560 GlossaryEmulsify(e-MULL-si-fye) To physically break up fats into
smaller fat globules; the function of bile salts in bile
(Chapter 16).
Enamel(en-AM-uhl) The hard substance that covers the
crowns of teeth and forms the chewing surface (Chapter
16).
Encapsulated nerve ending(en-KAP-sul-LAY-ted NERV
END-ing) A sensory nerve ending enclosed in a special-
ized cellular structure; the cutaneous receptors for touch
and pressure (Chapter 5).
Endemic(en-DEM-ik) A disease that occurs continuously
or expectedly in a given population (Chapter 22).
Endocardium(EN-doh-KAR-dee-um) The simple squa-
mous epithelial tissue that lines the chambers of the heart
and covers the valves (Chapter 12).
Endocrine gland (EN-doh-krin) A ductless gland that
secretes its product (hormone) directly into the blood
(Chapter 4).
Endocrine system(EN-doh-krin SIS-tem) The organ sys-
tem that consists of the endocrine glands that secrete
hormones into the blood (Chapter 10).
Endocytosis (EN-doh-sigh-TOH-sis) The process by
which a cell takes in particulate matter or a fluid, such as
phagocytosis of bacteria by WBCs; the cell membrane
conforms to the material taken in and forms an intracel-
lular vesicle or vacuole (Chapter 3).
Endoderm(EN-doh-derm) The inner primary germ layer
of cells of an embryo; gives rise to respiratory organs and
the lining of the digestive tract (Chapter 21).
Endogenous(en-DOJ-en-us) Coming from or produced
within the body (Chapter 17).
Endogenous infection (en-DOJ-en-us) An infection
caused by a person’s own normal flora that have been
introduced into an abnormal body site (Chapter 22).
Endolymph(EN-doh-limf) The fluid in the membranous
labyrinth of the inner ear (Chapter 9).
Endometrium(EN-doh-MEE-tree-um) The vascular lin-
ing of the uterus that forms the maternal portion of the
placenta (Chapter 20).
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (EN-doh-PLAZ-mik re-
TIK-yoo-lum) A cell organelle found in the cytoplasm; a
network of membranous channels that transport materi-
als within the cell and synthesize lipids (Chapter 3).
Endothelium(EN-doh-THEE-lee-um) The simple squa-
mous epithelial lining of arteries and veins, continuing as
the walls of capillaries (Chapter 13).
Endotoxin(EN-doh-TAHK-sin) The toxic portion of the
cell walls of gram-negative bacteria; causes fever and
shock (Chapter 22).
Endotoxin shock(EN-doh-TAHK-sin SHAHK) A state of
circulatory shock caused by infection with gram-negative
bacteria (Chapter 22).
Energy levels(EN-er-jee LEV-els) The position of elec-
trons within an atom (Syn.—orbitals or shells) (Chap-
ter 2).Enteric nervous system(en-TER-ik) The nerve fibers and
plexuses of the alimentary tube; regulate secretions and
contractions, able to function independently of the CNS
(Chapter 16).
Enteroendocrine cell(EN-ter-oh-EN-doh-krin SELL) A
cell of the alimentary tube that secretes hormones
(Chapter 16).
Enzyme(EN-zime) A protein that affects the speed of a
chemical reaction. Also called an organic catalyst
(Chapter 2).
Eosinophil(EE-oh-SIN-oh-fill) A type of white blood cell
(granular); active in allergic reactions and parasitic infec-
tions (Chapter 11).
Epicardium(EP-ee-KAR-dee-um) The serous membrane
on the surface of the myocardium (Syn.—visceral peri-
cardium) (Chapter 12).
Epidemic(EP-i-DEM-ik) A disease that affects many peo-
ple in a given population in a given time with more than
the usual or expected number of cases (Chapter 22).
Epidemiology(EP-i-DEE-mee-AH-luh-jee) The study of
the spread of disease and the factors that determine dis-
ease frequency and distribution (Chapter 22).
Epidermis(EP-i-DER-miss) The outer layer of the skin,
made of stratified squamous epithelium (Chapter 5).
Epididymis (EP-i-DID-i-mis) (Pl.—epididymides) The
tubular organ coiled on the posterior side of a testis;
sperm mature here and are carried to the ductus deferens
(Chapter 20).
Epiglottis(EP-i-GLAH-tis) The uppermost cartilage of the
larynx; covers the larynx during swallowing (Chapter 15).
Epinephrine(EP-i-NEFF-rin) A hormone secreted by the
adrenal medulla that stimulates many responses to enable
the body to react to a stressful situation (Syn.—adrena-
line) (Chapter 10).
Epiphyseal disc(e-PIFF-i-se-al DISK) A plate of cartilage
at the junction of an epiphysis with the diaphysis of a
long bone; the site of growth of a long bone (Chapter 6).
Epiphysis(e-PIFF-i-sis) The end of a long bone (Chap-
ter 6).
Epithelial tissue(EP-i-THEE-lee-uhl TISH-yoo) The
tissue found on external and internal body surfaces and
that forms glands (Chapter 4).
Equilibrium(E-kwe-LIB-ree-um) 1. A state of balance. 2.
The ability to remain upright and be aware of the posi-
tion of the body (Chapter 9).
Erythema (ER-i-THEE-mah) Redness of the skin
(Chapter 5).
Erythroblastosis fetalis(e-RITH-roh-blass-TOH-sis fee-
TAL-is) Hemolytic anemia of the newborn, character-
ized by anemia and jaundice; the result of an Rh
incompatibility of fetal blood and maternal blood; also
called Rh disease of the newborn (Chapter 11).
Erythrocyte(e-RITH-roh-sight) Red blood cell (Chap-
ter 11).
Erythropoietin (e-RITH-roh-POY-e-tin) A hormone30Scanlon(p3) Glossary 8/17/06 11:08 AM Page 560