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Medical and Healthy Living Glossary - C

This page of our online glossary of medical and healthy living is for medical and healthy living terms beginning with the letter 'C'.

Calories - The basic units in which the energy value of food and the energy needs of the body are measured. One calorie is such a small measurement, the figures are usually expressed in units of 1000 calories, which are called kilocalories (kcal) or Calories (Cal) with a capital 'C'. A similar unit of measurement is the kiloJoule (kJ) which is equal to approximately 4.2 Calories. Energy needs vary according to age, size and sex. For example, a 16-year-old boy will need around 3000 Calories per day, and a moderately active adult woman will typically need just under 2000 calories.
Cancer - Unregulated cell growth. Cancer causes malignant tumors.
Capillaries - Narrow blood vessels that form a network throughout the body.
Carbamates - A class of synthetic pesticides that work by disrupting nerve function.
Carcinogen - A substance that may produce cancer in living tissues. Many of the known or suspected carcinogens are chemicals, such as some of those used in industrial processes, emitted in car exhaust fumes or present in tobacco smoke. Others include radiation from the sun, nitrosamines formed in the stomach from nitrites, sausages and salt-cured meats, certain chemicals found in charred meat and certain viruses associated with some forms of leukaemia.
Carotenoids - The yellow and red pigments found in many plants. They indude beta carotene, a known antioxidant that may help to preserve health by neutralising free radicals. Some other carotenoids, either individually or in combination, are thought to also have beneficial properties.
Cartliage - A tough connective tissue that is pliable and forms part of the skeleton. There are three different types of cartliage - hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage and elastic cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is found at the joints of movable bones, in the trachea, nose and bronchi, and as costal cartilage joining the ribs to the breast bone. Fibrocartilage, consisting of cartilage and connective tissue, is found in the intervertebral discs of the spinal column and in tendons. Elastic cartilage is found in the external part of the ear.
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating and preventing disease.
Cellulose - Humans cannot digest this carbohydrate which is one of the main constituents of plant cell walls. But cellulose is important in the diet as a source of insoluble fibre, adding roughage or bulk which helps waste products to pass efficiently through the bowel.
Cerebrospinal Fluid - A nourishing and cushioning fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Cholesterol - A fatty insoluble molecule which is widely found in the body and is synthesized from saturated fatty acids in the liver. Cholesterol is an important substance in the body. It is a component of cell membranes and a precursor in the production of steroid hormones and bile salts. An elevated level of blood cholesterol is associated with atheroma, which may result in high blood pressure and coronary thrombosis, which is seen in the disease diabetes mellitus. It is recommended that people reduce their consumption of saturated fat and instead use unsaturated fats, which are found in vegetable oils.
Chromosome - The rod-like structures, present in the nucleus of every body cell, that carry genetic information or genes. Each human body cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes (apart from the sperm and ova), half are derived from the mother and half from the father. Each chromosome consists of a coiled double filament (double helix) of DNA with genes carrying the genetic information in linear form along its length. The genes determine all the characteristics of each individual. 22 of the chromosome pairs are the same in males and females. The 23rd pair are the sex chromosomes. Males have one X and one Y, and females have two X chromosomes.
Chronic - Term used to describe a disease that develops slowly over a number of years or lasts for a long time - for example, chronic asthma and chronic osteoarthritis.
Chyme - Semi-digested food found in the stomach.
Cilia - A tiny hair-like projection from a cell wall, which may have a beating action.
CNS - Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Codex Alimentarius - International body that sets food standards to facilitate trade and promote food safety.
Coenzymes - Organic compounds that work with enzymes to speed up biological processes such as digestion. A coenzyme may be a vitamin, contain one, or be manufactured in the body from one. For example, coenzyme A - used in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats - contains pantothenic acid, a B vitamin.
Cofactor - A general term for non-protein substances that must be present in suitable quantities before certain enzymes can function.
Collagen - A structural protein found in most body tissues. It forms the main constituent of tendons, the cords of fibres that attach muscles to bones. Collagen is the intercellular material that binds cells together and is found in skin, ligaments, bone and cartilage.
Colonization - Proliferation of bacteria in the gut.
Competitive Exclusion - A system that introduces enough harmless bacteria into the gut of an animal to prevent harmful bacteria from thriving.
Complex Carbohydrates - A collective term for starches and fibre. They have a more complicated chemical structure than sugars (simple carbohydrates), which make up the third group of carbohydrates.
Congenital - Term used to describe a disorder that is, or is believed to have been, present at birth, whether the defect has been inherited or is due to environmental factors. For example, a harelip and spina bifida.
Contaminant - Any substance, object, or germ that is present in food and should not be.
Cornea - Transparent layer that protects the front of the eye.
Cross-Contamination - Occurs when disease-causing organisms from one food (usually uncooked animal products) are allowed get onto another food. Cross-contamination usually occurs when foods are prepared on the same surface, or transferred by sponges, utensils, or aprons.
Cortex - Firm, outer part of some organs, glands, hairs, and bones.
Cranial Nerves - Twelve pairs of nerves that are connected directly to the brain.