acidosis Too much acid in the blood and body. Acidosis is an abnormal condition resulting from the accumulation of acid or the depletion of alkaline reserves. The pH of a body with acidosis is below normal. For a person with diabetes, this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. The opposite of acidosis is alkalosis. See also…
acidophilus Bacteria found in yogurt with “live cultures” that can help restore supportive bacteria to an intestinal tract whose normal bacterial population (flora) has been disturbed by disease or antibiotics. Eating yogurt with acidophilus may also be useful in preventing overgrowth of yeast (Candida) in the intestinal tract, mouth (thrush), and vagina. See also probiotic.
acid phosphatase An enzyme that acts to liberate phosphate under acidic conditions and is made in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and prostate gland. Abnormally high serum levels of acid phosphatase may indicate infection, injury, or cancer of the prostate.
acid indigestion Excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid by the stomach cells. Medically known as hyperchlorhydria. Sometimes used interchangeably with heartburn. See also heartburn.
acid, pantothenic Vitamin B5. See also Appendix C, “Vitamins.”
achondroplasia A genetic disorder of bone growth and the most common cause of short stature with disproportionately short arms and legs (known as dwarfism). The individual has a large head with a prominent forehead (frontal bossing); underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the midface, with cheekbones that lack prominence; and a low nasal bridge with narrow nasal passages….
achlorhydria A lack of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices in the stomach.
Achilles tendonitis Inflammation in the tendon of the calf muscle, where it attaches to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis causes pain and stiffness at the back of the leg, near the heel. Achilles tendonitis can be caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon, overly tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons, excess uphill running, a sudden…
Achilles tendon One of the longest tendons in the body, a tough sinew that attaches the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). The name comes from Greek mythology: The hero Achilles was invulnerable to injury except for his heel, which proved his downfall when it was pierced by Paris’s arrow. It…
achalasia A disease of the esophagus that mainly affects young adults. Abnormal function of nerves and muscles of the esophagus causes difficulty swallowing and sometimes chest pain. Regurgitation of undigested food can occur, as can coughing or breathing problems related to entry of food material into the lungs. The underlying problems are weakness of the…
acetylsalicylic acid See aspirin.
acetylcholine A neurotransmitter released by nerves that is essential for communication between the nerves and muscles.