Glossary of Bio-Medical Terms
Z
RETURN TO INDEX Zalcitabine
MS = A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has been replaced by a hydrogen. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication at low concentrations, acting as a chain-terminator of viral DNA by binding to reverse transcriptase. Its principal toxic side effect is axonal degeneration resulting in peripheral neuropathy.
UI = D016047
Zambia
MS = A republic in southern Africa, south of DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO and TANZANIA, and north of ZIMBABWE. Its capital is Lusaka. It was formerly called Northern Rhodesia. Under the jurisdiction of the British South Africa Company 1889-1924, it became a British Protectorate in 1924, then part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1953-63. It became an independent republic in 1964. The country takes its name from the Zambezi River flowing through it, the fourth longest on the continent. Za (river) also gave its name to Zaire. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1370 & Room, Brewers' Dictionary of Names, 1992, p608)
AN = a republic in southern Africa; X ref NORTHERN RHODESIA is its former name
UI = D015024
Zamiaceae
MS = A plant family of the order Cycadales, class Cycadopsida, division CYCADOPHYTA.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032481
Zantedeschia
MS = A plant genus of the family ARACEAE. The common name of Calla Lily or Callalily also refers to the Calla genus (CALLA PLANT).
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D031064
Zanthoxylum
MS = A plant genus of the family RUTACEAE. Most plants that are called Fagara are actually Zanthoxylum. Some members of Zanthoxylum are reclassified from ELEUTHEROCOCCUS, Melicope, and EVODIA. The twigs are used as dental brushing sticks (TOOTHBRUSHING).
AN = note FAGARA X refs: FAGARA see RUTACEAE and FAGARA HORRIDA see GLEDITSIA are also available; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032106
Zea mays
MS = A plant species of the family POACEAE. It is a tall grass grown for its seed, corn, used as food and animal fodder.
AN = restrict to American corn, Zea mays: for ancient & non-American use of the word "corn" index under CEREALS; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D003313
Zearalenone
MS = (S-(E))-3,4,5,6,8,10-Hexahydro-14,16-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1H-2-benzoxacyclotetradecin-1,7(8H)-dione. One of a group of compounds known under the general designation of resorcylic acid lactones. Cis, trans, dextro and levo forms have been isolated from the fungus Gibberella zeae (formerly Fusarium graminearum). They have estrogenic activity, cause toxicity in livestock as feed contaminant, and have been used as anabolic or estrogen substitutes.
AN = a mycotoxin & non-steroidal estrogen; do not confuse with zearalanone (index under ZEARALENONE /analogs)
UI = D015025
Zeatin
MS = An aminopurine factor in plant extracts that induces cell division. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dict, 5th ed)
UI = D015026
Zebrafish
MS = A species of North American fishes of the family CYPRINIDAE. They are used in embryological studies and to study the effects of certain chemicals on development.
UI = D015027
Zebrafish Proteins
MS = Proteins obtained from the ZEBRAFISH. Many of the proteins in this species have been the subject of studies involving basic embryological development (EMBROLOGY).
AN = coord IM with specific protein (IM)
UI = D029961
Zein
MS = A protein obtainable from corn. It has a molecular weight of about 40,000. It does not contain tryptophan or lysine. (Dorland, 28th ed)
AN = a plant protein
UI = D015028
Zellweger Syndrome
MS = An autosomal recessive peroxisomal disorder that typically presents in the neonatal period and is usually fatal. Clinical features include hypotonia, dysmorphic skull and facial bones, visual compromise, multifocal seizures, hepatomegaly, biliary dysgenesis, and swallowing difficulties. Pathologically, there are migration deficits of the neocortex and degeneration of white matter tracts. Zellweger-like syndrome refers to conditions that phenotypically resemble neonatal Zellweger syndrome, but occur in childhood or adulthood (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p946)
UI = D015211
Zenker Diverticulum
MS = A diverticulum at the upper end of the esophagus through the cricopharyngeal muscle.
AN = inflamm divertic or diverticulitis: coord IM with DIVERTICULITIS (IM)
UI = D016672
Zeolites
MS = Zeolites. A group of crystalline, hydrated alkali-aluminum silicates. They occur naturally in sedimentary and volcanic rocks, altered basalts, ores, and clay deposits. Some 40 known zeolite minerals and a great number of synthetic zeolites are available commercially. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
AN = aluminum silicates; cation exchangers, molecular sieves, water softeners & adsorbents
UI = D017641
Zeranol
MS = A non-steroidal estrogen analog.
