NUTRITION EXAM #1 (WEDNSDAY)
o What sphincter is involved of the development of GERD?
(LES) Lower Esophageal Sphincter
What is the definition of a "nutrient requirement"? What factors influence someone's requirements?
**Smallest amount of a nutrient that maintains a defined level of nutritional health · · Many factors influence a person's requirements · Age · Sex · General health status · Physical activity level · Medication and drug use
· What are dietary supplements? What substances are defined as dietary supplements under DSHEA?
- DSHEA defines a dietary supplement as a product (excluding tobacco) - that contains a -vitamin, - a mineral, -an herb or other plant product that supplements the diet by increasing total intake
Mechanical digestion
-Biting and grinding actions break and mash food into smaller pieces
Understand the two ways that nutrients are transported in the body. What is transported in each system?
-Cardiovascular system Heart, blood vessels, blood Transports: Water-soluble nutrients Path: Blood stream à liver -Lymphatic system · Lymph vessels, lymph · Transports: · Fat-soluble nutrients · Long chain fatty acids · Path: · Lymph system à blood stream à liver
· Understand the definition of a dietary calorie. What is it an actual measurement of?
-Kilocalorie or calorie- a measure of food energy, (aka heat energy) -A kilocalorie is the heat energy needed to raise the temperature of 1000g (1 liter) of water 1-degree Celsius. -1 kilocalorie= 1 calorie = 1000 calories (kilocalorie is abbreviated as Kcal)
Chemical digestion
-Saliva mixes and lubricates food -Salivary amylase and lipase (enzymes) begin breaking down starch and fat, respectively
What nutrients can bacteria in the colon synthesize?
-Vitamins K, B-12, thiamin, and biotin
· The large intestine contains vast numbers of various types of bacteria that can:
1. metabolize (ferment) undigested food material 2. make vitamins K, B-12, thiamin, and biotin 3. produce intestinal gas
·What are some of the main nutrition-related goals under Healthy People 2020?
1.Increasing number of adults with healthy weights 2.Increasing fruit intake 3.Increasing the variety and intake of vegetables 4.Reducing sodium intake 5.Reducing intakes of solid fats and added sugars
· · Which organs make up the accessory organs?
Accessory Organs Liver, pancreas and gallbladder
o What is food called when it leaves the stomach and goes further into the GI tract?
After food enters your stomach, the stomach muscles mix the food and liquid with digestive juices. The stomach slowly empties its contents, called chyme, into your small intestine.
How do enzymes function with respect to digestion?
An enzyme is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes speed up chemical reactions that break down large food molecules into small molecules
· What does the term "bioavailability" mean?
Bioavailability Extent to which digestive tract absorbs nutrients and how well the body utilizes them
o How is the structure of the small intestine different from other parts of the GI tract? Specifically:
Circular folds · Slow passage of chyme · Mix chyme · Increase contact of chyme with intestine Villi · Increase surface area · Finger-like projections on circular folds Microvilli · Increase surface area · Finger-like projections on the villi · Very tiny, hair-like structures of the cell membrane (brush border)
Cohort Study (both prospective and retrospective)
Cohort study: Collects information about people, analyzes the information, and measures changes in variables of a group of people over time. Prospective · Means "to look forward" · Follows group of healthy people into the future and looks for factors that may have contributed to changes in their health Retrospective · Means "to look back" · Examines people's past exposures to explain why some people are affected by a condition and not others
o What is the primary function of the esophagus?
Connects pharynx to the stomach Primary functions -Motility -Peristalsis
o What are the two types of IBDs?
Crohn's begins in small intestine, may damage colon Ulcerative Colitis begins in rectum, damages colon
o What macronutrients are broken down by enzymes that the small intestine secrete?
Digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats continues in the small intestine. Starch and glycogen are broken down into maltose by small intestine enzymes. Proteases are enzymes secreted by the pancreas that continue the breakdown of protein into small peptide fragments and amino acids.
o What are enterocytes?
