Dictionary

telomerase The enzyme that is concerned with the formation, maintenance, and renovation of telomeres, the ends of chromosomes.

telomere The end of a chromosome. The ends of chromosomes are specialized structures that are involved in the replication and stability of DNA molecules. A telomere is a length of DNA that is made up of a repeating sequence of six nucleotide bases (TTAGGG). Small numbers of these terminal TTAGGG sequences are lost from the…

temperature The specific degree of hotness or coldness of the body. The normal body temperature is generally considered to be 37° C (98.6° F). However, the normal body temperature may range between 36.1 to 37.2° C (97° and 99° F) during the day. The body temperature at the beginning of the day, when a person…

temple The area just behind and to the side of the forehead and the eye, above the side of the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) and in front of the ear.

temporal 1 Pertaining to the temple region of the head. For example, the temporal lobe of the brain is so named because of its anatomic location beneath the temple. 2 Pertaining to time, limited in time, temporary, or transient.

temporal arteritis See arteritis, cranial.

temporal bone A large irregular bone that is situated at the base and side of the skull. The temporal bone is connected with the mandible (the jawbone) via the temporomandibular joint.

temporal lobe The lobe of the cerebral hemisphere on the side of the brain just forward of the occipital lobe. The temporal lobe is located beneath the temple region of the head. The temporal lobe contains the auditory cortex, which is responsible for hearing. It is also the site of the seizure activity that is…

temporary loss of consciousness See syncope.

temporary teeth See primary teeth.

temporomandibular joint The joint that hinges the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. Abbreviated TMJ. The TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in the entire body, moving whenever a person eats, drinks, or talks. See also temporomandibular joint syndrome.

temporomandibular joint syndrome A disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that causes pain, usually in front of the ear(s), sometimes in the form of a headache. Pain in the TMJ can be due to trauma, such as a blow to the face; inflammatory or degenerative arthritis; or poor dental work or structural defects that push…