UI = D015029
zeta Carotene
MS = A carotenoid produced in most carotenogenic organisms. It is one of several sequentially synthesized molecules that are precursors to BETA CAROTENE.
UI = D024321
zeta-Crystallins
MS = A group of crystallins that have been found in the lens (LENS, CRYSTALLINE) of certain species of VERTEBRATES including GUINEA PIGS, CAMELS and LLAMAS. They are inactivated forms of NAD(P)H DEHYDROGENASE (QUINONE).
UI = D038226
Zidovudine
MS = A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has been replaced by an azido group. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication, acting as a chain-terminator of viral DNA during reverse transcription. It improves immunologic function, partially reverses the HIV-induced neurological dysfunction, and improves certain other clinical abnormalities associated with AIDS. Its principal toxic effect is dose-dependent suppression of bone marrow, resulting in anemia and leukopenia.
UI = D015215
Zigadenus
MS = A plant genus of the family LILIACEAE that is fatally toxic to grazing animals. The name is similar to another plant called Camas (CAMASSIA).
AN = CAMAS see CAMASSIA is also available; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D031449
Zimbabwe
MS = A republic in southern Africa, east of ZAMBIA and BOTSWANA and west of MOZAMBIQUE. Its capital is Harare. It was formerly called Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia. The region was under the administration of the British South Africa Company from 1889 to 1923 when it became a self-governing British colony. Zimbabwe was a member of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1953-63. It was granted independence by the British in 1980 when it became Zimbabwe. The name is from that of a famous archaeological site whose name is the Bantu zimba we bahwe, (house of stones) from zimba, the plural of imba (house) + bahwe (stones). It refers to ruins comprising an acropolis with huge walls of monoliths fitted without mortar. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1013, 1374 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p610)
AN = a republic in southern Africa; note X ref SOUTHERN RHODESIA: Northern Rhodesia is now ZAMBIA
UI = D015030
Zimeldine
MS = One of the SEROTONIN UPTAKE INHIBITORS formerly used for depression but was withdrawn worldwide in September 1983 because of the risk of GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME associated with its use. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 29th ed, p385)
UI = D015031
Zinc
MS = A metallic trace element that has the atomic symbol Zn, atomic number 30, and atomic weight 65.38. It is necessary in the diet, forms an essential part of many enzymes, and plays an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with anemia, short stature, hypogonadism, impaired wound healing, and geophagia. (From Dorland, 27th ed)
AN = a trace element; Zn-64; /defic /physiol permitted
UI = D015032
Zinc Acetate
MS = A salt produced by the reaction of zinc oxide with acetic acid and used as an astringent, styptic, and emetic.
UI = D019345
Zinc Compounds
MS = Inorganic compounds that contain zinc as an integral part of the molecule.
AN = inorganic; GEN or unspecified; prefer specifics; DF: ZINC CPDS
UI = D017967
Zinc Fingers
MS = Motifs in DNA- and RNA-binding proteins whose amino acids are folded into a single structural unit around a zinc atom. In the classic zinc finger, one zinc atom is bound to two cysteines and two histidines. In between the cysteines and histidines are 12 residues which form a DNA binding fingertip. By variations in the composition of the sequences in the fingertip and the number and spacing of tandem repeats of the motif, zinc fingers can form a large number of different sequence specific binding sites.
UI = D016335
Zinc Isotopes
MS = Stable zinc atoms that have the same atomic number as the element zinc, but differ in atomic weight. Zn-66-68, and 70 are stable zinc isotopes.
AN = Zn-66, 67, 68, 70; NIM
UI = D015033
Zinc Oxide
MS = A mild astringent and topical protectant with some antiseptic action. It is also used in bandages, pastes, ointments, dental cements, and as a sunblock.
AN = a dermatol agent
UI = D015034
Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement
MS = Used as a dental cement this is mainly zinc oxide (with strengtheners and accelerators) and eugenol. (Boucher's Clinical Dental Terminology, 4th ed, p50)
AN = D25-26 qualif
UI = D015035
Zinc Phosphate Cement
MS = A material used for cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances and occasionally as a temporary restoration. It is prepared by mixing zinc oxide and magnesium oxide powders with a liquid consisting principally of phosphoric acid, water, and buffers. (From Bouchers' Clinical Dental Terminology, 3d ed)
AN = a dent cement; D25-26 qualif
UI = D015036
Zinc Radioisotopes
MS = Unstable isotopes of zinc that decay or disintegrate emitting radiation. Zn atoms with atomic weights 60-63, 65, 69, 71, and 72 are radioactive zinc isotopes.
