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Elastin
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ElastinA protein that coil and recoils like a spring within the elastic fibers of connective tissue and accounts for the elasticity of structures such the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, intestines, tendons, and ligaments. Elastin functions in connective tissue together with collagen. Whereas elastin provides elasticity, collagen provides rigidity to connective tissue. Elastin is normally no longer made after puberty and aging begins. Also called elasticin.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
Lungs
The main respiratory organs in the chest where blood is oxygenated.
Intestines
See large intestine and small intestine. Also called gut.
Ligaments
Connect the bones and keep joints stable.
Elastin
A protein that coil and recoils like a spring within the elastic fibers of connective tissue and accounts for the elasticity of structures such the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, intestines, tendons, and ligaments. Elastin functions in connective tissue together with collagen. Whereas elastin provides elasticity, collagen provides rigidity to connective tissue. Elastin is normally no longer made after puberty and aging begins. Also called elasticin.
Collagen
At a microscopic level, this is the 'skeleton' of most tissues in the body.
Rigidity
Rigidity is an increased resistance to the passive movement of a limb.
Puberty
A sequence of events by which a child becomes a young adult; characterized by secretions of hormones, development of secondary sexual characteristics, reproductive functions, and growth spurts.
Aging
The process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Elase-chloromycetin
Elase-chloromycetin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): chloramphenicol; desoxyribonuclease; fibrinolysin.
Elastase
An enzyme that digests and degrades a number of proteins including elastin, an elastic substance in the lungs and some other organs that supports their structural framework. Elastase is specifically inhibited by alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Elastase 1
Pancreatic elastase, a member of the pancreatic family of serine proteases. Although termed elastase, this powerful protease can hydrolyze numerous proteins, including elastin. The gene ELA1 that encodes elastase 1 is on chromosome 12q13.
Elastase 2
Neutrophil elastase, an enzyme in neutrophils that digests elastin. The gene ELA2 encoding elastase 2 is on chromosome 19p13,3. Mutations in ELA2 cause cyclic neutropenia, a blood disease in which there are regular cyclic fluctuations in the numbers of neutrophils and other blood cells. The cycles are classically 21 days but may range from 15 to 35 days. Patients with the disease typically have regularly recurring symptoms of fever, malaise, mucosal ulcers, and are at risk for life-threatening infections during periods of neutropenia.
Elastic fiber
A slender fiber in connective tissue that is rich in the protein elastin and has an elastic quality.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
ELA2
The gene encoding the enzyme elastase 2 (neutrophilic elastase). Mutations in ELA2 cause cyclic neutropenia.
Elastase
An enzyme that digests and degrades a number of proteins including elastin, an elastic substance in the lungs and some other organs that supports their structural framework. Elastase is specifically inhibited by alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Elastase 1
Pancreatic elastase, a member of the pancreatic family of serine proteases. Although termed elastase, this powerful protease can hydrolyze numerous proteins, including elastin. The gene ELA1 that encodes elastase 1 is on chromosome 12q13.
Elastase 2
Neutrophil elastase, an enzyme in neutrophils that digests elastin. The gene ELA2 encoding elastase 2 is on chromosome 19p13,3. Mutations in ELA2 cause cyclic neutropenia, a blood disease in which there are regular cyclic fluctuations in the numbers of neutrophils and other blood cells. The cycles are classically 21 days but may range from 15 to 35 days. Patients with the disease typically have regularly recurring symptoms of fever, malaise, mucosal ulcers, and are at risk for life-threatening infections during periods of neutropenia.
Elastic fiber
A slender fiber in connective tissue that is rich in the protein elastin and has an elastic quality.
Elastin
Elbow
The juncture of the long bones in the middle portion of the arm. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint at the elbow. The radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge, and the triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends it. The primary stability of the elbow is provided by the ulnar collateral ligament, located on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. The outer bony prominence of the elbow is the lateral epicondyle, a part of the humerus bone. Tendons attached to this area can be injured, causing inflammation or tendonitis (lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow). The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Additional tendons from muscles attach here and can be injured, likewise causing inflammation or tendonitis (medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow).
Elbow bursitis
At the tip of the elbow (the olecranon area), there is a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction with motion. This bursa is known as the olecranon bursa. Because of its location, the olecranon bursa is subject to trauma, ranging from simple repetitive weight bearing while leaning, to banging in a fall. This trauma can cause a common, aseptic form of bursitis (olecranon bursitis) with varying degrees of swelling, warmth, tenderness and redness in the area overlying the point of the elbow.
Elbow bursitis, treatment of
If non-infectious, elbow bursitis treatment includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain. Infectious bursitis is treated with antibiotics, aspiration, and surgery.
Elbow joint
Three long bones meet in the middle portion of the arm at the elbow joint. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint. And the radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (turn outwards and inwards).
Elbow pain
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Elbow pain has many other causes including arthritis and bursitis. Funny bone sensation is irritation of a nerve at the elbow that causes numbness and tingling of the inner elbow, forearm as well as little and ring fingers. Bacteria can infect the skin of a scraped (abraded) elbow to cause pain.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Skin
Skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. Skin is used for insulation, vitamin D production, sensation, and excretion (through sweat).
