at a glance

GLOSSARY
110
Acupuncture — The Chinese practice of insertion of needles
into specific exterior body locations to relieve pain and to
induce surgical anesthesia,and for therapeutic purposes.
ACTH — Adrenocorticotropic hormone. A peptide hormone secreted
by the anterior pituitary gland that acts primarily on
the adrenal cortex, stimulating its growth and secretion of
corticosteroids. The production of corticotropin is increased
by stress.
Adenoma — A benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form
recognizable glandular structures or in which the cells are
clearly derived from glandular epithelium or lining.
Adrenal gland — A flattened body situated at the cranial pole
of the kidney. The adrenal cortex, under control of the pituitary
hormone corticotropin, produces steroid hormones —
glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, and progestins.
The adrenal medulla produces the catecholamines,
epinephrine,and norepinephrine.
Afferent nerve — A nerve conveying sensations such as heat,
cold,pain,rough,soft,etc.to the brain.
Anaphylaxis — A manifestation of immediate hypersensitivity
in which exposure to a specific antigen or hapten results in
life-threatening respiratory distress usually followed by vascular
collapse and shock.
Arrhythmia — Any variation from the normal rhythm of the
heart beat.