Enterocytes Primary cell type in small intestine Regulate entry of nutrients into body Produce enzymes Connected by "tight junctions" Lifespan = ~6 days Very sensitive to nutritional signals
o What is the "flap" called that makes sure food enters into the esophagus and not a person's trachea?
Epiglottis Prevents food from lodging in the trachea Covers the larynx
· What is the difference between a food allergyand a food intolerance/sensitivity?
Food Allergy Protein in food is improperly labeled as foreign & immune/allergic response is triggered Causes Unknown Genetic? Exposure/gut compromise during infancy? · Food Intolerance/Sensitivity · Not an immune/allergic response · Causes · Lack of enzyme necessary for digestion (typical)
o What substance from the stomach is particularly responsible for heartburn/GERD?
GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease Stomach contents (especially acid) pass into esophagus Symptoms Pain and burning sensation Bleeding, ulcers Causes Decreased LES patency Genetics, obesity, pregnancy Diet (fat, chocolate, smoking, large meals at night) Treatment Diet & lifestyle Medications (HCl blockers)
· Accessory Organs - Gallbladder: o What is the primary function of the gallbladder? o What does the gallbladder store?
Gallbladder Stores bile produced by liver Releases bile into GI Tract
o How does it alter the pathway of the GI tract? What are the health consequences of this procedure?
Gastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. After the surgery, your stomach will be smaller. You will feel full with less food side effects include bowel obstruction, dumping syndrome that results in diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, the development of gallstones or hernias, low blood sugar also known as hypoglycemia
Be able to identify foods that belong to each major food group. GRAINS
Grains Foods made from cereal grasses Wheat, rice, oats, barley, rye, corn Primary macronutrients Carbohydrate and protein Remarkable nutrients Fiber, B-vitamins, minerals Whole grains vs. refined grains Refined grains are primarily starch Whole grains provide more fiber and micronutrients Enriched grains = refined grains with added iron and B vitamins
What macronutrient can gut bacteria digest? What negative effect can this sometimes have?
Gut bacteria can break down lactose.When Lactase is not present (lactose intolerant individuals) it will cause high amounts of gas
o How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) different from IBDs?
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD is inflammation or destruction of the bowel wall, which can lead to sores and narrowing of the intestines.
Chapter 2: Evaluating Nutrition Information · What does the term "evidence-based results" or "evidence-based guidelines" mean?
In the past, nutrition facts and dietary practices were often based on: · Intuition · Common sense · Conventional wisdom ("tradition") · Anecdotes (personal reports) Today, nutrition experts rely on results collected from scientific research (evidence-based results- information that is based on results of scientific studies) Scientific investigations involve the basic steps of the Scientific Method
· Know the difference between the following types of research studies: Case-Control Study
Individuals who have a health condition are compared with individuals with similar characteristics who do not have the condition.
· Accessory Organs - Liver: o What are three main substances that the liver produces? o What does the liver store?
Liver Produces proteins and glucose Stores fat soluble nutrients Produces bile & bile salts Packages lipids for transport in bloodstream
Where does peristalsis occur most often?
Most frequent in small intestine (4-5 seconds) Mass movements in large intestine Coordinated peristalsis over large area Cause elimination
o What is unique about the muscle structure of the stomach?
Muscle layers 3 different directions Mixing and storage
· Be familiar with some of the important terms for our class, including: Nutrition:
Nutrition: scientific study of nutrients and how the body uses them
What are some of the major differences between organic and conventional farming systems?
ORGANIC · No synthetic fertilizers · No synthetic pesticides · Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) are not allowed · No growth hormones or antibiotics may be used CONVENTIONAL · Few restrictions on types of fertilizers · Any government-approved pesticides can be used per label instructions · Government-approved GMOs are allowed · Government-approved hormone and antibiotic treatments are allowed
o What macronutrient is the stomach responsible for starting to digest?
PROTEIN The stomach produces stomach acid; hydrochloric acid, and pepsin. Stomach acid activates the pepsin that digests protein into smaller proteins. Proteins are long chains of amino acids that are essential for cell growth and repair..
· Accessory Organs - Pancreas: o What are three main substances the pancreas produces?
