The principal protein in connective tissue. This fibrous, structural protein molecule provides strength and elasticity to tissue, skin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bones. Collagen deposition after a tissue is damaged is essential for optimal and timely healing. Low oxygen saturation and hypothermia each reduce collagen deposition.
Letter: c
The presence of a new microorganisms that has gained access to the body, multiplied and has not yet caused an active infection or been eliminated by the immune system.
In reference to bacteria, becoming established and multiplying in a particular host site, such as part of the body or a wound without causing an infection at that time.
A mass of microbes that has grown from a single cell in a laboratory culture, such as a Petri dish. After plating out a specimen, the individual colonies permit quantification of the bacteria (assume one colony initiated by one bacterium) and to obtain pure samples of bacteria (isolate) from individual colonies for identification.
A surgical opening from the colon through the abdomen into the large or small intestines, forming a stoma for the discharge of stool (fecal material). In some cases, the procedure may be reversible.
Disease that can be transmitted from person to person.
A group of 25 to 30 enzymatic serum proteins found in blood plasma that make up the complement system, part of the human non-cellular immune response.
Tomography in which computer analysis of a series of cross-sectional scans made along a single axis of a bodily structure or tissue is used to construct a three-dimensional image of that structure. The technique is used in diagnostic studies of internal bodily structures, as in the detection of tumors or brain aneurysms.
The suffix used to designate a killing treatment. The words prefix indicates the type of organism affected, such as bactericidal or fungicidal.
Microscopic hair-like extensions that line the respiratory tract and move in a synchronous motion to move secretions with entrapped inhaled dust, debris, and microbes forward into the pharynx to be expelled by the host through sneezing, coughing, or swallowing. For example, there are approximately 200 cilia per cell which beat at the rate of 1,000 to 1,500 times a minute propelling mucus, microorganisms and debris up and out of the airways. Influenza viruses often destroy cilia leaving gaps in the muco-cilliary conveyor belt hindering defense against further infections (e.g. secondary bacterial pneumonia). SEE mucocilliary escalator, oropharynx.