AN = Zn-60-63, 65, 69, 71, 72; NIM; /blood-csf-urine /metab permitted but not for tracer studies ( = /diag use)
UI = D015037
Zinc Sulfate
MS = A compound given in the treatment of conditions associated with zinc deficiency such as acrodermatitis enteropathica. Externally, zinc sulfate is used as an astringent in lotions and eye drops. (Reynolds JEF(Ed): Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia (electronic version). Micromedex, Inc, Englewood, CO, 1995)
UI = D019287
Zineb
MS = An agricultural fungicide of the dithiocarbamate class. It has relatively low toxicity and there is little evidence of human injury from exposure.
UI = D015038
Zingiberaceae
MS = A plant family of the order Zingiberales, subclass Zingiberidae, class Liliopsida. It includes plants which have both flavoring and medicinal properties such as GINGER; turmeric (CURCUMA), and cardamom (ELETTARIA).
AN = prefer specific plant; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATION or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D030521
Zingiberales
MS = This plant order includes 8 families, 66 genera, and about 1,800 species. These herbaceous perennials are mainly found in the wet tropics. Members include the banana family (MUSACEAE) and GINGER family (ZINGIBERACEAE).
AN = prefer specific plant; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D019862
Zinostatin
MS = An antitumor isolate from the culture filtrate of the F-41 variant of Streptomyces carzinostaticus. It is a protein of known amino acid sequence with a molecular weight of approximately 11,500 and possessing a regulatory function on the metabolism of DNA. In this process, that is first an inhibition of DNA biosynthesis followed by the degradation of DNA, zinostatin functions in a manner analogous to that of the much higher molecular weight antibiotic MITOMYCIN. Zinostatin is also a potent cytostatic agent active against gram-positive organisms.
AN = an antineoplastic antibiotic
UI = D009353
Ziram
MS = An industrial fungicide with low mammalian toxicity, although it does possess an irritant capacity for skin and mucous membranes.
UI = D015039
Zirconium
MS = Zirconium. A rather rare metallic element, atomic number 40, atomic weight 91.22, symbol Zr. (From Dorland, 28th ed)
AN = Zr-90; Zr-91, 92, 94, 96 = ZIRCONIUM (IM) + ISOTOPES (NIM); Zr-81-89, 93, 95, 97, 98 = ZIRCONIUM (IM) + RADIOISOTOPES (IM)
UI = D015040
Ziziphus
MS = A plant genus of the family RHAMNACEAE. Members contain nummularogenin (a spirostane) and is the source of an edible fruit.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D031957
Zolazepam
MS = A pyrazolodiazepinone with pharmacological actions similar to anti-anxiety agents. It is commonly used in combination with TILETAMINE to obtain immobilization and anesthesia in animals.
UI = D015041
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
MS = A triad comprising intractable, sometimes fulminating, and in many ways, atypical ulcers; extremely elevated gastric acidity; and gastrin-secreting non-beta islet cell tumors, usually of the pancreas, but sometimes in other sites (e.g., the duodenum), which may be single or multiple, large or small, benign or malignant. (Dorland, 27th ed)
AN = peptic ulcer with gastric hyperacidity & islet cell tumors; do not use /blood supply /chem /second /secret /ultrastruct
UI = D015043
Zona Fasciculata
MS = The wide middle zone of the adrenal cortex. This zone consists of large lipid-laden cells radially arranged in parallel cords. It converts pregnenolone to cortisol by a series of enzymatically regulated steps. A small amount of corticosterone is formed as a by-product of cortisol synthesis.
AN = middle zone of adrenal cortex
UI = D015383
Zona Glomerulosa
MS = The narrow subcapsular outer zone of the adrenal cortex. This zone consists of granular cells which stain deeply and are arranged in rounded groups. It converts pregnenolone to aldosterone by a series of enzymatically regulated steps.
AN = outer zone of adrenal cortex
UI = D015384
Zona Pellucida
MS = A tough transparent membrane surrounding the OVUM. It is penetrated by the sperm during FERTILIZATION.