Pancreas Produces insulin and glucagon Releases insulin and glucagon into bloodstream Produces digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) Bicarbonate Releases digestive enzymes into GI Tract
What do the cells of the stomach do?
Parietal cells (also called oxyntic cells) are the stomach epithelium cells which secrete gastric acid. Parietal cells produce gastric acid
Where is peristalsis the strongest?
Peristalsis Begins in esophagus Strongest in stomach (mixing)
Chapter 1: Basics of nutrition What are 4 of the top leading causes of death that are related to nutrition?
Poor eating habits contribute to several leading causes of death: ·Heart disease ·Some types of cancer ·Stroke ·Type 2 diabetes
· Large Intestine: o What is the primary function of the large intestine?
Primary functions Formation/expulsion of feces
· Small Intestine: o What are the primary functions of the small intestine? What are the three different sections of the small intestine?
Primary functions Digestion Nutrient Absorption 20 - 22 feet long · Duodenum · Upper portion · ~10 inches long · Primary site of digestion · Ducts of accessory organs · Jejunum · Middle portion · ~8.5 feet long · Some digestion, some absorption · Ileum · Lower portion · ~11.5 feet long · Primary site of absorption
o What is the primary function of the stomach? Secondary function?
Primary: · Mixing · Bolus & secretions for form chyme · · Storage · Up to 16 cups when full (typically 4-6 cups) SECONDARY: · Digestion · Protein digestion begins (pepsin & HCl) · Some fat digestion · Absorption · Very little, except water & alcohol
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live, beneficial gut microbes that have been cultured under laboratory conditions May be in dietary supplements or in foods May help prevent or treat diarrhea or certain intestinal disorders
· Know the definitions of the following: Digestion
Process of breaking down foods into a form the body can use
o How is the stomach protected from the acid and digestive juices it secretes?
Protection Mucus Lubricates & prevents auto-digestion
o What two major nutrients are absorbed in the stomach?
Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins link, minerals link, and water are nutrients. Your digestive system breaks nutrients into parts small enough for your body to absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair.
· Understand the difference between reliable sources of nutrition information and unreliable sources of nutrition information
Reliable- · Reliable sources of information include nutrition professors at colleges and universities with nutrition and/or dietetics departments, registered dietitians,* or registered dietitian nutritionists.* · * Legally protected credentials Unreliable- · Promises of quick and easy remedies · Claims that sound too good to be true · Scare tactics · Personal attacks on registered dietitian nutritionists or conventional scientists · Statements about the superiority of certain dietary supplements or unconventional medical practices · Reliance on testimonials and anecdotes
What are the 6 classes of nutrients?
Six classes of nutrients: · Carbohydrates · Lipids · Proteins · Vitamins · Minerals · Water
o How does additional digestion take place in the large intestine?
Some additional digestion by gut bacteria
o Where do peptic ulcers occur?
Sore in lining of stomach or duodenum
Chemistry:
Study of the composition and characteristics of matter and changes that can occur to it
o What does the gastric bypass procedure entail (generally)?
Surgical intervention for weight loss
o What is the biological cause of peptic ulcers? What are some of the contributing lifestyle factors for peptic ulcers?
Symptoms: Deep, dull, upper abdominal pain approximately 2 hours after eating Often caused by stomach infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and use of NSAIDs are contributing factors Stress and dietary factors are not major contributors Treatment: Antibiotics to eliminate Helicobacter pylori Medication to reduce stomach acid produ
What are the two types of digestive juices released in the stomach and what are they responsible for digesting?
The abomasum is the only stomach compartment with glandular mucosa that can secrete digestive juices, including hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and rennin
· What types of tissues were discussed in class?
Tissues: mass of cells that have similar characteristics and functions · Epithelial tissue: cells that form linings and coverings (skin) · Connective tissue: cells that hold together, protect, and support organs (e.g., bone, fat, and blood) · Muscle tissue · Nervous tissue
o What are two main substances absorbed in the large intestine?
