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Abduction: movement of a body part away from the midline of the body
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Acclimatization: the ability of the body to undergo physiological adaptations so that the stress of a given environment, such as high altitude, is less severe.
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Acetic acid: a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid: a precursor for the Krebs cycle when converted into acetyl CoA.
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Acetyl CoA: the major fuel for the oxidative processes in the body, being derived from the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
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Acidosis: a disturbance of the normal acid-base balance in which excess acids accumulate in the body. Lactic acid production during exercise may lead to acidosis.
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Active range of motion: joint motion that occurs because of muscle contraction.
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Acute injury: an injury with sudden onset and short duration.
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Additives: substances added to food to improve flavor, color, texture or stability.
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Adduction: movement of a body part toward the midline of the body.
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ADH: the antidiuretic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland: its major action is to conserve body water by decreasing urine formation.
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Adipose cell: stores fat.
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Adrenaline: a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla: it is a stimulant and prepares the body for “fight” or “flight.”
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Aerobic: relating to energy processes that occur in the presence of oxygen.
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Aerobic walking: rapid walking designed to elevate the heart rate so that a training effect will occur: more strenuous than ordinary leisure walking.
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Afferent nerves: nerves that transport messages to the brain.
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Agonist muscles: muscles directly engaged in contraction as related to muscles that relax at the same time.
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Alanine: a nonessential amino acid.
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Aldosterone: the main electrolyte-regulating hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex: primarily controls sodium and potassium balance.
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Alpha-linolenic acid: an omega-3 fatty acid considered to be an essential nutrient.
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Amenorrhea: absence or suppression of menstruation.
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Amino acids: the chief structural material of protein, consisting of an amino group and an acid group, plus other components.
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Aminostatic theory: a theory suggesting that hunger is controlled by the presence or absence of amino acids in the blood acting upon a receptor in the hypothalamus.
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Anabolic/androgenic steroids: drugs designed to mimic the actions of testosterone to build muscle tissue while minimizing the androgenic effects.
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Anaerobic: relating to energy processes that occur in the absence of oxygen.
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Anaerobic glycolysis: metabolic processes in the cell that liberate energy in the metabolism of the carbohydrate glycogen without the involvement of oxidation.
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Anaerobic threshold: the intensity of exercise at which the individual begins to increase the proportion of energy derived from anaerobic means, principally the lactic acid system.
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Analgesic: agent that relieves pain without causing a complete loss of sensation.
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Androgen: any substance that aids the development and controls the appearance of male characteristics.
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Android-type obesity: male type obesity in which the body fat accumulates in the abdominal area and is a more significant risk factor for chronic disease than is gynoid-type obesity.
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Anemia: a lack of iron.
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Anesthesia: partial or complete loss of sensation.
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Angina: the pain experienced under the breastbone or in other areas of the upper body when the heart is deprived of oxygen.
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Anorexia nervosa: eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image.
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Anoxia: lack of oxygen.
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Antagonist muscles: muscles that counteract the action of agonist muscles.
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Anterior: before or in front of.
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Anthropometry: use of body firths and diameters to evaluate body composition.
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Antioxidant: a compound that may protect other compounds from the effects of oxygen. The antioxidant itself interferes with the oxidative processes.
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Antipyretic: agent that relieves or reduces fever.
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Apophysis: body outgrowth to which muscles attach.
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Apophysitis: inflammation of an apophysis.
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Arginine: an essential amino acid.
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Arteriosclerosis: hardening of the arteries
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Arthrogram: radiopaque material injected into a joint to facilitate the taking of an X-ray.
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Arthroscopic examination: viewing the inside of a joint through an arthroscope, which uses a small camera lens.
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Ascorbic acid: vitamin C
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Aspartame: an artificial sweetener made from amino acids.
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Assymetry: lack of symmetry of the sides of the body.
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ATP: adenosine triphosphate, a high energy phosphate compound found in the body; one of the major forms of energy available for immediate use in the body.
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Atrophy: wasting away of tissue or of an organ, causing a decrease in the size of a body part.
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Avascular: devoid of blood circulation
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Avascular necrosis: death of tissue caused by the lack of blood supply.
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Avulsion: Forcible tearing away of a part or a structure.
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