UI = D015044
Zona Reticularis
MS = The inner zone of the adrenal cortex. This zone consists of an anastomosing network of cells which resemble those of the zona fasciculata except for the fact that they contain less lipid. The mitochondria are elongated and contain a mixture of tubular and flattened cristae.
AN = inner zone of adrenal cortex
UI = D015385
Zoogloea
MS = A genus of PSEUDOMONADACEAE occurring as rod-shaped cells embedded in a gelatinous matrix. It includes Z. filipendula.
UI = D015045
Zoology
AN = SPEC: SPEC qualif; DF: ZOOL
UI = D015046
Zoomastigophora
MS = A class of protozoa consisting of animal-like flagellates. Its organisms are heterotrophic and have one-to-many flagella. This class includes one superorder, Parabasalidea, and six orders: Choanoflagellida, KINETOPLASTIDA, Proteromonadida, Retortamonadida, DIPLOMONADIDA, and Oxymonadida.
AN = a class of protozoa
UI = D016826
Zoonoses
MS = Diseases of non-human animals that may be transmitted to man or may be transmitted from man to non-human animals.
AN = usually dis from animal to man but includes also dis from man to animal; can be bact, fungal, viral or parasitic; avoid qualif: few apply; not a coord for every zoonotic dis: index as ZOONOSES only when discussed: TN 199
UI = D015047
Zooplankton
MS = Minute free-floating animal organisms which live in practically all natural waters.
AN = live in almost all natural waters
UI = D015048
Zoster Sine Herpete
MS = HERPES ZOSTER but without eruption of vesicles. Patients exhibit the characteristic pain minus the skin rash, sometimes making diagnosis difficult.
UI = D031368
Zosteraceae
MS = A plant family of the order Najadales, subclass ALISMATIDAE, class Liliopsida (monocotyledons). This is a group of perennial aquatic herbs with basal leaves.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D035962
Zoxazolamine
MS = A uricosuric and muscle relaxant. Zoxazolamine acts centrally as a muscle relaxant, but the mechanism of its action is not understood.
AN = a uricosuric & central muscle relaxant
UI = D015049
Zygapophyseal Joint
MS = The joint that occurs between facets of the interior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebra.
UI = D021801
Zygoma
UI = D015050
Zygomatic Fractures
MS = Fractures of the zygoma.
UI = D015051
Zygomycosis
MS = Infection in humans and animals caused by fungi in the class Zygomycetes. It includes MUCORMYCOSIS and entomophthoramycosis. The latter is a tropical infection of subcutaneous tissue or paranasal sinuses caused by fungi in the order Entomophthorales. Phycomycosis, closely related to zygomycosis, describes infection with members of Phycomycetes, an obsolete classification.
AN = fungus dis caused by various Zygomycetes; for dis caused by Mucorales, MUCORMYCOSIS is available
UI = D020096
Zygomycota
MS = A phylum of fungi, formerly included in the Phycomycetes, usually saprophytic or parasitic, especially for insects.
UI = D015052
Zygophyllaceae
MS = A plant family of the order Sapindales, subclass Rosidae, class Magnoliopsida which is a small family of small trees and shrubs growing in arid and warm regions.
AN = prefer specific plant; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATION or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D028461
Zygophyllum
MS = A plant genus of the family ZYGOPHYLLACEAE. Members contain SAPONINS.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032445
Zygosaccharomyces
MS = A genus of ascomycetous fungi of the family Saccharomycetaceae, order SACCHAROMYCETALES.
UI = D020068
Zygote
MS = The fertilized OVUM resulting from the fusion of a male and a female gamete.
UI = D015053
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer
MS = A technique in assisted reproduction (REPRODUCTIVE TECHNIQUES, ASSISTED) consisting of hormonal stimulation of the ovaries, follicular aspiration of preovulatory oocytes, in-vitro fertilization, and intrafallopian transfer of zygotes at the pronuclear stage (before cleavage).
UI = D017388
Zymomonas
MS = A genus of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that is not known to be pathogenic for man, animals, or plants. Its organisms are spoilers for beers and ciders and in sweet English ciders they are the causative agents of a secondary fermentation known as "cider sickness." The species Z. mobilis is used for experiments in molecular genetic studies.
AN = non-pathogenic but spoils fermented beverages
UI = D017355
Zymosan
UI = D015054