556 GlossaryCodon(KOH-don) The sequence of three bases in DNA or
mRNA that is the code for one amino acid; also called a
triplet code (Chapter 3).
Coenzyme (ko-EN-zime) A non-protein molecule that
combines with an enzyme and is essential for the func-
tioning of the enzyme; some vitamins and minerals are
coenzymes (Chapter 17).
Collagen(KAH-lah-jen) A protein that is found in the form
of strong fibers in many types of connective tissue
(Chapter 4).
Collecting tubule(kah-LEK-ting) The part of a renal
tubule that extends from a distal convoluted tubule to a
papillary duct (Chapter 18).
Colloid osmotic pressure(KAH-loyd ahs-MAH-tik) The
force exerted by the presence of protein in a solution;
water will move by osmosis to the area of greater protein
concentration (Chapter 13).
Colon(KOH-lun) The large intestine (Chapter 16).
Color blindness(KUHL-or BLIND-ness) The inability to
distinguish certain colors, a hereditary trait (Chapter 9).
Columnar(kuh-LUM-nar) Shaped like a column; height
greater than width; used especially in reference to epithe-
lial tissue (Chapter 4).
Common bile duct(KOM-mon BYL DUKT) The duct
formed by the union of the hepatic duct from the liver
and the cystic duct from the gallbladder, and joined by
the main pancreatic duct; carries bile and pancreatic juice
to the duodenum (Chapter 16).
Communicable disease(kuhm-YOO-ni-kah-b’l) A disease
that may be transmitted from person to person by direct
or indirect contact (Chapter 22).
Compact bone(KOM-pakt BOWNE) Bone tissue made of
osteons (haversian systems); forms the diaphyses of long
bones and covers the spongy bone of other bones (Chap-
ter 6).
Complement(KOM-ple-ment) A group of plasma proteins
that are activated by and bond to an antigen–antibody
complex; complement fixation results in the lysis of cel-
lular antigens (Chapter 14).
Complement fixation test (KOM-ple-ment fik-SAY-
shun) A diagnostic test that determines the presence
of a particular antibody in blood or serum (Chap-
ter 14).
Compliance(pulmonary) (kum-PLY-ans) The expansibil-
ity of the lungs and thoracic wall, necessary for adequate
alveolar ventilation (Chapter 15).
Computed tomography(CT) scan(kom-PEW-ted toh-
MAH-grah-fee SKAN) A diagnostic imaging technique
that uses x-rays integrated by computer (Chapter 1).
Concentration gradient(KON-sen-TRAY-shun GRAY-
de-ent) The relative amounts of a substance on either
side of a membrane; diffusion occurs with, or along, a
concentration gradient, that is, from high concentration
to low concentration (Chapter 3).Conchae(KONG-chay) Three pairs of curved, shelf-like
bones that extend into the nasal cavities; they increase the
surface area of the nasal mucosa (Chapter 6).
Conduction(kon-DUK-shun) 1. The heat loss process in
which heat energy from the skin is transferred to cooler
objects touching the skin. 2. The transfer of any energy
form from one substance to another; includes nerve and
muscle impulses and the transmission of vibrations in the
ear (Chapter 17).
Condyle(KON-dyel) A rounded projection on a bone
(Chapter 6).
Condyloid joint(KON-di-loyd) A diarthrosis that permits
movement in one plane and some lateral movement
(Chapter 6).
Cones(KOHNES) The sensory receptors in the retina of
the eye that detect colors (the different wavelengths of
the visible spectrum of light) (Chapter 9).
Congenital(kon-JEN-i-tuhl) Present at birth (Chapter 21).
Conjunctiva(KON-junk-TIGH-vah) The mucous mem-
brane that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the
eye (Chapter 9).
Conjunctivitis(kon-JUNK-ti-VIGH-tis) Inflammation of
the conjunctiva, most often due to an allergy or bacterial
infection (Chapter 9).
Connective tissue(kah-NEK-tiv TISH-yoo) Any of the
tissues that connects, supports, transports, or stores
materials. Consists of cells and matrix (Chapter 4).
Contagious disease(kun-TAY-jus) A disease that is easily
transmitted from person to person by casual contact
(Chapter 22).
Contraction, concentric (kon-TRAK-shun, kon-SEN-
trik) The exertion of force as a muscle shortens (Chap-
ter 7).
Contraction, eccentric (ek-SEN-trik) The exertion of
force, often opposing gravity, as a muscle lengthens
(Chapter 7).
Contrast(KON-trast) The characteristic of sensations in
which a previous sensation affects the perception of a
current sensation (Chapter 9).
Contusion(kon-TOO-zhun) A bruise; the skin is not bro-
ken but may be painful, swollen, and discolored (Chap-
ter 5).
Convection (kon-VEK-shun) The heat loss process in
which heat energy is moved away from the skin surface
by means of air currents (Chapter 17).
Convolution(kon-voh-LOO-shun) A fold, coil, roll, or
twist; the surface folds of the cerebral cortex (Syn.—
gyrus) (Chapter 8).
Cornea(KOR-nee-ah) The transparent anterior portion of
the sclera of the eye; the first structure that refracts light
rays that enter the eye (Chapter 9).
Coronal (frontal) section(koh-ROH-nuhl SEK-shun) A
plane or cut from side to side, separating front and back
parts (Chapter 1).30Scanlon(p3) Glossary 8/17/06 11:08 AM Page 556