Water and electrolytes (Na, K)
Physiological dose
amount of a nutrient that is within the range of safe intake and enables the body to function optimally
What are prebiotics?
are forms of dietary fiber that are poorly digested by humans. Prebiotics can support and promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut
Nutrients:
chemicals necessary for proper body functioning o
Placebo Effect:
effect that occurs when a person reports a positive reaction to a treatment even though he or she received the placebo.
Double-blind Study
experimental design in which neither the participants nor the researchers are aware of each participant's group assignment.
In vitro experiments or "test tube":
experiments are conducted on parts derived from living organisms, such as cells (conducted on whole living organisms, such as lab rodents)
Placebo:
fake treatment, such as a sham pill, injection, or medical procedure.
Control Group:
group being studied that does not receive a treatment
Treatment/Experimental Group:
group being studied that receives a treatment
Understand some of the key research terms discussed in class Evidence based
information that is based on results of scientific studies
Which sphincter is responsible specifically for preventing backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus?
lower esophageal sphincter
Essential Nutrients:
nutrient that must be supplied by food An essential nutrient: Must be supplied by food/diet · If the nutrient is missing from the diet, a deficiency disease occurs · When the missing nutrient is added to the diet, the signs & symptoms of the deficiency disease are corrected
Variable:
personal characteristic or other feature that changes and can influence an outcome
Single-blind Study:
researchers know which subjects are in the treatment and control groups.
Cells:
smallest living functional unit in an organism
Deficiency disease:
state of health that occurs when a nutrient is missing from the diet
Metabolism:
total of all chemical processes that occur in living cells
Diet:
usual pattern of food choices
· Know the major substances absorbed in their respective GI tract organs. · What are the 4 different types of absorption? Be familiar with what makes each type different than the other, specifically:
· 1) Passive Diffusion · Nutrients move down their concentration gradient · Ex: Water, some minerals · 2) Facilitated Diffusion · Nutrients move down their concentration gradient through a carrier protein · Ex. Fructose · 3) Active Transport · Nutrients use energy to move against their concentration gradient, through a carrier protein · Ex. Amino acids, glucose · 4) Endocytosis · Engulfment · Ex. Components of breast milk, vitamin B12
Correlation (both inverse and direct): What is a correlation?
· A relationship between variables · Occurs when two variables change over the same period · A direct correlation results when two variables change in the same direction · An inverse correlation occurs when two variables change in opposite directions It is important to understand that some changes could be coincidences (unrelated events) and not the result of "cause-and-effect" relationships
· What characteristics describe a dietary supplement? What are some common dietary supplement products?
· According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), a dietary supplement: · adds to a person's dietary intake and contains one or more dietary ingredients, including nutrients or botanicals (herbs or other plant materials) · is taken by mouth · is not promoted as a conventional food or the only item of a meal or diet
Be able to identify foods that belong to each major food group. PROTEIN RICH FOODS
· Animal protein sources · Beef, pork, lamb, fish, shellfish, liver, poultry, eggs · Macronutrients: protein & fat · Other nutrients: B-vitamins & minerals · Plant protein sources · Beans, peas, nuts, seeds · Tofu and other processed soy products · Macronutrients: carbohydrate and protein · Other nutrients: fiber, B-vitamins, minerals · Nuts & seeds: healthy fat
o What type of disease are inflammatory bowel conditions?
· Auto-immune diseases
Estimated Energy Requirement (EER):
· Average daily energy (calories) intake that meets needs of a healthy person who is maintaining his/her weight · Estimate can vary based on numerous lifestyle factors · Prevents deficiency AND toxicity
· Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
· Cause damage to GI Tract, sometimes severe
What are the types of claims allowed on food labels/packages? Specifically: Health
· Characterize relationship of any substance to a disease or condition · Require "significant scientific agreement"
What are the types of claims allowed on food labels/packages? Specifically: · Qualified Health Claims
· Characterize relationship of any substance to a disease or condition · Require less scientific support
What are the types of claims allowed on food labels/packages? Specifically: Nutrient Content Claims
· Characterize the level of a nutrient in the food
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
· Daily amount of a nutrient that meets the needs of 50% of same age/sex healthy people · · Used to evaluate dietary adequacy within a group · · Prevents deficiency
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
· Daily amount of nutrient that meets the needs of 97-98% of same age/sex healthy people · · Used to evaluate dietary adequacy for individuals · · Prevents deficiency
What are the types of claims allowed on food labels/packages? Specifically: · Structure Function Claims
· Describe effect of a nutrient/ingredient on a structure or function of the human body
Chapter 3: Planning Nutritious Diets Be familiar with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; who develops it? What is it based on? Who does it apply to?
