Health Chapter 1 Review Define

unsaturated fatty acid

a bent fatty acid chain having fewer than the maximum number of hydrogen atoms

peristalsis

a series of wavelike contractions in a tube; in the digestive tract, serves to move food along

saturated fatty acid

a straight fatty acid chain having fewer than the maximum number of hydrogen atoms

amino acid

any of approximately 22 different molecules that serve as the "building blocks" of proteins

antioxidants

any substance that neutralizes free radicals that would otherwise damage important call parts

blood cholesterol

cholesterol that can accumulate in blood vessels and restict blood flow

gingiva

means gum; tissue surrounding the teeth

nutrient density

proportion of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to the number of calories the food contains

pediatrician

provides primary care for infants and children

metabolism

the chemical and physical process by which the body "burns" food and generates energy

kilocalorie

the common unit for measuring the energy value of foods; often called calorie

duodenum

the first 10 inches of the small intestine

digestion

the physical and chemical breakdown of food into simpler substances that the body can use

gastroenterology

the study of structure, functions, disorders, and diseases of the digestive system

basal metabolism

your lowest rate of metabolism