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
Lungs
The main respiratory organs in the chest where blood is oxygenated.
Intestines
See large intestine and small intestine. Also called gut.
Ligaments
Connect the bones and keep joints stable.
Elastin
A protein that coil and recoils like a spring within the elastic fibers of connective tissue and accounts for the elasticity of structures such the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, intestines, tendons, and ligaments. Elastin functions in connective tissue together with collagen. Whereas elastin provides elasticity, collagen provides rigidity to connective tissue. Elastin is normally no longer made after puberty and aging begins. Also called elasticin.
Collagen
At a microscopic level, this is the 'skeleton' of most tissues in the body.
Rigidity
Rigidity is an increased resistance to the passive movement of a limb.
Puberty
A sequence of events by which a child becomes a young adult; characterized by secretions of hormones, development of secondary sexual characteristics, reproductive functions, and growth spurts.
Aging
The process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Elase-chloromycetin
Elase-chloromycetin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): chloramphenicol; desoxyribonuclease; fibrinolysin.
Elastase
An enzyme that digests and degrades a number of proteins including elastin, an elastic substance in the lungs and some other organs that supports their structural framework. Elastase is specifically inhibited by alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Elastase 1
Pancreatic elastase, a member of the pancreatic family of serine proteases. Although termed elastase, this powerful protease can hydrolyze numerous proteins, including elastin. The gene ELA1 that encodes elastase 1 is on chromosome 12q13.
Elastase 2
Neutrophil elastase, an enzyme in neutrophils that digests elastin. The gene ELA2 encoding elastase 2 is on chromosome 19p13,3. Mutations in ELA2 cause cyclic neutropenia, a blood disease in which there are regular cyclic fluctuations in the numbers of neutrophils and other blood cells. The cycles are classically 21 days but may range from 15 to 35 days. Patients with the disease typically have regularly recurring symptoms of fever, malaise, mucosal ulcers, and are at risk for life-threatening infections during periods of neutropenia.
Elastic fiber
A slender fiber in connective tissue that is rich in the protein elastin and has an elastic quality.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
ELA2
The gene encoding the enzyme elastase 2 (neutrophilic elastase). Mutations in ELA2 cause cyclic neutropenia.
Elastase
An enzyme that digests and degrades a number of proteins including elastin, an elastic substance in the lungs and some other organs that supports their structural framework. Elastase is specifically inhibited by alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Elastase 1
Pancreatic elastase, a member of the pancreatic family of serine proteases. Although termed elastase, this powerful protease can hydrolyze numerous proteins, including elastin. The gene ELA1 that encodes elastase 1 is on chromosome 12q13.
Elastase 2
Neutrophil elastase, an enzyme in neutrophils that digests elastin. The gene ELA2 encoding elastase 2 is on chromosome 19p13,3. Mutations in ELA2 cause cyclic neutropenia, a blood disease in which there are regular cyclic fluctuations in the numbers of neutrophils and other blood cells. The cycles are classically 21 days but may range from 15 to 35 days. Patients with the disease typically have regularly recurring symptoms of fever, malaise, mucosal ulcers, and are at risk for life-threatening infections during periods of neutropenia.
Elastic fiber
A slender fiber in connective tissue that is rich in the protein elastin and has an elastic quality.
Elastin
Elbow
The juncture of the long bones in the middle portion of the arm. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint at the elbow. The radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge, and the triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends it. The primary stability of the elbow is provided by the ulnar collateral ligament, located on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. The outer bony prominence of the elbow is the lateral epicondyle, a part of the humerus bone. Tendons attached to this area can be injured, causing inflammation or tendonitis (lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow). The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Additional tendons from muscles attach here and can be injured, likewise causing inflammation or tendonitis (medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow).
Elbow bursitis
At the tip of the elbow (the olecranon area), there is a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction with motion. This bursa is known as the olecranon bursa. Because of its location, the olecranon bursa is subject to trauma, ranging from simple repetitive weight bearing while leaning, to banging in a fall. This trauma can cause a common, aseptic form of bursitis (olecranon bursitis) with varying degrees of swelling, warmth, tenderness and redness in the area overlying the point of the elbow.
Elbow bursitis, treatment of
If non-infectious, elbow bursitis treatment includes rest, ice, and medications for inflammation and pain. Infectious bursitis is treated with antibiotics, aspiration, and surgery.
Elbow joint
Three long bones meet in the middle portion of the arm at the elbow joint. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets both the ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) and radius (the outer bone of the forearm) to form a hinge joint. And the radius and ulna also meet one another in the elbow to permit a small amount of rotation of the forearm. The elbow therefore functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (turn outwards and inwards).
Elbow pain
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Elbow pain has many other causes including arthritis and bursitis. Funny bone sensation is irritation of a nerve at the elbow that causes numbness and tingling of the inner elbow, forearm as well as little and ring fingers. Bacteria can infect the skin of a scraped (abraded) elbow to cause pain.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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