· Developed in 1980 by USDA & DHHS · Mandated by federal law, updated every 5 years · Basis for major nutrition recommendations and education campaigns · My Pyramid/My Plate · Science-based, nutrition-related advice · Promote adequate nutritional status and good health · Reduce chronic disease · Apply to healthy individuals ≥ 2 years of age
· How are dietary supplements regulated?
· Dietary supplements are regulated as foods not as drugs · Supplements bypass strict FDA regulations imposed on drugs · FDA regulates labels on supplements and claims allowed on them
· What is an empty calorie food? What is a nutrient dense food? What is an energy dense food? Be able to identify examples of each.
· Empty calories: energy supplied by unhealthy solid fats, added sugars, and/or alcohol · Nutrient-dense: food or beverage that contains more beneficial nutrients in relation to its total calories (energy (calorie) value of a food in relation to the food's weight)
o What are some of the contributing factors to gallstones?
· Fatty diet, liver disease, anemia
Be familiar with MyPlate, specifically: How many food groups does it emphasize? Which ones are they?
· Focuses on five food groups: · Fruits, vegetables, protein foods, grains, and dairy · No "fats and oils" group is included, even though fat is essential for good health
Be able to identify foods that belong to each major food group. FRUITS
· Fruits in all forms · Fresh, dried, frozen, canned fruit · 100% juice (but minimize) · Primary macronutrients · Carbohydrates (simple sugars) · Remarkable nutrients · Fiber (except juice) · Vitamins (especially C) & minerals
Which organs make up the GI (gastrointestinal) tract?
· GI Tract · Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine
Know the recommended distribution of MyPlate foods
· Grouped according to natural origins & key nutrients · · Five general groups 1. Grains 2. Dairy products 3. Fruits 4. Vegetables 5. Protein-rich foods
What are some specific nutrients that must be included on a nutrition facts panel?
· Information about energy and nutrients in packaged foods · Indicates serving size and number of servings in package · Required to list the following: · Total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol · Sodium · Total carbohydrate, fiber, sugars · Protein · Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron
What are some of the key messagesof MyPlate?
· Key messages · Make half your plate fruits and vegetables · Eat a little more vegetables than fruits · Eat a little more grain than protein · Choose plant proteins as well as animal proteins · Eat calcium-rich foods with every meal ·
· Are foods generally all one type of macronutrient? Why or why not? What is one of the main ingredients in all food products? Minerals and vitamins,
· Macronutrients are classes of nutrients that provide energy and are needed in relatively large amounts by the body : Most Naturally Occurring Foods Are Mixtures of Nutrients · Water is often the main nutrient in foods · Processed & whole foods usually contain a mixture of nutrients
Know the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients.
· Macronutrients are classes of nutrients that provide energy and are needed in relatively large amounts by the body: (Carbs/Proteins/Fats) -Micronutrients are needed in relatively small amounts by the body and do not provide energy (Minerals/Vitamins)
· What is malnutrition? What are the two categories of malnutrition?
· Malnutrition Includes Undernutrition as Well as Overnutrition Malnutrition is the state of health that occurs when the body is improperly nourished Malnutrition can result from inadequate or excessive amounts of nutrients Overnutrition results from long-term excesses of energy or nutrient intake · often characterized by obesity
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL):
· Maximum daily intake without adverse health effects · · Prevents toxicity · · E.g. iron vs. vitamin C
Be able to identify foods that belong to each major food group. DAIRY
· Milk, and products made from milk · Primary macronutrients · Fat, protein, carbohydrate · Remarkable nutrients · Calcium, phosphorus · B-vitamins & fat-soluble vitamins · Nutrients of concern · Saturated fat · Note: cream cheese, cream, and butter are NOT included because they contain little or no calcium and are high in fat.
