections and cancer.

X

X chromosome One of the two sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.

Y

Y chromosome One of the two sex chromosomes. Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome; females have