Dietary supplements include:
· Nutrient pills · Protein powders · Herbal extracts · Energy bars and drinks
· Which organs make up the Digestive System?
· Organ: collection of tissues that perform in a related fashion · Organ system: group of organs that work together for a similar purpose The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. The hollow organs that make up the GI tract are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are the solid organs of the digestive system.
What are sphincters? What are their main purposes in the GI tract?
· Organs are separated by sphincters · Ring-like muscles that control the flow of contents through the GI tract · Backflow and forward flow
What is peristalsis? Is it the same or different throughout organs in the GI tract?
· Peristalsis · Coordinated wave of contractions propelling bolus forward · Occurs throughout GI tract · Different movements in different parts of the tract
o What is food called when it leaves the mouth and goes further into the GI tract?
· Pharynx Part of digestive and respiratory systems Conducts food between mouth and esophagus Conducts air between mouth and trachea
Be familiar with the Dietary Reference Intakes and what is unique about each type; specifically know which ones prevent deficiency and which ones prevent toxicity:
· Prevent deficiency: · EAR · RDA/AI · EER · AMDR · Prevent toxicity: · UL · AMDR · EER · AMDR
· Mouth (Oral Cavity): o What is the primary function of the mouth? Secondary function? Tertiary function?
· Primary function: · Mechanical digestion (chewing/mastication) · Increases surface area of food + · Secondary function: · Chemical digestion (saliva) · Begins to release nutrients from food = · Bolus · Mixture of saliva, mucous, & food
Adequate Intake (AI):
· Recommended intake level similar to RDA · Assume a population's average daily intakes are adequate because no deficiency diseases are present · Set either: · When no deficiency disease is present, OR · When not enough evidence exists to set an RDA
What is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)? Know the average recommended percentages for each macronutrient
· Recommended percentage of total calories from each macronutrient Carbohydrate 45 - 65% Fat 20 - 35% Protein 10 - 35%
What information is required on food labels?
· Required on most packaged foods · Raw foods, single ingredient foods exempted unless they make health claims · Other exemptions exist, regulations are complex · · Purpose · To help consumers make "healthy" choices · Is this always the case?
o How does the small intestine receive other enzymes necessary for digestion? Where do these come from?
· Secretions from accessory organs enter in the duodenum
Be able to identify foods that belong to each major food group. FATS AND OILS
· Solid fats · Butter, coconut oil, lard · · Liquid oils · Olive oil, canola oil, corn oil, soy oil, sunflower oil · · Essential fats · Omega 6 & omega 3 fats
o What nutrient digestion/absorption is significantly reduced with the presence of gallstones?
· Solid material accumulates in the gall bladder and/or bile ducts and blocks bile
What factors can alter someone's bacterial population in their gut?
· Starvation, antibiotic use, and stress can alter balance of the bacterial population
What are phytochemicals? What are some examples?
· Substances found in plants that are not classified as nutrients ("nonnutrients") but may be beneficial to human health · Plants make hundreds of phytochemicals · Examples of phytochemicals include: · Carotenoids · Phenolics · Alkaloids · Capcaicinoids
· What are the only legally protected credentials for nutrition professionals? Know the steps required to become a credentialed nutrition professional.
· Three major professional divisions in dietetics: · Clinical dietetics · Community nutrition · Food systems management · Complete an accredited baccalaureate degree program. · Complete a supervised professional practice experience. · Pass the national registration examination.
Be able to identify foods that belong to each major food group. VEGETABLE
· Vegetables in all forms · Fresh, cooked, frozen, canned, dehydrated · 100% juice (but minimize) · Can include beans and peas · Primary macronutrient · Carbohydrates (some protein) · Remarkable nutrients · Fiber · B-vitamins, vitamin C, calcium & other minerals
What defines an organic food?
· produced without use of antibiotics, hormones, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic improvements, or spoilage-killing irradiation · · Technical or chemical definition of "organic": · Describes a substance that contains the element carbon bonded to hydrogen (another element)